Research myths

[William Douglas]

He was 11 years old(1695) when he went to London, where his Uncle who had a thriving business offered his inheritance to John, as he had no children. John did not find his Uncle, so went down to look at the ships. He was grabbed on a man of war ship, and ended up in Boston, indentured.

From time to time, I receive enquiries with stories like this attached. There must, I suppose, be some truth in them, but are they all true? Sadly, I doubt it.

Another favourite is the 'Lady' who sails alone and ends up as a lady's maid, usually leaving behind an unclaimed inheritance.

Many families have cherished myths and stories about their immigration to America or other pivotal events and people. Sharon DeBartolo Carmack's book A Genealogist's Guide to Discovering Your Immigrant and Ethnic Ancestry helps us take some into account when doing our research.

I have included some these in the genealogy section. It would be nice to prove some of them true!