If two event dates are given on one image, which one should you follow?

Barney, Tyson John

So basically, I was indexing "US, Missouri—Naturalization Records, 1843–1991 [Part E][M3FC-VMQ]" when I came across something confusing. So, the first image and second image are the same other than the fact that there's another page in image 1 sitting on top of the one in both images. These have different dates, so because they're in the same image with different event dates, I don't know which event date to choose.

Olive Emerson

You choose the most recent date unless otherwise indicated. This is the most common answer.

Melissa S Himes

The instruction is to index the most recent as it relates to the naturalization process. It sounds like you might have had images with overlays which would have different instructions. Unfortunately, it seems that you might have already submitted the batch. But, if you get another like this, you probably should ask again.

Mirevo

@Barney, Tyson John

For future reference as this batch has been submitted: The document on top of another document is called Overlay. In the general Indexing Guidelines there is a link for overlays.

Overlays

Occasionally you will come across an image that is partially covered by another document on top of it, referred to as an overlay. When this occurs, do the following:

• If the overlay contains information about a record type being indexed in the project, create a separate record, and index the information in the corresponding fields. If it does not pertain to the record type being indexed in the project, then do not index any information from it.
• Do not try to index any information underneath the overlay that may be visible.

The overlay in image 1 is a Declaration of Intention. In the project instructions on What to Index there is an example image on How to Index a Declaration of Intention the date to be indexed is at the bottom of the record. (Subscribed and sworn...6 Sept 1922)

The record on image 2 is a Petition for Naturalization: on What to Index there is an example image on How to Index a Petition for Naturalization; the date to be indexed is also the bottom of the record. (Subscribed and sworn...31 Dec 1924)

Hope this help answer your question.

Barney, Tyson John

Got it, thanks!

Barney, Tyson John

I've already had a similar answer, but thanks anyway! I have submitted the batch, but luckily, I did put in the most recent date.

Melissa S Himes

Similar, but, I am concerned about the "there's another page in image 1 sitting on top of the one in both image". That might change a lot!

Barney, Tyson John

Got it, thanks!