I think the search is broken...

retgijane

I have a long drawn out Word Document to show the problem. Too far off to just be the person I'm searching for... I hate creating duplicates, so I try very hard to find the people before adding or even trying to add someone.

I don't think it can be better explained than looking at my actual searches.

Broken Search.docx

I hope this works for you to see it, but if not, my search started out as:

Herman Stuart Foldren

Spouse: Sammie Anna Wilkes

Most of the results were Coldren/Caldren

remove spouse and add b. and d. dates

1899, 1984

results: Koltrmann/Coltrin/Coltrain

UGH!!!!!!!!!

CDBurk

@retgijane

From your screen shot I understand your concern not to be with using the Search function in FamilySearch, but with using the Find feature that is part of the Family Tree program.

The Family Tree software does try to help you find existing records, and many times, these records have slightly different information. Sometimes the possible match is obviously the same person such as what I see in the screen shot your provided about Bruce Monroe Folden, but often when using the Add Person feature, the system will not find a probable match and you are invited to create a new record.

The process of using the Find feature is similar, however, those searches often generate many, many suggestions that are based upon bits and pieces of the information you entered, therefore they can be confusing and very wrong. This is disheartening. The following knowledge article discusses some suggestions about how to make your search for deceased ancestors using the Find feature a little more productive. I hope it will be helpful.

https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-can-i-find-a-deceased-person-in-family-tree

Keep in mind that you can often limit incorrect suggestions by checking the box next to a specifc field to create exact searches instead of general searches.

Because this question is actually about looking for ancestors in Family Tree, I will move the discussion to the Family Tree category in the Community so that it can be viewed by others who wish to provide comments about what works well for them, or who may have a similar concern.