Joseph is right about the need for genealogical proof, however, family historians and genealogist must consider oral traditions and stories. They can and often should be included. Stories and traditions should be clearly annotated and sourced, when possible. I have had several family stories that were good leads.
Oral histories have been practiced for millennia, not just by our native Indian brethren, but also by our European and American poor. Yes, they do get changed and enhanced in the tellings. They express the feeling of the storyteller. As researchers, we must pick apart the stories to find the truth.
MInitha and Richard Parker are in my wife’s tree. So is the Gowen/Goin family, who trace back to a freed Black slave in the 1600s. DNA cannot provide reasonable prove this far back, Stories/historical articles, and family histories may be all we get.
Documentation and records are what we hope for, so that meet genealogical proof standards.
Respectfully,
Tom
