from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
FAMILY BIBLE. A Bible containing an account of the births, marriages, and
deaths of the members of a family.
2. An entry, by the father, made in a Bible, stating that Peter, his
eldest son, was born in. lawful wedlock of Maria, his wife, at a time
specified, is evidence to prove the legitimacy of Peter. 4 Campb. 401. But
the entry, in order to be evidence, must be an original entry, and, when it
is not so, the loss of the original must be proved before the copy can be
received. 6 Serg. Rawle, 135. See 10 Watts, R. 82.