US, Massachusetts—Boston Tax Records, 1822–1918 [Part L] [M3KH-CRT]

HCoutts

Hello,

I'm indexing these records. In quite a few of the images the first line has surname then a given name, the next line, immediately underneath has a given name only. There may be several more lines underneath that, with given names only. Sometimes a given name may be repeated on the line below.

How do I index this information? E.g. Do I index the first line only and ignore the lines below where there is only a given name?

Any advice appreciated.

Hamish.

Melissa S Himes

On records like these, often the scribe will only write the surname once. So, you can index that surname until another one appears.

You should index each unique name per the project instructions. So, you would index all the unique names:

Connelly John

Connelley, <blank>

Connolley Thomas

Connolly Thomas

Connolly Thomas F

Connolly Timothy

Connolly Timothy W

and so on.

• Index each unique name. Some names may be duplicated. When names are exact duplicates, index only the first instance of the name listed. Skip the other exact duplicates and then index the next unique name. When the middle initials or the given names or surnames are spelled differently, please index these unique names.

HCoutts

Thanks Melissa,

To check my understanding:

If the first line is "Connelly, John", I will index it.

If the second line is "<blank>, Thomas", do I index it? If so, do I assume the surname is Connelly or do I leave the surname as blank and index only the given name? Exact duplicates on following lines will be skipped.

Sorry if I seem a bit dim. 🙂

Regards,

Hamish.

Melissa S Himes

I went down the column and indexed the first few as they would be done.

You would index Connelly, John, Then you would index the surname that says "See Connelley" with a blank for the given name. (Some would say that isn't necessary, but, it is a unique surname on the image.) The goal is to get the researcher to the image via a search!

Then you would assume the surname for the remainder and index that surname with the unique given names. The middle initial makes a name unique - like Surname: Connolly Given Name: Thomas F

HCoutts

Thanks Melissa,

Very helpful. 😊

Hamish.

Mike Roarty

Similar question, but sometimes there is a box for the surname and sometimes it skips the "blank" or "line" for the surname completely and only allows me to index the given name.

Melissa S Himes

If you are indexing these types of records, usually the surname will be the same until the next surname is recorded.

It is best to share the batch code (the letters and numbers in brackets after the title) before you submit the batch. This way you can get the best answer.