Uncovering George aka Bernard ~ When Records Disagree

 Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Today was a Gephardt/Gaphardt research day. The surname fluctuates back and forth with these spellings. So, it has been a bit tricky finding records.

I decided to review my research log, checking for missing birth and death certificates. Luckily, Marylanders can locate records on Internet Archive. No more traveling to Annapolis! Comfy clothes in front of the computer. 

First up is my granduncle, Bernard John Gaphardt. Here is his Maryland State Department Of Health Certificate of Death.

Facts from record:

• Father - Sylvester Gaphardt
• Mother - Ann Jarousek
• Date of Birth - 7/6/1920
• Place of Birth - Baltimore, Md.
• Date of Death - November 15, 1966 
• Place of Death - Rosedale

The only deviation on the record would be the spelling of his mother's maiden name.  It should be Jerousek. The other facts are correct according to family knowledge.

Now we have the supposed Health Department - City of Baltimore - Certificate of Birth for Bernard John Gaphardt.

George? Do I have the wrong record? 

Facts from the record:

• Name - George Gebhardt
• Father - Silvester Gebhardt 
• Mother - Anna Geronsick 
• Birth Date - 7/6/1920
• Place of Birth - Balto. MD
• Address - 2115 McEldry St
• Parents age - both 40
• Number of children born to this mother, including present birth - 10

Known facts:

• Name - should be Bernard John Gaphardt
• Father's name - correct with new spelling "Gebhardt" (adding to research list)
• Mother's name - correct with new spelling Geronsick (adding to research list)
• Date of birth - correct from certificate of death
• Place of birth correct - Balto. MD from certificate of death and census records
• Address correct - 2115 McEldry. The 1920 United States Census lists family residing at 2115 McElderry Street
• Number of children including present birth - 10 is correct. Bernard John was 10th child
• Parent's age correct according to their birth, death and census records

In conclusion, this IS the Certificate of Birth for Bernard John Gaphardt. At first, they named their son after Sylvester's father, George Gaphardt. Sometime after birth, they changed their minds. Not sure where Bernard comes from.

Other thoughts. Why didn't they do an amended certificate? I didn't find one as of yet. Also, wonder if this caused issues for Bernard when needing verification of birth. When I showed this to my husband he said "I don't know how you family researchers find things!". Too true! 

This started me thinking about primary and secondary evidence when researching. From FamilySearch.org Wiki a primary source is "any record created during the time you are researching - an eyewitness account." 

This should describe the birth certificate. Eyewitnesses present. When the record was recorded by the midwife, Mrs. H. Kron, the child's name was George. All other information was correct except for variations of parent names. 

Secondary evidence according to the Wiki is "a record created later by someone who did not experience the time period or events you are studying". The person giving information on Bernard's Certificate of Death was his wife, Helen. She may have not known her husband was originally named George. In fact, not even sure Bernard knew! 

 

What did I learn from this puzzle? You have to do your research! Don't take everything as hard facts. Nothing is 100% correct. This was an interesting family history challenge.

Say hello to my granduncle, Bernard John Gaphardt aka George Gebhardt.