I have been working on a large Atkinson family about whom Archibald Atkinson wrote a family history in 1879. In that history he states his son Burkett's wife was Betsy Willet, and lists their nine children. (There were actually 10, as another child was born shortly after he wrote the history)
The problem is, I can find no Betsy Willet connected to Burkett and his children. However, I have found his marriage to a Ruth A Willougby on the same month and year and in the same county quoted in the family history for Betsy. Every census record and the grave site memorials state that Ruth was his wife and mother of the children.
Could Betsy be Ruth's nickname? Could Archibald have given the name Willet in error when it should have been Willougby? He was 83 when he wrote it, but was remarkably accurate in the details he gave throughout the history.
The original poster of this family has a profile for Betsy Willet as wife of Burkett, but she never provided sources or a biography. I am sure she took the name from Archibald's history.
Should I set up a new profile for Ruth and attach her as the wife of Burkett, then detach Betsy as his wife?
I have put an explanation on every profile of the children, Burkett and Betsy regarding this issue. Besty's profile would still be out there with the explanation but no longer connected to Burkett.
Is this the correct way to proceed? (I am on the Trusted Lists but not a manager on these profiles.)
