How I complete my tree

Spelling of names 

I have a interest in etymology, in particular regarding family or surnames and how these are passed down through generations. I work on the theory that all those with the same surname (including spelling variants) share a common ancestor. I know this is not always the case, but this is why you may find what you see as misspellings, for example Stewart and Stuart, Milne, Mylne

Locations

I try to use the name of the location as it was at the time a particular ancestor was associated with it, and to spell it in the language of that location, if they use a Western alphabet. I have also tried to identify the names of individual kingdoms which existed before the UK

Directed here from Ancestry

This blog was originally a place where I explored themes, stories and individuals which are in my family tree.

However, like many on the site, I get messages providing more information, an opportunity to keep in touch or that some of my tree is just incorrect and they want me to update it.

We are all passionate about our genealogy and our family trees and I can understand that individuals may be upset if they find something which is different to their own.

In may case I sometimes just accept the facts, from sources on Ancestry, without checking - possibly because I am using the site as light relief from my daily life. This will lead to errors and mistakes which I may later go back and correct, but my tree is huge, so I cannot be checking every individual connection.

Sometimes the information is based on sources, usually family histories,which were written at the time. Again these may have been incorrect, and certainly one family history may differ from another, evern when there is a common connection. I have listed though I have used elsewhere on this blog.

I want to add that I am also fascinated in names and may "mispell" a name as I am tracing a link from the origin of the surname to present day, e.g. Stewart and Stuart. Smith and Smythe.

I will, at some point, include the methology which I employ on my tree, on this blog - though again this may change over time. I have to just work out the best way of doing this.

So, if you can come here from Ancestry, please bear this in mind when getting in touch.

My tree is my tree and your tree is yours. I do not generally make the first contact with people, I am too busy, and would not insist (as have been in the content of some messages to me) that people change their tree because it is wrong. Now, if someone is clearly still living who I have marked as dead -  I will change this. Sometimes you have to make assumptions based on age, and later find out the person is still living a good life.

My tree is open therefore any stories, photos etc can be freely used by anyone - I know people are including attributes more. Where I have found something online, I will try to remember to include a link to the site on the facts page.