You have searched multiple databases online, and still no results! You ask your self how can this be?! Exasperated by multiple search attempts you give up. The search is pushed aside for another day. After several attempts you find yourself wanting to give up.
What you might not be taking into account is an error in the index. Some records are transcribed incorrectly when entered into a electronic database. In most cases this is a hand written document or index that is being prepared for a searchable database. The original record was handwritten, and now it's up to the volunteer to decipher the writing.
For instance the surname Feehan has been a difficult name to locate death certificates for. The second E in the surname can be interpreted as a C, L, or R. The following are examples of how a transcription have been entered in the "Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916-1950".
Matthew Feehan's death certificate has been entered under the name Matthew Felhan.
You can see that the transcriber interpreted the second E as a L. This could be due to the fact the loop is larger on the second E.
Charles Joseph Feehan's death certificate has been entered under the name Charles Joseph Fechan.
You can see that the transcriber interpreted the second E as a C. This could be because of the curve on the loop of the second E.
Ellen Feehan's death certificate has been entered under the name Ellen Ferhan.
You can see the transcriber interpreted the second E as a R. This could be the formation of the second E in comparison to the first E.
When searching try using a broader search. Instead of entering the full surname, enter only the first few letters of the surname. In the case for the surname Feehan I entered only the first two letters. To help narrow the results enter the first name of the individual. Be creative and imagine what your sloppy penmanship might look like. It may take a few wildcard searches, however, you may find that death certificate you have almost given up on.
Note: This method was illustrated with the Illinois State Archives database titled "Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916-1950". The method can be used in any online database you are searching and allows wildcard searches.
