Spain, Naval Museum Archive, Military Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Spain

What is in This Collection?
These are military records for nobility enlisted in the Navy of Spain. Nobility status was required in order to be admitted into the navy. The records consist of application files proving nobility status and purity of blood. These records are housed at the Archivo del Museo Naval in Madrid, Spain.

Collection Content
The information in each record varies by year.

Nobility Records
Proofs of nobility may include the following:
 * Name of principal noble
 * His ancestry as far back as required by law to prove such nobility
 * Immediate family members living and deceased
 * His residence
 * His titles and recognitions
 * Titles and recognitions of noble blood ancestors.

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How Do I Search the Collection?
Look at each image or record comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several records and compare the information about the individuals listed to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind there may be more than one person in the records with the same name and you will want to look carefully at dates, places and relations to identify your ancestor from another person. You also may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name if they were known by a nickname or changed their name from the original birth record name. Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life and may be listed in records with any of those variations.

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How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
Once you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These records are often brief so it can be easy to confuse individuals. Compare what information is given with what you already know about your ancestor to make sure it is the correct person. Next, record any new information about your ancestor found in the record, such as dates, places, event, occupation, other relatives. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors. For example:

I Found Who I was Looking for, What Now?

 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have been born, married or died nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify. Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.
 * Use the event date and ages of ancestors to search for original birth, marriage, or death records in the county of the event. These records usually have the maiden name of the mother, verify parents, and provide more clues to this family.

I Can't Find Who I'm Looking for, What Now?

 * Church Records often were kept years before government records were required and are a good source for finding ancestors before 1900. If the officiator of a marriage or death was a minister, you may be able to determine to which religion or congregation your ancestor belonged. Look for church records of the birth, marriage, or death which may provide more information on the family.

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Spain.
 * Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

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