Unk Hiram's
Beginning Genealogy Lessons
Lesson #3

Lesson Three: Charting Your Courthouse Trip
The next step in your genealogical research is to start making trips to the county courthouses. There are two major research methods you can use for courthouses. The first method is what I call the "Shotgun" method. The second is the "Organized" method.

Lets discuss the shotgun method first. With this method we charge into the courthouse without knowing ahead of time what kind of documents might be in that county courthouse or even if we should have any documents there. I usually start with the marriage register and try to find anyone with my surnames. If by chance you find one of your surnames in the register -- make a copy of the wedding license. I want to point out you don't need to buy a "certified" copy because a zeroxed copy works fine. You then hit the birth register (if that county allows it), the death register (if allowed), the will register, the probate books and the land records. You make copies of any document that mentions any of your surnames. You will not be allowed to copy birth or death certificates. This method can produce some great documents that "MIGHT" be useful to your research or you can come up without a single thing.

The second method will prove to be a lot more satisfying but it takes a bit more work. Before leaving for the courthouse, go through your research and put together a list of people that were in the county. Make a list of documents that should be in that county. Using this method you avoid counties that will not supply you with information and only go to the counties where you know you had family. But, let me stress that neither method guarantees results.

Q & A Section:


1. What are the two methods of Courthouse Research?
   
   1. Shotgun and slingshot
      
   2. Shotgun and organized
      
   3. Slingshot and organized
      
   4. Maine and not Maine
      
   
   
2. What two documents can you never copy?
   
   1. Wills and land deeds
      
   2. Land deeds and birth certificates
      
   3. Records from Maine
      
   4. Birth and death certificates
      
   
   
3. Which research method guarantees you find something?
   
   1. Shotgun Method
      
   2. Organized Method
      
   3. Neither
      
   4. Mailing a request to Maine
      

The Genealogy Forum - Main Page
Beginners' Center | Surname Center | File Libraries
Resource Center | Reunion Center
Genealogy Forum News
Shop With Us

© 1999 - 2021  Some Graphics By Carol, All Rights Reserved.
Genealogy Forum.com is a production of
Golden Gate Services, Inc. of Armada, Michigan.
© 1998 - 2021 All Rights Reserved. Brenda Jean Bova, President.
Tree logo provided by MeadPond Designs and is the trademark of GenealogyForum.com.

If you have any questions or comments,
please contact GoldenGateServices@aol.com