Could One Database Entry Be Keyed Incorrectly?

We've mentioned this before, but database errors are not just limited to transcription errors and mistakes in the original record. Sometimes the creators of databases key in incorrect locations as well. Is that why you can't find your person of interest? 

We look at an example in a recent post on Rootdig.com.

Birmingham's Public Library Has Street Name Changes--Does Your Library?

The Birmingham, Alabama, Public Library has a page of street name changes. Have you looked to see if there are online street name change guides for your city of interest? Local libraries and county genealogical or historical societies are good places to initially search online for these materials.

Do They Tell You How Complete Their Digital Images Are?

Some subscription based digital image services make it a little difficult to determine exactly how complete their image sets are. Some sites providing online access to old newspapers don't yet have every extant issue in their digital collection even if the microfilm copies of these newspapers are fairly complete. Other sites are "in progress' and may not make that clear.

Remember--they'll tell you what they have but they usually won't tell you what they don't.

Be informed.

Search Newspapers for the Assignees

If your ancestor assigned a bounty land warrant to someone whose name is unfamiliar, consider searching newspapers for that person's name. Newspapers may catch people who don't appear in census and other records--and may mention the assignee as a speculator in an advertisement or other newspaper item. Our recent post on Rootdig contains an example ad from the 1850s.

Webinars: 18th Century US Probates and FamilySearch Tips and Tricks

Rescheduled Webinars

I've finally gotten time to re-present two of my webinars from November. Join us!

Reading and Interpreting 18th Century Probate Records (Thursday 12 February 2015 at 8 pm. central time)-This webinar will discuss reading, interpreting and analyzing 18th century probate records through several specific examples from Massachusetts and Virginia. Transcription techniques will also be included. Complete handout will be sent as a PDF file to all registered attendees. Aimed at advanced beginners and intermediate level researchers. If you registered for this presentation in November and were not able to attend live, email Michael for a complimentary link to attend.

Registrations ($6) for the reading and interpreting 18th century probate records can be processed here. Seating is limited.


Tips and Tricks for FamilySearch  (Thursday 19 February 2015 at 8: pm. central time)-This webinar discusses ins and outs of using the "new" family search,   searching by family structure, global searches, interpreting searches and troubleshooting. Also discussed are strategies when approaching an unindexed set of images, a new type of record series, or incomplete records. Aimed at advanced beginners and intermediate level researchers. If you registered for this presentation in November and were not able to attend live, email Michael for a complimentary link to attend.

Registrations ($6) for the Tips and Tricks for FamilySearch can be processed here. Seating is limited.

Kentucky Revised Statutes from 1852-printed 1867

The 1867 revised statutes for Kentucky are available in digital form on Google Books.