[Dixielandjazz] Scott Joplin's Birthdate?

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Glen,
If Joplin expert, Edward E Berlin, author of the link <http://www.edwardaberlin.com/scott_joplin__brief_biographical_sketch_33423.htm> 
provided by Bob Ringwald, doesn't know Scott Joplin's birthdate, then no one does.
Joplin's death certificate (presumably using information provided by his widow Lottie in 1917) reproduced on page 239 of Mr Berlin's 1994 book, "King Of Ragtime" notes the year 1868 only, with no day or month. So she, presumably, didn't know.
Unless a birth or baptismal certificate is found then, I believe, that Mr Berlin currently still has the last word.
Very kind regards,
Bill.