Search Tips

Searching on the name of an individual

There are two ways to search on the name of an individual: ‘First Name/Last Name Search’ and ‘Keyword or Phrase Search.’

1. 'First Name/Last Name' Search

As an example, entering John in the First Name box and Smith in the Last Name box will provide you with a list of every record containing the name "John" and the name "Smith." This type of search may result in a large number of matches, but this method is necessary in order to find every possible instance of John Smith in the database.

Here are some examples of results using this method--note the variety of ways the name is entered on record.

SMITH John C., of Dartmouth, Mass., son of Thomas, and Rhoda Maxfield, of Seth, of said place; m by Rev. E. B. Hall, Nov. 26, 1849

Coggeshall Daniel, of Thomas, dec., and Sally Smith, of John; m. by H. Cooke, Justice, Oct. 17, 1793.

John, alias Johnson, and Mary Anna, both of Pawtuxet ; m. by Benjamin Smith, Asst., Dec. 15, 1665.

BEATTIE John, and Mary Smith ; m. by Rev. Abial Fisher, July 3, 1836.

BUCKLIN John Smith, Feb. 25, 1806.

The first name/last name search could result in hundreds of individuals. However, we highly recommend using the first/last name search and carefully examining each entry.