[alexander_busek]

As a hobby-genealogist armed only with an Internet connection (and no DNA testing,) even I've made some startling discoveries.

I, personally, am in favor of finding out as much as possible - and then gently probing relatives to determine if they really want to know.

Regards,

[decimon]

As a hobby-genealogist armed only with an Internet connection (and no DNA testing,) even I've made some startling discoveries.

Giving some thought to, say, European history, gives thought to endless wars, plagues and famines. And a generally high mortality rate among both moms and dads. Leaving aside the hanky-panky, there must have been many informal adoptions and second or third marriages. So what's in a name?

[bricklayer]

I found that a distant cousin had deserted his position (at least according to the official paperwork of him housed at the Natl. Archives) at the end of the Civil War and headed off to Texas. I sent this info off to a current member of that branch who was also researching him....She quit writing to me.