Re: Updated & Corrected Info.
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In reply to:
Re: Updated & Corrected Info.
Richard McMurtry 7/24/11
Regrettably, genealogy is not an exacting study.
At this point in time, James B. Todd (1788-1870) and William Todd (1793-abt 1870) do appear to be brothers.
At this point in time, there may be at least two distinct Rutherford County Tennessee Todd families, including that of James B. and William.
Currently, DNA results and lineage have identified one William descendant and one James B. descendant (the descendant of James B. being my brother). IF my very careful and documented research continues to stand strong, James B. and William are brothers.
The emphasis is on IF.
Historically, the proof of family relationships relied entirely upon word of mouth, and then later, documented records were added to the search, and now, DNA has become yet another tool.
IF someone’s word of mouth was not recalled correctly, IF documented records are not attached to the correct person, IF the lineage attached to DNA results is supported by incorrect documentation – or no documentation – the end results are incorrect.
Genealogical DNA results are only as worthy as the word or the documentation that stands behind them.
Genealogy is subject to change at all times, depending on further research and the meticulous attaching of documents to lineages that have been attached to DNA results.