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*Other identifying information such as age or death date | *Other identifying information such as age or death date | ||
=== Search the Collection === | === Search the Collection === | ||
To search the collection fill in the requested information in the boxes on the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the individuals in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to look at the information on several individuals comparing the information about them to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind: | |||
*There may be more than one person in the records with the same name. | |||
*You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name. | |||
*Your ancestor may have used different names, or variations of their name, throughout their life. | |||
*If your ancestor used an alias or a nickname, be sure to check for those alternate names. | |||
*Even though these indexes are very accurate they may still contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned. | |||
=== Using the Information === | For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line article [[FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks]]. | ||
=== Using the Information === | |||
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors. For example: | When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors. For example: | ||
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*Use the name and age to search census and probate indexes. | *Use the name and age to search census and probate indexes. | ||
=== Tips to Keep in Mind === | === Tips to Keep in Mind === | ||
*Continue to search the index and records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have served in the same unit or a nearby unit. | *Continue to search the index and records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have served in the same unit or a nearby unit. | ||
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*Be aware that, as with any index, transcription errors may occur. | *Be aware that, as with any index, transcription errors may occur. | ||
=== Unable to Find Your Ancestor? === | === Unable to Find Your Ancestor? === | ||
*Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names. | *Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names. | ||
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*Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals with the same family number. | *Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals with the same family number. | ||
{{Tip|Don't overlook {{FHL|New York, Vital Records|keywords|disp}} items in the FamilySearch Library Catalog. For other libraries (local and national) or to gain access to items of interest, see the wiki article [[New York Archives and Libraries]]. For additional information about this state see the wiki article [[New York Genealogy | {{Tip|Don't overlook {{FHL|New York, Vital Records|keywords|disp}} items in the FamilySearch Library Catalog. For other libraries (local and national) or to gain access to items of interest, see the wiki article [[New York Archives and Libraries]]. For additional information about this state see the wiki article [[New York Genealogy]].}} | ||
== Related Websites == | == Related Websites == | ||
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{{Contributor_invite}} | {{Contributor_invite}} | ||
== Citations for This Collection == | == Citations for This Collection == | ||
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information; that is, cite your sources. This will help people find the record again and evaluate the reliability of the source. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records. Citations are available for the collection as a whole and each record or image individually. | When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information; that is, cite your sources. This will help people find the record again and evaluate the reliability of the source. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records. Citations are available for the collection as a whole and each record or image individually. |
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