John I think it is a misnomer to call it a family tree, I think of it as a murshoom, your in the dark most of the time and it grows overnight. I say go as far as you want, it is a personal thing, especially if a cousin has something interesting to add. But if you are looking for a nice clean tree, with no murderers, divorces, bigamists, etc Just don't start a tree in the first place. My own surname Richard(s) in the 1800's were too goody two shoes, went to chapel worked the land. Dead end in 1775. Luckily some of the maternal lines have been very interesting. After all in PC times, who said it is only the male line that is important in your DNA ? But only do it if you really enjoy it. Oops it's early morning and I can see another mushroom coming up, its my ,,,,,,,,,,,,cousin ! Regards Bryan www.swanseamariners.org.uk