If you had a certain experience in a court house, be it good
or bad, here is the place to share it with others. In doing this, we can
share with other researchers what to expect before they make that trip.
This is your forum to speak out. Send your responses to me,
David Goodman, at
goodmangenealogy@comcast.net and I will
post it to the appropriate state.
Please, no swearing, or slander, just the
facts maam'
Your County Clerks Office and You
by D. S. Ford
A comment in general for all counties
First, let me thank you
for creating this website. I really believe that once the word gets
out that this will be a great asset to all genealogists regardless of
experience.
Second, I have witnessed others who have sought out records in various
county offices. Some of the mannerisms are astounding. You'd be
surprised at the number of researchers that I have observed who walk in with
the attitude that no matter what the employees are doing the visitor comes
first and that they should be ready at a pin drop to assist in any way and
that they the visitor doesn't have to be courteous. Many researchers
tend to forget that they are from outside the county and they don't pay the
salaries of the county employees. As such I would like to recommend
for consideration a comment in general for all counties be placed on the
website:
As we know county offices can hold many records which are needed for
genealogical research. The employees in these offices have specific
duties and responsibilities which must be kept up daily in order to keep the
office run smoothly and efficiently. Whenever any genealogist comes in this
can be a disruption to the employees work plans. They are humans just
as we are. They expect to be treated with respect just as we expect to
be given the same respect as a visitor. A few basic suggestions are:
1) Call or locate information on the hours and guidelines that the office(s)
have. If necessary make an appointment and keep it. If something
happens that you cannot keep the appointment, call them immediately. A
local genealogist may have been notified to come in and assist you and they
need to be notified as well.
2) Upon arrival introduce yourself and tell them where you are from and what
you are trying to locate. Also ask what the guidelines are for copying
documents before you even start looking.
3) Be patient as there may be other researchers there that need assistance
as well as county residents who are there on official business which comes
first to the employees.
4) Keep any conversations with others in your party in a low voice so others
will not be easily distracted.
5) If you need assistance from other researchers or the office staff, be
courteous. A simple 'thank you' now and then doesn't hurt and others
will remember you accordingly. If you have to get their attention
after waiting, say "excuse me." Your courtesy will be appreciated and
most likely be returned with full cooperation with any request.
6) Most offices will allow you to bring in a briefcase so make sure you have
plenty of writing supplies with you and any reference material. Take
out only what is absolutely necessary to keep work space to a minimum.
I have always used these guidelines and have never had any trouble getting
access to records or assistance from office employees. I guess the
saying "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" holds very true
for genealogical researchers if they only would remember this. Thanks
for your time in consideration of my suggestion/request.
by
Debbi Geer
Alabama
Lauderdale County - I am a volunteer
at the Lauderdale County Alabama Courthouse records room and I think a
visitor will be pleasantly surprised with the facility. The courthouse
holds the distinction as being one of the few that has never burned and has
records dating back to the 1820's. It is fairly well organized in a
humidity controlled room. The staff are very courteous and helpful in
pointing the way to the various records. Linda
B Ellis
Lawrence Co - Lawrence County, AL had
a series of Clerks who had no interest in the oldest records or - worse -
considered them a nuisance. They were left for years in a sub basement
that flooded with every April shower. Finally, the County
approved an Archives for those precious resources. It is located across from
the southeast corner of the Courthouse square. Those people spent
months, if not years, trying to separate the wet and mildewed pages and dry
them with a hair dryer. A lot was lost but those Family History Angels
saved a lot, also. So, in this case, don't even bother with the
Courthouse, look across the street. Mildred
"Mickey" Fournier
Baldwin County - Alabama
This courthouse has a wealth of records dating back to the early
1800s, but they are very disorganized. The land indexes are in the main
records room and the deed books in another room. Old marriages, births,
probate books, etc., are in a hodge-podge in one corner. The probate
indexes are in an entirely separate area. The packets are in boxes
under a counter, one on top of the other, but they are neatly placed in
file folders. Be prepared to lift heavy boxes and books from high shelves
yourself, or bring someone stronger with you.
Black marriages are in one place and the white marriages are in
another.
I have tried to find out if there are other records in a basement, but my
attempts have been unsuccessful.
Regina Hines Ellison
Conecuh County - Couple of weeks ago, visited the Courthouse in
Evergreen, AL. It is small and in bad repair and hard to get at. No straight
shot had to drive around several blocks to get to the right street. Just
keep your eyes on the roof line and sooner or later, you will get there. The
records are held in a secure vault and if you ask nicely they will take you
to it and point out the records books. Please, be careful as the paper is
very fragile. They have available a copy machine just outside of the vault
and they did not charge me for the couple of copies that I made. They have
birth, marriage, death and newspaper records. Please respect the records, so
that others may enjoy! Jackie Giles
Henry County
- I am a researcher of Southeast Alabama. I have searched Henry County Court
House Probate records, in Abbeville, Alabama. There is one lady there that
will help you, in any way she can. She is very freindly, and has assisted me
many times. You can't copy from the old books, but the Library near by has
some of the records on microfilm. F.
Howell
Houston County Court House, in Dothan
Alabama, the staff there is also friendly. They will copy any records for
you, for $1.00 a page. Any records before 1903, you will have to get it from
Abbeville, Alabama Court House. I feel welcomed at both Henry and Houston
County Court Houses. F.
Howell
Russell Co.
-
Phoenix City, AL, - my cousin and I spent three hours looking for
records we knew existed before I finally went to the person in charge of
records again for the third time and told her that I knew what documents
courthouses had, and that I knew they must have documents locked away in
a room. It is illegal to keep the public from public records! Surely,
enough, she "found" a key to a basement room and took us there. My
cousin told her that she had seen pictures of that inner "sanctuary" on
the internet! We had only one hour left to copy because we had driven
all morning to get there. I was allowed to use the copier but got in
"trouble" for using the digital camera. The BIG MAN IN CHARGE was
fairly new at the job and didn't know any more about court records and
genealogical research than ended at the door. He finally admitted that
they wanted to make the money from copies (I wrote a check for nearly
$100.00) and that they were thinking about trying to put the documents
online and charge for copies that way! I just looked at him and
informed him that the LDS had already filmed most of the county records
and had them at the state archives--told him about the Georgia archives.
I also posed this question: why do you think it is morally right to make
public records such an expense? What about people who cannot afford
your charge? I told him that learning about the past was one of the most
valuable tools we have in the present. He was so ignorant I wanted to
hit him. When she got home, my cousin checked; sure enough, the Alabama
state archives has the documents. You can see what is available in your
state by going to the LDS to see what files from each county they have
copied.
RDG
Russell Co.
- Giving thanks you are doing this!!! After many years of research in
the courthouse in Phenix City, AL we found out they have what I would call a
hidden basement. The records they have upstairs is just a drop in the
bucket compared to the VERY old records that are stored in the basement.
The last trip I asked about the basement and was led to a narrow winding
staircase located out of sight. This was only after I did a little
name dropping and also the fact I'm a descendant of John Godwin the famous bridge builder
who along with his former slave Horace King...put Phenix City on the map.
The VERY old records are in a locked door in a very poorly lit room...old volumes
thrown all over the place and many many of the old metal filing cabinets
line one wall. The information I needed was obtained from a file in
one of the cabinets. There is no place but the floor to lay you
research. None of these records are available upstairs as none of them
have been cataloged. Pat
Russell Co.
-
I am a U.S. Army veteran, the code of Alabama clearly states that a
veteran may obtain a free certified copy of any public record (marriage,
divorce, birth ect.) the clerk of court in Russell county wanted to charge
me 30 or 35 dollars for each copy needed by the regional office in
Montgomery. This is a clear violation of the code.
Bobby Mitchem
Alaska
Arizona
For several years I have been in and out of about 20 counties in Central and
Eastern AR doing research for a Law Firm. My research demands I have access to
Civil Cases, Small Claims and Foreclosures both in the District (Sometimes still
called Municipal) and the Circuit Courts. I can't think that I have ever had a bad experience with the clerks. A couple of
them are seriously indifferent, but that doesn't disturb me because I know where
to look and what to look for so I really don't need any help. I seldom make
copies, preferring to copy the records onto my laptop by typing in the
information I need. Many of the clerks, especially in Independence County have "adopted" me and I
feel like one of the family. If there are cupcakes, pie, donuts and fresh coffee
(which there always is) I have been encouraged to "help myself." If I don't seem
to "help myself" quickly enough, one of them will make me a plate and get me
coffee. I don't even get that service at home. There are a few counties (and I am sworn to secrecy) at which the clerks go to
lunch, and if I am not done, they will simply lock me inside and let me work,
only asking that I close and lock the door behind me when I leave. I've also met many of the Sheriffs and Chief's of Police, whose offices are
often in the same building. You know how it is with "cops and donuts" they can
sniff them out miles away. Again, these guys are polite and professional, and
certainly doesn't hurt to have few of them on your side. In keeping with that, I have also met and become friends with several judges.
When you are both on the same side of the bench, it is amazing how much "aw
shucks, we're just folks" they can be. So, all things considered, I look forward to seeing these folks once or twice a
month. Tim D. Culey Crawley and DeLoache Law
Firm Jonesboro, AR.Johnson, AR - My best courthouse
experiences came from the small mid-west towns. They are
not
helpful at all if you make mail inquiries BUT, if you show up in person,
they lead you to the room where all the
documents are and turn you loose. Me and my brother
had a blast at the Clarksville (county seat of Johnson, AR) going through
all the documents relating to our family. Virginia
Arkansas
Arkansas State Archives I drove over
300 miles to the state archives in Little Rock Arkansas. The clerks
were rude. No one offered any help at all. One bragged that they
had everything indexed. She was right, If I had stayed a year ,
I wouldn't have broken their code ! You can only look at one thing at a time
and must stand in line and wait for it. Then stand in line to return it.
A real drag and waste of time. Mary Harkey Russell maryiola@alltel.net
The Arkansas State Archives personnel should
visit the Tennesee State Archives and take lots of notes on how to operate a
state archives. Arkansas went out of their way to make it difficult to
do research. The facilities are cramped, and the records are
impossible to locate. Even if you know what you are looking for, it is
most likely behind closed doors and you have to wait for someone to retrieve
it for you. Having visited the Tennessee State Archives, I know
that it is possible to have a user friendly library and a very courteous
staff. Too bad Arkansas cannot do better. Melanie Atkins
Bradley County
- My first visit to my Ancestral Home was in Bradley County,
Arkansas, town of Warren in the summer of 2002. It was wonderful.
The staff were so helpful. They led me to a room with old dusty books.
I was so amazed, I knew what I wanted to look for, but with all the books, I
didn't know where to start first. They had books on the top shelf that
I bet had not been opened since the last entry that could have taken place
since the beginning of the 20th Century. As I looked at the marriage
records I began to realize why It was hard to find my families marriage
records. In the marriage book it had 'colored/white.' Well,
whoever handled the books crossed out 'colored' and left the word 'white.'
Which in fact meant if they crossed out the word 'colored' it meant the
couple was indeed colored.
All in all, the staff there were absolutely wonderful, and, whenever I write
them, the get right back to me within a week (I live in California).
I'm looking forward to going back next year...I can't wait! Dena
Jordan
Clay Co AR - I have only had business
with one office and that is the county clerk's office in the Piggott
courthouse. You have to remember that this county has two courthouses
- Piggott and another in Corning. Due to low lands in the mid part of
the county, a second location was created years ago and records are kept in
the respective part of the county. Piggott has records for the Eastern
half; Corning for the Western half. Thus it should be noted that
county officials have two offices. Recently the county clerk retired.
However his wife was and still is very active with genealogy and as such the
office has always been receptive to genealogical visitors. Debbi
Geer
Cleveland County - I first called the
Cleveland County courthouse and introduced myself and asked the lady on the
phone if I needed to make an appointment to look thru there records. She
said no and gave me the courthouse hours. I told her when to expect me and I
showed up about an hour after the courthouse opened up. I told the
staff who my families were that I was researching and they couldn't have
been any nicer. I was able to make copies of the old bound books, or for
that matter any thing that I wanted to take the time to copy. I hope to go
back soon, but only after I give them a call first to let them know I'm
coming. Renita
Eubanks McDaniel
Greene Co - Wonderful
people here from the courthouse staff, to the Lipscomb Room at the library
which has a terrific genealogy selection. All the records are readily
available to the researcher. Questions aren't a bother and help is yours for
the asking. Copy fees are very reasonable. The ladies and gentlemen here are
more than willing to assist in your research. Parking at both places is
plentiful and no meter maids to worry about! P.R.
Massey
Greene Co - The clerks at the
Greene County courthouse are always polite and helpful. However, some
of the older county records are in danger of being lost. They were
stored in the subbasement of the historic courthouse for years and when
it flooded, the records got wet and then grew moldy. The local
genealogical society was promised that a space would be made in the new
courthouse for these records, but they did not get it. The records are
still stored in the sub basement which still floods, and mold still
grows on the records. The county's Quorum Court has pushed aside all
requests to save these old records. They put rotary fans in the sub
basement, repainted the walls and had the outside of the record books
washed down with bleach-water. The records are just sitting there,
deteriorating. As for the formerly great research facilities at the
Greene County Library, that's changed. The library shoved the genealogy
research materials into what amounts to a closet in the library. Not
long after that the local genealogical society came and removed
everything they own from the library, including the microfilm readers.
There's only one there now, and the rest of the readers and all that
wonderful research info is somewhere only the genealogical society knows
about. They sure aren't making it publicly known.
Juli Morgan
Izard Co. at Melbourne, Ar. is
something else! Several clerks just halfway pointed to some shelves filled
with the worn ledgers, basically no index, and no method to reproduce. If
you will come to Florida, I'll show you our courthouses! Volamae
Clarksville,Johnson
County. The ladies there weren't very friendly. They did let me
go through their records, but to no avail for what I was looking for. Kyle
L. Smith
Logan County -
There are two Logan County, Arkansas courthouses, one in Paris and one in
Booneville. Paris is the older of the two and the one I am familiar
with. Linda Core is the County Clerk, and she has assembled a staff
that is a real pleasure to work with. They are very helpful, whether
it be helping one find records or getting copies ($.25 each) made.
They have always bent over backward to see that I get everything I possibly
can when I manage to get by on one of my trips home. One word of
caution though. Arkansas has "early voting" for all
elections, and that voting in Paris is done in the vault in the County
Clerk's office. Since that is where all the records are, genealogy
research is not allowed during "early voting." However, if
one knows the exact record and needs a copy, they will pull that and copy
it for him/her. It is always a pleasant and rewarding experience to
get to spend time there!
Betty Cochran
Logan Co
- I've had a warm reception in Logan Co AR both from correspondence and
visiting a few times in person. They were very helpful in guiding me
to what I needed and let me spend as much time as I wanted looking through
all their books. In fact, at one point I was really tested in
honesty and moral values. I found a treasure I'd never expected,
a hand written note by my great grandmother giving permission for her
youngest daughter to be married. It took all I had to leave that
original and walk out with just a copy, I could have taken it and no
one known the difference. Lynne
(Turner) Downing
Logan Co
-
The gals at Logan County courthouse in
Booneville, Arkansas are the best in the world. Whenever I get to go down
there they let me have free access to the books and when I find what I need
just copy it after asking if it is okay to copy, if not then I write all
that I can. They also send me copies of my research by mail when I can't get
down there. Melissa is really good about comprehending what I need for my
research. And across the hall is more records, like Soldiers and Sailors
which is interesting also. Found my grandfather, my father and uncles
records when they were in the service and they will let you copy them also
.And the Booneville Library has some of the best records I have researched
and very helpful to all. Thanks. Carolyn Ladd Bradley
Marion Co. - http://www.rootsweb.com/~armarion/marioncoinfo/courthouseresearch.html
Linda H. Davenport
Randolph Co. - You wanted our courthouse experiences... I have one to share.
On my 1st
visit to Pocahontas, AR this summer, I had the best experience at a
courthouse that I had ever had.
I have always gone to the courthouses
and had the experience that the people were courteous, but few were actually
friendly! I always apologize to those who work in the particular departments
of where I am searching, if I have a question.. I have been met with
anything from short, curt answers, to polite short answers but body language
told me to not bother them... I have expected those reactions, no matter how polite, quiet, apologetic for bothering them with my questions, that I
am..
That changed this summer when I went to Pocahontas, AR. I had
along my dad, who is 73, and interested and excited about genealogy. He has
a habit of befriending anyone and everyone, to tell our life's story, what we are searching for, to anybody we are around. I found myself
holding my breath.... The gals were more than friendly and polite. When the gals learned that we were going to be searching for several
marriage
licenses, 3 of them hopped up from their desks, and starting grabbing the
books, making copies for us without a bad attitude, roll of the eyes, or any
part of their body language saying that they were too busy, all the while,
smiling, friendly, and acting like they had nothing else to do but help us.
When I apologized for disturbing them in their daily work, they pshawed me
and said that it was their pleasure to help... that we weren't bothering
them at all...
PLEASE, I knew that they were just being too kind, but I
tell you, I wished then and there that I could clone every one of them, and
send them to every courthouse in the nation! I have bragged on them at the local area mailing list, so the word has gotten to them. They even
wrote
me back a letter saying THANK YOU.. can you believe it??? I couldn't, but I
know that I will be back, because of these 3 classy, friendly ladies who
did more than what was expected of them!
So, the good ones are out
there.. and 3 are at Pocahontas, Arkansas!! Lanita
Sconce Miller
Randolph Co
- I've never experienced the royal carpet treatment that Ms. Miller
describes in Randolph Co. but this site should be a real tool to help
everyone know what to expect and how best to handle ourselves. Thanks
for your time and commitment here. Lynne
(Turner) Downing
Scott County, AR
The courthouse is located in the very small town of Waldron. I saw no
indication of a hotel or bed & breakfast in the area of the courthouse.
If you are traveling a long distance you should contact the Scott Co
Genealogy Society for information on where to stay - actually you should
contact them anyway since their Society's holdings are located in an older
building in town and someone from the society will have to open the rooms
for you. http://www.rootsweb.com/~arscott/schg.htm.
The record room at the court house is very small. Most of the record books
are stored in a semi-trailer at the back of the courthouse. I found a phone
call ahead of time helped a great deal since the kind folks at the
courthouse found most of the records I needed before I arrived.
Linda H. Davenport
Sharp Co - In late July I was
visiting in Arkansas looking for my Crouch Ancestors. Many of the
"country" courthouses have no facilities for making copies, no
index, very primitive. But the "new" building in Sharp Co, in Ash
Flat was the neatest, most up to date of any yet. A newly indexed
"marriage record" was concise and easy to read, and a young
African American lady was so very helpful! She put us in separate room
with tables, chairs, and other items of interest. She did a print out of all
the names on the 1930 census records I was interested in. I would highly
recommend the staff, the easy to find records...-Volamae
Sharp Co - Just last Wednesday I went to the Sharp County courthouse
looking for upper 1800 marriage license. I'd been told they were
unfriendly and probably couldn't get to the records. My experience was
nothing like that. When I told them why I was there, they went a side
door and told me to "come on in". Deep in my mind I
went with a positive thought that I'd get to the records. My only
drawback is that there was no index to be found except for looking in
the front of "each" book and reading each entry. Yes, I
learned of a contact where I could purchase an index to the marriage records
in a book format. Having done that, I should be able to find what I'm
looking for on my next trip. All in all, it was a positive experience.
Judy
SEBASTIAN
COUNTY - It has been about 4 or 5 years ago, that we were there.
They were helpful, however, the problem is that, at least at that time, the
land records were in a separate building from the probate records. We
had actual access to the old dusty volumes of the land records. As an
aside, please go to the Public Library in Fort Smith (county seat), they
have mortuary records. Rolene
Kiesling
Washington Co Arkansas: There are
separate rooms in the courthouse maintained for researchers where the
most pertinent records are kept for self service, like land, some
marriages, etc. I did go into one other office where they were also
very helpful and friendly. Noreen Pearson Bryant
White County
Courthouse in Searcy is a classic 1900th century American
Courthouse (1870).The staff was helpful
and after asking you can go in and help yourself to the Marriage and
Deed books. The marriage books are in one room and the deeds are in
another. We made a trip to the
library (only a few blocks away) first and got the Groom/Bride indexes
for the family name. I used my digital camera to make copies of the
records at the courthouse, so don’t know how getting old-fashioned
copies works. The room holding the marriage books is small but has a
table that you can squeeze out some space to work. The clerk in the
marriage section was very helpful and looked up and located a will for
us. The deed room has a
large counter height work surfaces the length of the room that you need
to share with people coming in to do title searches. The White County
Historical Society rescued the old wills from the courthouse attic and
were organizing and filing them during our visit. I don’t know if they
are now available at the courthouse or through the historical society.
Be sure and eat lunch
across the street from the courthouse at Bobby’s Family Restaurant.
Huge pieces of Banana Cream Pie for $1, polished off a old fashioned
meal.
Cynthia Joyner
Van Buren and
Searcy County. These people here are great. They show me where I need to go
and will help me if I have any questions. They also help me make
copies with the big books that are hard to handle and are
very old. Patsy Goates
Yell Co - Good experience in Yell Co.
Arkansas I have been to both courthouses for Yell Co. AR. One in
Danville and the other In Dardanelle. In both places the ladies working
there are a great help. Some will even make the copies for you if you
have a problem (25cents) All of them will stop what they are doing to
come help you find something. Both have a room with everything
conveniently located for genealogists. In Dardanelle I found that one
lady was even distantly related to me. maryiola@alltel.net
California
Orange County - Not a pleasant
experience working with courthouses here in Orange County,
California...unfortunately they don't even want you to see the records much
less ask them for help to find them...as to old will records, you can only
look up a family members will or estate, then you have to have the exact
cite and the clerk will pull the record for you, which can take up to 2
hours...viewing is only in the courthouse....if you're looking for something
in storage, forget it...I don't even think the clerks know where the records
are!! Charlotte
Coats
Orange County - Like everywhere,
there are good folks and bad ones. At Orange County, they invited me
inside behind the desk, gave me the original papers to search through,
entertained my young'in, and even invited me to share in the birthday lunch
for one of the staff. On the way out, however, the grump showed up and
made paying for my copies a real headache. -Bob
Wilson
It has been over 5 years since I have to been to the courthouses in Sierra
County (Downieville, county seat) and Plumas
County (Quincy) California. Sierra County was especially kind and
helpful and since Plumas was a bit busier at the time we were there, people
were a little more distracted but courteous and had helping attitudes.
These are both small counties located away from metropolitan areas. Cathy
Rossing
Los Angeles - The
"public servants" there feel that they're going to get a paycheck
whether or not they help you. They
have a "I could care less" attitude and you, the taxpayer, will
just have to wait until they're
done chatting, snacking or whatever. Virginia
Sonoma County--- I had a very
pleasant experience working with the people here in the recorders office in
Sonoma County California ( Santa Rosa, County Seat) The people were
especially kind and helpful. William
R. Hull
Yolo County Court House in Woodland, CA. First ,
during the middle of the day, only one person was working in a window.
She was working with each and every person and making sure they had
everything they needed. The line was long and people were getting
upset that only one window was open.
When the other window was opened finally, the person there was eating candy
and then she put a piece of gum in her mouth and was serving people in that condition. I finally got up to the window and asked what I needed to do
to get copies of some Wills, and I was told< If they are over ten years
old, we don't have them anymore. They were destroyed." I
just looked at her and asked, "Well, were they copied on to microfiche?"
Answer, "No they were destroyed."
Now I know that when a piece of paper goes in to the system, it becomes part
of the public record and unless it is destroyed by an act of God, there is a
record of it somewhere. the original may not be around any more, but
copies are around, somewhere. This lady was rude and did not even say
anything except when I was standing there getting ready to talk to her supervisor,
she said, "I will help the next person."
Ever Rude and not every helpful.
Lorie Franceschi
Colorado
Larimer County - Last
summer I wanted to locate property information. The personnel were
extremely helpful in guiding me to the proper indices and showed me how to
print whatever I needed. I spent several days researching and they
continued to help any way they could. Jan Cook
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia - Vital records such
as birth & death certificates - one needs the exact dates and full names
and for birth certificates the full names of parents. The price is on
the high side being $20 or more. (At least when compared to Iowa where
it is $5 - a bargain!) If one can find the right individual employee personally
maybe they will search and send a death certificate. We had good luck
with the death certificates - came in the USPS mail within four weeks.
Couldn't even ask for any birth certificates because the ones we wanted we
didn't have all the above information about (in fact we wanted to find the
parents, and the exact birth date from a range of years - we were hoping to
get information and fill in some blanks). They really are not set up
for genealogy researchers. Their purpose is to do the business of supplying
birth & death certificates for purposes such as passports, social
security, driver licenses, various legal reasons, etc., not genealogy.
They are neither set up, catalogued or staffed for genealogical research
which is too bad because they could probably make money on genie trade in
certificates. And everyone knows that DC could use the money.
Over in the court building for the marriage records the staff was
delightful, helpful and made us at home with books and microfilm to research
as much as we wanted. We found all the marriage records we hoped to
find plus stumbling into several more. The price for copies was
reasonable. Deborah Jaquiss
Florida
Hillsborough County - The Probate
Department of the Hillsborough County Courthouse is located on the third
floor. From the receptionist downstairs to each individual in Probate,
everyone went out of their way to help me find what I needed, explain what
was where, what was on hand or if not there, where I might find it. If I had
a problem, they took time to show me how to use other avenues to find the
same information. It is a small reception area and a small lookup room, but
they even cleaned off a counter for me to spread out my paperwork and take
notes at the microfiche! Parking meters anywhere near the courthouse
are watched carefully, so I was grateful to find what I'd hoped for and get
copies made at a minimal price, in under two hours. Once you see the system
they have set up, it's easy to go back and follow it for additional look
ups, and you get the same friendly smiles and offers for assistance. Sue
Webb Bodishbaugh
Pinellas County - All
records before 1950 are located in the Official Record Rooms at the Pinellas
County Court House in Clearwater, Florida. All
land records are on microfilm and the staff was unfailingly pleasant and
helpful to a newcomer (me). It
is a modern, well-lit and comfortable facility with many viewers but only
one microfilm viewer with print capability. During
my July 2003 visit I was assisted through the process of finding my names in
the Index, the cassette for which kept getting stuck so the senior staff
member took back to her office and finally got it to work, and received a
full orientation of where to find deed and mortgage book films. I was
instructed on how to operate the viewer and printer with great
patience. There was no time
limit on the single viewer-printer but I did feel a little pressure waiting
for someone to tap me on the shoulder wanting to take a turn before I was
finished. Copies of the Index
pages were 10¢
and for book
pages $1.00 each and an additional dollar if you want your copy certified.
This was my first experience in courthouse and it could not have been
better.
Carole
Dilley
Polk County
- Located in the old courthouse Bartow, Florida you will find the Polk
County Genealogical Society Library. This is a fabulous place to go
for "all things southern" and many things
"northern" - not much west of the Mississippi. The library
occupies three floors of this old building. On the first floor are
shelves and shelves of great books organized by state on all kinds of
records (birth, death, military, land, census, history, etc.) The
copier is brand new and works very well. Copies are $.25 each.
The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. You will be asked to sign
in, leave all personal belongings in a locker to which they give you a key
and then keep the key behind the desk. Nothing can be taken in except
folders with loose pages, pencils, (misc. supplies like paperclips, note
stickies can be taken in a ziploc baggie). They guard their holdings
very well and for that I am grateful. Too many libraries have had
books defaced, torn or stolen.
On the second floor of this library are the family history books and many
publications from genealogy societies and patriotic groups (DAR, etc.)
Another copier is located here for convenience. Also on this same
floor are about 10 readers and 3 printers for the great collection of census
microfilm and Soundex. Also computer access is located here.
The third floor contains the special collections and is accessible only with
the accompaniment of one of the staff. These documents are very
fragile and need to be guarded against further deterioration/destruction.
The staff is very willing to help you here.
Guess that is enough for today - I could write volumes on the Special
Collections Section at the Tampa Public Library, the great Orlando Public
Library Gen Section and the Largo, FL Library. Will leave that for
another day. Linda J. Soloski
Georgia
Appling County - I have visited the Appling
County courthouse on several occasions and would like to warn anyone
who is going there to know what you are looking for and to be persistent in
finding answers to your questions while you are there. Expect the ladies
there to hold the books while you look through them (although they don't
ALWAYS do that) and don't ask for a death record unless you intend to pay
the full amount for it. Once it's pulled, you have to pay. These ladies
don't like to be asked questions. If you are lucky enough to get the
probate judge herself, you're in good hands. She is very helpful-but hard
to find. They have a large collection of old records in the probate office,
but I didn't learn until after the trip that there were more in the
basement by the clerks office. Melissa Moody
Appling County -
I have been twice to Appling
County's courthouse. Although Appling County was a huge early county
of Georgia dating about 1818 or so, the material available is limited to
what was left after a 1854 fire. The earliest marriage record is 1869.
These were also the records of Ware and other surrounding counties later cut
from the huge Appling County. I found it interesting that White Out
was used in the old will index. The clerk states that saves them time
as they don't have to search for missing wills. I would have loved to
see the names, dates. and type of document on some of those early wills
that were completely covered with White Out. Linda Davis on Amelia
Island, Florida
Berrien County - We've been to the Courthouse at Nashville in
Berrien County Georgia and the people there have always been very friendly.
They never have a problem answering questions and are good about letting you
go through books on your own. They have a .25 cent per copy charge but
on one visit we took our own paper and they waived the fee. Great,
quiet place to visit. Ken Smith
Berrien County - Nov.
24th, 2003 Just returned from 2 days spent at the Nashville, Berrien County,
GA. Courthouse. I met the most courteous, helpful people in the Probate
Judge's Office - Susan W. Griner, Probate Judge could not have been more help
- even pulling out her own magnifying glasses to help on a picture!!
Her father, John Patten Webb, Sr - who was in the office is a past Probate
Judge. He was so very knowledgeable about the area, the people & the
families - that was an education in itself!
I failed to ask the name of a very helpful lady across the hall from the Land
Records - but she was also a credit to that Courthouse w/her friendly
help.....I can't say that about others who were in there or next door, but
thanks to her we came away with an overall feeling of much accomplished ( I
am so sorry I failed to get her name - but if she hears of this posting, she
will know who she is as we talked about grandchil-dren!!!!!!!<g> )
The Land Records turned out to be one of the most important places in my own
personal research - a deed from my G-grandfather of whom there are very few
records - turned up the signing over of his land to his 3 named sons
w/responsibility spelled out in that deed as to their taking care of their
Father & Mother (also named) thru their financial, medical, & burial
care. As he didn't leave a will, this was a most important instru-ment for me
to find - it gave his wife's first name which has been in question, as well
as proved that both of them were still alive in that year. I can't stress
this enough - Don't overlook the info in the deeds!
I will go back, thanks to those wonderful people who were so nice!
Sarah Howell Studstill [researching
HOWELLs; LAMBs; LOVEJOYs; CARROLLs; TALLEYs in the Berrien Co, GA area.]
Colquitt County - I found the staff in both the probate office
and the deeds office so friendly and helpful. In both offices there are
self-serve copiers which you use freely and then pay $0.25 per page on your
way out. Staff were most helpful in explaining how records were arranged
and where indexes were located. Can't wait to return for further research! ltbskater
Franklin Co - All old records are at
the Franklin Co Historical Society...which is in a old bldg directly behind
the Court House. Excellent help and records. Mr. Patterson went way and
above helping me. Plus they have family records in the computer and will
give you a FREE print out. The staff knows a lot of info about old families
around the area. Copies are 25 cents each. Derrell
Oakley Teat
Habersham Co... - Very nice and helpful
and records have been retyped and are easy to search. Staff makes copies for
you, 25 cents each. Derrell
Oakley Teat
Hart County - I've been to many courthouses, but the best one and the
friendliest is in Hartwell, Hart County, Georgia. The people in the
Probate Office are just super. They will help you in any way they can. And, I do not live in Georgia; I only go there to do
research. Jo Vickery
Jones Co. - Now I am sad to say not
the same in Jones Co. Ga. No help, but the people were friendly.
Thanks Peggy
Nader
Jeff Davis County, is absolutely wonderful! They don't have as many old records but what
they do have is neat and organized and the staff is very helpful. If you
ask them a question they don't have an answer for, they will ask other
staff until they find an answer. The office is clean and they have a
huge desk for the public to use with those huge books! The lady I worked
with the last time I was there asked about my family and told me who she
knew in the area that shared the last name and how I might get in touch
with them.) My experiences with Jeff Davis County have always been positive
ones. Melissa Moody
Laurens County - Uniformly
friendly, helpful, staff throughout the court house when I visited,
although cramped publicly accessible records area. JIM MOORE
Paulding Co. - The staff in both the probate office and the
courthouse itself (land records) in Dallas were so friendly, encouraging,
and helpful. They will make copies for you, $0.25 each (certified
copies I think are $5 each, but I didn't get any of those). This was a
terrific experience. ltbskater
Richmond County - Even
after referring to the county's website to identify proper offices and
people to contact, I never received any responses after several attempts to
do so. Acquaintances have described similar (lack of)
responses. One told me that she'd traveled several
hundred miles to visit the court house and was told that they didn't have
the records, that they'd been transferred elsewhere for storage.
She later discovered that the records were actually located in the very
office she'd visited! JIM MOORE
Rome Floyd Co -
My mother is from Rome Floyd Co Ga. The people at the
Courthouse are the most wonderful people. The records are very accessible.
You can make your own copies. You are not ever bothered and can stay as
long as necessary. The library is a genealogist heaven. These people
believe in family history. The people at the library are great. The
information is excellent and the microfiche room has about ten microfiche machines. There is no limit to the time one can stay on the machine.
The Library has information on the surrounding states and
counties. They also are open on Sunday and until 8:00pm at night. I highly recommend this County.
Yvonne Mason
Sumter Co. - The Judge was very helpful and knowledgeable about the history and families
in Americus. After showing us the various records that were available, he
pointed us into the direction of a 90 year old lady that he thought might
have a connection. Phyllis Austin
Stephens Co..- Land records, Staff
points way to the vault and records are available to look thru. Not helpful
and will ignore. Derrell Oakley
Teat
Stewart Co - Years ago (1994?) I went to the beautiful court
house in Lumpkin, Stewart Co, GA. The woman there was not at all
helpful. It was like pulling teeth to find out what info. Eventually I did see a deed which she
would not p/c. Recently I phoned them asking about death information for 1880 onward. I was told to send
$10.00 and a SASE which I did. They said none
available. So why did they take my $10.00? Gold
Washington Co.
and Laurens Co. Goosh what can I say
these people were wonderful
at the Court Houses and Libraries in both counties. I am a baby in this and
that was my first trip to either places. [I have been to the Library but not
for genealogy research.] They made my first steps so easy that in just a few
moments I was an old pro. well at least I wasn't stumbling and falling on my
buttocks any more, and I came home with a lot more than I went there with.
What more can I say we did not meet one person there that didn't go out of
their way to help me or get me to the right places I need to go even on their
lunch breaks. Betty McMillan
Wilkinson County - I contacted
the clerk of court concerning a marriage certificate via e-mail and
received a prompt response, giving me particulars and prices for copies. The certificate was received within a week or
so of my mailing my request and payment. I had several
subsequent e-mails with them, all were promptly and helpfully responded to.
Really nice ladies to do business with., and real credit to the county. JIM MOORE
Hawaii
Idaho
Washington co.
Idaho - I was shown the room where records were stored and given free access
to them. Clerks were helpful but didn't always know just where some of
the records were stored. After checking across the street where I was
sent went back to the court house and talked to a different
clerk and she found the divorce I was looking for immediately. clara
Illinois
Bureau County - Back in 1990 I sent
a request to the county asking for information on an old age home. In
July of this year (2003) I received a beautiful letter from a Sheila Strader
who said she had been going through some old records and found my request
regarding my great grandfather's records dated 1990. She found his records
and made a copy of them including locating a copy of his death certificate
and sent them to me. This was such a surprise to receive information after
13 years! I think it was beyond the call of duty to dig through the old
record requests and follow through by locating information and making copies
and mailing them to me. Thank you, Sheila Strader!!! Thank you Bureau
County!!! Pat
Bounds
Champaign County - When, summer 1963
- Where, Urbana, IL, Champaign County Courthouse, Recorder's Office Who
Young grad student and genealogist, Erik P Conard I went into the office and
asked if I could look at any Champaign Co records, especially old marriage
and death records. I was told that these and other records were closed to
the public as many of the files and briefs had Abraham Lincoln's signature
on them as he practiced some in this county. And they have been
disappearing at an alarming rate. SO, the only ones who now can have access
to the records are attorneys... EConard1@aol.com
Champaign County Historical Archives - (CCHA)
is the official depository for Champaign County records. Anyone can access
these records. They are indexed by the genealogical society and friends of
the library. Records can also be accessed at the courthouse. Land records
are on microfilm. The first stop in Champaign for genealogical research
should be at this facility. CCHA is also the official depository for the
Champaign Co. Genealogical Society and has many historical and other records
for the area.
Thank you. Editor Champaign County Genealogical Society Quarterly Joan
Black Lund
Douglas County -
When I recently visited the Douglas County,
Illinois courthouse looking for a marriage record, I was not allowed to
handle or even see the marriage record books and they would not copy the
original marriage record. The clerk had a standard form that she filled out
and gave that to me. Pat
Dewitt county- Very helpful staff in
all the offices, though they're often very busy. Quite a lot of the
more obscure records are in the back, but unindexed, and the staff will
usually do everything short of climbing on 15-foot metal shelves to get you
what you need. There is a metal detector that you have to pass through
to get into the courthouse, so be aware of how much metal you're carrying on
you. Make sure you go to the library in town, too. Matt
Scott
DuPage County -
Everyone I have encountered at the County Complex in Wheaton Illinois
during my genealogical research has been very helpful, extremely courteous
and highly professional. Phone calls and emails are returned within a
reasonable time frame. I have had people who have looked things up for
me while I am on the phone, suggest a different area to look in to find the
data I am seeking. I had one lady who didn't give up after one visit
who called me about a week later to say she had found the data, which had
been misfiled. She copied this and mailed it to me at no charge
stating it wasn't my fault the information wasn't where it should have been.
I cannot say enough nice things about these people.
I have found that wherever I go if I frequently use words like
"please," "would it be possible," "thank very much
for your efforts," and things of this nature the cooperation I receive
has been at a very high level. I have also seen people go in with an
"attitude" of I want me data and I want it now, and are very
demanding if not downright rude. These folks get what they deserve -
very little assistance and a bad experience.
In my family, manners, courtesy and good behavior have never gone out of
fashion, and if you act like a gentlemen or lady that is how you will be
treated. Mike
Johnston
Fulton Co. -
I welcome the opportunity to say thank you
to the employees of two special court houses: Fulton County, Illinois,
who responded to my recent written request for information so promptly
and efficiently. Also the staff of the Old Washington County Court
House in Fayetteville, AR. I have been there many times and have been
rewarded with courteous assistance every time. It is a joy to work with
people like this. Ann Gardner
Greene Co IL - County clerk's office was
very receptive when I was there back in the 1980's. Marriage record ledgers
were viewable although I know have the county genealogical society's
publication of these records. Debbi
Geer
HAMILTON COUNTY, IL. Be prepared: Know your ancestor's
relationship to YOU. Know and be able to prove he/she is actually
deceased. You cannot see the actual certificates - only
the index. If you want a copy (and can provide the proper
ID/information as stated above) you can get it, in person, for $1.
Which makes it difficult to prove it even IS your ancestor until you see it
- kind of a vicious circle. ladybug
Jasper County Illinois - the death,
birth etc department are not helpful at all!! This one woman is there that
keeps anyone from seeing the actual records. If you want to see a death
record, you have to first buy a death certificate, which costs $7.00. You
have to know the exact date of death to get one. In the department where
they keep wills, and probates it is as different as day and night. They
couldn't help me enough. The library is a genealogists paradise. They keep
many records there. Vickie
Gorby
Jersey Co IL: Very helpful and
friendly. Records are in two different buildings, just ask. Some
records have to be requested at the desk, others are available to search
(land for one). Also available in the County Clerk's office is a
section for researchers to browse through indexes for various records like
marriages, citizenship and more. Permission was given for me to
photograph with a digital camera (I did not use a flash). Noreen Pearson Bryant
Jersey Co IL - I have never had a
problem with the employees in the various offices here in my 20-plus years
of research. If I hit a snag they are willing to try to help or even
recommend a local researcher who might be able to assist after you leave or
during your visit. Debbi
Geer
Jersey Co IL - Back in the 1980's I
wanted to locate a cemetery. I had been there only once as a child and
couldn't remember which road to turn onto off a state highway. It was
a Sunday and the only office that would be open was the Sheriff's. I
went there and explained my situation which included where I was lived.
I had a very nice and receptive experience. One of the officers on duty knew
the exact location of the cemetery I was looking. They also had a huge
wall map of the county with every road imaginable on it. I was shown how to
get to the cemetery on the map. So if you ever need directions in any
county, consider checking in with the Sheriff's department. Hopefully
other county sheriff offices will treat you as I was treated. Debbi
Geer
Jerseyville Illinois probably tops the list for
rudeness and attitude. They don't seem to want to be bothered. Not all
employees are this way just the ones that we family tree hunters have to
talk to. Carol Walsh
Johnson County -The Johnson County
clerk has about the best system that I have seen in my research. The
clerk and her staff are very friendly and very helpful and will make
copies for a nominal fee. The record room is very organized and easy to
search. Homer Weaver New Baden, IL
Johnson County - I find the system at
Johnson County to be one of the best...However, I found the staff to be of
no help. I paid $2 per copy for my documents only to find that some of them
didn't include the year on the dates of births and other documents. They
are of no use with out the year. I'm sorry that I didn't realize that the
copies weren't good until I got back to my home. Too late!! I will let
them know that of the 10 documents that I purchased at least half were poor
copies, the next time I visit.
Betty Walsh
Knox County Clerk's Office--Galesburg, Knox County, IL
The clerk I talked with over the telephone, was very courteous. She
went above and beyond the call of duty. I would call it an "act
of genealogy kindness" on her. part. I asked her if she could
find a divorce between my great-great grandfather and his second wife.
When she found the divorce, she called me back stating that she not only
found the divorce (which was 36 pages of testimony), but exhibit A, was a
picture of the ex-wife. (This ex-wife happened to be the older
sister, of my great-grandmother and one great-aunt--sisters who married
brothers--so it connects on another side of the family as well).
The point is that this clerk, could have just sent the final decree and left
it at that. Instead she called and told me what she had found and then
at my request (and money for copies, of course) sent me the whole file.
Then when I found that possible two pages were missing (she found and sent
those as well). Thanks Martha R. Stephenson
Macon county- Staff not particularly
helpful nor hostile, just there. Building is huge, parking is
tolerable. Matt Scott
Madison Co IL - County clerk's office
has been cordial and receptive to genealogists for over 20 years. They
may be trying to finish a project or get to a good point to stop before you
may be acknowledged but if you have patience it will be rewarding.
Other offices (circuit clerk, recorder) were also cordial. Debbi
Geer
Mason co.
Ill. - I was pleasantly greeted, shown the records and we visited regarding the
lack of records for my people in the 1850s-1860s. They told me that
there was very few records for the S. border area as it moved form one
county to the other suggested other means of searching. clara
Massac County - Illinois courthouse
wonderful staff very helpful records were easy to find. sincerely Jill
Fristoe
Morgan County - I live in Orlando, but my family history deals with Virginia, Kentucky and
lastly Illinois. I called the County Clerk to ask if they had copies of
Civil War discharge papers. The Clerk confirmed that the originals are kept
there and started to tell me when I could come in. I explained where I lived
and the Clerk took down the names I was looking for. About a week later I
received a letter confirming that the copies were on file and how much it
would be. I sent them the money order and received perfect
photo-copies 2 weeks later!
I can't praise them enough! They were more than willing to take the time to
talk, find out exactly what I needed, tell me what I had to do and quickly
responded with the documents. You sure can't ask for more than that!
Carolyn Beyner
Pike co.
Ill. - I was greeted pleasantly in the clerks office and shown the indexes,
then taken to the basement where the records are stored and the clerk
explained how to find what I wanted and told when I had things to be copied
bring them back up and she would do it for me. this was all done
quickly and efficiently. when I went back a couple days later I was
given the key to the basement and told that I knew the routine. The
land records were in another part of the building but I got the same type of
reception there. When I ask about adoption papers from the 1840s I was
told that I couldn't look at them as they were sealed but the county clerk
said if I told him what I wanted from them he could look and tell me if the
information was there, which he did. He mentioned I might go see a
local man that might have information as he was connected to the family I
was researching. The most beautiful courthouse I have seen.
clara
Pittsfield Illinois is the very best I've
ever
been to .They are so helpful and friendly with prices so reasonable that
its unbelievable. Even by snail mail they are so kind and answer you right
back. Their employees are really interested in helping you. Carol Walsh
Randolph Co. - Fantastic place to do
research. The County Clerks office staff is so helpful they
even provide a magnifying glass. The research room has walls full of books and
easy to turn handles that move the walls so a person can get to all of the
old books easily. There are comfortable tables and chairs to read and
document findings. The Courthouse itself is beautiful. Basement Water fountain
is heard and in view when entering the building. The five
stories are open with safety railings. A person can choose to use the
elevator or use the stairs. On the top floor is a spectacular view of the
Mississippi River and the surrounding hills and bluff's. The Genealogy Society is across the street on the
third floor of the bank. Randolph County was one of two original parts of
Illinois before it became a state. Chester, Illinois is located on Illinois State
Highway 3. It is also the home of "POPEYE" Nancy Bush
Grand Chain, Illinois
Richland Co. - My cousin and I had a
wonderful experience at the Richland Co., IL County Clerk's Office. They
allowed us into the records room where we were allowed to do our own
searching. We found original marriage licenses and land records that we did
not know existed and were able to have copies made of them. Our trip to the
courthouse and to the Genealogy Society Library was well worth the time
spent. A far cry from the neighboring Jasper Co. Esther
Puhek
Saline Co. - Court House, Harrisburg,
IL. I went into the court house one day last week and they helped me find
everything I needed and copied all of it for me. I know all of them, but
they would treat everyone the same. I'm sure the fees are reasonable. Yulonda
Saline Co. - Genealogy Society,
Harrisburg, IL They have wonderful records and very helpful workers. Many
files on computer, which they will copy for you. I'm not sure about the fee,
but feel sure they are reasonable. Yulonda
Schuyler County - We have been to
Rushville, Illinois several times on genealogy searches and have always been
treated very courteously at the courthouse. One girl got up in the
dusty archives to bring me a probate packet from 1844 and let me look at all
of it, then copied what I needed. Everything we have ever asked for
they have tried to show us.
Now - I must go on and tell you about the Schuyler County Jail Museum
which is only a few hundred yards from the courthouse, if that. They
have, without a doubt, the most enthusiastic, knowledgable, determined group
of volunteers I have ever encountered! I had had good experience
there, and then I took a cousin from Colorado there to do some searching and
it was unreal - this one woman was determined to find what he needed, and
she did! They were funny, talkative, and just wonderfully helpful. It
is run by the Schuyler County Historical and Genealogical Society and is a
most interesting place in itself, besides being a treasure house for
genealogists. Is at 200 S. Congress, Rushville IL 62681. Phone: (217)
322-6975. Dues are $15.00 per calendar year and they publish a
quarterly publication "The Schuylerite" which is nicely done.
I just had to get a plug in for my favorite place to go hunting. Jean
Nelson Stockham
Schuyler County -
I sent to the library
for some information I had been searching for months on end. I a very short time I
not only got a response but also the information I needed It was a death date
and the librarian not only proved that, she gave me the location and
history of the cemetery where she found the information!
Jean E. Butler
Scott County - I visited the court house in Scott County, Illinois. It was located
in a beautiful town named Winchester, Illinois. The women in the
County Clerk's office were extremely nice and helpful. This was my
first court house experience, and I was a little "green" about
records I could search. They suggested other records that could be
helpful and were invaluable to me in my research. RANAE VAUGHN
St. Clair Co. - Court House and
Genealogy Society, Belleville, IL I have been to this county about three
times and they are always very helpful and friendly. Their fees are
reasonable, I believe copies were $1.00. Many early settlers migrated
from the VA area into KY, TN and on into St. Clair Co. IL where they
settled. Yulonda
Union County - The courthouse in Jonesboro, Union County,
Illinois is extremely user-friendly. Researchers are allowed to see
all record books, and copies are available for a nominal fee. Some
records date back to 1818, when Illinois became a state. There is an
index of birth & death records to make searching those books easier. Union
County used to have an elderly lady who worked in the clerk's office
who (it seemed) knew EVERYTHING about anyone who ever lived in Union County
and how their families intertwined. Sadly, Elaine has retired.
But the record books are still there for the searching! Sadler
Union County -
There are not enough good words for Union county's staff and records.
The only negative I have is that the documents have not been properly
preserved. That is a good project for some of the genealogy buffs in
that area. They need to be enclosed in acid free sleeves to protect
them for generations to come. Thanks,
Betty
Indiana
Carroll Co-Delphi. I went in the
basement of the courthouse and looked at the original marriage certificate
books. Then I went into another room for births and found deceased twin
boys, my grandfather's brothers, who I knew nothing about. Sallie
Lou Morris Nelson
Crawford county- Probably the nicest
courthouse employees I've ever met. Always willing to help you out.
The courthouse overlooks the old town that's moved uphill, so other places
you'd go (library, vital records, etc.) are a few miles away (2003).
Courthouse is up a steep hill, so make sure you've got good brakes. Matt
Scott
Crawford county-
Morgan County, Dubois County, and Crawford County
Courthouses, IndianaI have had occasion to visit these courthouses and have
found the personnel working there to be exceptionally friendly and helpful
to me, particularly the clerk in the courthouse which is located in Jasper,
Dubois county. However, all of my contacts have been a pleasant
experience. I believe that being courteous to the clerks and being
prepared for the search (know what you are looking for) is the key to a good
experience. Pete Ross
CASS CO-Logansport. When I first started
researching my family the birth and death records were open to me. I could
look in the index books then take the proper ledgers out of the big metal
cabinet and spend all the time I needed. I went to a Genealogy meeting one
night and heard these same records were closed to us due to one woman's miss
use. We called the County Commissioners with complaints but they would not
budge in their decision to lock them up. Needless to say that was the last
time I voted for THAT commissioner! The Court House Clerk's Office was open
with all the marriage, probate/wills, land grants, and more. The shelves
went clear to the ceiling and I climbed a roving ladder to get them down.
Three years ago they were still open. The ladies were nice and helpful to
me. There was a copy machine in the Clerk's Office. Now, the Logansport
Public Library is an entirely different story. The stacks in the Genealogy
Room are locked and stay locked until you can get one of the help to come
open them. You can get a book or maybe two but they have to come and
put them back before you can get anymore. The newspaper films are locked,
too. I finally stopped going as the help did not like to be bothered and
didn't mind it if I knew. I donated our McCONNAUGHHAY FAMILY BOOK in the
middle 80's. Later I found it listed in the card index. Recently I suggested
someone go look at it. It was not in the cp and they were told if it wasn't
in the cp it had not been donated. That makes ME a liar. I wrote 2 letters
to the present Director. He called me yesterday and said my book was found
in the card index and he doesn't know why it wasn't put into the cp. BUT,
they looked in all the stacks and it is not in the Library. So all their
locks and keys didn't keep my family book SAFE. The Library will buy one, if
I an find one, but it is out of print. Sallie
Lou Morris Nelson
Floyd County - My experience in Floyd
County, Indiana was not at the courthouse but at the New Albany Floyd County
Public Library in their Indiana Room. I have never encountered such
helpful, kind, "interested in your search" people anywhere.
I called before I left Wisconsin and was given very specific directions to
get there. Two days later, the woman remembered talking to me when I
showed up. She helped me make copies, explained how to use their
records, etc. and then "handed" me over to the woman on the
evening shift when she left. That woman made copies of microfiche
newspaper articles all evening for me and never once frowned or complained.
The Indiana Room has an incredible index of microfilmed newspapers with
everything from obits to "teas" and pictures. They also have
death and burial records. They don't accept requests by mail but will
make copies for you if you ask them in person and then return later. Catherine
Marx
Floyd Co. I visited there last
year and all the employees were busy, but very helpful. The problem
was with the wills and probate records, all stored in the basement.
Apparently there had been a flood at some time and papers were
disintegrating as you handled them. Nothing was in order and papers
that I had had sent to me some years ago were no longer to be found.
The Historical Society needs to get that area put on their 'to do' list. p-oconnor@att.net
Fountain County Indiana is not into genealogy
much at the courthouse! That is putting it mildly. The help is practically
nonexistent. The basement of the courthouse is where they keep all the old
record books, the place where they don not allow ANYONE to enter. Except
officers of the local Genealogist Society and the local Historical Society.
Which seems totally unfair to me. The clerk will send someone down to the
basement with names you are researching to look for the record. Who is to
say how well they search for your ancestor? They certainly do not look for
different spellings. So one is pretty well handicapped in that county, since
the commissioners refuse to allow anyone to the basement. Vickie
Gorby
Fulton County - The people at the courthouse in Fulton County,
Indiana went above and beyond to help me. The original marriage
records were in ledgers marked by the year and I was allowed to copy
these original records. They couldn't have been nicer.
< Marilyn Craig
Gibson county- The basement of the
library is where you want to go- that's where the real records are.
The ladies there are unbelievably helpful (if just a teensy bit aggressively
helpful). I ran into a couple of records that had gone missing,
unfortunately. Slightly disorganized. Matt
Scott
Hancock Co
- The one bad experience I had was in Hancock Co, IN in the Court House in
the Clerks Office. We were looking for birth certificates on my grand
father and my father and other relatives. They gave us some books to
get the names out of and while were were dong this they all were talking to
each other and on the phone. When were had all the names that we could find
and called one of the office personal over she said it would be 2 wks to a
month before we would have copies mailed to us. I explained I was from
out of state and she said they were to busy to do the coping for us that
day. We told her that we had been watching them and they were not all
that busy. She said they closed earlier than most offices in the Court
House and that was why. We then told her that it was 1 o'clock and we
could wait if she could copy these few names we found for us. She restated
her reasons for not doing the coping that afternoon. I then stated
that I would write a letter to the Mayor and several other persons in the
administration and make a complaint. She did an about face and copied
all our names, certified the copies and we were gone in side of 1 1/2 hrs. Billie
Jean (Fireflower) Reese
The Hancock Public Library has a very small room for genealogy reference
works. We found very little there in reference to newspapers, books of
genealogy, books of county maps or anything else. We left and told the
librarian that we were from out of state and hoped that the next time we
were in that they would have more on local genealogy for researchers.
Thanked her for what they did have. Billie
Jean (Fireflower) Reese
Harrison county- Helpful, though I
was only there once for a short time. Seating not the best, not a lot
of room. Oldest bathroom I've ever seen. Matt
Scott
Henry Co
- I did research several summers in Henry Co,. IN. According to what I read
in guide books Indiana county records are in the following offices. At
the county seat Birth in the Health office, Marriages in the County Clerks
office, Divorces in the Court House as well as probate and other court
cases. New Castle is the county seat and that is where you will go for most
records and those offices I have been in (all mentioned above) are very helpful
and do copying after you have searched the books available on what you are
seeking. There were no long lines of researchers when I was there and
the costs are minimal. Billie Jean (Fireflower)
Reese
Knightstown IN has a very good med sized
Public Library on the Main St on the west side of town. The librarians
are very helpful there also and the coping is very reasonable. So reasonable
that I left a donation with the librarian in honor of both my parents and
grandparents for the service they afforded me. They have upstairs and
basement rooms that researchers are free to roam and access to copy machine.
They have computers there that we did not use. Billie
Jean (Fireflower) Reese
Lawrence Co - A few years ago I had
occasion to call on the resources of the courthouse offices in Lawrence Co.
Indiana. The subject and query of my phone call was taken down and passed on
to one of the clerks. This person researched the relevant records back to
1821, photocopied the documents needed, and got in touch with me in a timely
fashion [less than a week's time]. The offices in this county courthouse are
apparently accustomed to receiving genealogical queries, and
"field" them in a cheerful and very helpful manner. -- Dr.John
L. Ragle
Jasper County - My husband was visiting
the court house in Jasper County, IN to obtain a couple of records. He
walked in and there were three women sitting around talking. One of
them finally asked if they could help and he told them what he wanted. With
much sighing and an attitude of total disinterest, one of them went to this
cabinet where the records were kept. Complaining about all her
ailments and repeatedly saying how difficult it was to get out the
ledgers, she got the ones he needed. The record was found and instead of
letting him take a look, she started reading the information to him.
He asked if he could look at it as it would take less time if he could copy
it as they wouldn't copy any records because the "books were too
old." He got the information he wanted, but not a copy as he
wanted. He thanked them and as he was leaving, he overheard the woman say to
one of the others, "Another one of those who look for stuff that isn't
worth diddly." He told me while the ledgers were fragile, they were in
good shape and he just got the feeling that everything was too much trouble.
He didn't even try to obtain the other things he wanted to check because he
felt so unwelcome.
Please edit this however you would like. I just wanted you to know how
these folks were. And, yes, he was polite and was grateful for what he
was able to find. Thanks. Rita Holtz
Jasper County - The folks at the County
Clerk's Office in Jasper Co., IL were not at all helpful. Resentful toward
genealogists is a better description. My cousin and I spent a couple of days
there trying to research our ancestors from Jasper Co. We discovered that
the problem was the elected County Clerk who felt that genealogists were
intruders and that he was not elected to deal with them. The attitude was
also apparent among the office workers. We researched land records and were
allowed access to the land books but marriage, birth and death records were
another matter. In order to determine whether we really had the right
person, we had to pay for a copy of the certificate! Upstairs in the Probate
Office we had a completely different experience. We were allowed to hold the
boxes and to look at everything in them and to make copies of anything we
chose. After the treatment downstairs we were amazed and very pleased. Esther
Puhek
Morgan County - Dubois County, and Crawford County
Courthouses, Indiana I have had occasion to visit these courthouses and have
found the personnel working there to be exceptionally friendly and helpful
to me, particularly the clerk in the courthouse which is located in Jasper,
Dubois county. However, all of my contacts have been a pleasant
experience. I believe that being courteous to the clerks and being
prepared for the search (know what you are looking for) is the key to a good
experience. Pete Ross
Jefferson Co, IN also where my mothers
folks came from. The County Health office was just great in helping
with all the documents that we found that needed coping. They brought
the books out for us to go thru and then they copied for us on their big
copy machine, certified all copies and i walked out with a shelf of papers
on my ancestors, copies were reasonable. In the Clerks office they
have the marriage records in a special room and laminated each page.
You find your ancestors records and take the book to another room for coping
and certifying. They are great help. Even going from room to room did
not take long for two of us to get things found and copied. Billie
Jean (Fireflower) Reese
New Castle Public Library is also very
helpful and last time I was there in 2001 the librarian mentioned that they
would be moving into a new building to the south of the one we were in.
They have census on microfilm, newspapers on microfilm with a printer on
that machine so you don't have to move big books to a copy machine. They
have many research books on Henry Co and its people as well as Rush Co and
other states like KY and VA to name a few. It is a good sized room with
bookshelves on all walls and tables to work on Billie
Jean (Fireflower) Reese
Orange County - My son and I visited the
records offices [Probate Court] in Paoli, Orange County, IN to update family
records supposedly held there. We were given very free and cheerful access
to materials going back to 1816, and were able to find several quite
important and pertinent family records. The office, though very busy, gave
us space to work and every possible other consideration. -- Dr.
John L. Ragle
Orange county- Very helpful, though the
space you have is very limited. A side note- if you're there for
lunch, get a hamburger at the restaurant that is (2003) on the east side of
the town square. Best burgers I've ever had. Matt
Scott
PIKE CO., ILLINOIS--I was researching land records
for a friend back home and the lady in that area was not helpful and there was
no place to sit. I had to stand for three hours, while I was searching
out land records. I asked to see a map of the county, complete with
townships and Congressional townships on it and she grudgingly let
me see one. The land descriptions were useless to me without that map.
This was the worst reception I've ever had in any county in any state.
Other counties in Illinois, which I have visited over the last 40 years, have
been helpful. I've been researching for 47 years and I have a
bunch more counties around the country, which I'll share the next time I
write. Jennie Vertrees
Pulaski Co-Winamac. They let me look at
all the books but didn't have much. I did find my family. Sallie
Lou Morris Nelson
Putnam County -
The clerks in the probate office of the Putnam
County, Indiana courthouse in Newport Indiana were very courteous and
helpful. One located a ladder to reach files that were on an upper shelf.
And retrieved the files for me. Pat
RANDOLPH CO., IN--I've ben going there off and on
for over 40 years and they have always been very helpful and friendly.
It was their suggestion that I look at the Miscellaneous Records. It was
there I found a link between generations, that I had tried to find for at
least 15 years. One of the court house employees also told me to go to
the area of the county where my family had lived and to talk to a certain
lady. That lady was very friendly and gave me a number of clues, which
led me to Kansas for further research. Jennie Vertrees
RUSH
CO., IN--They have great death records, which
are held by the Health Dept., but their office was in the court house, when I
was there. They also have a great newspaper collection back into the
1860s or beyond and I found some obituaries in them. They also gave
clear directions to the cemetery, where my family was buried. Jennie Vertrees
Rush Co - I and my son was in
Rush Co, IN also. The Health Office personal was very helpful there
also. Brining out books that we could look thru, find our ancestors and they
copied documents we desired. We were in the Rush Co. Public Library in
here also and they were very helpful to us and they have good records and a
computer with CDs that my son, that vows not to do genealogy, found several
of our ancestors on. Research books are very good here also. Many
privately authored family histories here also. Billie
Jean (Fireflower) Reese
Vigo County - The Genealogy Department at the Vigo County
Library in Terre Haute, Indiana is absolutely superb. Nancy and David will
always willingly drop what their doing to help. I can't say enough for them
Then you go to the courthouse annex and meet
with the recorder's office. Very, very helpful people. This is the same with
the clerk's office, assessor, etc. THEN you get to the counter at the
health department. This is the biggest group of losers I have ever
encountered. At any one time there seems to be 6-7 people in the LOCKED
area. If you do not have a DNA sample don't even go. If you don't know the
exact date and time and location of a person's death, don't even ask. If
you cannot prove your related to the person don't ask. I have been asked to
fill out a form and they would get back to me. I was the only one there and
NO ONE was doing anything except catching up on the chit-chat. It's sad when other departments laugh when you
ask where the health department is. They get the same treatment and they
all work for the same person.....US....the taxpayer. This department makes
life heck for everyone so when you get snubbed at the health department
know your in a long line of others that have been there. They aren't just
singling you out. They're ugly to everyone. This probably means I best stay away from the
health department when I go to Terre Haute.....LOL. Steven Haag
Warren County is heaven on earth to a
Genealogist! They are so helpful there, in all departments! Never had a bit
of trouble with them. Their records are kept where people can research for
themselves. They are willing to copy just about anything. I can't say enough
positive things for this county. Vickie
Gorby
White Co-Monticello. When I was there
they would not let me look at one birth or death record. I had to go to the
Historical Society, write my request on a paper and the lady got what I
asked. The Historical Society was open to me as were the Marriage Room. It
was locked, she took me in and left me there for as long as I needed. Sallie
Lou Morris Nelson
Iowa
Fremont County - I went to the
courthouse. Clerks are busy, but helpful. They ask what you are seeking and
will make copies for you. They checked the copies before they gave them to
me, and then had me check them before I left to see that I had the
information I wanted. The office manager gave excellent directions to the
local cemetery and also inquired if I had thought to check other records
they had. Genuinely good experience. TJ
Spraggins
Fremont County - My experience at the
Fremont County Courthouse, in Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa was terrible. I
traveled over 200 miles to research my families records. The Recorder there
is Margaret Henkle, she had me sign in and checked me for a camera. I had
none. Then she tells me if anyone's comes doing business, I would have to
step out and wait until they are finished. No copies are made, because the
book are to old to handle. This included marriages, death and birth. She
would not even make me a copies of any land documents. She was very rude to
me. What a waste of my time, gas and patience. So if I can save anyone the
torment of this recorder and the courthouse take my warning and stay home.
Thank you. Ann Marsh
Lee County Clerks in the clerk of court office are helpful
and courteous, but not knowledgeable about early records. Connie Street
Louisa County - All courthouse staff here is helpful and
courteous. They do as much as possible for researchers in the recorder's
office, but the state has their hands tied to some extent. Connie Street
Mills County - Excellent information on
their Mills County Genweb site. The courthouse is easily accessible.
The clerks were busy, but helpful. They made copies for me and again,
checked their work before they gave it to me. They directed me to the
library which has a genealogy section, and the ladies there are extremely
helpful also. TJ
Spraggins
Scott County - At the Davenport Library, there is a huge area in the
basement that is Special Collections. Those people are just wonderful
to help with genealogy. There is so much information there. I
went all the way from Arkansas to Davenport for my family information.
They will even mail things to you for a very small fee.
Marge Hicks
Winneshiek County
Clerks in the recorder's office are very helpful and courteous. If familiar
with the name you are researching they will share what they know.
The vault is stuffy, even with air conditioning. If you are the least
bit claustrophobic, you might want to take a little battery-powered
portable fan to keep the air moving. Connie Street
Wright County - The people in Clarion,
Wright County Iowa were just outstanding. Willing to search burial
records, even drew me maps. Everyone who came into the offices spoke
and said hello. What a positive group of people. In fact the
entire town, from the librarians to the Civil Servants, were just great.
They made my day, even thought it was well over 90 degrees F! Gerri
Nordell
Kansas
Anderson County - The staff at the
Anderson County Courthouse were incredible. They were so friendly,
did everything they possibly could to help me find my records. They
never once complained about the volume of copies that I needed and took
whatever time it took to make sure I got copies of the records I needed. In
the office where the Deed records were stored, they made room in the back
for me, took the time to explain the books and how to find what I was
looking for. They offered to help find what they could and spent as much
time with me as I needed. After I found the land records, they took out
maps and helped me get directions to the property. They never once made me
feel rushed or like they needed to get on to the next person (they were
busy that day). They made me feel like I was the most important person
there and were as helpful as they could possibly be. Sue Henner
Barton County - I
wrote a letter searching for records on my grandfather's family. Even though
their surname - Wimmergren - had been misspelled in every fashion possible,
the wonderful people at the courthouse used their imaginations to pull every
record they had. Through them, I learned my great-grandmother's maiden name,
her marriage date, and the birth date of my great aunt. They're terrific
people. Elisabeth
Kauffman
Butler Co. - I flew from San Antonio, Texas to Kansas in search of my
mother's family. The records are on the 2nd floor and behind the
counter were two ladies that was willing to help in anyway. These ladies
allowed me to look at the old records and even gave me direction to an old cemetery
away from the town. I would like to praise these ladies and
Augusta, Kansas. Jeannie Rush
Dickinson Co
- I've had good experiences with the Dickinson Co. courthouse staff.
When I told the ladies there what I needed, they turned me loose in the back
room after showing me where all the vital record ledgers were located.
I was able to take my time to find what I needed, and when I was ready for
copies one of them took the time (for which she didn't charge me) to make
over 20 copies of ledger-size pages, making sure each copy was clear and
legible. The only cost I incurred was the cost of the copies.
Neighboring Clay Co. courthouse staff was also helpful, although I was
charged for their time, because I had a large number to copies to be make. Sheryl
McClure
LOGAN COUNTY - I was there in June
1987, I found them to be extremely helpful and trusting. I was
allowed actual "hands on" access to the records. It was an
honor system. Rolene
Eichman Kiesling
ERIE CO., KS--The lady, who assisted me, told me
she would gladly stay overtime, in case I didn't get finished by closing
time. She suggested that I search the census mortality records, which
they had in the court house. It was there I found the one family member,
who had eluded me for more than 40 years. Jennie Vertrees
Marion
County - The
staff at Marion
County Kansas Courthouse
are helpful and courteous, but busy. They were able to direct us in our search, their copying costs are minimal, and
a rarity is that when we were there we were able to go into the safe area
itself, where records are stored, and look for our own records. What a privilege it is to see these historical documents and to
actually glimpse into our ancestor’s family life – this unique
experience is truly exciting. However I would suggest that searchers leave all the records intact in their
respective files so others may have that exciting experience, as I was told
that sometimes the county workers are aware that historical records are taken. I
would suggest having
a plan of action before you go. Know the records you want to look for and you will be amazed at how you will
discover what you seek. The nicest thing about the Courthouse records is that many of them have been
entered as data on the county computers and will give you many leads. We were able to find cemetery records that we knew nothing about,
marriage records, probate records, land records. Also there is a good local café which the staff will direct you to,
but plan to be there before 2 p.m. when the café closes. Happy hunting. Bob
and Lonna Nevil
Rice Co. & Barton Co. - Both experiences
in these two small Kansas town has been
wonderful. These people will pull out any book at may have the
information and also if they have any of it computerize; it will be look up
for you. In Lyon, Kansas a wonderful lady by the name of Sheryl
Sheridan who works at the Coronado-Quivera Museum. For a small fee
she will do a LOT of research. My hat off to this wonderful wonderful
lady. Jeannie
Rush-San Antonio Tx
RILEY COUNTY - I was there about
November 1998; it was just after their records had been filmed by the
Genealogical Society of Utah (LDS). I arrived in Manhattan Sunday
afternoon, with the intention of spending all day Monday doing research, not
knowing that the Riley County Genealogy Society Library was closed on
Monday. However, I was able to view the court house copies of the
microfilms (probate and land records) on Monday. It was on the honor
system. I was allowed in the back office and after I was finished
making copies from the film, they asked me how many copies (without
verification) I had made and I subsequently paid them. Rolene
Eichman Kiesling, Groveland, CA
Washington County Clerks Office--Washington, KS
I wish to commend the Clerk's at this office. Before I even went
to Washington County, I contacted the Clerk's Office and asked about
getting into their records. They told me the hours and times.
When I arrived, they showed me to the Land Records area and then directed
me to another Office for the Probate Records. Unfortunately, I did not
have enough time. But since, then some of my cousins have also gone
there and received the same help. I have even called and asked for
help over the telephone, about a marriage that happened between my
great-great grandfather and his third wife. They found this record
and sent me a copy. Thank you Washington County.
Martha R. Stephenson
Kentucky
Barren Co KY's courthouse is one of the
best I've visited after living in 5 states. The County Clerk's office is in
a brand new building across from the courthouse (which is now a judicial
center). The County Clerk, like her predecessors, has a heart for preserving
the history and genealogical records and are constantly, as funding is
available, copying the old records and taking the originals and putting them
in secure storage. She recently added a genealogy research room; there are
copy machines available at 25 cents a page; and the staff there are the
friendliest and most helpful I've ever seen. I thoroughly enjoy researching
there! Sandi
Gorin
Ballard County Court House,
Wickliffe, KY The staff was friendly and helpful. They gave me a walk
through of the record room and pulled out the potentially most helpful
items. I was then left to search at will but staff was available for
questions. They made copies for me and took the time to make
certain they were of good quality In spite of preparing for an
election the next day, they did not rush or ignore me. The local
library is nearby in an old church. It is only open on Fridays.
I was unable to visit it but the library in Paducah has a nice genealogy
room, convenient hours and genealogy-wise staff. Sue
Leamon
Bourbon County, Kentucky- I am a member
of the Bourbon Genealogical Society. I have no ancestors in this county but
became a research volunteer for the society. Since becoming a volunteer I
have visited this courthouse numerous times. Sharon Taylor is most helpful
in showing you where the records are and how and how they are indexed. The
other clerks are also very nice and will help you get a good copy-no matter
how many tries it takes! kelliescott@bellsouth.net
