Module IV: Exploring Further

Find probate records for your ancestors.
Locate microfilms in the Family History Library Catalog containing records from churches in your localities of interest.
Order military records from the National Archives and Records Administration.
Contact state and local libraries in your areas of interest for genealogical information.

INTRODUCTION

As discussed in Module III, different localities began recording vital events at different times. Unfortunately, the vital records that genealogists often need to prove a date or a family relationship simply do not exist. However, a variety of alternative records can serve as substitutes for the information provided by birth, marriage, and death records.

For example, family bibles, church records, military records, and federal census records (1850 to 1930) can serve as substitutes for all three vital events. Birth information can be found on tombstones and Social Security (SS-5) applications. Key resources for death information include probate records, tombstones, and obituaries.

PROBATE RECORDS

Wills and other probate records are valuable resources for family history research. Among some of the earliest records available, these documents help establish family relationships and pinpoint dates of death. Wills are especially valuable as they often list the wife and all the couple's children by their given names. In the case of married daughters, they often provide the names of their husbands. Occasionally, they will list the names of grandchildren.

SAMPUBCO

One of the first places to look for wills is Sampubco. Currently this site provides copies of original wills for various counties in 29 states. If you locate a will for your ancestor, you can order a copy for a nominal fee.

DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE

FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY CATALOG (FHLC)

After checking Sampubco, the next place to visit is the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC). Many states and counties have provided microfilms of original wills and probate records to the Family History Library.

As discussed in Module III, you can order any microfilms of interest for a small fee ($5.50 - $7.00) from your local Family History Center.

NOTE: FamilySearch does not support frames. Before clicking the PRACTICE link, click here to print the instructions.

DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE

To locate a Family History Center in your area, click here.

STATE LIBRARIES & STATE ARCHIVES

Many state libraries and archives maintain probate records and provide copies of the original documents for a nominal fee. In addition, many have extensive collections of other valuable genealogical records including vital records, church records, bible records, and newspaper collections.

For example, the Connecticut State Library has a very large collection of genealogical materials, and for a fee of $15.00 for non-Connecticut residents ($5.00 for residents), the library will conduct a genealogical index search of it collections on a single ancestor's name.

Similarly, you can order copies of original wills and vital records from the New Jersey State Archives.

Click here for a list of state libraries and state archives in the U.S.

COUNTY AND TOWN HISTORIES

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.

MILITARY RECORDS

NATIONAL ARCHIVES & RECORDS ADMINISTRATION

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, DC
has military records beginning with the Revolutionary War. Essentially, two types of military records 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. The National Archives maintains service records pertaining to the Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783), post-Revolution (1784 - 1811), the War of 1812 (1812 - 1815), the Mexican War (1845 - 1848), the Civil War (1861 - 1865), and the Spanish-American War (1898).

Pension application records are the most valuable military records for family history information. The National Archives has pension files for veterans and widows from the Revolutionary War, Mexican War, Indian Wars, and Civil War (Union only). Confederate pension files are maintained by the eleven former Confederate states and Kentucky, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

Because persons applying for military pensions had to prove their service, these records contain valuable genealogical information such as vital statistics, family relationships, marriage information, and children's names.

You can order copies of military service records and pension application files online with a credit card. However, if you prefer to order through the mail with a check or money order, you must first order the appropriate forms. For pension application records, order NATF Form 85. For military service records, order NATF Form 86. Because each request must be completed on an original form, be sure to order a couple of forms (limit 5) for each type of record.

DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE

If your ancestor was a Confederate soldier, you can order the military service records from NARA. However, NARA does NOT have pension files for service in the Confederate Army. For information on obtaining pension files for Confederate soldiers, click here.

In addition to the military records at NARA, some state libraries & archives maintain military records.

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.

NEWSPAPERS

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.

DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE

MODULE IV ACTIVITIES

Search Sampubco 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.
Order several copies of NATF Form 85 and NATF Form 86 from the National Archives & Records Administration (NARA). Use these forms to order military pension records (Form 85) and service records (Form 86) for your ancestors. NARA has pension records for veterans and widows from the Revolutionary War, Mexican War, Indian Wars, and Civil War (Union only). NARA maintains service records for soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War, post-Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War.
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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