Q. There are many different spellings of my ancestor’s name in the documentation and research I have collected. Nearly every document has a slightly different spelling. How do I choose which spelling to use?
A. This happens often especially for ancestors born prior to 1900. Spelling wasn’t as important as it was in the 1900s. Interestingly, we have now entered a time where spelling has again become less important with younger generations.
When choosing a spelling that you will list as your primary I wouldn’t rely on the census, because these were often done with the speed in mind and not accuracy. The census documents probably have the highest rate of error.
My general rule is that I choose the name that was recorded on the gravestone. I mean it is carved in stone! Marriage Records are my second choice since the ancestor was standing there either writing their name or telling the officiant how to spell their name. Death Certificates are my 3rd choice, however, make note of the informant. If the informant was a spouse in the prime of their life, this is a good choice. If the informant was a close family member this is probably also a reliable source, too. If the informant on the death certificate was a facility or a doctor, then this isn’t a good source. Remember to look at all the evidence and use your best judgment!
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