I have a great great - - - grandfather from the 1700's that is with the wrong parents.
I could probably just "fix" it but I hate to step on others feet. That someone must have done his own research to have input the info he had. What can I do to correct it on my family's info.?
Best Answers
-
There is nothing wrong with your fixing a mistake -- as long as you are sure that it is a mistake, and that you can prove it!
Cite the source of your information in the "Reason This Information is Correct" box for the relevant data, and include your reasoning if the information isn't completely specific. (For example, after citing a particular probate file, add something like "Charles Thompson wrote his will on 8 August 1873, leaving a bequest to, among others, his son John. John's wife appears as a widow on the 1880 census, meaning that John must have died some time between 8 August 1873 and 5 June 1880, the date the census taker enumerated his widow's household.")
I sometimes note in that same "Reason ..." box that there is conflicting information ("Mary Jones's birth date is given on her death certificate as 7 June 1843; note that this conflicts with the date of July 1844 given on the 1900 census.")
We all make mistakes -- the best way to make as few as possible is to 1) cite your source(s), and 2) acknowledge conflicting information. If there really isn't enough proof about Mary Jones's birthdate, say, then put "about 1843" in the date field and list all of the conflicting data in the "Reason" box. You can also add a Note or start a Discussion on the person's "Collaborate" page.
Remember that Family Tree is open to everyone -- it is not my tree and it is not your tree, it is everyone's tree.
Cite your sources! I can't emphasize this enough! 🙂
Cite your sources!
2 -
I always suggest in these situations that you first take some time to evaluate why the existing set of parents is there. Look at the current sources. Look at the Change Log, in particular for merges that could have been incorrect. Try and follow the thinking of the users that put on the wrong parents and see where things got confused.
That makes it much easier to determine if the problem is incorrect parents or an incorrect combing of two men of the same or similar name or if that actually is a son of those parents but he is not your g...grandfather.
1
Answers
-
@JSmith528 well said!
0 -
Nice to come across a contributor who is concerned about the effects of her work on others.I understand your dilemma, and recognise the wisdom of all the comments made so far.
If you are still struggling to understand why the entry was made, send a message to the person who made it and ask them how they arrived at their decision. Add your own findings in the message and try to come to a mutual agreement. That way, it will hep prevent the information being changed back again if you decided to alter it to what you felt was correct. Communication and cooperation works wonders.
Keep up the great work you are doing
Kind regards,
Barry
0 -
Judy
Welcome to the "Community.FamilySearch" Forum.
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
Just in passing ...
"Collaboration" ... 'is the name of the game' ...
Sometimes, it really does work ...
But, of course, sometimes, it does not ...
Such is life ...
IF, you do not get any response, from 'Messages' sent; ...
THEN, make the necessary "Changes"; and, await, any subsequent, 'Messages' (or, actions) ...
And, go from there ...
Good Luck.
Brett
0
