for a list of state libraries and state archives in the U.S.
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COUNTY AND TOWN
HISTORIES
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 From
the late 1870s to the early 1920s, many counties (particularly in mid-western
states) published county histories which included detailed biographies of their
citizens. These biographies can be very helpful in documenting family history.
In addition to your direct ancestors, look for biographies for your ancestors'
brothers, uncles, cousins, etc. as their biographies will often mention your
direct ancestors.
Over 3,000 of these histories are now available online for FREE.
Click here for links to county and town
histories arranged by state. To determine the county in which a particular
town is located,
click here.
NOTE: Whenever you copy or download information from a county or
town history, be sure to obtain the title page and publication information as
well.
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MILITARY RECORDS
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 Basically, there are two types of military records that are of interest to genealogists: service records and pension application records.
Service records provide very little genealogical information. They are used
primarily to prove military service. They provide information on rank, military
unit, dates of service, and discharge.
Pension application records are the most valuable military records for family history information.
Because persons applying for military pensions had to prove their service, these records
often contain valuable genealogical information such as vital statistics, family relationships, marriage information, and children's names.
Complete pension files for the Revolutionary War are available on
Ancestry.com. Pension records from the War of 1812 are currently
being digitized.
Click here
for a free index to these files. The National Archives has pension files for veterans and widows from the Mexican War, Indian Wars, and Civil War (Union only).
Confederate pensions
are maintained by the eleven former Confederate states and Kentucky, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
MILITARYINDEXES.COM
Like DeathIndexes.com in Module III, MilitaryIndexes.com links to dozens of free and fee-based searchable databases for military records from the Revolutionary War up through the Vietnam War.
For example, you can search and view the Florida World War I Service Cards for men and women who either resided in Florida or who entered service in the state of Florida.
DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE
RESEARCHING YOUR REVOLUTIONARY WAR PATRIOT
FREE TUTORIAL
If you are curious whether you have any Revolutionary War patriots lurking in your family tree,
this free tutorial provides a step-by-step process for finding and documenting
ancestors who aided in achieving American independence.
DAR
PATRIOT INDEX
If you have identified an ancestor living in the United States at the time of
the American Revolution, you can search the
DAR Genealogical
Research System (GRS), including the DAR Patriot Index, to determine if the DAR recognizes your ancestor as a Revolutionary
War patriot.
NOTE: Before clicking PRACTICE, print out the INSTRUCTIONS as the
DAR site does not allow frames.
DEMONSTRATION
INSTRUCTIONS PRACTICE
If you find your ancestor in the index,
click here for
information about ordering a copy of the DAR application on file for your patriot ancestor.
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NEWSPAPERS
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Newspapers often contain valuable genealogical information including marriage notices, obituaries,
and news items.
Many state libraries and archives allow patrons to review microfilmed copies of newspapers at the library's facilities.
In addition, some libraries lend the microfilm to individuals outside the area through interlibrary loan.
Contact the
state library or archive in your state of interest for more information.
LIBWEB
Another option for locating newspapers is to contact the local public library in your research area.
Many public libraries maintain microfilmed copies of local newspapers.
If you know the exact date of your ancestor's death or marriage, a librarian may be willing to research your article and print a copy for you for a nominal fee.
Libweb provides links to local library Web sites throughout the U.S.
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MODULE IV ACTIVITIES
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- Search Probate Records & Vital Records for wills.
- Search the Family History Library Catalog for microfilms of probate records for your ancestors.
Most probate records are located at the county level. To determine the county in which a town is located, use the
Town to County Database.
- Visit your local Family History Center and order the microfilms.
- Check county and town histories for biographies that mention your ancestors.
- Explore the Web sites of state libraries and archives for the states where your ancestors resided.
Become familiar with the genealogical resources and services available there.
- If you find an ancestor who was born between 1710 and 1765 and who was alive after 1775,
check the DAR Patriot Index to see if anyone has submitted an approved DAR
application on your ancestor.
- Search the Libweb Web site to find the local public libraries in your ancestral counties and towns.
If you know the death date and location for an ancestor, contact the library and request an obituary.
- Update your Ancestor Charts and Family Group Sheets.
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Contact Us
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Copyright © 2004 - 2013 by Debbie Duay, Ph.D., Fort Lauderdale, FL. All Rights Reserved.
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IV - Exploring Further