DORSET-L Archives

Archiver > DORSET > 2002-11 > 1036418044


From: Helen Jones <>
Subject: [DOR] Getting the best out fo the list
Date: Mon, 04 Nov 2002 13:54:04 +0000


Just some general advice about posting messages, especially for the benefit
of newcomers:

Always include as much of the following information as you can:

Give a clear subject line - eg the surname you are researching, parish and
date.

Include forenames and maiden names. Many names which are rare in the rest
of the world are locally common to Dorset.

Include dates you are interested eg give birth or marriage dates, estimates
if necessary, but at least an indication of which century you arr
researching. A look up in the the 1881 census will not be of any use if
you are searching for someone born 1700. A rough indication of age is very
helpful for census look up requests too.

Include parishes - there are over 300 of these and most records are held by
parish. If asking for help we do need to know either the parish, or failing
that, the area of Dorset you are researching in. There are whole county
indexes for the 1851, 1881 and 1891 census returns, but not for anything else.

Include a list of resources already checked eg 1881 census index. This
saves duplication of effort and time wasting.

Before you ask for help, do check that you cannot obtain the material
elsewhere yourself. You will find it hard to progress in your research
without buying some birth and death certificates, for example. You can
search the 1881 and 1901 census indexes on line yourself. There is no-one
on the list who is able to do your research for you, obtain certificates,
visit record offices etc - if this is what you need, you will need to hire
a professional researcher.

Remember that the list is not a look up exchange and that look ups in the
SDFHS 1851 census index, the LDS 1881 census index and the SDFHS/Dorset FHS
1891 census indexes can only be carried out for a single named individual
only. You can search the 1881 census index on line yourself now too. Look
ups in any other indexed/published CDs and similar sources are not
permitted for copyright reasons. The idea of the list is mutual help
using material gathered in the course of personal research.


Happy Hunting
Helen

Helen Jones, Weymouth, Dorset
Listowner - Dorset List and Dorset Life List
For homepage with Dorset information see:
http://www.melcombe.freeserve.co.uk
I use Archive CD Books to help with my research
http://www.archivecdbooks.org

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