Errors in historical sources are one of the main reasons why family histories become inaccurate. Here are my top tips for analysing genealogical sources to identify errors.
Identifying errors
The first step in dealing with errors in historical sources is to identify them. There are three main types:
An error in the recording or transcription of information, such as a typographic error or spelling variation.
An error of comprehension or misunderstanding, such as when a name is misheard or the information for one person is transferred to the record of another.
Deliberate alteration or omission of information.
Causes of errors
The causes of errors are numerous, but they are more likely to occur when the informant:
- cannot read and/or cannot check what was recorded
- has an accent that is difficult for the recorder to understand, or
- does not have the correct information.
It is important to remember that all sources can have errors. However, there are some general statements that can help you evaluate the likelihood of errors.
- Original sources tend to have less errors, because they are the first version of a source. Errors tend to creep in as other sources are derived from the original.
- Contemporary sources tend to have less errors, because they are closer to the event and are more likely to have been created by someone who participated in the event or were at least part of the society in which the event occurred.
- Official sources tend to have less errors because they often follow regulated formats and content, and may have been created by an experienced record maker.
Things to be wary of
Errors in sources may not always be obvious. It is best to assume that each source has errors until proven otherwise.
Sometimes it is difficult to determine where the error lies. For example, when two sources contain different information it can be difficult to determine which one contains the error.
Be careful not to dismiss inconsistencies or explain away an error, unless you have evidence to back up your explanation. This is particularly important for changes in names and locations.
My tips for dealing with errors
- Check that source again
- Analyse the source and the information more thoroughly – see my other articles about analysing sources
- Check different versions of that same source
- Compare the information in that source to other sources about same person
- Compare the information in those sources to other sources about the family
- See what other researchers say about that family.
Of course, the error may not lie in the source but instead be the result of your research method or your analysis.
More information
For more of my articles about analysing sources, go to the Analyse page.
For more of my articles about research methods for family history, go to the Research Methods page.
Carol Baxter’s book, Help! Why can’t I find my ancestor’s surname? provides useful explanations for distortions in surnames, which may also help you understand other errors in sources.
Post last updated 5 June 2024
