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A Short Explanation of the Soundex
Soundex microfilm is an index to the families listed in the 1880, 1900,
1910, 1920 and 1930 federal census records. Basic information about each
family was written down on 3 x 5 cards. Each family's surname was
coded according to the Soundex Rules and then
each card was hand sorted by the code and thereafter by the given name of
the head of household. They were later microfilmed.
The result was that families whose surnames sounded alike were
grouped together on the microfilm, even though the alphabetical
spelling might normally have placed it elsewhere.
Example: SMITH vs SMYTH
Both of the above surnames use the soundex code of S530, so
you will find them close to one another on the microfilm.
Soundex films are organized by year, state, soundex code
and thereafter by the given name of the head-of-household.
So How Do I Find The Roll I Need?
Once you know the soundex code for your surname; click on
the year, state and then look for your soundex code in the
list. There may be more than one roll for your family's
soundex code. When this occurs, be sure and find the
roll that contains the given name (first name) of the
individual you're looking for. It's listed to the right of
the roll.
If this is the first time you have used Soundex microfilm we
recommend you read Soundex Demystified
for a detailed explanation.
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