To Standardize or Not

When writing about ancestors whose names were spelled in a variety of ways, I tend to use just one spelling when writing about them (see our earlier post "lidya Sargeant Not Lydia Sargent"). When transcribing documents though, it is best to spell the name as it is written. If you have a "reason" for why one spelling is used in your discussion and summary, clearly state that reason or at least say "this is the spelling that is being used for all discussion even though the name gets written in numerous ways." Otherwise it may be difficult for readers to know to whom you are referring.