I have always wondered about obvious misspellings of names from records such as the census. I transcribe records myself if an image is available because some of the transcriptions I've found online are incorrect and completely destroy the spelling of names. Should we include the misspellings as an AKA even if our interpretation differs from that of software or human transcriptions? In the case of typewritten records, it is obvious to list the name as written even if it is known to be misspelled.
I always include all AKA's because it could be important in finding new records, but I am hesitant to include those that were transcribed wrong if an image clearly shows a different spelling. I have to take into consideration, especially with the census records, that many misspellings could be attributed to the census taker and/or family member could not read or write or didn't know how to spell their own name. Bill Boswell From: Michele/Support [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2014 9:07 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [LegacyUG] When to use AKAs This is really a personal preference thing but I will tell you that I record ALL akas that I find in the records. In your census example, I would record each one and I would use the specific census as the source for each AKA. That way I can easily see how his name was recorded and where it was recorded that way. Michele Technical Support [email protected] www.LegacyFamilyTree.com From: Ed Ladendorf [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2014 6:58 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [LegacyUG] When to use AKAs A direct line ancestor, Heinrich Ladendorf, has been found listed as Henry Lander in the 1860 census. He has also been found listed as H Ladendorff (an extra "F"), Henry Landenderf, etc. on different sources. There are several other variations. Would you list every spelling you find, or just the ones where it is obvious they should be listed, i.e. Henry Lander or Henry Landenderf? Would you also do the same for those who are not direct line? Thanks for any direction. I'm trying to get it right this time. Ed Legacy User Group guidelines: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp Archived messages after Nov. 21 2009: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Archived messages from old mail server - before Nov. 21 2009: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Online technical support: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Help.asp Follow Legacy on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/LegacyFamilyTree) and on our blog (http://news.LegacyFamilyTree.com). To unsubscribe: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/LegacyLists.asp
