There is no doubt that Google searches can help in transcribing some family history documents. It can be particularly helpful when a legal phrase has a word “right smack dab in the middle” that is difficult to read. The transcriber should still note that the illegible word is difficult to read–just in case the suggested transcription is not applicable in that specific instance.
Google will not give an answer to everything. There are times where the best help is someone who is familiar with the type of record being transcribed, the type of information contained in the record, or the location where the record was created.
That’s the case with the farm ledger from the 1940s that I have for my grandfather. A few of the entries were determined with a little Google searching. A few of the farm terms required a little more work than a simple Google search. The names and names of local businesses really required some local knowledge in order for me to transcribe accurately. That would not require a relative to help me with–anyone with a knowledge of the local history of the area may be able to help. Anyone with a working knowledge of mid-20th century farming might be able to help with that terminology.
Searching local newspapers might be helpful as well for names of businesses. Carthage O. Buyer in the image is a reference to “Carthage Order Buyers” where Grandpa had sold some hogs at auction.
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