David Desmond Spearman Sr (1806 - 1878) Piedmont, Anderson County, South Carolina, How should I handle this. Thanks.

Question

Ever few months I have folks asking how can I prove he is listed with correct parents, I’ve talked to some of his direct line. They claim him to be with the correct parents others want moor proof should I remove him.  Thanks.

they many folks don’t believe his wife’s maiden name was Slaton is another question that keeps coming up.

another question 1830 Census he is listed as David Spearman Jr

but later on he had a son name David Desmond Spearman Jr so he went to David Spearman Sr how do I add this information

Answer 1

This is obviously complicated, with many disputed claims. I have two suggestions.

I looked quickly, and didn't find a summary of the evidence about his parents. Perhaps I missed it, but having a research note under the subheading 'David's parents' (or something like that) would make it easy to find where you've put that evidence. And then if people think you've missed, or misevaluated, evidence, they can let you know specifically what they disagree with, which might lead to more progress than the generic "how can you prove this" questions you're getting.

Second, you could mark his parents "uncertain" (on the edit screen), if you think that's appropriate. That would signal to people that you recognize questions exist.

Harry

Answer 2

Donnie, regarding the Jr. and Sr.  The David in question was a 'Jr' on census records until his father died, at which point he would be shown as 'Sr' if he had a son, also named David, on the census record.  This was a way for the census taker to differentiate between the men.

Also, what sources do you have for a middle name of Samuel for David's father?  The sources shown all list him simply as David.

Comments

Looking now it maybe a Bible record not sure where it came from originally so I will ask around to cousins many are out of State so I will go to messaging them. Thanks for pointing this out.