Validating place names that no longer exist? For the places mentioned in my family history I'm looking to make sure I have the native spelling correct. The problem is that many events' places no longer exist. Some places (like Prussia) are not much of a problem but there are other locations (e.g., Spilleren Farm, Meløy, Norway in 1782) where I don't even know where to begin. Although I can't be certain 100% (especially as events date further back in history) how do I get reasonable confidence in an ancient location's spelling?

The best answer to this will vary with geography, but I'll make a few suggestions:

1. The spelling will almost certainly vary with time and with the language of the person referring to the place, and with the individual making the record. You have to resign yourself to the fact that there isn't a single correct spelling.

2. I try to refer to old maps or gazetteers to get a contemporaneous 'official' spelling. (Of course this is easier in some places than others.) So I would start by looking for old maps of Norway in your search for Spilleren Farm, Meløy, Norway.

3. Other contemporaneous documents (e.g. censuses or parish registers) may give you an idea of what was most commonly used. FamilySearch may give you a start on your Norwegian location.