“A to Z Genealogy Tips – Fortnightly Series”

Accuracy is the foundation of reliable genealogy.

Always verify facts with multiple sources. Avoid assumptions and ensure information is documented.

For example, checking you have the correct parents for your ancestor.  You may have a death record for an ancestor with parent names listed, the accuracy of the names depends upon the informant and how well they knew the person/family.  To verify the names are correct, you could also check the person’s marriage and birth records, census/electoral rolls, probate records, church records and family notices or other newspaper articles.

Verification, through multiple sources, keeps your family tree credible and prevents errors from spreading.

Revisit an ancestor’s record today and verify it against at least one additional source.