Friday, October 24, 2025

Added and Updated FamilySearch Record Collections - Week of 18 to 24 October 2025

  Each week, genealogy record collections are added, removed, and/or updated on FamilySearch and listed on the Historical Record Collection list at https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list. In addition, I try to keep track of the number of Full-Text Search collections (indexed, searchable) and the Images collections (browsable but not searchable).

1)  As of 24 October 2025, there are 3,405 historical record collections on FamilySearch (an increase of 0 from last week) on the Signed In screen (and 3,404 on the Signed Out screen).

 The added, deleted, and updated collections this week from FamilySearch (from a list supplied by Marshall Clow):

--- Collections Deleted ---

--- Collections Added ---

--- Collections Updated ---

Australia, Victoria, Wills, Probate and Administration Files, 1841-1926 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2207846); 346,706 indexed records with 3,998,555 record images (was 326,394 records with 3,998,555 images), UPDATED 24-Oct-2025
Belgium, Antwerp, Civil Registration, 1588-1953 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2138481); 1,181,713 indexed records with 3,208,709 record images (was 1,181,709 records with 3,208,709 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Belgium, Hainaut, Civil Registration, 1600-1913 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2138500); 341,661 indexed records with 3,858,982 record images (was 341,656 records with 3,858,982 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Belgium, Namur, Civil Registration, 1800-1912 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2138511); 932,167 indexed records with 372,768 record images (was 932,147 records with 372,768 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, Miscellaneous Records, 1748-1998 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1985805); Browse 2,919,774 Images only, no index (was 0 records with 2,919,774 images), UPDATED 21-Oct-2025

Haiti, Civil Registration, 1794-2018 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1482819); 2,916,733 indexed records with 31,609 record images (was 6,984,222 records with 31,609 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Agrigento, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1820-1865 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2480962); 158,909 indexed records with 1,218,927 record images (was 126,466 records with 1,218,927 images), UPDATED 24-Oct-2025
Italy, Ancona, Ancona, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1862-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2046896); 766,506 indexed records with 2,361,451 record images (was 655,031 records with 2,361,451 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Arcidiocesi di Foggia-Bovino, Church Records, 1573-1910 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000372); 29,908 indexed records with 1,533 record images (was 17,347 records with 744 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Avellino, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1809-1947 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2484771); 401,619 indexed records with 3,099,458 record images (was 389,776 records with 3,099,458 images), UPDATED 24-Oct-2025

Italy, Bari, Bari, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043445); 142,084 indexed records with 1,626,044 record images (was 124,025 records with 1,626,044 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Benevento, Arcidiocesi di Benevento, Catholic Church Records, 1575-1908 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1483010); Browse 1,692 Images only, no index (was 0 records with 1,692 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Bergamo, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1866-1903 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1986789); 1,697,194 indexed records with 2,514,754 record images (was 1,697,121 records with 2,514,754 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Biella, Borriana, Catholic Church Records, 1740-1938 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1477247); 10,165 indexed records with 4,648 record images (was 3,723 records with 4,648 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Biella, Ponderano, Parish of San Lorenzo, Catholic Church Records, 1566-1953 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1482795); 23,745 indexed records with 9,277 record images (was 6,948 records with 4,475 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025

Italy, Bologna, Bologna, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1943 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1947797); 859,877 indexed records with 5,914,917 record images (was 857,564 records with 5,914,917 images), UPDATED 20-Oct-2025
Italy, Brindisi, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1809-1955 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2328379); 1,185,565 indexed records with 820,898 record images (was 1,125,727 records with 789,264 images), UPDATED 17-Oct-2025
Italy, Cagliari, Cagliari, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1934 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043426); 476,350 indexed records with 1,791,108 record images (was 420,267 records with 1,791,108 images), UPDATED 20-Oct-2025
Italy, Campobasso, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1809-1918 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1968528); 1,159,357 indexed records with 2,171,605 record images (was 1,021,322 records with 2,171,605 images), UPDATED 17-Oct-2025
Italy, Caserta, Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043630); 1,337,435 indexed records with 1,097,228 record images (was 1,315,649 records with 1,097,228 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025

Italy, Catania, Arcidiocesi di Catania, Catholic Church Records, 1515-1941 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2013622); 661,022 indexed records with 1,762,909 record images (was 34,583 records with 1,762,909 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Catania, Catania, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043496); 740,833 indexed records with 434,962 record images (was 703,462 records with 434,962 images), UPDATED 20-Oct-2025
Italy, Catania, Diocesi di Acireale, Catholic Church Records, 1560-1950 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2016233); 417,727 indexed records with 283,415 record images (was 46,513 records with 283,415 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Catania, Diocesi di Caltagirone, Catholic Church Records, 1502-1942 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1493344); 573,316 indexed records with 554,541 record images (was 68,350 records with 554,541 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1910 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043789); 73,436 indexed records with 193,658 record images (was 38,120 records with 193,658 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025

Italy, Chieti, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1809-1931 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2419833); 813,698 indexed records with 3,714,370 record images (was 764,538 records with 3,714,370 images), UPDATED 24-Oct-2025
Italy, Como, Como, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043815); 1,224,500 indexed records with 1,475,606 record images (was 1,214,840 records with 1,475,606 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Diocesi di Caltanissetta, Catholic Church Records, 1539-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000377); 229,354 indexed records with 25,673 record images (was 1 records with 200 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Diocesi di Piazza Armerina, Catholic Church Records, 1553-1964 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000379); 730,707 indexed records with 98,831 record images (was 80,993 records with 16,114 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Diocesi di Trapani, Catholic Church Records, 1504-1913 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000375); 122,943 indexed records with 23,734 record images (was 1 records with 45,305 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025

Italy, Florence, Archdiocese of Florence, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Catholic Church Records, 1450-1900 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000378); 254,520 indexed records with 25,621 record images (was 130,743 records with 20,470 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Foggia, Lucera, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1910 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043436); 15,280 indexed records with 706,597 record images (was 6,085 records with 706,597 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Genova, Chiavari, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1941 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1482818); 491,682 indexed records with 650,745 record images (was 405,446 records with 650,745 images), UPDATED 20-Oct-2025
Italy, Grosseto, Diocesi di Grosseto, Catholic Church Records, 1521-1983 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000381); 154,295 indexed records with 83,104 record images (was 43,923 records with 34,579 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Ivrea Diocesi di Ivrea, Catholic Church Records, 1474-1950 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000373); 924,801 indexed records with 172,620 record images (was 27,287 records with 9,673 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025

Italy, L'Aquila, Camarda, Parrocchia di San Giovanni Battista, Catholic Church Records, 1606-1941 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1927832); 7,152 indexed records with 2,116 record images (was 0 records with 2,116 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Lucca, Lucca, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043811); 122,621 indexed records with 1,335,192 record images (was 63,550 records with 1,335,192 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Massa e Carrara, Massa, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043539); 111,416 indexed records with 513,674 record images (was 80,777 records with 513,674 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Matera, Matera, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043814); 220,819 indexed records with 237,814 record images (was 220,819 records with 237,814 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Messina, Patti, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1823-1941 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1946858); 136,791 indexed records with 891,170 record images (was 61,390 records with 891,170 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025

Italy, Milano, Milano, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000032); 1,194,022 indexed records with 452,562 record images (was 1,157,271 records with 420,165 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Modena, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1920-1946 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000266); 68,412 indexed records with 50,597 record images (was 68,110 records with 50,299 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Napoli, Archdiocese of Naples, Catholic Church Records, 1633-1944 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000384); 2,495 indexed records with 675 record images (was 802 records with 202 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Napoli, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1809-1866 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1937990); 3,250,153 indexed records with 12,795,172 record images (was 3,246,113 records with 12,795,172 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Napoli, Melito di Napoli, Civil Registration (Comune), 1809-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1483020); 7,509 indexed records with 15,332 record images (was 6,998 records with 15,332 images), UPDATED 20-Oct-2025

Italy, Napoli, Portici, Civil Registration (Comune), 1809-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2046899); 6,448 indexed records with 48,547 record images (was 390 records with 48,547 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Olbia-Tempio, Tempio Pausania, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1910 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043493); 224,033 indexed records with 125,001 record images (was 195,340 records with 125,001 images), UPDATED 17-Oct-2025
Italy, Oristano, Oristano, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1941 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1947719); 487,175 indexed records with 342,194 record images (was 457,457 records with 342,194 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Padova, Padova, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1871-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1946877); 1,134,177 indexed records with 1,745,536 record images (was 1,105,915 records with 1,745,536 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Palermo, Diocesi di Monreale, Catholic Church Records, 1531-1998 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2046915); 632,000 indexed records with 431,296 record images (was 0 records with 431,296 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025

Italy, Palermo, Palermo, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1910 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2051639); 62,250 indexed records with 557,472 record images (was 56,954 records with 557,472 images), UPDATED 20-Oct-2025
Italy, Palermo, Termini Imerese, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1862-1910 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1947613); 132,859 indexed records with 1,021,654 record images (was 91,600 records with 1,021,654 images), UPDATED 20-Oct-2025
Italy, Pavia, Pavia, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1806-1812, 1866-1935 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043830); 290,024 indexed records with 306,382 record images (was 281,949 records with 306,382 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Pavia, Voghera, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2057676); 6,738 indexed records with 165,651 record images (was 0 records with 165,651 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Perugia, Perugia, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1861-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043831); 13,925 indexed records with 405,632 record images (was 13,925 records with 405,632 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025

Italy, Pisa, Pisa, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1935 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043812); 133,941 indexed records with 618,446 record images (was 123,194 records with 618,446 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Pistoia, Pistoia, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1937 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1493462); 33,668 indexed records with 834,726 record images (was 0 records with 834,726 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Potenza, Archdiocese of Potenza, Catholic Church Records, 1572-1900 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000374); 73,961 indexed records with 5,681 record images (was 1 records with 32,453 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Potenza, Melfi, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1861-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1483052); 270,358 indexed records with 558,203 record images (was 269,215 records with 558,203 images), UPDATED 20-Oct-2025
Italy, Ravenna, Ravenna, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1943 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1947700); 756,168 indexed records with 1,759,182 record images (was 711,433 records with 1,759,182 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025

Italy, Salerno, Vallo della Lucania, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1947713); Browse 113,541 Images only, no index (was 0 records with 113,541 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Italy, Siracusa, Siracusa, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1900-1942 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2110810); 354,875 indexed records with 275,840 record images (was 317,702 records with 275,840 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Teramo, Teramo, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1866-1940 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1947829); 187,804 indexed records with 425,736 record images (was 181,164 records with 425,736 images), UPDATED 20-Oct-2025
Italy, Torino, Diocese of Torino, Catholic Church Records, 1801-1899 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000113); 1,554,558 indexed records with 623,536 record images (was 1,106,628 records with 531,974 images), UPDATED 23-Oct-2025
Italy, Trapani, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1906-1928 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2052404); 286,289 indexed records with 1,371,292 record images (was 286,289 records with 1,371,292 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025

Italy, Treviso, Treviso, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1871-1941 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1947831); 234,533 indexed records with 427,232 record images (was 206,697 records with 427,232 images), UPDATED 20-Oct-2025
Italy, Venezia, Venezia, Civil Registration (Tribunale), 1871-1930 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2043809); 1,078,687 indexed records with 628,744 record images (was 1,059,195 records with 628,744 images), UPDATED 18-Oct-2025
Italy, Vercelli, Archdiocese of Vercelli, Catholic Church Records, 1839-1899 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000274); 237,440 indexed records with 110,547 record images (was 98,637 records with 73,866 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
New Jersey, State Census, 1915 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2061544); 2,785,404 indexed records with 58,660 record images (was 2,785,408 records with 58,660 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
Philippines Civil Registration (National), 1945-1996 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1852584); 5,264,264 indexed records with 20,274,621 record images (was 5,264,264 records with 20,274,621 images), UPDATED 17-Oct-2025

Philippines, Church Census, 1542-1980 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000216); 4,340,954 indexed records with 94,219 record images (was 4,340,954 records with 102,222 images), UPDATED 17-Oct-2025
United States, Census, 1920 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1488411); 107,660,202 indexed records with 2,387,416 record images (was 107,660,213 records with 2,387,416 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
United States, Census, 1930 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1810731); 125,136,411 indexed records with 2,957,015 record images (was 125,136,419 records with 2,957,015 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
United States, Census, 1940 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2000219); 134,774,736 indexed records with 3,841,151 record images (was 134,774,746 records with 3,841,151 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025
United States, GenealogyBank Obituaries, Births, and Marriages, 1980-2015 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2333694); 28,662,315 indexed records with 46,919,022 record images (was 28,662,321 records with 46,919,022 images), UPDATED 22-Oct-2025

--- Collections with new images ---

BillionGraves Index (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2026973); 31,122,746 indexed records with 31,094,605 record images (was 31,122,746 records with 27,529,405 images), last updated 06-Aug-2024
Brazil, Alagoas, Civil Registration, 1876-2023 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/4469403); 1 indexed records with 453,991 record images (was 1 records with 453,988 images), last updated 07-Jun-2024
Brazil, Maranhão, Civil Registration, 1827-2022 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/4469402); 1 indexed records with 905,506 record images (was 1 records with 905,494 images), last updated 07-Jun-2024
England, Cambridge, Parish Registers, 1538-1983 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/3299384); 473,470 indexed records with 33,091 record images (was 473,470 records with 32,730 images), last updated 14-Jun-2024
Italy, Ancona, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1544-1945 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2310701); 200,273 indexed records with 146,744 record images (was 200,273 records with 146,694 images), last updated 12-Aug-2025

Italy, Napoli, Census Records, 1601-1976 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000457); 1,726 indexed records with 104,472 record images (was 1,726 records with 90,613 images), last updated 08-Sep-2025
Italy, Parma, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1626-1921 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/3743481); 16,788 indexed records with 1,502,994 record images (was 16,788 records with 1,502,090 images), last updated 09-Oct-2025
Italy, Siracusa, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1943-1945 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2612833); 992,640 indexed records with 676,965 record images (was 992,640 records with 676,757 images), last updated 08-Sep-2025
Italy, Teramo, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1809-1936 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/3006903); 1,131,865 indexed records with 825,479 record images (was 1,131,865 records with 823,073 images), last updated 02-Oct-2025
Netherlands, Archival Indexes, Population Registers (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2821274); 20,361,614 indexed records with 20,390,976 record images (was 20,361,614 records with 20,339,521 images), last updated 22-Feb-2018

United Kingdom, Outgoing Passenger Lists, 1890-1960 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/4229516); 24,113,045 indexed records with 24,113,045 record images (was 24,113,045 records with 22,011,910 images), last updated 20-Oct-2021
United States, Census, 1950 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/4464515); 157,892,854 indexed records with 52,719,505 record images (was 157,892,854 records with 52,719,409 images), last updated 16-Jun-2024
United States, Civil War Confederate Papers of Citizens or Businesses, 1861-1865 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1937233); 2,040,863 indexed records with 2,040,863 record images (was 2,040,863 records with 1,587,638 images), last updated 26-Sep-2011
United States, Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files, 1861-1934 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1922519); 3,711,529 indexed records with 3,711,529 record images (was 3,711,529 records with 1,969,000 images), last updated 02-May-2013
United States, Revolutionary War Compiled Service Records, 1775-1783 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1849623); 1,997,022 indexed records with 1,997,022 record images (was 1,997,022 records with 1,881,000 images), last updated 15-Sep-2010

West Virginia, Deaths, 1804-1999 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1417434); 2,220,736 indexed records with 1,551,143 record images (was 2,220,736 records with 1,039,588 images), last updated 16-Nov-2023

--- Collections with images removed ---

Colombia, Censuses, 1777-1967 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000123); 323,365 indexed records with 27,088 record images (was 323,365 records with 29,429 images), last updated 29-May-2025
Dominican Republic, Immigration Records, 1925-1999 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000147); 66,487 indexed records with 205,118 record images (was 66,487 records with 205,309 images), last updated 15-Oct-2025
England and Wales, Census, 1911 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1921547); 36,354,828 indexed records with 8,573,328 record images (was 36,354,828 records with 8,573,418 images), last updated 01-Aug-2019
Find a Grave Index (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2221801); 260,518,688 indexed records with 47,301,019 record images (was 260,518,690 records with 131,940,503 images), last updated 18-Sep-2025
Finland, Passport Registers, 1900-1920 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/4139415); 93,189 indexed records with 2,634 record images (was 93,189 records with 2,805 images), last updated 15-Sep-2025

Italy, Cosenza, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1654-1910 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/3005073); 2,366,442 indexed records with 3,304,663 record images (was 2,366,442 records with 3,307,883 images), last updated 24-Apr-2025
Italy, Foggia, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1809-1902 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2821290); 1,578,624 indexed records with 1,150,340 record images (was 1,578,624 records with 1,150,938 images), last updated 08-Sep-2025
Italy, Milano, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1866-1942 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2537277); 1,187,958 indexed records with 1,042,247 record images (was 1,187,958 records with 1,042,250 images), last updated 23-Jun-2025
Italy, Salerno, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1806-1949 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1935404); 1,711,876 indexed records with 4,601,769 record images (was 1,711,876 records with 5,445,172 images), last updated 23-Jun-2025
South Africa, Transvaal, Civil Marriages, 1870-1931 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2727134); 267,269 indexed records with 265,207 record images (was 267,269 records with 265,214 images), last updated 14-Jun-2024

United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000016); 63,700,470 indexed records with 8,654,999 record images (was 63,700,471 records with 61,061,977 images), last updated 12-Feb-2023

--- Collections with new records ---

France, Saône-et-Loire, Military Conscriptions, 1867-1940 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2617739); 244,796 indexed records with 244,795 record images (was 244,795 records with 244,795 images), last updated 22-Apr-2016
Maine, Vital Records, 1670-1921 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1803978); 2,490,400 indexed records with 1,841,454 record images (was 2,480,328 records with 1,841,454 images), last updated 12-Oct-2025

--- Collections with records removed ---

Germany, Marriages, 1558-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1473009); Index only (5,619,071 records), no images (was 5,619,072 records with 0 images), last updated 15-Sep-2025
Minnesota, Birth Index, 1935-2002 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1949334); Index only (4,267,577 records), no images (was 4,267,578 records with 0 images), last updated 06-May-2014
New Jersey, Death Index, 1901-1903; 1916-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2843410); 752,136 indexed records with 5,555 record images (was 752,138 records with 5,555 images), last updated 22-Oct-2024
New Jersey, Reclaim the Records, Geographic Birth Index, 1901-1929 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/4461588); 1,903,329 indexed records with 30,989 record images (was 1,903,333 records with 30,989 images), last updated 12-Jun-2025
United States, GenealogyBank Historical Newspaper Obituaries, 1815-2013 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2860782); 31,807,592 indexed records with 4,918,255 record images (was 31,807,593 records with 4,918,255 images), last updated 13-May-2025

United States, Public Records, 1970-2009 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2199956); Index only (875,601,292 records), no images (was 875,601,351 records with 0 images), last updated 23-Aug-2025
United States, Residence Database, 1970-2024 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/5000290); Index only (413,860,241 records), no images (was 413,860,485 records with 0 images), last updated 22-Jun-2024
United States, Social Security Death Index (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1202535); Index only (93,945,943 records), no images (was 93,945,953 records with 0 images), last updated 17-Mar-2014
United States, World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 (https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1968530); 32,592,791 indexed records with 24,999,338 record images (was 32,592,792 records with 24,999,338 images), last updated 09-Sep-2025

===================================

My friend and SDGS colleague, Marshall, has come up with a way to determine which collections are ADDED, DELETED or UPDATED, and to alphabetize the entries in each category. Thanks to Marshall for helping me out here!

Marshall notes that there are:

  • 0 removed entries
  • 0  added entries 
  • 75 updated entries
  • 27 entries with more or fewer images 
  • 11 entries with more or fewer records

The FamilySearch website says there are 3,405 total entries on the list (after signing in). Marshall's list says there are 3,405 (after signing in).  They are definitely in-sync this week.

2)  There are now 5,853 searchable image collections on FamilySearch Full-Text Search this week, an increase of 756 from last week. There are over 1.562 billion "results" in the collections. It is not possible to see which collections are new.  

3)  There are now 25,608 browsable (but not indexed or transcribed) image collections on FamilySearch Images this week, a decrease of 184 from last week. There are 2,098 from the United States, 7,187 from Europe and 225 from Canada.  It is not possible to see which collections are new. Where did those removed collections go? They probably went to the Full-Text Search collection list.

See previous FamilySearch-related blog posts in   https://www.geneamusings.com/search/label/FamilySearch

==========================================

The URL for this post is:  

Copyright (c) 2025 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 X, Facebook, or Pinterest using the icons below. Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.  Note that all comments are moderated, so they may not be posted immediately.

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Added and Updated Ancestry.com Record Collections - Week of 18 to 24 October 2025

  The following genealogy record collections were added to the Ancestry.com Card Catalog page by Date Updated during the period from 18 to 24 October 2025:

The ADDED and Updated collections include:

=========================================

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

By my count, there are 0 NEW record collections ADDED this past week, per the list above.  There are now 33,874 collections available as of 24 October, an INCREASE of 0 from last week.  

                              ==============================================

Disclosure: I pay for an All-Access subscription from Ancestry.com. In past years, Ancestry.com  provided a complimentary All Access subscription, an autosomal DNA test, material considerations for travel expenses to meetings, and hosted events and meals that I attended in Salt Lake City.

The URL for this post is:  https://www.geneamusings.com/2025/10/added-and-updated-ancestrycom-record_01127565498.html

Copyright (c) 2025, 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, or Pinterest using the icons below. Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com. Please note that all Comments are moderated so they may not appear immediately.

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James Abraham Kemp's Life Memories - An AI-Assisted Memoir

I wrote a genealogical sketch for my 2nd great-grandfather, James Abraham Kemp (1831-1902)  in 52 Ancestors - Week 23: #30, James Abraham Kemp (1831-1902), based on the records found that document his life. There is an AI-assisted biography in ABC Biography of #30 James Abraham Kemp (1831-1902) of Ontario based on the genelaogical sketch. I wondered what he might say in a life memoir to his grandchildren.



(AI ChatGPT4 image of James Kemp's family in 1873)

1)  Based on the genealogical sketch, I requested Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4.5 to create a memoir written by James Abraham Kemp (1831-1902) summarizing his life in 1900.  The prompt was:  "Please write a life memoir for James Abraham Kemp based on the attached genealogical sketch, as he might tell to his grandchildren in 1900."

2)  The AI Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4.5 memoir (lightly edited for accuracy) is:

My Life Story

A Memoir for My Grandchildren

Written by James Abraham Kemp, Delhi, Ontario, 1900

My dear grandchildren,

As I sit here in my home in Delhi Village this autumn of 1900, approaching my seventieth year, your grandmother Melissa has encouraged me to set down the story of my life for you children and those yet to come. The new century approaches, and with it, I suspect, changes beyond what even this old carpenter can imagine. Perhaps in reading these words, you'll better understand the stock from which you come, and find courage for whatever trials the Lord sees fit to send your way.

The Beginning: Prince Edward County

I was born on the 22nd of May, 1831, in Hillier, Prince Edward County, when Upper Canada was still finding its way as a British colony. My father, Abraham Kemp, was born in Upper Canada to Loyalist parents, and was of the Methodist faith and had a determination to farm the good soil along Lake Ontario. My mother, Sarah Fletcher, was a strong woman who needed to be -- for she would bear eleven children before her time came.

I was the fifth child, the middle one you might say, with two older sisters, Waity Catherine and Mary Ann, and two older brothers, Stephen and William Henry ahead of me. After me came John, Peter Evans, Andrew Hait, Sarah Jane, little Charles who we lost when he was only six years old, and finally Wesley, the baby. Growing up in such a large family taught me early that life isn't about getting attention—it's about doing your part, helping where you're needed, and understanding that you're part of something bigger than yourself.

Our farm was modest, and every hand was needed. By the time I was eight or nine, I was doing a man's work alongside Father and my brothers—clearing stumps, planting, harvesting, tending livestock. Those were hard days, children, harder than you can probably imagine. We rose before dawn and worked until dark, with Sunday being our only rest for worship and visiting. But there was goodness in it too—the satisfaction of bringing in a good crop, the warmth of the family gathered around the hearth on winter evenings, Mother's voice as she sang us to sleep.

Loss and Change

When I was about sixteen, tragedy visited our home. Mother died shortly after baby Wesley's birth in 1847. I remember Father sitting at the kitchen table that terrible day, his big farmer's hands covering his face, and us older children trying to comfort the little ones who didn't fully understand that Mother wouldn't be coming back. Sarah Jane was only four, and Wesley just a newborn. How Father managed I'll never fully know, but he did what needed doing, as we all must when life demands it.

Within a few years, Father married Sephrona Goddard Sheltraw, a French-speaking Catholic woman who was kind to us younger ones still at home. By then I was twenty years old, working as a farm laborer, learning what I could about carpentry and joinery alongside the farm work. But I felt the pull to make my own way. With so many Kemp boys coming of age, there wasn't enough land to divide among us all, and I had dreams of establishing myself somewhere fresh.

Striking Out for Norfolk County

In 1855, at age twenty-four, I made the decision that would shape the rest of my life—I left Prince Edward County and traveled west to Norfolk County, settling in the village of Fredericksburg, which folks would later rename Delhi. It was one of the hardest things I'd ever done, leaving family and everything familiar, but Norfolk County was growing fast and needed skilled tradesmen. I had learned enough carpentry to make my way, and the tall forests promised good timber for building.

Those first months tested me. I lived in a boarding house, took whatever carpentry work I could find, and spent many lonely evenings wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake. But gradually I built a reputation for solid, honest work. When a man needed a barn raised or a house built, my name began to be mentioned. The Wesleyan Methodist Church welcomed me, and through church socials and community gatherings, I began to feel that Delhi could truly be home.

Mary Jane and Our Growing Family

It was at a church function that I first met Mary Jane Sovereen, daughter of Alexander and Eliza Sovereen, good people who farmed in Windham Township. Mary Jane had been born right here in Norfolk County on December 29, 1840, and she knew these communities in a way I didn't. She was pretty and kind, with a practical nature that I admired. We courted properly, and on March 10, 1861, we were married in Delhi, with Ridley Teeple standing as witness. I was nearly thirty years old, Mary Jane was twenty-one, and I felt like the most fortunate man in Canada West.

We set up housekeeping in Middleton Township, and the Lord blessed us with children—Sarah Elizabeth in 1862, Seymour in 1864, Melvina Marylis (we called her Minnie) in 1866, Georgianna (we called her Georgia) in 1868, and finally James Alexander in 1872. Those were golden years, children. I was building my trade, we had a healthy family, and Mary Jane made our house a true home. By the 1870s, I'd expanded beyond carpentry into running an inn and tavern in Fredericksburg—Kemp's Hotel, we called it. It was hard work, but profitable.

I remember those evenings when my children were small—Sarah Elizabeth helping her mother with the younger ones, Seymour trying to "help" with my carpentry work, the little girls playing with their corn-husk dolls, and Mary Jane singing as she worked. If I could have frozen time at any moment, it might have been then, with all of us together and healthy, our future seeming bright and certain.

The Darkest Days

But time doesn't freeze, and the Lord's plans are not always what we would choose. On May 20, 1874, my beloved Mary Jane died, leaving me with five children—the oldest, Sarah Elizabeth, only twelve years old, and little James Alexander just two. I cannot adequately describe what those days were like. The grief was so profound that some mornings I couldn't rise from bed, yet five children needed feeding, clothing, and comfort.

Those two years after Mary Jane's death were the hardest of my life. I learned to braid hair, though poorly. I learned to cook simple meals, though nothing like Mary Jane made. I learned that children need more than food and shelter—they need to be held when they cry, to be told stories before bed, to be reassured that even though Mother is gone, someone still loves them fiercely. Sarah Elizabeth, bless her heart, became a little mother to her siblings, giving up much of her own childhood. I depended on her far too much, I know that now.

The community rallied around us—neighbor women brought casseroles, the church provided support, and various kind souls took the children for afternoons to give me respite. But evenings were lonely beyond measure, sitting in a quiet house after the children finally slept, wondering if I was doing right by them, if they'd survive my fumbling attempts at motherhood as well as fatherhood.

Melissa and New Beginnings

In 1876, through mutual friends, I met Melissa Wilson of Bell Ewart Innisfil, in Simcoe County. Melissa was thirty-five, the same age as I was then, the daughter of Alfred Wilson and Martha Pollock. She had never married, had been caring for aging parents, and was a woman of deep faith and practical capability. We corresponded, I visited when I could, and on November 16, 1876, we were married at her family's home. Reverend William McConnell officiated, joining my Methodist tradition with her Baptist faith.

Bringing Melissa home to meet my five children was one of the most anxious moments of my life. Would they accept her? Would she be able to love children who weren't her own? But Melissa was wise and patient. She never tried to replace Mary Jane—she simply began loving my children with quiet consistency. She mended their clothes, listened to their troubles, disciplined them when needed, and gradually won each heart. And then we had more sadness, my son Seymour, a wonderful boy, died at age 13 in 1877.

When our son Alfred Francis Edward was born on February 27, 1880, I watched my older children fuss over their baby brother with such tenderness, and I knew we had truly become a family again. Melissa had healed wounds I couldn't heal alone. She gave me back my life and gave my children the mother they so desperately needed.

Building a Life in Delhi

Through the 1880s and 1890s, I continued my work as carpenter, farmer, and sometimes mechanic—whatever skills were needed to provide for my family. Delhi was growing into a proper town, with brick buildings replacing wooden structures, railways connecting us to larger markets, and new families arriving regularly. I bought property, sold property, and by 1891 was listed as a freeholder on Concession D, Lot 2—a modest holding, but mine free and clear.

The work was good, the community was strong, and my children were growing into fine young people. But with growth came change that sometimes pained me. Sarah Elizabeth went to Chicago and married Andrew John Cropp in 1889. Minnie married James Henry Trembley in 1885 and settled in St. Thomas, Ontario. Georgia went to Chicago with Sarah and married Charles Auble in 1898 in Milwaukee. James Alexander also went to Chicago and married Bertha Anice Fuller in 1892. Only Alfred remained here in Delhi with Melissa and me.

Watching the World Change

My dear grandchildren, I have lived through times of incredible change. When I was born in 1831, most people in Upper Canada lived much as their grandparents had—farming with simple tools, traveling by horse or foot, sending letters that took weeks to arrive. We heated with fireplaces, lit our homes with candles, and thought a trip to the next county was a major undertaking.

By the time I was a young man, railways were beginning to connect our communities. I remember the first time I saw a steam locomotive—it seemed like something from a fairy tale, this massive iron beast breathing smoke and moving faster than any horse. Within my lifetime, the telegraph made instant communication possible across vast distances. Gas lamps replaced candles, then electric lights began appearing. Medical knowledge improved dramatically—women no longer routinely died in childbirth as my mother did, and diseases that killed thousands in my youth now could be treated.

I lived through the creation of Canada itself! In 1867, the separate colonies united into the Dominion of Canada, and suddenly we weren't just residents of Canada West—we were Canadians, part of a nation stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific. I voted in elections for the new Parliament, saw confederation flags raised, and watched as our country found its identity separate from Britain.

The social changes were equally profound. When I was young, most folks expected to live and die within a few miles of their birthplace, following their father's trade. Now your parents think nothing of moving to American cities hundreds of miles away, trying new occupations, creating entirely different lives than their grandparents could have imagined. Young women now have opportunities beyond marriage and motherhood—they can be teachers, nurses, shopkeepers. The world is opening in ways both exciting and sometimes troubling to an old man like me.

Lessons from a Long Life

As I approach seventy years of age, what wisdom can I share with you, my grandchildren? I have lived through tragedy and joy, success and failure, change and continuity. Here is what I've learned:

First, family is everything. All the money I've made, all the buildings I've constructed, all the property I've owned—none of it matters as much as the children I've raised and the love I've shared. When hard times come—and they will come—it's family that sustains you. Honor your parents, cherish your siblings, and never let petty disagreements poison family bonds.

Second, hard work is its own reward. I've been a laborer, carpenter, innkeeper, farmer, and mechanic. Some days the work was backbreaking, frustrating, or frightening. But every skill I learned opened new doors, and every honest day's work built something lasting. Don't be afraid of difficult work, and never think any honest labor is beneath you.

Third, adapt or perish. The world changes whether we like it or not. I could have stayed in Prince Edward County, resenting that there wasn't enough land for all us boys. Instead, I moved to Norfolk County and built a new life. I could have stayed only a carpenter, but I learned innkeeping and other trades. When grief threatened to destroy me after Mary Jane died, I could have given up—but I adapted, survived, and eventually found joy again with Melissa. Life demands flexibility.

Fourth, faith sustains. I've been a Wesleyan Methodist all my life, and my faith has carried me through trials that would have broken me otherwise. When I buried Mary Jane, when young Seymour died at thirteen, when business troubles threatened to ruin me—prayer and church community provided strength I couldn't manufacture on my own. Whatever denomination you follow, children, keep faith in something larger than yourself.

Fifth, love carefully but completely. I've been blessed with two good wives, though I lost the first far too young. Melissa proved that the heart can heal and love again. Choose your partners wisely, treat them with respect and tenderness, and understand that marriage is work—beautiful, worthwhile work, but work nonetheless. Don't expect perfection; expect and practice commitment and kindness.

As the Century Turns

As I write this in 1900, the 19th century is drawing to a close and a new century approaches. What will the 1900s bring? I cannot imagine, but I suspect the pace of change will only accelerate. Perhaps you'll see flying machines, perhaps communication without wires, perhaps medical miracles that eliminate diseases entirely. The world your children inherit will be vastly different from the one I was born into.

But some things won't change. People will still need homes built by skilled hands. Families will still need love and guidance. Communities will still need citizens of character who contribute rather than merely take. The fundamental human experiences—birth, love, work, loss, death—these remain constant regardless of technological marvels.

Your parents, my children, have scattered across this continent seeking opportunity. Sarah Elizabeth, Georgia, and James Alexander in Chicago, and Alfred in Ontario --they've followed dreams to places I'll likely never see. This grieves me, I'll admit, but I understand it. They're doing what I did when I left Prince Edward County for Norfolk County, just on a grander scale. The world is larger now, and ambitious people must go where opportunity calls.

But I hope you'll remember your roots. You come from farmers and carpenters, from people who built with their hands and worked until exhausted every day. You come from survivors—people who endured the death of loved ones, business failures, property disputes, and kept going. You come from people of faith who believed in something beyond themselves. This is your heritage, and it's something to be proud of.

Final Thoughts

I don't know how many more years the Lord will grant me. My hands, which have built so many things, are stiff with age now. My eyes, which once could sight a board perfectly by mere glance, need spectacles for close work. But my mind is still sharp, and my memories are treasures I carry with me daily.

I think often of my mother Sarah, who I lost so young. I think of my father Abraham, who taught me the value of hard work. I think constantly of my Mary Jane, whose early death shaped so much of my life. I think gratefully of Melissa, who restored joy to a broken household. I think of my children, scattered though they are, and pray for their happiness and success. And I think of you, my grandchildren, some of whom I've met and some I may never meet, but all of whom carry my blood and, I hope, some measure of my values.

The new century will bring challenges I cannot foresee. But if you remember who you are and where you come from, if you work honestly and love generously, if you adapt to change while holding fast to core values, if you treat people fairly and build something lasting in your communities—then you'll honor the legacy of all who came before you.

This is my story, imperfect and incomplete as all human stories are. I've tried to live honorably, to provide for those depending on me, to be a good husband, father, and citizen. Whether I've succeeded is not for me to judge. But I've done my best with what I was given, and that, in the end, is all any of us can do.

With love and hope for your futures,

Your grandfather, James Abraham Kemp Delhi, Ontario Autumn, 1900

3) The Google NotebookLM Video discussing James Abraham Kemp's memoir is below: 

4)  I think that these relatively short memoirs are poignant and will be interesting to his descendants, and especially to me. This format provides a different perspective than a biography, doesn't it?  

It is historical fiction,  but many of the historical facts from the genealogical sketch are included and it rings true to me.  These are thoughts and words that James Abraham Kemp might have said or written down late in his lifeif his children and grandchildren had asked him to reminisce.  I hope that they did ask him at some point.  Unfortunately, no stories about his life were passed down to me except for what can be gleaned from the records described in the genealogical sketch.

I will write more of these AI-assisted memoirs or life memories as told by my ancestors as time goes on.  This is great genealogy fun for me!

==============================================

Links to my blog posts about using Artificial Intelligence are on my Randy's AI and Genealogy page.  Links to AI information and articles about Artificial Intelligence in Genealogy by other genealogists are on my AI and Genealogy Compendium page.

Copyright (c) 2025, 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, or Pinterest using the icons below.  Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.  Note that all comments are moderated, so they may not appear immediately.

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Findmypast Friday: Explore Britain's Proud Naval History With Exclusive New Records

  I received this information from Findmypast today:

==================================

220 years on, trace lives shaped by the Battle of Trafalgar like never before.

This week, we're commemorating 220 years since the Battle of Trafalgar with two exclusive new collections: the Battle of Trafalgar Prize Book and new naval records from 1805. Trace Royal Navy history through the people involved in this key battle, from fallen sailors to prize beneficiaries.

Here's everything that we've added this Findmypast Friday.

British Royal Navy, Battle of Trafalgar Prize Book

In partnership with the National Museum of the Royal Navy, we've digitised one of only two surviving copies of the 1805 Trafalgar Prize Book, which contains the names of sailors who received payments after the battle.

If your ancestor was involved in the Battle of Trafalgar, their name may appear within these 17,050 extraordinary new records.

British Royal Navy, Battle of Trafalgar 1805

The Prize Book isn't the only way to trace your family's ties to the Battle of Trafalgar - you can also explore 18,115 naval records within this new collection.

Findmypast Photo Collection

Whether of their classrooms and workplaces or the streets where they grew up, nothing brings your ancestors' stories to life like old photographs. This week, we bolstered our Photo Collection with 300 additional images from across Britain.

Queensland Brands Directories Browse

We also added new Australian records to our collection - our Queensland Brands Directories grew by over 3,000 records, with new additions covering 1920 to 1952.

Browse new specialist titles from across Britain

254,727 pages joined our newspaper collection this week, with six new titles and fifteen updated publications to explore.

New titles:
  • Aston Times, 1886–1895, 1899–1901
  • Illustrograph (Dublin), 1894–1899
  • Irish Golfer, 1899–1900
  • Midland Gazette and Mansfield Times, 1857–1871, 1873–1885
  • Mid-Surrey Gazette, 1878–1879, 1881–1899
  • Sports and Play, 1889, 1891
Updated titles:
  • Bellshill Speaker, 1995–2004
  • Bournemouth Graphic, 1921–1930
  • Buchan Observer and East Aberdeenshire Advertiser, 1986
  • Daily Review (Edinburgh), 1861, 1865, 1868, 1885
  • Dundee Weekly News, 1989, 1991
  • Forfar Dispatch, 1995–2004
  • Helensburgh News, 1887–1891
  • Home News for India, China and the Colonies, 1881–1889
  • Irish Church Advocate, 1886–1889, 1891
  • Kilsyth Chronicle, 1938–1943, 1946–1947, 1949–1950, 1994–2004
  • Kirkintilloch Herald, 1995–2004
  • Musselburgh News, 1989, 1994–2004
  • Pudsey & Stanningley News, 1986–2004
  • Stornoway Gazette and West Coast Advertiser, 1995–2004
  • Wigan Evening Post, 1991, 1995–1996, 1998–1999
More on this topic:   english records      photographs

==================================

See all of my posts about Findmypast at https://www.geneamusings.com/search/label/FindMyPast

Disclosure: I have a complimentary subscription to Findmypast, and have accepted meals and services from Findmypast, as a Findmypast Ambassador. This has not affected my objectivity relative to Findmypast and its products.

The URL for this post is:  https://www.geneamusings.com/2025/10/findmypast-friday-explore-britains.html

Copyright (c) 2025, 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, or Pinterest using the icons below. Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com. Note that all comments are moderated, and may not appear immediately.

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Thursday, October 23, 2025

Happy Birthday To Me - Four Score and Two

In a blatant display of self-love, I composed a short summary of my life to date. I then asked my erstwhile, ubiquitous and eloquent AI assistant Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4.5 to create a tribute to my longevity and, ahem, accomplishments.  

Here is the result - perhaps you recognize the cadence and theme:

Eighty-Two Years: A Life Remembered

Four score and two years ago, in National City, California, our forebears brought forth a new life, conceived in the promise of post-war America, and dedicated to the proposition that through knowledge and dedication, one might serve both family and profession with equal devotion.

Now we are met to reflect upon that life's great journey. We have come to recognize the path walked from San Diego's schools—from Brooklyn through Roosevelt and San Diego High, unto San Diego State—where in 1966 the foundations of aerospace engineering knowledge were firmly laid. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should mark this passage.

But, in a larger sense, we cannot fully measure -- we cannot adequately express -- the worth of thirty-five years devoted to the science of flight. The talented engineers and designers who labored at Rohr Corporation, on nacelles, fluid dynamics, thrust reversers, airloads and thermodynamics, have consecrated their work far beyond our power to enumerate. The world takes little note of individual calculations and tests, but it can never forget what they together achieved in advancing human flight.

From the shores of San Diego to the cities of Seattle, Cincinnati, Hartford, and Baltimore; from London, Belfast and Derby to Paris, Toulouse, LeHavre, and Berlin; even unto Moscow—the work required presence across continents. The devotion to that task measured not in miles traveled, but in problems solved and leadership given.

It is rather for us to remember that alongside this professional devotion stood another calling: fifty-five years of marriage to Linda, the raising of daughters Lori and Tami, the blessing of five grandchildren. That we, the witnesses, take from this life renewed dedication to what matters most -- that family and community, represented by fifty-five years in Chula Vista and faithful Presbyterian service, form the foundation upon which all else rests.

From 1960 the radio waves beckoned—distant signals captured and studied, propagation patterns recorded and shared. Then, from 1988 forward, the deeper signals of ancestry called forth: centuries of records examined, proof standards upheld, and knowledge shared through Genea-Musings since 2006. These pursuits of knowledge -- whether electromagnetic or genealogical -- spring from the same devoted spirit.

We hereby highly resolve that this life shall not have gone unmarked—that this example of dedication to craft, devotion to family, and passion for discovery shall inspire us to similar purpose—and that a life well-lived, measuring eighty-two years this day, shall continue on and have our enduring gratitude and remembrance.

=====================================

I may never have a eulogy as eloquent as this one - a better man than I wrote a similar brief in 1863 for a much more important reason.

At worst, one of my grandchildren or friends at a loss for words at my memorial service can deliver it with a change of only one word (I hope). I just noticed it doesn't mention my name - perhaps my eulogists will after the first paragraph.

                        ============================================

Copyright (c) 2025, 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, or Pinterest using the icons below.  Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.  Please note that all comments are moderated, and may not appear immediately.

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Added and Updated MyHeritage Record Collections - 17 to 23 October 2025

   The following Record Collections were ADDED or Updated in the MyHeritage Collections Catalog during the week of 17 to 23 October 2025:

                                       =========================== 

There is 1 ADDED record collections in the list this past week, and MyHeritage now has a total of  7,503 record collections (an increase of 1 collection from last week), with 36,669,020,429  records or entries (an increase of about 2 million entries  from last week).   

The number of entries in the family tree collections were last updated thirteen weeks ago.

See previous Genea-Musings posts about MyHeritage record collections and features in https://www.geneamusings.com/search/label/MyHeritage.com.

                          =========================================

Disclosure: I receive a complimentary subscription to MyHeritage, and have received other material consideration in past years. I uploaded my autosomal DNA raw data to their DNA product. This does not affect my objective analysis of MyHeritage products. I am a paid subscriber to Family Tree Webinars and love it.

The URL for this post is: https://www.geneamusings.com/2025/10/added-and-updated-myheritage-record_0851158866.html

Copyright (c) 2025, 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 X, Facebook, or Pinterest using the icons below. Or contact me by email at randy.seaver@gmail.com.  Note that all comments are moderated, so they may not appear immediately.

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