Family Group Records Collection, Archives Section - FamilySearch Historical Records

Image Visibility
Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes images available for all users. However, ultimate rights to view images on our website are granted by the record custodians. The Family Group Records Collection, Archives Section collection is available only to members of the supporting organization, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Record Description
The collection consists of family group record forms submitted by LDS Church members to the Genealogical Society of Utah, now the Family History Department, for processing prior to performing proxy ordinances. Completed ordinance dates were recorded on the forms. The completed forms were filed in the Family Group Records Archive collection. The forms are filed in alphabetical order by husband's surname, given name, and date of birth.

Record Content
Information found in this collection may include:


 * Names of husband, wife, and children
 * Dates and places of birth, christening, marriage, death, and burial
 * Parent's names
 * Husband's occupation
 * Relationships
 * Additional marriages of family members
 * LDS temple ordinance information
 * Submitter's name and address at the time of the submission
 * Family representatives
 * Sources of information

How to Use the Record
When searching: As you are searching it is helpful to know such information as your ancestor's given name and surname, some identifying information such as residence, age, and family relationships. 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.

Search the Collection
To search by image: To search the collection you will need to follow this series of links: ⇒Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page ⇒Select "First Letter of Surname" ⇒Select "Surname, Given Name, Birth Year" which takes you to the images

Search the collection by 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. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details such as a title, an occupation, or land ownership. Add this new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors. For example:


 * Use the names of the parents' father and mother to find additional generations of the family.
 * Use the place and names to locate other records for the time period such as census and church records.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * Use this information as a guideline. Be aware that the information has not been verified and may have come from the submitters memory or from family records.
 * These are compiled records so each sheet may have many sources of information.
 * If you are unable to find your ancestor look for various spellings of the names.

For additional information about the contents, history, and use of these records see the wiki article Family Group Records Collection

For those who had proxy ordnance work prior to 1969, these family group records may guide you to those working on particular lines or families. Often on 'New Family Search' the contributor is recorded as 'Unknown' or some vague description. These group sheets may provide you with a name and address of the submitters over 40 years ago and there sources of information.

Known Issues with This Collection
For a full list of all known issues associated with this collection see the attached Wiki article. If you encounter additional problems, please email them to [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include the full path to the link and a description of the problem in your e-mail. Your assistance will help ensure that future reworks will be considered.

Related Websites
International Genealogical Index

Related Wiki Articles
Family Group Records Collection

Citations for This Collection
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information (often called citing your sources). This will help people find the record again and evaluate the reliability of the source. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records. Citations are available for the collection as a whole and each record or image individually.

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