Federal Rules of Evidence, Exceptions to Hearsay.
Rule 13: (13) Family Records. A statement of fact about personal or family history contained in a family record, such as a Bible, genealogy, chart, engraving on a ring, inscription on a portrait, or engraving on an urn or burial marker.
Apparently keeping records of personal or family history in a bible, presumably by writing on the inside cover, was such a common thing at one time, in some part of the US, that it was considered to be reliable information.
At one time, births were noted in the family Bible which was of help in enrolling children in school, etc. when substantiation was needed.
https://www.history.com/news/the-history-of-birth-certificates-is-shorter-than-you-might-think
Of course. All our family bibles had family history. Of course that is not the same as an autograph but I’m still amazed at the meltdown over this. It is another manufactured “crisis”. What bothers me is that a lot of the media was mocking the hard-working volunteers. All the flags here are at half-mast. People are taking those deaths seriously.
Apparently keeping records of personal or family history in a bible, presumably by writing on the inside cover, was such a common thing at one time, in some part of the US, that it was considered to be reliable information.
Likewise baptismal certificates.
I thought that everyone knew what a "Family Bible" is!
Regards,