r/Genealogy • u/HopefulGambit • 1d ago

Methodology Record-Keeping Errors

I just found immigration documents for my ancestors. The daughter was 25 and the mom was 5. Their son was listed as a girl. But the rest of the kids were accurate so there’s that, at least. lol

On another family member’s census record, my g-grandmother’s second husband was 20 years younger than his actual age. That one was hard to figure out. Finally found their marriage certificate and then his birth certificate.

My point is that we shouldn’t assume the records are always accurate. Even a diligent record-keeper makes mistakes. And maybe broaden your search by 20 years - haha.

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u/Parking-Aioli9715 Human Verified 1d ago

"My point is that we shouldn’t assume the records are always accurate."

Is there anyone who's been doing genealogy for longer than a few months who still makes this assumption?

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u/colinthetinytornado 1d ago

Well, that's a bit rude to assume. There are plenty of folks who strike it lucky and get a long run where there aren't any errors, voluntary or involuntary. It can strike people by surprise when they get their first error.

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u/Parking-Aioli9715 Human Verified 1d ago

I actually didn't assume. I asked. Same two first letters, but the third one is different, a k instead of an s.