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Archiver > APG > 2002-09 > 1032177446


From: "Richard A. Pence" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Indexing Females
Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2002 07:57:26 -0400
References: <000f01c25d2d$869ad240$38e9fea9@oemcomputer>


NATHAN MATHEWS <> wrote:

> As editor of the Georgia Genealogical Society Quarterly for the
> last 4 years, I've also wrestled with this tricky indexing problem.
> I don't claim to have "the answer". However, why is it necessary
> to include all surnames on one line in the index?

> For example, if my ancestor, Molcy Hester Spivey
> Townsend, is to be adequately indexed, why not
> avoid the use of parenthesis altogether and make three
> separate entries for her. This would lead the
> reader to the appropriate text. She would appears as:
>
> Molcy Hester..........85
> Molcy Spivey..........85
> MolcyTownsend.....85
>
> I would appreciate your thoughts. Nathan Mathews

The answer to your question probably lies in the scope of the work being
indexed. If you are indexing one issue (or one year) of your Quarterly, it
may be enough to make the two entries you suggest.

However, let's take the case of a family history, such as the one I am
working on. Last time I checked, the index alone ran more than 65 pages
(three columns per page in 8 point type). There will be several pages, for
example, of women named Elizabeth Pence. Since the purpose of the index
should be - as several have pointed out - make it as easy as possible for
the reader to find the person he or she is looking for, whatever "modifiers"
you can include will be helpful.

I have already indexed with the maiden name of those who married into the
Pence family with their maiden names in parentheses and, based on the good
suggestion here, am considering going back and putting the married names of
the Pence women in brackets. (A monumental job at this point, but perhaps
necessary. And, I suppose, if I **really** wanted to be helpful I could add
the year of birth to each name!)

Regards,
Richard A. Pence, Fairfax, VA
Pence Family History <http://www.pipeline.com/~richardpence/






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