Should I site a hand written, 1860 pedigree as a source, not knowing how accurate it is?

Question

This pedigree indicates that my most distant ancestor die during ships crossing, which would also indicate that his son was born over seas, instead of New England, where he listed as born in Farmington, CT.

Answer 1

I think if it was me, I would cite it with an explanation about the possible unreliability. It may be that other evidence pops up in support of this source. Or that something proves it incorrect. But at the moment it is perhaps the best evidence you have. Nothing wrong with that.

Answer 2

How far removed was the furthest ancestor from the author of the pedigree? If it was the authors parents, grandparents, or maybe even great grandparents, then it would be deemed to hold more credibility than if the most distant ancestors were several generations removed from that person..

Comments

All good responses, but I think this is the most important point. You can use it as a source, of course, but whether it is an *accurate* source is a different question. Use the names as clues and look for actual sources.

Answer 3

I would probably put it in a research note on the profile stating  "XXX Unsourced pedigree states_____. As the reliability of this pedigree is unclear, more research is needed to confirm or refute this info."

Answer 4

Hi Kenneth
It depends on how far back the pedigree goes. You can use what is basically an unsourced genealogy as a source on profiles born 1700 and after, but profiles born before 1700 profiles have to have a reliable source.  As you say you are not sure how accurate the pedigree is, then it wouldn't be considered reliable.

As others have stated, it is always best to try to confirm the facts on any unsourced genealogy.