Main contributor: Thomas MacEntee

When researching genealogy, discovering inaccuracies in a family tree can be frustrating. However, carefully identifying and correcting errors about an ancestor can lead to a more accurate understanding of heritage. Here are some actions that can be used to uncover and fix mistaken information in genealogical research.

How to Identify and Correct Incorrect Information about an Ancestor
How to Identify and Correct Incorrect Information about an Ancestor

1. Verify Primary Sources

Primary sources like birth, marriage, and death certificates are the most reliable records because they are created at the time of an event usually by someone directly involved.

  • Collect birth, death, and marriage certificates for each ancestor.
  • Check census records for each decade during the ancestor’s life.
  • Review court records, wills, and property deeds, as these may list family relationships and vital dates.

Always cross-check details like names, dates, and locations to ensure consistency across records.

2. Double-Check Secondary Sources

Secondary sources, such as family stories, books, or online trees, may contain errors or personal bias.

  • Compare family stories or records with documented facts.
  • If a book mentions an ancestor, try to trace back the information to an original source cited within it.
  • Be cautious with online family trees. Some users may have copied from other suers without verifying accuracy.

Treat secondary sources as clues rather than verified facts. Seek supporting primary documents.

3. Resolve Conflicting Information

Conflicting information is common in genealogy due to name variations, transcription errors, or record mix-ups.

  • List all conflicting data points (e.g., different birthdates) and analyze each.
  • Look for patterns or explanations. For example, census records may have different ages because a child’s birth year was estimated.
  • Determine which record is most likely accurate based on the proximity of the event (e.g., birth record over a later census record).

When uncertain, make a note about conflicting information and its possible explanation.

4. Use Chronological Context

Sometimes, errors arise from confusing ancestors with similar names or from assuming incorrect timelines.

  • Create a timeline of an ancestor’s life events to visualize major milestones and movements.
  • Check records from the surrounding time period to see if they align (e.g., no children born before the parent’s recorded marriage).
  • Look into local historical events that may have affected an ancestor’s life, like migrations or wars.

Timelines are especially useful for distinguishing between two individuals with similar names.

5. Correct Naming Inconsistencies

Naming conventions can vary by culture, region, and time period, leading to errors in record transcription.

  • Research the naming practices of an ancestor’s culture, including surname changes or middle names.
  • Look for common misspellings or phonetic variations that could apply to an ancestor’s name (e.g., “Smith” vs. “Smyth”).
  • Use wildcard searches in online databases to capture all variations of a name.

Keep a list of all known name variations and use them in searches.

6. Analyze DNA Results Carefully

DNA testing can reveal unexpected family connections or even disprove an ancestral link.

  • Compare DNA results with close matches and identify shared ancestors to confirm family lines.
  • Contact DNA matches for potential insights into shared family history.
  • Use online DNA tools (e.g., “Theory of Family Relativity” at MyHeritage) to suggest probable family connections.

While DNA is powerful, it’s best used alongside traditional records to confirm relationships.

7. Document Every Correction

Documenting corrections provides clarity for future researchers and ensures that errors don’t reappear.

  • Maintain a research log to record all sources, notes, and reasons for changes.
  • Clearly label each document with notes about discrepancies and corrections.
  • Consider adding comments or notes to online family trees to clarify why certain changes were made.

Add a citation for each corrected fact, detailing the source and reason behind the correction.

8. Share Updated Findings

Sharing corrected findings helps other researchers avoid the same errors.

  • Update online family trees and notify other users who may have incorrect information.
  • If you’ve written about an ancestor (e.g., in a blog or book), publish corrections and explanations.
  • Consider joining genealogy forums or groups to discuss and share findings.

Collaboration often leads to new discoveries, as other family members may have additional records.

Research your ancestors on MyHeritage

Conclusion

Correcting information about an ancestor requires patience, a critical eye, and a systematic approach. Careful verification of sources, resolution of conflicts, and documentation of findings, will build a more accurate family tree that reflects an ancestor's heritage more authentically.

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