Big Mess, Big Question

Lynda J. Pitt

I've been working on my family tree for months. On my father's side, I've found a huge error and I'm not sure how the person who originally connected it overlooked it. Everything is able to be verified up to my great grandfather. When it comes to his father, it's the wrong person. The person listed as his father is not only listed as being born over 20 years AFTER my great grandfather, but my great grandfather wasn't white. I have his military records, marriage and death records, census etc to back this up. So not only is his father younger than him, he's of a different race completely. I've searched and searched but because the wrong records are attached, I can't get past them to find the right person, nor can I remove the wrong person so I can fix this. Please help! I'm at a loss here!!!

Rimmer Household

@Lynda J. Pitt and @dontiknowyou

Looks like you have both sorted it out and I agree that it is easier to see on the website, but my eyes are getting on in years so we have a large 24 inch screen.

Also FamilySearch are in need of more people who are "Keen" to sort out the "really big mess" so we are very thankful that Lynda is willing to give it a go. and it is so very satisfying when it is sorted and looking correct in the FamilyTree.

So thanks again so much

Rimmer Household

Hi Lynda

We are very sorry that you have come across this situation but it is possible to correct this by checking out this article and following the instructions listed.

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-correct-parent-child-relationships-in-family-tree

This article is found in the help center located in the small question mark icon to the top right of the FamilySearch screen once you sign in.

Remember to add sources to verify your research and this will help eliminate any incorrect changes made. Or you could add a life sketch for him as well.

See her how to add a life sketch:

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-add-a-life-sketch-vitals-and-other-information-to-family-tree

If you require further assistance please respond to this comment

All the very best

dontiknowyou

You can search historical records directly, rather than starting the search from your tree.

If you share the PID of your great grandfather, we can give more specific suggestions.

Lynda J. Pitt

I'm assuming you mean this number L6LP-47N?

After my post, I was able to remove the incorrect parents using the website as opposed to the app. I found the names of my great grandfather's brothers, Arkless and Martin and found their mother's maiden name was Cole. According to a death certificate I found for Arkless, their father's name was also David. I'll note here, my great grandfather lived to be 108 and in a newspaper article, he said his father lived to be 106. Maybe that will help? I also know they may have went by a middle name as well.

Thanks for your help!

dontiknowyou

Yes, that is the person ID of David Fletcher. Take a look at his Birth details. His profile has attached historical records for several men, including two men named David Fletcher. So, a next step is to go into the Sources list and detach all those unrelated historical records. Then also clean up the Details page to remove details that came in with those records you just detached.

All of this could take many hours over several days or weeks, so leave a Note on the profile explaining the detangling work in progress.

Lynda J. Pitt

Ok. Thanks so much! I'm assuming it's best to use the site as opposed to the app. I've certainly got my work cut out for me but I'm up for it. Again, thanks so much!

dontiknowyou

The mobile app can do almost everything the web interface can do, and vice versa.

I screenshot the web interface only because it is more compatible with FS Community (here). That said, when detangling profiles conflated like these are, I usually prefer the web interface. Family Tree on the web has some key features the mobile app does not have: Timeline, Timeline: Map, and Tree View: Decendancy.

The mobile app is better for Ancestors with Tasks and Descendants with Tasks. I probably use the mobile app more than the web interface, except when I am doing complicated detangles.

Lynda J. Pitt

Gotcha. All I have is my phone so I'll play around with both and see what I can do. Thank you!

dontiknowyou

Glad I could help.

This part of the tree is a really big mess. And a big mess tends to attract more mess because the FT hints are all wrong, so it is awesome that you are game to sort it out.

IdahoSusieQ

@Lynda J. Pitt

See private message

While in the FS Communities, watch the little "bell" symbol in the top right corner of your screen (next to your personal icon). It will get a red dot placed on it when you receive a new message.