Federal census records, vital records, probate records... Nearly all genealogists have these records for their ancestors, and are seeking them for those for whom they don’t already have them. These are the most common record groups, and provide a wealth of genealogical information. They top the wish-list for even the most experienced genealogists, as they often provide evidence of family relationships, whether direct or indirect.
The flip-side of the coin is that the very benefit that makes these records so earnestly sought, also tends to put many genealogists inside a box. The tendency develops to locate one or all of these records, identify an earlier generation, and move on to that earlier generation. It is simply too easy when the relationships are spelled out for you, to quickly move past, without dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.
The problem is, you will reach a point where this is no longer a feasible option. The federal census only states relationships back to 1880, and only names the head of household prior to 1850. Most states did not begin vital registration prior to the 1890’s or 1900’s. While probate records go back as far as private ownership of property, what will you do when one of your ancestors dies intestate (without leaving a will)?This point is even more difficult to surpass for African-American ancestors. Once you reach 1865, roughly 85-90% of all ancestors were enslaved, and may show up only peripherally in any records at all.
The key to success beyond this point in your research is to practice the Genealogical Proof Standard from the very beginning of your research. The first step of the Standard requires a “reasonably exhaustive search” for evidence. In other words, you cannot stop with the most convenient records, but continue to search in other record groups for additional evidence.
To give you a few examples:
Chancery Court or Equity Court records. Depending on the state, the name of this court may differ, and may even differ over time within the same state. This kind of court hears cases arising from disputes over the distribution of an estate. Sometimes these cases may simply be formal petitions to have an intestate estate sold or divided, and may actually be amicable. Most often, these cases involve real estate, but there are also many such records in which the case involved the division and distribution of slaves.
Local history books. Not just the standard texts, either. In the late 19th century, county histories were written and published throughout much of the country. These histories have become the standard local histories. But often in celebration of a bicentennial or other anniversary, or even as part of a much larger project, towns or counties will publish histories. One of my earliest client research projects involved an African-American family who appeared in the 1860 federal census, but not the 1850 census, indicating the possibility that they were enslaved but freed prior to 1860. A local history book, published by the city high school, printed excerpts from the diary of a prominent minister (and slaveowner), and these excerpts included specific information on the marriage of his slave (the bride) to a local free man of color, as well as the birth of their first child, and his manumission of the wife. Also related to this would be publications, including books, journals, or newsletters, of the local historical and/or genealogical societies.
Social Security Applications (Form SS-5). For ancestors or relatives who died after about 1960, the Social Security Death Index is a great source of information. But do you actually request the SS-5 application for those ancestors whom you have located? The SS-5 form is very similar to a vital record, with one distinction: it is actually completed and signed (in most cases) by the subject of the record itself. These applications provide the date of birth and full names of both parents, including the maiden name of the mother.
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There are many other records that will help you. These will vary greatly by time period and location. Some may be government records, available at the state archives, but some may also be ephemeral or one-of-a-kind records. Your best move would be to become intimately familiar with the online catalog (if available) of the records held by each repository with jurisdiction in your area, as well as the special collections or manuscript collections of the state archives, local university libraries, and historical or genealogical society libraries. Other national resources to check would be the Library of Congress and the Daughters of the American Revolution Library, both in Washington, D. C. All of these various repositories receive donations of historical papers, usually private papers, one of which may have the evidence you need to break down your brick wall.By truly conducting a reasonably exhaustive search for ALL evidence, you can research "outside of the box," and have the greatest chances for success.
Comments
Great and timely article as I had realized on one of my line how much I had painted myself into a box even when thinking outside the box on another line.
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