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United States Index Systems: Difference between revisions
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=== Alphabetical Indexes<br> === | === Alphabetical Indexes<br> === | ||
Some indexes might be strictly alphabetical. However, care must be taken as alphabetizing errors can exist.An example is a Mecklenburg, North Carolina will index. See "North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19424-14940-14?cc=1867501&wc=10922148 : accessed 02 Jan 2014), Mecklenburg > Wills Index, 1682-1905 > image 11 of 41. | Some indexes might be strictly alphabetical. However, care must be taken as alphabetizing errors can exist.An example is a Mecklenburg, North Carolina will index. See "North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19424-14940-14?cc=1867501&wc=10922148 : accessed 02 Jan 2014), Mecklenburg > Wills Index, 1682-1905 > image 11 of 41. | ||
Most alphbetical indexes are organized using only the initial letter of the surname, with entries given in chronological order.An example can be found in Allegany County, Maryland will records. In the example, a tabbed index page is given for each pair of alphabetical letters. The first letter of the pair is given on the left page and the second on the right page. See "Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1999," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-24609-4000-42?cc=1803986&wc=M97S-WJJ:n1758878272 : accessed 02 Jan 2014), Allegany > Wills 1790-1850 vol A > image 10 of 379.<br> | Most alphbetical indexes are organized using only the initial letter of the surname, with entries given in chronological order.An example can be found in Allegany County, Maryland will records. In the example, a tabbed index page is given for each pair of alphabetical letters. The first letter of the pair is given on the left page and the second on the right page. See "Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1999," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-24609-4000-42?cc=1803986&wc=M97S-WJJ:n1758878272 : accessed 02 Jan 2014), Allegany > Wills 1790-1850 vol A > image 10 of 379.<br> | ||
=== Burr Record Index === | === Burr Record Index === | ||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
Entries are divided into subgroups under each letter of the alphabet. Surnames that begin with the letter J would appear under the following headings: JAA-JAC, JAE-JAL, JAM-JAP, JAQ-JAY, JE, JI, JOA-JOG, JOH-JOM, JON-JOP, JOR-JOY, JU, JY. | Entries are divided into subgroups under each letter of the alphabet. Surnames that begin with the letter J would appear under the following headings: JAA-JAC, JAE-JAL, JAM-JAP, JAQ-JAY, JE, JI, JOA-JOG, JOH-JOM, JON-JOP, JOR-JOY, JU, JY. | ||
For an example, see "Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1999," images, ''FamilySearch ''([https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-29677-4925-82 https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-29677-4925-82] : accessed 31 Dec 2013), Talbot > Administration account index (Burr's record index) 1777-1860 vol CRW 1777 > image 20 of 218. | For an example, see "Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1999," images, ''FamilySearch ''([https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-29677-4925-82 https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-29677-4925-82] : accessed 31 Dec 2013), Talbot > Administration account index (Burr's record index) 1777-1860 vol CRW 1777 > image 20 of 218. | ||
=== Campbell Index<br> === | === Campbell Index<br> === | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
Names are arranged alphabetically by initial letter of the given name along with the initial letter of the surname. The names Adam Clyde, Alice Crowther, and Andrew Czerny would all appear on the same page in chronological order. A key in front of the index provides the page number for the AC entries. | Names are arranged alphabetically by initial letter of the given name along with the initial letter of the surname. The names Adam Clyde, Alice Crowther, and Andrew Czerny would all appear on the same page in chronological order. A key in front of the index provides the page number for the AC entries. | ||
For an example of a Campbell Index guide sheet at the front of the index, see "Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1999," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-31545-514-48 : accessed 01 Jan 2014), Montgomery > General docket index 1930-1953 vol HGC, 1, no 1451-8752 > image 21 of 509. | For an example of a Campbell Index guide sheet at the front of the index, see "Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1999," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-31545-514-48 : accessed 01 Jan 2014), Montgomery > General docket index 1930-1953 vol HGC, 1, no 1451-8752 > image 21 of 509. | ||
For an example of a Campbell Index entry sheet, see "Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1999," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-31544-33393-35 : accessed 01 Jan 2014), Montgomery > General docket index 1930-1953 vol HGC, 1, no 1451-8752 > image 222 of 509. | For an example of a Campbell Index entry sheet, see "Maryland, Register of Wills Books, 1629-1999," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-31544-33393-35 : accessed 01 Jan 2014), Montgomery > General docket index 1930-1953 vol HGC, 1, no 1451-8752 > image 222 of 509. | ||
=== Cott System Indexes<br> === | === Cott System Indexes<br> === | ||
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A key table appears at the top of every page.<br> | A key table appears at the top of every page.<br> | ||
[https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-24580-34900-84 An example] from New York probate records indexes by the first two letters of the surname. See "New York, Probate Records, 1629-1971," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-24580-34900-84?cc=1920234&wc=M9S9-GQY:73378958 : accessed 01 Jan 2014), Oswego > Will index 1932-1956 A-Z > image 7 of 349. <br> | [https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-24580-34900-84 An example] from New York probate records indexes by the first two letters of the surname. See "New York, Probate Records, 1629-1971," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-24580-34900-84?cc=1920234&wc=M9S9-GQY:73378958 : accessed 01 Jan 2014), Oswego > Will index 1932-1956 A-Z > image 7 of 349. <br> | ||
[https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-29794-8980-86?cc=2030516&wc=M9QB-8WW:n677125267 An example] from Minnesota land records indexes by the first letter of the surname and the first letter of the given name. See "Minnesota, Itasca County Land Records, 1872-1930," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-29794-8980-86?cc=2030516&wc=M9QB-8WW:n677125267 : accessed 01 Jan 2014), Itasca > General index grantee 1911-1913 vol 12 > image 2 of 313.<br> | [https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-29794-8980-86?cc=2030516&wc=M9QB-8WW:n677125267 An example] from Minnesota land records indexes by the first letter of the surname and the first letter of the given name. See "Minnesota, Itasca County Land Records, 1872-1930," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-29794-8980-86?cc=2030516&wc=M9QB-8WW:n677125267 : accessed 01 Jan 2014), Itasca > General index grantee 1911-1913 vol 12 > image 2 of 313.<br> | ||
==== Cottco Universal ==== | ==== Cottco Universal ==== | ||
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The alphabet is divided into units. A unit starts with a tab sheet showing the letter or the part of a letter contained in the unit. The unit next contains a sub-index sheet with page references for every combination of letters or commonly occurring surnames. The unit then contains the referenced pages. It is important to note that pages for commonly occuring surnames are allocated after the pages for letter combminations. This means that they occur out of alphabetical order and can be missed when browsing the index without utilizing the sub-indexes. | The alphabet is divided into units. A unit starts with a tab sheet showing the letter or the part of a letter contained in the unit. The unit next contains a sub-index sheet with page references for every combination of letters or commonly occurring surnames. The unit then contains the referenced pages. It is important to note that pages for commonly occuring surnames are allocated after the pages for letter combminations. This means that they occur out of alphabetical order and can be missed when browsing the index without utilizing the sub-indexes. | ||
For [https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-195-2577045-1-85?cc=1867501&wc=10921116 an example] of a Cottco Universal Index, see "North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-195-2577045-1-85?cc=1867501&wc=10921116 : accessed 06 Jan 2014), Alamance > Estates Index, 1859-1963, Vol. 01 > image 2 of 255. | For [https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-195-2577045-1-85?cc=1867501&wc=10921116 an example] of a Cottco Universal Index, see "North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-195-2577045-1-85?cc=1867501&wc=10921116 : accessed 06 Jan 2014), Alamance > Estates Index, 1859-1963, Vol. 01 > image 2 of 255. | ||
==== Cott Family Name ==== | ==== Cott Family Name ==== | ||
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An extension tab or separate volume subdivides the general index into surname initials. For example, [AA-AZ], [BAA-BN], and [BOA-BZ]. Marginal cuts further subdivide the index by the second letter of the surname or guide letters. For example, [Ba], [Be], and [Bi Bj-Bk Bl]. Sub-indexes are further divided according to printed designations at the tops of columns. For example, [Bar], [Bas Bat], and [Bau to Baz]. Individual surnames indicate the page number in the general index. Surnames that sound alike may be indexed together. For example, "Barnes-Barns."<br> | An extension tab or separate volume subdivides the general index into surname initials. For example, [AA-AZ], [BAA-BN], and [BOA-BZ]. Marginal cuts further subdivide the index by the second letter of the surname or guide letters. For example, [Ba], [Be], and [Bi Bj-Bk Bl]. Sub-indexes are further divided according to printed designations at the tops of columns. For example, [Bar], [Bas Bat], and [Bau to Baz]. Individual surnames indicate the page number in the general index. Surnames that sound alike may be indexed together. For example, "Barnes-Barns."<br> | ||
The pages for surnames may not appear in alphabetical order, in which case use of the subindexes is vital. See the Greenville County plat record example rerenced below. | The pages for surnames may not appear in alphabetical order, in which case use of the subindexes is vital. See the Greenville County plat record example rerenced below. | ||
[http://www.meckrodindex.com/oldindexsearch.php?imgtype=pdf&datekey=1763-1840&path=aa-az&bookpath=a-l&tortee=TOR&indexNum=001 An example Cott Family Name index] can be found in the [http://www.meckrodindex.com/ Mecklenburg County, North Carolina register of deeds]. For [http://www.meckrodindex.com/oldindexsearch.php?imgtype=pdf&datekey=1763-1840&path=baa-bn&bookpath=a-l&tortee=TOR&indexNum=003 an example] sub-index page, see http://www.meckrodindex.com/oldindexsearch.php?imgtype=pdf&datekey=1763-1840&path=baa-bn&bookpath=a-l&tortee=TOR&indexNum=003.<br> | [http://www.meckrodindex.com/oldindexsearch.php?imgtype=pdf&datekey=1763-1840&path=aa-az&bookpath=a-l&tortee=TOR&indexNum=001 An example Cott Family Name index] can be found in the [http://www.meckrodindex.com/ Mecklenburg County, North Carolina register of deeds]. For [http://www.meckrodindex.com/oldindexsearch.php?imgtype=pdf&datekey=1763-1840&path=baa-bn&bookpath=a-l&tortee=TOR&indexNum=003 an example] sub-index page, see http://www.meckrodindex.com/oldindexsearch.php?imgtype=pdf&datekey=1763-1840&path=baa-bn&bookpath=a-l&tortee=TOR&indexNum=003.<br> | ||
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For [http://www.meckrodindex.com/oldIndexPageSearch.php?datekey=1763-1840&imgtype=pdf&path=baa-bn&bookpath=a-l&tortee=TOR&indexNum=001&pageNum=000002&imgNumNum=001&book=&bookType=&imgPos=10#000-14 the Baker page] in the general index, see http://www.meckrodindex.com/oldIndexPageSearch.php?datekey=1763-1840&imgtype=pdf&path=baa-bn&bookpath=a-l&tortee=TOR&indexNum=001&pageNum=000002&imgNumNum=001&book=&bookType=&imgPos=10#000-14.<br> | For [http://www.meckrodindex.com/oldIndexPageSearch.php?datekey=1763-1840&imgtype=pdf&path=baa-bn&bookpath=a-l&tortee=TOR&indexNum=001&pageNum=000002&imgNumNum=001&book=&bookType=&imgPos=10#000-14 the Baker page] in the general index, see http://www.meckrodindex.com/oldIndexPageSearch.php?datekey=1763-1840&imgtype=pdf&path=baa-bn&bookpath=a-l&tortee=TOR&indexNum=001&pageNum=000002&imgNumNum=001&book=&bookType=&imgPos=10#000-14.<br> | ||
For other examples, consult the [http://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Default.aspx?RecLoc=\\Indexes several indexes] to records from the Greenville County, South Carolina [http://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Default.aspx register of deeds]. [http://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Default.aspx?RecLoc=\\Indexes\Federal+Tax+Lien\Ba-Bl&Type=d Federal Tax Lien records] and [http://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Default.aspx?RecLoc=\\Indexes\Plats&Type=d plat records] are two of these. | For other examples, consult the [http://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Default.aspx?RecLoc=\\Indexes several indexes] to records from the Greenville County, South Carolina [http://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Default.aspx register of deeds]. [http://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Default.aspx?RecLoc=\\Indexes\Federal+Tax+Lien\Ba-Bl&Type=d Federal Tax Lien records] and [http://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/DirectoryListings/ROD_DirectoryListing/Default.aspx?RecLoc=\\Indexes\Plats&Type=d plat records] are two of these. | ||
==== Cott Guide Letter ==== | ==== Cott Guide Letter ==== | ||
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A key table provides a page number based on the first letter of the surname combined with the first letter of the given name. | A key table provides a page number based on the first letter of the surname combined with the first letter of the given name. | ||
=== Page Margin Key Tables | === Liber Index === | ||
These indexes are organized by the initial letter of the surname and further distinguished by the volume (liber). All "C" surnames are grouped together with those for Volume 1 listed first, followed by Volume 2, etc. | |||
An example can be found in Davidson County, North Carolina death indexes. A volume was kept for each year. Within the year, entries are organized by registration date, not by death date. See "North Carolina, Davidson County Vital Records, 1867-1984," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11662-61295-11?cc=1387049&wc=MMB5-14T:1614561651 : accessed 02 Jan 2014), Index to deaths > 1914-1924, Vol 001 > image 1 of 140.<br> | |||
=== Page Margin Key Tables === | |||
Some indexes have a key table along the page margins. <br> | Some indexes have a key table along the page margins. <br> | ||
| Line 65: | Line 71: | ||
Irwin-Hodson indexes have a key table along the outside edges of the entry pages, half on the left edge of the left page and half and the right edge of the right page. Initial letters of surnames are printed in large type. Adjacent to each of these letters, and enclosed in a brace is a list of initial letters of given names and the assocaited page number. | Irwin-Hodson indexes have a key table along the outside edges of the entry pages, half on the left edge of the left page and half and the right edge of the right page. Initial letters of surnames are printed in large type. Adjacent to each of these letters, and enclosed in a brace is a list of initial letters of given names and the assocaited page number. | ||
As an example, to find a record of James Brown, look for the large B printed along the left-edge of the left page. Next to the B, in small type find the letter J and the page number for J. For [https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-26593-5065-22?cc=1951443&wc=MMLJ-M1Y:941609297 an example], see "Utah, Cache County Records, 1861-1955," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-26593-5065-22?cc=1951443&wc=MMLJ-M1Y:941609297 : accessed 06 Jan 2014), Land and property records > Grantor index vol 3 1869-1940 > image 40 of 687 | As an example, to find a record of James Brown, look for the large B printed along the left-edge of the left page. Next to the B, in small type find the letter J and the page number for J. For [https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-26593-5065-22?cc=1951443&wc=MMLJ-M1Y:941609297 an example], see "Utah, Cache County Records, 1861-1955," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-26593-5065-22?cc=1951443&wc=MMLJ-M1Y:941609297 : accessed 06 Jan 2014), Land and property records > Grantor index vol 3 1869-1940 > image 40 of 687.<br> | ||
=== Paul Company Key Table Index<br> === | === Paul Company Key Table Index<br> === | ||
| Line 77: | Line 77: | ||
Entries in this index are grouped by the first three letters of the surname, then arranged in chronological order. Accordingly, all entries starting with WAC are grouped together. All entries starting with WAD are in another group. A key table at the front of each volume provides a page reference to each letter group. | Entries in this index are grouped by the first three letters of the surname, then arranged in chronological order. Accordingly, all entries starting with WAC are grouped together. All entries starting with WAD are in another group. A key table at the front of each volume provides a page reference to each letter group. | ||
[http://aomol.net/000001/000546/pdf/am546--34.pdf An example] key table can be found in [http://aomol.net/000001/000546/html/am546--34.html ''Records of Maryland''] at http://aomol.net/000001/000546/pdf/am546--34.pdf.<br> | [http://aomol.net/000001/000546/pdf/am546--34.pdf An example] key table can be found in [http://aomol.net/000001/000546/html/am546--34.html ''Records of Maryland''] at http://aomol.net/000001/000546/pdf/am546--34.pdf.<br> | ||
=== Russell Key Index<br> === | === Russell Key Index<br> === | ||
| Line 95: | Line 95: | ||
Another split column index has five given name columns, A-B-C-D-E, F-G-H-I-J, K-L-M-N-O, P-Q-R-S-T, and U-V-W-X-Y-Z. When a clerk entered a name, the given name was written in the appropriate column. For an example, see "New York, Land Records, 1630-1975," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32528-1145-1?cc=2078654&wc=M9M4-XLN:n1538802258 : accessed 02 Jan 2014), Oneida > Grantee index 1791-1884 Ho-L > image 7 of 632.<br> | Another split column index has five given name columns, A-B-C-D-E, F-G-H-I-J, K-L-M-N-O, P-Q-R-S-T, and U-V-W-X-Y-Z. When a clerk entered a name, the given name was written in the appropriate column. For an example, see "New York, Land Records, 1630-1975," images, ''FamilySearch'' (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-32528-1145-1?cc=2078654&wc=M9M4-XLN:n1538802258 : accessed 02 Jan 2014), Oneida > Grantee index 1791-1884 Ho-L > image 7 of 632.<br> | ||
To use a split-column index, determine which of the columns applies to the entry you are searching for. Then scan that column, ignoring blank entries. | To use a split-column index, determine which of the columns applies to the entry you are searching for. Then scan that column, ignoring blank entries. | ||
=== Soundex<br> === | === Soundex<br> === | ||
[[Soundex|Soundex]] is a phonetic index that groups together names that sound alike but are spelled differently, for example, Stewart and Stuart. This helps searchers find names that are spelled differently than originally expected, a relatively common genealogical research problem. For more information, see "[[Soundex|Soundex]]." | [[Soundex|Soundex]] is a phonetic index that groups together names that sound alike but are spelled differently, for example, Stewart and Stuart. This helps searchers find names that are spelled differently than originally expected, a relatively common genealogical research problem. For more information, see "[[Soundex|Soundex]]." | ||
=== Vowel Index<br> === | === Vowel Index<br> === | ||
| Line 126: | Line 126: | ||
=== References === | === References === | ||
*"Identifying and Using Indexes," ''Maryland State Archives, Guide to Government Records'' (http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=using%20indexes : accessed 31 December 2013). | *"Identifying and Using Indexes," ''Maryland State Archives, Guide to Government Records'' (http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=using%20indexes : accessed 31 December 2013). | ||
*Radoff, Morris L., Gust Skordas, and Phebe R. Jacobsen. ''The County Courthouses and Records of Maryland,'' Part Two: The Records, Publication No. 13. Annapolis, Maryland: The Hall of Records Commission, 1963.Available online, http://aomol.net/000001/000546/html/index.html. Accessed 2013.<br> | *Radoff, Morris L., Gust Skordas, and Phebe R. Jacobsen. ''The County Courthouses and Records of Maryland,'' Part Two: The Records, Publication No. 13. Annapolis, Maryland: The Hall of Records Commission, 1963.Available online, http://aomol.net/000001/000546/html/index.html. Accessed 2013.<br> | ||
*Rose, Christine. ''Courthouse Indexes Illustrated.'' San Jose, California : CR Publications, 2006. | *Rose, Christine. ''Courthouse Indexes Illustrated.'' San Jose, California : CR Publications, 2006. | ||
*Sittner, Kathi. “Documents in Detail: Land Deed Indexes,” ''Ancestry'' 12 (November/December 1994). | *Sittner, Kathi. “Documents in Detail: Land Deed Indexes,” ''Ancestry'' 12 (November/December 1994). | ||
*Sperry, Kip. “The Index: A Tool for the Genealogist,” ''The Genealogical Helper ''30 (January 1976). | *Sperry, Kip. “The Index: A Tool for the Genealogist,” ''The Genealogical Helper ''30 (January 1976). | ||