A Bible or other family record of age or DB made at or near birth has high probative value. However, study has indicated that it is often difficult to determine when a person's age or DB was entered into such a record. Therefore, there are special documentation requirements to assist the DO in evaluating such records.

The DO will include in the file the following information regarding a family Bible or other family record:

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  Date of publication or last copyright date of the Bible or other record

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    Of course, no entry could have been made prior to such date.

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  Claimant's statements

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    Who has custody of the record over the years?

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    Who made the entry?

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    When was the entry made?

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    What is the basis for such knowledge or beliefs?

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  Observations regarding entry

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    Judging by the handwriting of the various entries in the record, do they appear to have been made by the same person at the same time?

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    Is there any evidence of erasures, alterations, etc?

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    Are the entries arranged chronologically?

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    Is the ink or pencil faded?

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    Does the relevant entry appear to be an old or more recent entry?

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  Any pertinent facts or observations about the record

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    For example, in some cases it may prove helpful to record the entries which precede and follow the relevant entry.