Two separate ID numbers for (probably) two separate men.

DebbieCook23

Moses Ezekial Van Winkle has two separate ID numbers on our family tree: L71C-L8V as well as GMRY-LLB. Upon closer inspection, It appears that L71C-L8V died in 1846. Some of the children listed for him were born after he died. (There are even warning symbols on his page). Some of the children listed for L71C-L8V are also listed under GMRY-LLB. I've tried to peruse the sources to see if I can find out who is whom, but I'm having difficulties. A lot of the sources indicate men by this name with records from California. I'm certainly not an expert on where my ancestors came from, but I'm pretty sure most came from Pennsylvania and/or Ohio; not from California. I know we're supposed to correct mistakes on our own family tree(s), but I'm afraid I don't know where to start; not to mention how to fix so many discrepancies. Is there any way you could provide me with guidance on how to discern which is the real Moses Ezekial Van Winkle?! Thank you so very much!!

kayteey

Hi. I've had similar problems in the past. I can't give you a full answer but maybe some starting points?

Starting from your known and proven ancestors trace a 'path' to Moses. Using the old pen and paper method write down dates and places from sources of either Moses that could realistically belong to him. (I.E. close localities, matching family members, births within mother's child bearing years etc.) I'd suggest you don't do any merging or unmerging until a clear pattern on paper emerges. I start by writing down the life events for both mixed up people side by side. Sometimes using post-its on the wall. (Using this method I once discovered that 2 mixed up families had even incorporated bits of 3 others).

If you do start to merge or unmerge keep a written record of what you have done just in case you need to back track.

Also, contact people who have contributed to the tree. I find that serious and thoughtful researchers will reply, while anyone who has been merging or adding anything and everything can't answer my queries and so don't reply. It's good to get in touch anyway if you do decide you know what needs changing.

Sanra

Hi Debbie

Thank you for your question. Kayteey had good suggestions. You may find other helpful hints in the following article .

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-fix-a-merge-that-has-information-from-multiple-people-in-family-tree

DebbieCook23

Thank you all for your feedback. I took Kayteey's suggestion and used pencil and paper to determine which person did not belong on the family tree. What I thought was going to be a day-long process really only took about an hour. Thanks again!!