Page 7 - index

6 About Genealogical Standards of Evidence
analyzed and evaluated - that allows us to identify an
individual, an event in his or her life or the relationship
between individuals. In describing how we establish or argue
points of identification through the use of various sources
and information, we often hear or use such words as
"evidence" or "proof' or "documentation."
One of the greatest attractions of genealogy and family
history is that each of us has a unique family tree, better
known as a lineage or pedigree, shared only by our birth
siblings. Thus, discovering our family history is a personally
intimate pastime. While most genealogists share some
common connections, such as ethnic origins or volunteer
work for societies of our interest, ultimately our own family
history is a very distinctive matter. Few other hobbies or
professions provide such enjoyment in the hunt, the thrill
of discovery and the satisfaction of solving problems.
By its very nature, the recording of a genealogy requires
evidence or proof for the linking of generations. If your
cousin insists that your family is descended from William
the Conqueror or Louis he1 or the explorer Simon Fraser,
how does he substantiate this claim? His grandmother told
him, so it must be true (grandma was the soul of honesty)?
He saw it in a book? Or can he show you the work he did,
step-by-step, documenting his research?
Beginning on page 52, you will find examples of sources
that illustrate some of the points to watch for and evaluate.
Many of the examples are the types of records that were
created in association with a death. This is not to be morbid,
but the event often produces an assortment of documents
with varying information that will add to your family
history.
VC'hen we first get caught up in this addictive hobby, few
of us realize how much material we will collect and what