Just Say No!

Time is valuable for us all.  Most agree, like stated in this Linked In article, that it’s one of the most precious assets we possess.  It’s free to all of us, but once it’s gone we can never get it back!  Whether it’s working at a j0b, taking care of the kids, helping a much needed organization, or all three, it seems like we are all in a hurry.  Even me, who is supposed to be retired, between spending time with family, chores around the house, and running my business, time flies by, never to be seen again.

Researching your family’s history is no different.  We have so little free time we look for shortcuts, usually without realizing it’s happening.  But there is one shortcut that will cost you much more time than you save.  Making this mistake can cost you hours, days, or even months of your precious time. 

The Time Thief

The time thief steals from you when you put a person or event in your family tree because someone tells you it is true.  It may be hard for you to believe because the person that tells you is always well intentioned, trying to save you some time.  Whether it is your cousin that firmly believes a family legend, or a software company that urges you to copy a portion of another’s family tree because you share an ancestor, no matter how well meaning, they are wasting your time, and your time is valuable!

You can defeat the time thief with one simple rule.  Don’t ever put anything in your family tree without proof that it belongs.  That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t listen to your cousin tell you about that family legend.  It does mean that before you include it as part of your family story you need some proof.  If your cousin tells you that the great grandfather you have in common was the governor of Texas, great! Go online and search for a list of Governors of Texas, and if his name is there and he’s representing the district where you know your great grandfather lived, then you have one more thing to be proud of.  If he is not, you just saved yourself some valuable time.

If some time thieves have crept into your family story, Heroes of the Past can help.  We are experts at analyzing and quickly correcting family trees and family histories.  Perhaps you are like so many others and don’t have any time to spare!  We can help there as well, because we are enthusiastic about using our time to tell your family’s story.  Contact us today to get started!

Subscribe to this Blog!