On Fri, 30 Aug 2002 22:24:34 EDT [email protected] wrote: On the other hand however it's important to us to keep our minds open and be receptive to new data especially if we are working on assumptions. Judy Dear Listers: Proof is really elusive and cross checking our "records" is critical to helping us all arrive at what can only be an approximation of what is "proven". If we want "beyond a reasonable doubt" as our standard, we will be disappointed. For example, the parentage on a "birth certificate" (even if it is certified) is xometimes wrong. Take it back to when home birthing and non filing was the norm and you see what I mean. We can thank our founding fathers for a national cnesus requirement in our constitution to provide a basis for checking assumptions and for cross checking our assumptions. But Census too, has limitations, and sometime our inferences from the people living in the "household" are wrong because people gave incorrect information or even lied on the form. Judy has really helped to foster attention to discipline and open minded inquiry as genealogy becomes more dedicated to finding truth than for perpetuating myths and unwarranted assumptions. We are all looking for our kings and queens, but we must document the connections to our felons and traitors too. Rob