Genealogy Chat

If you happen to stumble upon something relating to someone else's family history, then see them on Genes Reunited, should you send them a message telling them what you found?

Yes might seem like the obvious answer, but what if the information is possibly sensitive?

E.g. What if what you have found is the birth of an illegitmate child to a member of their family lets say in 1935, i.e. A good while ago, but no so long ago that everyone involved must have died by now?

I would appreciate some feedback on this.

Thanks

Al

Al.

I personally feel if you find out sensitive information on anyone ,you should keep it to yourself, even if the persons involved may no longer be alive.. If a GR member was to post on here asking for help for information that would be slightly
different depending on what they wanted to know, but I personally wouldnt approach anyone with sensitive information,everone reacts differently and you don`t know what you may be starting.

Nicky

Thanks Nicky. I haven't ever done this yet, because I do fear it would be wrong to do so. It just seems a tough one sometimes, so I wanted to ask for a few opinions. The reasons in favour of telling them would be: (1) They might be really pleased to know and (2) If you've had a relative in a particular postion it is great to talk to someone else who has the same in their tree as they may know something you don't also. E.g. If you find your grandfather was in a particular children's home and so was theirs it would be nice to ask what they might know about this home.

I personaly would like to know, but ?? others Al its a hard one
ann

Al,

I totally see your point, and if it was me i`d want to know, every bit of information in putting together the family jig-saw is precious, but we`re not all the same....., and you must bear that in mind......

Nicky

I'd want to know too but it is a tough one! You would need to know the person concerned to guage how they would react. But then you can't really get to know them.

Thanks Capricorn, Maureen and Jan.

Id want to know.

In fact I have just confirmed a bigamous marriage after someone contacted me about a link on our tree.

Yes I diid let her know what I suspected .

Sue

I found a son my great grandmother had, before she married great grandad, he was brought up by his grandparents, long time ago . 1860's.

With sleuthing found his great grandson, who was so pleased. as I could tell him what happened to his 2 x great grandmother, as she left the district with her husband and family.

He said to me you have allowed me to fit this piece in the puzzle I had.

I dont know if my grandad knew about his other brother, but as he has been dead these past 30 years, no harm done.

Just have to use discretion.