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Queries and multiple instances
Posted: 22 Feb 2018 23:28
by Mark1834
I'm struggling slightly with getting my head around the way FH queries treat multiple instances of events. For example, writing a query to list all non-blank census notes, along with details of the individual and census they relate to. Or perhaps a list of everyone recorded in a particular place (John Smith, 1841; John Smith, 1851; Jane Smith, 1851, etc). I want every instance, not just the first, or second etc.
Is that possible? What is so easy to do in traditional database query languages seems rather more difficult in FH, or have I missed something obvious somewhere.....?
Re: Queries and multiple instances
Posted: 22 Feb 2018 23:54
by tatewise
I suspect you are using an
Individual Query that will have a challenge with multiple instances.
Whereas a
Fact Query is much more straight forward, and you can filter by
Fact Label =
Census and
Fact Note is empty or
Fact Place has a particular value, while listing the owner
Individual record in
Result Set.
See how_to:creating_a_query|> Creating a Query and
Tutorial on Queries (15683).
Check out examples in fhugdownloads:queriesfact|> Downloads and Links ~ Query Type: Fact.
Re: Queries and multiple instances
Posted: 23 Feb 2018 00:17
by Mark1834
Thanks for the pointer - I knew there had to be a way of doing it somehow! Although in my defence, I'd spent a good bit of this evening going through the Queries material in the FH book, and Fact Queries are barely mentioned (or in the program help file to any real degree).
Hence the WIKI I guess, to pick up the bits that Calico Pie left out!
Re: Queries and multiple instances
Posted: 24 Feb 2018 16:25
by E Wilcock
Mark - you are on the same track as me. And Mike has been brilliant. I agree it isnt covered in the book - but do look at the two threads on this Forum.
Re: Queries and multiple instances
Posted: 25 Feb 2018 09:02
by E Wilcock
Agree that the Calico Pie Help is a mess - but the User group Knowledge and this Forum have not arisen from shortcomings in the software Help.
It is a feature of the best genealogy software that its users and particularly expert users contribute their knowledge of and creativity with the software as well as simple guidance for beginners.
It is a familiar idea to those of us who use or previously used the software The Master Genealogist - because it happened there too, tho in those pre Wiki days one might need to visit a personal website.
Re: Queries and multiple instances
Posted: 25 Feb 2018 09:36
by Mark1834
Indeed - I remember the first genealogy program that I used way back - a DOS program called
Pedigree that was also created by an enthusiastic individual and supported by an active user group led by a small group of experts who helped novices and built complementary utilities. Sound familiar...

? And in those pre-web days it was a regular newsletter delivered by the postman!
Re: Queries and multiple instances
Posted: 25 Feb 2018 11:53
by E Wilcock
I used Pedigree too!