Forest of Dean FHT Forum - Searchable database seems the best way to go

Searchable database seems the best way to go (reply)

ChrisW — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 03:34:05 +0000

Maybe Point 2 could go under the History section on the links & resources page?

Searchable database seems the best way to go (reply)

Chris O\'Sullivan — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 02:05:49 +0000

Slowhands
My last comment for this evening -
Whilst this won't be of concern initially, as the database grows, duplicate entries are bound to arise. How will these be dealt with? As separate entries, or merged into one entry with more than one source / contact field? Food for thought.
Good night
Chris

Searchable database seems the best way to go (reply)

Chris O\'Sullivan — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:46:45 +0000

Slowhands
1. Would all fields be searchable or just the surname, first name, and/or ship name? I have instances of two / three FoD families emigrating on the one ship, so a searchable field by ship would be of interest as it would possibly identify previously unknown family links with other FoD families.
2. Something else to consider re the voyages, I also have some references to the actual voyages, one voyage in particular had the most serious loss of life of any voyage to NZ by that time. I have newspaper transcripts and doctor's reports relating to the voyage which indicate that the disease was actually taken on board by FoD passengers. I also have log transcripts by a FoD passenger on another voyage. In other words, a spin off section, detailing any known facts about the voyages would be interesting but I would imagine that all of this would be dependent upon server size and someone's willingness/availability to put it together.
3. Could a contributor's contact details and/or a source reference be included? Contributor's contact details would be beneficial as a contact for further info.
Chris

Searchable database seems the best way to go (reply)

slowhands — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:22:16 +0000

Head of family "unit" seems to hit the mark - i.e. find a family that emigrated

and then in the "note" - "travelled with family of 6, Jane, Joshia, Kezia, Richard, Anne and Elizabeth "

Searchable database seems the best way to go (reply)

Chris O\'Sullivan — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:16:07 +0000

Hi Dave
I have read through the various comments and my thoughts on what this database would capture are similar to 'slowhands'. However, would the children be included as well or just the father and/or mother? If all family members are to be given a separate entry it would be quite large (I would have between 30-40 to add without trying). However, from the perspective of someone in say Australia trying to identify when their specific ancestor emigrated from the FoD, I would imagine that all family members should be included. What do you think?
Chris

Searchable database seems the best way to go (reply)

admin — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:55:18 +0000

I will set up a new database with the fields similar to what slowhands has suggested.

Entries will be submitted by completing a form like it is done with the Surname Register we currently have.

Emigration Index (reply)

10noyrum — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:18:40 +0000

I have several relatives in the US with identical DNA to mine whose surname is Lewis, though mine is Morgan. A great example of the Welsh patronymic system affecting those in the Forest of Welsh heritage (ranging from about 5% in the early 16th century to about 25% at their peak in the 19th century). The problem lies in determining whether the Lewises emigrated to America from Wales when my ancestors were still living there or later when they lived in the Forest? I have no data on this. If a connection between the living Lewises in the US and a living Lewis Forest family could be established this would be of significant genealogical interest to me.

Chris Morgan

One simple solution (reply)

ChrisW — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:44:33 +0000

Hi Dave

Does that mean it would just be an Emigration Forum? Or an Index as well as postings?

Regards
Chris

Some ideas please (reply)

ChrisW — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:38:46 +0000

That looks good Slowhands. Do you think people would want to know the name of the ship if possible?

Regards
Chris

Some ideas please (reply)

slowhands — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:47:21 +0000

Well the way the thread was going , I'd "seen" a process of data submission in a standard form and then a searchable table with input/output like :-

Name : John BRAIN
DoB : 1860
Place of birth : Edgehills
Father : John
Mother : Mary
Emigrated : 1885
Destination : Colorado, America
Departure Port : Liverpool
Ship : Sea Lord
Notes :
other fields ?

< fictional data so far as I know >

I'm happy to collate the data, once we agree a "standard" format, send by e'mail

searching by and is probably all that is required

what do people think ? [ updated 30/5/08]

One simple solution (reply)

admin — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:14:52 +0000

Instead of creating a new database and pages, what about us just adding a new
category here in the forum titled Emigration Index?. The details are then all
available in one spot to view and search without having to move around the Web
site. Once the Emigration category is chosen it will only display those posts
that have posted in it. Try it out yourself by going to "All categories and then
change it to "Announce".

Some ideas please (reply)

admin — Fri, 30 May 2008 03:58:55 +0000

Chris

Sounds like a good suggestion and I'm happy to add a section on the site to
accommodate it.

What I will need from you and others some ideas of how we should set it up and
what information do we need to gather from people and how best to display the
details and so on.

Emigration Index (reply)

selbyfamily — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:25:13 +0000

I have one emigration which could be added.

sheila selby

Emigration Index (reply)

sylviamorgan — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:08:41 +0000

Hi
I have details of two emigrations to add
Sylvia

Emigration Index (reply)

Barbara Lloyd — Thu, 29 May 2008 08:16:14 +0000

Yes a very good idea. I could contribute and maybe get some help with the missing ones.

Barbara Lloyd

Emigration Index (reply)

John Rudge — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:03:05 +0000

Sounds like a great idea.

John

Emigration Index

Chris O\'Sullivan — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:41:44 +0000

Just a thought for the site administrator, as a future initiative to enhance an already brilliant website.

It occurred to me recently that many of us must have numerous references to family emigrations to other countries - USA, Canada, Australia, NZ etc. I know of 9-10 families within my own research who have emigrated, and have come across numerous references to other FoD emigration over the years. This often explains what has happened to those missing families on the various census' records, but without a structured index (or a dose of good luck) it is virtually impossible to identify what became of them.

Perhaps this suggestion might be worth further consideration when time and resources permit, as I think it would be a worthwhile tool for future inclusion in the site.
Regards
Chris