Leroy - Unless you are referring to the specific Light family traditions I reference, and if I understand your question, this is my understanding of "family tradition" when used in genealogy: Any story or information about the family that is passed down from generation to generation. The tradition may have, or often does not have, factual basis or a reliable source such as public record to back it up. Example: for years my father told us we were descended from a famous patriot based on what he remembered as a child. I could write a genealogy based on that information, citing "family tradition". However, I have disproved that ancestry (the patriot was a cousin, not an ancestor) using actual death, burial, war and wedding records. I now write a different genealogy with reliable, or primary sources. Sometimes family tradition is all you have to go on, but it is based on memory and recollection, not exactly infallible. Many written family histories (as I am contesting) simply state information as fact without any reference to reliable source; I suppose this too would be a form of "family tradition", or perhaps "secondary source without factual basis". Any one else care to take a stab? John Light Monterey, CA > I found your letter very interesting. I have nothing of substance to > add, but I was very curious about the source of what you call a family > tradition. Can you tell us more? > Leroy Miller > West Hills, CA