In a message dated 2/14/99 2:08:01 PM Central Standard Time, GREEN-D- request@rootsweb.com writes: << If a cousin of mine has proven data, wills, b/c, m/c, etc. that are actual paper records of a proven ancestor, then copies can be shared and assumed to be factual. If however, aunt Emmy told cousin Grace that Uncle George was a relative of the President, I and each one out there would consider that hearsay, and though it may be noted, you would check it out. But, somewhere along the line, we must accept that which is historically recorded, even though it is recorded as legend. I have a Journal written by my g-gmothers Uncle recording his travels all over the western hemispheres. It is great reading and family history, but until I prove him being in those places and leaving his progeny all over the west, that's all it is, just family history. >> I should have read this before I sent my previous post so I could make one post do it - sorry bout that! I do think that its best to look for the reliable information and documentation (birth certificates, etc.) but since so much was lost during the Civil War and at other times, court houses burned, etc. sometimes all you have to go on is speculation, family legends, etc. I just try to note when i've speculated and when I have proof. Here's one to make you laugh. I've been working on my mother's line for over 15 years. Back when I started genealogy I got information on my father's line from his mother, but hadn't really pursued it actively until recently. She told me her grandfather was Homer Bray born in ARK - she was quite sure of herself. She wasnt senile or anythign at the time - so you'd think she'd know. All this time since I started this line I've been looking for Homer Bray in Arkansas, wife Lillie. I FINALLY just the other day stumbled onto a 1900 census record for DAVID Bray in Arkansas - the one I need! Maybe his middle name was Homer or it was just a nickname - I have no idea! Also turns out he was born in New Jersey! And his wife's name was Lydia! (I can see Lillie being a nickname for Lydia though). Can you stand it???? First I screamed - then I laughed. LOL!! Not to mention - I am embarrassed to say - that my grandfather's family (my mother's side) has/had a penchant for "stretching the blanket" a bit to make things more interesting. So he had lots to share with me when i started researching family history. Not a whole lot of it was true, or even possible! Now I know them - so I knew to watch out for those things, but someone unrelated would not. Dee