researching Mathewsons in Scotland
Just to update those of you who have visited The Surname Mapping Project;
http://www.members.shaw.ca/hmathieson/index.htmhttp://www.members.shaw.ca/hmathieson/index.htm
The site now will store in a searchable format Mathieson/eson/ison/ewson family files. The intention is that other researchers will be able to search your files for possible links to their families (and hopefully upload their own files) The files can be searched using simple boolean terms (and, not or) .Files couldbe searched for locations, dates, given names, surnames, or any combination of these or otherterms. Files from any genealogy program can be accommodated if it produces a text format output. (Ex FTM Genealogy Report). Contributor confidentiality will be controlled.( queries will be forwarded to the contributor for response)
Other features of the site currently include the Mathieson/eson/ison/ewson surname atlas of Scotland. It is based on 29,000 references to the various surname spelling variants. The maps cover the period from 1700 to 1900 for the four main spelling variants in 50 year intervals. Maps of the 18881 census are also included..
I am also ableto produce custom maps. Themaps might be on the distribution of a given name in a defined time period within a specified region of Scotland at a fairly small scale(in to I mile is possible).The site has several examples which have been requested by visitors.
The data base on which the maps are based can also be queried(by me) . While the data is derived from the IGI which is available at the LDS site, the advantage is that it can be searched on any field or combination of fields. (There are over 44,000 records in this file although many are patron duplicates) The LDS search facility is much more restrictive.
The site is a “commercial free zone” and does not charge for any of the features. The intention is to further research into the family names. Suggestions for improvements and additions are welcome.