CRAWFORD-L Archives

From: Wanda R Tracy< >
Subject: REGARDING "BLOOPERS"
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 10:57:02 +0000

Due to the response of my post regarding "bloopers" in the "Texas 1840-49
Census Records" I thought to try to present a little more info on the
statement. However, if this book is in your Public Library or if you can
get it as an Interlibrary loaner, I think it would be worthwhile to read
the entire book.

Mr. Ronald Vern Jackson, compiler of the book states in part "These
"bloopers" are nothing more than unintended mistakes, cultural phonics
and a host of spelling disabilities". He further indicates how some
names are spelled according to cultural spellings: Smith, Smythe,
Schmith, Smithee, etc.
Phonic spellings example: Fisher, Phisher, Psfister, Phfister, FFisher,
etc.
Reduction in the use of letters as Hana for Hannah, etc.
Use of nicknames for names. Bess or Beth for Elizabeth
Religious orders such as Davis, Rev. for Rev. Davis

Sometimes when famlies were not at home, neighbors were asked rather
than the census taker return, and thus get the wrong info from neighbors.

Census takers often wrote hastly without double-checking on their work.

Hopefully this will give you a few ideas why it is so hard for us
sometimes to find our ancestors. We have to be "mind- readers" or us
guess work when doing our research. And this is only a portion of the
good info in the book. Read it, you will like it!.

Wanda


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• REGARDING "BLOOPERS" by Wanda R Tracy< >