Having a hard time choosing LNAB

Question

I'm having a hard time choosing a LNAB for a few generations of Harding in my family tree.  The last name variations are Harden and Hardin.  I have read the Name Field Guidelines

For Example, see the following list of sources for James Harvey Harding

https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/sources/L8MG-VQ6

I'm inclined to use the LNAB of Harden based on the 1870 and 1880 census, but am having a hard time deciding on a current last name.

The sources use all three variations during the lifetime of this individual. 

Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Personally, I would use the version used most often, and used by the decendants of the person, then put the other versions in the "Other Last Name(s):" field.

Bear in mind that if the sources were written by a clerk from a verbal answer, the name may have been misheard, whereas if enterd by the man himself there is more chance of it being consistent.

Comments

I can't find a source where James would have written the name himself, but that certainly makes sense.

I'll go with the name used by the decendants for my LNAB.  Thank you.

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Nick,

Please be aware that such usage (edited to add: "used by descendants") goes against WikiTree policy on Last Name at Birth. See https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Name_Fields

Answer 2

Nicks suggestion is one option.  

Another might be since it is LNAB use the name on the birth certificate. And put the others in other last names used. 

Comments

I would do this if there was a birth certificate.  Thanks for the suggestion.

Answer 3

I would go with Harding.  His wife listed his name as Harvey Harding on his death certificate and she signs it as Alice Harding.  His daughter listed his name as James Harvey Harding on her application for a delayed birth certificate/registration of birth.  She listed her name as Ethel Olive Harding and even signs her name as Ethel Harding Mason.

Comments

Thanks, I went with Harding for many of the reasons you listed.