Thomas Elias Green B Apr 5, 1807

Question

Is there proof that his middle name is Elias?  His brother John is John Elias Green?

Comments

Yes, that is correct- all the records say Elias. He has a brother Thomas and it is in keeping with this family's tradition that more than one child may have the same first name (of an ancestor) but be called by their middle name. The first name sometimes serves to distinguish them from a cousin of the same name in the same area at the same time.  This family used only a few first names. This is a particularly confusing line. To date I haven't found a record which includes his first name, Thomas. Birth records are hard to find for this family during this time period. So you are right, there is lots of proof for the Elias but no sources for the Thomas. There is a brother, Thomas of the same family - not to be confused with this guy. Thanks!!

Answer 1

The sources attached to that profile show "Elias Green". You can see it in the marriage record, and in the 1850 US Census.

What is a more relevant question: Was his first name "Thomas"? None of the attached sources show that this is true.

More research is needed.

Answer 2

Since there are no records for the first name and there is a brother by the name of Thomas, it would probably be a good idea to remove the first name  Thomas on this profile to prevent bad merges - until proof of a first name exists. I will make the suggestion on the profile.  We can always add the first name back if a source is discovered. I can also ask my researcher to take a look.