> Then no conclusions can be drawn. Lack of evidence only proves a > lack of evidence. > > Christopher Jahn <[email protected]> My probable ggg grandfather left no record of purchasing or selling land. He did not mention land in his will. His estate inventory did not mention land. I'd say that clues pointing in a specific direction, with lack of evidence to the contrary, allow one to make logical conclusions. In this case he almost certainly did not own land. Also if your ancestor was born before the War Between the States but you find no evidence that mentions his death, I think most people would be willing to assume his demise. Your rule of thumb may be a bit too constrictive. Hugh [email protected] (J. Hugh Sullivan)