why would you want a black sheep?

[youngtug]

In answer to the original question/statement, bear in mind the thought that the ones caught for doing something wrong are the ones caught, many where not caught and hence no "black sheep" stories of them.

[youngtug]

Hi giblet, snap

[Guy Etchells]

There is a very simple answer to why one would want a black sheep; because there is a wealth of detailed records retained.
Like it or not detailed records are kept for the very wealthy, the very poor, those in the forces and criminals.
 
That means that few detailed records are kept: Details such as height, build, complexion, hair colouring, distinguishing marks perhaps even clothing worn.

All details that put flesh on the bones of family history.

Whereas the vast bulk of the population live their lives with relatively little interaction between them and the authorities who keep records.
Cheers
Guy

[stormtroop]

   WONDERFUL!!! , love your replies!!, It seems I have just joined an excellent forum, informative, intelligent and amusing!!. I stand both corrected and interested in what I have been told, Thank you for your stories about your families. If I have any black sheep I do not yet know, I have only just started leaning genealogy-may be some of you could help me search for them!!.

My best wishes to all. look forward to reading a lot more on this forum.

Oh p.s I think the English DO have a thing about the " nasties" Lucy Worsley has a good prog on BBC 4 about murder and the English character. 

[Meezer]

Oh p.s I think the English DO have a thing about the " nasties" Lucy Worsley has a good prog on BBC 4 about murder and the English character.

Sorry to correct but the title of the programme is British rather than just narrowing it down to the English!

[giblet]

Oh p.s I think the English DO have a thing about the " nasties" Lucy Worsley has a good prog on BBC 4 about murder and the English character.
[/quote]

OH  You say this about the English when its America who has shows such as Cops and 48 hours etc. All real life crime [nasties] televised for your viewing 

[And i still havent worked out this quote thing when i just want to take a small piece of a reply  ]

[mofid42]

I definitely fit the OP's description as I'm very fond of all my naughty ancestors with the exception of one who was just too nasty to excuse in any way.

I love finding reports of their bad deeds in newspapers because, not only does it give an insight into their character, it can also reveal vital leads to other family members. For example its helped me find elusive marriages for siblings as sister/brother-in-laws have been mentioned or uncovered a previously unknown 2nd marriage for a mother.......and one day if I get really lucky I might just find a photo in the criminal records!!!

[KGarrad]

[And i still havent worked out this quote thing when i just want to take a small piece of a reply  ]

You need to leave the "{quote author= . . . . .}" at the beginning, and the "{/quote}" at the end!
(Had to change the square brackets to curly brackets, but you know what I mean!

[giblet]

[And i still havent worked out this quote thing when i just want to take a small piece of a reply  ]

You need to leave the "{quote author= . . . . .}" at the beginning, and the "{/quote}" at the end!
(Had to change the square brackets to curly brackets, but you know what I mean!

Thank you for explaining that  I'll give it a go next time