Finding and Fixing Tree Inconsistencies

Wayne Shepheard
May 13, 2025
750 views
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Content

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Welcome
1m 04s
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Speaker's Introduction
1m 37s
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Introduction
2m 19s
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Consistency Checker
3m 57s
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Legacy Potential Problems
29m 29s
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Reviewing the Inconsistencies
3m 24s
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Announcements / prizes
5m 14s
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Questions / answers
11m 40s

About this webinar

Finding and Fixing Tree Inconsistencies focuses on the honest mistakes we might make in recording data, how we can recognize them and what we can do to correct them.

About the speakers

About the speakers

Wayne Shepheard has pursued family history research for several decades, on his own behalf and for others, exploring families in North America, Europe and the United Kingdom. He is active in expanding his interest in and writing about natural phen
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MyHeritage is the leading global destination for discovering, preserving and sharing family history. Our platform and DNA kits make it easy for anyone, anywhere to embark on a meaningful journey into their past and treasure their family stories fo
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Key points and insights

In the engaging MyHeritage webinar “Finding and Fixing Tree Inconsistencies,” seasoned genealogist Wayne Shepheard tackles a challenge familiar to every family historian—cleaning up errors in their family tree. With nearly 10,000 individuals in his own database, Shepheard candidly shares how inconsistencies can arise, even in the most carefully curated trees. Through practical demonstrations using MyHeritage’s Consistency Checker and comparisons with other software like Legacy, Family Tree Analyzer, and Family Tree Maker, he equips genealogists with the knowledge and confidence to identify and resolve errors, ultimately ensuring their research is accurate and reliable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Software Tools Offer Unique Strengths in Detecting Errors: Shepheard compares multiple platforms for inconsistency detection—MyHeritage’s Consistency Checker, Legacy Family Tree’s Potential Problems Report, and the free Family Tree Analyzer. Each offers different strengths, from flagging chronological anomalies to identifying duplicate or suspicious entries. He emphasizes using multiple tools to gain a fuller picture of issues in your tree.
  • Data Entry and Source Evaluation Are Critical: Many common inconsistencies stem from typographical errors, incorrect assumptions, or unverified data—especially when adding speculative individuals or adopting information from other trees. Shepheard advises carefully reviewing dates (e.g., children born before parents’ marriages or after deaths), using consistent formatting, and being cautious with names that recur across generations.
  • Analyzing Inconsistencies Can Lead to New Discoveries: Reviewing flagged issues prompted Shepheard to reexamine an overlooked branch of his tree. This reevaluation led to historical insights, corrections of misattributed family links, and even the possibility of qualifying for lineage societies like the Sons of the American Revolution. He illustrates how investigating inconsistencies can yield valuable genealogical breakthroughs.

Curious about what hidden errors might be buried in your family tree? Watch the full webinar to discover how you can use tree analysis tools to audit and improve your research. Shepheard’s hands-on walkthroughs and honest reflections offer both guidance and encouragement for genealogists at all levels.

Be sure to explore the accompanying syllabus and handouts, which include links to the software tools discussed, helpful articles, and further learning resources. These materials can help you take immediate steps toward refining your family tree and uncovering new insights in your ancestral research.

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  1. JH
    Jonelle HILLEARY
    2 days ago

    It was interesting to note the different programs used and how each interpreted th inconcisistencises. Having said that, it is hard to make a list of errors into a barn burner but Mr. Shepheard did a good job with finding every image of “bent” trees to drive home the concept of tree errors and how to find them.

    Reply
  2. RM
    Reed Maxson
    2 days ago

    Very helpful, useful information. Thank you.

    Reply
  3. IS
    Inez Schwartz
    2 days ago

    Another great informative webinar. One issue that I didn’t get an answer for was the sequence of looking into the consistencies. For instance, should you try to solve an issue within a direct line with a date most recent first, say 1724, or earlier, say 1699? Does it matter which one to solve first?

    Reply
  4. DP
    Dolores Phifer
    2 days ago

    Lots of good ideas for future research when receiving inconsistencies from Heritage.

    Reply
  5. JM
    John Morey
    2 days ago

    Excellent suggestions about all the places to check for inconsistencies. I appreciated seeing actual names and the inconsistencies due to many of the problems any genealogist, seasoned or novice, could encounter wonderful syllabus to accompany the presentation .I felt like Wayne was talking to a small audience and was very focused on the topic, it seemed personalized

    Reply
  6. CL
    Clara Lawver
    2 days ago

    Very glad there was a syllabus. I will definitely need this for reference as I focus on certain trees. Thank you.

    Reply
  7. TM
    Theresa Marquess
    2 days ago

    Very interesting presentation. I don’t feel as alone now. The inconsistencies on my Tree seemed daunting, but his explanations of what is behind them was quite clear, making them less intimidating. Thank you for a great webinar!

    Reply
  8. LK
    Linda Kraft
    2 days ago

    It was good to see various programs compared. That way, if data doesn’t agree when I look for discrepancies in my own trees. I’ll not be surprised and can calmly continue my work.

    Reply

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