Posted by James Tanner on October 16, 2009 at 6:54pm
I find it common that genealogical researchers often confuse evidence with proof. For example, in looking for a birth date of an ancestor, the researcher finds a birth certificate. Although a birth certificate might be good evidence, it is not "proof" of the facts set forth in the document. Birth certificates have known to be wrong and errors are not uncommon. In the absence of any other evidence, the birth certificate may be persuasive as to the fact of birth, but still not be sufficient to establish the date of birth with certainty.Read more...
A good example of that is my grandfather's birth certificate which I have a copy of. His parents were late reporting his birth in England so they reported a later date to avoid a fine. His baptismal certificate had the correct date.
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