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'''''Direct statements''''' give a straightforward fact. For example, a baptismal record may state the birth date of the child being baptized. Whenever possible, try to find records that directly state specific facts as proof of a genealogical event or relationship. | '''''Direct statements''''' give a straightforward fact. For example, a baptismal record may state the birth date of the child being baptized. Whenever possible, try to find records that directly state specific facts as proof of a genealogical event or relationship. | ||
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| bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" |<center>'''Prefer direct evidence.'''</center> | | bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" |<center>'''Prefer direct evidence.'''</center> | ||
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'''''Indirect statements''''' support a fact by reasonable inference. For example, if a census record lists a person's age as 45 in 1851, it implies a birth in or near 1806. Often you may need to gather more substantial information. For example, a marriage record is evidence that a couple was born, but unless it gives the age of the bride or groom, you can only guess at their birth dates. The couple may have been born 16 or 60 years earlier. Indirect (often called circumstantial) evidence usually requires additional evidence to prove a fact. | '''''Indirect statements''''' support a fact by reasonable inference. For example, if a census record lists a person's age as 45 in 1851, it implies a birth in or near 1806. Often you may need to gather more substantial information. For example, a marriage record is evidence that a couple was born, but unless it gives the age of the bride or groom, you can only guess at their birth dates. The couple may have been born 16 or 60 years earlier. Indirect (often called circumstantial) evidence usually requires additional evidence to prove a fact. | ||
==Consistency and Clarity of the Facts== | ==Consistency and Clarity of the Facts== | ||
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