Adventures in FamilySearch Indexing - Week 17

I was getting a late start in doing my FamilySearch Indexing today. When I went into the program this message greeted me.

From Headquarters
Subject: Gratitude and Encouragement
Date: 16 Nov 2007

TO ALL INDEXERS AND ARBITRATORS:

You have almost completed the 1900 U.S. Federal Census. Thank you so much for all of your persistence and determination. You have done a fantastic job!

As we finish that project, we are releasing many others. We would really appreciate your help with two high-priority projects that are available right now. They are the 1871 Canadian Census and West Virginia Vital Records. These projects have some challenging aspects, and we remind you to carefully read and follow the project-specific and field-help instructions.

The document images for the 1871 Canadian Census may be difficult to read. Prayerfully approach this task, and do your best. Do not spend too much time. If you cannot read a record or a part of a record, it is not wrong to mark it as unreadable.

There are multiple record types in the West Virginia Vital Records project. Your batch might consist of birth, marriage, or death records. Because these records are so varied, form entry is the only format that can be used to index them.

Again, we appreciate each one of you. This work could not be accomplished without your enthusiasm and dedication. Keep up the great work!

I was happy to see that we have almost completed the 1900 U.S. Federal Census. I have been one of the lucky ones with my New York being one of the first completed. What I wasn't thrilled about was see that the high priority batches for Canada and West Virgina were going to take brain power. I just didn't have extra brain power after training full time all week.

I determined that I would index what I felt comfortable with and that was the 1850 U.S Federal Census for Vermont. The first batch had that elegant, fancy handwriting that is so difficult to follow. I just did the best I could with it. I hoped and hoped my next batch wouldn't be from the same census taker.

At first glance my second batch seemed to be a curse. It was so faded and washed out. I was beginning to think I was cursed for not working the high priority batches. As I started on the first record I realized that I could read it. It was all washed out but my eyes just knew what it was. I had to type really fast. It seemed like someone was just reading it out loud and I was taking dictations. That was a really neat experience. I guess I needed to stick with my Vermont after all. When it came time to have the quality check I realized I was looking at the record at 50% and not my normal 75% magnification. It was much more readable at 100% but I know I had some added help while transcribing those records while viewing it at 50%.

I have really been blessed these past two weeks with health I have not experienced in the nearly 7 years since my accident and illness. I guess when you undertake to do things with a righteous intent you will be given added blessings.

I've have a few readers tell me they are praying for me and I know with those prayers and my family I will get through the next four weeks of full time training. In the mean time I keep to my schedule and do what I am able. Thank goodness that includes FamilySearch Indexing and my genealogy. It is possible to accomplish things when you take it one step at a time. The habit I developed to index on Sundays has been really helpful.

Today I indexed 2 batches for a total of 84 individuals indexed and a grand total of 1,678 to date. It's been 17 weeks and I can see myself reaching 2,000 names indexed - maybe in time for Christmas. YIPEE!!!

See ya tomorrow, for tomorrow is always another genealogy day!