John Barton Hack

Article summary

John Barton Hack (2 July 1805 – 4 October 1884), generally referred to as Barton Hack, was an early settler in South Australia; a prominent farmer, businessman and public figure. He lost his fortune in the financial crisis of 1840 and despite his best efforts, never regained anything like his former influence and prosperity. His son Theodore Hack, younger brother Stephen Hack and nephew Wilton Hack were all figures of some significance in the history of the Colony.

Key claims

1. date of death: 1884-10-04 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
2. date of death: 1881 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
3. date of death: 1881 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
4. date of death: 1855-05-30 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
5. date of death: 1940-09-25 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95

Discussion questions

1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
2. The record states that the date of death is "1884-10-04". What evidence would count against this claim?
3. The record states that the date of death is "1881". What evidence would count against this claim?
4. The record states that the date of death is "1881". What evidence would count against this claim?
5. The record states that the date of death is "1855-05-30". What evidence would count against this claim?
6. The record states that the date of death is "1940-09-25". What evidence would count against this claim?
7. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
8. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

1. Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1374320248