Delete a duplicate name

docscholl55 · January 6

Hope you can help.

In my family tree, I've entered a name with birthdate but the death date is unknown.

Someone else entered the same name (same family) with a one-year difference birth date as well as a "Death" but no date provided.

How do I delete this second entry?

Thank you!

Brett . · January 6

@docscholl55

FYI

Welcome to the "Community.FamilySearch" Forum.

I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...

Just in passing ...

Short Answer: 'No', you will NOT be able to "Delete" that "Duplicate"; But, you can "Merge"/"Combine" them.

Here are some "Knowledge Articles" in 'FamilySearch':

How do I decide if two records in Family Tree are about the same person?

https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-decide-if-two-records-in-family-tree-are-about-the-same-person

How do I merge possible duplicates in Family Tree?

https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-merge-possible-duplicates-in-family-tree

How do I merge duplicates in Family Tree by ID?

https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-merge-duplicates-in-family-tree-by-id

I hope, that this may help/assist, somewhat.

Good Luck.

Brett

docscholl55 · January 6

I tried to "Merge"/"Combine" them but it would not work due to the fact that the duplicate lists the person as being deceased and my original person is listed as being alive (there is no hard evidence that the person is dead or alive).

Brett . · January 6

@docscholl55

FYI

Then, in that case ...

You have two (x2) options:

[ 1 ]

In the spirit of "Collaboration", send a 'Message', through "User Messaging" of 'FamilySearch', to the User/Patron, who created the "Deceased" version of the individual/person, suggesting what to have just advised, that "... there is no hard evidence that the person is dead or alive ..."; and, requesting, that they "Change" the 'Status', of their "Deceased" version of the individual/person, from "Deceased", to "Living".

That way, provided that the other User/Patron agrees; and, does as you request; then, the individual/person concerned, will DISAPPEAR from "Public" view; and, into the "Private Spaces", of that User/Patron, who created them.

OR,

[ 2 ]

IF, you consider, that there is ANY chance, that the individual/person concerned may STILL be "Living"; THEN,

YOU can, just go ahead; and, "Change" the 'Status', of the "Deceased" version of the individual/person concerned, from "Deceased", to "Living" - by "Editing" the "Death" Record, to "Living"; and, providing a "Reason Statement".

This way, the work may get done quicker; especially, if the other User/Patron takes some time to reply (if ever); as, sometimes, you DO NOT get ANY response (or, action).

Now ...

That Said ...

IF, you decide to take Option 2; THEN, please be aware, that:

(1) The "Change" is NOT immediate; as, it must be investigated and considered.

(2) When you "Change" the 'Status', from "Deceased", to "Living", the matter goes to 'FamilySearch' "Support", for consideration (and, investigation).

(3) 'FamilySearch' "Support" investigates; and, if, 'FamilySearch' "Support" agrees with you; and, ratifies your "Change"; then, that "Change" of 'Status', from "Deceased", to "Living", will be upheld; and, implemented/actioned.

(4) When that "Change" of 'Status', from "Deceased", to "Living", has been upheld; and, implemented/actioned; then, the individual/person concerned, will DISAPPEAR from "Public" view; and, into the "Private Spaces", of that User/Patron, who created them.

As an aside ...

The work by 'FamilySearch' "Support", on the matter, may take a day or two, depending upon, their work load, so do not get too concerned by any slight delay.

Whereas, if, 'FamilySearch' "Support" DOES NOT agree with you; then, 'FamilySearch' "Support" will most likely advise you, with their Reason(s) - eg. "Death" discovered/identified.

The choice is yours ...

[ Personally ... IF, you were concerned; THEN, I would humbly suggest/recommend ... Option 2 ... ]

[ As ... IF, you want; THEN, you could always 'Message' the OTHER User/Patron, AFTER the event ... ]

Now ...

All That Said ...

Just in case ...

Here are some "Knowledge Articles", in 'FamilySearch':

In the spirit of "Collaboration" ...

How do I use FamilySearch Messages?

https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-use-familysearch-messages

OR ...

How do I change the status from deceased to living in Family Tree?

https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-change-the-status-from-deceased-to-living-in-family-tree

I hope, that this may also help/assist, somewhat.