diff --git a/src/Merge/mergeevent.py b/src/Merge/mergeevent.py
index 44ebf7937..f54abbca3 100644
--- a/src/Merge/mergeevent.py
+++ b/src/Merge/mergeevent.py
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ Provide merge capabilities for events.
 # Gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 import const
 import GrampsDisplay
diff --git a/src/Merge/mergefamily.py b/src/Merge/mergefamily.py
index 343735932..672923d86 100644
--- a/src/Merge/mergefamily.py
+++ b/src/Merge/mergefamily.py
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ Provide merge capabilities for families.
 # Gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 from gen.display.name import displayer as name_displayer
 import const
@@ -308,7 +309,7 @@ class MergeFamilyQuery(object):
         new_handle = self.phoenix.get_handle()
         old_handle = self.titanic.get_handle()
 
-        with self.database.transaction_begin(_('Merge Family')) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_('Merge Family'), self.database) as trans:
 
             phoenix_father = self.database.get_person_from_handle(self.phoenix_fh)
             titanic_father = self.database.get_person_from_handle(self.titanic_fh)
diff --git a/src/Merge/mergemedia.py b/src/Merge/mergemedia.py
index c0907d17f..4dfb836ab 100644
--- a/src/Merge/mergemedia.py
+++ b/src/Merge/mergemedia.py
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ Provide merge capabilities for media objects.
 # Gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 import const
 import GrampsDisplay
@@ -184,7 +185,7 @@ class MergeMediaQuery(object):
 
         self.phoenix.merge(self.titanic)
 
-        with self.database.transaction_begin(_("Merge Media Objects")) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Merge Media Objects"), self.database) as trans:
             for person in self.database.iter_people():
                 if person.has_media_reference(old_handle):
                     person.replace_media_references(old_handle, new_handle)
diff --git a/src/Merge/mergenote.py b/src/Merge/mergenote.py
index 570167a5b..ed36e8958 100644
--- a/src/Merge/mergenote.py
+++ b/src/Merge/mergenote.py
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ Provide merge capabilities for notes.
 # Gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 import const
 import GrampsDisplay
@@ -196,7 +197,7 @@ class MergeNoteQuery(object):
         new_handle = self.phoenix.get_handle()
         old_handle = self.titanic.get_handle()
         self.phoenix.merge(self.titanic)
-        with self.database.transaction_begin(_("Merge Notes")) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Merge Notes"), self.database) as trans:
 
             for person in self.database.iter_people():
                 if person.has_note_reference(old_handle):
diff --git a/src/Merge/mergeperson.py b/src/Merge/mergeperson.py
index 86887886e..d08832b93 100644
--- a/src/Merge/mergeperson.py
+++ b/src/Merge/mergeperson.py
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ import pango
 # Gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 from gen.plug.report import utils as ReportUtils
 from gen.display.name import displayer as name_displayer
@@ -406,7 +407,7 @@ class MergePersonQuery(object):
         Merges two persons into a single person.
         """
         if trans is None:
-            with self.database.transaction_begin(_('Merge Person')) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_('Merge Person'), self.database) as trans:
                 self.__execute(family_merger, trans)
         else:
             self.__execute(family_merger, trans)
diff --git a/src/Merge/mergeplace.py b/src/Merge/mergeplace.py
index 09d89ddc7..9b55eedad 100644
--- a/src/Merge/mergeplace.py
+++ b/src/Merge/mergeplace.py
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ import gtk
 # Gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 import const
 import GrampsDisplay
@@ -210,7 +211,7 @@ class MergePlaceQuery(object):
 
         self.phoenix.merge(self.titanic)
 
-        with self.database.transaction_begin(_("Merge Places")) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Merge Places"), self.database) as trans:
             for person in self.database.iter_people():
                 if person.has_handle_reference('Place', old_handle):
                     person.replace_handle_reference('Place', old_handle,
diff --git a/src/Merge/mergerepository.py b/src/Merge/mergerepository.py
index a6ddbd05a..166b55c3a 100644
--- a/src/Merge/mergerepository.py
+++ b/src/Merge/mergerepository.py
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ Provide merge capabilities for repositories.
 # Gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 import const
 import GrampsDisplay
@@ -171,7 +172,7 @@ class MergeRepoQuery(object):
 
         self.phoenix.merge(self.titanic)
 
-        with self.database.transaction_begin(_("Merge Repositories")) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Merge Repositories"), self.database) as trans:
             for source in self.database.iter_sources():
                 if source.has_repo_reference(old_handle):
                     source.replace_repo_references(old_handle, new_handle)
diff --git a/src/Merge/mergesource.py b/src/Merge/mergesource.py
index 969f4fe9f..c613a2736 100644
--- a/src/Merge/mergesource.py
+++ b/src/Merge/mergesource.py
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ Provide merge capabilities for sources.
 # Gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 import const
 import GrampsDisplay
@@ -197,7 +198,7 @@ class MergeSourceQuery(object):
 
         self.phoenix.merge(self.titanic)
 
-        with self.database.transaction_begin(_("Merge Source")) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Merge Source"), self.database) as trans:
             for person in self.database.iter_people():
                 if person.has_source_reference(old_handle):
                     person.replace_source_references(old_handle, new_handle)
diff --git a/src/Reorder.py b/src/Reorder.py
index 13fc5b626..32e8ccf0f 100644
--- a/src/Reorder.py
+++ b/src/Reorder.py
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ from gen.ggettext import gettext as _
 # gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.display.name import displayer as name_displayer
 import ListModel
 import ManagedWindow
@@ -136,7 +137,7 @@ class Reorder(ManagedWindow.ManagedWindow):
     def ok_clicked(self, obj):
         name = name_displayer.display(self.person)
         msg = _("Reorder Relationships: %s") % name
-        with self.dbstate.db.transaction_begin(msg) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(msg, self.dbstate.db) as trans:
             self.dbstate.db.commit_person(self.person, trans)
 
         self.close()
diff --git a/src/gen/db/base.py b/src/gen/db/base.py
index 9859df3a2..0fa77bb72 100644
--- a/src/gen/db/base.py
+++ b/src/gen/db/base.py
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ from gen.ggettext import gettext as _
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import gen.lib
+from txn import DbTxn
 
 class DbReadBase(object):
     """
@@ -1344,6 +1345,12 @@ class DbWriteBase(object):
         """
         raise NotImplementedError
 
+    def get_undodb(self):
+        """
+        Return the database that keeps track of Undo/Redo operations.
+        """
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
     def need_upgrade(self):
         """
         Return True if database needs to be upgraded
@@ -1479,18 +1486,35 @@ class DbWriteBase(object):
         """
         raise NotImplementedError
 
-    def transaction_begin(self, msg='', batch=False, no_magic=False):
+    def transaction_begin(self, transaction):
         """
-        Create a new Transaction tied to the current UNDO database. 
+        Prepare the database for the start of a new transaction.
         
-        The transaction has no effect until it is committed using the
-        transaction_commit function of the this database object.
+        Two modes should be provided: transaction.batch=False for ordinary
+        database operations that will be encapsulated in database transactions
+        to make them ACID and that are added to Gramps transactions so that
+        they can be undone. And transaction.batch=True for lengthy database
+        operations, that benefit from a speedup by making them none ACID, and
+        that can't be undone. The user is warned and is asked for permission
+        before the start of such database operations.
+
+        :param transaction: Gramps transaction ...
+        :type transaction: DbTxn
+        :returns: Returns the Gramps transaction.
+        :rtype: DbTxn
         """
         raise NotImplementedError
 
-    def transaction_commit(self, transaction, msg):
+    def transaction_commit(self, transaction):
         """
-        Commit the transaction to the associated UNDO database.
+        Make the changes to the database final and add the content of the
+        transaction to the undo database.
+        """
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+    def transaction_abort(self, transaction):
+        """
+        Revert the changes made to the database so far during the transaction.
         """
         raise NotImplementedError
 
@@ -1525,7 +1549,7 @@ class DbWriteBase(object):
         child.add_parent_family_handle(family.handle)
     
         if trans is None:
-            with self.transaction_begin(_('Add child to family')) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_('Add child to family'), self) as trans:
                 self.commit_family(family, trans)
                 self.commit_person(child, trans)
         else:
@@ -1538,8 +1562,7 @@ class DbWriteBase(object):
         it becomes empty.
         """
         if trans is None:
-            with self.transaction_begin(_("Remove child from family")
-                                        ) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Remove child from family"), self) as trans:
                 self.__remove_child_from_family(person_handle, family_handle,
                                                 trans)
         else:
@@ -1617,7 +1640,7 @@ class DbWriteBase(object):
         Remove a family and its relationships.
         """
         if trans is None:
-            with self.transaction_begin(_("Remove Family")) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Remove Family"), self) as trans:
                 self.__remove_family_relationships(family_handle, trans)
         else:
             self.__remove_family_relationships(family_handle, trans)
@@ -1642,7 +1665,7 @@ class DbWriteBase(object):
         deleting the family if it becomes empty.
         """
         if trans is None:
-            with self.transaction_begin() as trans:
+            with DbTxn('', self) as trans:
                 msg = self.__remove_parent_from_family(person_handle,
                                                        family_handle, trans)
                 trans.set_description(msg)
diff --git a/src/gen/db/txn.py b/src/gen/db/txn.py
index 382c197bb..3f2e5428d 100644
--- a/src/gen/db/txn.py
+++ b/src/gen/db/txn.py
@@ -54,8 +54,6 @@ _LOG = logging.getLogger(DBLOGNAME)
 class DbTxn(defaultdict):
     """
     Define a group of database commits that define a single logical operation.
-    This class should not be used directly, but subclassed to reference a real
-    database
     """
 
     __slots__ = ('msg', 'commitdb', 'db', 'batch', 'first',
@@ -65,6 +63,7 @@ class DbTxn(defaultdict):
         """
         Context manager entry method
         """
+        self.db.transaction_begin(self)
         return self
 
     def __exit__(self, exc_type, exc_val, exc_tb):
@@ -77,19 +76,25 @@ class DbTxn(defaultdict):
             self.db.transaction_abort(self)
         return False
     
-    def __init__(self, msg, commitdb, grampsdb, batch):
+    def __init__(self, msg, grampsdb, batch=False, **kwargs):
         """
         Create a new transaction. 
         
-        A Transaction instance should not be created directly, but by the 
-        DbBase class or classes derived from DbBase. The commitdb 
-        parameter is a list-like interface that stores the commit data. This 
-        could be a simple list, or a RECNO-style database object.  The grampsdb
-        parameter is a reference to the DbWrite object to which this
-        transaction will be applied.
+        The grampsdb should have transaction_begin/commit/abort methods, and 
+        a get_undodb method to store undo actions.
+        
+        A Transaction instance can be created directly, but it is advised to
+        use a context to do this. Like this the user must not worry about 
+        calling the transaction_xx methods on the database.
+         
+        The grampsdb parameter is a reference to the DbWrite object to which
+        this transaction will be applied.
+        grampsdb.get_undodb() should return a list-like interface that 
+        stores the commit data. This could be a simple list, or a RECNO-style
+        database object. 
 
-        The data structure used to handle the transactions is a Python
-        dictionary where:
+        The data structure used to handle the transactions (see the add method)
+        is a Python dictionary where:
         
         key = (object type, transaction type) where:
             object type = the numeric type of an object. These are
@@ -107,9 +112,11 @@ class DbTxn(defaultdict):
         defaultdict.__init__(self, list, {})
 
         self.msg = msg
-        self.commitdb = commitdb
+        self.commitdb = grampsdb.get_undodb()
         self.db = grampsdb
         self.batch = batch
+        for key, value in kwargs.iteritems():
+            setattr(self, key, value)
         self.first = None
         self.last = None
         self.timestamp = 0
diff --git a/src/gen/db/write.py b/src/gen/db/write.py
index 13f8655fb..a22ac6320 100644
--- a/src/gen/db/write.py
+++ b/src/gen/db/write.py
@@ -543,6 +543,12 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
             except db.DBNoSuchFileError:
                 pass                
 
+    def get_undodb(self):
+        """
+        Return the database that keeps track of Undo/Redo operations.
+        """
+        return self.undodb
+
     def __load_metadata(self):
         # name display formats
         self.name_formats = self.metadata.get('name_formats', default=[])
@@ -919,7 +925,7 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
         # Make a tuple of the functions and classes that we need for
         # each of the primary object tables.
 
-        with self.transaction_begin(_("Rebuild reference map"), batch=True,
+        with DbTxn(_("Rebuild reference map"), self, batch=True,
                                     no_magic=True) as transaction:
             callback(4)
 
@@ -1019,6 +1025,8 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
     def close(self):
         if not self.db_is_open:
             return
+        if self.txn:
+            self.transaction_abort(self.transaction)
         self.env.txn_checkpoint()
 
         self.__close_metadata()
@@ -1234,7 +1242,6 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
             old_data = data_map.get(handle, txn=self.txn)
             data_map.delete(handle, txn=self.txn)
             transaction.add(key, TXNDEL, handle, old_data, None)
-            #del_list.append(handle)
 
     def remove_person(self, handle, transaction):
         """
@@ -1257,7 +1264,6 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
                                                    txn=self.txn)
             self.person_map.delete(str(handle), txn=self.txn)
             transaction.add(PERSON_KEY, TXNDEL, handle, person.serialize(), None)
-            #transaction.person_del.append(str(handle))            
 
     def remove_source(self, handle, transaction):
         """
@@ -1626,17 +1632,27 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
         return None
 
     @catch_db_error
-    def transaction_begin(self, msg="", batch=False, no_magic=False):
-        """
-        Create a new Transaction tied to the current UNDO database. 
-        
-        The transaction has no effect until it is committed using the 
-        transaction_commit function of the this database object.
+    def transaction_begin(self, transaction):
         """
+        Prepare the database for the start of a new Transaction.
 
-        transaction = DbTxn(msg, self.undodb, self, batch)
-        transaction.no_magic = no_magic
-        if batch:
+        Supported transaction parameters:
+        no_magic: Boolean, defaults to False, indicating if secondary indices
+                  should be disconnected.
+        """
+        if self.txn is not None:
+            msg = self.transaction.get_description()
+            self.transaction_abort(self.transaction)
+            raise Errors.DbError(_('A second transaction is started while there'
+                ' is still a transaction, "%s", active in the database.') % msg)
+
+        if not isinstance(transaction, DbTxn) or len(transaction) != 0:
+            raise TypeError("transaction_begin must be called with an empty "
+                    "instance of DbTxn which typically happens by using the "
+                    "DbTxn instance as a context manager.")
+
+        self.transaction = transaction #only used at the start of this method.
+        if transaction.batch:
             # A batch transaction does not store the commits
             # Aborting the session completely will become impossible.
             self.abort_possible = False
@@ -1644,7 +1660,8 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
             self.undodb.clear()
             self.env.txn_checkpoint()
 
-            if self.secondary_connected and not no_magic:
+            if (self.secondary_connected and
+                    not getattr(transaction, 'no_magic', False)):
                 # Disconnect unneeded secondary indices
                 self.surnames.close()
                 _db = db.DB(self.env)
@@ -1665,25 +1682,25 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
         return transaction
 
     @catch_db_error
-    def transaction_commit(self, transaction, msg=''):
+    def transaction_commit(self, transaction):
         """
         Make the changes to the database final and add the content of the
         transaction to the undo database.
         """
-        if not msg:
-            msg = transaction.get_description()
+        msg = transaction.get_description()
         if self._LOG_ALL:
             _LOG.debug("%s: Transaction commit '%s'\n"
-                       % (self.__class__.__name__, str(msg)))
+                       % (self.__class__.__name__, msg))
 
         if self.readonly:
             return
 
         if self.txn is not None:
-            assert transaction.get_description() != ''
+            assert msg != ''
             self.bsddbtxn.commit()
             self.bsddbtxn = None
             self.txn = None
+            self.transaction = None
         self.env.log_flush()
         if not transaction.batch:
             emit = self.__emit
@@ -1714,11 +1731,11 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
 
     def transaction_abort(self, transaction):
         """
-        Revert the changes made to the database.
+        Revert the changes made to the database so far during the transaction.
         """
         if self._LOG_ALL:
-            _LOG.debug("%s: Transaction abort '%s'\n"
-                       % (self.__class__.__name__, str(transaction.get_description())))
+            _LOG.debug("%s: Transaction abort '%s'\n" % 
+                    (self.__class__.__name__, transaction.get_description()))
 
         if self.readonly:
             return
@@ -1727,6 +1744,7 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
             self.bsddbtxn.abort()
             self.bsddbtxn = None
             self.txn = None
+            self.transaction = None
         transaction.clear()
         transaction.first = None
         transaction.last = None
@@ -1739,7 +1757,7 @@ class DbBsddb(DbBsddbRead, DbWriteBase, UpdateCallback):
         if transaction.batch:
             self.env.txn_checkpoint()
 
-            if not transaction.no_magic:
+            if not getattr(transaction, 'no_magic', False):
                 # create new secondary indices to replace the ones removed
 
                 self.surnames = self.__open_db(self.full_name, SURNAMES,
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/displaytabs/gallerytab.py b/src/gui/editors/displaytabs/gallerytab.py
index 6bb5904df..4f17a0f0d 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/displaytabs/gallerytab.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/displaytabs/gallerytab.py
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ from gui.utils import open_file_with_default_application
 from gui.dbguielement import DbGUIElement
 from gui.selectors import SelectorFactory
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 import Utils
 import ThumbNails
 import Errors
@@ -476,8 +477,8 @@ class GalleryTab(ButtonTab, DbGUIElement):
                         basename = os.path.basename(name)
                         (root, ext) = os.path.splitext(basename)
                         photo.set_description(root)
-                        with self.dbstate.db.transaction_begin(
-                                _("Drag Media Object")) as trans:
+                        with DbTxn(_("Drag Media Object"),
+                                   self.dbstate.db) as trans:
                             self.dbstate.db.add_object(photo, trans)
                             oref = gen.lib.MediaRef()
                             oref.set_reference_handle(photo.get_handle())
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editevent.py b/src/gui/editors/editevent.py
index 8e825175a..2a5486552 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editevent.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editevent.py
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ import gtk
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import const
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 import GrampsDisplay
 from editprimary import EditPrimary
 from objectentries import PlaceEntry
@@ -253,14 +254,14 @@ class EditEvent(EditPrimary):
             return
 
         if not self.obj.handle:
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Add Event (%s)") %
-                                            self.obj.get_gramps_id()) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Add Event (%s)") % self.obj.get_gramps_id(),
+                       self.db) as trans:
                 self.db.add_event(self.obj, trans)
         else:
             orig = self.get_from_handle(self.obj.handle)
             if cmp(self.obj.serialize(), orig.serialize()):
-                with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Edit Event (%s)") %
-                                            self.obj.get_gramps_id()) as trans:
+                with DbTxn(_("Edit Event (%s)") % self.obj.get_gramps_id(),
+                           self.db) as trans:
                     if not self.obj.get_gramps_id():
                         self.obj.set_gramps_id(self.db.find_next_event_gramps_id())
                     self.commit_event(self.obj, trans)
@@ -331,8 +332,8 @@ class DeleteEventQuery(object):
         self.family_list = family_list
 
     def query_response(self):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Delete Event (%s)") %
-                                        self.event.get_gramps_id()) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Delete Event (%s)") % self.event.get_gramps_id(),
+                   self.db) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
         
             ev_handle_list = [self.event.get_handle()]
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editeventref.py b/src/gui/editors/editeventref.py
index 92b83a18a..c7faca611 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editeventref.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editeventref.py
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ from gen.ggettext import gettext as _
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from glade import Glade
 from displaytabs import (SourceEmbedList, NoteTab, GalleryTab, 
                          EventBackRefList, AttrEmbedList)
@@ -237,10 +238,10 @@ class EditEventRef(EditReference):
     def ok_clicked(self, obj):
 
         if self.source.handle:
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Modify Event")) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Modify Event"), self.db) as trans:
                 self.commit_event(self.source,trans)
         else:
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Add Event")) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Add Event"), self.db) as trans:
                 self.add_event(self.source,trans)
             self.source_ref.ref = self.source.handle
         
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editfamily.py b/src/gui/editors/editfamily.py
index 02c8c8db8..76e653ca3 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editfamily.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editfamily.py
@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ import Utils
 import config
 from gen.display.name import displayer as name_displayer
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 import Errors
 import DateHandler
 from glade import Glade
@@ -1060,7 +1061,7 @@ class EditFamily(EditPrimary):
         self._cleanup_callbacks()
             
         if not original and not self.object_is_empty():
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Add Family")) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Add Family"), self.db) as trans:
 
                 # find the father, add the family handle to the father
                 handle = self.obj.get_father_handle()
@@ -1086,7 +1087,7 @@ class EditFamily(EditPrimary):
                 self.db.add_family(self.obj, trans)
         elif cmp(original.serialize(),self.obj.serialize()):
 
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Edit Family")) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Edit Family"), self.db) as trans:
 
                 self.fix_parent_handles(original.get_father_handle(),
                                         self.obj.get_father_handle(), trans)
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editmedia.py b/src/gui/editors/editmedia.py
index ebc3f4359..752b26a6d 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editmedia.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editmedia.py
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ import gtk
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 from gui.utils import open_file_with_default_application
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 import gen.mime
 import ThumbNails
 import Utils
@@ -288,7 +289,7 @@ class EditMedia(EditPrimary):
 
         self.obj.set_path(Utils.get_unicode_path_from_file_chooser(path))
 
-        with self.db.transaction_begin() as trans:
+        with DbTxn('', self.db) as trans:
             if not self.obj.get_handle():
                 self.db.add_object(self.obj, trans)
                 msg = _("Add Media Object (%s)") % self.obj.get_description()
@@ -335,7 +336,7 @@ class DeleteMediaQuery(object):
         self.the_lists = the_lists
         
     def query_response(self):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Remove Media Object")) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Remove Media Object"), self.db) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
         
             (person_list, family_list, event_list,
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editmediaref.py b/src/gui/editors/editmediaref.py
index 6ef741b50..3121ce997 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editmediaref.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editmediaref.py
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ import gen.mime
 import ThumbNails
 import Utils
 from gen.lib import NoteType
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from glade import Glade
 from displaytabs import (SourceEmbedList, AttrEmbedList, MediaBackRefList, 
                          NoteTab)
@@ -587,12 +588,12 @@ class EditMediaRef(EditReference):
     def save(self,*obj):
         #first save primary object
         if self.source.handle:
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Edit Media Object (%s)"
-                                  ) % self.source.get_description()) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Edit Media Object (%s)") %
+                       self.source.get_description(), self.db) as trans:
                 self.db.commit_media_object(self.source, trans)
         else:
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Add Media Object (%s)"
-                                  ) % self.source.get_description()) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Add Media Object (%s)") % 
+                       self.source.get_description(), self.db) as trans:
                 self.db.add_object(self.source, trans)
 
         #save reference object in memory
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editnote.py b/src/gui/editors/editnote.py
index 145e0af68..0f0377b73 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editnote.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editnote.py
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ from displaytabs import GrampsTab, NoteBackRefList
 from gui.widgets import (MonitoredDataType, MonitoredCheckbox, 
                          MonitoredEntry, PrivacyButton, MonitoredTagList)
 from gen.lib import Note
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from QuestionDialog import ErrorDialog
 from glade import Glade
 
@@ -317,7 +318,7 @@ class EditNote(EditPrimary):
             self.ok_button.set_sensitive(True)
             return
         
-        with self.db.transaction_begin() as trans:
+        with DbTxn('', self.db) as trans:
             if not self.obj.get_handle():
                 self.db.add_note(self.obj, trans)
                 msg = _("Add Note")
@@ -340,8 +341,8 @@ class DeleteNoteQuery(object):
         self.the_lists = the_lists
 
     def query_response(self):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Delete Note (%s)") % 
-                                        self.note.get_gramps_id()) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Delete Note (%s)") % self.note.get_gramps_id(),
+                   self.db) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
         
             (person_list, family_list, event_list, place_list, source_list,
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editperson.py b/src/gui/editors/editperson.py
index ef0de00f0..b1f5995ab 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editperson.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editperson.py
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ import pango
 import Utils
 from gui.utils import add_menuitem, open_file_with_default_application
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gui import widgets
 from gen.display.name import displayer as name_displayer
 import Errors
@@ -868,7 +869,7 @@ class EditPerson(EditPrimary):
 
         self.db.set_birth_death_index(self.obj)
 
-        with self.db.transaction_begin() as trans:
+        with DbTxn('', self.db) as trans:
             self._update_family_ids()
             if not self.obj.get_handle():
                 self.db.add_person(self.obj, trans)
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editplace.py b/src/gui/editors/editplace.py
index 9cbc70039..44d3d0748 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editplace.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editplace.py
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ import gtk
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from editprimary import EditPrimary
 from displaytabs import (GrampsTab, LocationEmbedList, SourceEmbedList, 
                          GalleryTab, NoteTab, WebEmbedList, PlaceBackRefList)
@@ -306,7 +307,7 @@ class EditPlace(EditPrimary):
             self.ok_button.set_sensitive(True)
             return
 
-        with self.db.transaction_begin() as trans:
+        with DbTxn('', self.db) as trans:
             if not self.obj.get_handle():
                 self.db.add_place(self.obj, trans)
                 msg = _("Add Place (%s)") % self.obj.get_title()
@@ -338,8 +339,8 @@ class DeletePlaceQuery(object):
         self.event_list  = event_list
         
     def query_response(self):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Delete Place (%s)") % 
-                                        self.obj.get_title()) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Delete Place (%s)") % self.obj.get_title(),
+                   self.db) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
         
             place_handle = self.obj.get_handle()
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editreporef.py b/src/gui/editors/editreporef.py
index 7605f6460..5adc7b8c7 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editreporef.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editreporef.py
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ from gen.ggettext import gettext as _
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 from gen.lib import NoteType
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 
 from displaytabs import NoteTab,AddrEmbedList,WebEmbedList,SourceBackRefList
 from gui.widgets import MonitoredEntry, PrivacyButton, MonitoredDataType
@@ -190,10 +191,10 @@ class EditRepoRef(EditReference):
     def ok_clicked(self, obj):
 
         if self.source.handle:
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Modify Repository")) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Modify Repository"), self.db) as trans:
                 self.db.commit_repository(self.source,trans)
         else:
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Add Repository")) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Add Repository"), self.db) as trans:
                 self.db.add_repository(self.source,trans)
             self.source_ref.ref = self.source.handle
 
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editrepository.py b/src/gui/editors/editrepository.py
index 75016f767..3ff0138b5 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editrepository.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editrepository.py
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ import gtk
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 
 from gui.widgets import MonitoredEntry, MonitoredDataType, PrivacyButton
 from displaytabs import AddrEmbedList, WebEmbedList, NoteTab, SourceBackRefList
@@ -177,7 +178,7 @@ class EditRepository(EditPrimary):
             self.ok_button.set_sensitive(True)
             return
 
-        with self.db.transaction_begin() as trans:
+        with DbTxn('', self.db) as trans:
             if not self.obj.get_handle():
                 self.db.add_repository(self.obj, trans)
                 msg = _("Add Repository (%s)") % self.obj.get_name()
@@ -198,8 +199,8 @@ class DeleteRepositoryQuery(object):
         self.sources = sources
 
     def query_response(self):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Delete Repository (%s)") % 
-                                        self.obj.get_name()) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Delete Repository (%s)") % self.obj.get_name(),
+                   self.db) as trans:
         
             repos_handle_list = [self.obj.get_handle()]
 
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editsource.py b/src/gui/editors/editsource.py
index 710a9d7b8..48d795c44 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editsource.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editsource.py
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ import gtk
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from editprimary import EditPrimary
 
 from displaytabs import (NoteTab, GalleryTab, DataEmbedList,
@@ -195,7 +196,7 @@ class EditSource(EditPrimary):
             self.ok_button.set_sensitive(True)
             return
 
-        with self.db.transaction_begin() as trans:
+        with DbTxn('', self.db) as trans:
             if not self.obj.get_handle():
                 self.db.add_source(self.obj, trans)
                 msg = _("Add Source (%s)") % self.obj.get_title()
@@ -216,8 +217,8 @@ class DeleteSrcQuery(object):
         self.the_lists = the_lists
 
     def query_response(self):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Delete Source (%s)") %
-                                        self.source.get_title()) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Delete Source (%s)") % self.source.get_title(),
+                   self.db) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
         
             (person_list, family_list, event_list, place_list, source_list, 
diff --git a/src/gui/editors/editsourceref.py b/src/gui/editors/editsourceref.py
index 231594791..6615adb72 100644
--- a/src/gui/editors/editsourceref.py
+++ b/src/gui/editors/editsourceref.py
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ from gen.ggettext import gettext as _
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from glade import Glade
 from displaytabs import (NoteTab, GalleryTab, SourceBackRefList, 
                          DataEmbedList, RepoEmbedList)
@@ -206,10 +207,10 @@ class EditSourceRef(EditReference):
     def ok_clicked(self, obj):
 
         if self.source.handle:
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Modify Source")) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Modify Source"), self.db) as trans:
                 self.db.commit_source(self.source,trans)
         else:
-            with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Add Source")) as trans:
+            with DbTxn(_("Add Source"), self.db) as trans:
                 self.db.add_source(self.source,trans)
 
         if self.update:
diff --git a/src/plugins/import/ImportCsv.py b/src/plugins/import/ImportCsv.py
index 5b2ba401f..6e2d5c9bb 100644
--- a/src/plugins/import/ImportCsv.py
+++ b/src/plugins/import/ImportCsv.py
@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@ LOG = logging.getLogger(".ImportCSV")
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 from gen.ggettext import ngettext
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from QuestionDialog import ErrorDialog
 from DateHandler import parser as _dp
 from Utils import gender as gender_map
@@ -438,8 +439,7 @@ class CSVParser(object):
         progress.set_pass(_('Reading data...'), 1)
         data = self.readCSV() 
         progress.set_pass(_('Importing data...'), len(data))
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("CSV import"), batch=True
-                                       ) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("CSV import"), self.db, batch=True) as self.trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
             t = time.time()
             self.lineno = 0
diff --git a/src/plugins/import/ImportGeneWeb.py b/src/plugins/import/ImportGeneWeb.py
index 40c0c3da8..a16bd951c 100644
--- a/src/plugins/import/ImportGeneWeb.py
+++ b/src/plugins/import/ImportGeneWeb.py
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ LOG = logging.getLogger(".ImportGeneWeb")
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import Errors
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from QuestionDialog import ErrorDialog
 from htmlentitydefs import name2codepoint
 
@@ -112,8 +113,7 @@ class GeneWebParser(object):
         return line
         
     def parse_geneweb_file(self):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("GeneWeb import"), batch=True
-                                       ) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("GeneWeb import"), self.db, batch=True) as self.trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
             t = time.time()
             self.lineno = 0
diff --git a/src/plugins/import/ImportProGen.py b/src/plugins/import/ImportProGen.py
index b7e9cf55e..c278d5028 100644
--- a/src/plugins/import/ImportProGen.py
+++ b/src/plugins/import/ImportProGen.py
@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@ log = logging.getLogger('.ImportProGen')
 import Utils
 from gui.utils import ProgressMeter
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from QuestionDialog import ErrorDialog
 
 class ProgenError(Exception):
@@ -495,8 +496,7 @@ class ProgenParser(object):
         self.pers = _read_recs(self.def_['Table_1'], self.bname)
         self.rels = _read_recs(self.def_['Table_2'], self.bname)
 
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Pro-Gen import"), batch=True
-                                       ) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Pro-Gen import"), self.db, batch=True) as self.trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
 
             self.create_persons()
diff --git a/src/plugins/import/ImportVCard.py b/src/plugins/import/ImportVCard.py
index 4ca019552..0a9974a33 100644
--- a/src/plugins/import/ImportVCard.py
+++ b/src/plugins/import/ImportVCard.py
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ LOG = logging.getLogger(".ImportVCard")
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import Errors
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from QuestionDialog import ErrorDialog
 
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -90,8 +91,7 @@ class VCardParser(object):
         return line
         
     def parse_vCard_file(self):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("vCard import"), batch=True
-                                       ) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("vCard import"), self.db, batch=True) as self.trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
             t = time.time()
             self.person = None
diff --git a/src/plugins/import/ImportXml.py b/src/plugins/import/ImportXml.py
index ec1fce19f..670d35914 100644
--- a/src/plugins/import/ImportXml.py
+++ b/src/plugins/import/ImportXml.py
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ LOG = logging.getLogger(".ImportXML")
 from QuestionDialog import ErrorDialog, WarningDialog
 import gen.mime
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 import Utils
 import DateHandler
 from gen.display.name import displayer as name_displayer
@@ -771,8 +772,8 @@ class GrampsParser(UpdateCallback):
             no_magic = True
         else:
             no_magic = False
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Gramps XML import"), batch=True,
-                                       no_magic=no_magic) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Gramps XML import"), self.db, batch=True,
+                   no_magic=no_magic) as self.trans:
             self.set_total(linecount)
 
             self.db.disable_signals()
diff --git a/src/plugins/lib/libgedcom.py b/src/plugins/lib/libgedcom.py
index edac1e5e4..a3b83b101 100644
--- a/src/plugins/lib/libgedcom.py
+++ b/src/plugins/lib/libgedcom.py
@@ -113,6 +113,7 @@ LOG = logging.getLogger(".libgedcom")
 import Errors
 import const
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.updatecallback import UpdateCallback
 import gen.mime
 import LdsUtils
@@ -2281,8 +2282,8 @@ class GedcomParser(UpdateCallback):
         Parses the opened GEDCOM file.
         """
         no_magic = self.maxpeople < 1000
-        with self.dbase.transaction_begin(_("GEDCOM import"), not use_trans,
-                                          no_magic) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("GEDCOM import"), self.dbase, not use_trans, no_magic
+                   ) as self.trans:
 
             self.dbase.disable_signals()
             self.__parse_header_head()
diff --git a/src/plugins/lib/libpersonview.py b/src/plugins/lib/libpersonview.py
index ec37286a1..5f64fae53 100644
--- a/src/plugins/lib/libpersonview.py
+++ b/src/plugins/lib/libpersonview.py
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ _LOG = logging.getLogger(".gui.personview")
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gui.views.listview import ListView
 import Utils
 from gen.display.name import displayer as name_displayer
@@ -305,7 +306,7 @@ class BasePersonView(ListView):
         self.uistate.set_busy_cursor(True)
 
         # create the transaction
-        with self.dbstate.db.transaction_begin() as trans:
+        with DbTxn('', self.dbstate.db) as trans:
         
             # create name to save
             person = self.active_person
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/ChangeNames.py b/src/plugins/tool/ChangeNames.py
index e4d81e7e6..083aaa3a4 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/ChangeNames.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/ChangeNames.py
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ import gtk
 # gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-from gen.db import find_surname_name
+from gen.db import find_surname_name, DbTxn
 import const
 from gui.utils import ProgressMeter
 import GrampsDisplay
@@ -231,8 +231,8 @@ class ChangeNames(tool.BatchTool, ManagedWindow.ManagedWindow):
         GrampsDisplay.help(WIKI_HELP_PAGE , WIKI_HELP_SEC)
 
     def on_ok_clicked(self, obj):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Capitalization changes"),batch=True
-                                       ) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Capitalization changes"), self.db, batch=True
+                   ) as self.trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
             changelist = set(self.model.get_value(node,1)
                             for node in self.iter_list
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/ChangeTypes.py b/src/plugins/tool/ChangeTypes.py
index 831e9fba2..704831ad5 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/ChangeTypes.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/ChangeTypes.py
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ import locale
 import ManagedWindow
 import AutoComp
 from gen.lib import EventType
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from QuestionDialog import OkDialog
 from gui.plug import tool
 from glade import Glade
@@ -110,8 +111,7 @@ class ChangeTypes(tool.BatchTool, ManagedWindow.ManagedWindow):
 
         modified = 0
 
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_('Change types'), batch=True
-                                      ) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn(_('Change types'), self.db, batch=True) as self.trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
             if not cli:
                 progress = ProgressMeter(_('Analyzing Events'),'')
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/Check.py b/src/plugins/tool/Check.py
index 2b129e3f8..b4c654f7c 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/Check.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/Check.py
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ import gtk
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 import Utils
 from gui.utils import ProgressMeter
 import ManagedWindow
@@ -174,8 +175,7 @@ class Check(tool.BatchTool):
         if self.db.__class__.__name__ == 'DbBsddb':
             low_level(self.db)
         
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Check Integrity"), batch=True
-                                       ) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Check Integrity"), self.db, batch=True) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
             checker = CheckIntegrity(dbstate, uistate, trans)
             checker.fix_encoding()
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/DateParserDisplayTest.py b/src/plugins/tool/DateParserDisplayTest.py
index 6233f1fc7..bbc6f90f4 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/DateParserDisplayTest.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/DateParserDisplayTest.py
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ from gen.ggettext import gettext as _
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gui.plug import tool
 from gui.utils import ProgressMeter
 from QuestionDialog import QuestionDialog
@@ -155,8 +156,7 @@ class DateParserDisplayTest(tool.Tool):
         #      (4,7,1789,False,5,88,1876,False),"Text comment")
         #dates.append( d)
         
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Date Test Plugin"),batch=True
-                                       ) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Date Test Plugin"), self.db, batch=True) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
             self.progress.set_pass(_('Generating dates'),
                                    len(dates))
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/EventNames.py b/src/plugins/tool/EventNames.py
index ee7df547e..073707ea5 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/EventNames.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/EventNames.py
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ from gen.ggettext import ngettext
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import ManagedWindow
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 import Utils
 
 from gui.plug import tool
@@ -78,8 +79,7 @@ class EventNames(tool.BatchTool, ManagedWindow.ManagedWindow):
         """
         Perform the actual extraction of information.
         """
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Event name changes"), batch=True
-                                       ) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Event name changes"), self.db, batch=True) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
             self.change = False
             counter = 0
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/ExtractCity.py b/src/plugins/tool/ExtractCity.py
index 9d07b0b62..da32d3aec 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/ExtractCity.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/ExtractCity.py
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ import gobject
 # gramps modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 import ManagedWindow
 import GrampsDisplay
 
@@ -591,8 +592,7 @@ class ExtractCity(tool.BatchTool, ManagedWindow.ManagedWindow):
         GrampsDisplay.help()
 
     def on_ok_clicked(self, obj):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Extract Place data"), batch=True
-                                       ) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Extract Place data"), self.db, batch=True) as self.trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
             changelist = [node for node in self.iter_list
                           if self.model.get_value(node, 0)]
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/MediaManager.py b/src/plugins/tool/MediaManager.py
index 0e1e5c801..6c99db949 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/MediaManager.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/MediaManager.py
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ import GrampsDisplay
 import Assistant
 import Errors
 from gen.lib import MediaObject
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.updatecallback import UpdateCallback
 from gui.plug import tool
 from Utils import media_path_full, relative_path, media_path
@@ -359,7 +360,7 @@ class BatchOp(UpdateCallback):
         Should not be overridden without good reasons.
         """
         self.db.disable_signals()
-        with self.db.transaction_begin("", batch=True) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn("", self.db, batch=True) as self.trans:
             success = self._run()
             trans.set_description(self.title)
         self.db.enable_signals()
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/NotRelated.py b/src/plugins/tool/NotRelated.py
index cb684841e..d17999955 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/NotRelated.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/NotRelated.py
@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@ import GrampsDisplay
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 from glade import Glade
 from gen.lib import Tag
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 #
@@ -242,7 +243,7 @@ class NotRelated(tool.ActivePersonTool, ManagedWindow.ManagedWindow) :
         tag_name    = self.tagcombo.get_active_text()
 
         # start the db transaction
-        with self.db.transaction_begin("Tag not related") as transaction:
+        with DbTxn("Tag not related", self.db) as transaction:
 
             tag = self.db.get_tag_from_name(tag_name)
             if not tag:
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/PatchNames.py b/src/plugins/tool/PatchNames.py
index b60b18c87..85f682af9 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/PatchNames.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/PatchNames.py
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ from QuestionDialog import OkDialog
 import ManagedWindow
 import GrampsDisplay
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gen.ggettext import sgettext as _
 from glade import Glade
 
@@ -481,8 +482,8 @@ class PatchNames(tool.BatchTool, ManagedWindow.ManagedWindow):
         GrampsDisplay.help(webpage=WIKI_HELP_PAGE, section=WIKI_HELP_SEC)
 
     def on_ok_clicked(self, obj):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Extract information from names"),
-                                       batch=True) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Extract information from names"), self.db, batch=True
+                   ) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
 
             for key, data in self.handle_to_action.items():
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/RemoveUnused.py b/src/plugins/tool/RemoveUnused.py
index 420e5722e..08a70aa1e 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/RemoveUnused.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/RemoveUnused.py
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ import gobject
 # GRAMPS modules
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 import Errors
 import ManagedWindow
 from DateHandler import displayer as _dd
@@ -279,8 +280,7 @@ class RemoveUnused(tool.Tool, ManagedWindow.ManagedWindow, UpdateCallback):
             self.reset()
 
     def do_remove(self, obj):
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Remove unused objects"),
-                                       batch=False) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Remove unused objects"), self.db, batch=False) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
 
             for row_num in range(len(self.real_model)-1, -1, -1):
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/ReorderIds.py b/src/plugins/tool/ReorderIds.py
index 44cc55cae..87b680fa5 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/ReorderIds.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/ReorderIds.py
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ from gen.ggettext import gettext as _
 #------------------------------------------------------------------------
 from gui.utils import ProgressMeter
 import gen.lib
+from gen.lib import DbTxn
 from gui.plug import tool
 
 _findint = re.compile('^[^\d]*(\d+)[^\d]*')
@@ -67,8 +68,7 @@ class ReorderIds(tool.BatchTool):
         else:
             print "Reordering Gramps IDs..."
 
-        with db.transaction_begin(_("Reorder Gramps IDs"), batch=True
-                                  ) as self.trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Reorder Gramps IDs"), db, batch=True) as self.trans:
             db.disable_signals()
 
             if uistate:
diff --git a/src/plugins/tool/SortEvents.py b/src/plugins/tool/SortEvents.py
index 51fffb27a..c4ef79052 100644
--- a/src/plugins/tool/SortEvents.py
+++ b/src/plugins/tool/SortEvents.py
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ from gen.ggettext import gettext as _
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import Sort
 
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gui.plug import MenuToolOptions, PluginWindows
 from gen.plug.report import utils as ReportUtils
 from gen.plug.menu import FilterOption, PersonOption, \
@@ -95,8 +96,7 @@ class SortEvents(PluginWindows.ToolManagedWindowBatch):
         self.sort_name = sort_functions[sort_func_num][0]
         self.sort_func = sort_functions[sort_func_num][1]
         self.sort = Sort.Sort(self.db)
-        with self.db.transaction_begin(_("Sort event changes"), batch=True
-                                       ) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Sort event changes"), self.db, batch=True) as trans:
             self.db.disable_signals()
             family_handles = self.sort_person_events(trans)
             if len(family_handles) > 0:
diff --git a/src/plugins/view/mediaview.py b/src/plugins/view/mediaview.py
index 1d372f36e..8cccecc5a 100644
--- a/src/plugins/view/mediaview.py
+++ b/src/plugins/view/mediaview.py
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ import Utils
 import Bookmarks
 import gen.mime
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gui.editors import EditMedia, DeleteMediaQuery
 import Errors
 from Filters.SideBar import MediaSidebarFilter
@@ -206,8 +207,7 @@ class MediaView(ListView):
                 basename = os.path.basename(name)
                 (root, ext) = os.path.splitext(basename)
                 photo.set_description(root)
-                with self.dbstate.db.transaction_begin(_("Drag Media Object")
-                                                      ) as trans:
+                with DbTxn(_("Drag Media Object"), self.dbstate.db) as trans:
                     self.dbstate.db.add_object(photo, trans)
         widget.emit_stop_by_name('drag_data_received')
                 
diff --git a/src/plugins/view/relview.py b/src/plugins/view/relview.py
index 38bdb1194..0922751fa 100644
--- a/src/plugins/view/relview.py
+++ b/src/plugins/view/relview.py
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ import pango
 #
 #-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 import gen.lib
+from gen.db import DbTxn
 from gui.views.navigationview import NavigationView
 from gui.editors import EditPerson, EditFamily
 from gui.filtereditor import FilterEditor
@@ -1500,8 +1501,7 @@ class RelationshipView(NavigationView):
         family = self.dbstate.db.get_family_from_handle(family_handle)
         family.add_child_ref(ref)
         
-        with self.dbstate.db.transaction_begin(_("Add Child to Family")
-                                                  ) as trans:
+        with DbTxn(_("Add Child to Family"), self.dbstate.db) as trans:
             #add parentref to child
             person.add_parent_family_handle(family_handle)
             #default relationship is used
diff --git a/src/web/dbdjango.py b/src/web/dbdjango.py
index bb5b3ef7c..b0de2542d 100644
--- a/src/web/dbdjango.py
+++ b/src/web/dbdjango.py
@@ -425,7 +425,7 @@ class DbDjango(DbReadBase, DbWriteBase):
         print "object key:", obj_key
         return []
 
-    def transaction_begin(self, msg, batch, no_magic):
+    def transaction_begin(self, transaction):
         return 
 
     def disable_signals(self):