SURNAME SEARCH (EXACT PHRASE)

In the Surname box, you can search by typing a surname, a partial surname, or a combination of words in the exact order, including punctuation marks and spaces, in which they appear in the database. For example, if you are looking for the surname Smith, typing the name Smith in the surname box will return all records that begin with the name Smith (if the name Smith is not found at the beginning of the record, such as a maiden name, the record will not be displayed). 

When searching the databases, remember that the individual entries generally start with a person's last name. If the initial search returns a large number of entries, you can type another word to search through just those entries or you can add a punctuation mark, a space, and/or the first letter of another word to narrow the search. For example, if you are looking for John Smith, typing Smith will return a large number of entries, whereas typing Smith, J will return all the Smiths whose first names begin with "J" (and some other combinations within the entries where "Smith, J" appears). To narrow the search still further, you can type Smith, John to return all the entries that contain that combination, including the comma and space.  The "Reset" button clears any changes you have made since your previous search.

While searching, note that in cases where an unidentified individual's death was noted in the newspapers or an unidentified or indecipherable gravestone was found in a cemetery, the word "unknown" is included in the entry.

KEYWORD SEARCHING

Broaden your searches by using the Keyword search box.  You can search for keywords within the databases by typing a complete word, a partial word, or a combination of words separated by spaces (punctuation marks are not necessary in keyword searches). For example, if you are looking for John Smith, typing "Smith John" will return all the entries that contain the words "Smith" and "John".   Or you can broaden your search further by selecting the [Any keywords] radio button to find all entries containing "Smith" or "John".

If the initial search returns a large number of entries, you can type an additional keyword to search through just those entries.  The search can be further narrowed by excluding a word or words from the search results by entering the text in the Exclude box. 

USING WILDCARDS IN SEARCHES

Almost everyone has at one time played a game, such as poker, that uses wildcards.  If you hear the dealer say, "Deuces are wild!" you know that the cards having the number two printed on the face can be substituted for any other card in the deck.

Database searches can also utilize wildcards.  When you enter search terms, you can use wildcards to narrow or widen your search of existing records.  The search utility will recognize two wildcard characters: the question mark(?) and the asterisk (*).  (Note that the database will also recognize the conventional database wildcards.  An underscore is the equivalent of the question mark and the percent symbol is the equivalent of the asterisk.)

The question mark (?) represents any single character.  Since variations on spellings have been incorporated in the database (such as Smith, Schmitt, and Schmidt or Katherine, Catherine, and Kathryn), wildcards can be useful in finding different spellings .   For example the following keyword would find all entries containing Schmitt and Schmidt:  Schmi?t

Another tip for searching: Even if your family spells a surname with an ending 'S,' that doesn't mean you shouldn't also look under the singular version, and vice-versa. (PERKINS, PERKIN); therefore, the following search term displays all records with the name PERKINS or PERKIN: PERKIN? 

The asterisk represents any string of characters.  For example, CH* would show all records with names or other words starting with "CH".    The asterisk (*) can be useful for finding different suffixes on a base surname.  Silent letters such as 'E' and 'Y," which may alternate over time with the spelling of a particular surname, may also be checked. 

However, you should be aware that using *CH will not return only those records with words that end in CH.  In fact, because the asterisk (*) can represent more than a single letter, you would see all records that contained  "CH" anywhere within the record.

Once you have gotten the hang of using wildcards, you will be on your way to successfully refining the scope of your searches.

Notices: Disclaimer and Restriction of Liability
Send mail to webmaster@burlingtonhistory.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Burlington Historical Society
Last modified: 04/25/07