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] > >