Whereas i generally agree with Curt's post, it must be pointed out that the information that is in fact recorded < in the original records > varies a great deal. It is not always as complete as Curt's note suggests. < For instance for many births there is no baptismal information > It is best to check the actual records and see what is there. Doing that can also lead to other discoveries. And a big YES on the "spelling" errors that are online. One of the worst is the mis-translation of a specific letter from the German script to the wrong one. Not to mention old-fashioned typos. In family names this will generally mean that a "simple" search on the Odessa Digital Library files, where the online St. Pete INDEX is kept, will not deliver the expected results. For instance we will see Lauter in the online index, when in fact the name is Sauter. Etc. etc. In my view this happened due to lack of knowledge on the part of the volunteers, and a lack of "editting". That said, i hasten to add that the online index is an invaluable tool, and that those who worked on it are to be commended for their efforts. Once a user of this index understands what to expect and what to be aware of it becomes even more valuable. One final note, the information in the <actual> St. Petersburg records also will show a conflict with information recorded by Karl Stumpp. THAT should put users of the "Stumpp bible" on notice, that it too has flaws. [ I believe that Curt has compiled a large number of mistakes which he has found by diligent comparisson of St.Petersburg records against the Stumpp book. ] There simply is no substitute for extensive digging and verifying, which when it leads to the "Eureka" experience is without parallel. On with roots-rooting! Jay ----- Original Message ----- From: <RWheelerst@aol.com> To: <GermanRussian-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, October 06, 2003 10:17 AM Subject: Re: [GERmanRUSsian] St. Petersburg Archives, What information is on the microfilm records > Dennis, > In a message dated 10/5/03 9:28:32 PM, rolldr@telus.net writes: > > << Just curious to know what information is in the original birth records on > microfilm. Is there additional info other than what is online? > >> > > Oh my, yes!!! What is online was never meant to take the place of what is on > film. First, what is on line may have errors in spelling, etc. On film you > will find birth date and hour of birth, baptism date, the name of the child, > the names of the parents, the sponsors. As for the death records, you will > also find the cause of death. > > Anyone doing serious research MUST see the original, in this case, the > microfilm. > > Happy hunting! > > Curt. > > > ==== GermanRussian Mailing List ==== > Information about your GermanRussian Mailing List is at > > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/intl/RUS/GermanRussian.html > >