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Early Church Information File (ECIF) (view source)
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''[[LDS History|LDS History]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] Early Church Information File (ECIF)'' | ''[[LDS History|LDS History]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] Early Church Information File (ECIF)'' | ||
== What is the Early Church Information File? == | === What is the Early Church Information File? === | ||
The Early Church Information File (ECIF) is an alphabetical card index of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) along with some of their neighbors. It focuses most on the years from 1830 to 1914. This file indexes over 1,200 sources with an abundance of entries for Latter-day Saints. The ECIF contains 1,091,919 cards. Each person found in the ECIF is listed on about one to a dozen cards. Each card for an individual cites a different source document. Most source documents contain further details about that person. Cards for any one individual may be scattered under variations of his or her name. | The Early Church Information File (ECIF) is an alphabetical card index of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) along with some of their neighbors. It focuses most on the years from 1830 to 1914. This file indexes over 1,200 sources with an abundance of entries for Latter-day Saints. The ECIF contains 1,091,919 cards. Each person found in the ECIF is listed on about one to a dozen cards. Each card for an individual cites a different source document. Most source documents contain further details about that person. Cards for any one individual may be scattered under variations of his or her name. | ||
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Entries in the file often refer to an event such as a person's birth, marriage, or death. Entries may also refer to a biographical sketch. The Early Church Information File usually gives a person's name, the date of the event, and a source reference and library call number for the source. The original record may supply additional family history information as well. | Entries in the file often refer to an event such as a person's birth, marriage, or death. Entries may also refer to a biographical sketch. The Early Church Information File usually gives a person's name, the date of the event, and a source reference and library call number for the source. The original record may supply additional family history information as well. | ||
== How Can The ECIF Help You? == | === How Can The ECIF Help You? === | ||
You can use the Early Church Information File to: | You can use the Early Church Information File to: | ||
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*Obtain useful biographical information. | *Obtain useful biographical information. | ||
== What ECIF Does Not Include == | === What ECIF Does Not Include === | ||
<div style="float: left; width: 147%"> | |||
The Early Church Information File does not include: | The Early Church Information File does not include: | ||
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*Information on most living people. | *Information on most living people. | ||
== Getting Started == | === Getting Started === | ||
Four Steps to Follow When Using the Early Church Information File | Four Steps to Follow When Using the Early Church Information File | ||
=== '''Step 1. Select the microfilm numbers you need''' === | ==== '''Step 1. Select the microfilm numbers you need''' ==== | ||
Microfilm numbers for the Early Church Information File are listed in {{FHL|480808|title-id|disp=this Family History Library Catalog link}}. Names are listed alphabetically by surname and given name. For example, if you want to find index references to Perrigrine SESSIONS, the catalog shows you would look in microfilm 1,750,712. | Microfilm numbers for the Early Church Information File are listed in {{FHL|480808|title-id|disp=this Family History Library Catalog link}}. Names are listed alphabetically by surname and given name. For example, if you want to find index references to Perrigrine SESSIONS, the catalog shows you would look in microfilm 1,750,712. | ||
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Note that names that begin with Mc or M' are filed as if they were all spelled with Mac. For example, both McGhie and M'Ghie are filed as if spelled MacGhie. Abbreviated names like St. John are filed as if they were spelled out, for example, Saint John. | Note that names that begin with Mc or M' are filed as if they were all spelled with Mac. For example, both McGhie and M'Ghie are filed as if spelled MacGhie. Abbreviated names like St. John are filed as if they were spelled out, for example, Saint John. | ||
=== '''Step 2. Locate the name in the index''' === | ==== '''Step 2. Locate the name in the index''' ==== | ||
[[Image:ECIF1b.png|thumb]] [[Image:ECIF2b.png|thumb]] [[Image:ECIF3b.png|thumb]]Once you have located the appropriate microfiche, or film, locate the name you are searching for in the Early Church Information File. Names may be typed in any order, but the cards are always arranged alphabetically by surname. For example, a name may appear as Perrigrine Sessions or Sessions, Perrigrine. An individual in the Early Church Information File may be listed on one card or on many cards depending on how much is written on the individual and how much of that material has been indexed. | [[Image:ECIF1b.png|thumb|ECIF1b.png]] [[Image:ECIF2b.png|thumb|ECIF2b.png]] [[Image:ECIF3b.png|thumb|ECIF3b.png]]Once you have located the appropriate microfiche, or film, locate the name you are searching for in the Early Church Information File. Names may be typed in any order, but the cards are always arranged alphabetically by surname. For example, a name may appear as Perrigrine Sessions or Sessions, Perrigrine. An individual in the Early Church Information File may be listed on one card or on many cards depending on how much is written on the individual and how much of that material has been indexed. | ||
''On the right are three example cards found in the Early Church Information File for Perrigrine Sessions.'' | ''On the right are three example cards found in the Early Church Information File for Perrigrine Sessions.'' | ||
=== '''Step 3. Interpret and copy the information''' === | ==== '''Step 3. Interpret and copy the information''' ==== | ||
Study and copy the information shown in the Early Church Information File. Although cards may appear in a variety of formats, the name is always near the top. Call numbers for sources listed on the cards are usually on the left or at the bottom of the card. Most sources are described in detail. | Study and copy the information shown in the Early Church Information File. Although cards may appear in a variety of formats, the name is always near the top. Call numbers for sources listed on the cards are usually on the left or at the bottom of the card. Most sources are described in detail. | ||
=== '''Step 4. Obtain the source''' === | ==== '''Step 4. Obtain the source''' ==== | ||
If you are at the Family History Library, use the call number listed in the Early Church Information File to find the actual source. If the call number is not listed on the card, refer to the section below titled "Can't Find The Source On The Card?" | If you are at the Family History Library, use the call number listed in the Early Church Information File to find the actual source. If the call number is not listed on the card, refer to the section below titled "Can't Find The Source On The Card?" | ||
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If you are at a family history center, request a microfilm or microfiche copy of the source. For sources not available on microform, you may be able to get the book(s) through interlibrary loan at a local university or public library. For information on obtaining addresses of libraries and using interlibrary loan, see [[United States Archives and Libraries]]. | If you are at a family history center, request a microfilm or microfiche copy of the source. For sources not available on microform, you may be able to get the book(s) through interlibrary loan at a local university or public library. For information on obtaining addresses of libraries and using interlibrary loan, see [[United States Archives and Libraries]]. | ||
=== Can't Find the Source on the Card? === | |||
== Can't Find the Source on the Card? == | |||
''Updated Call Numbers''. About 80 percent of the sources in the Early Church Information file have a valid call number listed on the card. Some sources that list only a book number are now available on microfilm. Also, some call numbers have changed. Check the Family History Library Catalog to find an omitted or updated call number. | ''Updated Call Numbers''. About 80 percent of the sources in the Early Church Information file have a valid call number listed on the card. Some sources that list only a book number are now available on microfilm. Also, some call numbers have changed. Check the Family History Library Catalog to find an omitted or updated call number. | ||
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2. '''''Nauvoo Baptisms'''''. If a card does not have call numbers but includes the phrase "Bapt. Nauvoo" or "Nauvoo Bapt.," it refers to the records of baptisms for the dead. Locate the records on microfilms in the FHLC under the title: {{FHL|228288|title-id|disp=Baptisms for the dead 1840-1845}} | 2. '''''Nauvoo Baptisms'''''. If a card does not have call numbers but includes the phrase "Bapt. Nauvoo" or "Nauvoo Bapt.," it refers to the records of baptisms for the dead. Locate the records on microfilms in the FHLC under the title: {{FHL|228288|title-id|disp=Baptisms for the dead 1840-1845}} | ||
3. '''''U.S. LDS Ward Records'''''. The following table lists most, but not all, ward records for which call numbers are not provided on the ECIF cards.<br> | |||
**''Ward FHL Film Call Number''<br> | **''Ward FHL Film Call Number''<br> | ||
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4. [[LDS Patriarchal Blessings|'''''Patriarchal Blessings''''']] are available only to direct descendants. Write to | 4. [[LDS Patriarchal Blessings|'''''Patriarchal Blessings''''']] are available only to direct descendants. Write to | ||
::Historical Department Member Services<br>50 East North Temple Street <br>Salt Lake City, UT 84150<br><br> | |||
5. '''''Priesthood Records''''' are no longer available at the Family History Library. The following Priesthood Records are now preserved at the [[Church History Library]]: | 5. '''''Priesthood Records''''' are no longer available at the Family History Library. The following Priesthood Records are now preserved at the [[Church History Library]]: | ||
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**Seventies Book A | **Seventies Book A | ||
== Can't Find a Name? == | === Can't Find a Name? === | ||
Before concluding that your ancestor's name is not in the Early Church Information File or in LDS records, consider the following: | Before concluding that your ancestor's name is not in the Early Church Information File or in LDS records, consider the following: | ||
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Records of LDS ancestors are often found in non-LDS sources such as vital records. Study the Wiki research article of your ancestor's country of origin to learn about other records that may mention your ancestor. | Records of LDS ancestors are often found in non-LDS sources such as vital records. Study the Wiki research article of your ancestor's country of origin to learn about other records that may mention your ancestor. | ||
== More Information about the File == | === More Information about the File === | ||
Generally the quality of indexing in the ECIF has been excellent. Over the years, however, the amount of data placed on the cards has varied greatly, ranging from listing only the name, date, and page(s), to capturing most of the data in the source. | Generally the quality of indexing in the ECIF has been excellent. Over the years, however, the amount of data placed on the cards has varied greatly, ranging from listing only the name, date, and page(s), to capturing most of the data in the source. | ||
{{-}} </div> | |||
[[Category:Tracing_LDS_Ancestors]] [[Category:Utah]] [[Category:Arizona]] [[Category:Idaho]] [[Category:Nevada]] [[Category:LDS]] [[Category:Wyoming]] [[Category:Illinois]] [[Category:California]] | [[Category:Tracing_LDS_Ancestors]] [[Category:Utah]] [[Category:Arizona]] [[Category:Idaho]] [[Category:Nevada]] [[Category:LDS]] [[Category:Wyoming]] [[Category:Illinois]] [[Category:California]] | ||