difference between find my past and ancestry?

Question

I am researching my family tree, and can see some relevant information on the census search on findmypast. I went to the library where there is free access to ancestry, but can't make the ancestry software find the data that findmypast sees. Most frustrating as I want to look at the census record, which I could see on ancestry if only I could get it to find these results.

anyone have any ideas why there is a difference? Thanks.

Answer 1

I encountered a similar situation recently. I found the family indexed at 1901censusonline, but when I went to the library to look for them on Ancestry they were nowhere to be found. As I knew the address where they would be living, I browsed the images of the entire Enumeration District, page by page, and discovered that several pages were missing. These pages evidently do exist as 1901censusonline has them. Whether this is indicative of the state of Ancestry's databases, or a one off, I do not know. We will hope that is not the reason in your case.



I do know that there are many errors and mistranscriptions in Ancestry's indexes: for instance I found a girl named Ellen indexed as Colen for no apparent reason. So it may be that Ancestry have indexed your ancestor(s) with a different spelling. Time to get creative with the way you search; using the data you found on FindMyPast, limit the search to just that area and, if anyone in the family has an unusual first name and you know their age, try searching for that person without a surname. Try just the first part of the surname followed by an asterisk as a wildcard. Search for a child of the family with just first name and age, and first name of parent.



If you have no luck with that, give us all the data you found on FindMyPast, and someone here may be able to find it on Ancestry by searching with different combinations of criteria.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

The images are _not_ different; What is different is the indexing.



What indexing information is on FMP? I can try to locate the same on Ancestry if you wish,



ISRAELI, Abm Moses 1853 38 (b Poland?)

ISRAELI, Ettie 1865 26 (b Russia?)

ISRAELI, Solomon 1878 13 b Leeds

ISRAELI, Jane 1881 10 b Leeds



Abm & Ettie seem to be producing kids in North Leeds sub-district from 3/4 1891.



I have had a look but cannot match up a family unit. I'm wondering if Ancestry have omitted that census booklet or piece.

Answer 4

Ancestry is American based, whilst findmypast is English.



It all depends on who transcribes these documents. If you just look at the 1881 census, you will found 100's errors. Although now it is possible to view the 1881 on line, and you can see the difference from the transcribed editions for yourself.



Another really good site is Genes Reunited. you may well find loads and loads of people tracing your family. You can contact everybody at any time. Genes is a relatively cheap site for what you get.



Genes Reunited have all the census's 1841-1911 to view. They have births, deaths etc. You can register without paying, and view peoples names. If you see something that you think is your family, then you can join. You will be able to view peoples trees (if they give permission), there are even photos of long lost family (I have found several relatives photos)



Half the fun with doing your family tree is "being a detective". There is always something of interest to be found.



Good luck with your tree.



Chris



Hope you find what you are looking for... don't give up.

Answer 5

Just different transcriptions, or one of them have made a mistake. Plus if you are looking at the 1911 census Ancestry doesn't have that at all.



Post exactly what you are looking for and one of us that has access to both may be able to find it for you.





Edit

ISRAELI, Abm Moses Head Married M 38 1853 Hebrew Teacher

Russia Poland Naturalized British Subject

ISRAELI, Ettie Wife Married F 26 1865 Money Lender

Russia

ISRAELI, Solomon Son M 13 1878 Apprentice Watch Maker

Leeds

Yorkshire

ISRAELI, Jane Daughter F 10 1881

Leeds

Yorkshire

RG number:

RG12 Piece:

3689 Folio:

28 Page:

3



Registration District:

Leeds Sub District:

North Leeds Enumeration District:

15 Ecclesiastical Parish:

St Thomas



Civil Parish:

Leeds Municipal Borough:

Leeds Address:

71, Bridge Street, Leeds County:

Yorkshire (West Riding)

---------------------------------------------------



Strange, should be able to use the Piece number to find it on Ancestry but it still doesn't seem to be there.

Answer 6

Both FindMyPast and Ancestry cost money for full subscriptions.



The Ancestry.com access (which is at no cost to you) at your local public library is most likely just access to the U.K. based info. (correction - just noticed your question is from the UK)



FindMyPast is a United Kingdom (British Isles) based database.



If you wish to find some United Kingdom based info on your family lines, then the free ones I recommend are (in no particular order) - registration is free for all:

* Rootsweb.com http://www.rootsweb.com

* FamilySearch.org http://beta.familysearch.org

* Genealogy.com http://www.genealogy.com

* Rootschat.com http://www.rootschat.com (British Isles)



Rootsweb.com, Genealogy.com, and Rootschat.com all have message boards/forums for asking family history research questions which others may be able to help you in answering. The 1st 2 listed have message boards by surname and by location (where an ancestor lived.) Rootschat.com has forums divided by location, altho' one can search the forum questions by surname. Getting answers to your posted questions may take time. For Rootschat.com, read the info for those just starting out and find out how to set your questions for you to be notified by email when someone answers.



Added: Also Rootsweb.com hosts a free UK census database (1841-1891 census records):

http://freecen.rootsweb.com



Depending upon where in the British Isles your ancestors originated, these national archives sites can prove useful, too:

* The National Archives of Ireland http://www.nationalarchives.ie/

* The National Archives - United Kingdom http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

* The National Archives of Scotland http://www.nas.gov.uk/doingResearch/remotely.asp



Plus, your local public library (maybe just the headquarters branch) has great print (yah, books) resources to help with researching ancestors from the British Isles. Ask a reference librarian at the library about that.



If all this doesn't make your eyes rattle in your head :-) I think the info I've given you above will give you a good start.



Best wishes.

Answer 7

Ancestry is a US based company look at http://familytimeline.webs.com/apps/faq/ "who owns ancestry" question and findmypast is a company owned by a British Data company who also run ScottishPeople website.............so Ancestry /Findmypast are two separate companies who hold different database products......much like McDonalds and BurgerKing...........