![]() |
IRISH GENEALOGY Researching Your Irish Roots |
![]() |
The Desert
Shamrock
Arizona’s
Original Irish Newspaper
Volume 9, Number 6, November/December 1998, page 24
RESEARCHING YOUR
IRISH ROOTS
The Mormon
Libraries and Databases
by Robert M. Wilbanks
IV, B.A.
Professional Genealogist & Historian
My last article explained about vital records, a major source in
providing complete names, parents, occupation, dates and places of births,
marriages and deaths, and much more. Now I will discuss a special source which
not only will lead you to vital records, but also to a wealth of other records
and information.
Metropolitan
Phoenix has several of 2000 Family History Centers around the world; part of
the Family History Library in Salt Lake City founded 1894. Keeping with
religious doctrine, the library and its satellite centers are part of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). The general public is
welcome to use the library and centers which are staffed with friendly and
helpful volunteers. Missionaries in many countries microfilm everything from
parish registers to tax lists. The library’s collection of records from around
the world numbers over two million rolls. Films are added at the rate of 4000
rolls per month. The library also has over 200,000 books, with about 400
volumes added monthly. The satellite centers vary in size of their collection,
but have assorted genealogy resource materials, general guides and how-to
books.
However,
here I would like to emphasize one of the most significant sources that all
centers have: their computer system of multiple databases. With the advent of
personal computers the church immediately began to create programs and
databases to help make information more readily available. This has culminated in
the FamilySearch system, several databases with millions of names and
family data – a great way to get a head start on your research.
Most
significant of FamilySearch is the International Genealogical Index
(IGI) which lists over 700 million names of deceased persons from throughout
the world. These names primarily come from vital records of the early 1500s to
1895. Additional names and data have been submitted by members of the LDS
Church from various other public sources.
The
IGI is divided by countries or regions, such as North America or British Isles,
from which you then conduct searches by individual, marriage, or parent. Once
you search for an individual, you can then search for his marriage record
and/or his parents, and from there begin the cycle again. Very quickly you can
go back several generations and obtain a wealth of family data. Sources are
identified, directing you to original records and localities for further
research.
Family
History Library Catalog (FHLC), another database, is a catalog of the
library in Salt Lake City, identifying the available records and resources from
around the world. You can order microfilm and view them at the branch centers.
Search by specific location and then record type, or by family surname for
already published family histories.
Ancestral
File consists of genealogies as submitted by researchers who compiled their
information in a genealogy program and sent it, on diskette, for inclusion into
this database updated regularly. Search by specific name, and information is
displayed by individual, family groups, pedigree charts, or descendants charts,
and includes contributors’ names and addresses.
U.S.
Social Security Death Index alphabetically lists 38 million people who
had social security numbers and whose deaths were reported to the Social
Security Administration. The index mainly covers deaths since 1962, but does
include 1.5 million individuals from 1937 through 1962. It provides birth and
death dates, last place of residence, place where death benefit was sent, state
of residence when obtaining social security number, and the number itself.
Military
Index alphabetically lists all persons who died in Korea and Vietnam from
1950 to 1975. It provides birth and death dates, residence at time of
enlistment, country died in, rank, service number and branch of service, race,
tour of duty, religion, and marital status.
Scottish
Parish Register is a database of births, marriages and some deaths from the
old parish registers of Scotland from the 1500s to 1854. It is a great source
leading to original Scottish records.
Personal
Ancestral File (PAF) is a genealogy program originally created by the LDS
church and is available for sale through the centers for around $40. At the
centers you can use the PAF on FamilySearch, at no cost, to enter your family
data and save it on disk and add information as you progress in your research.
FamilySearch
is not accessible on the Internet, so you must visit local centers. Once you
find information in FamilySearch, it is highly recommended that you search for
the original source when possible so as to verify the information submitted;
human error is still a possibility.
The
Family History Center in Mesa, 41 South Hobson, behind the Arby’s on the corner
of Hobson and Main, is the largest center in the Phoenix area, and in fact the
largest center outside of Utah. It has a collection of 22,000 books, 60,000
microfilm rolls and 50,000 microfiche of records from around the world. A great
place to research, make sure to bring what you already know. If the visit is
your first, a volunteer will give you a personal tour, look over your
information and help you begin your research. Classes on FamilySearch are
offered, as well as on specialized research. Hours are Saturday and Monday 9 AM
to 5 PM, and Tuesday through Friday 9 AM to 9 PM. You can call the Mesa Center
at 964-1200 for information, and for locations of other centers in the Phoenix
Metro area.
This
is the ninth of the series of articles on the basics of searching for your
family history, discussing the use of family records, public records, and
networking nationally and internationally, and other tools of genealogical
research. These previous articles are on my web site at
http://www.robertwilbanks.com. Click on Professional Services then Genealogical
Writings.
DISCLAIMER: This is an important reminder that the above article is provided here exactly as originally written and published several years ago. Therefore, while most of the primary context of the article may still be relevant, please be aware that possibly certain of the information and references may now be outdated, such as individuals and organizations, links, contacts, facilities, etc. Please follow-up accordingly for more updated information.
Home Irish Writings Irish Publications Web Links
This website sponsored by Ancestral Pride: Professional Genealogy Services
Why Should You Consider Genealogy? Click Here to Learn More.
When you are ready to get started, contact us to learn how.
©2013, Robert M. Wilbanks IV, Scottsdale, Arizona
created Nov 15, 2013; last updated Nov 15, 2013