World Archives Project: California Biographical Collection - Responses to Vital Record Inquiries

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About this project

These 3x5 cards represent responses to queries made to the State of California regarding naturalization, birth, marriage, death and naturalization information.  Many cards contain only a name and a postal address.  We will not be keying these cards. These images should be marked as "Cover Page, Section Header, etc." We will not key names on cards that are not principle to the events: Birth, Marriage, Death or Naturalization/Registration. There are some cards, without the word Birth, Marriage, Death or Naturalization/Registration, that we do want keyed.  These cards have the data present on the Registration/Naturalization card such as Name, Age, Nativity and Date of Registration.  Please key these cards on the Registration form. Mark cards that do not pertain to these events as "Cover Page, Section Header, etc".

Do not key names of officiating officials or other relatives mentioned. Since prefixes are not being keyed for this project, do not key words such as Miss or Mrs or Mr in the Given Name field. Do not key the date in the uppermost corner of cards as it does not relate to any event date.

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Project-specific sample images and form field help:

Choose a sample image from below to see the corresponding form field examples.
Birth
Death
Marriage
Registration
Extra Image Examples

Birth

http://c.mfcreative.com/i/akt/projecthelp/32602/32602_211817-02785.jpg

These forms have the words "Birth" written in the upper left portion of the card. Some of these cards will only list the birth date and parents, but will not give the name of the child. In such cases, mark the given name blank, but key the surname of the father into the Primary Surname field. All cards were created because an inquiry was made.  Key the date of birth given near the top of the card whether or not records confirming the date appear on the card.

Given

Key the first name or initial and any middle names of the primary person to whom the record pertains using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen. Do not key names of officiating officials or other relatives mentioned as a primary person. Only key the name of the person to whom the record relates. Fields for parent and spouse names are provided on relevant form types. In most cases, the primary name will be towards the top of the card. However, please note that the name that may appear in the top left corner of the card will not necessarily be the same as the name of the person to whom the event relates. If it does appear that the person listed in the top left corner is the same individual relating to the event, then key the most complete version of their name. Since prefixes are not being keyed for this project, do not key words such as Miss or Mrs in this field.
See Example

Surname

The Surname is the last name of the primary person to whom the record applies. Capture the Surname using the dictionary provided for assistance. If the surname does not appear in the dictionary then key as seen. In most cases, this information will be towards the top of the card.  Note that with birth records, if the name of the child is not given, key the surname of the father into the primary surname field so the child's surname is not blank.
See Example

Suffix

Key as seen all titles, such as "Jr" or "III", following the surname of the primary person to whom the record applies, using the dictionary provided for assistance.
See Example

Alias Given

Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the word "nee". Key the first name or initial and any middle names using a dictionary if provided for assistance. If an alias given name does not appear in the dictionary then key the alias given name as seen. Include other spellings of the name if they occur on the card.
See Example

Alias Surname

Key any Alias Surname which appears. Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the abbreviation "for" or the words "nee" or "formerly". All the rules for keying a primary name should also be followed for keying any alias name.
See Example

Birth Day

Enter the birth day from the designated birth date. Key the birth date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.
See Example

Birth Month

Enter the birth month from the designated birth date. Key the birth date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.
See Example

Birth Year

Key the two or four digit number designated as the birth year in the birth date. The year must be either two or four digits. Key the birth date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.
See Example

Birth Location

Capture the birth location from the "Nativity" or "Nat:" field on the card using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a location is not found in the dictionary then key the location as seen. Do not key addresses if they are recorded on the card, but rather only geographic places such as the city, county, and/or state. Please remember to key as seen. Do not insert commas or semi-colons if they are not present on the record.  
See Example

Father Given

The "Father Given" is the first name or initial with any middle names or initials of the father of the primary person to whom the record pertains. Using the dictionary provided capture the "Father Given". If the name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen.
See Example

Father Surname

The "Father Surname" is the last name of the father of the primary person to whom the record pertains. Enter the "Father Surname" using the dictionary provided. If a surname does not appear in the dictionary then key the surname as seen.
See Example

Mother Given

The "Mother Given" is the first name or initial with any middle names or initials of the mother of the primary person to whom the record pertains. Using the dictionary provided enter the "Mother Given." If a name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen.
See Example

Mother Surname

The "Mother Surname" is the last name of the mother of the primary person to whom the record pertains. Enter the "Mother Surname" using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen.
See Example

Death

http://c.mfcreative.com/i/akt/projecthelp/32602/32602_211817-02827.jpg

These cards have the words "Death" recorded in the upper left portion of the card. All cards were created because an inquiry was made.  Key the date of death whether or not records confirming the date appear on the card.

Given

Key the first name or initial and any middle names of the primary person to whom the record pertains using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen. Do not key names of officiating officials or other relatives mentioned as a primary person. Only key the name of the person to whom the record relates. Fields for parent and spouse names are provided on relevant form types.In most cases, the primary name will be towards the top of the card. However, please note that the name that may appear in the top left corner of the card will not necessarily be the same as the name of the person to whom the event relates. If it does appear that the person listed in the top left corner is the same individual relating to the event, then key the most complete version of their name. Since prefixes are not being keyed for this project, do not key words such as Miss or Mrs. in this field.
See Example

Surname

The Surname is the last name of the primary person to whom the record applies. Enter the Surname using the dictionary provided for assistance. If the Surname does not appear in the dictionary then key as seen. Do not key names of officiating officials or other relatives mentioned as a primary person. Only key the name of the person to whom the record relates. Fields for parent and spouse names are provided on relevant form types.In most cases, the primary name will be towards the top of the card. However, please note that the name that may appear in the top left corner of the card will not necessarily be the same as the name of the person to whom the event relates. If it does appear that the person listed in the top left corner is the same individual relating to the event, then key the most complete version of their name.
See Example

Suffix

Key as seen all titles, such as "Jr" or "III", following the surname of the primary person to whom the record applies, using the dictionary provided for assistance 
See Example

Alias Given

Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the word "nee". Key the first name or initial and any middle names using a dictionary if provided for assistance. If an alias given name does not appear in the dictionary then key the alias given name as seen. Include other spellings of the name if they occur on the card.
See Example

Alias Surname

Key any Alias Surname which appears. Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the abbreviation "for" or the words "nee" or "formerly". All the rules for keying a primary name should also be followed for keying any alias name.
See Example

Residence Location

Key only one residence location, from the response on the card if present. If a residence location is not listed in the response, then the residence may be keyed from the query, if provided. Use the provided dictionary to assist you. However, please key as seen. The residence will often appear next to the word "of", for example: "of Oakland, California" or "of San Francisco". Do not key addresses if they are recorded on the card, but rather only geographic places such as the city, county, and/or state. Please remember to key as seen. Do not insert commas or semi-colons if they are not present on the record.
See Example

Death Day

Key the "Death Day" from the designated death date. Key the death date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.If a response to a query includes an account of the death in a newspaper article and an exact date of death is not given, but the date of the newspaper publication is, then leave the death day field blank and key the publication month and year as the death month and year.
See Example

Death Month

The "Death Month" is the second element in the death date. Using the dictionary provided, key the month. Enter the name of the month in full, even if abbreviated or written numerically on the card. Key the death date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.If a response to a query includes an account of the death in a newspaper article and an exact date of death is not given, but the date of the newspaper publication is, then key the publication month as the death month.
See Example

Death Year

Key the two or four digit number designated as the death year in the death date. The year must be either two or four digits. Key the death date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.If a response to a query includes an account of the death in a newspaper article and an exact date of death is not given, but the date of the newspaper publication is, then key the publication year as the death year.
See Example

Death Location

Capture the "Death Location" using the dictionary provided to assist. If the location is not in the dictionary, then key as seen. Do not key addresses if they are recorded on the card, but rather only geographic places such as the city, county, and/or state. Please remember to key as seen. Do not insert commas or semi-colons if they are not present on the record.
 See Example

Age at Death

The "Age" refers to the age of the primary person to whom the record pertains. If an age includes years, months, and/or days then key only the years. For example, if an age appears as 10 years, 7 months then key the age as 10.
See Example

Birth Day

Enter the birth day from the designated birth date. Key the birth date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.
See Example

Birth Month

Enter the birth month from the designated birth date. Key the birth date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.
See Example

Birth Year

Key the two or four digit number designated as the birth year in the birth date. The year must be either two or four digits. Key the birth date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.
See Example

Birth Location

Capture the birth location from the "Nativity" or "Nat:" field on the card using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a location is not found in the dictionary then key the location as seen. Do not key addresses if they are recorded on the card, but rather only geographic places such as the city, county, and/or state. Please remember to key as seen. Do not insert commas or semi-colons if they are not present on the record.  
See Example

Father Given

The "Father Given" is the first name or initial with any middle names or initials of the father of the primary person to whom the record pertains. Using the dictionary provided capture the "Father Given". If the name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen.
See Example

Father Surname

The "Father Surname" is the last name of the father of the primary person to whom the record pertains. Enter the "Father Surname" using the dictionary provided. If a surname does not appear in the dictionary then key the surname as seen.
See Example

Mother Given

The "Mother Given" is the first name or initial with any middle names or initials of the mother of the primary person to whom the record pertains. Using the dictionary provided enter the "Mother Given." If a name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen.
See Example

Mother Surname

The "Mother Surname" is the last name of the mother of the primary person to whom the record pertains. Enter the "Mother Surname" using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen.
See Example

Marriage

http://c.mfcreative.com/i/akt/projecthelp/32602/32602_211816-00030.jpg

These cards have the word "Marriage" recorded in the upper left portion of the card. Cards with the word "Divorce" can also be recorded on this form. If a divorce date appears on the card, do not key it into the marriage date fields. All cards were created because an inquiry was made.  Key the date of marriage given near the top of the card whether or not records confirming the date appear on the card.

Given

Key the first name or initial and any middle names of the primary person to whom the record pertains using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen. Do not key names of officiating officials or other relatives mentioned as a primary person. Only key the name of the person to whom the record relates. Fields for parent and spouse names are provided on relevant form types.In most cases, the primary name will be towards the top of the card. However, please note that the name that may appear in the top left corner of the card will not necessarily be the same as the name of the person to whom the event relates. If it does appear that the person listed in the top left corner is the same individual relating to the event, then key the most complete version of their name. Since prefixes are not being keyed for this project, do not key words such as Miss or Mrs. in this field.
See Example

Surname

The Surname is the last name of the primary person to whom the record applies. Enter the Surname using the dictionary provided for assistance. If the Surname does not appear in the dictionary then key as seen. Do not key names of officiating officials or other relatives mentioned as a primary person. Only key the name of the person to whom the record relates. Fields for parent and spouse names are provided on relevant form types.In most cases, the primary name will be towards the top of the card. However, please note that the name that may appear in the top left corner of the card will not necessarily be the same as the name of the person to whom the event relates. If it does appear that the person listed in the top left corner is the same individual relating to the event, then key the most complete version of their name.
See Example

Suffix

Key as seen all titles, such as "Jr" or "III", following the surname of the primary person to whom the record applies, using the dictionary provided for assistance. 
See Example

Alias Given

Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the word "nee". Key the first name or initial and any middle names using a dictionary if provided for assistance. If an alias given name does not appear in the dictionary then key the alias given name as seen. Include other spellings of the name if they occur on the card.
See Example

Alias Surname

Key any Alias Surname which appears. Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the abbreviation "for" or the words "nee" or "formerly". All the rules for keying a primary name should also be followed for keying any alias name.
See Example

Residence Location

Key only one residence location, from the response on the card if present. If a residence location is not listed in the response, then the residence may be keyed from the query, if provided. Use the provided dictionary to assist you. However, please key as seen. The residence will often appear next to the word "of", for example: "of Oakland, California" or "of San Francisco".Do not key addresses if they are recorded on the card, but rather only geographic places such as the city, county, and/or state. Please remember to key as seen. Do not insert commas or semi-colons if they are not present on the record.
See Example

Spouse Given

The "Spouse Given" is the first name or initial and any middle names of the spouse of the primary person to whom the record applies. Key the "Spouse Given" name using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a "Spouse Given" name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen.
See Example

Spouse Surname

Key the spouse surname or maiden name using the dictionary provided to assist. If the name does not appear in the dictionary, key as seen.
See Example

Spouse Alias Given

Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the abbreviation "for" or the words "nee" or "formerly". Key the first name or initial and any middle names using a dictionary if provided for assistance. If a spouse alias given name does not appear in the dictionary then key the spouse alias given name as seen.
See Example

Spouse Alias Surname

Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the abbreviation "for" or the words "nee" or "formerly". Key the spouse alias surname using a dictionary if provided for assistance. If a spouse alias surname does not appear in the dictionary then key the spouse alias surname as seen.
See Example

Spouse Residence

Key the "Spouse Residence" using the dictionary provided to assist. If the residence is not in the dictionary, key as seen.  Do not key addresses for residence. The residence will often appear next to the word "of", for example: "of Oakland, California" or "of San Francisco".
See Example

Marriage Day

The "Marriage Day" is the first element in the marriage date. Key as seen. Key the marriage date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.
See Example

Marriage Month

The "Marriage Month" is the second element in the marriage date. Using the dictionary provided, key the month. Enter the name of the month in full, even if abbreviated or written numerically on the card. Key the marriage date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.
See Example

Marriage Year

The "Marriage Year" is the third element in the marriage date. The year must be either two or four digits. Key the marriage date from the query if it cannot be confirmed in the response.
See Example

Marriage Place

Key the place of marriage using the dictionary provided to assist. If the location does not appear in the dictionary, key as seen.
See Example

Registration

http://c.mfcreative.com/i/akt/projecthelp/32602/32602_211816-00277.jpg

Use the Registration form type for images that:Have the word "Registration" or "Naturalization" in the upper left portion of the card. Typical fields will include name, age, nativity, local residence, and date of registration (abbreviated as "Date of Reg").Do not have the word "Registration or "Naturalization" at the top of the card, but contain similar fields as images that do. For example, name, age, and date of registration.Contain a name and cannot otherwise be identified as a Birth, Marriage, or Death card, AND are also not the reverse side of a card containing a postal address.

Given

Key the first name or initial and any middle names of the primary person to whom the record pertains using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a name does not appear in the dictionary then key the name as seen. Do not key names of officiating officials or other relatives mentioned as a primary person. Only key the name of the person to whom the record relates. Fields for parent and spouse names are provided on relevant form types.In most cases, the primary name will be towards the top of the card. However, please note that the name that may appear in the top left corner of the card will not necessarily be the same as the name of the person to whom the event relates. If it does appear that the person listed in the top left corner is the same individual relating to the event, then key the most complete version of their name. Since prefixes are not being keyed for this project, do not key words such as Miss or Mrs. in this field.
See Example

Surname

The Surname is the last name of the primary person to whom the record applies. Enter the Surname using the dictionary provided for assistance. If the Surname does not appear in the dictionary then key as seen. Do not key names of officiating officials or other relatives mentioned as a primary person. Only key the name of the person to whom the record relates. Fields for parent and spouse names are provided on relevant form types.In most cases, the primary name will be towards the top of the card. However, please note that the name that may appear in the top left corner of the card will not necessarily be the same as the name of the person to whom the event relates. If it does appear that the person listed in the top left corner is the same individual relating to the event, then key the most complete version of their name.
See Example

Suffix

Key as seen all titles, such as "Jr" or "III", following the surname of the primary person to whom the record applies, using the dictionary provided for assistance. 
See Example

Alias Given

Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the word "nee". Key the first name or initial and any middle names using a dictionary if provided for assistance. If an alias given name does not appear in the dictionary then key the alias given name as seen. Include other spellings of the name if they occur on the card.
See Example

Alias Surname

Key any Alias Surname which appears. Occasionally an alternate name may be recorded for a given individual. This name may be denoted by parentheses, quotation marks, or may be preceded by the abbreviation "for" or the words "nee" or "formerly". All the rules for keying a primary name should also be followed for keying any alias name.
See Example

Age

Age at the time of the naturalization or registration event. This is clearly identifiable next to the word "Age". 
See Example

Birth Location

Capture the birth location from the "Nativity" or "Nat:" field on the card using the dictionary provided for assistance. If a location is not found in the dictionary then key the location as seen. Do not key addresses if they are recorded on the card, but rather only geographic places such as the city, county, and/or state. Please remember to key as seen. Do not insert commas or semi-colons if they are not present on the record.  
See Example

Residence Location

Key only one residence location, from the response on the card if present. If a residence location is not listed in the response, then the residence may be keyed from the query, if provided. Use the provided dictionary to assist you. However, please key as seen. The residence will often appear next to the word "of", for example: "of Oakland, California" or "of San Francisco".Do not key addresses if they are recorded on the card, but rather only geographic places such as the city, county, and/or state. Please remember to key as seen. Do not insert commas or semi-colons if they are not present on the record.
See Example

Date of Reg Day

Key the day portion of the registration date. The field is usually labeled as "Date of Register" or "Date of Reg" on the card. If there is no Registration date leave this field blank. Do not key any other date present on the card in this field, including a naturalization date.
See Example

Date of Reg Month

Key the month portion of the registration date. The field is usually labeled as "Date of Register" or "Date of Reg" on the card. Enter the full name of the month, even if abbreviated or written numerically on the card. If there is no registration date, leave this field blank. Do not key any other date present on the card in this field, including a naturalization date.
See Example

Date of Reg Year

Key the year portion of the registration date. The field is usually labeled as "Date of Register" or "Date of Reg" on the card. The year must be either two or four digits. Key this as seen. If there is no Registration date, leave this field blank. Do not key any other date present on the card in this field, including a naturalization date.
See Example

Extra Image Examples

Birth Images

• Samples of Birth forms you may encounter
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Marriage Images

• Samples of Marriage forms you may encounter
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Death Images

• Samples of Death forms you may encounter
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Registration Images

• Samples of Registration forms you may encounter
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