My considered opinion is that there is plenty of room for doubt here. On the other hand, sometimes crazy sounding stories turn out to be true.
Anyone who has dived deeply into family history and genealogy knows that census records, from any era, are only as good as the taker and the informant. Age discrepancies are very common, as the recorder estimated birth year based on the person’s age as stated by whoever answered the door. Also, data was not taken uniformly over time and areas. Some years much background info was requested, others very little. It makes comparison over time very challenging.
Family stories are even less reliable. How many of us were told we had a grandmother who was a Cherokee princess, or an ancestor who signed the Declaration of Independence? My own grandmother told the latter myth all her life, but for the life of me — even knowing the individual’s name — I can’t corroborate our descent
No disrespect, just reality. Walter might have done what he said. Or not.
Fun discussion!
Anyone who has dived deeply into family history and genealogy knows that census records, from any era, are only as good as the taker and the informant. Age discrepancies are very common, as the recorder estimated birth year based on the person’s age as stated by whoever answered the door. Also, data was not taken uniformly over time and areas. Some years much background info was requested, others very little. It makes comparison over time very challenging.
Family stories are even less reliable. How many of us were told we had a grandmother who was a Cherokee princess, or an ancestor who signed the Declaration of Independence? My own grandmother told the latter myth all her life, but for the life of me — even knowing the individual’s name — I can’t corroborate our descent
No disrespect, just reality. Walter might have done what he said. Or not.
Fun discussion!