Many record offices created indexes to their records as those items were recorded. These indexes are not perfect. They are not every name indexes. And just like with every index, names can get left out. But they do have some occasional advantages over new indexes created decades or centuries later to digital images of those records. The “original indexes” created by the clerk or office that recorded the record originally were often created by the person recording the item at the time it was recorded. The handwriting was not faded. They may have actually known the individuals involved and were better able to render the name in the index even if it was difficult to read on the original–particularly if the original was a birth certificate written by […]
We’ve released the recording and handout for my “Images on FamilySearch” webinar. More details have been posted on our announcement page. If you pre-ordered and have not received your materials, contact me at the email address on your receipt.
Get the Genealogy Tip of the Day Book
Archives