Should I delete ancestors I'm unsure of?

+5 votes
267 views
On the "Match" feature on the family tree program - downloaded on to my computer - I was able to find a number of matches with parents and placed those supposed ancestors on my program.  When I checked some of these "ancestors" against English heraldry lists - the dates were so far off - about a century - that I'm having a very hard time believing any of the information I received from the matches.  How best to proceed?
in Genealogy Help by Carl Eastvold G2G Crew (560 points)

3 Answers

+6 votes
 
Best answer
Some times records are not available.  We as genealogists don't just fly by the seat of our pants.  We dig and find evidence to support or disprove the relationship.  When we have enough evidence to support our theory, we list it as possible.  When we have strong evidence to support our theory we list it as probable.  So to answer your question, it is permissable with suficient disclaimer in the bio and uncertain on the main page,  Anything unsupported and far fetched should not be kept. On each page there is an icon "Ask a Question" when you click on this give us as much information as you have on that person and we will try to help.
by Living Butchino G2G6 Mach 4 (44.1k points)
selected by Tom Bredehoft
+4 votes
You can delete these . But some times it is best to keep a list. And the further into the building of your tree,you can recheck these matches. I have came across some info myself that I found incorregt only to have to reennter as I got further into my tree. The decsion is up to you.
by Randy Wagner G2G Crew (380 points)
+6 votes
No, never delete, but if unsure wait for a few months. Your ancestors may be confirmed. Sometimes another ancestors may see the connection between you and that ancestor or ancestors that you wanted to delete.
by Living Fitzgerald G2G5 (5.1k points)

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