The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Missionary Registers (Worldwide) - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This collection consists of an index and images of registers kept to record the departure and return of missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The collection covers the years 1860 to 1937. Images are courtesy of the Church History Department.

Record Content
The images generally contain the following:

Mission records may contain the following information:


 * Full name of missionary
 * Parent’s full names
 * Birth date and place
 * Residence
 * Ward or Stake name
 * Mission location
 * Dates departed for and returned from mission
 * Name of person ordaining missionary
 * Date set apart as missionary
 * Baptism date
 * By whom baptized
 * Quorum or Priesthood office held
 * Present residence
 * Page, volume, line number

How to Use the Record
To begin your search it is helpful to know:


 * Your Ancestor’s name
 * Other identifying information such as their residence and birth date.

Search the Collection
To search the collection by name: Fill in the requested information in the boxes on the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the individuals in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to look at the information on several individuals comparing the information about them to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind:


 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names, or variations of their name, throughout their life.
 * Even though these indexes are very accurate they may still contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned.

For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line article FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.

To browse by image: To search the collection you will need to follow this series of links: ⇒ Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒ Select the "Volume" category which takes you to the images.

Look at each image 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 images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors. The following examples show ways you can use the information:


 * Use the parents’ names and birth place to search for extended family in place of birth.
 * Use the missionary’s age and location to find his family in census, church, and land records.
 * Use the birth date and place to obtain a copy of the original birth certificate.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name as your ancestor and that your ancestor may have used nicknames or different names at different times.
 * Be aware that, as with any index, transcription errors may occur.

Related Websites

 * Church History (LDS)
 * Missionary Diaries

Related Wiki Articles

 * LDS Genealogy
 * LDS Missionaries
 * LDS Church Records
 * LDS Membership Records
 * Early Church Information File (ECIF)
 * Utah Genealogy
 * Utah, FamilySearch, Early Church Information File (FamilySearch Historical Records)

Citations for This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

Collection Citation:

Record Citation (or citation for the index entry):

Image Citation