multiple sources for same event (Novice user)

[B Weymann]

I have 7 differing dates for a birth from 7
independent sources: To document these
sources should I enter 7 separate "birth
events"? How do I select the one to appear
on the Family Card?
B Weymann

[Tim Powys-Lybbe]

I have 7 differing dates for a birth from 7
independent sources: To document these
sources should I enter 7 separate "birth
events"? How do I select the one to appear
on the Family Card?
B Weymann
The is only one correct date. Either six or sevenb of your sources are wrong. You have to decide which or none of your sources that you believe. if you believe one, then that is the soruce. If you believe none, then the date to enter is 'about ...' or 'ca ...' and you can enter as many of the sources as you consider relevant.

In any case, I would make an entry in your main Note field about the problem of getting or deciding the right date.

[Sara]

I have 7 differing dates for a birth from 7
independent sources: To document these
sources should I enter 7 separate "birth
events"? How do I select the one to appear
on the Family Card?
B Weymann

I usually list each one separately and place the one I feel is most likely to be accurate at the top. If the only difference is the day of the month I often list both as (for example) 7 or 8 Feb 1821, attach both sources, and place the appropriate date in the source detail enclosed by square brackets [7 Feb]. In my case they all show up on the family card.

[linders]

I pick one date then in the memo area note the others as "possibles".

[martha]

I have 7 differing dates for a birth from 7
independent sources: To document these
sources should I enter 7 separate "birth
events"? How do I select the one to appear
on the Family Card?
B Weymann

Surely one of the dates is from a source which you respect more than the others, in which case, I put that date in the birth cell, preceded by ca. and then I put all the other dates with their sources in the memo portion. Whenever I have more than one date for an event, I do the same thing. But there is no "right" way to do this.

Martha

[STEVE]

I have 7 differing dates for a birth from 7
independent sources: To document these
sources should I enter 7 separate "birth
events"? How do I select the one to appear
on the Family Card?
B Weymann


Enter the date range [7-25 JUN 1814] followed by the memo: "Born in sections."

You can pick the most believable date, the nicest date or whatever you like. I normally enter "SEE NOTES:" In any case, enter each date in the notes and document each as to source, believability, and some form of ranking as to truth.

[Linda G]

For these cases, I created a Note -- 'Birth Research' where I can list each possibility, properly sourced, and also my reasons for choosing what I enter in the birth event fields. This way I can remember what I was thinking!

I don't do this for every little possibility, just the sources which seem to be somewhat equivalent in reliability, or seem to raise questions.

I use the same approach with other problematic events. The main advantage is being able to connect each source with the info that came from it. and keeping track of my thought processes.

The info that I enter into the event field is my current 'best guess' and has it's corresponding sources. I usually say 'see Birth Research note' in the memo field, to remind myself that there are questions. At some point, I hope, the questions will be resolved, and I will remove the mention in the event memo. I'll keep the Birth Research field because it provides a research history of some sort, that might be useful in the future.

Good luck!
Linda in MA