Instructions for Use

  • To search a full name, enter the first name in the First Name search box (example John) and enter the last in the Last Name search box (example Smith). You may also choose to search last names by using on the first initial only of the last name by entering a letter in the Last Name search box (example S). This will aid in identifying variations in last name spellings.

    TIP : Please note that variations in last name and first name spellings may occur. Example: Catharine or Catherin instead of the modern spelling of Catherine. Names were entered in the database by the spelling of the original recorder.
  • You may limit your browsing by clicking the boxes next to “baptism”, “death”, or “marriage” on the right hand side of screen. If you leave the boxes unchecked, you will receive results for all three event types. You may also limit results geographically by selecting a community from the Location search box.

    TIP : Please note, various spellings were used in the original source for communities; for example, Maugerville is also written Magerville and Maugherville; Hamstead as Hampstead, Hamsted, and Hemstead; and Hampton as Hamton. The original name variations are used in this database, which will necessitate browsing all options.
  • Event Details column: in the case of a baptism, the event notes usually include the names of the parents, while in the case of a wedding the event notes include the name of the marriage partner.
  • Other Notes column: in the case of baptism, the other notes usually include the father’s occupation and birthdate, while recording the witnesses in the case of a wedding. This column often includes information surrounding a death/burial or race of participants.
  • Notes/Details search box: will search both the Event Details and Other Notes columns. The Notes/ Details search box is useful if a topic rather than an individual is being researched. For example, for a search of African Canadians, try the word “black” as it was often made as a notation in the ministers’ journals. Another example of an anecdotal search would be using the term “drowned” if you were researching mechanisms of death.

    TIP : There are some cases where a name will only appear in the Event Details column. To make sure you do a thorough search for an individual, you should do a separate search in the Notes/Details search box of their first or last name.