RootsChat.Com
Some Special Interests => One Name Studies => Topic started by: Amy K on Sunday 17 October 04 22:19 BST (UK)
-
What is the best system of recording and sharing info for ONS that other ONSers have found?
I would like to put all the data I have found on my website, but I think a database is abit beyond my current level of ability.
Any other suggestions?
-
Amy
When I was in the guild of One Namee Studies (was also on the executive committee with portfolio for seminars) I had all my info in seperate excell files
1. GRO Births, 2 GRO Marriages, 3. GRO Deaths, 4 Boyds marriage index, 5. etc, etc
These files were so arranged that they could be merged together to form 1 big master file that listed everybody and everything in date order - this was great for finding and following families - every bit of data was entered and the source was also covered.
It was arranged like this:-
1. Ref No - (each person has own reference code)
2. File No - (number in my Family History File)
3. Surname
4. Forename
5. Event (Birth, Marriage, death etc) - if death also included age
6. Spouse - (full name)
7. Mother - (usually forename only)
8. Father - (usually forename only)
9. Date - (of the event)
10. Church - (of event)
11. Town - (of event)
12. County - (of event)
13. Source - where the info came from - 1881 census, GRO Register, etc)
14. Reference - (page or book number)
15. Notes - (anything else you want to add)
This normally covered every bit of information - anything strange was added into notes - was great to sort the data to own requirements
Not every field was filled in with each entry - but that was the basic layout
Hope that helps
Chris in 1066Land
-
Amy
Sorry, I forgot to add:
If you keep the format of each file the same - i.e the same 15 headings; then you can tell excell that when you enter data into one file - it updates the main file at the same time.
Chris in 1066Land
-
Thanks Chris. I'm going to give it a go the way you suggested. I'll let you know How I go on.
-
Amy
Its a long hard slog to start with - entering all the data, but with 'data sort' you can bring up al sorts of lists, i.e - all with same forename, same Church, etc.
Date order helps in sorting out kids after (or before) a marriage.
As you find new bits of info and ancestors, just bung them in, let the database sort where they belong by sorting on date
Have fun
Chris in 1066Land
-
Amy
I agree with all Chris has said, I have my one-name study data on Excel, such a versatile tool.
After the 'long slog' don't forget to back it all up, I know someone who lost umpteen hours of work through not doing so!
It was a real sense of achievement being able to sort the data into such things as parish order, suddenly things began to make sense and family groups etc fitted together.
Enjoy yourself,
Mick
-
What is the best system of recording and sharing info for ONS that other ONSers have found?
I would like to put all the data I have found on my website, but I think a database is abit beyond my current level of ability.
Any other suggestions?
Make sure you also have a paper file with your ONS and not just a database. I do not think excel is too difficult quite easy to get to grips with. Using Excel may get you a good grounding. If you like email me directly or msn messenger me and I will have a chat with you about methods if you would like.
-
Hi
I was just reading this post and noticed the similarity to Chris's reply (#1) and a posting in the Common Room:
"SPREADSHEETS HELP TRACK SURNAMES"
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,31779.0.html
Carli has all of Chris's list plus Census addresses and Maiden names
Also, if I understand Chris right, he has one event per line, whereas Carli includes all details (B,M,D with places) in each line.
Using the Excel filter options, it should be easy/easier to find connections.
Hope this helps,
Bob
-
It's been really interesting, reading about peoples' preferences here. I am struggling with inputting all the data onto Excel. Someone at work told me to use Excel first, THEN possibly export to Access. Confusing! Does anyone have really clear pointers? Sorry to appear dense but I am so keen to get going and don't want to start in the wrong way! ::)
-
Hi Kitschwitch,
Welcome to RootsChat :)
My suggestion would be to use Excel, on the grounds that once you have entered your data (which is the biggest chore) it is fairly easy to transfer it another program, if you decide to change later.
If you want to exchange data later, (all, or part of your spreadsheet), most people have Excel on their computer, but relatively few will have Access.
With all the sort and filter possibilites in Excel, it could be that that's more than enough.
Bob
-
Thank you Bob, I'm going to go along with your suggestion. Makes the best sense! This is a terrific site, only found it yesterday. :)