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(This page's most recent update is November 2025)
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Newspapers frequently used specialized, euphemistic, or era-specific language when reporting births, infants, young children, adoptions, milestones, and early-life events. Understanding these phrases helps genealogists interpret announcements, society news, accident reports, hospital notes, church columns, and family notices. The tables in the Quicksheet list historically common terms seen in newspapers, what they meant, and how they can help identify ancestors or reconstruct family structure.
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To obtain a three-page Quicksheet PDF of this information, download it by clicking on the Download button below:
For all the previously published Quick Reference Guides, click on QuickSheets.
Many more Common Terms Research Guides are available inside the Newspaper Research Academy at theancestorhunt.com/academy.html in addition to several tools for improving your newspaper research skills
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