why is a Current Last Name entered automatically?

Question

I'm trying to add a person.  I did not make an entry for Current Last Name, but the system repeated LNAB automatically.  I could delete the entry, so added the person again, thinking I could merge the two when it worked out correctly.  Same thing occurred with second try.

How can I add this Ford without a current last name?

Thanks,

Gail

Answer 1

You need to merge Ford-24175 and Ford-24174.

As to the current last name, why is it you don't want a current last name? If he was born a Ford, then it would be Ford. If he changed his name later in life, then enter that last name. I am having trouble understanding why you want the field empty (which I don't think the system will allow.)

I looked at another of this group an understand he was a slave.  Follow these instructions regarding his name: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:US_Black_Heritage:_Naming_Conventions_for_Slaves

Comments

Ah, I see all the slave profiles I've been entering over the past couple of days have that field completed automatically.  I had not noticed that before.

Yes, I'll merge Ford-24175 and Ford-24174.

Thanks,

Gail

Answer 2

Maybe use Unknown as the LNAB? And then add other names that are found in documents as Current last name?

Comments

There is a naming convention established by the US Black Heritage Project for the the last name at birth. Unknown is not a recommended option. Please see: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:US_Black_Heritage:_Naming_Conventions_for_Slaves