Author: Gerald A. Ortell

“Polish Parish Records of the Roman Catholic Church…

Their Use and Understanding in Genealogical Research”
by George A. Ortell

Published 1996, 112 typeset pp., perfect bound soft cover, 8½ x 11

This very informative work is the have-on-hand guide for anyone planning or beginning to explore the Catholic Church records in Polish parishes.  It is also a ready reference for the  more seasoned research.

It provides descriptions and instructions including…

• Insights into using the Mormon records of Family Search and other sources.
• Methodologies to decipher and understand birth, marriage and death records through examples with step-by-step translations and explanations.
• Translated word lists for occupations, causes of death and first names with diminutives.
• Terminology relevant to village class designation and social status among farmers, laborers and townspeople.
• Glossary of commonly encountered terms.
• Polish, German, Russian and Ukrainian alphabets.
• Polish grammar that is helpful in examining records.
• Full list of Saint’s Feast Days, which are more important than birthdays in Poland.
• Overview of the development of parish records.