Onward! The Million Record March Continues

162 Responses to Onward! The Million Record March Continues

1. 

   Shirley Weller April 30, 2009 at 3:11 pm

   Hi, still searching frequently for the lost. And still happy to be finding them. However! Please correct spelling, if you will: You have VAN HOSIE, MARY MARONDE, Livingston County, MI, died August 26, 1914. The number on the certificate is 17. She was born 06/22/1855 in the Village of Hamburg, Livingston Co. You have her father’s given name as CALORIE (WELLER).

   This woman is MARY MARANDA VAN HORN, daughter of Calvin Weller and Emily Lyons Weller. These names are clearly legible on the death certificate!!

   Also, Charles Emel Bentley – very difficult to find. You have him spelled Carles Emul Bentley. The number on the death certificate is 145, stamped March 5, 1908, registered no. 5. First husband to one of my aunties. Found, at last!

   Thanks a lot – hopefully if you correct the spellings, it will be easier for other researchers.

   Thank you so much and keep up the lovely, often very difficult, work you are doing.

   Shirley Weller
2. 

   Dawn April 30, 2009 at 3:34 pm

   Are the Saginaw files for 1920 loaded in yet. I am looking for my husbands G Grandfather Henry Youmans who died in Saginaw in 1920…He was at one time mayor of Saginaw.
3. 

   Kris Rzepczynski April 30, 2009 at 3:38 pm

   Dawn -

   The 1920 Saginaw records aren’t online yet. There are a smattering of Detroit records for that year, but that’s all for now. We’ll be adding the remainder of the collection shortly, please stay tuned.

   Thanks for your interest, and please keep checking back.
4. 

   Kris Rzepczynski April 30, 2009 at 3:39 pm

   Shirley -

   Thanks for the indexing note. In the future, if you come across a transcription error, please contact the Library of Michigan at librarian@michigan.gov with the appropriate information. We’ll be making scheduled updates/corrections to the index as we move forward.

   We certainly want the index to be as accurate as possible. Thanks for using the site, I’m glad that you’ve had some success.
5. 

   Julie P. April 30, 2009 at 10:42 pm

   Thank you very much! Because of your hard work I have discovered my g-g-g grandparents! I can’t wait for the 1916 Wayne Co. records to be uploaded as I will hopefully learn the names of even more ancestors. Thanks again!
6. 

   Tony May 3, 2009 at 10:17 am

   Hi,
   I see no mention of 1897-1900, are they in the 3 batch??
   Thanks for all your hard work!!
7. 

   Dave Lancaster May 3, 2009 at 1:23 pm

   Hi I’m getting this message when trying to access death records. Maybe the problem is me, can you help?

   Dave Lancaster

   CGI Error
   The specified CGI application misbehaved by not returning a complete set of HTTP headers.
8. 

   Kris Rzepczynski May 5, 2009 at 8:42 am

   Tony -

   Yes, the records from 1897-1900 will be in the third batch of records. Should be soon, look for a Look article that will give more specific details.

   Thanks for your interest.
9. 

   Paula May 5, 2009 at 4:26 pm

   1911 Detroit – trying to search, to see if these are complete, but just not seeing what I need to I guess. Sorry to ask (since you’ve been flooded w/questions lol) and don’t mean to sound impatient – but are the records for Detroit, 1911, done yet?

   TY!
10. 

    Kris Rzepczynski May 5, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    Paula -

    The article above is the most current info available, showing that 1911 Detroit is still incomplete.

    When the third batch of records are loaded, there will be a new Look article here at Seeking Michigan. That article won’t be posted, though, until the upload is complete.

    Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience. Hang in there, we’re anxious to get this project wrapped up!
11. 

    Pattie May 5, 2009 at 10:27 pm

    Have you started uploading the third batch yet?
12. 

    Kris Rzepczynski May 6, 2009 at 8:39 am

    Pattie –

    When the third batch of records are completed, there will be a new Look article here at Seeking Michigan. That article won’t be posted, though, until the upload is complete.

    I encourage you to check back often. Thanks for your patience.
13. 

    Shirley Weller May 6, 2009 at 11:13 pm

    I got some more tonite! My stuck spot remains – the elusive ggrandfather, but hey, I don’t mind the lateral expansion of the tree. So glad that you answered my comment regarding misspellings. They bug me, and if I know the correct name, that’s a boon for anyone else who has that same person in their tree. I will be sending them, as you suggested, to the Librarian@Michigan.gov This is an amazing undertaking – again, I appreciate it so very much!
    Shirley Weller
    Atlanta, Georgia
14. 

    John May 7, 2009 at 8:46 pm

    The link to the death records is not working
15. 

    Pattie May 7, 2009 at 11:36 pm

    Kris,

    Thanks for your response; however, you did not answer my question. My question was: have you started uploading the last batch of records?
16. 

    Conrad May 8, 2009 at 12:47 pm

    Going through the records for Presque Isle County, I have found 3 copies of the same record in the data base. Also the same in Alpena County. It looks as if 3 different indexers input the same record because there is a slight variation in the spelling of the name from record to record, but each record is linked to the same digital copy. So maybe you’ve really only input one batch of records, two or three times.
17. 

    Mark Harvey, Archives of Michigan May 8, 2009 at 9:43 pm

    Conrad:

    When indexing, variant spellings of names are used to make certain we cover all possibilities.
18. 

    Sue May 15, 2009 at 7:54 pm

    I hate to sound stupid, but I can’t figure out how to do a search on Seeking Michigan. I am trying to find a Death Certificate for 1916. Do I put in a name, a date or what to do a search. Thanks for your understanding.
19. 

    Hilary Machan May 16, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    What a great website. My sister stumbled upon this a few weeks ago and she and found the death of one of our missing family members. A huge thank you to those involved in this project. I have many family members who went to Michigan and this site is going to be a key to helping me find out where they went and when they died. Congratulations on a job well done. I can’t wait for everything to be uploaded!!
20. 

    Kris Rzepczynski May 18, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    Sue -

    You can always search from the Seek box at the Seeking Michigan home page. Just key in the name, county, etc.

    That being said, I would encourage you to do an Advanced Search. Click on Search Advanced in the red Seek panel. Use the dropdown menus on the right hand side of this page, and drag down to the bottom. The fields here are specific to the Death Records Collection.

    You can search up to 4 fields at once, in any combination. First name, last name, year of death, month of death, county, city/village/twp., age, birth year, father’s first name, and father’s last name. Researchers have a lot of flexibility to find their death record, I think.

    Remember that we’re only about 2/3 complete, so not every year is complete – that includes 1916. I encourage you to check back, the last batch of records should be completed soon.

    Thanks for using the site, and good luck!
21. 

    Julie P. May 21, 2009 at 10:31 pm

    Just so I know whether or not I should be searching every day (like I’m currently doing), are new records uploaded every day or so, or will they all be uploaded in one big batch once they are all scanned and indexed?

    Thanks!
22. 

    Carol Orlowski May 21, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    I can’t say enough about this site. I have found all death certificates for my mother’s immediate side of the family. I just happened upon this site. I truly can’t tell you how I found it. Just glad I did. Thank you so much
23. 

    Brian L. May 22, 2009 at 8:47 am

    I would also like to know the plan for adding additional records as I have been checking everyday. Will they be added in small batches daily or one large batch on a single day for the remaining 1/3 of the records.

    I do have to say the records I have found are amazing and I very much appreciate all the work that has been put in this project.

    Thank you very much!
24. 

    Kris Rzepczynski May 22, 2009 at 9:25 am

    Julie and Brian -

    When the records are available, there will be a new Look article highlighting their addition.

    I recognize everyone is anxious to see this project completed, we certainly are too. Hang in there, it won’t be long.

    Thanks for using the site.
25. 

    Julie P. May 22, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    Thanks for answering my question. I’ll watch for the new article instead of searching every day. And thanks so much for all of your effort. What you are doing is wonderful!
26. 

    Margot Wells May 23, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    What a wonderful service you are doing for all of us searching for ancestors. My grandfather was buried on December 4, 1901 in Lakeview Cemetery, Calumet. We haven’t been able to find out when or where he died. Will there will be additional death records added for the UP counties from 1901? Thanks for all your work!
27. 

    Darla May 24, 2009 at 9:29 pm

    Love the site but the transcription errors are as bad as I’ve ever seen Are there any plans to add a soundex or other searching tools given the errors?
    Also, instead of just complaining, is there a way I can send correct info so others will be able to find them?

    Thanks again for the site
28. 

    Kris Rzepczynski May 26, 2009 at 9:28 am

    Darla -

    Indexing and record transcriptions are an eternal struggle in family history research. That being said, I think users have a lot of different search options here at Seeking Michigan, allowing researchers to find their record(s).

    If you come across a transcription error, please contact the Library of Michigan at librarian@michigan.gov. We’ll be making scheduled updates/corrections to the index as we move forward.

    There will be a software upgrade shortly after the last chunk of records are added, which should result in better searching capability.

    Thanks for your interest in the Seeking Michigan site.
29. 

    Kris Rzepczynski May 26, 2009 at 9:33 am

    Margot -

    Thank you for your comments.

    The last chunk of records should be loaded soon, including 1901 and before. That being said, there are a number of 1901 U.P. records already here, including Marquette, Ontonagon, Luce, Schoolcraft, and Mackinac; the Houghton County records will be part of that last upload – coming soon!

    When the records are available, there will be a new Look article highlighting their addition. Hang in there, it won’t be long.
30. 

    MK Heitmann May 26, 2009 at 12:52 pm

    Dear Kris,

    Congrats on a great database!

    By chance does the Library of Michigan have a long-term goal of adding Michigan Death Certs. for years 1920-1940?

    Although your site is grand, would there be a link for corrections?

    Fond regards,
    MKH
31. 

    D. Aschenbrenner May 26, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    Are there records for the National Guard in 1915-17?
32. 

    Kris Rzepczynski May 27, 2009 at 8:46 am

    MK -

    The 1897-1920 represents what we currently have in our collection here at the Library. We’re always looking for new additions to the site, but at this point, we’re only going up to 1920.

    If you come across a transcription error, please contact the Library of Michigan at librarian@michigan.gov. We’ll be making scheduled updates/corrections to the index as we move forward.

    Thanks for using the site.
33. 

    Bob Garrett, Archives of Michigan May 27, 2009 at 9:14 am

    To D. Aschenbrenner-

    The Archives of Michigan houses census records and bonus application files of World War I soldiers. For more information – or to submit a reference request – please send an e-mail to archives@michigan.gov

    Bob Garrett, Archivist
34. 

    Vanessa J.A.Warbler May 27, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    I am very excited about this site. I have finally found the burial place for my grandmother’s brother who died at 18 years old in the mines. I am looking forward to the rest of Keweenaw County being online (looking for a relative who died in 1910) as well as the pre-1900 information as I am hoping to find the record and burial place of my great-great grandmother. In looking through these records I have noticed what are obviously transcription errors but due to the fact they are not my family and I don’t have specific knowledge of the individual I would hesitate to send in any changes. I have been checking your site daily for updates to the records. FYI to researchers: LDS has a great pilot program that has lots of wonderful information – check it out. I found a lot of information, including the death record of my g-g-g-grandmother.
35. 

    Jane Fabiano-Turner June 3, 2009 at 7:39 pm

    I love this site. I can’t wait to see more. When are you going to add more? I hope the state budget cuts have not affected this project.
36. 

    Kevin O'Brien - Laguna Hills, CA June 4, 2009 at 9:41 pm

    Dear Mark and Kris et. al,
    What a fantastic effort on behalf of the people of Michigan as a reward for genealogy buffs worldwide! I doubt anyone is unaware of the financial distress that Michigan is weathering right now, yet the Great Lakes State has really gone out of its way to compile this priceless gift. I wish every other state would follow your lead and do the same thing. Genealogy has given me the excuse for five trips to Michigan thus far, and now with the new information I have found on your site my family and I will be traveling again in July. I don’t know if it was part of your plan but I will bet many others will be doing the same thing. Thank you again for this gift and the sacrifice Michigan is making to provide it to everyone!
37. 

    Kris Rzepczynski June 5, 2009 at 8:50 am

    Everyone -

    Thanks for your comments, we’re happy that everyone is using the site and having success with it.

    The process of uploading a collection of this size just takes time, it has nothing to do with the state budget. The more records are loaded, the slower the process becomes.

    Please be patient, it won’t be long.
38. 

    Lisa Raines June 6, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    Thank you so much for doing this! I have found so many ancestors on this site & also on http://pilot.familysearch.org. I have learned many new things besides getting confirmations of parents & maiden names. This is just wonderful, thanks again!
39. 

    Patricia Goward June 12, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    Mark and Kris
    Thank you for doing this! I am looking for Oliver Goward he
    died on May 21,1896 in Detroit, Wayne County. Great job
40. 

    Ila Ezop June 13, 2009 at 10:30 pm

    Bridget
    Thank you so much for helping me find my Mother’s brother’s death records! I haven’t visited the site since I sent the email in April and for whatever reason I logged on it tonite! Again, thanks for helping!
41. 

    Ila Ezop June 14, 2009 at 8:34 pm

    My Mother and her brother were residents of The Home of the Friendless in Detroit MI around the early part of 1909. However, there seems to be no record of that in the archives. Can anyone help me?
42. 

    Jane Fabiano-Turner June 17, 2009 at 6:43 am

    I just love this site. Can’t wait to see more records? Just wondering when you plan to add more.
43. 

    Joyce June 27, 2009 at 10:04 am

    A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart for this website. It has helped me tremendously. Any chance you might go beyond 1920 someday? I can’t find any method of searching for a post 1920 death certificate in Michigan when I don’t know the date of death.
44. 

    JENNIE June 30, 2009 at 6:08 pm

    WILL YOU BE GOING BACK TO 1890′S ?
45. 

    Marilyn Kowalski July 5, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    Wow just found you and this time I have results of two infants who subsequently passed away withing the first 3 months… I don’t think anyone in the family ever was aware of these sweet angels. Thanks…
46. 

    Joseph July 20, 2009 at 9:08 am

    For those who have not noticed, I just found that LoM has two different blogs going about these records. One is more updated than the other, and thus has a more recent list of the records that have been loaded. The two are not connected. Go to the Discover page and look for the Blogs headline. Select the one with the later date in March for the updated list of counties.
47. 

    Andree Kinnee July 23, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    Thank you! This is just awesome!
48. 

    Kris Rzepczynski July 28, 2009 at 8:32 am

    There is a new blog – The Million Record March Heads to the Finish Line – announcing the current status of the death records project. The direct URL is here: http://seekingmichigan.org/look/2009/07/28/million-record-finish-line.

    The project is now 99% complete, with more than 99% of the records loaded and available here at Seeking Michigan.

    Thanks for everyone’s interest. Happy searching!
49. 

    Janet Sears August 28, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    My gggrandfather, Peleg L. Sweet, served in the Civil War, and lived in Dewitt, MI., and is buried in Delta cemetery, and no one in the Michigan archives even acknowleges his service record or his burial. I have the pension papers from his wife, Lucy Wells Sweet.
50. 

    Kevin Handy September 1, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    Wow am I pleased this effort is underway in Michigan. Despite the dire circumstances I hear MIchigan is in it is heartening to know that my native state (and city, Lansing) are doing something profoundly positive to honor our forbears. I look forward to being able to search records for my folks from 1860 to the 1930′s one day here. Right now if I can find folks from Tuscola and Genesee counties I would be so lucky. Thanks everyone for all your hard work and effort. Best of luck – Kevin Handy, Plano, TX (formerly Ann Arbor and Lansing, Michigan)