In February of 2014 I wrote several posts all about indexing. I even issued an indexing challenge.
Indexing is a vital part of the amazing increase in accessible genealogical records. We ALL benefit from indexers.
I have always had a soft spot in my heart for indexers and their service. But that soft spot grew to bursting this past November when I read an article about a man who had made it his goal to index 1 million records before he died.
Yep, you read that correctly, ONE MILLION records.
He didn’t quite make it.
His name was Jerry. Jerry indexed 952,891 records before his death on 6 November 2016.
952,891 records!!!
Jerry’s family members are planning to index the remaining 47,109 records in his memory.
Well.
After reading that, my indexer-loving-genealogy-obsessed heart just couldn’t take the amazingness of Jerry’s service without rededicating itself to more indexing. I didn’t start out with any particular goal in mind, I just decided to index when it worked.
I am guessing that anyone who was conscious at the time, will remember the American turmoil that was going on the 6th of November 2016 and that still continues. Because of all of that, I was watching the news A LOT more than usual, and still do. Do you know what you can easily do while watching the news? Index.
In November and December I indexed about 3,500 records.
When I looked at my stats recently I decided to set a goal for 2017 to index 6,000 records. I know it’s a far cry from a million, but it’s SO MANY MORE RECORDS than I usually index.
As a genealogist who relies on indexers, I express my deepest thanks to Jerry. Thanks for his service and for his example and how it has inspired me.
Thank you Jerry!
Do you index? If you want to join the party you can index for many different organizations. Find one you like and pitch in. Every little bit helps.
You can read more about Jerry here.
