Netherlands, Limburg Parish Register Transcripts - FamilySearch Historical Records

= Netherlands, Limburg Parish Register Transcripts =

This wiki article describes a collection of records that is available for free online at FamilySearch Record Search – Pilot Site. To access the collection, see [Netherlands, Limburg Parish Register Transcripts, 1600-1822]

Collection Time Period
The transcripts collection of parish registers from the Limburg Province covers the years 1600 to 1822.

Population Coverage
The parish register transcripts include various towns in the Limburg Province, Netherlands.

Collection History
Some of the records were destroyed in wars and fires. As a result, government officials began collecting copies of some of the church records in the 1700s. Duplicate records were maintained by the parish priests prior to 1796. An abstract or transcription of most of these duplicates is housed in state archives. Some of these registers were also collected at the Diocesan Archive. In 1929 the government ordered that all pre-1811 records be sent to the state archives and most parishes complied with this new rule. Those registers deposited at the regional and municipal archives have been microfilmed and are available at the Family History Library for research. Use the transcripts, where available, to supplement the original parish registers that are missing or illegible. Be aware that transcripts often differ slightly from the originals.

Why was this collection created?
Copies or duplicates of the parish records were used as Civil Registers.

Collection Reliability
The Catholic Church records in the Netherlands are an excellent source for accurate information on names as well as dates and places of birth, marriages, and deaths. After 1811, it is also recommended to research the civil registration to verify and complement information. Between 1588 and 1795 the Dutch Reform Church was the state church, so it is also recommended to research those registers for those years.

Collection Description
Most of the transcripts are arranged in alphabetical order and have been transcribed from the Roman Catholic parish registers. The alphabetizing rules used for names such as 'van BEUGEN' will be listed under B for Beugen. The transcript records start with a title page describing the place, church name, type of record, and dates that follows, and then comes the lists of names in alphabetical order. Some names may not have been transcribed exactly as in the original; so you may want to check the originals. The information is typewritten in the form of a spreadsheet.

Collection Content
The key genealogical facts found in most parish records transcripts include: • Surnames and given names of principal • Names of parents • Names of witnesses • Date of the event

How to Use the Collection
Church records are crucial for family history research prior to 1811 when civil registration was implemented. By using the family surnames and parent’s names, you can compile family groups. Witnesses may be extended family members. In order to use these church parish transcripts you must know at least your ancestor’s surname and the place where he/she lived.