Monthly Archives: October 2015

Unexact Searches at FamilySearch May Not Do What You Think

Leaving the “exact” box at FamilySearch brings about more search results. But it is not perfect.

A search on the 1885 Nebraska State Census database for Frank Goldenstein (unchecked) brings about no results. Yet a search of the same database for Frank Guldensten locates the reference to Frank Goldensten as shown below. goldenstein1
While Goldenstein, Goldensten, and Guldensten may seem similar–apparently the FamilySearch system does not think they are all close enough to be “equivalent” when the exact button is checked. It pays to experiment and make notes of such idiosyncrasies.
goldenstein2

FamilySearch Updates: Several Local US Marriage Records and 1940 Census

The following databases at FamilySearch have been updated since our last posting:

North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979
Oklahoma, County Marriages, 1890-1995
United States Census, 1940
Louisiana, Parish Marriages, 1837-1957
Pennsylvania Civil Marriages, 1677-1950
Colorado, County Marriages, 1864-1995
New Hampshire Marriage Certificates, 1948-1959
Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934
Kentucky, County Marriages, 1797-1954
New York, County Marriages, 1847-1848; 1908-1936
Tennessee, County Marriages, 1790-1950
Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2013
Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008

 

Searching Specific Indexed Rolls of FHL Film

For records online at FamilySearch that have been indexed, you can search the index for specific names which narrows your search significantly. Make certain first the specific roll of film is actually indeed, then put that roll number in the appropriate box on the search screen.

I usually find someone in the record first, then when I see what has been indexed, use the search screen to search for only entries on that roll of microfilm.