Hi Mike, Yes, very common. It means there is a correction to the 'boxed' entry. Usually somewhere on the document, usually the margin, is another plus sign with additonal correct information, plus the name of the person who made the correction. Grace Lancieri Olivo, Editor Comunes of Italy Magazine www.italianancestry.com/coi -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: "Mike Ryan" <rootsweb@dexemail.com> > on the civil records? This may be obvious, but I don't know! I see this on > many records. There is the name, within a rectangle, with a + sign above > the rectangle. Anyone know? > > Mike >