This course is designed to give you a better understanding of the history, content, and uses of census records and related material. Much census material is available on computerized databases located in many familiar places—libraries, archives, etc. While those specific locations are not given in the material, many charts are supplied which track which documents are available for particular years, for the various U.S. states. This should be of more use and enable you to better focus your search for documents and information. We will also review some of the common pitfalls which can derail a genealogical search and offer tips on how to avoid them.
MODULE 1
FEDERAL CENSUS 1790-1940 POPULATION SCHEDULES
Strategies for Using Census Records
A Bit of History About the Census Enumerations
Colonial Census
History of Federal Census 1790-2000
Census Schedule Availability
Slave Population Schedules for 1850-1860
MODULE 2
FEDERAL CENSUS 1790-1940 POPULATION SCHEDULES...Continued
Things to Consider About the Census
The Other Population Schedules
Finding Persons in Military Service
MODULE 3
1885 CENSUS AND NON-POPULATION SCHEDULES
Census of 1885
Non-Population Schedules
Mortality Schedules 1850-1885
Social Statistics Schedule 1850-1885
1890 Special Schedule of Union Surviving Soldiers, Soldiers,
Sailors and Widows, etc.
MODULE 4
INDEXING AND RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Census Availability
Census Indexing
Variations Between Census Indexes
Government Work: Soundex & Miracode Systems
Citing Your Sources
Scanned or Printed Images
MODULE 5
COLONIAL, STATE, TERRITORIAL & NATIVE AMERICAN/INDIAN CENSUS
Boundary Changes
Non-Federal Censuses
Native American/American Indian Census
MODULE 6
SUBSTITUTE RECORDS
Tax Lists
Voting Registers
City Directories
Examining birth, marriage, and death records and how they can expand your family tree. Birth, marriage and death records in the United States will be examined to show how much information is available in them. The history of when they began to be recorded in various places and the depth of the information in them over time will be discussed. The recording of vital statistics was most often done at the time the event occurred, which means the information is often of high accuracy. However, problems with accuracy will be explored.
The various administrative levels (municipal, county, and state) at which these records were kept and the repositories (archives and libraries) where they may now be found will be described. Published vital records will also be discussed. Suggestions for using the Internet for researching vital statistics records will be provided.
The objectives of this course include:
-
Understanding the creation of vital records in
the United States
-
Locating vital records in the United
States
-
Evaluating information in these
records
-
Creating a research plan based on availability
of records
- Securing documents needed to prove your family lineage
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Reference Books & Websites
UNDERSTANDING & USING VITAL RECORDS
Creation of Vital Records in the United States
Points of Reference for Documents
MODULE 2
20th AND 21st CENTURY DEATH RECORDS
Death Indexes
Social Security Death Index
Resources
MODULE 3
LOCATING A DEATH DATE
U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules
Information on the Mortality Schedules
USGenWeb
Headstones and Cemetery Indexes
Family History Library and FamilySearch
MODULE 4
MARRIAGE RECORDS
Introduction
Finding the Marriage Date and Location
Gathering Necessary Information from Census Schedules
Locating the Original Records
Divorce Records
MODULE 5
BIRTH RECORDS
Locating the Birth Records
Court Records
Military Records
Using the Ancestry.com Databases
MODULE 6
RESEARCHING OTHER RECORDS
Court Records
Military Records
Passport Applications
Immigration & Emigration Records
Naturalization Records
Ships Lists
Lineage Societies
Criminal Records
Census Records
This course focuses on religions which had a significant presence in the developing new land in America, prior to 1800. While the basic tenants of various religions, particularly Protestantism and Catholicism were being debated in Europe prior to 1800, it is the culture and beliefs of the immigrants who settled in America which is of interest to us. A greater understanding of these developments will greatly assist any search for genealogical sources and resources of information.
The course material will follow a format whereby first the religion and its main subcategories are identified, then given a brief historical sketch and a timeline for context. Next, a listing and discussion of available records and their location, including addresses and websites is offered for the various religious groups. Lastly, tips and suggestions are given to further assist a search for information.
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION & HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Introduction to Religious Records
Different Colonies, Different Denominations
The Records
MODULE 2
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Catholic Records
Parish Registers
Parish & Diocesan Histories
Repositories Diocesan Archives
MODULE 3
SOUTHERN ANGLICANS
Congregational Church
Timeline
Records and Repositories
Unitarians and Universalists
Timeline
Records and Repositories
Episcopal Church (Anglican)
Timeline
Records and Repositories
MODULE 4
LUTHERAN / REFORMED CHURCHES & ENGLISH QUAKERS
Lutheran Church
Timeline
Records and Repositories
Reformed Churches (Dutch and German)
Timeline
Records and Repositories
English Quakers
Timeline
Records and Repositories
MODULE 5
SCOTS / SCOTS-IRISH PRESBYTERIANS, ENGLISH METHODISTS & BAPTISTS
Presbyterian Church
Timeline
Records and Repositories
Methodist Churches
Timeline
Records and Repositories
Baptist Churches
Timeline
Records and Repositories
MODULE 6
MINORITY SECTS IN COLONIAL AMERICA
Moravians
Timeline
Records and Repositories
Mennonites & Amish
Timeline
Records and Repositories
Huguenots
Timeline
Records and Repositories
Brethren Churches
Timeline
Records and Repositories
REFERENCES & RESEARCH MATERIALS
This course has been designed to accomplish several objectives. We will provide a brief overview of the history and types of land documents in the United States, and we will begin with considering Colonial Records (English, French, Mexican, Spanish). We will examine land grants, and the interesting history of homestead records and the development bounty lands will be discussed. Deeds and maps, naturally an important part of any search into land records, will also be examined.
We will conclude by providing a lengthy overview of the availability of statewide and Internet land record sources and resources; where they are located and how you can contact the appropriate repository.
MODULE 1
OVERVIEW OF HISTORY & RECORD TYPES
Reading Up on Land Records & American History
Guides for Selected Localities
Strategies for Using Land Records
Land Records Definitions
MODULE 2
COLONIAL RECORDS
British (English) Colonial Land Records
MODULE 3
LAND GRANTS
An Overview of the Land Grant Process
State Land States versus Federal Land States
Determining a Legal Description of Land
Tract Books & Plat Maps
MODULE 4
HOMESTEAD RECORDS & BOUNTY LAND GRANTS
Homesteads
Bounty Land Grants
Federal Bounty Land Grants
State Bounty Land Grants
Other Bounty Land Warrants
MODULE 5
DEEDS & MAPS
Individual Land Sales
Deed Indexes
Types of Deeds
Maps
US Geological Survey
MODULE 6
IMPORTANT STATEWIDE & INTERNET LAND RECORD SOURCES
Selected Sources for the Various States