Due to the varying literacy levels of those recording the information contained in the Almshouse records,
and the language and accent barriers between residents and record keepers, inconsistencies in spelling
frequently appear in the Almshouse records. Inconsistencies also exist in the way in which individuals
appear in the records over the course time. For example an inmate recorded on first admission as “Mary
Ann Murphy” might appear in subsequent references as “Mary Murphy”, “May Murphy”, “Mamie Murphy” or
even “Ann” or “Annie Murphy”. Repetitions also exist due to re-admission of individuals, individuals
who were “transferred” in the record book at the end of a year (they remained in the Almshouse), or
individuals who were recorded in more than one of the institutions encompassed by the database.
Within the original records the surname and given name were recorded in one field, in the following
format: “Firstname Lastname.” This field has been divided into two fields, Surname and Given Names to
improve the functionality of the database for users.
Surname Typically records individual’s last name. However, “unknown” may
appear. No attempt has been made to correct discrepancies in the original caused by human error or illegible
and phonetic spelling.
Given names Typically records individual’s first name. However, “unknown”
may appear. No attempt has been made to correct discrepancies in the original caused by human error
or illegible and phonetic spelling.
Titles and descriptors Mr, Mrs, Jr, Widow, etc, have been entered within
the Given Names field within brackets. Example: McDevitt, Martha (Mrs). In cases where a title is provided
but a Given Name is not the title takes its place. (Example: McDevitt, Mrs.)
For information specific to the records, the fields involved, and the methods undertaken to present
them be sure to read the resources available under “About
the records.”