CLUBS & GROUPS | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2014 37
Misspeld Naymes – A Commun Probblemm for
Reeserchirs. The greatest influx of immigrants arrived at New
York between 1892 and 1924. From 1918 on, most records
were typewritten. Earlier records were handwritten and were
often difficult to read, resulting in transcription errors and
misspelled names.
Most passengers were identified on the ship's manifest before
it left the old country, and the ship's officers were familiar with
many passengers. The captain and the medical officer certified
the accuracy of each list, and on arrival in New York inspectors
examined the manifest and tickets of the passengers on each
vessel.
Furthermore, Ellis Island officials interviewed each person,
and used interpreters and methods to prevent the misspelling
of names. Very few names were intentionally changed at Ellis
Island. In most cases, it wasn't until the naturalization process
that names were purposely changed.
Reasons for misspelling names are numerous. A person
might not know how to spell their name. The person recording
a name might misspell it. It might be misspelled during
transcription (from hand writing to type). It might have been
changed on purpose. And many names were incorrect because
they were spelled simply by how they sounded.
So consider the possibility of misspeld naymes in the process
of doing your family tree.
Info., Willis Fagan, Club Captain (951) 769-4482, wefbev@
verizon.net. ~ Willis Fagan
Discovery Club
We are a group of residents who enjoy RV
trips. In the past we have traveled to many
fun and interesting places. If you would
like further information on future trips, you
can contact, Ann Williams at annwilymz@
yahoo.com to be added to the email list.
You can also attend one of our meetings
the second Tuesday of the month in the
Ballroom at 6 pm. Our next meeting will be
Nov. 11. ~ Rick Brower
All Seasons RV
Recent Trip to Pismo Beach. Group having dinner at McClintock's
