Genealogy Chat

LOL No, you're safe cos I'm not doing Yorkshire. Gonna invent a nom-de-plume when I send mine in and then emigrate smartish. Cliff

Hi Cliff I try not to spend too much time on it cos as you say it would take ages to get through the piece. For places I have a bit of a play around with Genie to see if I can come up with anything. On the odd occassion if a name is bugging me, I will sometimes look it up on Ancestry on the census prior or just after the one I'm doing. Hope you're not doing Yorkshire cos I've just volunteered to do some checking! lol Jeanette x

Other transcribers: May I ask if you spend much time researching such things as doubtful places of birth and illegible names? When I started I spent ages on some entries but realised that at the rate I was going I would never complete the part I was transcribing. Now, I give things a 'quick spin' and then, if I can't crack it, flag it for the checker. (Mind you, I feel guilty about the number of flags I am accumulating and suspect I shall be tempted to do some re-checking before submitting it) Cliff

Van Dieman's Land was Abel Tasman's name for Tasmania (Australia). If you goggle 'Vandemans Land' you will see that it has been spelt this way by people on their voyage to NZ/AUS. Michelle

Hi Julie et al., As a general point when I'm tranbscribing such things I tend to transcribe as closely as I can to what it reads (to me) - so if it looks to me like 'Vandemans Land' I write 'Vandemans Land' and tend to leave the interpretation to the mind of the beholder. I think this may be more helpful for an area or family I don't know. Someone actually searching for that family might well even know that there was a small patch of ground known locally as Fandemans Land or they might know that that ancestor really was born in New Zealand - and either way they can do the interpretation. One other obvious tip, which I sure all know, is to get used to the enumerator's writing and compare with words and letters that you do know. And finally MANY THANKS to you and everyone who helps with FeeBMD, FreeCEN etc.

Jeanette and Nell, Many thanks to you both for your help! Jules

Right Julie, in column T put OVB. This code is to be used where the person is stated to be a British Subject or was born in one of the British Empire Countries of the time. I think Australia was at the time! In column U put 'vandemans land'. We have to spell it exactly as it is written on the census. As for Graist Slaterns, is that a place! lol. does it clearly say that? If so, I would type that in column U and then put an x in Column X. This will alert the checker that your not sure of the spelling. I couldn't find anything on Genie that matched.

Hi Jeanette, No, it just says Vandemans Land. While I've got your attention, there is another, it just says 'Graist Salterns?' with the question mark. Many Thanks, Jules Just thought, there is an area of Portsmouth called 'Great Salterns', it must be that, but I wasn't sure if I was allowed to guess?

Hi Julie It sounds like Nell has the right place. Now, what to type! That depends on what is actually written there - can you let me know. Is it just 'vandemans land' or does it say Australia aswell. Does it mention if the person is a British Subject? Jeanette x

Thats certainly a possibility, thanks Nell.

When I read this I immediately thought of Van Dieman's Land, which is in New Zealand or Australia, I think. nell

Hey Guys, I've been transcribing for about a week now but have come across a place name and I don't know what to enter. Under 'where born' the enumerator has written, 'Vandemans Land'??? No County or Country given. I've never heard of this place! (if there is such a place). It is part of the 1861 for Portsea, I live in POrtsmouth and am quite familiar with its areas, but this stumps me! What do I put under heading T & U on my spreadsheet? Many thanks in advance for any help, my co-ordinator is on his hols or I woud contact him. Jules