How can I merge two records?

TinaDubinsky

My granddad (deceased) has two records. When he was young, his name and birthdate were captured on two census records in a way to make it confusing (middle name and 1 year out). I have corrected both records to show the correct birth date and name, and I had hoped this would mark them as duplicate records, but it hasn't.

How can I merge the records?

The incorrect record is LBTJ-HBN.

The correct record is LK7G-H4J.

MNuttall

Hi, @TinaDubinsky

You can merge the two records by ID number:

https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-merge-duplicates-in-family-tree-by-id

DittmerPhilH

Thank you for contacting FamilySearch Support with your question.

If you have two records for the same person, these records can be merged. This is easiest if you already have the ID for both persons, as you do.

First, go to the person page of the record you wish to keep. You can do this by logging in to FamilySearch, going to Family Tree and selecting Find. Select the Find by ID tab and type in the ID of the record you wish to keep (LK7G-H4J).

When you get to his person page, on the right of the window there is a box called Tools. In this box, click on Merge by ID. Then type in the ID of the record you do not wish to keep, the incorrect record (LBTJ-HBN). A page for merging records will then come up, showing one record on one side and the other on the other side. The record on the right will be the one to be retained, the one on the left will be deleted. The first page lets you compare. If you are sure they are the right person and you wish to proceed with the merge, click the Continue button and the next page lets you select any information from the person on the left that you wish to retain and transfer over to the record on the right. When you are finished, click Continue again. Enter a reason for proceeding with the merge and click the appropriate button to finish.

If you ever Merge and realize there was a mistake, you can go to the person page of the record you retained and go to the box for changes on the right of the window. At the bottom, click on the button to show all changes. You should see the merge among recent changes, and can click Undo Merge.

Here is the URL of our Knowledge Article that spells out the Merge process in careful and complete detail.

https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-merge-duplicates-in-family-tree-by-id

We hope it all goes well for you! Thanks again for contacting FamilySearch Support.

TinaDubinsky

Thank you both for your help. Much appreciated. All went well.