name headings
In this project (Boston Tax Records) some documents have headings of Surnames followed by given names of mutlitple persons with that surname. Sometimes there is a Surname with no surnames noted. In the referenced example the name Powell has no reference of any kind attached to it. My sense is to ignore since it appears to be just a heading that is not connected to a person. Is this correct? Thank you. Here is the link.
https://www.familysearch.org/indexing/batch/4a0225bf-1518-485d-b5c4-a13402019097
Answers
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I struggled with this as well. There are no indicators to show that this surname belongs to the list of given names under it. No ditto marks.
In the field instructions (for surname field) it states:
A surname may have been written once for multiple individuals. Index the surname for all names listed under the surname until a new surname is indicated.
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The PI also states to index each unique name, so I would index Powell and leave the Given Name blank.
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Even though there is no other information to index on Powell, we would follow the PI, What to Remember, bullet point 3, which says:
Index each unique name.
This would be considered a unique name.
Also, under the PI, What to Look for While Reviewing, the first bullet point says:
Index all names except those listed in the "Owner" or "Remarks" columns, or names of companies or trusts.
Thankfully, researchers will be able to see the entire image when the project is published so can make their own determination at that time.
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