Blocked record sections

M435

Dear,

I am looking through South African burial records and I have noticed that in quite a few cases, where the name is stated as "child of (surname)", the age has been blocked out. I would like to understand what the reason for that is and if there is a way to unblock it. It would greatly help me with my research.

With kind regards,

Mark van Grol

Mike357

@M435, you raise an interesting question. From the South Africa, Cape Province, Cemetery Records collection, that the linked film you referenced, is part of; the cause of death is redacted for all instances. I find no comment in the associated Wiki article (below) or elsewhere that addresses the redaction of age.

https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/South_Africa%2C_Cape_Province%2C_Cemetery_Records_-_FamilySearch_Historical_Records

As you suggest, the redaction only seems to occur in the case of children with no given name, except "child of ... ;" however, this is not universal. I found, on image 121, and others, instances where the ages were not redacted. As suggested by the lack of a given name, I found that the ages were in the range of only a few days.

So, with such inconsistent results (i.e. lack of consistency in redacting "child of ..." children) and no further statement of explanation, I am at a loss to suggest a reason for the redaction.

As far as your research is concerned, I believe that you would be safe in assuming that the age of death for these children will be only a few days.

As to unblocking, No, there is no way to unblock the redactions; it is likely a condition of FamilySearch's ability to publish the record.

Brett .

@M435

Mark

Welcome to the "Community.FamilySearch" Forum.

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

Just in passing ...

So that, we may better, be able to help/assist ...

Can you please provide the Link/URL (or, "Collection", in 'FamilySearch'), for the "Records", to which you refer.

[ ie. Example, of the matter ... ]

It would certainly make it easier, if the "Records", could be 'seen'/'viewed'.

'Thank You', in advance.

Brett

M435

Dear Brett,

Here is a URL of an example of the record: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVY-F41D?cc=2790463&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AQP7Y-P7HN. As you can see the age of the People with a name as "child of (Surname)" are blacked out.

Kind regards,

Mark

Brett .

@M435

Mark

O.K., right ...

That, helps/assists, a lot.

Just in passing ...

And ...

Just thinking out aloud, here ...

Perhaps, that WAS, a REQUIREMENT, of the "Record Custodian", from whom the "Record", was obtained.

ie. Part of the "Contractual Agreement/Arrangement", between, 'FamilySearch'; and, the "Record Custodian".

Like it or not ...

"Record Custodians", decide; and, dictate, what, CAN; &, CANNOT, be done, by 'FamilySearch', with their Records.

'FamilySearch', MUST honour/follow, the requirements/dictates, of the "Record Custodian".

Just my thoughts.

I know, that this certainly may/does not help/assist; but, I hope, that this may provide you with, some additional, insight; and, perspective.

Brett

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