Who Do You Think You Are?Where did you come from?

Things to consider before you visit the Courthouse

Are the records your looking for city or county record ? When was the county formed? What are the hours of operation for the courthouse? What records do they have? Which office has the records you want?

Getting ready for your visit

Dress comfortably and wear flat shoes. You may be on you feet most of the day.

Many courthouses do not allow photocopying, ask first. Bring change for copies.

You may not have a place to set your laptop or plug it in it’s best to leave it in the car. Bring a pencil and lined notepad you may

not be able to use a pen. A magnifying glass can be helpful in reading

many old records

Records found at the CourthouseLand Deeds State Land Federal Land Military Bounty Land Warranty

Probate Wills Intestate

Civil Court Marriage Divorce Naturalzation Lawsuit

Criminel State VS You

Tax

What can land records show you

When and where your ancestor came from.If your ancestor was married or single.

At times family relationships.

Grantor ---- Owner -- one who sells or transfers landGrantee --- Buyer -- one who receives property

General Index to deeds

Federal Land Deed

Bounty Land

Land given for services rendered to the United States of America

Probate

Did your ancestor leave a will?If not, will there be any record left behind?

A will generally tells family relationships.

If minor children are involveda guardian may be listed.

Types of Wills

Holograph Will-Handwritten by testor.Nuncupative Will- Oral usually on deathbed

Intestate- no will written by testor but estate settled through the court.

Will are witnessed by two individuals.They may be witnessed by family members

or close trusted friends.

Civil Court

Naturalization Oath of allegiance to the United States

Marriage Records

Name of bride and groom sometimes information on parents.

Divorce Records

List date of marriage and all minor children.

Miscellaneous Court Records

Coroner recordsCivil lawsuitsTax records

Criminal Records

The State vs YouBigamy, Assault, and Murder

Vital Records

Most birth and death records will not be found at the courthouse.

Many New England states kept the vital records in each individual city.

In the early 1900’s the government began to require vital records to be kept at

the capital of each state.For example Kansas vital records can be located at the capital building in Topeka.

Questions?

Thank you for coming