It is suggested that mathematical logic can be applied to obtain insight on Maria’s tree, without having close to 100% certainty which follows from a reliance on primary sources.
Let us then assume firstly that both Maria and her father (whoever he may be) are legitimate offspring i.e. not born out of wedlock.
Secondly, let us assume that the relationship between Maria and the Reverend Johannes Elison is a binary variable as follows. She is either his daughter or his granddaughter, and no other options exist.
Then, relying on the computerised algorithm of Geni, and relying on the biographical ancestral tree of the Reverend Elison, extensive conclusions can be made without knowing the value of the binary variable above. That is, the inferences stand regardless.
Take for instance the statement “Maria is a direct legitimate descendant of Edward I “Longshanks”, King of England”. Geni’s algorithm concludes that this statement is true within the framework above, regardless of the uncertainty presented by the binary variable.
Performing some sampling work using Geni’s algorithm shows that Maria, despite being a commoner herself, descends directly from large sections of the ruling classes of the pre-Renaissance era.
Applied practically, it is suggested that the argument above can assist in unravelling the family trees of many Afrikaner families - the Coetzee’s spring to mind.
