How can I have errors in obituary records corrected?
As an example: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XM4G-3YD4?lang=en&cid=fs_copy
This Obituary has indexed info including event places and people's names, sex, etc. and some are wrong. In this example, Otsego is stated in the obit as the birthdate and is falsely labeled as Otsego, West Virginia. It should be Otsego, Michigan. The publication is in Michigan so they don't re-specify the state for places in Michigan, only places outside, such as Lebanon, Oregon.
I've noticed other obit records with this same error.
Also, I don't think sex should be assigned on assumption. The list of relatives includes at least 2 errors, stating male for (names removed) . I know because I am (name removed) (female) and (Name removed) is my cousin's wife.
Answers
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To correct errors in obituary records, you can follow these steps:
- GenealogyBank Obituaries: If the Edit button is active, you can edit the record directly. If it is gray, the record is not yet correctable. Check back later as the Edit button may become available.
- Find a Grave: You can correct data errors on the Find a Grave website. FamilySearch will receive the correction during the next update, which usually takes three to six months.
- BillionGraves Index: Corrections can be made directly on the BillionGraves.com website, and FamilySearch will receive the updates during the next data refresh.
- Partially-Editable Record Collections: If you find transcription errors, you can submit corrections by following the guidelines provided on the FamilySearch website. This includes entering the correct data and selecting a reason for the change.
- Family Tree Corrections: You can also correct or delete inaccurate information in the Other Information section of Family Tree by navigating to the individual’s page and using the edit options available there.
Sources:
How to fix errors in United States GenealogyBank ObituariesCan I correct records on Find a Grave?Can I make corrections to the BillionGraves index?How do I correct transcription errors in partially-editable record collections?How do I correct Other Information in Family Tree?
Let me know if this helps!
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@Bethany2270 Thanks, I learned a few things.
For the record linked above, the Edit button is grayed out. When clicked it states:
Edit Unavailable. Sorry, you need special authorization to edit this record.
Who has authorization? And how should the correction request be sent?
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@nbcouling You can edit this obituary from this screen: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHJ-C77K-L914-V?view=index&personArk=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AXM4G-3YD4&lang=en&groupId=
Click on any person and use edit tools to change or delete any information. For directions on how to get to this page see this thread: Obituary
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Thanks @SerraNola
It seems like this question gets asked a lot. Could these directions be added to the "Guidance and Learning" section?
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What is the "Guidance and Learning" section?
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The section has several links and is located at the bottom of every page on FamilySearch. Here is one of the links:
https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/learning-center/
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The record for Regina Ludke (should be Ludtke) is correct except that a person named Chas. is indicated as her father, and that she was born in New York. In fact, Regina Zank Ludtke was born in Germany and Chas. Howland was not her father. How can this be corrected? [email removed]
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Mod note: Your post was edited to maintain the privacy of a living person. Please see the Community Code of Conduct.
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@Louise M. Lynch I detached the incorrect death record of Regina Ludtke whose father was Chas Howland from the Regina Zank 9JBF-6YS (born in Germany) who was married to Godfrey Ludtke 9JBF-6TV. You will need to correct/change the Death and Burial information and add parents if possible.
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