Good morning to Loretta and the list. I'd say that *anyone's* CD compilation of ancestry needs confirmation, documentation, before you accept it. And yes, it is entirely possible that your friend really does have this distinguished ancestry. (Though we all know how puffery--and worse--can get into a family history.) For investigating medieval lines, may I suggest a small book, _Ancestral roots of certain American colonists who came to America before 1700_. By Frederick Lewis Weis, seventh edition with additions and corrections by Walter Lee Sheppard, Jr. Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1992. $25 + shipping $3.50. (1-800-296-6687) [Many genealogy-aware libraries will have this book, but I suggest you USE ONLY SEVENTH EDITION.] Usual disclaimer, I have no financial interest in this book or the publisher. Apparently, real medieval genealogists regard this book as the current authority on these lines. And about 67 lines, known as "gateway ancestors," are "discussed." Most are New England, but I see some Virginia and Maryland lineages. If you get this book, PLEASE read the preface before you dive in. And to answer everyone's first question -- the index refers to "lines," not pages. Another well-regarded book, with which I'm not familiar but I mention it on the strength of the reputation of its compiler, Gary Boyd Roberts [of the NEHGS in Boston]: _The royal descents of 500 immigrants to the American colonies of the U.S._ Hope this is useful. Cheers, Dolly in Maryland On Mon, 3 May 1999, Loretta Casella wrote: > (snip)long family history on a CD by Family Tree Maker but it includes the > following: William the Conqueror, St. Margaret of > Scotland, Otto the Great, Alfred the Great etc. > > This seems suspicious and she would like to know either how she can verify > any of this, without doing her own research or what the odds are that such a > distinguished panel are in her ancestry. (snip)