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Archiver > ETHICS-IN-GENEALOGY > 2002-04 > 1018819137


From: "L. R. Mills" <>
Subject: Re: [Ethics] Re: Using circumstantial evidence
Date: Sun, 14 Apr 2002 14:21:07 -0700
In-Reply-To: <19e.b003b7.29eb03b0@aol.com>


On 14 Apr 2002, at 12:09, wrote:

> In a message dated 4/14/02 7:37:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
> writes:
>
> > What if you have "evidence" to support your theory of relationship,
> > but no conflicting evidence?

As with Joan's response, evidence is the key. I once had a well-
meaning lady in London send me three generations of "my" family,
showing how it linked to hers, complete with source citations.

The only problem was that the matriarch of the tree would have had
children over a 42-year period (last child when she was 59) and her
husband changed occupations about mid-way through that period.
I think she combined two families, living in the same parish. She, of
course, refused to accept the idea. I don't have her data in my tree
because I don't have enough faith in her work, but she's got what
she thinks is good evidence.

You have to weigh the evidence you have, not just to see if it fits, but
to see what other facts support or undermine it. I use circumstantial
evidence as a guide to finding other evidence.

Good hunting!

Lou

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