Added or Updated Record Collections at FamilySearch.org - Week of 18 to 24 June 2017

I am trying to keep up with the new and updated record collections at FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list) every week.

As of 24 June 2017, there were 2,237 record collections on FamilySearch (an increase of 7  from last week):

The added or updated collections are (as Marshall provided them):-

--- Collections Added ---

*  Kansas State Census, 1895  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1825193); Index only, no images, ADDED 19 Jun 2017


*  Kansas State Census, 1875  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1825178); Index only, no images, ADDED 19 Jun 2017

*  Kansas State Census, 1885  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1825188); Index only, no images, ADDED 19 Jun 2017

*  Kansas State Census, 1865  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1824715); Index only, no images, ADDED 19 Jun 2017

*  New York, New York City Marriage Licenses Index, 1950-1995 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2727138); 3,124,588 indexed records with 3,124,588 record images, ADDED 19 Jun 2017

*  Ireland Civil Registration, 1845-1913 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2659409); 389,073 indexed records with 389,073 record images, ADDED 23 Jun 2017

*  Italy, Macerata, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1808-1814  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2152678); Index only, no images, ADDED 23 Jun 2017

--- Collections Updated ---

*  Belgium, Limburg, Civil Registration, 1798-1906 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2138507); 65,837 indexed records with 899,650 record images (was 61,118 records with 899,650 images), Updated 19 Jun 2017

*  Scotland Church Records and Kirk Session Records, 1658-1919 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2390848); Index only (302,522 records), no images (was 302,484 records with 0 images), Updated 23 Jun 2017

*  Find A Grave Index  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2221801); 161,552,556 indexed records with 161,552,556 record images (was 158,582,677 records with 158,582,677 images), Updated 21 Jun 2017

*  Bolivia Catholic Church Records, 1566-1996  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1922463); 744,404 indexed records with 1,649,601 record images (was 432,495 records with 1,649,601 images), Updated 23 Jun 2017

*  Chile Civil Registration, 1885-1903 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1630787); 3,063,933 indexed records with 1,623,199 record images (was 2,984,888 records with 1,623,199 images), Updated 19 Jun 2017

*  Peru, Amazonas, Civil Registration, 1939-1998  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1999173); 96,481 indexed records with 254,406 record images (was 68,565 records with 254,406 images), Updated 19 Jun 2017

*  Netherlands, Archival Indexes, Miscellaneous Records (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2704829); 9,386,901 indexed records with 9,386,901 record images (was 9,210,331 records with 9,210,331 images), Updated 19 Jun 2017

*  England, Cambridgeshire Bishop's Transcripts, 1599-1860 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1465708); 52,632 indexed records with 61,909 record images (was 36,260 records with 61,909 images), Updated 23 Jun 2017

*  United States Rosters of Revolutionary War Soldiers and Sailors, 1775-1783 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2546162); Browse 48,993 Images only, no index (was 0 records with 36,448 images), Updated 19 Jun 2017

*  Panama, Catholic Church Records, 1707-1973  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1913397); 226,937 indexed records with 240,799 record images (was 171,015 records with 240,799 images), Updated 20 Jun 2017

*  Philippines Civil Registration (Local), 1888-1986   (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1410394); 90,022 indexed records with 6,699,351 record images (was 80,235 records with 6,699,351 images), Updated 23 Jun 2017

*  Hawaii Obituaries Index, ca. 1980-present       (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2301762); 93,702 indexed records with 51,931 record images (was 51,593 records with 51,931 images), Updated 23 Jun 2017

*  Argentina, Mendoza, Catholic Church Records, 1665-1975  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1974189); 547,967 indexed records with 144,042 record images (was 538,366 records with 144,042 images), Updated 20 Jun 2017

*  Russia, Samara Church Books, 1779-1923  (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1807365); 803,815 indexed records with 1,904,917 record images (was 803,815 records with 1,904,917 images), Updated 21 Jun 2017

In order to select a specific record collection on FamilySearch, go to  https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list and use the "Filter by collection name" feature in the upper left-hand corner.

My friend, Marshall, has come up with a way to determine which collections are ADDED, DELETED or UPDATED.  Thanks to Marshall for helping me out here!

Each one of the collections listed above has a Research Wiki page (use the "Learn more" link).  It would be very useful if the Wiki page for each collection listed the dates for when the collection was added as a new collection and the dates for major updates also.

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Copyright (c) 2017, Randall J. Seaver

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FamilySearch Will Discontinue Distribution of Family History Microfilm

FamilySearch announced today that they will discontinue distribution of Family History Library microfilm as of 1 September 2017.  The last day to order microfilm will be 31 August 2017.

1)  See the full announcement at https://www.lds.org/callings/temple-and-family-history/familysearch-microfilm-discontinuation?lang=eng

Did I just hear a very loud GONG tolling the demise of book and microfilm genealogical research as we've known it?  I think so.  As we have known for several years now (a decade or more), almost all genealogical research is going to be performed online using websites such as FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, Findmypast, and a host of other record providers.

Researchers without home computer or home Internet access will still be able to go to the local FamilySearch Centers and access records there online and on any microfilm that the local center holds.

The announcement says that the digitization of the FHL microfilms will be completed in 2020 and new records are being digitized by digital camera equipment.

There are still many microfilms that have not been digitized to date - approximately 1 million if I figured it correctly.   Researchers will have to wait for them to be digitized and made available through the FamilySearch website or go to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

There was a wealth of material that was on microfiche also - has that been digitized yet?  I don't know.  If not, it should be, although some of it was census records and the FHL Catalog which needn't be digitized.

2)  The announcement notes that digital records can be accessed through:

*  Indexed records or browse images records available on FamilySearch in the Historical Records site - see https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/list.

*  Digital copies of books from the Family History Library and other libraries are available from the Books section on FamilySearch - see https://books.familysearch.org/.

*  The FamilySearch Catalog lists all of the holdings of the Family History Library - see https://familysearch.org/catalog/search.

3)  As most researchers know, the Family History Library does not have EVERY historical record ever created or every family history book ever written, but they have a very large collection.  Researchers will still have to visit local, county, state, regional and national repositories (libraries, historical societies, genealogical societies, town halls, county clerks, courthouses and archives) in order to find unique records that may identify their ancestral families.

4)  For me, my family's health and physical limitations are precluding me from doing research trips and distant research for the foreseeable future.  I have spent six hours in a research library, at the FHL, using microfilms of non-digitized records,  so far this year and have spent about 8 hours at the local FHC searching for digitized books and overseas records on the computers there.  At present, I do 99% of my search and research online and use my RootsMagic program to update my genealogy and family history on a daily basis.

5)  My opinion is that this change in policy by FamilySearch was expected, and should come as no surprise to anyone who has kept up with the genealogy industry.  

6)  My opinion is that it behooves local and regional genealogical societies to drag their "traditional" researchers to the computer to demonstrate and help them become competent at using 21st century technology.  

7)  Your opinions are welcome!  Please comment - FamilySearch management reads this blog.

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Copyright (c) 2017, Randall J. Seaver

Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post.  Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest using the icons below.  Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.

Added or Updated Databases at Ancestry.com - Week of 18 to 24 June 2017

The following databases were Added or Updated on Ancestry.com during the period from 18 to 24 June 2017: 

The databases added or updated include:


*  U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; indexed database with record images, Updated 6/23/2017

*  Alaska, Vital Records, 1818 -1963; indexed database with record images, ADDED 6/22/2017

*  Medway, Kent, England, Methodist Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1798-1932; indexed database with record images, ADDED 6/22/2017

*  Montana, County Marriages, 1865-1993; indexed database with record images, ADDED 6/22/2017

*  U.S. Military and Naval Academies, Cadet Records and Applications, 1800-1908; indexed database with record images, Updated 6/22/2017

*  Louisiana, Soldiers in the War of 1812; indexed database without record images, Updated 6/21/2017

*  U.S., Cemetery and Funeral Home Collection, 1847-2017; indexed database without record images, Updated 6/20/2017

*  U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-2017; indexed database without record images, Updated 6/20/2017

*  Weimar, Germany, List of Citizens, 1542-1919; indexed database with record images, ADDED 6/20/2017

*  Ohio, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center Obituary Index, 1810s-2016; indexed database without record images, Updated 6/20/2017

*  Somerset, England, Marriage Registers, Bonds and Allegations, 1754-1914; indexed database with record images, Updated 6/19/2017

*  Somerset, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, 1531-1812; indexed database with record images, Updated 6/19/2017

*  JewishGen Yizkor Book Necrology Database; indexed database without record images, Updated 6/19/2017

The complete Ancestry.com Card Catalog is at  http://search.ancestry.com/search/CardCatalog.aspx.  

By my count, there were 4 NEW databases ADDED this past week, per the list above.  There are now 32,881 databases available as of 24 June, an increase of  3 from last week.  Which database did they delete?

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Disclosure:  I have a fully paid Ancestry.com subscription.  Ancestry.com has provided travel expenses to meetings and has hosted events and meals in Salt Lake City in past years.

The URL for this post is:  

Copyright (c) 2017, Randall J. Seaver

Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post.  Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest using the icons below.  Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.

Best of the Genea-Blogs - 18 to 24 June 2017

Hundreds of genealogy and family history bloggers write thousands of posts every week about their research, their families, and their interests. I appreciate each one of them and their efforts.

My criteria for "Best of ..." are pretty simple - I pick posts that advance knowledge about genealogy and family history, address current genealogy issues, provide personal family history, are funny or are poignant. I don't list posts destined for daily blog prompts or meme submissions (but I do include summaries of them), or my own posts.

Here are my picks for great reads from the genealogy blogs for this past week:

*  Common Obstacles Found in British Records and How to Overcome Them by Kate Eakman on the Findmypast Blog.

*  The 3-D Super Powers of Eastern European Genealogists by Lisa Alzo on the Legacy News blog.

*  Museums Have Archives Too! by Melissa Barker on the A Genealogist in the Archives blog.

*  Genealogy--Free or Fee: Detailed NYC Marriage Records Worth Paying For by Marian B. Wood on the Climbing My Family Tree blog.

*  Which Ethnicity Test is Best? by Roberta J. Estes on the DNAeXplained -- Genetic Genealogy blog.

*  Three Ways to Take Aim at Southern Brick Walls by Erika Manternach on the Ancestry Blog.

*  Allen County Public Library – Genealogy Mecca – My First Visit by Jacquie Schattner on the Seeds to Tree blog.

*  A Who Do You Think You Are? Live Perspective by Janet Few on The In-Depth Genealogist blog.

*  3 Effective Ways to Jumpstart Your Genealogy Research by Amy Johnson Crow on the Amy Johnson Crow blog.

*  New York State Death Index Online for the First Time! by Sunny Morton on Lisa Louise Cooke's Genealogy Gems blog.

*  Ancestors' Age at Parenthood by Michael Dyer on the Family Sleuther blog.

*  New Jersey State Archives: Above and Beyond by Kathleen Moore on The Misadventures of a Genealogist blog.

*  My Friend Ruth by Linda Stufflebean on the Empty Branches on the Family Tree blog.

Here are pick posts by other geneabloggers this week:

*  Friday Fossicking 23rd June 2017 by Crissouli on the That Moment In Time blog.

*  GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 23 June 2017 by Jill Ball on the GeniAus blog.

*  Friday's Family History Finds by Linda Stufflebean on the Empty Branches on the Family Tree blog.

* Friday Finds 23 June 2017 by Nichelle Barra on the Copper Leaf Genealogy blog.

*  High Fives - June 23, 2017 by Dianne Nolin on the Genealogy: Beyond the BMD blog.

*  Friday Finds: Week 25 - 2017 by Martin Roe Eidhammer on the Norwegian Genealogy and then some blog.

* This Week's Creme de la Creme -- June 24, 2017 by Gail Dever on the Genealogy a la Carte blog. 

*  Saturday Serendipity (June 24, 2017) by John D. Tew on the Filiopietism Prism blog.

Readers are encouraged to go to the blogs listed above and read their articles, and add their blogs to your Favorites, Feedly, another RSS feed, or email if you like what you read. Please make a comment to them also - all bloggers appreciate feedback on what they write.

Did I miss a great genealogy blog post? Tell me! I am currently reading posts from over 1600 genealogy bloggers using Feedly, but I still miss quite a few it seems.

Read past Best of the Genea-Blogs posts here.

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The URL for this post is:  

Copyright (c) 2017, Randall J. Seaver

Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post.  Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest using the icons below.  Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - Which Ancestor Do You Admire the Most?

It's Saturday Night, 

time for more Genealogy Fun!!

For this week's mission (should you decide to accept it), I challenge you to:

1)  The Family History Hound listed 20 Questions about your Ancestor, and I'm going to use some of them in the next few months.  

2)  Please answer the first question - "Which ancestor do you admire the most?"

3)  Write your own blog post, make a comment on this post, or post  your answer on Facebook or Google+.  Please leave a link to your answer in comments on this post.

Here's mine:

I have at least two favorites for this question; for me, the answer is "who overcame their  life hardships and succeeded?"

1)  Isaac Buck (1757-1846) was an illegitimate child - it was written that way in the Southborough town records when he was born and in the Sterling town records when he died.  He served in the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1780 or so as a matross.  He married in 1780 to Patty Phillips and they had 9 children.  He worked his land and in his Pension File it was noted that he had $30 in personal property in 1820.  He is my 4th great-grandfather.  

2)  Isaac Seaver (1823-1901) is my 2nd great-grandfather, and my only Civil War soldier.  His father died when he was two years old, his mother married his uncle Isaac Seaver when he was 9 years old, and he selected his uncle Jeremiah Knowlton Gates to be his guardian at age 14.  He married, first, in 1846 to Juliette Glazier who died in 1847 after the birth of their first child.  He married again in 1851 to Lucretia Smith (who died in 1884) and they had four children, and he married a third wife, Alvina Matilda (Bradley) Lewis in 1888.  Isaac had a Civil War pension as a result of varicose veins, rheumatism, prostate problems, and a carbuncle on his neck;  he worked as a blacksmith in Westminster and Leominster, and in the war effort.  

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The URL for this post is:  http://www.geneamusings.com/2017/06/saturday-night-genealogy-fun-which_24.html

Copyright (c) 2017, Randall J. Seaver

Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post.  Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest using the icons below.  Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.

Surname Saturday -- WALTER (England to colonial America)

It's Surname Saturday, and I'm "counting down" my Ancestral Name List each week.  

I am in the 8th great-grandmothers and I'm  up to Ancestor #1907, who is Safronie WALTER (1643-????) [Note: the earlier great-grandmothers and 8th great-grandfathers have been covered in earlier posts].

My ancestral line back through two generations of this WALTER family line is:

1. Randall J. Seaver (1943-????)

2. Frederick Walton Seaver (1911-1983)
3. Betty Virginia Carringer (1919-2002)

6.  Lyle Lawrence Carringer (1891-1976)
7.  Emily Kemp Auble (1899-1977)

14.  Charles Auble (1849-1916)
15.  Georgianna Kemp (1862-1952)

28.  David Auble (1817-1894)
29.  Sarah G. Knapp (1818-1904)

58.  William Knapp (1775-1856)
59.  Sarah Cutter (1785-1878)

118.  Stephen Cutter (1745-1823)
119.  Tabitha Randolph (1752-1841)

238.  Samuel Fitz Randolph (1730-????)
239.  Martha Gach (1730-????)

476.  Jacob Fitz Randolph (1706-1779)
477.  FNU LNU

952.  Samuel Fitz Randolph (1668-1754)
953.  Mary Jones (1672-1760)

1906.  Jeffery Jones, born about 1635 in New York, United States; died before 31 December 1717 in Elizabeth, Union, New Jersey, United States.  He married about 1662 in Elizabethtown, Union, New Jersey, United States.
1907.  Safronie Walter, born about 1643 in Connecticut, United States.

Children of Jeffery Jones and Safronie Walter are:
*  Edward Jones (1663-1721), married 1677 Lydia LNU (1662-????).
*  Susanna Jones (1666-1739).
*  Abigail Jones (1670-1776, married 1707 Jeremiah bird (1665-1738).
*  Mary Jones (1672-1760), married 1693 Samuel Fitz Randolph (1668-1754).

3814.  John Walter, born about 1620 in England; died about 1710 in Connecticut, United States.  He married about 1640 in Connecticut, United States.
3815.  Patience Wooten, born about 1622 in England; died about 1710 in Connecticut, United States.

Child of John Walter and Patience Wooten is:
*  Safronie Walter (1643-????), married 1662 Jeffery Jones (1635-1717).

I have no reference material - books, periodic als, website - with reliable information about this Walter family from early Connecticut.

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The URL for this post is:  http://www.geneamusings.com/2017/06/surname-saturday-walter-england-to.html

Copyright (c) 2017, Randall J. Seaver

Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post.  Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest using the icons below.  Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.