[or-roots] OR Hist book's value?

[Chris Havnar]

Nanci,

Having chatted about the value, you also asked after the accuracy.

Well ... and that ... as the joke goes is a deep subject ...

The bios are as accurate as the suppliers as information were.  These are
all vanity publications.  Our forebearers positioned themselves to look
prosperous, correct, whatever ... all faults are glossed over - They were
not leaving their past to us - they were positioning themselves with their
peers in their communities.

In 1890ish - sometimes 1900ish - the publisher asks the item of the
biography all sorts of information.  Most of it is good.  I had the
following children, these died, these are living, with spouses -sometimes.
Now, if my farm failed, I might tell the publisher, that I decieded to move
to town, instead of talking about my financial failures, etc.  

In my search after folks I do have some documentation on, the dates can be
off, from 1 to 15 years.  If they say that they returned to Illinois in
1885 and returned to the west after two years yearning after the warmth of
the west - I tend to start in 1885 and when not found expand outward.

I'm not finding too much total fabrication.  With my ancestors, I'm finding
... dates are off from days, months to years.  (I'm not sure without
looking at other stuff I can acurately tell you what I did and when 15 or
so years ago - or more)  Names can be off - there are some that the
mistakes are understandable, and others I'm still attempting to understand
where the errors could have been introduced.

Hope this helps
Chris

At 10:06 AM 6/19/2004 -0700, you wrote:
>Hey everyone,
>
>Any of you know anything regarding the value and/or accuracy of this book?
>
>"HISTORY OF OREGON, PEN & PICTURES FROM THE GARDEN OF THE WORLD"
>By Rev. H. K. Hines D. D., pub., in Chicago 1893
>
>It is a very large book full of Biographies and photos and more from early 
>Oregon.  The pages are still sewn together, but have become unattached to 
>binding, so is in need of repair. A few pages are loose and torn, however 
>mostly readable. Poor to fair condition in general.  I want the book 
>desperately, but not sure if asking price is right, $65.
>
>Suggestions or advice?
>
>Nanci