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Archiver > ROOTS > 2007-07 > 1183743611


From: "juanita" <>
Subject: Re: [ROOTS-L] Reported ages on various documents
Date: Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:40:11 -0500
References: <468E3C85.6000308@bellsouth.net>
In-Reply-To: <65d66f240707060945t53552017idb0d8c866a367019@mail.gmail.com>


Or you can have an undertaker like the one who had my grandmother's
funeral. My aunt told him she'd been born in Chariton, Iowa. He
wrote on the death certificate that she'd been born in Clinton, Iowa.
This was in 1945. I didn't see the certificate until a few years ago
and since the mortuary is still owned by the same family that'd owned
it 50 yrs., ago, I talked to the mortician about getting it
corrected. He just shrugged and said "it didn't make any
difference." That was that.

juanita


> Then you have individuals like my brother. When he started to give my
> father's information for the death certificate. He kept trying to say
> dad was born in the wrong county. Then he wanted to argue with me
> until I related where and why.
>
> Marilyne
>
> On 7/6/07, Don Renninger <> wrote:
> > As to why people can't be honest as to their true age (assuming they
> > actually know) on official documents like censuses or wherever;
> > probably falls in two major groups the "it doesn't matter"; they
> > weren't concerned about the future generation researcher nor are
> > most (excluding "nuts" like you and me) people living today and the
> > deliberate desire/thought I don't "look 50 or whatever age" so I
> > will put down what I want. Not too different with people, drawing
> > social security and not a gray hair showing.
> >
> > As to why the incorrect data isn't questioned, look at this way;
> > they are giving it to an individual "just doing their job" who isn't
> > about to argue for various reasons. Besides why would they be
> > concerned? They handle "thousands" every year!
> >
> > What to do with what you have? First, never assume that just cause
> > the age is on an official document it must be correct. As much as
> > possible get at least two independent sources for the information.
> > Then perhaps you at least can make an educated guess and go from
> > there. This, of course, takes time but if everything in genealogy
> > research was "cut and dried" there would be no magnet to keep you
> > hooked.
> >
> > Keep the faith.....
> >
> > Don Renninger
> > Jacksonville
> > =====
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>
>
> --
> What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but
> trifles, to be sure; but, scattered along life's pathway, the good
> they do is inconceivable.
> ~ Joseph Addison (1672-1719)
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