Do you really want to know?
While working on research I sometime find out more than I think readers want or need to know about the people I write about...
Michael,
It is a very tough question. I do not have nearly the breadth or experience that you do. I have come across information that is provocative. I often ask myself the same question. However, it sometimes is also what drives the research. Why did part of the family immigrate? Why does a wife appear, disappear and reappear in the census tracts? Certainly, no article or interest from collectors in those matters. However, for myself, it helps to humanize, give multiple dimensions and sometimes some insight. Whether to publish the information is a very tough call.
I know the bottle is often involved. I have refrained from touching that one openly. I also have heard that many 19th century gunsmith's died of TB. I have yet to confirm that, but it does raise questions in my mind.
Pete
