How accurate are the IGI records?

[Tia-marie]

Hi - although I have been doing research for several years I have never spent much time on it however I have now retired and am giving it more attention. 

I have found what I believe to be several of my relatives on the Family Search site, matching parents and dates etc and wanted to know if it is acceptable to use this information as I have not seen the originals.  Would someone please advise how much of the information can be used without seeing the originals?

thanks
Tina

[dawnsh]

Hi Tina

There are 2 types of entry on the IGI.

The 'extracted' records are transcriptions made from the actual parish registers and are on the whole accurate. There are however ommisions where the handwriting cannot be deciphered.

Be extrememly cautious when looking at 'submitted' records which have been made by LDS members and at worst are only a best guess.

In some cases though, depending on the county and parish,  the information can be verified with other sources.

Dawn

[Patricia jackson]

There are extracted records which have been transcribed from parish records fairly reliable - BUT they have been transcribed and as such  some may have errors in them. If possible try to check the original. Perhaps someone will be able to do a look up for you?. Then there are  submissions, which you need to be very careful about. They may be very reliable and useful or they may be complete fabrications ignore totally any that state -" about"or "approx " also Bishops transcripts they are very valuable - BUT can also be wrong a bit misleading sometimes. They have been transcribed by someone -  at the end of each year and sent to the Bishop. I found an error on the BT's that stated Widow of - and PR's Wife of very confusing!! So the best thing is to check - if possible the originals.

[GR2]

From the point of view of Scottish records, you would always want to see the original. Not only to be certain that the names and dates are correct, but also to get all the other information not given in the mere index -  where they lived, perhaps an occupation, details of witnesses, perhaps details of the relationship to witnesses, even the odd reference to antenuptual fornication, a child being posthumous etc.

Graham.

[Tia-marie]

Thanks for the comments, all of the records I have found are transcriptions and I live too far away from the Parish to confirm them in person.  I am fairly sure they are the correct relatives so I think I will use the information until it is possible to confirm it.  I notice there are a lot of mistakes as the names change slightly over years and with each entry.  Thanks again I am sure I will be back with more questions.