If you are seeking to either fill in recent data in your research or trying to locate family members lost to you, then FamilySearch has the database for you. Their database “United States Public Records, 1970-2009” is similar, yet different to the Ancestry.com version of public records.
On 15 January 2015, I blogged on the Ancestry.com “U.S. Public Records Index.” It is taken from non-restricted records covers all 50 states from 1950 through 1993. The FamilySearch and Ancestry versions work very well together. The FamilySearch database is free.
The FamilySearch database indexes the names, birth dates, addresses, phone numbers, and possible relatives of individuals from throughout the United States. The sources include telephone directories, property tax assessments, credit applications and other records already easily available to the public.
It is important when using such a database that the information can be obtained with little effort elsewhere. The databases simply bring a variety of public sources into one searchable format. This means you may find the same person listed several times. A good explanation of what constitutes a public record in the United States can be found on the accompanying link to the database “Learn More” which directs you to the FamilySearch Wiki article “United States, Public Records (FamilySearch Historical Records).”
You will be able to track the movements of individuals; making this handy if you are researching living descendants of an ancestor. Where you have to be careful is you find multiple people by the same name. Knowing a specific birth date or year can help considerably. Also be aware one record may include a middle name and another one may not; yet they are for the same person.
If you contact someone through a public records database, that person may raise privacy questions. “How did you find me?” Simply direct them to the database itself and assure them you found them through the use of public records, not private records.
If you would like help with your genealogy needs please call 385-214-0925.
