Available Research Resources

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Available Research Resources - a summary of the GENTREK Birth presentations from Feb. 2001

HostGFSDarlaJo

The US Federal Census has been taken every 10 years since 1790, only the 1890 census has been lost in all these years. The earlier the census, the less info you will find for each household. Also look for "local" listings of inhabitants. Some towns / counties periodically listed everyone residing in the area for various purposes. These lists were sometimes tax listings, voting lists, church listings, land ownership lists, etc. These records can usually be found at County Court Houses, State Archives, and State Historical Societies.

Many states needed or wanted community information more often than the Federal Census. Some states decided to take their own censuses at various times. The counts taken and the surviving records vary a great deal from state to state. Be sure to check the State Archives, Genealogy Societies and Historical Societies for possible records.

Agriculture reports are the only place that some sharecroppers, free African Americans and white overseers can be found on record. The 1890 agriculture reports were destroyed by fire, while the 1900 and 1910 were destroyed by congressional order. The remaining 1840 - 1880 reports are available thru the National Archives.

The slave schedules do not list names, but they do list gender and age which could be a wonderful find if you are researching African American ancestors. The slave schedules are listed by the slave owners names within the state / county of residence.

The 1840 census listed Revolutionary Veterans on the reverse side of the pages. These names have been published and can most likely be found in your local Societies and Archives if your state's info survived. The 1890 special Union veterans census lists veterans and surviving widows. Check Archives and Societies for an index.

These reports vary a great deal in the info reported. Many of the older reports were lost or incomplete. These reports are available in the National Archives, but check your local Societies and Archives also.

Mortality Schedules were done in conjunction with the U. S. Federal Census in 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. For areas that did not have, or have lost vital records, this can be a wonderful source of information to genealogists. Since this schedule is not in the "main" pages of the census, it is often overlooked... be sure to check the mortality schedules if your ancestor may have died during the 12 months prior to the taking of the census. All libraries with census records should also have the corresponding schedules.

There is valuable information in the Social Statistics of the U. S. Federal Census. One item of interest is the list of cemeteries. This list contains both open and closed cemeteries with reasons for any that are no longer in operation. The schedule includes maps and addresses for the cemeteries. Second, the schedule includes a list of trade groups, social clubs and other organizations along with the names of officers of those groups. A third item of interest is a list of churches which includes a brief history of the church and a member summary. All libraries with census records should also have the corresponding schedules.

You can find blank census forms to use at:

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > Genealogy Tips and Resources > 03/03/1998 Blank Census Forms 1790-1920

Many archives have combined the information from various locations into one collection to make researching easier and faster. Sometimes the archives even has some compiled and indexed records that are NOT available at the county or local level.

In addition to the local libraries and archives, but sure to check the local museums and historical groups. Many times you will find collections that are one-of-a-kind. Pictures, private donations and even items from local clubs could be available to help your research. Contact the local Chamber of Commerce or a local phone book for possible locations.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > Addresses

Keyword: ROOTS > Columnists > Dear MYRTLE > Lessons > #30 - Genealogy Societies

Most libraries publish a list of their resources, including their genealogical holdings. This guide could save you a great deal of time in your research. If you know ahead of time what items are available, you can make better use of your research time. Contact the library in the area you are researching for a possible list of holdings.

Keyword: ROOTS will take you to our main AOL page. There are links to the main areas within our forum... the Library, the Resource Center, the Beginners area, the Chat Room Schedules and our very own website at: www.genealogyforum.com

The Beginners area is for new researchers to get a good start on their research, and for those of us who just need a new trail to search. The Library is FULL of wonderful files that have been uploaded for you to access and download for FREE. The Resource Center will help to direct you to more focused topics such as Vital Records or Ethnic Resources. The Chat Schedule will help you decide which chats are most useful in your research. We have a special Beginner's Chat room, the Family Treehouse for General Genealogy, and other rooms for special topics.

The Internet is the fastest growing source of info on any subject you care to look for: Genealogy included. While you may not find your family tree online unless YOU have put it there, you can gain some valuable information to help you in your search. There are more and more databases added everyday… you could spend hours just looking at new web sites. If you are lucky enough to find some of your family online, remember to use the information as a GUIDE to locating the original documentation. Just because you read it online, does NOT make it TRUE. As with any info you find, it is up to you to verify the accuracy.

One of the resources on the Internet that could be of great benefit to you, is the mailing lists. These lists are groups of individuals researching the same names or same area, and sending info via email for possible connections to others.

Some websites that I would recommend to get you started include:

www.genealogyforum.com

www.cyndislist.com

www.usgenweb.com

www.rootsweb.com

Most gene societies have a nominal fee to become a member, but that membership entitles you to many great benefits. Most societies publish a periodic newsletter with valuable info, and these newsletters are sometimes donated to local libraries and archives for their collections. Check with the local library or archives for contact information.

Genetic information \ knowledge grows on a daily basis, and many people have been involved in genetic studies. While recent studies are usually kept strictly confidential because of insurance coverage or employment opportunities, the studies from the first part of the twentieth century have been published. Some studies have been filmed by the LDS church.

There are numerous lineage societies that you may be able to join if your ancestor fits their "common link". Some sites of interest include:

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) www.chesapeake.net

Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) http://www.sar.org

Genealogy Society of Mayflower Descendants

http://www.genealogyforum.rootsweb.com/gfaol/surnames/Mayflower.htm

Contact the society of interest for joining requirements.

Probate, inheritance, adoptions, guardianship, wills and estate files are just some of the possible records that may be useful to the genealogist. Most courts will have a "docket" that is in chronological (date) order and could be helpful in locating your ancestor. The docket will most likely have a "file number" assigned to each case, and that number will lead you to the "box" of paperwork with the treasures you seek.

Many counties have had their files filmed, and the films are sometimes located in state archives and libraries. Counties usually only retain the original files due to space restrictions for film readers and printers. Be sure to check the libraries and archives from these records to make your research a bit easier. If you must visit the county court house, call ahead to obtain their policies \ procedures and visiting hours.

Birth records can be located in various places depending on the state / county / date. Be sure to check for "birth register books", as well as the more well-known "certificate". Sometimes a birth log was nothing more than a notebook kept by a traveling doctor who reported to the appropriate authorities a couple times a year. If you can't find birth info at the local level, be sure to check the county and state levels. Don't forget the "delayed birth records." For adults who did not have their birth recorded at the time of birth, and later wanted to draw Social Security benefits, proof of age / birth date was required. These records will show just "how" they proved it.

 Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > Vital / Other Records > Birth Records

Orphanages were run by various organizations / agencies; those included the government, public organizations, religious organizations and private individuals. Be sure to check state and local government records, historical societies, libraries, etc., for possible records. Orphan trains relocated approximately 200,000 orphans between 1853 and 1929. The adoption / apprenticeship records should be held by the local county court. Be sure to check the libraries and archives for the records.

Marriage records vary a lot from year to year and place to place, but can still be a valuable resource for genealogists. Some records list birth dates, or ages, or place of birth. Some list parents of the happy couple, previous spouses and witnesses... who could be family members. Remember that some marriages were performed by traveling ministers or Justice of the Peace. This means that records may not have been recorded as the time of the actual marriage, and thus be sure to check more than just the known marriage date for the record.

Marriage dispensations are an "approval" from a church for a couple to get married. Dispensations were required for various reasons; one of which was if the bride and groom were of different religious faiths. The information in the dispensation might provide many clues... names, birth dates, parents, etc. These records can normally be found in the church records of the religion where the couple married. Some such records have been published and might also be available in the State Archives, Historical Societies and Genealogy Societies.

While divorces are much more common today than for our great grandparents, they were not unheard of Divorce records can contain valuable clues: age, marriage dates, children, residence, maiden names, etc.

Many churches kept more accurate records than did the city / county / state offices. Be sure to examine various churches' records in the area you are researching. Just because your family is a particular religion today, doesn't mean that a family member didn't attend a different church at some time. Pay close attention to Godparents and witnesses, as they could be family members too. Mixed-religion marriages, out of wedlock relationships, family feuds, gossipy scandals, criminal activity, etc., are all examples of reasons an ancestor MIGHT have changed churches. Maybe there just wasn't a church of the chosen religion in the immediate area. Don't be afraid to look at church records of a variety of denominations. Many factors influenced religion and church attendance, so be sure to check all local churches for possible clues.

Be sure to check for family Bibles of aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, etc. .... many families recorded the birth of a new family member, no matter how far removed. If possible, track down the neighbors' family also; many close neighbors notated births of close friends.

Death certificates in recent years are fairly easy to obtain, provided you know the state and the date of death. Remember that the info on the certificate is only as good as the memory of the person providing the info; usually the next of kin. The Vital Statistics office should be able to help you with the required forms to obtain the certificate. Years ago, deaths were simply recorded in books or ledgers that were kept by the county and \ or state. Check all libraries, societies and archives for older death records.

Many cities required that bodies be registered both in and out of their area. The idea was to help stop the spread of disease. New York City has records from 1859 to 1894 which included the transit record of President Abraham Lincoln. Sometimes the transit records were filed with the death records. Check with local, county and state agencies for the existence and location of possible transit records.

Coroners are involved in deaths that involve many other situations: accidents, suicides, drugs \ alcohol involvement, unexplained deaths, contagious diseases and even legal institutions. While the info in the report will vary depending on what is known about the deceased and who was giving information, this could be a good source. Coroner's files are usually kept at the county level, so check with your county offices for possible records.

Funeral Home - Mortuary Records usually contain a great deal of personal information. Birth date, death info, occupation, military involvement, family members, etc. More recent records will be held for confidentiality reasons; only open to the immediate family. If you are unsure of the location of the funeral home or mortuary used, you can usually find a clue on the death certificate. If that is not available, start with the place where you believe your ancestor last lived.

These records are available at the place of business: the actual funeral home or mortuary. If the business is no longer in operation, the records may be available at the local or county level, a local library or historical society. For help in locating a specific funeral home or mortuary, there are directories available. The "National Directory of Morticians" and "The Yellow Book of Funeral Directors" will list most such businesses in the U. S. The books are available at most major libraries and most funeral homes or mortuaries.

Cemetery Records are MORE than just tombstones. Cemeteries might have date of plot purchase, name of purchaser, relationship to the person in the plot if not that person, other family in the same cemetery, notes on exhumations or movements. Many cemeteries are run by churches, but some are private business and still others are run by nonprofit organizations. Most older cemetery files will be hard to locate if it is a closed cemetery. You should try the local libraries, societies and archives for possible information. Cemeteries that are still in operation should have an office for you to contact.

While most cemeteries have been indexed, it is still important to visit the actual burial place if possible. The cemetery index will usually include the "basics" from the tombstone: names and dates, possibly relationships if listed on the tombstone. There MAY be other valuable information in the cemetery.

Keep in mind that older tombstones are sometimes made from materials that have not weathered the years very well. Transcribers try to be very careful, but they are only human... and some of those old tombstones are truly IMPOSSIBLE to read. Pay attention to any "symbols" or decorations on the tombstone. While these may seem to just be decorative things, they COULD BE very significant to your search. A person's religion, occupation or fraternal \ military involvement may very well be annotated in the symbols on the headstone. For veterans buried overseas, contact:

American Battle Monuments Commission
Pulaski Building Room 5119-5120
Twenty Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington DC 20314-0300
203-475-1329

The commission can usually provide information on the burial and a picture of the headstone.

Necrologies usually list the deceased name, last residence and date of death. Many groups and organizations publish necrologies, such as: churches, alumni groups and professional organizations. Check local libraries, churches and archives for possible records.

Obituaries vary a great deal in the info given, the info is usually given by the family to the funeral home or mortuary, and then given to the local paper for publication. Many communities have an "indexed" source for local papers, and many old newspapers have been filmed. Look for obituaries in state archives, historical and genealogy societies, local libraries and the local newspaper office.

Each person who has a Social Security number has a file full of information located at the Social Security Administration (SSA). While the SSA was not established until 1936, ancestors much older may have had a SSN in order to draw retirement benefits. For ancestors who died since 1962, there is an entry in the SSDI database. The SSDI will provide you with the SSN and other personal info. Once you obtain the SSN, you should write to the SSA for the entire SS file for that ancestor. The file could contain the original SS application, birth info, naturalization records and even a death certificate.

 Contact the SSA at:

Social Security Administration, Office of Central Records Operations, FOIA Workgroup
P. O. Box 17772, 300 N. Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21290

U. S. citizens living in a foreign country, or even in route to a foreign country, may have births, deaths and marriages recorded in the American Consular Office. Some of these records date back to 1792. If you can show relationship, and either permission of the person or proof of death, you can obtain copies of these records from the U. S. Government.

For Records from 1960 and beyond, write to:

Passport Services, Correspondence Branch, U. S. Department of State
1425 K Street N. W., Room 386
Washington D. C. 20522-1705

Death notices before 1960 will be in Consular Dispatches in Record Group 59 and in the Records of Foreign Service Posts of the Department of State in Record Group 84 at the National Archives.

For foreign deaths of Military personnel, write to:

National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

Doctors notes on deliveries at home may not give great detail, but should list the date of the birth and the parents names. Be sure to check the Genealogy Societies, and Historical Societies for possible records. Don't overlook the possibility of a Midwife being present at the birth of an ancestor. Many Midwife records & journals have been published. Be sure to check the local libraries and societies for info. Hospital records could be available. In the event of an adoption, you can hope for a "forgotten" black out of information.

While confidentiality laws restrict much of the info in medical records, if available these records will provide a great amount of genealogical info. Many hospitals will, however, release some info on deceased patients with proof of relationship and identification. Insurance records could be available through a variety of resources. Insurance is often available through a place of employment, an organization or club, a retirement plan, etc. Be sure to check all possibilities for an insurance source. Military personnel medical records from 1821-1884 and 1894 - 1912 are available at the National Archives.

The AMA has records of approximately 350,000 doctors from the early 1800s thru 1969. These records contain both personal and professional info. These records are located at:

The National Genealogical Society
4527 17th Street North
Arlington, VA 22207

The LDS Church as made arrangements to film these records, and should be available in the near future. Both social and professional associations usually have some form of valuable research info. Many also published periodic directories that included names, addresses, and other personal info. Most local libraries, universities, and archives have collections of these association records.

School records can be a bit difficult to find; the current school board office, State Archives, State Historical Society, State Genealogical Association, County Court House and local Genealogy groups are a good place to start..

If you are looking for a religious school, contact the local church of that denomination for possible records. Consider higher education sources: technical schools, apprenticeships, junior colleges, 4 year colleges, "special" schools for art / music / drama, and even schools designed for children with disabilities. Don't forget Fraternities, Sororities, and other such clubs. Military schools and juvenile detention centers should also be researched.

Teachers at all grade levels have some sort of personal information on file... and many former students teach right where they were taught. Don't forget the alumni groups; many adults support their alma mater in one form or another following graduation... if nothing else, just to come back for the reunion parties. LOL Be sure to check "all" available records when contacting a local school.

There are various reasons you might find your ancestor listed in the local newspaper. Some old newspapers were little more than today's gossip columns. Birth, sports, outstanding act in the community, good grades in school, trouble with the law, etc. Be sure to look for an index of names for the local newspaper. Even without an index, it might be worth your time to read a few reels of film around the birth date of your ancestor, just in case. Newspapers might be found at your local library, Historical Societies, Genealogy Societies or the local newspaper office.

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > New File Uploads > New File Uploads > GENTREK - Research Newspapers

Old letters, postcard or diaries could be tucked away in any corner of anyone's home. The attic, basement, closet, forgotten storage room, in a box in the laundry room, barn, stables, the old outhouse, in a cedar / memory chest, in a dresser drawer.... literally - ANYWHERE. Pictures should be examined closely on BOTH sides. The front of the picture, of course, for location, clues to the year, etc. The back could (hopefully) tell WHO is in the picture, but might also tell you about when the picture was taken by the type of material it is printed on.

Bibles, home movies/ videos, grade cards, scrap books, awards / certificates, trophies, kindergarten handprints, vaccination records, old greeting cards, membership cards, year books, a calendar / planner, bank books, receipts for purchases, cook books, household phone book, address book, church membership directories, social security cards, driver's license, engraved jewelry, or any other items that could have a clue about your family.

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > New File Uploads > New File Uploads > GENTREK - Hidden Treasures

If the person was a bowler, check the bowling alley in that area for league rosters and membership cards. If the person was an amateur musician, check the local community bands / orchestras for rosters. Electric train collectors get together for exhibits which have handouts listing all the participants. Craft makers have shows to sell their creations, and the flyers will sometimes list the people who are selling their crafts. Almost all hobbyists join some type of group to share information with others who have the same interest.

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > Logs, Newsletters and More > Beginners > GENTREK - Home Sources

In order to gain the most benefit from land ownership records, you must first know how / why / when land transactions took place. Before settlement, land was "owned" by the government in control at the time. The government distributed land via "land grants". Land Grants were only for the FIRST private holder of the title to the land. The title was given in the form of a "patent". Once the patent was issued, the land was then public, and further sale was done in the form of a "deed". Twenty of our 50 states were "state-land states", and handled their own land grants... be sure to check state sources for these records. Many Federal patents from the 1780s to 1908 are indexed and available from the Bureau of Land Management. Once you have found the "purchase" of the land, don't overlook the deed. Land deeds often contain valuable genealogy info: name, spouse, witnesses, land description, neighbors, previous owners, dower info, etc.

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > Logs, Newsletters and More > Beginners > GENTREK - Land Records Research

A government publication of great interest is the "Territorial Papers of the United States". This 26 volume set contains records beginning with the acquisition of the Northwest Territory in 1787 and continues until the date of statehood for each individual state. Included in these volumes: territorial government activities, land and court records, early settlers lists and licenses issued for trade or trapping. You can find these records in libraries with government publication collections and at the National Archives. Government publication collections are often found in University Libraries.

Many of our ancestors did NOT own land. If you can pinpoint the address, and then locate the land owner, you may be able to find a contract for rentals or leases Private landlords may be hard to trace, but apartment buildings and public housing records may be available from local sources.

"Map" = a printed representation of a land area; "Atlas" = a collection of maps; "Gazetteer" = an alphabetical list of place names and locations. City names changed, county lines changed, state lines changed... old maps and atlases can be vital in locating an ancestor. Locating the city \ county \ state of your ancestor at the time they resided there can lead you to the proper ORIGINAL county for records. Maps from the era often show neighbors, businesses and land descriptions. Be sure to check all local, county and state resources for possible maps, atlases and gazetteers.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > Vital / Other Records > Maps and Genealogy

A local street index can confirm a residence, and give clues as to neighbors. Local libraries, societies and archives should have such records.

Many towns / cities had local directories LONG before telephones. It was a "commercial" type listing with homes and businesses listed with addresses. The earliest city directory is believed to have been in 1752 in Baltimore. Many of these directories list family members, age, and occupations.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > "Along Those Lines.. " Column > Previous Articles > March 6 - City Directories

As with city directories, County / Farmer / Rural Directories can be very useful in verifying an ancestors place of residence, and their neighbors at a particular time. Sometimes occupations and other valuable info is listed so be sure to look for these valuable resources.

Many communities have a grand celebration at their centennial anniversary. It is common for these celebrations to include a published history of the people, places and events during that hundred years of existence. Communities are proud of their history and donate these published items to local libraries, societies and archives.

Compiled histories or genealogies may be found at the county / state historical societies and the state archives. Keep in mind that most county lines changed at LEAST once... and what you are researching now, may have been within the boundary of another county at some point. You will need to also check the records of that parent county for valuable clues.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > "Along Those Lines.. " Column > Previous Articles > December 3 - Don't Overlook County Histories

Many cities have published a Guide to research in their area. These guides include such things as: addresses for libraries, archives and societies; court house contact info; where the vital records are located; and contact info for other research opportunities close by. Contact the local library, archives, societies or Chamber of Commerce for a possible printed guide.

You will need to find the port your ancestors arrived at, the ship they traveled on, and the date of arrival. You might find clues to this travel info on some census records. Once you have the name of the ship, you will want to find the Ship List... the actual list of who was on the ship. Not all ships were documented and the more recent the arrival, the more info you are likely to find. Many passenger lists are being transcribed and published so check your local archives and societies.

Naturalization Records were not standardized until 1906. Before that date, each court used their own forms to document naturalizations and kept their own records. With the creation of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, new forms and records storage were developed. Naturalization Records give a wealth of personal info. Pre-1906 records will be found in the court of record so you will have to contact the county courts, State Historical Societies, and Genealogy Societies. New records can be obtained from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > Logs, Newsletters and More > Beginners > GENTREK - Naturalization Info

As early as 1798 the government has required alien registration. These records contain a huge amount of personal information, but varies depending on the time in history and the location. The years 1802 to 1828 required all aliens to register with the local court. Under the 1929 Alien Registration Act, all aliens were required to register with the federal government annually. The fear of WWII again prompted Alien Registration in 1940. Most of these records are held at the National Archives or the INS.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > "Along Those Lines... " Column > Previous Articles > December 17 - Tracing Your Alien Ancestors

Except for a short time during the Civil War, passports were not required in the U. S. until WWI. While not required, many people obtained them for ease in proving citizenship during travel. Passport applications asked for a fair amount of personal info. Passport records are available from 1791 thru 1925 at the National Archives. These records have also been filmed by the LDS church, so check your local societies and libraries.

When members of a family made the big move across the ocean, communication became limited. Letters written back and forth took a great deal of time to reach the intended destination and thus became treasured items. These letters were the only communication between many families which meant that every important bit of info was written in these letters. Many collections of immigrant letters have been published. Check archives and libraries for various collections.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > "Along Those Lines... " Column > Previous Articles > June 18 - Pursuing Periodicals with PERSI

Immigration records document events on the Destination end, but there are also records on the Origin end. Some countries have indexed records available for research. Some records of this nature have even been published and some have been filmed by the LDS Church. Check libraries, archives and societies for possible records or foreign addresses.

Many immigrants to America traveled in groups of family and friends from their homeland. These groups typically looked for a place to settle that reminded them of home, or at the least all tried to settle together. It was important to most families to remember and preserve their heritage. One way the immigrants kept their traditions going was to form groups and clubs and organizations. Much of the information on these organizations has been preserved. Be sure to inquire at all local libraries and societies for possible records.

The US Government records on Native Americans is a source to be investigated if you have NA ancestry. As Native Americans were forced forever westward, the government needed personal information on the nations and tribes in order to plan the relocation and delegation of land. Possible records include Census Lists (required annually from 1884 to 1929), Muster Rolls, and emigration lists. The Dawes Commission created enrollment lists for the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole and Creek tribes. The Dawes Rolls are available at the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Univ. of OK in Norman. The Rolls have also been filmed by the LDS Church.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > Ethnic Resources

African American ancestors before 1870 are a difficult research challenge. Not many records exist that give info on slaves. The best way to locate your slave ancestors is to research the slave owners. Slaves were often listed in tax records, probate, census agriculture or slave records and deed books. Some states / counties do have limited birth and death records on African Americans. Be sure to ask for any possible collections at your local libraries, archives and societies.

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > Logs, Newsletters and More > Beginners > GENTREK - African American Research

The Freedmen's Bureau (Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands) was formed in 1865. The FB assisted former slaves in many ways: relocation transportation, marriages (including validating previous marriages), labor contracts (often with the former owner), and leasing abandoned land. The Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company helped set up bank accounts and the records often included a good deal of personal information. These records are available at the National Archives.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > "Along Those Lines... " Column > Previous Articles > May 22 - Slave Data Collection

To keep the world from forgetting the tragedy of the Holocaust, survivors and descendants of survivors have gathered and created some very useful records. The "National Registry of Jewish Holocaust Survivors" contains about 80,000 survivors and families. This resource is available in many larger libraries. Yizkor books are detailed accounts of towns \ cities that were destroyed by the Holocaust. These books contain names, memories and a history of the town. Yizkor books can be found at the Library of Congress and some university collections.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > Other Resources > Other Related Forums on AOL > Jewish Community

Personnel Departments want to know a lot of personal information. Professional licenses, Union membership, industry directories, published company histories are all possible sources of information. If you can connect your ancestor with a specific job or industry, you might get lucky searching for the employment records. Depending on the business, check Historical Societies, State Archives and Genealogy Societies. If the business is still in operation, call the Human Resources Department for information.

An apprenticeship was a written agreement for an underage boy or girl to learn a craft / trade. Since most of these arrangements were made for children who were orphaned, the records are best found in the local court files. These children were legally bound to the "master" until age 21 for boys and 18 for girls. Most apprenticeship records contain valuable information about the child, the child's parents and the circumstances surrounding the apprenticeship agreement. Check local, county and state collections for these records. Also check Historical Societies and Genealogy Societies.

Many immigrants who could not afford passage to America sold themselves into servitude to pay for the voyage. Immigrants would sign a contract for a specific length of service, usually with the ship's captain. The captain would then sell the contract to an "employer" upon arrival in the states. Still other immigrants would auction themselves off to the highest bidder when they arrived. Even children were sold into indentured positions that sometimes lasted into adulthood. Some of these records have been published, but most still remain in the original form. Check Historical Societies, State Archives and Genealogy Societies.

Over 2.25 MILLION people were employed by the Railroads in the early 1890s, so chances are pretty good someone in your family has information in railroad records. RR records can be found in various places, depending on the specific RR company. Once you find the RR that your ancestor worked for, contact the local libraries, Historical Societies, State Archives and Genealogy Societies in that area for possible information. The LDS Church also has some films on RR records.

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > Logs, Newsletters and More > Beginners > GENTREK - Railroad Records

Many states award a "Centennial Farm Award" to farms which have uninterrupted ownership and operation within the same family for 100 years. Ancestry and ownership must be proved for this award, so the paperwork is a Genealogists Dream! This award is given by various agencies depending on the state so check local, county and state offices for most information. Also check Historical Societies, State Archives and Genealogy Societies.

During the early 1800s the law required that tax money provide for the care of the poor and needy. Almshouses were also required to keep registers of occupants. These records often contain a good deal of personal information.. including age! Be sure to check local, county, state and private collections for these records. Also check Historical Societies and Genealogy Societies.

If you are lucky enough to have the employment records for an ancestor, don't overlook the possibility of retirement or pension records from that employer. If the ancestor is deceased, and you can prove relationship, most businesses will supply at least some info from the file. Most civil, government and military pension files are a wealth of genealogical information. When researching pensions, remember that many are filed by Social Security Number, so that can be very important information to keep handy. Railroad pension records are available from the U. S. Railroad Retirement Board in Chicago, IL. Many military pension records have been compiled and published; check local libraries, archives and societies for info. Also check the LDS Church films for pension records on film.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > Vital / Other Records > Social Security Records

Military records are probably the most extensive files that genealogists have available for research. To successfully locate military records you will need to know when and where your ancestor served in the armed forces and also whether he / she was in the enlisted ranks or an officer. The National Archives houses all the military records before WWI. From WWI and thereafter, the records are stored at the National Records Center in St. Louis, MO. The LDS Church also has military records on film, over 25,000 microfilms. You might also contact the Department of Veterans Affairs - Cemetery Service, which handles all burials in national cemeteries since 1861.

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > New File Uploads > New File Uploads > GENTREK - Military Records

A fraternal organization of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, this group was in existence until 1949. Most surviving records were donated to Historical and Genealogy Societies. Check State Archives and local libraries.

In 1775, the Office of the Chief of Engineers (OCE) was established to plan, construct and repair military fortifications and encampments. This included making maps, building roads, surveying canals, railroads and dams for flood control. After the Civil War the OCE had increased responsibilities and soon created district offices throughout the U. S. These offices began producing reports and journals of their work. The maps, papers and photographs produced can be found at the National Archives. More recent (within about 50 years) records are most likely at the district offices.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > Vital Records / Other Records > Military Records

Maritime Records have to do with waterways, and movement of goods and people along those waterways. These waterways include oceans, rivers, and lakes. These records are sometimes hard to locate as you must know the full name of the person you are searching for, and the type of record that this person would be found in. These records include such files as: Customs records, INS records, Coast Guard records, and Seaman's Retreat Records (for sick or impoverished seamen). These records are available through the National Archives and various university collections. Some of the records have been filmed by the LDS Church. The Periodical Source Index (PERSI) is a great resource for locating the records you might need.

Admiralty Courts did handled cases that involved smuggling, piracy, shipwrecks, freight and passenger contracts, and merchants / mariners contracts. They also handled civil and criminal matters involving any person having a connection to maritime transactions; such as, shipbuilders and dock workers. Any type of legal records for ancestors living along a navigable waterway shoreline may have records in the Admiralty Court files. Possible items include: passenger lists, manifests, log books, crew lists and correspondence transported by the ship. Most Admiralty Records can be found at the National Archives. Some pre-colonial records are also located in England.

Some of the government publications of interest include: "United States Serial Set", "War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies", "Historic Resource Study of the Jean Lafitte, Chalmette Unit / Louisiana", "Inhabitants of the Parish of St. Mary, Louisiana, Praying Repeal of Tariff of 1846", and "Table Showing Arrivals of Alien Passengers and Immigrants in U. S. from 1820 - 1888". These sources are available at select libraries, chosen by congress. Check with local libraries for the closest location.

One of the most useful government publications is the "U. S. Serial Set": a 14,000 volume set. This publication contains a wide variety of subjects from 1789 - 1969; Congressional journals, federal agency reports, patent requests, army and navy pensioners, list of mail carriers and annual immigration reports.

The "American State Papers: Document, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States" may not sound interesting, but it is a 38 volume set that could be a great find for genealogists. Of particular interest is the "Class 8" information, which contains private land claims from 1789 to 1837. This info can be found in most state libraries, the National Archives, and has been filmed by the LDS Church.

The Government personnel type records contain commissions signed by the president (but not delivered) from 1812 - 1902. There is a 3 volume set of commissioned officers at the National Archives covering 1799 - 1915. The National Archives also holds an alphabetical card index for each appointed officer to the Confederate Army.

A patent is a legal right to "to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention". George Washington signed the first patent in 1790, and over 4.5 million patents have been applied for since then. Patent files are available from the National Archives and at 50 Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries throughout the U. S. Check with your local library for the closest PTDL.

Postal guides and directories were published to aid in mail delivery in a nation that was changing almost daily. These records can be helpful to genealogy researchers in locating a city or town that no longer exists, or has changed its name. Many larger towns expanded and "absorbed" the smaller surrounding villages over the years. Postmaster appointments are available from 1789 - 1971. These guides and directories are available at the National Archives and have also been filmed by the LDS Church.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was established as the Bureau of Internal Revenue under the Department of the Treasury in 1862, and became the IRS in 1953. The purpose of the Bureau at that time was to help finance the Civil War. Taxes were placed on liquor and tobacco help to keep this Bureau in operation. Corporate income taxes were established in 1909 and personal income tax in 1913. IRS records are available at the National Archives, select records have been microfilmed.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was established in 1935 as a relief program for the victims of the Great Depression. Folks employed by the WPA organized, categorized and indexed many government records. This included the soundexing of the 1880, 1900, 1910 and 1920 census as well as cemetery and newspaper indexes! Records for the WPA are available at the National Archives.

Taxes have been around since Colonial times. Taxes were collected at local, county, state and federal levels at different times for various things: slaves, property, livestock, etc. Poll tax lists are also common in some areas. Start your search for tax records at the local level and then proceed to the county and state levels. Be sure to check State Archives, Historical & Genealogy Societies and local libraries.

Many local areas maintained Voter Registration Lists. These records sometimes contain name, age, address and even nationalization information. Contact county and state agencies for possible info. Be sure to check State Archives, History and Genealogy Societies.

Motor Vehicle Registration could include autos, boats, trailers, trucks, etc. Availability of these records varies a great deal from state to state. Check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles for available info.

Licenses are \ were required for many things: To get married; to drive a car; to be a lawyer or doctor; to be a shopkeeper, peddler or saloon operator; to be a pharmacist or dentist; etc. These license applications could be held in a variety of places depending on the purpose of the license. Be sure to check local, county and state offices. Also check State Archives, Historical & Genealogy Societies.

This alphabetical index contains over 6 MILLION names, was begun in 1942, and is almost complete with 197 volumes. The AGBI was begun as a resource to find family histories produced before 1900 from sources in the Middletown, CT library. Many items have been added: city / county histories, vital records, 1790 census and others. Because of the size and cost of this index, not many libraries have obtained it. The AGBI has been filmed by the LDS Church.

Intended to be a collection of info on the Trans-Allegheny West, Lyman Copeland Draper dedicated his life to writing the history of the Southern Revolution Heroes. This collection includes maps, correspondence, muster rolls, newspaper extracts and many other items that help to document that time in history. The collection is 491 volumes which covers the mid-1700s to the War of 1812. Areas covered include: Carolinas, Virginia, Ohio River Valley, and some of Mississippi River Valley, Georgia and Alabama. The collection has been filmed, and is available in select libraries across the country. 

Many libraries and archives hold special collections of letters, diaries, family histories and other items that were not published. About 1959, the Library of Congress (LOC) began indexing these collections. The index is known as the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC) and is 27 volumes of cross referenced info. This searchable database is available online at: http: // lcweb.loc.gov/ coll/nucmc/

This is an ongoing compilation for information.

PERSI was a project of the Genealogy Department of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. PERSI is an alphabetically arranged index of periodicals, arranged in 5 categories: U. S. Places, Family Records, Research Methodology, Canada Places & Foreign Places. PERSI goes back as far as 1847 and is available in most larger genealogy libraries.

Keyword: ROOTS > Resources > "Along Those Lines.. " Column > Previous Articles > June 18 - Pursuing Periodicals with PERSI

Famous & Infamous ancestors most likely have a book written about them somewhere, but it is possible that even a "less than" famous ancestor has a biography or autobiography published. Keep in mind that autobiographies (written by the subject of the book) could be a bit "biased" in the information, as most people don't want to tell ALL the bad stuff in their life. On the other hand, it is possible that a biography could be biased in a negative way if written by someone who wasn't fond of the subject. Be sure to check all local sources for a possible record.

Females take the husbands name at marriage which makes it hard to find her ancestors. Women did not have to be naturalized, if their husband was, until 1922. Many states disallowed women to own real estate even into the 20th century. The right to vote in the land of the free was given to women only as late as 1920. Don't overlook women's schools, colleges and organizations (such as women's suffrage groups). Be sure to check for special records at local libraries, archives and societies.

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > Logs, Newsletters and More > Beginners > GENTREK - Female Ancestors

IGI = International Genealogical Index, the single largest database of genealogical names in the world. This info is published by the LDS church and can be an invaluable resource for researchers. The IGI contains names that have either been submitted by members of the church OR extracted from original records.

Ancestral File is a database managed for the LDS Church. The database contains literally thousands of families and their genealogies. The files are submitted by members of the church, or by others who submit their information. Keep in mind that the LDS Church does NOT verify the details that are in the files.... this would be an impossible project! As with ANY compiled source, it is up to you to verify and document if the information is accurate. Use all information as a CLUE to lead you in your search until you have found the source documents to prove the information. :-)

Keyword: ROOTS > Library > Logs, Newsletters and More > Beginners > GENTREK - Family History Centers

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