Genealogy Chat

As a newbie and at the risk of sounding ignorant... my father is one of six children born in Germany during the 2nd world war. It just so happens that whilst all six children were born during wedlock to one man, two of the children (including my father) were born to a different man. Did that make sense? We know the details of my father's 'birth father' so should my family tree trace his family or should it include my grandfather (who is not my real grandfather)? By the way, it's been kind of a family secret until now. I feel a bit strange researching the geneology of a line that's not even related to me! Thanks?!

I suppose purist genealogists would follow the blood line but if your father was brought up by his mother's husband and regarded him as dad then I would definitely follow that line (but with notes on the tree to make it clear that they are in effect an adoptive family). I would try to follow the natural father's line as well though, if only for my own satisfaction, though I wouldn't necessarily share that research with family members who might be shocked or upset by it.

Your 'grandfather' is linked to the other siblings so he is very much a link in your tree....even though he may not be blood related to you.....I have branches like that, myself, and I've included them all.....excluding him and those related would be leaving out one of the puzzle pieces in your tree. Judy :)

Hi, It depends on whether you want to research genealogy - the blood line - or Family History. I see myself as researching Family History as I'm interested in more than just their dates and places. I want to know about the social history of the places they were born and what their lives were like. So I'd research the family not the birth father. After all the only way to be sure you are following the genes is to research the female lines only. We only have our grandmothers' word that our grandfathers are our grandfathers - if you see what I mean. Gwynne

I suppose it depends upon the reason for your research- Maybe just out of interest, look down both and perhaps collected more detail on the one you feel more 'significant'. I am adopted and one of three that were brought up together - i recently put together a basic fan type chart for my 7 year old neice up to and including 5 gerations on both sides. i was informed by my s in L that my brothers side was 'wrong', because in her opinion it should have been my brothers birth family that was recorded- although he hasn't even wondered where he came from! so depends who and what you are doing it for. Jess x

It's your tree and your research, so you need to do what you want to. I would be inclined to follow both lines - sooner or later you will come to a brick wall with one of them :-) Of course, all of us following the lines of the men named on birth certificates could be going after someone who is father in name only. Perhaps in the future you will have to supply some DNA for the cert? nell

Thanks to you all for your very kind and invaluable advice to my question. I will have fun following both lines out of interest, but will pay more attention to my grandmother's side as that one is most certainly guaranteed (I hope)! Kind regards from, Annie