Family History and Indexing

Voting

Saturday, April 7, 2012

March Statisticts - 1940 Census Update

Happy Easter


March 2012 OKC Stake Indexing Statistics
81,662 Names Indexed and Arbitrated  

 What each Ward and Branch accomplished: 
Ward                             Indexed                    Arbitrated
Clinton                          641                               140
Edmond First               716                             2618
Edmond Second           460                             6614
OKC Fifth                 2618                          12745
OKC First                   4028                           6307
OKC Fourth Branch    4767                           6559
OKC Third                  3435                         10067
OKC University             671
Quail Creek                  4765                          1156
Village Ward                1597                 
Woodward Branch       3719                          4306   

The Stake Youth are Indexing
 Meeting the Challenge of the Young Women and Young Men Leaders to do 50 names a week. This is how they are doing their first month:

WARD            TOTAL # NAMES INDEXED IN MARCH
Clinton                                    42
Edmond First                        308
OKC Fifth                             319
OKC First                            2567
OKC Fourth Branch              136
Village Ward                         359
      If you can help a youth to learn how to index the 1940 census records that would be great. They have so much to offer and I know that the Stake Youth Leaders have faith in them to meet the challenge. I believe the top youth  indexers will be given the chance to be the first ones on the bus to Nauvoo, getting to choose their seats before the others board.  
Some Youth Leaders  have gotten together with talented Ward members to offer some nice incentives and to make it more challenging. For instance, a free hair cut, a big candy bar,  or a chance to make your own leather belt, drawing upon the adult members of the Ward who have special talents that they are willing to  share.
Wednesday nights the Family History Center  is open so that the youth, or any members, can come and get help with indexing or preparing names to take to the Nauvoo Temple. The Family History Center is available other nights if you call and make an appointment. You will find the phone numbers on the bulletin board across from the FHC. Learn how to prepare your family names from the convenience  of your own home.

 1940 CENSUS UPDATE

The 1940 Census records became available on April 2 and we began indexing and arbitrating the first five states that were released. As of today, Friday April 6th, there are now 14 states available to index. 
These include, Delaware ( which is 95% finished) Kansas, Oregon, Colorado, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Alabama, Minnesota, New Hampshire, California and Pennsylvania.  To learn more about this indexing program go to the following hot link to see a very short video and get more information about the census:   the1940census.com  
Check out the new links on the right side of this blog page to see more about the FamilySearch webpage on the 1940 Census records.



Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Salt Lake City Temple Taken from the roof of the Conference Center Aug 2011

General Conference Week-end
March 31st - April 1st
 
1940 US Census Project begins in 5 days
Join the historic national service project to index and preserve the records of the "greatest generation". Are you or your parents to be found in this census record project? These records will become available to indexers on April 2, 2012 and it would be nice to see all of the Oklahoma City Stake Indexers working on this project.
 
Things to remember as you the index 1940 Census
 
  • When you index the residence fields, you should correct misspellings and expand abbreviations,  If you can do so accurately.
  • If "Same House," Same Place," or "Rural"  was recorded in any of the residence fields, type just what you see in the City or Town of Residence and mark the county ad state residence fields BLANK ( Ctrl B). That means the person lived in the same house or same place since 1935. It does not mean that every one is living in the same house on that page.
  • If the household number field was left blank on the census form and the census taker recorded a new street address in column 2, mark the household number as blank; do not copy the household number from the previous household. 
  • If a relationship was recorded as "Wife-H" in column 8, do not index the -H; just type Wife in the relationship field.
  • If you see roman numerals used for a title or term (such as "V" for 5th), use the lookup list to index the correct roman numeral in this field.
  • Do not expand names that have been abbreviated, such as Wm to William.Type what you see.
  • If you are unsure whether a name is a given or a surname index it in the given name field.
The Data Entry area is set to 40 records. Some pages have less than 40 records so since all entry lines (40) have to be accounted for you must mark blank lines using Ctrl +Shift+B , or click the "Mark the record Blank" icon at the top of your data entry area. Record the blank lines where they occur, not all at the bottom.
 
To Try your hand at a practice batch download a "Simulation Batch" when you are in the Indexing Program. Only do one batch as they are for practice only and you may notice that they are all the same. 
 
 
 

 
 

Sunday, February 5, 2012

January 2012 Stake Indexing Statistics




Stake Indexing Statistics
  106,806 in January !!

Ward Statistics:  Names indexed &  arbitrated
Clinton                             725
Edmond First                 4243 
Edmond Second             3794
OKC Fifth                     14429  
OKC First                     37479
OKC Third                    27796
University                         823
Quail Creek                    8221
Village Ward                  1886
Woodward                       5934

 

What a great start for the new year and our goal of 2 million names for this year. We have already seen an increase in the number of youth who have accepted the challenge of doing 50 names a week. Based upon the fact that we have 377 youth in our Stake if they each  did 50 names a week, or 200 a month, it would be possible for them to do almost1 million names by themselves. Thus increasing our goal to 2 million names. (Earlier estimates were a little higher, my mistake)
I believe that the youth can out-do the current indexers, and I challenge them to do so. Let's all help them learn to love Family History work and indexing. They already have the skills and knowledge with the Technology.

Stake Indexing Awards Dinner

Saturday night, January 28th we held the Awards Dinner at the Stake Center, to honor those who were on the Top Ten Indexing list. We all enjoyed the great family history stories told by our Stake President and a fine meal. I would like to thank the youth who came to help in the kitchen and Sister Eve Hughey who helped with the preparations  and clean-up. A fun evening was enjoyed by all, and we missed those who could not make it that night. When I get a photo of the group with their awards I will post it for you to see.
Those who were also on the Top Twenty List were mailed Certificates of Appreciation for their indexing/arbitration efforts. Thanks goes to everyone who indexed this past year. Each and every name is important and we thank you all for a job well done.




In 2011 as a Stake, we earned the honor of being  the 3rd highest indexing Stake in a 34 Stake area. This area includes North Texas, Southwest Missouri, Eastern Arkansas and Okahoma , as reported by Brother Kirk Hathaway, our area Family History Adviser. Let's be number one  in 2012!!


1940 U S INDEXING PROJECT
Family Search is preparing to roll out the 1940 census records and they are looking for 100,000 additional indexers for this project. They expect that 132 million records will be indexed by the end of 2012, but that depends on how many volunteers work on them.  As I recall we lost some indexers this summer when we finished the 1930 US Census project. Hopefully those people will rejoin the effort to do this new 1940 census project. The release of the 1940 census will be available sometime after April 2. Since these records will be released by the National Archives and Records Administration in the form  of free digital images they will be ready to index. 
Most indexers will love these records because their grandparents or parents names will be on them. There are tens of millions of people still alive today who were living in 1940. You can find out more about the 1940 US Census by going online at FamilySearch.org/1940census  or waiting till April 2nd and start indexing. 

2012 Ice Cream Social Goals
I haven't had time to calculate what the number needed for each Ward/Branch would be to win an Ice Cream Social this year. If you remember we are asking for 125% more than last year. I promise to have those numbers next time I update this page.



Sunday, January 8, 2012

2011 Stake Indexing Statistics

courtesy of Laura  L Henry - SLC Temple

805,264 
(corrected for Woodward School Census Project )
Total names indexed and arbitrated in 2011
by the OKC Stake Members

Many many thank- you's are sent to each and every indexer in our STAKE. You all deserve a big round of applause and the choicest blessings for your hard work this past year. We appreciate all.

ICE CREAM SOCIALS

We are continuing to have our ice cream socials for the Wards that won in 2011.
Last Friday evening we held a social at the Surrey Hills Building for the OKC 5th Ward. Sister Mcintosh  did a wonderful job preparing the Cultural Hall for the event. Approximately 85 people showed up and the honored guest was Sister Scabby who did an amazing job inspiring people in her Ward to begin indexing.  We appreciate all of those in the 5th Ward who are indexing. In fact the number one indexer in the Stake comes from that Ward.
I was sorry that I forgot to take my camera. Everyone enjoyed the ice cream and fellowship. President Baclawski was able to attend and made it extra special for all.

This coming Friday night, 13th Jan,  we are going to have the ice cream social for the Quail Creek Ward  at the Stake Center at 7 pm. April Garwood is helping with the set up and did a fantastic job coordinating the efforts in her Ward in September so that the Ward accomplished their goal of doing over 31,198 names. Great Job and team effort!

Edmond 2nd Ward's Ice Cream social is still pending, just  waiting on a good date for all.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL GOAL FOR 2012  
 It has been decided that each Ward or Branch will have to do 125% more names this year, than their highest month in 2011. So if you did 10,000 names to win in 2011 you will have to do 12500 names in 2012.  The goal for each Ward/Branch will be posted later on this blog. This reflects the new goal for the Stake. 
NEW STAKE GOAL FOR 2012

1,000,000 
names indexed and/or arbitrated 
I know we can do it!!

TOP TEN AWARDS DINNER
Will be held at the Stake Center on
Saturday, 28th January, 6:00 pm
Invitations will be in the mail this week, also watch your email.

OKC INDEXING TOP TWENTY LIST
          NAME                                      WARD/BRANCH              TOTAL
  1. MARY BUTTS                           OKC 5TH                         94,603
  2. TAMARA WINDHOLZ             WOODWARD                 77025
  3.  GARY HOWEL                         EDMOND 2ND               69936
  4. GENE BUSHMAN                     OKC 3RD                        59286
  5. LONIE SEAGRAVES                 OKC 1ST                        49595
  6.  JESSIE CRAWFORD                EDMOND 1ST                45864
  7. JUDY MCGRAW                       EDMOND 1ST                36308
  8.  EVELYN AQUINO                   OKC 1ST                        36098
  9. BOBBY GILLILAND                 CLINTON                       21391
  10. COREENA GILLILAND            CLINTON                       20489
  11. COLETTE DATIN                      QUAIL CREEK               18165
  12. CHARLES HOWELL                  QUAIL CREEK              17670
  13. LOIS GILBERT                           OKC 1ST                        15375
  14. SHIRLEY CORRIGAN               OKC 3RD                       15251
  15. MELISSA CONNELLY              OKC 1ST                       14951 
  16. TOM CONNELLY                      OKC 1ST                       12026
  17. NORA MUZINGO                      QUAIL CREEK              11898
  18. LOREEN SCABBY                      OKC 5TH                      11437 
  19. BARRY PETERSON                    OKC 1ST                       11322 
  20. LAURA SEBOURN                     VILLAGE                       10281
(all statistics were taken from the end of the 2011 year Ward Individual Statistic report, generated by the Church Indexing Program) Please know that we appreciate every indexer in our Stake, no matter how many names you were able to do. Each name is so important to the Lord's Work in his Holy Temple.
If you have not had a chance to go to http://www.familysearch.org  and put in a name of your ancestor, then please take the time to try it. You will be amazed at all of the records that are now available for the World to search for free. I have a personal success story that I will share with all at a later date, It is truly wonderful and easy.
  
 

Sunday, December 11, 2011

November Statistics

The Christmas Season is here. Let us not forget
the reason.

November Stake Indexing Statistics
Below I have listed each Ward in our Stake and the total number of 
names that were indexed and arbitrated for the month.
THIS WAS OUR SECOND BEST MONTH OF THE YEAR !!
Thank you to all who are serving the Lord through the Indexing Program.

November Stake Total  
94,989

   
      Ward                      total number in November
  • Clinton                         1317
  • Edmond First            4455
  • Edmond Second     14180
  • Okc Fifth                 33621     super job !!
  • Okc First                 13482
  • Okc Third                9489
  • Okc Fourth               428
  • Okc University         260
  • Quail Creek            3718
  • Village                        819                         
  • Woodward            13653  fantastic              
Woodward Special Project
  The Woodward Branch is participating  in a special partner indexing project called the Woodward School Census. They get credit for all of their indexing and arbitration in that project since it is sponsored by Familysearch. So far only two people from the Branch are indexing and only their work was counted. But there are about 8 nonmembers who are also indexing that special project.  Good job and we are proud of you for helping your community with this project and teaching your friends to index. 
 
Top Ten List 
I have not yet calculated the list for November. Plans are to put that list on this blog this week. We still have the rest of December to calculate and you may still make the list. Don't forget that our Awards Dinner is set of January 28th with President Graves at the Stake Center.  
 
Problems with Location names in UK 1871 Census? 
 
Check out the link on the top right side of this page for a connection to the Familysearch Wiki. 



 

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Thanks For Giving to the Indexing Program

 Give Thanks
   
November has arrived and it is almost Thanksgiving day. I am so thankful for my opportunity to serve the Lord through the Indexing Program and Temple Service for those who are unable to do their own work.

A BIG THANKS TO THOSE 
Who are currently indexing in our Stake. A Special Thanks to those who
were able to attend the Arbitrators and Ward Indexing Specialist meeting
this past Saturday.
I appreciate your support and enthusiastic input for the work.

676,734
names indexed and arbitrated as of 19 Nov 2011
Great Work Everyone! Thank you

October Ward Statistics
  Ward                                              total names indexed & arbitrated
Clinton Ward                                                                             845
Edmond First Ward                                                                  4013
Edmond Second Ward                                                           13,816
Oklahoma City Fifth Ward                                                      12,325 
Oklahoma City First Ward                                                      17,089
Oklahoma City Third Ward                                                       6,239 
Oklahoma City University Ward                                                   154
Quail Creek Ward                                                                     3,508
Village Ward                                                                             1,193
Woodward Branch                                                                    8,552

 Congratulations to the Following Wards Who Won 
An Ice Cream Social since September :)

Quail Creek Ward and  OKC Fifth Ward
Great Work and we are choosing a date to come
and enjoy some ice cream with you, probably after the New year
(Edmond Second Ward we haven't forgotten your Ice Cream Social, you will be hearing from us soon to schedule a date.)
News you have been waiting to hear!

Top Ten
Awards Dinner with the Presidency
Plans are made for January 28th at the Stake Building for the Top Ten Indexers and their spouse or a friend. You will receive your invitation after the first of the year when the Top Ten Announcement is made.

Who is in the running for the TOP TEN:
As of October 31st, 2011. In order of # of names indexed and arbitrated for the year.
You still have November and December to make it  
Gary Howell               over 53,000
Gene Bushman           over 45,000
Jessie Crawford          over 44,000
Tamara Windholz        over 40,000      
Lonie Seagraves          over 39,000
Mary Butts                  over 34,000
Judy McGraw              over 30,000
Evelyn Aquino             over 27,000
Coreena Gilliland         over 19,900
Bobby Gilliland            over 19,700   
Colette Datin                over 17,300
Lois Gilbert                  over 15,400
Melissa Conley             over 14,900
Shirley Corrigan           over,13,600
Tom Conley                 over 12,000
Nora Muzingo              over 11,700
Barry Peterson             over 11,300
Loreen Scabby             over 11,200
Laura Sebourn              over 10,100
Kathrine Burton           over    9,100  
               

Sunday, September 11, 2011

AUGUST INDEXING STATISTICS

Stake Indexing for August
The indexing numbers for August are in and as a Stake we indexed and arbitrated 37,719 names.
Our cummulative total is now up to 490,247 names which would be great for our old goal, but remeber that the goal was raised to 750,000 names by November 1, 2011. That means we have 259,253 names to go by that date, just 1 1/2 months left.
The total per Ward is listed below:
Clinton                     733
Edmond 1st             4831
Edmond 2nd            7178
OKC 5th                  5441
OKC 1st                  3711
OKC 3rd            3509
University Ward          75
Quail Creek             4028
Village Ward             273
Woodward              7447       
 
Dinner with the Stake President
There has been a lot of interest and questions about how many names will it take to become one of the TOP TEN Indexers in the Stake and be able to have dinner with the Stake President later this year. Well I decided to post the names of the top 20 indexers as of 11 September 2011. They are listed in the order of the number of names they have indexed and or arbitrated so far this year. As to not make anyone feel uncomfortable about what they are able to do, I will not list the number  of names that got them on the list. But I will give you a range that they fall in. If you would like to know what your total is so far this year please call me or email me and I will be happy to tell you. Remember that you can still get on the TOP TEN LIST. I will update this list each month and you have till December 31st to acheive this goal.
 
The TOP 20 Indexers are:)) ( in order of their standing on 11 Sep)
 
Jessie Crawford   - Edmond 1st             High Range = 42,000
Gene Bushman     - OKC 3rd
Lonie Seagraves   - OKC 1st
Tamara Windholz  - WoodWard
Gary Howell           - Edmond 2nd
Judy McGraw          - Edmond 1st
Bobby Gilliland       - Clinton
Coreena Gilliland    - Clinton
Evelyn Kelley Aquino - OKC 1st
Mary Butts                  - OKC 5th           Low Range = 17,200
___________________________________________________________
Melissa Connelly        - OKC 1st            High Range   = 14,500
Lois Gilbert                 - OKC 1st
Colette Datin              - Quail Creek
Tom Connelly             - OKC 1st
Shirley Corrigan         - OKC 3rd
Barry Peterson           - OKC 1st
Nora Muzingo             - Quail Creek
Laura Sebourn            - Village 
Kathrine Burton          - OKC1st
Loreen Scabby            - OKC 5th                         Low Range = 7,600
 
Please remember that we appreciate the work that you do even if your name is not on this list. By dedicating your time and talent to indexing on a consistant basis you will see your indexing and arbitration numbers climb. We thank you for all that you do, whenever you can do it. Keep up the good work. I know that those people that are having their records added to the computer database at Family Searhc, must surely be excited to know that someone will be able to find their names and hopefully do the Temple work they require.