Hi Scott: >I agree, wasn't really playing doubting Thomas, was just wondering if >anyone had a consensus about information where I have conflicting >information. So far apparently there is no consensus. David has said most >of his database comes from the Ancestral File, which I know is no more >accurate than what gets put in it. What I am saying is that nothing is better than first hand data. The persons aren't living, so then we go to vital records, church records, bible records, etc. When you post something or print something as AJ did when he did the GAG, with no sources listed, all that whatever dates and places indicate are really clues. Each item should be carefully research and documented David is correct in saying where he obtained his data, and you are correct, the Ancestral files are just that a tool or clue. Yes, there is some excellent documentation within these files, but unless you are particular, then even though Smithfield and Providence are both in Providence Co., RI, this is not good enough - exact is accurate, perhaps is acceptable with notations of where checked, etc. Sometimes we don't have the information, and may "guesstimate", but make that very clear, that is is a "guesstimation". As to what you personally wish to accept for yourself in your data is entirely up to up, but Smithfield or Providence is a big deal to me. Accuracy is my goal. No I did not mean to imply YOU were a doubting Thomas. Actually everyone should be just that. You have every right to question and never be afraid to ask. In my case, I've been at this for so long, things are second nature to me, and I sometimes forget that not all know that these family genealogies and histories without sources are just tools. I know this, but don't always indicate that to whoever I am having dialog with. In answer to you rquestion are the children of James and Hannah all born in Smithfield ? There is no indication where they are born. On pg 11 (Vol 2 GAG) (AJ#764) Henry is listed as being born in Smithfield. His brother Milton AJ#765 (same as above) doesn't have his place of birth listed. Since I do have the Providence Vital Records which I checked and nothing there, then I would certainly give credance to Smithfield being the place of birth. Not having the Smithfield Vital Records, nor any church records for that area, then I would indicate perhaps b. Smithfield and certainly have a big "?" mark to check this out. Sally <EPS@aol.com> are you there? Can you shed any light on the Smithfield Vital Records? So for all the Aldrich cousins - The GAG is a tool. The FTM -World Family Tree CD's are a tool. The Ancestral Files of LDS likewise - tools as are census records, IGI. The keywords here are: CHAPTER VERSE PAGE Alison _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]