Genealogical research often involves working with both original records and abstracts. Understanding the difference between these two types of sources is essential for accurate interpretation and analysis. Original Records Original records are documents created at the time of an event. Abstracts Abstracts are summaries of original records. Differences in Content Abstracts do not always include […]
Alien registration records document non-citizens residing within a country. In the United States, large-scale alien registrations occurred during periods such as World War I and World War II. These records often contain detailed personal information and specialized terminology related to immigration status and legal identification. Term Definition Alien Person who is not a citizen of […]
Genealogists frequently encounter records that appear to describe two different individuals but may actually refer to the same person. Identifying these situations helps resolve apparent contradictions and reconstruct accurate family histories. Matching Personal Details Consistent Occupation Stable Residence Patterns Family and Associate Clues Name Variations Chronological Consistency Download the Quicksheet PDF To obtain the Quicksheet […]
Historical records frequently contain variations in the spelling of names. These differences occur for many reasons, including pronunciation differences, literacy levels, and clerical interpretation. Understanding these variations helps genealogists identify individuals across multiple records. Phonetic Spellings Names were often recorded as they sounded to the person writing them. Literacy and Self-Reporting Many individuals could not […]
Guardianship records document the legal responsibility for managing the care, finances, or property of a minor or an individual unable to manage their own affairs. These records often appear within probate courts and may contain valuable genealogical information about family relationships and inheritance. Term Definition Accounting Financial report submitted by guardian detailing expenditures. Administrator Person […]
FamilySearch continues to add or update its record collections at a fast pace for us to search. For the period of March 1-15, 2026, the added/updated collections are: For a complete list of all added/updated collections, go to https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list I hope that some of these are what you have been waiting for! Good Luck and […]
Researchers sometimes expect to find an ancestor in a particular record but discover they are missing. Many factors can explain these gaps, ranging from clerical errors to migration patterns. Clerical and Recording Issues Migration and Mobility Household Recording Practices Legal or Social Circumstances Record Loss or Incomplete Coverage Download the Quicksheet PDF To obtain the […]
Land records often include formal descriptions identifying property boundaries. These descriptions allow parcels of land to be precisely located and distinguished from neighboring property. Understanding the types of legal land descriptions helps genealogists interpret deeds, patents, and land transactions. Metes and Bounds Descriptions This system describes property boundaries using directions, distances, and natural landmarks. Township […]
Tax rolls and assessment records document property ownership, personal property, and taxable wealth within a community. These records often contain specialized terminology related to taxation, valuation, and property classification. Term Definition Abatement Reduction or cancellation of a tax assessment. Acreage Number of acres of land owned or taxed. Assessment Official valuation of property for taxation. […]
Historical records — especially newspapers — frequently use abbreviations. If you search only for a full name, you may miss many valuable records. The Given Name Abbreviation Finder automatically generates abbreviations for given names to help improve your genealogy searches. Simply enter a given name and the tool will suggest common abbreviations used in historical records and historical […]