It should be noted that it is sometimes difficult to absolutely prove some of the earlier relationships (pre-1800) and that where they appear they may well be a “balance of probabilities” fit. For example, I look at the witnesses on marriages (which are often siblings), event locations, signatures on documents, ages, relationships, wills,  naming conventions and so on. On these occasions, I look at all of the surrounding evidence in order to represent a very best fit, based on all of the available evidence. It is often difficult, that far back in time, to prove relationships beyond all reasonable doubt especially when every male is called William or John and every woman is called Mary or Elizabeth, but the available evidence will usually point towards the best possible interpretation of that evidence. If the evidence is not available I won’t just guess at the relationships, and in these cases will not show a link. This does not mean that my interpretation is the only one, and I particularly welcome contact from anyone who disagrees with me, so we can thrash the problem out together. I am human, after all, and therefore capable of making mistakes. 

 

The credibility of statements made about the identities and relationships among ancestors is important in giving authenticity to the story of our family history. This credibility standard is known as the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS). It is used to assess the reliability of genealogical statements that other people make.  Meeting the GPS consists of a five-step process:-

 

1. Conduct a reasonably exhaustive search in reliable sources for all information that is or may be pertinent to the identity, relationship, event, or situation in question;

2. Collect and include in our compilation a complete, accurate citation to the source or sources of each item of information we use;

3. Analyze and correlate the collected information to assess its quality as evidence;

4. Resolve any conflicts caused by items of evidence that contradict each other or are contrary to a proposed solution to the question;

5. Arrive a soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion.

 

It is important to keep these tenets in mind when conducting genealogical research. Consequently, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the information collected is properly recorded and the sources of information cited. It is only through these careful efforts that we can build an authentic family tree and credible website.

 

On this website are various reports into branches of the family and within those reports, it is important to note that where a birth date is given, and it is prefixed ‘Bef.’ then the date shown is a baptism date, as opposed to a birth date. This is an important distinction to make. Similarly, where a full death date is shown as ‘Bef.’ then that date will be a burial date.

 

I have removed details of living people on all documents and pages on this site. Please be assured that any information that you provide to me containing living people will be kept strictly confidential and will not be published anywhere or forwarded to anyone else. 

 

Finally, I would add that although I have researched, compiled and verified this information many other people have contributed to my genealogy project by supplying information on “their” branches of the tree, especially post-1911. I, therefore, take this opportunity to thank all the other researchers for taking the time and trouble to supply me with details of their research and their immediate family. I appreciate all the assistance that I have received from others and certainly do not want to take any credit for their efforts.