Nina,
With regards to names, the name I use in the primary name fields is the name
the person used themselves (or most likely used). This is will probably be
in their native language. If variations appear in other documents then I
record them as AKAs. I have NY dutch ancestors and from documents and
signatures I've seen they mainly used dutch. However, in official government
papers, some directories and other accounts like local historys the names
have often been anglicised. Johanne has become John, Hendrick - Henry, or in
Latin. The anglicised or latin version goes in my AKA fields.
I've found Mary H. Slawson's book "Getting It Right" (isbn 1-57008-887-X
(pbk) invaluable getting advice when stuck on how to record something.
Regards
Chris
----- Original Message -----
From: SKL 1750
To: LegacyUserGroup@legacyfamilytree.com
Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 10:01 AM
Subject: [LegacyUG] signatures & names
Hello everyone,
I have a few questions and would love to hear your suggestions:
1. When researching various records - marriage certificates, court papers,
etc. - I would like to capture the fact that the person has signed the
document (as an indicator for literacy). Does anyone of you capture this
information and how do you think it's best done.
I guess I should create an event but I'm not sure how to name it or how word
it: "[HeShe] signed the document"... or "the document is signed by [Name]".
2. Also how is best to capture veriations of the name - for example, the
person is recorded on the document as THIJS, but he has signed THYS
(presuming he's literate). So far, I'm just added both as AKAs with the
details of where the version appears and by whom. In that case, who do you
think know better - the official (who often seem to make a complete hash of
even simple name) or the person? I can relate to the last one, because my
first name is spelled HRISTINA, without C in front, and very often people
just don't listen to me.... ;)
3. What do you consider the official name esp. in 17th and 18th century? I'm
researching Belgium and of course in a short period of 30 years, I can have
the same person with a Latin name (Birth certificate; say "Petrus" or
"Joannes"), then French (for the Marriage, "Pierre" or "Jean") and then
Dutch (for the death certificate, "Pieter" or "Jan")... All those are
technically official because they were recorded by the authorities.
Any thoughts?
thanks!
nina
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