RESEARCH OUTLINE United States FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS CONTENTS Introduction 1 Basic Search Strategies 2 Records Selection Table 5 United States Map 6 Archives and Libraries 7 Bible Records 9 Biography 9 Cemeteries 10 Census 11 Church Records 14 Court Records 16 Directories 18 Emigration and Immigration 18 Gazetteers 21 Genealogy 21 History 23 Land and Property 24 Maps 28 Military Records 29 Minorities 36 Native Races 36 Naturalization and Citizenship 38 Newspapers 41 Obituaries 42 Periodicals 42 Probate Records 43 Societies 45 Taxation 47 Town Records 47 Vital Records 47 Other Records 51 For Further Reading 51 INTRODUCTION This outline introduces records and strategies that can help you discover your American ancestors. It teaches terminology and describes the contents, uses, and availability of major records. Use this outline to learn about federal and nationwide sources, including census, immigration, land, military, and other records. After studying this outline, you will be prepared to use the research outlines available for each state. If you are just beginning research, you may need some introductory information before using this outline. You may want to see the video orientation program and accompanying booklet, Guide to Research, available at the Family History Library and at family history centers. Using This Outline The Introduction, Basic Search Strategies, and Records Selection Table, (pp. 1-5) describe the records at the library and suggest ways to do research effectively. A map of the United States appears on page 6. Beginning on page 7, the outline lists in alphabetical order the major records used for United States research. Related topics are grouped in several sections or categories. For example, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death records are grouped together under the heading Vital Records. Wills and estate settlements are grouped together under Probate Records. These headings are the same as the subject headings used in the library's catalog. At the end of this outline you will also find a brief discussion under the heading Other Records and a short bibliography of sources under For Further Reading. Records at the Family History Library Microform Records The Family History Library has collected more than 500,000 microfilms and 90,000 microfiche containing information about people who have lived in the United States. Most of the library's records have been obtained through an extensive microfilming program. The collection includes microfilm copies of documents found in county courthouses, state archives, historical societies, church archives, and private collections. These records include: Birth, marriage, and death records Church records Censuses Wills Deeds Passenger lists Naturalization papers Military files Tax lists Town records Cemetery records The library has some records from each state. The largest collections are from New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Tennessee, Ohio, Georgia, New Jersey, and Kentucky. The library has many federal records, including more than 60,000 microfilms of U.S. census schedules, passenger lists, and military records obtained from the National Archives. Printed Records The library also has more than 110,000 volumes of books and other printed materials helpful for United States research. These include: Indexes Family histories Gazetteers Transcripts (printed copies) of manuscript records Atlases and maps Local histories Biographical sources Directories Manuals Genealogical and historical magazines The Family History Library Catalog The key to finding a record at the Family History Library is the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC). The FHLC describes each of the library's records and provides the call numbers. Copies are at the Family History Library and on microfiche at each family history center. The FHLC is divided into four sections: Locality Subject Surname Author/Title To find the records described in this outline, you will most often use the Locality section. The section headings in this outline that describe types of records (such as Probate Records) are the same as the subject headings found in the Locality section of the FHLC. Some records, such as federal records, are listed in the FHLC under the UNITED STATES. Other records may be listed under a STATE, COUNTY, or CITY. For example, in the Locality section look for: The place where an ancestor lived, such as: UNITED STATES (country) ILLINOIS (state) ILLINOIS, COOK (state, county) ILLINOIS, COOK, CHICAGO (state, county, city) Then the record type you want, such as: UNITED STATES - CENSUS ILLINOIS - MILITARY RECORDS ILLINOIS, COOK - VITAL RECORDS ILLINOIS, COOK, CHICAGO - CEMETERIES This outline also provides some of the library's call numbers. These are preceded by FHL, the abbreviation for Family History Library. In many cases, the outline only lists the total number of films in a collection or the first and last film numbers (if the numbers are sequential). These numbers can help you correctly identify the record in the FHLC. You will need to use the FHLC to select the specific film you need. If you need more information on using the FHLC, a short video program, written instructions, and librarians are available to assist you. BASIC SEARCH STRATEGIES Step 1. Identify What You Know about Your Family Your genealogical research should begin with family and home sources. Look for names, dates, and places in certificates, family Bibles, obituaries, diaries, and similar sources. Ask your relatives for any additional information they have. It's very likely that your second cousin, great-aunt, or other relative has already gathered some family information. Record and organize the information you find on pedigree charts and family group record forms. Step 2. Decide What You Want to Learn Select an ancestor or relative you would like to know more about. It's usually best to begin with an individual for whom you know at least a name, a place where he lived, and an approximate date when he lived there. Then decide what you want to learn about him, such as where and when he was married or the names of his parents. You may want to ask an experienced researcher or a librarian to help you select a goal that you can successfully achieve. Step 3. Select a Record to Search This outline describes most types of records used for United States research. To trace your family you may need to use some of the records described in each section. Several factors can affect your choice of which records to search. This outline provides information to help you evaluate the contents, availability, ease of use, time period covered, and reliability of the records, as well as the likelihood that your ancestor will be listed. The table on page 5 can also help you decide which records to search. Effective researchers begin by obtaining some background information. They then survey previous research, and finally search original documents. Background Information. You may need some geographical and historical information. This information can save you time and effort by helping you focus your research in the correct place and time period. Locate the town or place. Examine maps, gazetteers, and other place finding aids to learn as much as you can about each of the places where your ancestors lived. Identify the major migration routes, nearby cities, county boundaries, and other geographical features and government or ecclesiastical jurisdictions. Place-finding aids are described in the Maps, Gazetteers, and History sections of this outline. Review local history. Study a history of the areas where your ancestors lived for clues about the people, places, and events that may have affected their lives and the records about them. Records with information about migration and settlement patterns, government jurisdictions, and historical events are described in the History and Minorities sections of this outline. Previous Research. After gaining some background information, you will be ready to look for any research that has already been gathered by others, such as: Printed family histories and genealogies Family information published in periodicals Biographies Local histories Manuscript collections of family information Family newsletters Computer databases of family information Hereditary and lineage society records These can save you valuable time and often provide excellent information. For example, you may find a book or magazine article about your family, such as the Pierce Genealogy: Being the Record of the Posterity of Thomas Pierce. Many records containing previous research are described in the Biography, Genealogy, History, Periodicals, and Societies sections of the outline. Remember, however, that the information in these sources is secondary and may contain some inaccuracies. Original Documents. After surveying previous research, you will be ready to search original documents. These records can provide primary information about your family because they were generally recorded at or near the time of an event by a reliable witness. To do thorough research, you should search the existing records of: Each place where your ancestor lived The complete time period when he lived there All jurisdictions that may have kept records about him (church and town, county, state, and federal governments) Many types of original documents are described in the Census, Church Records, Emigration and Immigration, Probate Records, Vital Records, and other sections of this outline. Step 4. Obtain and Search the Record Suggestions for Obtaining Records. You may be able to obtain the records you need in the following ways: Family History Library. You are welcome to visit and use the records at the Family History Library. The library is open to the public, and there are no fees for using the records. Contact the library if you would like more information about its services. Family History Centers. Copies of most of the records on microform at the Family History Library can be loaned to more than 1100 family history centers. There are small duplication and postage fees for this service. The library's books cannot be loaned to the centers, but copies of many books that are not protected by copyright can be obtained on microfilm or microfiche. Local libraries and interlibrary loan. Public and university libraries have many published sources as well as some records on microform. Most of these libraries also provide interlibrary loan services that allow you to borrow many records from other libraries. Although books at the Family History Library cannot be loaned to a family history center or other libraries, copies of these same books can often be obtained through your nearest public library. Courthouses and archives. Many of the original documents you will need are at state, county, and town courthouses and archives. While the Family History Library has many of these records on microfilm, additional records are available only at the courthouse. You can visit these record repositories or request photocopies of their records through correspondence. Very few archives will search the original documents for you, but, for a small fee, many will search an index and provide copies of the information they find. (See the Archives and Libraries section of this outline for further information). Professional researchers. You can employ private researchers to search the records for you. Lists of professional researchers are available from the Family History Library, the Board for Certification of Genealogists (P.O. Box 19165, Washington, D.C. 20036), and the Association of Professional Genealogists (P.O. Box 11601, Salt Lake City, UT 84147). Local libraries and societies may also provide the names of individuals in the area who will search records for you. Photocopies. The Family History Library and many other libraries offer limited photoduplication services for a small fee. Most will provide a few photocopies, but only if you specify the exact pages you need. Many will also photocopy a few pages of an index or an alphabetical record (such as a city directory) for a specific surname. Publishers. You can purchase published records that are currently available from the publishers. A local book dealer or library can help you identify and contact publishers. A helpful list of genealogical publishers and publications is Netti Schreiner-Yantis, Genealogical and Local History Books in Print, 4th ed. (Springfield, Va.: Genealogical Books in Print, 1985; FHL book 973 D23sn.) When requesting any of the above services through correspondence, you are more likely to be successful if your letter is brief and very specific. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). You will usually need to send a check or money order to pay in advance for photocopy or search services, although some organizations will bill you later. Suggestions for Searching the Records. Your research may be more rewarding and more effective if you can visit the library or archives and personally search the records. Examine the original sources or exact microform copies when possible, rather than abstracts (summaries of the original documents). As you search the records, remember that handwriting may have been misinterpreted or information may have been omitted in indexes and transcriptions. Also look for the many ways a name could have been spelled. Because spelling was not standardized, don't eliminate possibilities when you find a name spelled differently than it is today. Step 5. Evaluate, Copy, and Use the Information Carefully evaluate whether the information you find is complete and accurate. Ask yourself these questions: Who provided the information? Did they witness the event? Was the information recorded near the time of the event, or later? Is the information consistent and logical? Does the new information verify the information found in other sources? Does it differ from information in other sources? Does it suggest other places, time periods, or records to search? Make copies of the information you find and keep detailed notes about each record you search. These notes should include the author, title, location, call numbers, description, and results of your search. Most researchers use a research log for this purpose. Share the information you find with others. Your family's history can become a source of enjoyment and education for yourself and your family. Helpful guides on how to write a family history are available, such as Lawrence P. Gouldrup, Writing the Family Narrative (Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, 1987; FHL book 929.1 G738w). See the Genealogy section of this outline for information about the Ancestral File and other ways you can share the results of your research. If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be sure to submit information about your deceased family members so you can provide temple ordinances for them. Your ward family history consultant or a staff member at the library can assist you. ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES In addition to the Family History Library, other record repositories with major collections and services helpful for genealogical research are described below. The Family History Library has copies of many of the records at these archives, but most will have additional sources. When one of these institutions is referred to elsewhere in this outline, return to this section to obtain the address. Before you visit an archive or a library, contact the organization and ask for information on the collection, hours, services, and fees. National Archives Pennsylvania Avenue at 8th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20408 The National Archives has a vast collection of documents created by the federal government. The records most often used by genealogists are census, military, land, and immigration records. There are many helpful guides to the collection. The most comprehensive is Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives, 1982, Revised (Washington, D.C.: National Archives Trust Fund Board, 1985; FHL book Ref 973 A3usn 1985). Microfilm copies of many of the records at the National Archives are available at the Family History Library, other major archives and libraries, and at field branches of the National Archives. You may purchase microfilms from the National Archives or request photocopies of the records by using forms obtained from the Archives. National ArchivesField Branches Field branches of the National Archives collect records of federal government offices and courts within the area they serve. These branches are located in or near Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fort Worth, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle. See the state research outlines for addresses. For information about the records at these branches, see Loretta Dennis Szucs and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking, The Archives: A Guide to the National Archives Field Branches (Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, 1988; FHL book Ref 973 A3sz). Library of Congress 1st-2nd Streets, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20504 The Genealogical and Local History Section of the Library of Congress has a very large collection of published genealogies, manuscripts, histories, directories, maps, and newspapers. See the Genealogy and History sections of this outline for catalogs of the genealogy and local history collections at the Library of Congress. National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution 1776 D Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006 A published catalog of the records at the DAR Library is Library Catalog, 2 vols. (Washington, D.C.: National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, 1982, 1986; FHL book 973 A3da). New England Historic Genealogical Society 101 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116 The society's collections of New England family and local histories and manuscripts are especially helpful. Members can borrow printed resources from their lending library. New York Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division Fifth Avenue & 42nd Street New York, NY 10018 The New York Public Library has collected many published sources, such as local histories, city directories, maps, newspapers, and genealogies (see the Genealogy section of this outline for a catalog of the library's family and local histories). Newberry Library 60 West Walton Street Chicago, IL 60610 The Local History and Genealogy Collection of the Newberry Library has an extensive collection of manuscripts and published sources. These are described in Peggy Tuck Sinko, Guide to Local and Family History at the Newberry Library (Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, 1987; FHL book 977.311 A3s). Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 The Allen County Public Library has a very large collection of sources for all states, including U.S. census records, periodicals, and local histories. A guide to the collection is Karen B. Cavanaugh, A Genealogist's Guide to the Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Public Library (Ft. Wayne: Karen B. Cavanaugh, 1980; FHL book 977.274/F1). Other Libraries The following libraries also have exceptional genealogical collections. These libraries collect major national sources as well as records of the states they serve. American Antiquarian Society (in Worcester, Mass.) Lee Library (Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah) Dallas Public Library Detroit Public Library Historical Society of Pennsylvania Los Angeles Public Library State Historical Society of Wisconsin Sutro Library (San Francisco State University) Western Reserve Historical Society (in Cleveland) Your local public library can help you locate these and other archives and libraries. A directory of many repositories and manuscript collections is the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, Directory of Archives and Manuscript Repositories in the United States 2nd ed. (Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1988; FHL book Ref 973 J54u 1988; 1978 ed. on fiche 6010072-74). The genealogical collections and services of over 1,500 public and university libraries, state archives, historical societies, and other libraries are described in P. William Filby, Directory of American Libraries with Genealogy or Local History Collections (Wilmington, Del.: Scholarly Resources, 1988; FHL book 973 A3fi). State Archives and State Libraries Each state has a state archive or a state library. Many states have both. These serve as the repositories for state and county government records. They often have some federal records as well, such as the U.S. census schedules for the state. Addresses are available in the state research outlines and at your public library. County and Town Courthouses Many of the key records essential for genealogical research were created by local county or town governments. These include court, land and property, naturalization and citizenship, probate, taxation, and vital records. The county and town courthouses are the primary repositories of these valuable records. (However, some courthouse records have been destroyed or transferred to state archives.) The Family History Library has copies of many of these important records on microfilm. The individual counties have organized their records and offices in many different ways. The state research outlines provide further information on how to obtain these records. An easy-to-use source that lists the various county offices in each state and the types of records at each office is George B. Everton, The Handy Book for Genealogists, 7th ed., (Logan, Utah: Everton Publishing, 1981; FHL book Ref 973 D27e; 6th ed. on fiche 6010044-47). The Handy Book also lists the county seat and zip code. A letter to a county courthouse can be addressed as follows: Format Example County official County Clerk County courthouse Missoula County Courthouse County seat, state, zip Missoula, MT 59801 Historical and Genealogical Societies Historical and genealogical societies have been organized in each state, most counties, and some towns. These societies collect many valuable records and offer various helpful services to researchers. Addresses of local societies are listed in Betty P. Smith, Directory, Historical Societies and Agencies in the United States and Canada, 13th ed. (Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1986; FHL book Ref 970 H24d). See the Societies section of this outline for further information. Federal Repository Libraries The federal government has designated at least one library in each state (generally a major university library) to receive a copy of published federal records. These include a wide variety of information, such as pension lists, private land claims, veterans' burial lists, and individuals' petitions to Congress. Inventories, Registers, Catalogs Most archives have catalogs, inventories, guides, or periodicals that describe their records and how to use them. If possible, study these guides before you visit an archive so that you can use your time more effectively. Many of these are available at the Family History Library, at your public or university library, or through interlibrary loan. An example of a helpful guide is Lest We Forget: A Guide to Genealogical Research in the Nation's Capital, 6th ed., (Annandale, Va.: Annandale Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1986; FHL book Ref 975.3 D27b 1986). This describes the records and services of the National Archives, Library of Congress, DAR Library, and other repositories in the Washington, D.C. area. The WPA inventories of county and state records can also be very helpful. These were produced between 1936 and 1943 through the Historical Records Survey programs of the Works Projects Administration (WPA). They provide historical background and descriptions of records at government and church archivesalthough some records have since been transferred to other archives. Most were published in small quantities and are only available at a few libraries. The unpublished inventories are usually at the state archives or the local archives they describe. The Family History Library has copies of most of the published WPA inventories, and many other guides, catalogs, directories, and inventories of other libraries. These types of records are listed in the FHLC under one of the following: [STATE] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES [STATE], [COUNTY] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES You may also find them listed under the subject headings CHURCH RECORDS or VITAL RECORDS. BIBLE RECORDS Many families have traditionally recorded births, marriages, and deaths in a family Bible, family record book, or Book of Remembrance. Family Bibles that are no longer in the possession of the family may be at a historical or genealogical society. They are sometimes transcribed and published in genealogical periodicals. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have collected and transcribed many Bible records. These transcripts are at the DAR Library in Washington, D.C., or at local DAR chapters. Most are on microfilm at the Family History Library. Partial indexes to these records are: Kirkham, E. Kay. An Index to Some of the Family Records of the Southern States: 35,000 Microfilm References from the NSDAR Files and Elsewhere. Logan, Utah: Everton Publishers, 1979. (FHL book Ref 973 D22kk.) Kirkham, E. Kay. An Index to Some of the Bibles and Family Records of the United States: 45,500 References as Taken from the Microfilm at the Genealogical Society of Utah. Logan, Utah: Everton Publishers, 1984. (FHL book Ref 973 D22kk v. 2.) The DAR and other Bible records at the Family History Library are generally listed in the FHLC under one of the following: [STATE] - BIBLE RECORDS [STATE], [COUNTY] - BIBLE RECORDS. You will sometimes find them listed under the subject heading VITAL RECORDS. BIOGRAPHY A biography is a history of a person's life. In a biography you may find the individual's birth, marriage, and death information, and the names of his parents, children, or other family members. Biographies often include photographs, family tradition and stories, clues about an ancestor's place of origin, places where he has lived, church affiliation, military service, and activities within the community. The information must be used carefully, however, because there may be inaccuracies. Individual Biographies Thousands of biographies have been written about specific individuals. For example, for one of your ancestors you might find a published biography, such as History of the Life of William Goforth Nelson. Copies may be at local historical societies and libraries. Lists of published individual biographies are available at your public library, such as Biographical Books, 1876-1949 and 1950-1980 (New York: Bowker, 1983, 1980; FHL book Ref 973 D33b). The Family History Library has acquired some individual biographies. These are listed in the Surname section of the FHLC under the individual's name. Also contact other family members for unpublished life histories they may know of. Compiled Biographies Thousands of brief biographical sketches have been collected and published in compiled biographies, sometimes called biographical encyclopedias. These collections most often include biographies of early settlers and prominent or well-known citizens of a particular state, county, or town. Others feature biographies of scientists, writers, artists, or other vocations. Collections of biographies at the Family History Library are generally listed in the Locality section of the FHLC under one of the following: UNITED STATES - BIOGRAPHY [STATE] - BIOGRAPHY [STATE], [COUNTY] - BIOGRAPHY [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - BIOGRAPHY Some collections are also listed under GENEALOGY. National and Regional Sources. Most major libraries have excellent collections and indexes of national and regional compilations of biographical material, such as the Dictionary of American Biography or Who's Who in the South and Southwest. These libraries can help you locate additional biographical sources listed in such bibliographies as: Slocum, Robert B., ed. Biographical Dictionaries and Related Works, 2 vols. 2d ed. Detroit: Gale Research Co., 1986. (FHL book 016.92 Slo53 1986.) This lists 16,000 national, state, regional, and vocational publications from the United States and other countries. Cimbala, Diane J., Jennifer Cargill, and Brain Alley. Biographical Sources: A Guide to Dictionaries and Reference Works. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1986. (FHL 016.92 C49b.) This lists 689 publications, primarily for the United States, and gives detailed annotations. Most large libraries also have Miranda C. Herbert and Barbara McNeil, eds., Biography and Genealogy Master Index, 8 vols., 5 vols., and annual supplements since 1985 (Detroit: Gale Research Co., 1980, 1985-; FHL book Ref 016.92 G131). This is an index to over six million biographies of an estimated two million individuals. It indexes more than 750 national sources but does not include local biographical sources. Local Sources. Collections of biographies about residents of a county or town are usually the most helpful for the family history researcher. The information in these biographies may not be available in any other source. Local libraries and historical societies usually collect biographies and histories about local residents. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a popular trend to publish compiled biographies of local citizens. This was especially common in the midwest and northeastern states. There is no comprehensive nationwide bibliography of these sources, but some statewide and local collections and indexes are described in the state research outlines. Most local histories also include separate sections or volumes containing biographical sketches of local citizens. Biographical sketches of 170,000 individuals found in 340 local histories are identified in Index to Biographies in Local Histories in the Library of Congress (Baltimore: Magna Carta Book Co., [1979]; FHL films 1,380,344-73; does not circulate to family history centers). See the History section of this outline for further information on local histories. CEMETERIES Several types of cemetery records are available. Sextons or caretakers of cemeteries generally keep records of the names and dates of those buried and maps of the burial plots. Tombstones or gravestones may also exist, or the information on them may have been transcribed. Cemetery records often include birth, marriage, and death information. They sometimes provide clues about military service, religion, or membership in an organization, such as a lodge. These records are especially helpful for identifying children who died young or women who were not recorded in family or government documents. Because relatives may be buried in adjoining plots, it's best to visit the cemetery and examine the tombstones personally if possible. Locating Cemeteries and Cemetery Records To find tombstone or sexton records, you need to know where an individual was buried. The person may have been buried in a community, church, private, military, or family cemetery, usually near the place where he lived or died or where other family members were buried. You can find clues to burial places in funeral notices, obituaries, church records, and death certificates. You can find the addresses of many cemeteries in the Directory of United States Cemeteries (San Jose: Cemetery Research, 1974; FHL book Ref 973 V34c). Cemetery locations may also be found on maps of the area (see the Maps section of this outline). Other sources of cemetery records include: The present sexton or minister, who may have the burial registers and the records of the burial plots. A local library, historical society, or local historian, who may have the records or can help you locate obscure family plots or relocated cemeteries. Sextons' records and transcripts of tombstone information that have been published, often in local genealogical periodicals. Lists of soldiers' graves, described in the Military Records section of this outline. Records at the Family History Library The Family History Library has copies of many sexton and tombstone records and several important statewide indexes. These are listed in the Locality section of the FHLC under one of the following: [STATE] - CEMETERIES [STATE], [COUNTY] - CEMETERIES [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - CEMETERIES Some collections are also listed under VITAL RECORDS. A card index that lists transcripts of cemetery records available at the Family History Library is Index to United States Cemeteries. Because only a part of this index is listed in the present edition of the FHLC (under UNITED STATES - CEMETERIES - INDEXES), use the following film numbers: 1,206,468 AL, AK, AZ, AR 1,206,469 CA, CO, CN, DE, DC, FL 1,206,470 GA, HA, ID 1,206,471 IL 1,206,472 IN 1,206,473 IA, KS 1,206,474 KY 1,206,475 LA, ME, MD, MA 1,206,477 MI, MN 1,206,478 MS, MO 1,206,479 MT, NE, NV, NH 1,206,480 NJ, NM 1,206,481 NY (Albany through Oneida counties) 1,206,482 NY (to end) 1,206,483 NC (Alamance through Mitchell counties) 1,206,484 NC (Montgomery through Wake County) 1,206,485 NC (to end), ND, OH (Adams through Miami counties) 1,206,486 OH (to end), OK, OR 1,206,487 PA (Adams through Somerset counties) 1,206,488 PA (to end), RI 1,206,489 SC, SD, TN (Anderson through Knox counties) 1,206,490 TN (to end) 1,206,491 TX, UT, VT 1,206,492 VA, WA 1,206,493 WV, WI, WY The call numbers of many cemetery records at the Family History Library and references to cemetery records published in periodicals are in John D. Stemmons, The Cemetery Record Compendium (Logan, Utah: Everton Publishers, 1979; FHL book 973 V34s). Funeral Home Records Funeral directors in the area where your ancestors lived may have records similar to death and cemetery records. Most of their addresses are in the American Blue Book of Funeral Directors (New York: National Funeral Directors Association, biennial; FHL book Ref 973 U24a). The Family History Library has a few funeral home records listed in the FHLC under the following: [STATE], [COUNTY], or [CITY] - BUSINESS RECORDS AND COMMERCE. CENSUS A census is a count and description of the population of a country, territory, state, county, or city. Census lists are also called schedules. A well-indexed census is one of the easiest ways to locate the specific places where your ancestors lived and to identify the dates when they lived there. You can also find excellent family information, particularly in more recent censuses. Use the information with caution, however, since the information may have been given to a census taker by any member of the family or by a neighbor. Some information may have been incorrect or deliberately falsified. Federal Censuses Censuses have been taken by the federal government every ten years since 1790. The censuses through 1910 are available to the public. These counted the population as of the following dates: 1790-1820 First Monday in August 1830-1900 June 1 1910 April 15 The following types of schedules were taken in various years: Population schedules (residents in an area) Mortality schedules (those who died during the 12 months prior to the census) Veterans' schedules (veterans and their widows) Slave schedules (slave owners and the number of slaves they owned) Agricultural schedules (data on farms and the names of the farmers) Manufacturing or industrial schedules (data on businesses and industries) Federal Population Censuses The federal population schedules are especially valuable because they list such a large proportion of the population, most are well-indexed, and they are readily available at many repositories. Unfortunately, portions of the federal censuses, usually the earlier years, have been lost or destroyed. The 1890 population schedule was destroyed by fire except for 6,160 names. The National Archives and the Family History Library have complete sets of the existing 1790 to 1910 censuses on over 10,000 microfilms. These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - CENSUS - [YEAR]. Most state archives and university libraries also have copies of the census microfilms, particularly for their own states. (See the state research outlines for more information about each state.) If you can provide the specific pages, the National Archives and the Family History Library will make photocopies. Federal censuses from 1920 to the present are confidential. The government will provide information about close relatives if they are deceased or you have written permission. To request a photocopy you must provide the individual's name, address, and other details on Form BC-600, available from the Bureau of the Census, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Information in the Federal Population Censuses. You will find the following types of information in the population censuses: 1790 to 1840. The population schedules for the 1790 to 1840 censuses give the name of the head of each household, and the number of others in the house grouped by ages and sex. 1850 and later. The 1850 and later censuses list the names, ages, occupations, and birthplaces (country or state only) of each member of a household. The 1870 census also indicates if the individual's parents were foreign born. 1880 and later. The 1880 and later censuses add the birthplaces (country or state only) of each person's parents. They also identify relationships between household members. 1900 and 1910. The 1900 and 1910 censuses include the age of each individual, how many years he had been married, his year of immigration, and his citizenship status. The 1900 census also gives the month and year of birth. 1920 and 1930. The 1920 and 1930 censuses give ages but not the month and year of birth. The 1930 census identifies veterans. Indexes to the Federal Population Censuses. Search available indexes before using the actual census records. The following is a general description of census indexes that are presently available. See the state research outlines for more detailed information for each state. The information in an index may be incomplete or incorrect. If you have reason to believe your ancestor should have been in the census, search the census regardless of the information in the index. 1790 to 1870. All of the existing 1790 to 1850 censuses and most of the 1860 and 1870 censuses have statewide indexes. These have usually been printed and may also be on microfilm or microfiche. There are also many indexes of individual counties, often published by local genealogical societies. Many of these are listed in the FHLC under one of the following: [STATE] - CENSUS - [YEAR] - INDEXES [STATE], [COUNTY] - CENSUS - [YEAR] - INDEXES A set of microfiche indexes for all the 1790 to 1850 censuses, a few later censuses, and a few other sources are available at the Family History Library and most family history centers. These were produced by Accelerated Indexing Systems International (AISI) and are frequently referred to as the AIS indexes. Ask the librarian for information on how to use these indexes. 1880. For the 1880 census, the federal government created statewide indexes to households with children aged ten and under. These are soundex (phonetic) indexes that group names together by how they sound rather than how they are spelled. For example, the name Smith and all similar spellings (such as Smythe or Schmidt) would be listed together. These indexes are on microfilm and are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - CENSUS - 1880 - INDEXES. Instructions on how to use the soundex are provided in the FHLC. 1890. The few remaining names listed in the 1890 census have been compiled in Ken Nelson, 1890 Census Index Register (Salt Lake City, Utah: Family History Library, 1984; FHL book Ref 973 X2n 1890; film 1,421,673). Another index is on FHL films 543,341-42. 1900. For the 1900 census, there are statewide soundex indexes on microfilm for every household. The 1900 indexes are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - CENSUS - 1900 - INDEXES. 1910. There are soundex and miracode (similar to soundex) indexes for 21 states in the 1910 census. These states are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Some cities and counties are indexed separately from the state in the 1910 indexes of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. The 1910 indexes are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - CENSUS - 1910 - INDEXES. There are also published indexes to the 1910 censuses for Hawaii, Nevada, and Wyoming. 1920. There is a complete soundex to the 1920 census. You can request a search of this index by using Form BC-600, available from the Bureau of the Census, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Boundaries of Federal Enumeration Districts Federal census records are arranged by state and, beginning in 1880, are divided into small geographical areas called enumeration districts (E.D.). If there is no index to a census and you know the address in a large city or county where an individual lived, you can use the descriptions of the enumeration districts to more quickly search the census. These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - CENSUS - [YEAR]: 1880 FHL films 1,402,860-62 1900 FHL films 1,303,019-28 1910 FHL films 1,374,001-13 For the 1910 census there is an index on 51 fiche that can help you identify the enumeration districts in 39 cities if you know the individual's address (see the Directories section). This index is the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Cross Index to Selected City Streets and Enumeration Districts (Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1984; FHL fiche 6331480-81). It is listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - CENSUS - 1910 - INDEXES. To locate maps of the census districts in large cities, see the description of ward maps in the Maps section of this outline. For maps of county boundaries during each census year, see the Thorndale and Dollarhide book listed in the Maps section. Special Federal Censuses The following are other major types of census schedules created by the federal government: 1840 List of Pensioners. At the same time the 1840 census was taken, the enumerators listed all living pensioners of the Revolutionary War or other military service. These names are published in A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Service, 1841, Reprint (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1967; FHL book Ref 973 X2pc 1967; fiche 6046771). An index is Ronald Vern Jackson, United States Census of Pensioners of 1840: Index of Names with Ages to the Original 1841 Government Publication (Bountiful, Utah: AISI, 1984; FHL book 973 N2j). Another index, produced in 1949, is on FHL film 899,835. 1890 List of Union Veterans. Along with the 1890 census, schedules were made of Union Civil War veterans or their widows. These are the Special Schedules of the Eleventh Census (1890) Enumerating Union Veterans and Widows of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Only the schedules for the states Kentucky through Wyoming (alphabetically) exist. These are on 118 films at the National Archives and the Family History Library. They are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - CENSUS - 1890. There are also published indexes for most of the states. These indexes are listed in the FHLC under [STATE] - CENSUS - 1890 - INDEXES. Federal Territorial Censuses. The population of territories was often listed by the federal government in anticipation of statehood. These were generally taken in the years between the federal censuses. These censuses are usually incomplete and most are not indexed. The Family History Library has copies of most of the territorial censuses. These are listed in the FHLC under [STATE] - CENSUS RECORDS. Mortality Schedules. Mortality schedules are lists of persons who died during the twelve months before 1 June of the census years of 1850, 1860, 1870, and 1880. The Family History Library has copies of most of the available mortality schedules and indexes. These are listed in the FHLC under the [STATE] - CENSUS or [STATE] - VITAL RECORDS. You can also find mortality schedules in state archives, the DAR Library (see the Societies section), and the National Archives. Colonial, State, and Local Censuses Colonial, state, and local governments also took censuses. Nonfederal censuses generally have content similar to that of the federal records of the same time period. Censuses for some towns and counties exist for the early American colonies and for areas colonized by Spain and Mexico. There are also lists of early residents, sometimes referred to as censuses, that have usually been reconstructed from other records, such as tax and land records. These censuses were often taken in the years between the federal censuses, such as 1875 or 1892. For some states these exist from about 1800 to 1925. They are found in state archives, and copies of most are on microfilm at the Family History Library. The library's most complete collections of state censuses are for Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin. They are usually listed in the FHLC under [STATE] - CENSUS RECORDS. For further detail see the state research outlines. CHURCH RECORDS Many churches keep records of baptisms, christenings, confirmations, marriages, burials, memberships, admissions, and removals. Some keep minutes of church meetings and the histories of their local churches. Each church has its own policies on record-keeping. Church records are very important for family research because civil authorities in most states did not begin registering vital statistics until after 1900. They are excellent sourcesand sometimes the only sourcesof names, dates, and places of births, marriages, and deaths. The records of some denominations, such as the Lutherans, are valuable for identifying the town or parish an immigrant came from. History of American Churches The United States is a country of religious diversity. Unlike many other countries, there has been no state church, except for a few brief periods in some of the early colonies. To know and understand your ancestor, you'll want to learn about his religious faith. To locate records kept by his church, you may need to learn the history of the denomination. In 1660 approximately 75 percent of the total population of the colonies was either Anglican or Congregationalist. The Anglican Church (the Church of England, also known as Protestant Episcopal or Episcopal) was well-established in Virginia and a few other English colonies. The Puritans who established the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the Separatists of Plymouth Colony were the first of many groups known as Congregationalists. Several of these congregations later united to become either the Disciples of Christ, the Christian Church, or the United Church of Christ. Seventeenth and eighteenth century immigrants from Scotland and Northern Ireland brought Presbyterianism to Pennsylvania and later to many of the middle and southern colonies. By the mid-eighteenth century, Presbyterianism had nearly as many members as the Anglican and Congregationalist churches. Members of the Society of Friends (often referred to as Quakers) began immigrating from England, Wales, and Germany in the late 1600s. A large group of Quakers settled near Philadelphia. By 1700 the Society gained considerable influence in most of the New England and middle-Atlantic colonies. Quaker migration to the southern colonies, especially North Carolina, continued until the Revolutionary War when the strength of the Society began to decline. Many Quakers left the southern states and migrated primarily to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Canada. Several groups of the Evangelical, German Reformed, and German Lutheran faiths settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s. At the same time, several small groups of German Pietists, such as the Mennonites, Dunkards, Brethren, and Amish also arrived in Pennsylvania. Groups of Dutch Reformed from Holland became well-established in New York and New Jersey in the late 1600s. The nineteenth century was a period of church growth, diversity, and division. Millions of new immigrants reshaped American religious life. For example, large numbers of German and Scandinavian (particularly Swedish) immigrants established many Lutheran congregations, especially in the upper midwest states. The Baptist religion, established in colonial Rhode Island, became the largest Protestant denomination in the United States by the early 1800s, when many Baptist churches were organized throughout the middle-Atlantic and southern states. The Baptists again became the largest Protestant denomination after 1920. By 1850 approximately one-third of all American Protestants were Methodists. From about 1820 to 1920 Methodism was the largest Protestant denomination. The first major group of Roman Catholics from England settled in colonial Maryland. By 1850 the Catholic Church had the largest church membership in the United States. Much of this growth was due to immigration of Catholics from Ireland and other countries. In the late nineteenth century, millions of Roman Catholic immigrants came from southern and eastern Europe. In addition, most Hispanic immigrants also belonged to the Catholic Church. The largest Catholic groups settled in major cities. Many Jewish immigrants have also been attracted to America's largest cities. The ancestors of most American Jewish families arrived in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These included many immigrants from eastern Europe, particularly Austria and Russia. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church) was organized in New York in 1830. Latter-day Saint communities were established in Kirtland, Ohio, central western Missouri, and Nauvoo, Illinois before the main group of the Church migrated to the Intermountain West. By 1900, there were LDS settlements in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, California, Mexico, and Alberta, Canada. Finding Church Records Many original church records are still at the local church. Others have been gathered into a church or state archives or deposited with a local historical society. To locate them, you must first identify your ancestor's denomination. If you know the denomination: Write directly to the minister of the local church. The addresses are usually in city or telephone directories. Some denominations, such as the Roman Catholics and Lutherans, also publish directories. Write to the historical society or church archives that may have the records. Write to the church headquarters to ask where the records of the specific congregation are located. If you do not know the denomination of your ancestors: Search marriage records, obituaries, family and local histories, and family Bibles for clues. Check local histories and city directories to determine which churches were in the area or neighborhood at the same time as your ancestors. Write to a local library or historical society for information on churches in the area. Regardless of your family's past or present denomination, look for family information in the records of other churches in the area. The following is a partial list of some of the major denominational archives and sources that can provide more information. Baptist American Baptist Historical Collection 1106 South Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14620 Southern Baptist Historical Commission 127 Ninth Avenue North Nashville, TN 37234 Congregational Library of the American Congregational Association 14 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02108 Jewish American Jewish Archives 3101 Clifton Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45220 American Jewish Historical Society 2 Thornton Road Waltham, MA 02154 Lutheran Archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Archivist, ELCA 8765 West Higgins Road Chicago, IL 60631 Concordia Historical Institute The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod 801 De Mun Avenue St. Louis, MO 63103 A guide to most Lutheran churches and addresses is Lutheran Church Directory for the United States 1982 (New York: Lutheran Council in the USA, 1981; FHL book Ref 973 D24L). Methodist United Methodist Archives Center Drew University Madison, NJ 07940 Presbyterian Presbyterian Historical Society 425 Lombard Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 Historical Foundation of the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches Assembly Drive Box 847 Montreat, NC 28757 Roman Catholic Catholic Archives of America Notre Dame University South Bend, IN 46624 Department of Archives and Manuscripts Catholic University of America Washington, D.C. 20019 A guide to dioceses and parishes is the Official Catholic Directory (Wilmette, Ill.: P.J. Kenedy & Sons, annual; FHL book Ref 282.025 Of2). Society of Friends Friends Historical Library Swarthmore College Swarthmore, PA 19081 (for Hicksite records) Magill Historical Library Haverford College Haverford, PA 19041 (for Orthodox records) United Church of Christ (Merger of the Evangelical and German Reformed churches and some Congregational churches) Historical Commission of the United Church of Christ Lancaster Archives 555 West James Street Lancaster, PA 17603 Church Records at the Family History Library The library has a substantial collection of original church records and transcripts on microfilm. These include records of many denominations, particularly the Quaker, Presbyterian, Congregational, Lutheran, Reformed, and Roman Catholic churches in the eastern, southern, and midwestern states. The library also has an extensive collection of records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This includes membership records, temple records, and church censuses. Although these records pertain to all states and many countries, they are described in more detail in the Utah Research Outline and a forthcoming LDS Research Outline. Church records are generally found in the FHLC under [STATE], [COUNTY], [TOWN] - CHURCH RECORDS. Histories of churches are listed under [STATE], [COUNTY], [TOWN] - CHURCH HISTORIES. Many christenings and marriages listed in the records of some churches (such as the Congregational, Dutch Reformed, and Lutheran) have been listed in the International Genealogical Index (IGI). The IGI is available at the Family History Library and family history centers (see the Genealogy section of this outline). Guides to Church Records Many inventories and directories of churches and church records in some states were produced by the Historical Records Survey of the WPA (see the Archives and Libraries section of this outline). Other sources that can help you locate churches and church records are: Jacquet, Constant H. Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. Nashville: Abingdon Press, annual. (FHL book Ref 970 K2wh.) This yearbook provides brief histories of each denomination and the names and addresses of officials. Melton, J. Gordon. The Encyclopedia of American Religions. 2d ed. Detroit: Gale Research Co., 1987. This source provides basic doctrine, history, addresses, and other sources of information about 1,350 denominations. For more information on obtaining addresses, see the Archives and Libraries and Directories sections of this outline. COURT RECORDS Court records are usually searched after other records have already been investigated, but they should not be overlooked. Court records can establish family relationships and places of residence. They often provide occupations, descriptions of individuals, and other excellent family history information. Many of your ancestors will be found in court recordsperhaps as defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, or jurors. They may have participated in cases involving probate, naturalization, divorce, debt, adoption, guardianship, licenses, appointment to public offices, taxes, civil and criminal lawsuits, property disputes, crimes, or many other matters brought before a court. Because of their great importance to family history research, court records of Probate and Naturalization are discussed in separate sections of this outline. Unfortunately, court records tend to be difficult to use. The records are usually not well-indexed, there are many records, court names and jurisdictions changed, and they use many legal terms and abbreviations. To interpret court records you may need to consult a legal dictionary, such as Henry Campbell Black, Black's Law Dictionary (St. Paul, Minn.: West Publishing, annual; FHL book Ref 340.03 B564L). There are three main types of legal cases you may find in court records. Civil. These cases involve violation of laws when an individual (but not society) is harmed, such as property damage, trespass, or libel. In these cases, one or more individuals file suit against other individuals to enforce private rights or to receive compensation for violation of rights. Equity. These involve disputes or arguments between individuals and do not involve violation of laws. In these cases, individuals petition the court to reach a fair decision for both parties. Examples of equity action are cases involving probates of estates and property rights. Today this function is mostly handled by civil courts. Criminal. These involve the violation of laws in which society is or may be harmed, such as drunk driving, theft, or murder. In these cases, the state (or the people) file suit against the defendant. Serious crimes are felonies. Minor crimes are misdemeanors. The United States has a dual judicial system. The federal (national) courts only try cases involving violations of the U.S. Constitution or federal statutory law. These are usually criminal cases. The state court systems try both criminal and civil cases involving a state's constitution, laws, statutes, and local customs. Most civil and equity cases and many criminal cases are tried in state courts. Federal Courts The federal court system began in 1789. A federal district court was established in each state. As the population grew, some states were divided into two or more districts. There are presently 89 districts in the 50 states. The district courts usually had jurisdiction over federal civil and equity cases, with limited criminal jurisdiction until 1866. Their jurisdiction has included admiralty, trade, bankruptcy, land seizure, naturalization, and, after 1815, non-capital criminal cases. Three federal circuits were established to cover the whole country in 1789. The number gradually expanded to nine by 1866. Federal circuit courts had jurisdiction over all matters (especially criminal) covered by federal law. They also had some appellate functions from the district courts. In 1891, U.S. circuit courts of appeal were created to hear appeals from the district courts. They had the same boundaries (or circuits) as the circuit courts. The original circuit courts retained limited powers that often overlapped those of the district courts. In 1911 the original circuit courts were abolished. To learn more about federal courts and their records of genealogical value, see The Archives: A Guide to National Archives Field Branches (described in the Archives and Libraries section). State and Local Courts Each state has the equivalent of a state supreme court and its own system of local courts, usually organized within counties or districts. Each court has jurisdiction over designated geographical areas and specific types of legal matters. The names and responsibilities of the courts in each state have changed and evolved throughout the years. Some examples of the types of local and state courts you might find are: Chancery courts Circuit courts Common pleas courts County courts Courts of ordinary Courts of quarter sessions Probate courts District courts Orphans courts Superior courts Supreme courts Surrogate courts Probate courts To learn about the courts where your ancestor lived, consult a county records inventory, such as the WPA inventories described in the Archives and Libraries section of this outline. Also see the Court Records section of the appropriate state research outlines. You may need to contact a local courthouse to learn about the courts that have served in that area. Major Types of Court Records Dockets. Often called court calendars, these are lists of cases heard by the court. Dockets usually list the names of the plaintiff and defendant, the date the case was heard, the case file number, and all the documents related to the case. They are usually in chronological, not alphabetical, order, but they may be indexed. They serve as a table of contents to the case files. Minutes. These are brief daily accounts kept by the clerk of the court of all actions taken by the court. They usually include the names of the plaintiff and defendant and a brief description of the action taken. They are in chronological order and are seldom indexed. Orders. These are the specific judgments or orders of the court. They usually include a brief description of the case and the judgment to be carried out. Some court actions recorded in court orderssuch as orders granting citizenship, appointments of guardians, and re-recording of deeds to replace destroyed land recordsare not found in any other court records. Case Files. These generally contain the most helpful family information. A case file consists of a packet or bundle of all the loose documents relating to the case, such as the copies of evidence, testimony, bonds, depositions, correspondence, and petitions. To find a case file, obtain a case file number from the docket, the minutes, or an index. Locating Court Records Some states and counties are microfilming their early court records or gathering them to central locations, such as the state archives. Most court records, however, are still at the local courthouses. You can usually request photocopies or search the indexes or dockets for the time period and surnames you need and, after obtaining a case file number, request photocopies of the complete case file. Some court records and indexes have been printed. These are often summaries or abstracts of the records rather than the complete records. Many of the early court records of the original colonies and some later states have been published in various series called archives, such as the Pennsylvania Archives (see the state research outlines). The Family History Library has copies of many of the published records and indexes. The library also has microfilm copies of indexes, minutes, dockets, and orders from many local courthouses. The library does not generally acquire copies of the complete case files or packets. The holdings of the Family History Library are normally listed in the Locality section of the FHLC under one of the following: [STATE] - COURT RECORDS [STATE], [COUNTY] - COURT RECORDS [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - COURT RECORDS The records of most pre-1950 federal district and circuit federal courts are collected by the National Archives field branch that serves the area. Records of the Supreme Court are indexed in the Supreme Court Digest. Records of the U.S. circuit courts of appeal are indexed in the Federal Digest. These publications are available at most law libraries and federal repository libraries. The Family History Library has copies of a few federal court records. Court Records of Adoption Many adoptees desire to identify their natural parents. This information is found in adoption records kept by a court, but these records are usually sealed and can be obtained only for good reason by getting a court order. These modern court records are not available at the Family History Library. You will need legal assistance to request a court order. You can also contact one of the many organizations that have been established in most states to assist adoptees. Further suggestions and addresses are in: Rillera, Mary Jo. The Adoption Searchbook. 2d ed. Westminster, Calif.: Triadoption Pub., 1985. (FHL book Ref 973 D27ra.) Askin, Jayne. Search: A Handbook for Adoptees and Birthparents. New York: Harper and Row, 1982. (FHL book Ref 973 D27aj.) The above sources also provide suggestions for locating missing persons. DIRECTORIES Directories are alphabetical lists of names and addresses. These often list all the adult residents of a city or area, or all those having telephones. The most helpful directories for genealogical research are city and county directories of local residents and businesses. These are generally published annually and may include an individual's address, occupation, spouse's name, and other helpful facts. An individual's address can be very helpful when searching an unindexed census of a large city. Directories sometimes have maps and addresses of churches, cemeteries, courthouses, and other important locations. The Family History Library has a comprehensive collection, City Directories of the United States, reproduced on microform by Research Publications. This includes about 250 cities and regions from the late 1700s to 1901. The pre-1860 city directories are on more than 6,000 microfiche. Directories for 1861 to 1901 are on 1,118 microfilms. These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - DIRECTORIES. Other directories at the Family History Library are generally listed in the Locality section of the FHLC under the [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - DIRECTORIES. Some directories list only certain types of businesses, professionals, clergymen, alumni, or other special groups. These are listed in the FHLC under the [STATE] or [COUNTY] - DIRECTORIES or OCCUPATIONS. There are also special directories that can help you locate libraries, newspapers, churches, ethnic associations, government officials, and other organizations or offices. Local public and university libraries generally have directories for their region. The Library of Congress has the largest collection of city and county directories. The Family History Library and most large public and academic libraries have Phonefiche. These are microfiche copies of recent telephone directories of most metropolitan areas. EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION Nearly fifty million people have immigrated to America. Significant patterns of immigration and settlement can be observed during three periods: Pre-1820. An estimated 650,000 individuals arrived in America before 1820. The majority (60 percent) were English and Welsh. Smaller numbers of German, Irish, Scotch-Irish, Dutch, French, Spanish, African, and other nationalities also arrived. For the most part these immigrants settled in small clusters in the eastern, middle-Atlantic, and southern states. 1820-1880. Over ten million immigrants came from northern Europe, the British Isles, and Scandinavia during these years. There was a significant increase in the number of immigrants from Germany and Ireland beginning in the 1840s and 1850s. While some of the new arrivals settled in large eastern and mid-western cities, most migrated to the midwest and west. 1880-1920. More than twenty-five million immigrants, primarily from southern and eastern Europe, were attracted to this country. The largest numbers (in order) came from Germany, Ireland, Italy, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and England. Many of these immigrants settled in the larger cities, including New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia. An in-depth description of colonial and federal immigration lists is Michael Tepper, American Passenger Arrival Records: A Guide to the Records of Immigrants Arriving at American Ports by Sail and Steam (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1988; FHL book 973 W27am). Finding the Country and City of Origin Records that generally provide the country of origin include the U.S. censuses beginning in 1850, biographies, death records, obituaries, naturalization applications, pre-1883 passenger lists, and military records. These records do not usually list the exact town that the ancestor came from. Before you can effectively search the records of another country, you need to know the name of the city or town your immigrant ancestor came from. Clues about an ancestors' town of origin are found in various sources, including diaries and other records in your family's possession. You may find the town of origin in family and local histories, church records, obituaries, death records, passports (particularly since the 1860s), passenger lists (particularly those after 1883), and applications for naturalization. Passenger Arrival Records Passenger arrival records can help you determine when an ancestor arrived and the ports of departure and arrival. They can also be used to identify family and community members who arrived together as well as the country they came from. Pre-1820 Passenger Arrival Records To find passenger arrival records for immigrants arriving before 1820, you must rely on printed sources. These include published lists of immigrants' names taken from newspapers, naturalization oaths, indenture lists, headright grants, and other records. These types of records are listed in the FHLC under one of the following: [STATE] - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION [STATE], [COUNTY] - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION An excellent index of over 1,500,000 names found in more than 1,000 published sources is P. William Filby, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 10 vols. (Detroit: Gale Research, 1981-; FHL book Ref 973 W33p). The first three volumes are a combined alphabetical index published in 1981. Supplemental volumes have been issued annually. There is also a cumulative 1982 to 1985 supplement. This does not index official U.S. arrival lists (see below), but many of the names are from post-1820 published sources. Passenger Arrival Records Beginning in 1820 If your ancestor arrived after 1819, he may be listed in one or more of the following. These lists are in chronological order by the date of arrival, and the lists for one year may be on as many as twenty microfilms. Some of the lists are indexed. Customs Passenger Lists, 1820 to 1902. These are lists that were submitted by the masters of ships to U.S. customs officials upon arrival in the United States. Customs passenger lists include each immigrant's name, age, sex, occupation, country of origin, and country or place of intended destination. Immigration Passenger Lists, since 1883. These lists, also known as ship manifests, were submitted by the masters of ships to the Immigration and Naturalization Service and its predecessors. In addition to the same information found in the customs passenger lists, you may find the exact birthplace or last residence, marital status, previous U.S. residence, place of destination, and the names of relatives in the old country and in the United States. The National Archives has the customs and immigration passenger lists and indexes from 1820 to the 1950s. These are described in Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives (see the For Further Reading section of this outline). You can request a search of the records at the National Archives with form NATF 81. The Family History Library has copies of over 7,000 microfilms of passenger arrival records from the National Archives. The following is a list of the major ports and years for which records are available. The approximate number of immigrants admitted from 1820 to 1920 is in parentheses after the name of the city. The film numbers of these records are most easily found in the FHLC under [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION. New York City (23,960,000) Indexes 1820-1846, 1897-1943 Lists 1820-1919 Boston (2,050,000) Indexes* 1848-1891, 1902-1920 Lists 1820-1874, 1883-1935 Baltimore (1,460,000) Indexes* 1820s-1952, 1833-1866 Lists 1820-1920 Philadelphia (1,240,000) Indexes* 1800-1906, 1883-1948 Lists 1800-1916 New Orleans (710,000) Indexes* 1820-1850, 1853-1952 Lists 1820-1920 *Also see the Supplemental Index described below. Other Ports (4,000,000). Lists and indexes for Charleston, Galveston, Key West, New Bedford, Passamaquoddy, Portland, Providence, San Francisco, Seattle, and other ports are also at the Family History Library and the National Archives. Many of the lists for these ports no longer exist. A collection of the lists of over 60 smaller ports is found in Copies of Lists of Passengers Arriving at Miscellaneous Ports...Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.... The film numbers are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION. These lists range from 1820 to 1874, but most years are missing. An index to these lists is Supplemental Index to Passenger Lists...Atlantic and Gulf Coast Ports.... The film numbers are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION - INDEXES. This also indexes some lists for New Orleans (to 1850), Baltimore (to 1869), Boston, and Philadelphia. Ship Arrival Records If there is no index to the lists you need, but you know the name of the ship and the year of arrival, the following ship arrival records may help you select the specific film to search. These list the name of the ship and the exact date of arrival. Morton Allan Directory of European Steamship Arrivals: for the Years 1890 to 1930 at the Port of New York and for the Years 1904 to 1926 at the Ports of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore. 1931. Reprint. Genealogical Publishing Co., 1980, 1987. (FHL book 973 U3m; fiche 6046854.) This lists the names of vessels and the dates of arrival by year and by steamship line. Registers of Vessels Arriving at the Port of New York, 1789-1919 (27 films). These records from the National Archives list the names of vessels and the dates of arrival in alphabetical and chronological arrangements. They are listed in the FHLC under NEW YORK, NEW YORK (CITY) - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION. Other Published Sources There are published transcripts and indexes for some ports and ethnic groups. For example, the Family History Library has copies of published lists of: Baltimore arrivals from 1820 to 1834 Philadelphia arrivals from 1800 to 1820 Irish arrivals at New York from 1846 to 1852 Dutch arrivals from 1820 to 1880 German arrivals from 1850 to 1851 (ongoing series) These sources are generally found in the FHLC under one of the following: [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION UNITED STATES - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION Over 2,500 other published sources are listed in P. William Filby, Passenger and Immigration Lists Bibliography, 1538-1900, 2d ed. (Detroit: Gale Research, 1988; FHL book 973 W33p 1988). Canadian Border Crossings, 1895 to 1924 The Family History Library and the National Archives have 400 microfilms of arrival indexes from Canada from 1895 to 1924. The records are on cards arranged according to a soundex (phonetic) filing system and provide detailed information. These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION. Although these films pertain to all border crossings from Canada, the title is St. Albans District Manifest Records of Aliens Arriving from Foreign Contiguous Territory. There are no known earlier records of Canadian border crossings. Passports Passports were not required of U.S. citizens before World War I, but many were issued to those traveling abroad. Passport applications usually provide the names, ages, places of residence, and personal descriptions of individuals intending to travel outside the United States. They sometimes include the exact dates and places of birth and arrival in the United States. The Family History Library has a collection of passport applications and several indexes and registers on over 1,100 microfilms obtained from the National Archives. The indexes and registers presently at the library are for 1834 to 1880 and 1906 to 1925. The applications are for 1795 to 1917. These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION. Later records are generally restricted and are in the custody of the U.S. Department of State. Emigration Records of Europe The major European ports of departure in the nineteenth century included Liverpool, LeHavre, Bremen, Hamburg, and Antwerp. Most emigrants after 1880 came through Bremen, Hamburg, LeHavre, Liverpool, Naples, Rotterdam, and Trieste. Some countries kept records of their emigrants (individuals leaving the country). The Family History Library has the Hamburg passenger lists and indexes for 1850 to 1934, and a few existing records for other ports. These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION. They are also listed in the FHLC under [COUNTRY], [COUNTY], [CITY] - EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION. GAZETTEERS A gazetteer is a list and description of places. It can be used to locate the places where your family lived. Gazetteers describe towns and villages, sizes of population, rivers and mountains, and other geographical features. They usually include only the names of places that existed at the time the gazetteer was published. The place names are generally listed in alphabetical order, similar to a dictionary. Modern Place Names Place names in the FHLC are listed under their modern names and boundaries. To find the county and state that a town is currently located in, you can use the see references on the first FHLC microfiche of each state. For more comprehensive information, see Bullinger's Postal & Shippers Guide for the United States & Canada, Annual (Westwood, N.J.: Bullinger's Guides, 1871-; FHL book 970 E8b; 1951 edition on film 483,709). This is listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - POSTAL AND SHIPPING GUIDES. It is available at most large libraries. Similar national sources are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - NAMES, GEOGRAPHICAL, and include: Geographic Names Alphabetical Finding List (Washington, D.C.: National Cartographic Information Center, USGS, 1982-; at FHL on 29 fiche). This lists all localities and features on U.S. topographic maps for 33 states. Standard Place Code ([Springfield, Va.: National Technical Information Service, National Bureau of Standards, 1977]; FHL fiche 6330641-74). This lists names, codes, and zip codes for populated cities, towns, and places. Historical Place Names Because names and boundaries of some places have changed or no longer exist, you may need to use sources that describe places as they were known earlier. An example of a national gazetteer that identifies places in the United States as of 1884 is Leo de Colange, The National Gazetteer (London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co., 1884; FHL book Ref 973 E5c; film 845,264; fiche 6046725). Some additional pre-1900 U.S. gazetteers are: 1797 FHL fiche 6010048-54 1834 FHL fiche 6010021-24 1853 FHL fiche 6046770 1855 FHL fiche 6010028-32 These sources are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - GAZETTEERS. Gazetteers and similar guides to place names for most states are listed in the FHLC under [STATE] - GAZETTEERS. A bibliography of gazetteers is Ronald E. Grim, Historical Geography of the United States: A Guide to Information Sources (Detroit: Gale Research, 1982; FHL book 973 E33g). GENEALOGY The term genealogy is used in this outline and in the FHLC to describe a variety of records containing family information previously gathered by other researchers, societies, or archives. These records can include pedigree charts, compiled data on families, correspondence, ancestor lists, research exchange files, record abstracts, and collections of original or copied documents. These can be excellent sources of information that can save you valuable time. Because they are secondary sources of information, however, they must be carefully evaluated for accuracy. Unique Sources Available from the Family History Library The Family History Library has the following sources that contain previous research or can lead you to others who are interested in sharing family information: The names of over 19 million deceased individuals who lived in the United States are listed in the International Genealogical Index (IGI) on microfiche at the library and at each family history center. More than 8 million forms showing family groups have been microfilmed in the Family Group Records Collection. This includes many United States families. The film numbers are listed in the Author/Title section of the FHLC under the title of the collection. There are two major sections: the Archive Section and the Patron Section. More than 215,000 individuals have registered in the Family Registry to help other researchers contact them and to share information about an ancestor or the activities of their family organization. This source is on microfiche at the Family History Library and at most family history centers. The Family History Library is presently developing a computer database of family information called the Ancestral File. Interested individuals are invited to share their family information by submitting a pedigree chart and accompanying family group record forms. For further information, contact the Ancestral File Operations Unit, 50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150. Telephone: (801) 240-2584. Published Sources Family Histories Many families have produced histories that may include genealogical data, biographies, photographs, and other excellent information. These usually include several generations of the family. An example of a family history is The Roberts Family: A Genealogy of Joseph Roberts of Windham, Maine, 18th Century. The Family History Library has an extensive collection of almost 70,000 published U.S. family histories and newsletters, including copies of most of the histories listed in the sources below. Copies at the Family History Library are listed in the Surname section of the FHLC. Not every name found in a family history will be listed in the FHLC. Only the major surnames are included. Major collections of printed family histories are also found at most of the archives and libraries listed at the beginning of this outline. Most large libraries have the following indexes and catalogs to published family histories: Genealogical Index of the Newberry Library. 4 vols. Boston: G. K. Hall, 1960. (FHL Ref book 929 N424g; films 928,135-37.) Greenlaw, William Prescott. The Greenlaw Index of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. 2 vols. Boston: G. K. Hall, 1979. (FHL book Ref Q 974 D22g.) This is listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - NEW ENGLAND - GENEALOGY - INDEXES. This indexes genealogical information in records acquired by the society that were printed after 1900. It contains references to sources that include three or more generations. Index to American Genealogies.... (known as Munsell's Index). 1900. Reprint. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1967. (FHL book 973 D22m 1900; film 599,811.) This indexes 63,000 citations in family and local history books and periodicals published prior to 1908. Kaminkow, Marion J. Genealogies in the Library of Congress: A Bibliography. 2 vols. 2 supplements, 1972-76, 1976-86. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book Co., 1972. (FHL Ref book 016.9291 K128g.) A 1981 Complement is FHL Ref book 016.9292 K128c. The Complement lists genealogies at 45 other libraries. New York Public Library. Dictionary Catalog of the Local History and Genealogy Division. 18 vols. Boston: G. K. Hall, 1974. (FHL Ref book 929.1016 N489d.) Rider, Fremont, ed. American Genealogical- Biographical Index. Vols. 1-147. Middletown, Conn.: The Godfrey Memorial Library, 1952-. (FHL book 973 D22ag.) This is an every-name index to hundreds of published family histories. It is a continuing series. As of 1987, surnames A-Robertson had been indexed. An earlier version in 48 volumes was published as The American Genealogical Index, 1942-51. (FHL book 973 D22am; films 1,425,577-86.) A microfiche collection of thousands of family and local histories is in the Genealogy and Local History collection produced by the Microfilming Corporation of America (now University Microfilms). This is available at many large libraries. The Family History Library has a portion of this collection, but it cannot be circulated to family history centers. Ten guides list the titles in this collection. It is listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY - COLLECTED WORKS. An index to family information found in published family histories, periodicals, local histories, and other sources acquired by the Family History Library before 1964 is the Old Surname Index File (card file at library; FHL films 820,378-98). This is listed in the Author/Title section of the FHLC. Printed Compilations Many individuals and societies have compiled and published ancestor lists, lineage books, and genealogy tables. These usually represent the ancestry or descent of a group of individuals from a specific place, time, or event. For example, you may find compiled genealogies of colonial immigrants, soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War, pioneers of a state, or members of a religious group. These are usually listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY or [STATE] - GENEALOGY. Also see the Societies section of this outline. Manuscript Collections Many libraries, archives, societies, and individuals have collected a wide variety of unpublished records pertaining to families. These may include the life work of genealogists, records submitted to patriotic or lineage societies, and records submitted to share genealogical information (such as pedigree charts). You will need to search most manuscript collections personally. The Family History Library has microfilm copies of several major manuscript collections. For example, the library has 367 microfilms of genealogical forms submitted to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Other major manuscript collections are described in the state research outlines. You will find these types of collections listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY or under [STATE] or [COUNTY] - GENEALOGY. Numerous family papers and unpublished collections at other libraries and archives are listed in the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC), Annual (Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 1959-; FHL book Ref 016.091 N21). An index to 200,000 names appearing in the collections described in NUCMC is Index to Personal Names in the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections, 1959-1984, 2 vols. (Alexandria, Va.: Chadwyck-Healey, 1988; FHL book Ref. 016.091 N21 Index 1959-84). HISTORY Effective family research requires some understanding of the historical events that may have affected your family and the records about them. Learning about wars, governments, laws, migrations, and religious trends may help you understand political boundaries, family movements, and settlement patterns. These events may have led to the creation of records that your family was listed in, such as land and military documents. Your ancestors will become more interesting to you if you also use histories to learn about the events that were of interest to them or that they may have been involved in. For example, by using a history you might learn about the events that occurred in the year your great-grandparents were married. You can find national, state, or local histories in the FHLC under one of the following: UNITED STATES - HISTORY [STATE] - HISTORY [STATE], [COUNTY] - HISTORY [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - HISTORY United States History The following are only a few of the many sources that are available at most large libraries: Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. The Almanac of American History. New York: Putnam Publishing Co., 1983. (FHL book Ref 973 H2alm.) This provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history. Urdang, Laurence, ed. The Timetables of American History. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1981. (FHL book Ref 973 H2ti.) This also includes chronological descriptions of key events in the United States and other countries. Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium. Springfield, Mass.: G&C Merriam Co., 1971. (FHL book Ref 973 H2v.) This includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information. Hetz, Louise B., ed., Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976. (FHL book Ref 973 H2ad.) This includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations. It is a revision of earlier editions by James T. Adams. Local Histories Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Most county and town histories include separate sections or volumes containing biographical information. These may include information on as many as 50 percent or more of the families in the locality. In addition, local histories should be studied and enjoyed for the background information they can provide about your family's life-style and the community and environment in which your family lived. About 5000 county histories have been published for over 80 percent of the counties in the United States. For many counties there is more than one history. In addition, tens of thousands of histories have been written about local towns and communities. Bibliographies that list these histories are available for nearly every state. These are listed in the FHLC under [STATE] - BIBLIOGRAPHY or [STATE] - HISTORY - BIBLIOGRAPHY. Local histories are extensively collected by the Family History Library, public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies. Two useful guides are: Filby, P. William. A Bibliography of American County Histories. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1985. (FHL book Ref 973 H23bi.) Kaminkow, Marion J. United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book Co., 1975-76. (FHL book Ref 973 A3ka.) You can also find many local histories in the Genealogy and Local History collection on microfiche. This is described in the Genealogy section of this outline. County Origins and Boundary Changes Because counties were often divided and their names and boundaries changed, you may need to determine previous boundaries and jurisdictions to locate your ancestors' records. A county history is the best source of information about a county's origin. Other sources that can help you determine the origin of a county are: Kane, Joseph Nathan. The American Counties: Origins of Names, Dates of Creation and Organization, Area, Population, Historical Data, and Published Sources. 3d ed. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1972. (FHL book Ref 973 H2kj 1972.) The Handy Book for Genealogists. 7th ed. Logan, Utah: Everton Publishers, 1981. (FHL book 973 D27e 1981.) Other sources about boundary changes are found in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY. The historical atlases described in the Maps section of this outline contain maps depicting county formations, migration and settlement patterns, military actions, ethnic distribution, religious trends, and population trends. LAND AND PROPERTY The availability of land attracted many immigrants to America and encouraged westward expansion. Land ownership was generally recorded in an area as soon as settlers began to arrive. These important records sometimes exist when few other records are available. The Family History Library has an extensive collection of state and county land records. Land records are primarily used to learn where an individual lived and when he lived there. They often reveal other family information, such as the name of a spouse, heir, other relatives, or neighbors. You may learn where a person lived previously, his occupation, if he had served in the military, if he was a naturalized citizen, and other clues for further research. Government Land Grants The Land Grant Process Various royal, colonial, state, and federal governments established the first claims to land in what is now the United States. These governments have since sold or given much of this land to individuals. The person who obtains title to the land from the government receives a land grant. The process of receiving a land grant is sometimes referred to as land-entry. Obtaining a grant of land from the government is the final step in a process that often resulted in the creation of several documents. The following is a general description of the documents that may have been created. Not all steps of the process may have been necessary, depending on local laws and customs. The process generally began when a person seeking a grant submitted an application (petition or memorial) to the king or a governor, proprietor, or government office. He may have applied to purchase land or to receive it free as payment for military or other service. Various documents could have been submitted with the application, such as evidence of citizenship, military service, or prior claim to the land. If the application was approved, a warrant was issued to the individual. The warrant was a certificate that authorized him to receive a certain amount of land. This was surrendered to the appropriate official or land office to request that a surveyor produce a survey (a written legal description of the land's location). Early surveys used a metes-and-bounds system. This system described physical features of the land, such as north fifty rods from the creek or S10 W38 rods to the red oak on hill. After 1785 many lands were described by a rectangular survey system, using ranges, townships and sections, such as NW1/4 of section 13, T2S R4W. (This example is read as northwest quarter of section 13 of township 2 south, range 4 west). A township is a unit of land containing 36 sections. Each section is one square mile in area and contains 640 acres which can be divided into lots of various sizes. (For additional information on surveys, see The Source listed in the For Further Reading section of this outline). To purchase land that had already been surveyed, a person may have simply selected an available lot or bid for it at a public auction. Available lots were sometimes distributed through lotteries. Land lottery records are available for some states. A government official or land office then recorded the individual's name and the location of the land in tract books and on plat maps. Tract books record the written legal descriptions of all the lots within a township or given area. Tract books of the public domain states (see below) are arranged by sections within townships. Plats or plat books are maps of the lots within the tract. The individual may have needed to complete certain other requirements, such as installment payments or a period of residency on the land, before he could actually obtain title to the land. Records of his completion of these requirements may have been kept in a case file along with his application. After all the requirements were completed, a patent or final certificate was issued to the individual. The patent (a first-title deed) secured the individual's title to the land. The individual could then sell or give the patent to someone else. The government generally retained the survey notes, tract books, plat maps, case files, warrant books (records of warrants issued and surrendered), and the patent books (records of patents issued). The individual retained his copy of the patent. Grants from Colonial Governments Colonial governments (including England, Spain, Mexico, and France) issued land grants to settlers in areas that later became part of the United States. In the early colonies, a governor or proprietor could sell land or give it away to soldiers and settlers. Those who immigrated or brought a certain number of immigrants to a colony sometimes received headright or similar grants of land as compensation for settling the colony. Many of these records are now available at the appropriate state archives. The Family History Library has copies of many colonial land records and published indexes. These are described further in the state research outlines and are generally listed in the FHLC under [STATE] - LAND AND PROPERTY. Grants from the Federal Government (Public Domain) The public domain included most of the land west of the Appalachian Mountains that was obtained by the federal government. After the United States was established, some lands that had been claimed by the colonies were ceded to the federal government. The federal government also obtained land as a result of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the War with Mexico (1846-48), and other means. Over the years, more than one billion acres of the public domain have been transferred to private or state ownership through the types of grants described below. Approximately 25 million surveyed lots were eventually described in tract books. An estimated 6 1/2 to 7 million titles were granted to individuals and states. To accomplish this massive distribution of land, the government needed to resolve Indian claims to the land and private claims by settlers already on the land (including those who had received grants from Spain, Mexico, or France). They also needed to encourage settlement of the open lands, reserve lands for military bounty, survey the land to provide a legal description, and establish a record-keeping system. The Northwest Ordinance of 1785 was the first of over 300 laws to help accomplish these tasks. It established the rectangular survey system that divided most of the land in the public domain into townships and sections. Later laws established local land offices to distribute the land. These were under the direction of the General Land Office (GLO) in Washington, D.C. (now known as the Bureau of Land Management). Types of Grants. The GLO distributed over 1,031,000,000 acres of the public domain lands as follows: Donation lands and cash or credit sales. To encourage settlement of open lands, approximately 29 percent was sold very inexpensively for cash or credit (1800 to 1908) or donated to encourage settlement (1840s to 1903 in Florida, Oregon, and Washington). Homestead grants. Another 28 percent of the land was distributed after 1862 to homesteaders who could receive title to the land by residing on it and making improvements for five years (various laws modified these requirements). About 60 percent of those who applied for homestead land never completed the requirements to receive a patent to the land. However, their applications have generally been preserved in their case files, and these may contain helpful family information. Grants to states. Approximately 22 percent of the land was granted to the states, who, in turn, may have sold or leased it to individuals (see Grants from States, below). Grants to railroads and others. Twelve percent was granted to railroad companies and others who also may have sold or leased it. Military bounty lands. Seven percent was distributed as military bounty land (see the Military Records section of this outline). Private land claims. Two percent of the land was granted to individuals who could establish prior ownership or had titles previously granted by Spain, Mexico, or France. When new areas were acquired by the United States, special commissions or courts were appointed by the U.S. Congress to resolve these claims and report to Congress. Many claims were presented directly to Congress. Obtaining the Case Files. The case files are the most helpful records for family history researchers. The files for the donation grants, cash and credit sales, homestead entries, military bounty land, and private land claims are at: Washington National Records Center 4205 Suitland Road Suitland, MD 20409 (in-person visits) General Branch, Civil Archives Division National Archives Washington, D.C. 20409 (requests by mail) Most of the case files have not been microfilmed, except for the Oregon and Washington donation lands and some of the private claims files. The Family History Library has copies of most of the records that are on microfilm (see the state research outlines for more information). You can request photocopies of the original files at the National Records Center if you can provide the legal description of the land. Obtaining a Legal Description of the Land. The legal description includes the township and range of the property. If you can also provide the number and date of the patent or final certificate and name of the land office that granted the land, the files can be found more quickly. You may be able to get the legal description from one of the following: A deed, patent certificate, or similar records in the family's possession. County deed records and plat maps. See Exchanges of Land between Individuals, below. In some cases you will also find a reference to the original patent or tract. Tract books. If you know the general location of the land, you can search the tract books to obtain the legal description. The tractbooks are on 1,265 microfilms at the Family History Library. These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - LAND AND PROPERTY. Most state archives also have copies for their states. The original tract books for all public-domain states east of the Mississippi River and the states bordering the Mississippi on the west are at the Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States Office, 350 South Pickett Street, Alexandria, VA 22304. The original books for the other states are at the National Archives branch that serves the state, and copies are at the BLM offices in Anchorage, Phoenix, Sacramento, Denver, Boise, Billings, Reno, Santa Fe, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Cheyenne. You can search these records yourself, or the staff at the BLM offices will search the tract books for you for a fee. Federal plats. These are another source for finding the legal description. They are often referred to as the township plats. Most of these are available at the BLM offices above or at the National ArchivesCartographic Branch (see the Maps section). Each state archives may also have microfilm copies for the state. Indexes to the patent books. The patent books are available at the BLM offices, and many state archives have copies. These can provide a legal description of the land, but you need either an index or the legal description to search the books. A few of the patent records are indexed. The BLM Eastern States Office (see address above under tract books) has an index to all patents issued after 30 June 1908. The Family History Library and the Eastern States Office have an incomplete card file that indexes pre-1908 patents issued in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, and Wisconsin. These are on 160 microfilms listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - LAND AND PROPERTY - INDEXES. The National Archives has a card index to pre-1908 patents issued in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, and Utah. Private Land Claims. The original 1789 to 1908 case files of private land claims in parts of 15 states are at the Washington National Records Center (see address above). The files of some states have been microfilmed and are available at state archives and at the Family History Library. Many of the applications, petitions, and memorials presented to Congress from 1789 to 1837 have been published and indexed in classes VIII and IX of the American State Papers (Washington, D.C.: Gales and Seaton, 1832-61; FHL book 973 R2a; 1832-61 edition on FHL films 899,878-85). These papers are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - LAND AND PROPERTY. A combined index to the Gales and Seaton edition is Phillip W. McMullin, ed., Grassroots of America (Salt Lake City, Utah: Gendex Corp., 1972; FHL book Ref 973 R2m; fiche 6051323). Indexes to land, pension, bounty land, and other claims presented to Congress from 1789 to 1909 are found in published summaries or digests (tables) at the National Archives and federal repository libraries (at major university libraries). The Family History Library has the digests for the House of Representatives for 1789 to 1871 (FHL films 899,874-77). These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - LAND AND PROPERTY. Published Sources. Some societies, archives, and individuals have transcribed, indexed, and published portions of the federal land records, usually for a state or county. Those at the Family History Library are usually listed in the FHLC under the [STATE], or [COUNTY] - LAND AND PROPERTY. Grants from States The states also granted land. Twenty colonies and states did not cede the unclaimed land in their borders to the federal government when they became part of the United States. These states are known as state-land states and included the original 13 colonies and Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia. The states in the public domain areas who received grants of land from the federal government (as described above) also granted some of this land to individuals. Each state established land offices to distribute its land, in a manner similar to that of the federal government. The Family History Library has microfilm copies of the records of some states. These are listed in the FHLC under [STATE] - LAND AND PROPERTY. The original documents are usually at the state archives (see the state research outlines for more information). Subsequent Exchanges of Land Land Companies To encourage settlement of large tracts of land, many colonies and states allowed land speculators, often organized as land companies, to purchase large tracts of land for resale to settlers. Records of these transactions may be difficult to obtain. They may have remained in private possession, or have been deposited in a state, local, or private archives or historical society. Some have also been published. The Family History Library has copies of some of these records (especially the published sources) such as the Susquehannah Land Company Papers. Land company records are generally listed in the FHLC under [STATE] - LAND AND PROPERTY. County and Town Records When an individual received the patent or title to his land, he went to a local government office to have his ownership recorded and to obtain a deed. This was not always done immediately, but was usually done before the land was transferred or leased to anyone else. These records and all subsequent exchanges of land through sales, foreclosure, divorce, or inheritance were usually recorded by a county clerk, county recorder, or county register of deeds (except in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont, where town clerks have kept the records). These officials also kept records of mortgages and leases. Deed and Mortgage Books. When an individual presented a patent, deed, or other evidence of ownership, the clerk usually made a handwritten copy of the complete document in the deed books. In later years, deeds were often recopied, especially if the originals were lost, worn, or destroyed. Mortgage and lease information may have been kept in separate books. The clerks also added the information to their local plat maps. (These were often the basis of landownership maps and atlases which have been published for many counties. See the Maps section of this outline.) The individual retained his copy of the deed and other records. Indexes. There are usually indexes with the deed and mortgage books, and some indexes have been published. The indexes generally list the name of the seller (grantor or direct indexes) and the name of the buyer (grantee or indirect indexes). Other names that are found in the records are rarely indexed. Because there may have been many transactions over many years regarding one piece of property, search a wide range of years in the indexes. Obtaining County and Town Records. The Family History Library has microfilm copies of the deed books and indexes (and sometimes the mortgage and lease records) of more than 1500 county and town courthouses. See the state research outlines for additional information. The county and town records are listed in the FHLC under one of the following: [STATE], [COUNTY] - LAND AND PROPERTY [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - LAND AND PROPERTY You can also contact the courthouse or archives where the original records are located to request a search of the indexes and then request copies from the record books. MAPS Maps are used to locate the places where your ancestors lived. They identify political boundaries, names of places, geographical features, cemeteries, churches, and migration routes. Historical maps are especially useful for finding communities that no longer exist. Maps are available from the National Archives, the Library of Congress, county agencies, and other libraries and historical societies. The Family History Library has a small collection of loose maps of historical value, and a fine collection of printed historical atlases. These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - MAPS or [STATE], [COUNTY], or [CITY] - MAPS. The National ArchivesCartographic Branch (841 South Pickett Street, Alexandria, VA 22304) and the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress have significant collections of a variety of maps, including land ownership, railroad, and fire insurance maps. Several catalogs and inventories of these collections are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - MAPS - BIBLIOGRAPHY. An excellent inventory of the map holdings of 3,000 libraries and historical societies is David A. Cobb, comp., Guide to U.S. Map Resources (Chicago: American Library Association, 1986; FHL book 973 E74co). For further information about maps and how to obtain them, see Joel Makower, ed., The Map Catalog (New York: Tilden Press, 1986; FHL book Ref 973 E73ma). Plat Maps The county or town offices that maintain land and property records often have plat books containing maps of property boundaries and land ownership within the county. Also see the Land and Property section for information about the federal township plats. Ward Maps of Major Cities The Library of Congress has detailed ward maps of major cities. These show the census districts and political divisions of large cities. The Family History Library has copies of 232 of these ward maps representing 35 major cities (FHL film 1,377,700; fiche 6016554-782). These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - MAPS. A description of each map and a chart that shows which maps to use with each U.S. census is in Michael H. Shelley, Ward Maps of United States Cities: A Selective Checklist of Pre-1900 Maps in the Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.: N.p., 1975; FHL book 973 A1 No. 99; film 928,210, item 16). Topographic Maps The United States has been divided into sections called quadrangles by the United States Geological Survey (U.S. Department of Interior, Geological Survey, 1200 South Eads Street, Arlington, VA 22202). The USGS has produced highly detailed topographical maps showing physical and manmade features in each quadrangle. These maps are available at most university libraries. The Family History Library has several series of historical USGS maps published from 1884 to 1979 on 291 films. The maps are arranged by the name of the quadrangle. These are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - MAPS. Atlases An atlas is a bound collection of maps. It often contains historical and geographical information for a county or state. Collections of maps and atlases are available at numerous libraries and historical societies. Many county atlases that show the names of landowners and are usually based on county plat maps (see the "Land and Property" section), have been published. Public and university libraries have excellent national atlases, such as the Rand McNally Commercial Atlas and Marketing Guide (New York: Rand McNally, annual; FHL Atlas Stand 973 E7rc). Another useful atlas is These United States: Our Nation's Geography, History and People (Pleasantville, New York: Reader's Digest Association, 1968; FHL book Ref Q 973 E3r). Many other atlases are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES or [STATE] or [COUNTY] - MAPS. A basic atlas that shows state and county boundaries, county seats, all places of 1,000 population or more, and some places with fewer than 1,000, is The Original Cleartype Business Control Atlas, 1988, annual (Maspeth, N.Y.: American Map Corporation, 1988-; FHL book 970 E3b 1988). Historical Atlases These atlases show the growth and development of the nation or a state, including boundaries, migration routes, settlement patterns, military campaigns, American Indian reservations, and other historical information. Excellent national historical atlases are: Atlas of American History, 2d ed., revised. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1984. (FHL Ref 973 E7at; 1943 edition on film 1,415,259, item 9.) Paullin, Charles Oscar. Atlas of the Historical Geography of the United States. Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Institution of Washington, 1932. (FHL book Ref Q 973 E3p.) The American Heritage Pictorial Atlas of United States History. New York: American Heritage Publishing Co., 1966. (FHL book Ref 973 E3am.) A collection of numerous maps copied from various atlases is on FHL film 002,083. This includes maps of the states and territories ranging from 1790 to 1917. Many historical maps are included in local histories and history texts. A popular example is Ray Allen Billington, Westward Expansion: A History of the American Frontier (New York: Macmillan, 5th ed., 1982; FHL Ref 973 H2bw.) Locating Township and County Boundaries Maps of county boundaries as they exist today and as they existed in each census year through 1920 are in William Thorndale and William Dollarhide, Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790-1920 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1987; FHL book Ref 973 X2th). This source includes helpful information about the availability of census records. Maps of modern county boundaries are also in The Handy Book for Genealogists (see the For Further Reading section. This is available at most libraries and family history centers. Maps and an index of townships and other present-day civil boundaries are in John L. Andriot, Township Atlas of the United States (McLean, Va.: Andriot Associates, 1987; FHL book Ref 973 E7an 1987). Detailed maps and legal histories of county formations and changes for 14 states are found in John H. Long, ed., Historical Atlas and Chronology of County Boundaries, 1788-1980, 5 vols. (Boston: G. K. Hall, 1984; FHL book Ref 973 E7hL). The states included are Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Also see County Origins and Boundary Changes in the History section of this outline for further help on tracing the histories of counties and their boundaries. Land Ownership Maps Government or commercial agencies have created numerous maps showing the names of land owners in an area. These are often called cadastral maps. They sometimes include other helpful details such as churches, cemeteries, and roads. An inventory of many of the land ownership maps at the Library of Congress is Richard W. Stephenson, Land Ownership Maps (Washington: Library of Congress, 1967; FHL book 973 A3sr). The Family History Library has many county land ownership maps. These are usually listed in the FHLC under [STATE], [COUNTY] - MAPS or [STATE], [COUNTY] - LAND AND PROPERTY. Also see the Land and Property section of this outline. MILITARY RECORDS Military records identify millions of individuals who served in the military or who were eligible for service. Evidence that an ancestor actually served may be found in family traditions, census records, naturalization records, biographies, cemetery records, and records of veterans' organizations. The Family History Library has an extensive collection of military records, particularly for 1775 to 1918. You can most effectively search military records if you know at least the state where the individual was living when he was of age to serve in the military. It is also helpful to know the branch of service (army, navy, etc.) he may have served in. Your ancestor may have served in a local unit, state unit, or a federal force. Types of Military Service Local and State Military Forces During the colonial period most able-bodied men aged 16 to 60 were expected to participate in a local militia. These militias were organized by towns, counties, or colonies. After the Revolutionary War, each state retained a militia organization. These units evolved into the National Guard after the Civil War. Records of militia and national guard units were kept by local and state governments. Federal Military Forces Your ancestor may be found in a federal military record if he: Served in a volunteer unit raised by a state during wartime that was mustered into federal service. Most of those who served during pre-twentieth century wars were enlisted in these state volunteer units. Enrolled in the draft for the Civil War, World War I, or a subsequent war. Enlisted in the regular U.S. military forces during wartime or peacetime. Served in a local militia or national guard unit that was mustered for federal service during an emergency. Types of Military Records The major types of military records kept by federal and state governments are (1) veterans' benefit records, (2) service records, (3) draft or conscription records, and (4) records of regular military forces. Other records relating to military service include burial and cemetery records and records of veterans' organizations. Veterans' Benefit Records If you know the unit and time period when an individual served, search benefit records first because they generally contain more helpful information. The federal government and some state governments granted pensions or free bounty land to officers, disabled veterans, needy veterans, widows or orphans of veterans, and veterans who served a given period of time. Various laws have changed the requirements for receiving bounty land or a pension. Not every veteran received bounty land or a pension. Pension Files. In an individual's application papers you may find his name (and sometimes his wife's given and maiden names); rank; military unit; period of service; residence; age; date and place of birth, marriage and death; and the nature of his disability or proof of need. To prove military service, there may be documents such as discharge papers or affidavits from those with whom he served. Widows or heirs also had to prove their relationship to the veteran with marriage records and other documents. The appropriate federal or state agency maintained a pension file for each applicant. These files contain the application papers and any further correspondence or documents. Published Pension Lists. Some lists of federal and state pensioners have been published. These list the individuals or heirs who were receiving pensions as of the date the lists were published. These can provide the name of the soldier, his heirs, age, death date, and service information. To locate your ancestor, you need to know where he resided at the time the list was made. The major federal pension lists are: Letter from the Secretary of War, Transmitting a Report of . . . Every Person Placed on the Pension List, in Pursuance of the Act of the 18th March, 1818. 1820. Reprint. Baltimore: Southern Book Co., 1955. (FHL book 973 M24up; film 874,189; fiche 6046612.) The Pension Roll of 1835. 4 vols. 1835. Reprint. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1968. (FHL book 973 M24ua; fiche 6046995.) List of Pensioners on the Roll, January 1, 1883. 5 vols. 1883. Reprint. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1970. (FHL book 973 M3L.) Lists for other years (1817, 1818, 1823, 1828, 1831, 1849, and 1857) have been published in the U.S. Congressional Serial Set, available at federal repository libraries (most major university libraries). Lists of pensioners were also compiled with the U.S. censuses of 1840 and 1890 (see the Census section for more information). Bounty Land Records for Military Service from 1776 to 1855. The federal government provided bounty land for those who served in the Revolutionary War and other wars between 1790 and 1855. This was first offered as an incentive to serve in the military and later as a reward or payment for service. Bounty land could be claimed by veterans or their heirs. The federal government reserved tracts of land in the public domain for this purpose. Some states also provided bounty land and set aside tracts of land for their Revolutionary War veterans. A veteran requested bounty land by filing an application at a local courthouse. The application papers and other supporting documents were placed in bounty land files kept by a federal or state agency. These documents contain information similar to the pension files. If the application was approved, the individual was given a warrant to receive land (see the Land and Property section), or scrip which could be exchanged for a warrant. Later laws allowed for the sale or exchange of warrants. Only a few soldiers actually received title to the bounty land or settled on it. Most veterans sold or exchanged their warrant. Service Records Service records verify an individual's involvement with the military and can give you information that makes it easier to search the benefit records. Muster and Discharge Records. Those who served in a military unit were listed on muster-rolls or rosters (similar to attendance rolls). These generally give the individual's name, and the dates and places where he was serving. You may also find descriptive rolls that provide the individual's name, rank, age, physical description, marital status, occupation, city of birth, place of residence, and service information. The National Archives or each state's office of the adjutant general may have these rolls (see the state research outlines). When an individual was discharged from military service, he was listed on muster-out rolls. Copies of the federal muster-out rolls were sent to the office of the state adjutant general. After the Civil War, the individual may have received a discharge certificate that may be in the family's possession. Copies of the discharge certificates, especially for the Civil War and World Wars I and II, are often recorded in local county records. Compiled Service Records. Compiled service records have been created by the federal government for those individuals who served in volunteer units during wars between 1775 and 1903. These consist of card abstracts of information taken from various original records. Cards were created for each soldier and placed in a jacket envelope along with some original documents. The cards generally provide a soldier's name, rank and unit, the state from which he served, the date he enlisted, and his length of service. You may also find his age, residence, and date of death. Other Records of Service. Other original records of service that may have been created include pay rolls, hospital records, prison records, promotions, courts martial, desertion records, and other records. State Records of Service. Each state has the same basic types of service records for its own militia, state regiments, or national guard units. These are usually available at state archives or at state historical societies. Many early militia and state records have also been published and indexed. If a local unit was mustered into federal service, the federal government began keeping records of the unit and sent copies of some records to the office of the state adjutant general. Draft or Conscription Records Since 1863, the federal government has enrolled or registered millions of men who may have been eligible for military service. The enrollment records of the Civil War and the draft registration cards of World War I include the individual's name, place of residence, age, occupation, marital status, state or country of birth, physical description, and prior military service. They may list dependents or the nearest relative. Records of the Regular Military Forces, 1789 to Present Since 1789 the United States has maintained various branches of military service during peacetime and wartime, but large peacetime forces were not maintained until after World War II. The National Archives and the Family History Library have the Registers of Enlistments in the U.S. Army, 1798-1914 (71 films). These give the serviceman's place of birth and his age, occupation, and physical description. Pension records for service in the regular army between 1783 and 1861 are indexed by the Index to Old War Pension Records (7 films). Later pension records are included in the Pension Index File, 1861-1934 described under Civil War, Union (below). Other more recent records are described on page 36 under World War I and Records since 1917. Burial and Cemetery Records The Cemetery Service (National Cemetery System, Veterans Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20422) has a card index that identifies nearly all soldiers who were buried in national cemeteries and other cemeteries under federal jurisdiction from 1861 to the present. The National Archives also has some burial records of national and post cemeteries. Since the 1890s, the Daughters of the American Revolution (see the Societies section) have been locating and listing the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers. The lists through 1987 have been published in Patricia Law Hatcher, Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots, 4 vols. to date (Dallas, Tex.: Pioneer Heritage Press, 1987-). The annual lists of 1900 to 1974 were published in the Congressional Serial Set available at federal repository libraries. Annual lists are also published in the DAR Magazine. The general card file of Revolutionary burials is at the DAR national headquarters. Many states and some counties also have grave registration offices that identify and mark the graves of soldiers buried in local cemeteries. You can usually locate these by contacting the state archives or state library. Some of these records are on microfilm at the Family History Library. Records of Veterans' Organizations Several organizations and societies of veterans have been established, such as: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Grand Army of the Republic (for Union Army veterans) United Confederate Veterans Records of these societies may be found at state archives, historical societies, or public libraries. Some membership lists and records have been published. A few collections of society records are listed in the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (see the Genealogy section). County and town histories may include information on local chapters. Also see the Societies section of this outline for more information. Other Records Other records related to military service include histories of military units, histories of battles and campaigns, published rosters, records of veterans' homes, and published indexes to numerous records. Locating Military Records Records at the National Archives The National Archives has the federal service, pension, bounty land, and draft records. Several major indexes and some collections are on microfilm, but most of the original records have not been microfilmed and are available only at the National Archives. You can obtain photocopies of these records by using NATF Form 80, available from the National Archives. The archives staff will copy only selected documents unless you request copies of all the documents in a file. More detailed information on these records is in Guide to Genealogical Research at the National Archives (see the For Further Reading section). Records at State and Local Archives State archives, state adjutant generals' offices, historical societies, courthouses, and libraries may have records of local citizens who served in the military. See the state research outlines for more information. Records at the Family History Library The Family History Library has over 25,000 microfilms of the major indexes to the military records at the National Archives and many of the service and pension records. The library is presently acquiring additional records. The major collections at the library are described below, under each war or period. The state research outlines describe major collections or sources for individual states. Military records are listed in the FHLC in various ways, including: UNITED STATES - MILITARY RECORDS UNITED STATES - MILITARY RECORDS - [WAR] UNITED STATES - MILITARY RECORDS - [WAR] - PENSIONS UNITED STATES - MILITARY RECORDS - INDEXES Records of wars will be listed in chronological order. For example, UNITED STATES - MILITARY RECORDS - WAR OF 1812 is listed before UNITED STATES - MILITARY RECORDS - CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865. You will also find many records under: UNITED STATES - HISTORY - [WAR] UNITED STATES - MILITARY HISTORY - [WAR] UNITED STATES - PENSION RECORDS [STATE] - MILITARY RECORDS - [WAR] Another source for learning about the contents, availability, and Family History Library call numbers of military records is Register of Federal United States Military Records: A Guide to Manuscript Sources Available at the Genealogical Library in Salt Lake City and the National Archives in Washington, D.C., 3 vols. (Bowie, Md.: Heritage Books, 1986; FHL book Ref 973 M2de). Major Collections, by War or Period The Family History Library has records for the following wars and time periods: If you find an individual listed in one of the indexes and the Family History Library does not have microfilms of the records, you will usually need to contact the National Archives for copies of the original records, as explained above. Colonial Period, ca. 1600 to 1775. During the colonial period, many residents participated in local militias in times of peace and during various conflicts, including King William's War (1689-97), Queen Anne's War (1702-13), King George's War (1740-48), and the French and Indian War (1754-63). Because these were local units, various records are available at local societies and archives. The Family History Library has copies of many of the records that have been published. These are generally listed in the FHLC under [STATE], [COUNTY] or [CITY] - MILITARY RECORDS. Revolution, 1775-1783. Records at the Family History Library include: Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files (2,670 films containing 80,000 files in alphabetical order). A published index to these files is Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications in the National Archives, Revised (Washington: National Genealogical Society, 1976; FHL book Ref 973 M22ng 1976). Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served in the American Army During the Revolutionary War (1,097 films) and General Index to Compiled Military Service Records of Revolutionary War Soldiers, Sailors... (58 films). Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783 (138 films). These include muster rolls, pay rolls, clothing receipts, correspondence, and other information. They are arranged by state regiments. Other Revolutionary War Records. Additional records of Revolutionary War ancestors are at the Family History Library or may be found at state archives. For further information see James C. Neagles and Lila L. Neagles, Locating Your Revolutionary War Ancestor: A Guide to the Military Records (Logan, Utah: Everton Publishers, 1983; FHL book Ref 973 D27ne). American Loyalists. An estimated one-third of the population of the American colonies remained loyal to Great Britain during the Revolutionary War. As many as 50,000 fled their homes and moved to Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and England. Records of these individuals include name lists, muster rolls, and histories. Many filed claims and petitions to the British government for compensation for losses of real and personal property. These records are listed in the Subject section of the FHLC under AMERICAN LOYALISTS and UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS. Some Loyalist records are listed in the Locality section of the FHLC under MINORITIES, HISTORY, and other subject headings. Additional records are available from the National Archives of Canada (395 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A ON3) and the Archives of Ontario (77 Grenville Street, Queens Park, Toronto, ON, Canada M7A 2R9). An excellent guide to information on Loyalists is Gregory Palmer, ed., A Bibliography of Loyalist Source Material in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain (Westport, Conn.: Meckler Publishing, 1982; FHL book 973 F23bL). War of 1812. Records at the Family History Library include: Index to War of 1812 Pension Records (102 films). These records primarily include pensions granted after 1871. Bounty Land Warrants and Indexes (14 films). Index to the Compiled Service Records (234 films). For further information see George K. Schweitzer, War of 1812 Genealogy (Knoxville, Tenn.: N.p., 1983; FHL book 973 A1 no. 201). War with Mexico, 1845-1848. Many of the soldiers who served in the Mexican War were from southern states. Some of the records of this war at the Family History Library include: Index to Pension Records, 1887-1926 (14 films). A published index is Barbara Schull Wolfe, An Index to Mexican War Pension Applications (Indianapolis, Ind.: Heritage House, 1985; FHL book 973 M22w). This also indexes the bounty land records. Index to Compiled Military Service Records (22 films). The Family History Library also has microfilm copies of the actual records for Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and the Mormon Battalion. Civil War, 1861-1865 (Union). Major records of this war include the following. Most of these are available at the Family History Library. Pension Index File, 1861-1934 (544 films). This is a card index to pension applications of those who served in the army, the navy, and the Marine Corps, primarily to 1916. Most of the index relates to Civil War service. Some of the index relates to (1) earlier service, (2) service in later wars through the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, and (3) the regular armed forces. The pension application files are not on microfilm and can be obtained only from the National Archives using NATF Form 80. You must use the index before requesting a search of the records because they are filed numerically. Indexes to Compiled Service Records for Union Army Volunteers. Every state except South Carolina had units that served in the Union Army. Separate indexes of the compiled service records for each state and territory are on microfilm at the National Archives and the Family History Library. The service records of some states (primarily southern states) are on microfilm at the Family History Library. These are listed in the FHLC under the [STATE] - MILITARY RECORDS - CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865 - INDEXES. Civil War Draft Records. These records are at the National Archives and are not on microfilm. They include descriptive rolls (registers that provide physical descriptions of the men) and consolidated lists of each enrollment district (usually the congressional district). You can write to the National Archives to request a copy from these records if you know the congressional district. This can be determined by using the Congressional Directory for the Second Session of the Thirty-Eighth Congress of the United States of America (Washington, D.C.: U.S. House of Representatives, 1865; FHL book 973 E4uc; film 1,425,543, item 6). Cemetery Records. The names and burial places of Union soldiers who were killed in the war are listed in Roll of Honor: Names of Soldiers Who Died in Defence of the American Union, 27 vols. (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1865-1871; FHL films 1,311,589-91). This is listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - MILITARY RECORDS - CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865 - CEMETERIES. Other sources of information about Union forces include records of U.S. Colored Troops, Veterans Reserve Corp, and Confederate Prisoners of War Who Joined the Union Army (U.S. Volunteers). The Family History Library has indexes to these records and some of the records. You will also find many regimental histories, discharge papers, grave registration files, adjutant general reports, and other records listed in the FHLC under each state or county. Civil War, 1861-1865 (Confederate). The following states formed the Confederate States of America: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The following major collections of Confederate records are available: Pension Files and Indexes. After the war each Confederate state granted pensions to veterans living within the state. These are state rather than federal records, and they are usually at the state archives. The Family History Library has microfilm copies of the pension files or indexes for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Oklahoma. These are listed in the FHLC under the [STATE] - MILITARY RECORDS - CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865 - INDEXES. Consolidated Index to Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers (535 films). This is a card index to the service records of all Confederate states, the Confederate government, and staff officers. Indexes and Compiled Military Service Records for Confederate Army Volunteers (Statewide, 6,432 films). In addition to the consolidated index, indexes and service records for each state are also available on microfilm at the National Archives and the Family History Library. These are listed in the FHLC under the [STATE] - MILITARY RECORDS - CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865 - INDEXES. Unfiled Papers and Slips Belonging in Confederate Compiled Service Records (442 films). These are similar to compiled service records and are alphabetically arranged. They include papers that could not be easily filed with the regular compiled service records. You should search both the compiled service records and the unfiled papers. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations Raised Directly by the Confederate Government (123 films). Index to Service Records of Confederate Government Troops (26 films). These are records of servicemen enlisted by the Confederate government who will not be found in the statewide service records or indexes (see above). Compiled Service Records of Confederate General and Staff Officers and Nonregimental Enlisted Men, 1861-5 (275 films). This is listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - SOUTHERN STATES - MILITARY RECORDS - CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865. Other sources of information about Confederate forces at the Family History Library include prisoner-of-war records (145 films), casualty lists, and naval and marine personnel records. Other military records of the Confederacy are found at state archives and historical societies. Guides to Civil War Sources. Handbooks that can provide further information include: Groene, Bertram Hawthorne. Tracing Your Civil War Ancestor. Revised. Winston-Salem, N.C.: John F. Blair, 1987. (FHL book 973 D27gb.) Neagles, James C. Confederate Research Sources: A Guide to Archive Collections. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 1987. (FHL book 973 A3ne.) War of 1898 (Spanish-American War). Records at the Family History Library include: An index to the pension files for the Spanish-American War is included in the Pension Index File, 1861-1934 described under Civil War, Union (above). General Index to Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers Who Served During the War with Spain (126 films). Philippine Insurrection, 1899-1901. Records at the Family History Library include: An index to the pension files for the Philippine Insurrection is included in the Pension Index File, 1861-1934 described under Civil War, Union (above). It was not until 1922 that veterans could receive pension benefits for their service. Index to Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers Who Served During the Philippine Insurrection (24 films). Indian Wars and Conflicts. The regular army, often assisted by volunteer units, fought in various campaigns or wars with American Indians. These included the Seminole or Florida Wars (1817-18, 1835-42, and 1855-58), Black Hawk War (1832), and the Creek War (1836-37). Records of soldiers who participated in various wars and campaigns against the American Indians from 1784 to 1898 are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - MILITARY RECORDS. Also use the records of the regular forces (see above). Records at the Family History Library include: Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers Who Served from 1784 to 1811 (32 films). Index to Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers Who Served from 1784 to 1811 (9 films). A published index of surnames A-R is Barbara Schull Wolfe, The Lost Soldiers: An Index to the Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers 1784-1811, 3 vols. (Indianapolis Ind.: Heritage House, 1986; FHL book 973 M22wo). Index to Indian Wars Pension Files, 1892-1926 (12 films). These relate to service in the Indian campaigns between 1817 and 1898. Index to Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers Who Served During Indian Wars and Disturbances, 1815-1858 (42 films). There are also some separate microfilmed indexes for individual states. World War I, 1914-1918. Major records for this war include: World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Most of the men who served during World War I were draftees. Nearly 24,000,000 men from the ages of 18 to 45 were registered for the draft. The information on the cards varies, but in general you will find the individual's name, date and place of birth, race, citizenship, occupation, personal description, and signature. The cards may also list dependents, other family members, marital status, father's place of birth, and the name and address of the nearest relative. These records are on microfilm at the National ArchivesAtlanta Branch (1557 St. Joseph Avenue, East Point, GA 30344). They are arranged by state, then by county or large city, and alphabetically within each draft board. To locate a draft card, you need to know an individual's name and residence at the time of registration. For large cities, an exact address is needed. The National ArchivesAtlanta Branch will send you the form on which to submit your request for a search of these records. The Family History Library is presently acquiring microfilm copies of these records. The library also has W. M. Houlsee, et al., Soldiers of the Great War, 3 vols. (Washington, D.C.: Soldiers Record Publishing Association, 1920; FHL book 973 M23s). This lists soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and includes the soldier's name, rank, cause of death, and place of residence. It includes many photographs. Other Records Since 1917. Requests for service and pension information should be submitted to: National Personnel Records Center (MPR) 9700 Page Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63132 Your request must be submitted on Standard Form 180, available from the St. Louis Center, local Veterans Administration offices, and the Reference Services Branch (NNIR) (General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20408). You may request this information only if you are the veteran, his next of kin if the veteran is deceased, or you have written authorization from the veteran or his next of kin. You should be aware that a fire in July 1973 at the NPRC destroyed about 80% of the records for Army personnel discharged between 1912 and 1960, and some Air Force records. MINORITIES It's important to learn the history of the ethnic, racial, and religious groups your ancestors belonged to. For example, you might study a history of the Irish in New York or Huguenot immigration to the United States. This historical background can help you identify where your ancestors lived and when they lived there, where they migrated, the types of records they might be listed in, and other information to help you understand your family's history. For most minorities in the United States, some unique records and resources are available. These include histories, newspapers, and periodicals (such as The Swedish-American Historical Quarterly). In addition, various local and national societies have been organized to gather, preserve, and share the cultural contributions and histories of many groups. Some examples are the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies in Philadelphia and the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia in Lincoln, Nebraska. Brief histories, addresses of societies, periodicals, handbooks, and other resources for minority research are available in various handbooks and histories. The Family History Library and most large libraries have the following: Smith, Jessie C., ed. Ethnic Genealogy: A Research Guide. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1983. (FHL book 973 D27sj.) Thernstrom, Stephen, ed. Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1980. (FHL Ref 973 F2ha, fiche 6051321.) Wasserman, Paul, and Alice E. Kennington, eds. Ethnic Information Sources of the United States. 2d ed. Detroit: Gale Research Co., 1983. (FHL Ref 973 F24w.) The Family History Library collects records of these groups, especially published histories. These are listed in the Locality section of the FHLC under the [STATE] - MINORITIES and in the Subject section of the FHLC under the name of the minority, such as BLACKS, AFRO-AMERICANS, JEWS, and QUAKERS. The FHLC also lists handbooks on how to do genealogical research for specific ethnic groups. For example, in the Subject section of the FHLC you will find publications on how to trace Black, Czech, German, Hispanic, Indian, Irish, Jewish, Polish, and other American families. An excellent example of a handbook is Arthur Kurzweil, From Generation to Generation: How to Trace Your Jewish Genealogy and Personal History (New York: William Morrow and Co., 1980; FHL book Ref 929.1 K967f). NATIVE RACES If you have evidence of Indian ancestry, there are some unique records of American Indians that you can use. Note, however, that many traditions of Indian ancestry are unfounded. Before you can effectively search American Indian records, do the following: Identify a specific ancestor who was Indian and learn where he lived. Use the other records described throughout this outline, particularly the 1900 U.S. census which has separate schedules of Indians living on reservations. Identify the tribe. When you know the general area where an ancestor lived, you can usually identify the tribe he belonged to. Use various handbooks that describe the tribes that resided in an area, such as John R. Swanton, The Indian Tribes of North America, 1952, Reprint (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1974; FHL book 970.1 Sm69b No. 145). Another helpful source is Carl Waldman, Atlas of the North American Indian, (New York: Facts on File Publications, 1985; FHL book 970.1 W146a). Also use local histories or statewide histories of Indian tribes, such as A Guide to the Indian Tribes of Oklahoma. Study the history of the tribe. You will need some background information about the tribe, such as migration patterns, marriage and naming customs, and affiliations with government agencies or churches. Because some tribes moved several times, records about them may be in many locations. Most large libraries have some state or tribal histories of American Indians. The Family History Library has several histories listed in the Subject section of the FHLC under the name of the tribe, such as CHEROKEE, or under INDIANS OF NORTH AMERICA. In the Locality section you may find these under the UNITED STATES - NATIVE RACES or [STATE] - NATIVE RACES. Church Records Before 1830, Indians living among non-Indians were generally encouraged to accept Christianity and adopt western customs. The primary records for Indian research in this period are the records of various churches. The Catholic, Presbyterian, Quaker, Dutch Reformed, Moravian, and other churches were most active in missionary work among the tribes. Church records are also helpful for later years. See the Church Records section of this outline for additional information. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Records Because government policies regarding Indian relations have changed over the years, a variety of records is available. Most Indian records have been created by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The BIA was established in 1824 to administer Indian programs and has had primary responsibility for keeping records of Indians living on reservations or affiliated with a tribe. Each tribe was served by a local field agency or subagency of the BIA. Many of the BIA records are on microfilm at the Family History Library. These are listed in the FHLC in various ways. In the Subject section of the FHLC look for records listed under the name of the tribe, such as CHEROKEE, or under INDIANS OF NORTH AMERICA - [STATE]. In the Locality section American Indian records are listed under the UNITED STATES - NATIVE RACES or the [STATE] - NATIVE RACES. BIA Agency Records The agency records may include individual history cards, marriage cards and registers, vital records, sanitary records (of sickness, injured, births, and deaths), and other records described in greater detail below. Most of the records of the BIA agencies are at National Archives branches or the National Archives. You will need to know which agency served the tribe because most of the records are arranged by agency. A handbook that can help you identify the agencies is E. Kay Kirkham, Our Native Americans and Their Records of Genealogical Value, 2 vols. (Logan, Utah: Everton Publishers, 1980-84; FHL book Ref 970.1 K635o). A list of BIA agencies and the location of their records is in the Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives (see the For Further Reading section). For additional information see Edward E. Hill, Guide to Records in the National Archives of the United States Relating to American Indians (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1981; FHL book 970.1 H551g). Other BIA Records 1830s to 1850s. The BIA began a policy of removing eastern Indian tribes to areas west of the Mississippi River. For example, in 1838 and 1839, most Cherokees were forcibly moved westward, in a migration known as the Trail of Tears. There is no consolidated list of all the individuals removed. To enforce removal policies, some valuable records were created. The National Archives has some removal records, tribal census lists, muster rolls, and enrollment records, particularly of the Five Civilized Tribes (Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole). The Family History Library has copies of some of these records on microfilm. 1850s to 1887. In these years, the government tried to confine each tribe to a specific parcel of land called a reservation. Many tribes from throughout the United States were removed to reservations in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). This was accomplished through a series of treaties. Many of these treaties required the government to make regular payments to the Indians, usually to the heads of families. These payments were recorded on annuity rolls that list the individual's name and often the age and sex of family members. Annuity rolls from the 1840s to 1940 are at the National Archives. The Family History Library has copies of some of these. They are sometimes included in the records of individual agencies. During this period, the BIA became concerned about educating the Indians. The BIA periodically took school censuses from 1876 to the 1930s. They also kept school reports of individual students from the 1870s to the present. Most of these records are among the agency records at the National Archives branches. Many are on microfilm and are available at the Family History Library. 1887 to 1930s. Major records created by the BIA during these years include: Land allotment records. The government attempted to gradually eliminate the reservations by providing land allotments to individual Indians instead. Parcels of land were held in trust for each individual and his heirs until he demonstrated his capability to administer the land as required by government guidelines. To obtain an allotment of land, the Indian filed an application that documented his descent from the tribe. The family information in these applications often dates back to the early 1800s. There is generally a final roll for most tribes that lists the individuals who received approval for an allotment. Finding an ancestor on these rolls is generally considered by the BIA to be proof of Indian ancestry. When an individual died or wanted to sell his allotment, all heirs had to be identified and had to agree to the transfer. This family information was recorded in an allotment register or a register of families. In later years, some agencies replaced the registers with heirship records. These usually include both the Indian and English names of the individual, his age or birth date, and the names, ages, relationships, and allotment information about many other family members. There are other related land allotment records, such as plat maps and correspondence. When the individual demonstrated his competency to administer the land (according to the government guidelines), he received a patent. Most did not receive the patent, and the land was redesignated as reservation land. As a result, very few Indian reservations were completely eliminated. The land allotment records from 1887 to about 1935 are at the National Archives or the National Archives branches. Some records are at the local agencies. The Family History Library has some of these records on microfilm. Enrollment Records of the Five Civilized Tribes, 1896 to 1909. Land allotments to the Five Civilized Tribes were based on enrollment records created by the (Dawes) Commission to the Five Civilized Tribes. The Dawes Commission had reviewed the applications for Indian citizenship and had abstracted the information onto cards known as the Enrollments of the Five Civilized Tribes: Dawes Commission, 1896-1909. These cards document over 101,000 Native Americans and include both approved and rejected applications. Copies of the cards are on microfilm at the Family History Library (74 films of packets; 12 films of records). These are listed in the Subject section of the FHLC under the name of the tribe. The original applications are at the National ArchivesFort Worth Branch (501 West Felix Street, P.O. Box 6216, Fort Worth, TX 76115). The Family History Library is presently acquiring microfilm copies of the applications. A helpful guide and index to these records is Commission to the Five Civilized Tribes, The Final Rolls of Citizens and Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes in Indian Territory, 2 vols. (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, [1907?]; FHL book 970.1 Un3c, film 908,372, item 2 and 962,366). Indian Census Rolls, 1885 to 1940. Beginning in 1885, BIA agencies were requested to take annual censuses of the reservations they served. They did not always comply, but the existing records are a good source for tracing Indian ancestry. The rolls usually give the Indian or English name (or both), sex, age, and relationship to the head of the household. They may list births and deaths in the previous year. Only a few census rolls were submitted for the Five Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma. The Indian census rolls are at the National Archives and many are on microfilm at the Family History Library (692 films, arranged by agency). They are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - NATIVE RACES. Indian Census Rolls, 1885 to 1940. Beginning in 1885, BIA agencies were requested to take annual censuses of the reservations they served. They did not always comply, but the existing records are a good source for tracing Indian ancestry. The rolls usually give the Indian or English name (or both), sex, age, and relationship to the head of the household. They may list births and deaths in the previous year. Only a few census rolls were submitted for the Five Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma. The Indian census rolls are at the National Archives and many are on microfilm at the Family History Library (692 films, arranged by agency). They are listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - NATIVE RACES. Court Records Some Indians appealed to a court of claims for compensation for land taken from them. The U.S. Court of Claims primarily handled these cases. A major collection of these records is the Eastern Cherokee Applications of the U.S. Court of Claims, 1906-1909 (348 films, index on FHL film 378,594). These records were created in the early 1900s by Guion Miller, who evaluated applications submitted by individuals for compensation from the government for lands taken from the Eastern Cherokees in the 1830s. Applicants had to document their lineage back to an Eastern Cherokee living in the 1830s. Over 45,000 applications identify approximately 100,000 Cherokees living about 1910. These are listed in the Subject section of the FHLC under CHEROKEES and INDIANS OF NORTH AMERICA - NORTH CAROLINA. Tribal Council Records, 1934 to Present Since the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, some tribal councils have kept vital records of the tribal members, similar to state vital records. To locate tribal offices, contact either the BIA area office or the local agency office. Addresses are listed in volume two of Kirkham, Our Native Americans (see above). NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP Naturalization is the process of granting citizenship privileges and responsibilities to foreign-born residents. Naturalization papers are an important source of information about an immigrant's place of origin, his foreign and Americanized names, residence, and date of arrival. Information in post-1906 records is more detailed and may include birth dates, birth places, and other immigration information about the immigrant and members of his family. Immigrants to the United States have never been required to apply for citizenship. Some nationalities were more likely to naturalize than others. Of those who applied, many did not complete the requirements for citizenship. Evidence that an immigrant completed citizenship requirements can be found in censuses, court minutes, homestead records, passports, voting registers, and military papers. Even if an immigrant ancestor did not complete the process and become a citizen, he may have filed an application. These application records still exist and can be very helpful. Requirements for Naturalization The requirements and process of naturalization have changed many times. The basic requirements have been residency in the country for a given period of time, good moral character, and an oath of loyalty or allegiance. The following describes the major laws and circumstances that have affected requirements for naturalization: Changes in Requirements, 1700s to Present Pre-1790. British immigrants were automatically citizens of the colonies. A few Protestant immigrants from other countries gave oaths of allegiance or appeared before a civil authority to request citizenship (a process sometimes referred to as denization). Seven of the original colonies had their own laws for naturalizing foreigners as citizens of the colony. After the Revolutionary War, the individual states established their own naturalization laws and procedures. 1790. The first federal law regarding naturalization required residency in the United States for two years and one year in a state, but each state continued to provide naturalization under a variety of requirements and procedures until 1906. 1802 to 1868. An individual had to prove residency in a state for one year and in the country for five years. A declaration of intention (see below) had to be filed at least two years before the final papers or petition could be filed. 1868. Since 1868 persons who were born in the United States or naturalized have been guaranteed citizenship rights. This included Black Americans but excluded most American Indians until 1924. 1906 to present. The Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization was created to standardize laws and procedures. Residency in a state for one year and five years in the United States continued to be a basic requirement. Collective Naturalizations In some instances, entire groups have been collectively granted U.S. citizenship. In these cases you will not find individual naturalization papers. This occurred for residents of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Texas in 1845, Hawaii in 1898, and for Blacks in 1868 and American Indians in 1924. Derivative Citizenship Citizenship may have been granted to individuals based on service or family relationship. A declaration of intent was not usually required in advance (see below). Instead the individual was usually naturalized at the time he filed an application or petition. Three types of derivative citizenship were: Children under 21 years of age (until 1940) and wives of citizens (until 1922) automatically became citizens when their father or husband became a citizen. Until 1906 immigrants under the age of 21 (whose parents did not naturalize) could be naturalized without filing a declaration of intent after they reached the age of 21 and had met the residency requirements. Since 1862, noncitizens who have served in the U.S. military have not been required to file a declaration of intention. After one year's residency and honorable discharge from the military, they could petition for naturalization. Since World War I, citizenship could be granted while an individual served in the military. Naturalization Process The naturalization process is completed in a court of law. The process usually required several steps to complete and various documents related to naturalization may be found in the court records described below. Report and Registry, 1798 to 1828. During this period, a new immigrant was required to appear before a local court and register his arrival in the United States. This was recorded in the court minutes. Sometimes a separate document, a report and registry or aliens' register was created. The immigrant could obtain a certificate showing that he had registered in order to prove his residency later when he applied for citizenship. Declaration of Intention, or First Papers, 1790 to Present. The naturalization process generally began when an individual appeared before a court and declared his desire to become a citizen and no longer be allied to a foreign government. He could have declared his intention as soon as he arrived in the country or at any other time. Depending on the current federal and local laws, the declaration had to be filed at least two to five years before the immigrant could petition for citizenship. After 1906, the declaration had to be filed from three to seven years before the petition could be filed. If the petition was not filed within seven years, a new declaration of intention was required. Declarations of intention have not been required since 1952 in most cases. The declaration was made verbally and recorded in the court minutes. In most cases, the immigrant also filled out a form kept by the court clerk in a bound volume. If needed, the immigrant could use the court's record of his declaration (or a certificate provided by the court) to apply for homestead land, to enroll in the military, or to use as proof of residency if he went to another court to complete the naturalization process. The declarations usually contain more helpful family information than other naturalization records, but each court recorded different information. You may find the immigrant's name, country of allegiance, port and date of arrival, physical description, birthplace, birth date, residence, and spouse's name. Declarations of intention since 1906 have required biographical data on the spouse and children, even if they were not applying for citizenship. Petition, Second, or Final Papers, 1790 to Present. After the immigrant had lived in the country five years, he appeared before a court and made a formal application for citizenship. His petition may have been recorded in the court minutes, but in most cases he filled out a form which was filed by the court clerk in a bound volume. The information in the petition is similar to what is found in the declaration. A short time later, the individual would appear at court for a hearing. At this time he had to prove that he had fulfilled his residency and other requirements. This often required affidavits or depositions of witnesses. These were included in the court's records. Certificate of Arrival, 1906 to Present. After 1906 an immigrant was required to submit a certificate of arrival when he petitioned for citizenship in order to prove the length of his residency. This document gives the place of entry, manner of arrival, and the date of arrival. This was kept in the file with the petition. United States Oaths of Allegiance, 1790 to Present. The immigrant was required to pledge his allegiance to the United States and sign a written oath. This generally gives his name, the date, and the country of origin. This document is often found with the petition. Court Order. After accepting the immigrant's petition and witnessing his oath, a court granted citizenship. This had to be permanently recorded in the court's official records, usually the court minutes or order book. In some cases this is the only naturalization record that you will be able to find. Final Certificate. The applicant was usually given a certificate of citizenship for his personal use. The certificates were printed in books with attached stubs (somewhat like modern check books). The court retained the stubs and gave the certificate to the immigrant. Naturalization Records. Some courts simply group all papers together into files called naturalization records. Each file is a compilation of all of the documents pertaining to one individual. For further information about the process, see the excellent overview by John J. Newman, American Naturalization Processes and Procedures, 1790-1985 (Indianapolis, Ind.: Indianapolis Historical Society, 1985; FHL book 973 P4n.) For general information about court records, see the Court Records section of this outline. Locating Naturalization Records An individual may have completed naturalization proceedings through any of 5,000 federal, state, or local courts that had the authority to grant citizenship. Naturalization proceedings were most often completed in county, superior or common pleas courts, or in state and U.S. circuit and district courts. Because some municipal, police, criminal, probate, and other courts also provided this service (even though they may not have been legally authorized to do so), you may need to search the records of all local courts. Since 1929 most (but not all) naturalizations have been handled by federal courts. You may need to search the records of each place where your immigrant ancestor lived. He may have filed an application in one county or state and completed the requirements several years later in another county or state. Colonial Records Most of the colonial lists of denizations and oaths of allegiance have been published and are indexed in P. William Filby's Passenger and Immigration Lists Index (see the Emigration and Immigration section of this outline). Records before September 1906 Begin by looking for naturalization records in the courts of the county or city where the immigrant lived. Contact the county clerk to determine which courts handled naturalizations and where the records are presently located. The records of the federal courts may still be in the custody of the court, at branches of the National Archives, or at the National Archives. An inventory of naturalization records at many county and federal courts is James C. and Lila Lee Neagles, Locating Your Immigrant Ancestor, 2d ed. (Logan, Utah: Everton Publishers, 1986; FHL Ref 973 P47n). This lists the years that declarations and petitions are available. You can request photocopies of these records. Until December 1972, naturalization records could not be copied or microfilmed, but restrictions on copying have since been lifted. Records since September 1906 Beginning in September 1906, the federal government began regulating the naturalization process. The Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (now Immigration and Naturalization Service or INS) required specific forms for declarations and petitions. Only these forms could be used and the Bureau controlled the number of courts able to naturalize by controlling distribution of the forms. However, both state and federal courts were allowed to naturalize. The Declaration of Intent (Form 2202) was completed in triplicate. The court kept the original and gave copies to the applicant and the Bureau. The Petition for Naturalization (Form 2204) was kept by the court and a duplicate was sent to the Bureau. The Certificate of Naturalization (Form 2207) was given to the new citizen. A duplicate was sent to the Bureau and the court kept the stub. In 1929 the Bureau changed the forms and required photographs of the applicants. Because the new forms were not distributed immediately, many state courts ceased naturalizing. Since 1929, most new citizens have naturalized at federal courts. An index and copies of the 1906 to 1956 records are in the office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), 425 Eye Street, NW, Washington DC 20536. Post-1956 records are at INS district offices. You may request a search of the records at the national and district offices by contacting the nearest INS office. You will have a greater likelihood of success if you can identify the court or provide the exact address of the individual at the time he was naturalized. The county clerk or clerk of the court where the immigrant was naturalized may still have the original records. Some copies of court naturalization records have been transferred to National Archives branches. Records at the these branches are described in The Archives and Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives (see the Archives and Libraries section). Records at the Family History Library Naturalization records at the Family History Library are listed in the FHLC under one of the following: [STATE] - NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP [STATE], [COUNTY] - NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP The library has microfilm copies of many pre-1930 naturalization records from some eastern and midwestern states. This includes major collections for cities where many immigrants have settled, such as: Chicago, 1871 to 1930 (1,140 films) New York, 1792 to 1906 (2,170 films) Philadelphia, 1793 to 1911 (460 films) The library also has an index to New England naturalization petitions for 1791 to 1906 on 117 films (1,429,671-787). This is listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES, NEW ENGLAND - NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP - INDEXES. The library is presently acquiring large collections of records from the National Archives branches in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Seattle. In some states, naturalization records are included in other court records and are not separately identified. The state research outlines will help you locate these records. NEWSPAPERS Newspaper publication usually began soon after the initial settlement of a locality. Newspapers report family information in notices of births, marriages, obituaries, and local news. To find this information, you will need the place and an approximate date of the event. You may also find it helpful to place a notice in a local newspaper in order to contact others who may have information about your family. To find the names and locations of newspapers, use the following sources available at most libraries: Newspapers in Microform: United States. 2 vols. Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 1984. (FHL book Ref 011.35 N479 1984.) This is a geographically-arranged list of newspapers on microform and the repositories where the microforms are available. Most of these can be borrowed through interlibrary loan. United States Newspaper Program National Union List. Dublin, Ohio: Online Computer Library Center, 1985. (FHL fiche 6332710-14.) Many states are collecting and microfilming the newspapers published in their state. This list is an inventory of newspapers that had been collected by the Library of Congress and 20 states as of 1985. There is an accompanying booklet that contains instructions and the key to repository codes (FHL book 973 B32u). The microfilms are often available at the state archives, state historical society, or major libraries within the state. They can usually be borrowed through interlibrary loan at your local library. Brigham, Clarence Saunders. History and Bibliography of American Newspapers, 1690-1820. 2 vols. Worcester, Mass.: American Antiquarian Society, 1947. (FHL book Ref 973 A3bc.) This lists the locations of collections of newspapers published from 1690 to 1820. Most of these newspapers are available at the American Antiquarian Society, 185 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609-1634. Gregory, Winifred. American Newspapers, 1821-1936. 1937. Reprint. New York: H.W. Wilson Co., 1967. (FHL book Ref Q 970 B33a 1967; film 483,713). This lists newspapers published from 1821 to 1936, including those that are no longer published. It identifies where copies of the newspapers were located in 1936. Gale Directory of Publications: An Annual Guide to Newspapers, Magazines, Journals, and Related Publications. (formerly Ayer Directory of Publications). Annual. Detroit: Gale Research Co., 1869-. (FHL book Ref 970 B34a 1987.) This lists currently-published newspapers. Most newspaper publishers will not search their files for you but some will make a copy of an article if you can provide a specific date and event. Also contact local libraries in the area where your ancestor lived in order to locate existing newspapers. The Family History Library has excellent microfilm collections of newspapers from Tennessee and Kentucky and some newspapers from Utah and other states, including the New York Times to 1916. The library no longer collects newspapers but does acquire published indexes and abstracts of obituaries, marriages, and other vital information found in newspapers. Newspapers, indexes, and abstracts of newspapers are listed in the FHLC under [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - NEWSPAPERS. Abstracts are also listed under the subject heading VITAL RECORDS. OBITUARIES Local genealogical and historical societies, public libraries, and some newspaper publishers maintain clipping files of obituaries. Printed abstracts of obituaries can also be found in various published sources, such as genealogical periodicals. A bibliography of published sources is Betty M. Jarboe, Obituaries: A Guide to Sources (Boston: G. K. Hall, 1982; FHL book Ref 973 V43j). An appendix describes obituary indexes available at major libraries. The Family History Library has collected published lists of obituaries. These are listed in the FHLC under [STATE] or [COUNTY] or [CITY] - OBITUARIES. PERIODICALS Most family organizations, historical societies, and genealogical societies publish magazines and newsletters. These often include: Family genealogies and pedigrees. Transcripts of local courthouse records, church records, family Bibles, and cemetery records. Helpful articles on research methodology. Information about local records, archives, and services. Book advertisements and book reviews. Research advertisements. Queries or requests for information about specific ancestors that can help you contact other interested researchers. Genealogical Magazines of General Interest Some general periodicals assist the hobbyist by providing basic how-to instruction, many advertisements, book notices, and queries. These seldom include record transcripts or compiled genealogies. Two major examples are: The Genealogical Helper. 1947-. Published by Everton Publishers, P.O. Box 368, Logan, UT 84321. (FHL book 929.05 G286.) Heritage Quest: The International Genealogy Forum. 1985-. Published by Heritage Quest International Genealogy Forum, Drawer 40, Orting, WA 98360-0040. (FHL book 973 D25hq.) Genealogical Journals These periodicals usually provide more in-depth instruction, book reviews, record transcripts, and compiled genealogies. These are often published quarterly by genealogical societies and may focus on a region, state, county, or time period. Some major examples are: National Genealogical Society Quarterly. 1912-. Published by the National Genealogical Society, 4527 17th Street North, Arlington, VA 22207. (FHL book 973 B2ng; vols. 1-43 for 1912-55 are on films 001,283-89.) New England Historical and Genealogical Register. 1847-. Published by the New England Historic and Genealogical Society, 101 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116. (FHL book 974 B2ne.) The American Genealogist. 1922-. Published by Ruth Wilder Sherman, 128 Massasoit Dr., Warwick, RI 02888-3325. (FHL book 973 B2ag.) Genealogical Journal. 1972-. Published by the Utah Genealogical Association, P.O. Box 1144, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. (FHL book 929.05 G286gj.) In addition, excellent state and regional publications are described in the state research outlines. These include, for example, The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, The Report (Ohio), Detroit Society for Genealogical Research Magazine, The Virginia Genealogist, and the William and Mary Quarterly: A Magazine of Early American History, Institutions, and Culture. Indexes Most magazines have annual or cumulative indexes. Three major composite indexes to most periodicals are: Genealogical Periodical Annual Index. Bowie, Md.: Heritage Books, 1962-. (FHL Ref 973 B22gp.) This is an annual index of 150 to 200 currently-published periodicals. Boyer, Carl, III. Donald Lines Jacobus' Index to Genealogical Periodicals. Newhall, Calif.: Boyer Publications, 1983. (FHL book 973 B22j 1983.) This is a revision of Jacobus's Index to Genealogical Periodicals published in three volumes. It indexes most major periodicals published from 1870 to 1952. Periodical Source Index (PERSI). Ft. Wayne, Ind.: Allen Co. Public Library Foundation, 1987-. (FHL book 973 D25per.) This is an annual index beginning in 1986. The publishers are producing a cumulative 1847-1985 index. Obtaining Periodicals Copies of periodicals are available from the local societies that publish them. Major archives with genealogical collections will have copies of many periodicals, particularly those representing the area they serve. The Family History Library subscribes to numerous periodicals. These are listed in the FHLC in several ways. If you know the title of a periodical, search the Author/Title section of the FHLC. To find periodicals in the Locality section of the FHLC, use the following approaches: UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY - PERIODICALS UNITED STATES - HISTORY - PERIODICALS UNITED STATES - PERIODICALS UNITED STATES - SOCIETIES - PERIODICALS [STATE] - (same headings as above) PROBATE RECORDS Probate records are court records created after an individual's death that relate to a court's decisions regarding the distribution of his estate to his heirs or creditors and the care of his dependents. You may find the individual's death date, the names of family members, family relationships, and residences. You may also learn about the adoption or guardianship of minor children and dependents. These documents are essential for research because they usually pre-date the birth and death records kept by civil authorities. Not everyone left an estate that was probated by a court. Estates were probated for approximately 25 percent of the heads of households in the United States before 1900, whether or not the individual left a will. While probate records are one of the most accurate sources of genealogical evidence, they must be used with some caution. For example, they may omit the names of deceased family members or those who have previously received an inheritance, or the spouse mentioned in a will may not be the parent of the children mentioned. The Probate Process Anyone of legal age, sound mind, and freedom from restraint had the right to leave a last will and testament. Nearly 10 percent of the pre-1900 adult population made one or more wills. Males with valuable property were more likely to have left a will. Because wills often list the names of many family members, as much as half the population either left a will or was mentioned in one. An individual who left a will is said to have died testate. Someone who did not leave a will (or a valid will) died intestate. The probate process is essentially the same for both. The complete process may have required many years. The probate process began with the filing of a petition by an heir, creditor, or other interested person. A petition is an application to a court requesting the right to settle an estate. The petition was filed with the court that served the area where the deceased owned property. Additional petitions may have been filed in other localities where he owned property or resided. The petition may name the heirs of the deceased, their relationship, and sometimes their residence. If a will was available, it was then presented to the court with the testimony of witnesses as to its authenticity. A will is a written and legal expression of the individual's wishes for himself and his property at the time of his death. The will usually describes the estate and gives the names and relationships of heirs or beneficiaries. The affidavit of the witnesses includes the date or proof of death. If accepted by the court, a copy of the will was recorded in a will book or register kept by the clerk of the court. The clerk may have made errors when he transcribed the will, but the original will is often kept in the probate packet (see probate packet below). The court then appointed an individual to settle the estate. The will usually named an individual whom the deceased wanted to serve as executor of his estate. The court authorized the executor to proceed by issuing letters testamentary. If there was no will, the court appointed an administrator instead, by issuing letters of administration. These letters may include the death date. The date of the letters is sometimes used in place of an actual death date. The administrator or executor was usually an heir or a close friend of the deceased. He may have been a creditor. In most cases, the court required the administrator (and sometimes the executor) to post a bond to ensure that he would properly complete his duties. The bond required the administrator to pay a fee to the court if he failed to adequately administer the estate. One or more persons were required to co-sign the bond as sureties. These individuals were often members of the family or closely associated with the family. The administrator or executor then prepared an inventory that listed the property in the estate and obtained an appraisal of its value. In intestate cases the inventory is very important as it may describe the land, tools, slaves, and other personal property at the time of death. These records are sometimes transcribed in the will books or in separate volumes, but the originals may be in the probate packet. After receiving the inventory and appraisal, the court ruled on how the estate was to be distributed. If there was no will, the estate was divided according to the laws of the state. The court then authorized the executor or administrator to distribute the estate. The administrator or executor may have had to first sell some of the property to clear any outstanding debts. He submitted accounts to the court of all transactions pertaining to the administration of the estate. These records can identify persons known by the deceased during his lifetime, including family members, friends, and creditors. When the distribution was completed and payments to the creditors and heirs had been made, he presented to the court a record or decree of distribution and settlement. This listed the beneficiaries of the estate and the property each received. This is often the most helpful source of family information in an intestate case. The clerk of the court retained all the original documents pertaining to a probate case in a probate packet or probate estate papers (also known as estate packets, case file, or estate files). These contain the original wills, petitions, letters, bonds, inventories, settlements, and other records. Copies of some or all of these documents may also have been recorded in separate books. The court may have appointed a guardian to care for minor children or incompetent adults. In some cases a parent is appointed as the guardian for his own child. The records may include letters of guardianship (appointment of a guardian), bonds, sale of property (to provide for a minor's needs), accounts (account of the guardian's services and support in behalf of the minor), and a final account when the child comes of age and a guardian is no longer needed. Records of guardianship may be kept separately from other probate papers, or a different court may have jurisdiction over guardianship. Availability of Probate Records Each state developed its own court system and procedures for handling probates. In most states, probate records are presently recorded by a county clerk, except in Connecticut and Vermont, where they are kept by probate districts, and Rhode Island, where they are kept by the town clerk. Some colonial records were kept by the town or the colony. The keeping of wills and estate papers usually began when the county was organized. The names of the various courts that have recorded probate matters include probate, surrogate, common pleas, circuit, county, ordinary, prerogative, and orphans' courts. If the court's decision was disputed, records may have been created by a superior, supreme, chancery, district, or other court of appeal. Search all probate courts in all localities where the individual had property. Inventories of the records at a county courthouse may help you locate the records. See the state research outlines for more information on the records of each state. You can contact the courthouse to request a search of the indexes for the time period and surnames you need. Then request photocopies of the complete probate packet. Because of the importance of probate records for family research, the Family History Library has an extensive collection of county probate records on microfilm from the eastern, southern, and midwestern states. These are listed in the FHLC under [STATE], [COUNTY] - PROBATE RECORDS. These include will books, letters of administration, records of distribution and settlement, and other records. The will books and some of the other record books may have separate indexes. As with other court records, you can also use the dockets as indexes to the records. The complete probate packets have seldom been microfilmed, so you will need to contact the courthouse to obtain all of the papers. Many early probate records have been transcribed, indexed, and published. The Family History Library has statewide indexes or transcripts of large collections of wills that have been published for Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. These are listed in the FHLC under [STATE] - PROBATE RECORDS. SOCIETIES Historical and Genealogical Societies More than 9,000 historical and genealogical societies may have records and services to help you with your research. Societies have been organized in all states and most counties. They generally collect historical documents of local interest, publish periodicals, and have special projects and indexes. Because of the excellent help they can provide, you should contact the societies near you and near the areas where your ancestors lived. You may find it helpful to join one of these societies and support their efforts. Your local public library may have guides to help you locate these organizations, including: Meyer, Mary K. Directory of Genealogical Societies in the USA and Canada. 7th ed. Maryland: M. K. Meyer, 1988. (FHL Ref book 970 C44m.) Smith, Betty P. Directory, Historical Societies and Agencies in the United States and Canada. Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 13th edition, 1986. (FHL book Ref 970 H24d.) You may also be interested in the activities and services of the National Genealogical Society. This society maintains a lending library and publishes a newsletter and magazine. The NGS sponsors conferences and other activities to support genealogical research. The address is: National Genealogical Society 4527 17th Avenue North Arlington, VA 22207 Lineage and Hereditary Societies Soon after the American Revolution, prominent citizens began to form exclusive social organizations and join hereditary and patriotic societies. Many societies were organized in the late 1880s and 1890s when membership in these organizations became very popular. Membership may have been based on descent from an individual who: Served during a military conflict Participated in a patriotic cause Immigrated from a particular country Was a founder or pioneer of a state Had royal, noble, or baronial lineage Had a particular occupation or interest Lived during the colonial period These societies are generally involved in educational, cultural, social, and other programs to preserve the documents and memory of the past. They often maintain libraries and museums that can help you in your research. Most publish a periodical or newsletter, such as the Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine. One of your ancestors or relatives may have submitted application papers containing his pedigree in order to join a lineage society. These records often include multigeneration pedigrees and information from family Bibles, death records, or military documents. They may also lead you to someone else interested in your family. Unfortunately, these papers have not always been carefully documented, but they can provide excellent clues for further research. Some societies allow only members to use their records. The Family History Library has over 2,000 microfilms and numerous books of society records. These include application papers, yearbooks, ancestor rolls, membership rosters, and publications of the societies. For example, the library has microfilm copies of a card index and 100,000 applications for membership in the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. This is listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - SOCIETIES. The library also has major collections from the following societies: General Society of Colonial Wars General Society of Mayflower Descendants Holland Society of New York National Society of the Colonial Dames of the XVII Century National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) National Society of New England Women National Society, Sons of the American Revolution The largest and most popular lineage society in the United States is the DAR, which has had over 700,000 members and several chapters in each state. The DAR has been especially helpful to genealogists because it actively encourages members to locate and transcribe records. (See the Archives and Libraries section for the address of the national library of the DAR.) An index to the Revolutionary ancestors of DAR applicants is Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR Patriot Index, 2 supplements (Washington, D.C.: DAR, 1966, 1973, 1982; FHL book 973 C42da). This is listed in the FHLC under UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY - INDEXES. Addresses and membership requirements of most lineage societies are in The Hereditary Register of the United States of America, annual (Yoncalla, Ore.: Hereditary Register Publications, 1972-; FHL book Ref 973 C4u 1986). Family Associations Many family organizations are gathering information about their ancestors and descendants. Some organizations are gathering information about all individuals with a particular surname. Family histories, newsletters, family group records, and other information gathered by family organizations are described in the Genealogy section. The Family Registry and the Ancestral File (also in the Genealogy section) can help you locate active associations. Fraternal Societies Your ancestor or relative may have belonged to an association, lodge, or secret society whose membership is based on common interests, religion, or ethnicity. Many sources, such as local histories, biographies, obituaries, tombstones, family records, and artifacts may give you clues that an ancestor belonged to a fraternal society. Examples of these societies include: Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (Freemasonry) Order of Eastern Star International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) Lithuanian Alliance of America Ancient Order of Hibernians of America Knights of the Maccabees Modern Woodmen of America These societies were involved in political, social and financial activities. Around 1900, for example, there were over 2,000,000 members involved in fraternal insurance programs. For more information about fraternal societies, see Alvin J. Schmidt, Fraternal Organizations (Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1980; FHL book 973 C47sa). The records of fraternal organizations may exist in a society or business archive. Some genealogical information may be obtained through correspondence. The Family History Library has histories of fraternal societies but very few records. These are listed in the Locality section of the FHLC under subject headings such as SOCIETIES, GENEALOGY, HISTORY, OCCUPATIONS, MINORITIES, and PUBLIC RECORDS. Guide to Societies and Associations Current addresses, functions, and membership requirements of fraternal, ethnic, veteran, hereditary, patriotic, and other associations can be found in the Encyclopedia of Associations, 2 vols., 21st ed., annual (Detroit: Gale Research Co., 1987-; Ref book 973 E4gr). Locating Records of Societies at the Family History Library Records of these societies are usually described in the Author/Title section of the FHLC under the name of the society. They are also listed in the Locality section of the FHLC under one of the following: UNITED STATES - SOCIETIES [STATE] - SOCIETIES UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY [STATE] - GENEALOGY Some records gathered by societies are listed in the Locality section of the FHLC under the type of record. For example, cemetery transcripts gathered by a local genealogical society are listed in the FHLC under the [STATE], [COUNTY] - CEMETERIES. Lists and guides that describe the collections of societies are listed in the Locality section of the FHLC under [STATE] or [COUNTY] or [CITY] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS. TAXATION Governments have collected taxes in America since the colonial era. Tax records vary in content according to the purpose of the assessment. They may include the name and residence of the taxpayer, description of the real estate and name of the original purchaser, description of some personal property, number of males over 21, and the number of school children, slaves, and farm animals. Annual tax lists can help establish ages, residences, relationships, and the year an individual died or left the area. They can be used in the place of missing or destroyed land and census records. Some of the early records are called quitrents, tithables, and poll (head) taxes. Quitrents are records of property taxes paid to a proprietor or the crown. Tithables and poll or head taxes are lists of persons subject to taxation regardless of their personal assets. Depending on local laws, males were usually taxable at the ages of 16, 18, or 21 through about age 50 or 60, with some exceptions for veterans, ministers, paupers, and others. Most tax records were eventually based on personal property, real estate, and income. The federal government directly taxed citizens in 1798, 1814 to 1816, 1862 to 1866, and at other times until 1917 when personal income and other taxes were introduced. Most of the existing 1798 Direct Tax records are at state historical histories, the National Archives, and the Family History Library. Other federal tax records are at the National Archives and its branches. The Family History Library is presently acquiring the 1862 to 1866 records and some later records. County clerks (and town clerks, in New England) maintain local tax records. The Family History Library has some tax records, particularly for areas where they are needed as substitutes for land and census records. These are listed in the FHLC under [STATE], [COUNTY] or [CITY] - TAXATION. TOWN RECORDS Many town records have been kept by town clerks, especially in New England and New York. These records may contain information about births, marriages, deaths, burials, appointments, earmarks (brands on animals), estrays (stray animals), freemen's oaths (men eligible to vote), land records, military enrollments, mortgages, church records, name changes, care of the poor, school records, surveys, tax lists, town meeting minutes, voter registrations, and warning outs (of town). Town records generally begin with the founding of the town and are kept to the present. Many of the original town records are in the town clerks' offices. Many have also been published and indexed, especially in genealogical periodicals. New England town records are at the state archives and on microfilm at the Family History Library (see the state research outlines). They are listed in the FHLC under [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - TOWN RECORDS. The New York town records are at the town clerk's offices. VITAL RECORDS Civil governments have created records of births, marriages, and deaths. Records containing this information are commonly called vital records, because they refer to critical events in a person's life. These are the most important documents for genealogical research, but the births, marriages, and deaths of many people have never been recorded by civil authorities. This section describes the vital records kept by civil governments. (Other sources of vital information are described in the Church Records and other sections of this outline.) The Family History Library has microfilm copies of the civil vital records of thousands of towns and counties in the United States. To find a civil vital record, you will need at least the approximate year and place in which the birth, marriage, divorce, or death occurred. You may need to search other records first to find clues about these events, such as family Bibles, genealogies, local histories, biographies, cemetery records, censuses, citizenship applications, pension files, newspaper notices, and probate files. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries these sources must often be used as substitutes for civil vital records. These other records may not be as accurate, however, as the vital records kept by church authorities and civil governments. General Historical Background The practice of recording civil vital statistics developed slowly in the United States. Early vital information was sometimes recorded in brief entries in register books until the twentieth century, when it became more common to create certificates. Some town clerks in colonial America (especially New England) recorded vital information, but these records are incomplete. The federal government has not registered vital records, except for some Americans born outside the country. Records of marriages were generally the first vital records kept in a locality. In most states, the counties or towns began recording marriages as soon as they were established. Whether the marriage ceremony was performed by a civil or a church authority, local laws required the marriage to be recorded in civil records. The local health departments of a few large cities began recording births and deaths by the mid-1800s. For example, records exist for Baltimore (from 1875), Boston (from 1639), New Orleans (from 1790), New York (from 1847), and Philadelphia (from 1860). The early records are usually incomplete. Many counties in the East and Midwest were recording births and deaths by the late 1800s. Each state eventually developed its own laws and created a statewide registration system. Unfortunately, these records do not exist until the early 1900s in most states. Local offices did not always comply immediately with the registration laws. Within 20 years after registration laws were enacted, most states were recording at least 90 percent of the births, marriages, and deaths. (See the state research outlines for more information.) Regional Differences New England. These states have kept good vital records. The town clerks kept register books as early as the 1600s (see the Town Records section for details). Most of these states have statewide indexes of the existing records. The New England states began statewide registration of births, marriages, and deaths between 1841 and 1897. Except for New Hampshire (which began recording marriages as early as 1640), many New England marriages in colonial times were not recorded because of the laws and religious customs of the region. Middle-Atlantic. It is unusual to find any vital records before 1885 for New York and Pennsylvania, except in the larger cities. All of the states began statewide registration of births and deaths between 1878 and 1915. Statewide registration of marriages began between 1847 and 1906. New Jersey and Delaware have marriage records dating from the 1660s (or the creation of the counties). South. In the southern states, laws for civil registration of births and deaths were enacted between 1899 and 1919. Marriages were a legal contract which involved property rights, so the counties recorded them carefully, starting in the early 1700s (except in South Carolina). Most states initiated statewide marriage files between 1911 and 1962. Virginia began recording births, marriages, and deaths in 1853. Midwest. Government officials in the midwestern states began files of births and deaths as early as the 1860s in many counties. Statewide registration of births and deaths was initiated between 1880 and 1920. Officials began recording marriage dates as soon as each county was established and generally began statewide registration between 1880 and 1962. West. The western states vary greatly in their registration of vital records due to their different settlement patterns. Most areas began statewide registration of births and deaths between 1903 and 1920. While most counties were keeping marriage records by 1890, or the date the county was created, statewide registration generally began between 1905 and 1978. Hawaii's records of births, marriages, and deaths date from the 1840s. Birth Records Birth records generally give the child's name, sex, date and place of birth, and the names of the parents. Records of the twentieth century provide additional details, such as the name of the hospital, birthplace of parents, occupation of the parents, marital status of the mother, and the number of other children born to the mother. If no record was filed at the time of an individual's birth, he may have arranged for a delayed registration of birth by showing proof of his birth as recorded in a Bible, school, census, or church record, or by testimony from a person who witnessed the birth. These registrations generally date from 1937, yet the birth may have occurred many years earlier. The registration is usually in the state where the birth occurred. The Family History Library has acquired copies of many delayed certificates, especially for the midwestern states. A corrected record of a birth may be filed if a name was changed or added. Most corrections require affidavits of eyewitnesses or evidence from other official records. The library has microfilm copies of a few of these records. Marriage Records Marriages were usually recorded by the clerk of the town or county where the bonds or licenses were issued (generally where the bride resided). You may find records that show a couple's intent to marry and records of the actual marriage. Records of Intention to Marry Various records may have been created that show a couple's intent to marry. Banns and intentions were made a few weeks before a couple planned to marry. The couple may have been required to announce their intentions in order to give other community members the opportunity to raise any objections to the marriage. This was a rather common custom in the southern and New England states through the mid-1800s. Banns were a religious custom in which the couple announced to their local congregation that they planned to marry. They may have also posted a written notice at the church. Intentions were written notices presented to the local civil authority and posted in a public place for a given period of time. The minister or town clerk recorded these announcements in a register, or you may find them interfiled with other town or church records. Marriage bonds are written guarantees or promises of payment made by the groom or another person (often a relative of the bride) to ensure that a forthcoming marriage would be legal. The person who posted the bond was known as the surety or bondsman. The bond was presented to the minister or official who would perform the ceremony. The bond was then returned to the town or county clerk. These documents were frequently used in the southern and middle-Atlantic states up to the mid-1800s. Applications and licenses are the most common types of records showing intent to marry. These gradually replaced the use of banns, intentions, and bonds. A bride and groom obtained a license to be married by applying to the proper civil authorities, usually a town or county clerk. These records have the most information of genealogical value, including the couple's names, ages, and residence. Later records also provide their race, birth dates, occupations, and usually the names of the parents. The license was presented to the person who performed the marriage and was later returned to the town or county clerk. Applications for a license are primarily a twentieth-century record. These often contain more detailed information than the license. Consent papers may be available if the consent of a parent or guardian was required, often when the bride or groom was underage. The consent may have been verbal, or written on the license or bond. Contracts or settlements are documents created for the protection of legal rights and property. These are occasionally a part of a marriage application, especially in regions that were colonized by France or Spain. Records of Marriages In most cases it can be assumed that the couple married a short time after announcing their intent, even though you may not find proof of the actual marriage. A minister, justice of the peace, military officer, ship officer, or state official could legally marry a couple. You may find the following records that document the actual marriage: Certificates. The individual who performed the ceremony or the civil office where it was recorded may have given the couple a certificate of marriage. This may be in the possession of the family. The clerk of the court may have a copy. Returns and Registers. Town and county clerks generally recorded the marriages they performed in a register or book. If the marriage was performed by someone else, such as a minister or justice of the peace, that person was required to report, or return the marriage information to the town or county clerk. This information may have been reported in writing or verbally, or, more frequently, the official recorded the event on the license or bond and returned this document to the clerk. For this purpose, many licenses and bonds were printed with a separate section of the document designated as the return. The information on the return usually included the names of the couple, the date and place of the marriage, and the name of the person who performed the marriage. Twentieth-century returns often add the residence of the couple, the names of the parents or witnesses, and the certificate number. The town or county clerk recorded (registered) the marriage returns in a separate register or book, although you may find some early returns in court or town minutes and deed books. He may also have written on the license or the bond the date he registered the marriage. Twentieth-century marriages are still registered by the county or town, but most states now require the counties to report the marriages to the state office of vital records. Many counties keep duplicates of the records they send to the state. Personal Records of the Individual Who Performed the Ceremony. Before the twentieth century, the information on many marriages was not returned. If evidence of a marriage was not presented to a civil clerk, this information might be found only in the personal journal or other records of the official who performed the marriage. Divorce Records Divorces before the twentieth century were uncommon and in some places illegal. Records of divorces contain data on family members, their marital history, their property, residences, and dates of other important events such as the children's births. County officials began keeping divorce records as soon as a court was established in the area. Most divorce actions are found in dockets, minutes, and case files of the county, circuit, or district court. In some areas of the United States, divorces have been under the jurisdiction of a chancery, common pleas, domestic, probate, superior, or supreme judicial court. Divorce records are often open to the public and can be obtained by contacting the clerk of the court. The few divorce records found in the Family History Library are listed in the FHLC under the [STATE], [COUNTY] - COURT RECORDS or VITAL RECORDS. You will also find clues to separations and divorces in local newspapers. Death Records Death records are especially helpful because they may provide important information on a person's birth, spouse, and parents. Death records often exist for individuals for whom there are no birth or marriage records. Early death records, like cemetery records, generally give the name, date, and place of death. Twentieth-century certificates usually include the age or date of birth (and sometimes the place), race, length of residence in the county or state, cause of death, name of hospital and funeral home, burial information, and the informant's name (often a relative). They often provide the name of a spouse or parents. Since 1950, social security numbers are given on most death certificates. Birth and other information in a death record may not be accurate since the informant may not have had complete information. Death certificates may be filed in the state where an individual died and the state where he is buried. Locating Vital Records Records at the Family History Library The Family History Library has copies of many vital records, primarily those before 1920. However, if a record was never kept, was not available in the courthouse at the time of microfilming, was not microfilmed, or is restricted from public access by the laws of the state, the Family History Library does not have a copy. You may use the records at the library for your family research, but the library does not issue or certify certificates for living or deceased individuals. To find vital records in the Family History Library, search in the FHLC under each of the following approaches: [STATE] - VITAL RECORDS [STATE], [COUNTY] - VITAL RECORDS [STATE], [COUNTY], [CITY] - VITAL RECORDS The Family History Library has statewide collections and special indexes of vital records for California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The library has good collections of county vital records for several states. Locating Records Not at the Family History Library Birth, marriage, divorce, and death records may be obtained by contacting or visiting state offices of vital records or the appropriate clerk's office in a town or county courthouse. Genealogical societies, historical societies, and state archives may also have copies or transcripts. To protect the rights of privacy of living persons, most modern records have restrictions on their use and access. Current addresses and fees for obtaining vital records are given in Where to Write for Vital Records: Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces (Hyattsville, Md.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, August 1987). This booklet can be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Another helpful source of current fee information is Thomas J. Kemp, Vital Records Handbook (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1988; FHL book 973 V24k). This includes samples of application forms that can be sent to state offices to request copies of vital records. It also provides telephone ordering numbers for most offices. Payment by bank card is generally accepted. You will also find WPA inventories (see the Archives and Libraries section) that describe the record-keeping systems and available vital records of 39 states. These and other guides are found in the FHLC under [STATE] or [COUNTY] - ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES or VITAL RECORDS. The Family History Library also has a guide to Vital Records in the United States that is frequently updated (not available at family history centers). After deciding who has jurisdiction over the records for the time period you need, write a brief request to the proper office. Some offices will require that you submit a standard search application form. Send the following: Check or money order for the search fee ($1 to $15) Full name and the sex of the person sought Names of the parents, if known Approximate date and place of the event Your relationship to the person Reason for the request (family history, medical, etc.) Request for a photocopy of the complete original record If your request is unsuccessful, search for duplicate records that may have been filed in a city, county, or state office. OTHER RECORDS Other types of records that are not discussed in this outline are listed in the Locality section of the FHLC. For example, see the following subject headings: ALMANACS BIBLIOGRAPHY BUSINESS RECORDS AND COMMERCE CHURCH HISTORY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS DESCRIPTION AND TRAVEL MEDICAL RECORDS MILITARY HISTORY NAMES, GEOGRAPHIC NAMES, PERSONAL NOTARIAL RECORDS OCCUPATIONS OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES ORPHANS AND ORPHANAGES POSTAL AND SHIPPING GUIDES PUBLIC RECORDS SCHOOLS SLAVERY AND BONDAGE VOTING REGISTERS FOR FURTHER READING More detailed information for each state is included in the state research outlines available at the Family History Library and at each family history center. The following are examples of some additional sources that can help you be more successful in your research. Most are available at public libraries. Other sources are listed in the FHLC under one of the following: UNITED STATES - GENEALOGY - HANDBOOKS, MANUALS, ETC. [STATE] - GENEALOGY - HANDBOOKS, MANUALS, ETC. Basic Research Strategies Crandall, Ralph. Shaking Your Family Tree: A Basic Guide to Tracing Your Family's Genealogy. Dublin, N.H.: Yankee Publishing, 1986. (FHL book 929.1 C85s.) This is a beginner's guide to American sources and research strategies. Cerny, Johni, and Arlene Eakle, eds. Ancestry's Guide to Research: Case Studies in American Genealogy. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 1985. (FHL book 973 D27cj.) This source for the intermediate researcher uses case studies and illustration to teach organization and the research process. Rubincam, Milton. Pitfalls in Genealogical Research. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 1987. (FHL book 929.1 R824p.) This brief overview can help you avoid errors in your research, such as mistakes in interpreting names, terms, dates, and relationships. It includes many examples. More Information about U.S. Records American Society of Genealogists. Genealogical Research: Methods and Sources. 2 vols. Rev. ed. Washington, D.C.: American Society of Genealogists, 1980, 1983. (FHL book 973 D27gr.) This source presents the expertise of specialists on many record types and state sources. It is of most use to the intermediate researcher and librarian. Eakle, Arlene, and Johni Cerny, eds. The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 1984. (FHL book Ref 973 D27ts.) This provides in-depth treatment of records and unique research problems, including many illustrations of records. This source is for the advanced researcher and librarian. Greenwood, Val D. The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., l973. (FHL book 973 D27g.) An intermediate to advanced text, this is a standard source on research methodology and records. It includes instruction on pedigree analysis and especially helpful information on court and probate records. Some of the information is out of date. Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives. 1982. Revised. Washington, D.C.: National Archives Trust Fund Board, 1985. (FHL book Ref 973 A3usn 1985.) This provides detailed information on the content and availability of census, immigration, military, land, and other records at the National Archives and its branches. Wright, Norman E. Preserving Your American Heritage: A Guide to Family and Local History. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 1981. (FHL book Ref 973 D27wne). The 1974 edition was published under the title, Building an American Pedigree. This discusses the basic record types and includes strategy and some illustrations. This is for the intermediate researcher. Reading the Records Kirkham, E. Kay. The Handwriting of American Records for a Period of 300 Years. Logan, Utah: Everton Publishers, 1973. (FHL book 973 G3k.) This has techniques for reading old handwritten documents. It includes styles of handwriting, common abbreviations, and many more examples than the Stryker-Rodda source below. Stryker-Rodda, Harriet. Understanding Colonial Handwriting. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1986. (FHL book 973 A1 no. 220.) This short booklet is a simple introduction on how to read colonial documents. Guides to Additional Sources Cerny, Johni, and Wendy Elliott. The Library: A Guide to the LDS Family History Library. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 1988. (FHL book Ref 979.2 A3Li.) This is a guide to some of the records at the Family History Library, with emphasis on how to use the FHLC to obtain the records. It lists key records of each state and country and is helpful for preparing to visit the Family History Library or a family history center. It contains information similar to that found in the state research outlines but focuses only on the records of the Family History Library. It is of less value to those who have copies of the state research outlines and the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC). Filby, P. William. American & British Genealogy & Heraldry: A Selected List of Books. 3d ed. Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1983. Supplement, 1987. (FHL book Ref 016.9291 F472a.) This bibliography and supplement list over 12,800 titles of published genealogical sources. The primary emphasis is on United States sources. Parker, J. Carlyle. Library Service for Genealogists. Detroit: Gale Research, 1981. (FHL book Ref 026.9291 P226L.) A primary emphasis of this book is to identify published reference tools and resources that are generally found at public and university libraries. For Ready Reference Everton, George B. The Handy Book for Genealogists. 7th ed. Revised. Logan, Utah: Everton Publishing, 1981. (FHL book Ref 973 D27e; 6th ed. on fiche 6010044-47.) This is a popular source for its capsule summaries of state and county histories and the records available in each county. COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS The Family History Library welcomes additions and corrections that will improve future editions of this outline. Please send your suggestions to Publications Coordination, Family History Library, 35 North West Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150. We appreciate the archivists, librarians, and others who have reviewed this outline and shared helpful information. Copyright 1988 by Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA. First Edition, June 1988. Series US, No. 1. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher. Send all requests for such permission to: Copyrights and Permissions Coordinator Family History Department 50 E. North Temple Street Salt Lake City, UT 84150