Out of curiosity, number of sources?

Question

I was wondering, of those of you who are actually doing genealogy, how many sources do you want before you take the information as fact?
For example, you find a possible ancestor listed in the 1880 census only, and no where else. Do you add that person to your tree, or do you wait until you've found at least one more source for them?
I usually want 3 sources, but will settle for 2 if they are good ones, like BDM records. However, I have run into a lot of brick walls where I can only find one source for that person. I'm not sure whether to go ahead with the line, or wait. So I was just curious as to what others do in similar situations.

kepjr100 · Accepted Answer

The general rule is 3 sources.  If I have less than that, then I "pencil" them in.  If I cannot find more sources, then they sort of become permanent.  I have settled for 2 sources also.  I don't like it, but I except it until another source comes along years later.

#10 · Answer

If I find a person on the census and know their DOB, who their parents are and where they were born, I can usually figure out if there is any connection.  Genealogy is a passion of mine and I have been doing research since 1998.  I have spent many hours doing research so don't give up...you will come to a brick wall at times but there are alternate routes to take in the search.  Good luck!! #10

Anonymous · Answer

The Bible does not say what year Jesus was born but it does tell us during which specific historical events his birth took place. Matthew says Jesus was born in Judea during the reign of Herod the Great and Luke says Jesus was born during the major tax census while Quirinius was governor of Syria. These are both documented historical events but they are also separated by at least 10 years making it historically impossible for Jesus to be born during both events. Luke 2:2 During 6 CE Matthew 2:1 Before 4 BCE

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Out of curiosity, number of sources?

3 Answers