Errors in Genealogy Records
Family Websites, Historic Newspapers and More Can Have Problems
Jan 7, 2009
Almost any genealogical record can contain errors. Language problems, misinformation, lack of knowledge, and transcription mistakes can lead a family history researcher down a dead end. Here are some possible problems to consider.
Birth, Marriage, Death Certificates
Even a copy of a vital record can contain errors. Look closely to see if the document is a photocopy or scan of the original, or if it has been transcribed. The same goes for other certificates such as baptism, graduation, memberships, etc.
Census Records
Censuses are standard genealogical resources, but are often inaccurate. Errors of transcription, language and misinformation combine to provide varying names, ages, and/or birthplaces for the same individual. Track people in family units for the best results, and follow up with other resources, such as land records and wills.
Microfilm records
Many records are put onto microfilm or microfiche: parish records, passenger lists, wills, etc. These are often direct copies of the original record, but check the dates carefully, turning to the previous page to verify the correct month or year.
Diaries/Journals/Letters
These relate priceless, first-hand knowledge about an ancestor’s life, but use with caution regarding other people mentioned in the diary – some may be accurate, some may be gossip.
Historic Newspapers
Newspaper articles may seem factual, but they can have inaccurate information given to the reporter as well as transcription errors. Obituaries can be notorious for having errors. Use newspaper reports to find original sources.
Magazines
Articles in family history magazines have usually been vetted and are well-sourced. Indexes and transcriptions have the possibility of usual transcription errors. Articles in general magazines are often unsourced and should be used as finding aids only.
Published Family Histories
Family history books often represent a person’s life work and may be extraordinarily accurate. However, with the ease of desktop publishing, they may also be a cobbled-together version of sloppy research. Look for sources listed to evaluate. If sources aren’t available, use as a finding aid only. If sources aren’t listed but a description of research is, evaluate accordingly.
State and County Histories
Articles on individuals or families were often submitted for publication in county and state histories. The facts given can be as accurate as any, printing errors notwithstanding, but any life events with a negative connotation are likely to be glossed over or omitted completely. However, an article on an infamous resident is likely to be overly slanted toward the negative. Beware of flowery language as well as gaps in an individual’s history. Use the information as a finding aid and search out original source records.
Genealogy Websites
Genealogy websites such as Ancestry.com or RootsWeb.com hold valuable collections of research material. Scanned images, indexes, historic newspapers, etc., are almost as good as seeing the original material. Keep in mind the same error warnings as for the originals.
On the other hand, online family trees are notorious for errors. Often the only source cited is another online family tree. If someone posts a pedigree chart with information taken from family stories or Great-Aunt Edna’s memory, twenty other people will copy that faulty information as fact into their own family trees. If legitimate sources are cited, contact the poster or go to those sources. If not, treat the information as clues only.
Always keep in mind that no matter the type of source, there are almost always ways it could be wrong. Give weight to each source accordingly, and when another source has different information, keep an open mind. The genealogical standard is “a preponderance of evidence.”
