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From:
Subject: Re: [BIRD-L] Families in 1800 TN
Date: Sun, 23 Sep 2001 17:16:56 EDT

In a message dated 9/23/01 1:39:46 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
writes:


> . Open to discussion about this verbal history.
>

Hello,

I don't think many of our ancestors knew their own lineage beyond about two
generations. There was a WILKINSON man held prisoner in Beirut about 20 years
ago and my Dad always said he was probably a distant cousin. He assumed all
WILKINSONs had a common ancestor, which is not true. I think statements like,
"He's probably a cousin" are remembered as "We are cousins" a generation or
two down the line.

Also, in the 1800s some newly wealthy American's hired genealogist to trace
their family roots. These paid genealogist made mistakes, stretched the
truth, or even forged documents to earn their pay.

At that time many people believed that Darwin's theory could also be applied
to cultural, social, and lifestyle status. Poor people were believed to be
poor because their ancestors didn't have the qualities it took to better
themselves and their off spring also lacked those traits. They thought a
person who acquired wealth must be descended from the upper class, even if he
was born in poverty. With those preconceived ideas in their heads, if there
were two possible ancestors the paid genealogist often connected lineage's to
the most glamorous one. It was better to descend from disowned royalty than
from a shipwrecked Irish sailor.



Grant Johnston, Chico, CA
Maybe the grass is really greener on the other side of the fence. But it's
probably because your neighbor uses more fertilizer and water.

This thread:

• [BIRD-L] English & BYRD, AL 1800s by
  • [BIRD-L] Families in 1800 TN by "sanford mason jr." <>

    • Re: [BIRD-L] Families in 1800 TN by