Common Mistakes in Genealogy Research #2

We all have those wonderful family stories passed down through the generations, such as links with nobility or a famous historical figure. While these stories hold some fascination, it is important not to accept the story as fact - we must search for evidence that may either prove or disprove the theory.

Growing up, I was always told that our family had links with the Scottish nobility. As a child, I accepted this story as fact and would tell anybody that would listen that I was a descendant of royalty.

My father's paternal ancestors were in Scotland, but were in Ireland prior to this. The story was that the Duke of Hamilton's daughter ran away with the Irish coachman (my ancestor). A fairly dubious link, but a link to nobility nonetheless! 

I was always intrigued by this story and previous attempts by my parents and extended family members to trace our family tree had uncovered a Margaret Hamilton who married my Irish great-great-great grandfather. But it always seemed to stop there.

I have tried many avenues to see if there is any link between our Margaret Hamilton and the Duke of Hamilton, but have yet to uncover anything that would prove the family story. Conflicting places of births given in the Scottish Census for Margaret has made it even more difficult. So for now, it remains a story - an intriguing story, and one I haven't given up just yet. One day I hope to either be able to accept the story as fact or completely dismiss it, until then I will keep looking.

So, no matter how tempting it is to assume the family story must be true, it is always important to look for the facts.