Michael D. Bathrick wrote:

> I would use it as evidence - but I would consider it only as the
> lowest
> level of evidence.
>
> Mike
>

Mike:

I know that from growing up in cattle country, a registered ear mark or
brand was considered a very firm piece of evidence, so firm that it was
enough to convict a person for theft and for a judge to sentence to
prison or death in late 19th century.
A bill of sale may be forged; likewise a genealogy can be "enhanced";
however, it is difficult to forge an earmark or brand.



> On Thu, 14 Aug 1997, Gwen Becker wrote:
>
> > Does anyone have any background on cattle earmarks.  I am doing
> genealogy
> > for my family and they appear to be handed down from father to son
> or
> > grandfather to son quite frequently.  I would see if you think this
> is a
> > good way to show some for of kinship.  I am speaking of the time
> period of
> > the 1640's to the 1750's in NY and NJ.  Any ideas? or references to
> read on
> > the sugject?
> >
> >   Gwen Becker  [log in to unmask]
> >