How to truly merge two records, not just choose which record is better?
I have a deceased relative who has two records
Record 1) Weak personal information, some attached sources, but good list children records
Record 2) Better personal information, some attached sources, but attached, wife , parents and good sibling records
So, how could they be merged instead of choosing the best?
thank you,
Dean
Best Answer
-
The process Brett points out is a "true merge process" and is not just for choosing the better record.
In the merge process you can and will combine information from both previous records.
0
Answers
-
Dean
Welcome to the "Community.FamilySearch" Forum.
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
Just in passing ..
Your Question: So, how could they be merged instead of choosing the best?
Short Answer: SIMPLE, you choose, the individual/person, that you WANT to "Survive"; &, then, "Merge"/"Combine".
Really, you HAVE to, in fact, MUST, "Chose"; WHICH, of the two individuals/persons, of a "Merge"/"Combine", is to "Survive".
But ...
That Said ...
You are STILL "Creating", a NEWLY (ie. "Merged"/Combined") individual/person; and, just REUSING, the EXISTING 'FamilySearch Person Identifier' (PID), of the "Surviving" individual/person.
OTHERWISE ...
The "System", would be UNNECESSARILY having to create/use, a NEW 'FamilySearch Person Identifiers' (PIDs), for each and every "Merge"/"Combine" - and, that would be WASTEFUL.
As, 'FamilySearch', states:
"Merging is a complex process in which you decide if two people are the same person. If they are, you choose which information should be kept. Please take the time necessary to carefully review each possible duplicate."
So ...
That Said ...
Just choose one to "Survive"; preferably, the one that has been in the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch', the longest (ie. the "Oldest" Record ... ).
AND ...
IF, they are BOTH, the same "Vintage" (ie. "Old" Records - ie. pre.2012); THEN, usually, preferably, the one, that was "Created", by a User/Patron; as opposed to, just 'FamilySearch'.
Just my thoughts.
I hope, that this may help/assist, somewhat.
Brett
0 -
You have received some great instruction from Brett and Dennis, however, you may want to carefully review the two following knowledge articles which are shared below and which are found in our Help Center.
To access the Help Center at any time, click the icon [circle with the question mark], then click the Help Center link. Type a phrase about what you wish to learn about in the search bar and your results should include links to articles that might provide you with the instruction you need.
I believe these two articles explain how to decide which record to place in the primary position so that it can be saved, and then how to move any valuable information from the record that will be deleted into the record that will remain. This is what constitutes a "true merge" so that the surviving record contains the most correct and complete information from both records.
Thank you for your great question! Merging duplicate records is an important goal in the FamilySearch Family Tree which is a shared World-wide Tree that is designed to have only one record for each person. The merging process helps us to remove unneeded duplication while combining as much detailed information as possible when many people are related to the same common ancestor.
1
