Empire State Search Service

Specializing in New York State Records

E-mail: SearchInNY@aol.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a genealogical copy and a certified copy?
Genealogical certificates and copies of certificates are not legal documents. They cannot be used for proof of citizenship or any other legal means of identification. New York State stamps all certificates requested for genealogical purposes as research material only, unless otherwise requested. To obtain certified copies, you must present identification for security purposes. New York City records are certified copies of the original records.
Where can I get New York State Census records online?
You can't. These records are not indexed. Online census searching is possible through indexing.
Why can't I find any federal census records for 1890?
A fire at the Department of Commerce in 1921 destroyed most of the 1890 census. Although there is no Soundex, there is an alphabetical index for the small percentage of population schedules that survived.
Where can I get the 1940 U.S. Federal Census?
The 1940 Census is not available to the public. There is a required 72-year delay for release of such documents. There is restricted access to the information from 1940 onwards.
What is Soundex, and how do I use it?
Soundex is a system in which surnames are coded, based not on how they are spelled but rather on how they sound when spoken. See our Soundex page for more details.
Are there indexes for the U.S. Federal Census before 1880?
Yes. Some are better than others. Some states were not accurate and indexed records are not always complete, but they are still searchable when enough information is provided about the person being researched.
Do you search military records?
We can, but that is not our area of expertise. While some records are kept in New York State repositories, all military records are available at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
The 1880 Soundex does not list two of my great grandfather's sisters who lived next door. Why is that?
If there were no children in the household, the sisters would not be listed in the Soundex. Only families with children aged 10 years and younger were indexed in the Soundex in 1880. If you go to the census record, however, you will most likely find them as an adjacent record to your great grandfather's record.
I had a relative pass away last year, why isn't he listed in the SSDI?
The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is based on the filing of claims for remaining benefits of the deceased person. If the Social Security benefits were not claimed or the death not properly filed or the Social Security number not given, the deceased will not appear in the index.

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