Courthouse Research for Family Historians

I haven't finished reading this volume yet, but based on a flip-through and what I've read so far, I am very impressed with the information presented. I've been researching genealogy for about 17 years, but my experience in courthouses has not been nearly as extensive as online since I've not been able to travel much out of state. Having recently volunteered to research family histories for two friends whose genealogies took place more locally, I knew I would want to make some trips closer to home to look at some actual documents. In anticipation of that I ordered this book, and I'm glad I did. I've already learned quite a bit just from the first two chapters, especially the section on advance preparation--even discusses what kind of clothing to wear! The author addresses all kinds of scenarios one might encounter in a courthouse visit, from good to bad, and how to address the issues that might arise. I also like her writing style--very readable, down to earth, and humorous. Her explanations are easy to understand without talking down to the reader. I also bought the companion book, "Courthouse Indexes Illustrated," which is a nice supplement showing examples of the courthouse forms she describes. If you are new to courthouse research, I would highly recommend this book and, if you can let go of a few dollars more, the "Index" book as well. I believe that more experienced researchers would also benefit from a reading--I can't imagine you wouldn't learn a few things you didn't already know.

I had purchased Chrstine Rose's 'Courthouse Indexes Illustrated' some time ago and was pleased with this book: a brief guide to the subject but as comprehensive as you would want, with information presented clearly and concisely. When it came time to expand my knowledge of courthouse research in states I was unfamiliar with, my search led me to this title. I had high expectations for the book and I was not disappointed. Very well-designed layout of the information and, like the other book, clear and concise while at the same time as comprehensive as you would want (thorough but not tedious). An excellent resource. P.S. I clicked on the Christine Rose hyperlink to see other titles she may have written and was elated to see a book entitled 'Military Bounty Land 1776-1855', a title I never knew existed and which will help me greatly - I hope - in several incomplete genealogies I have.

This is so helpful for people with an interest in Ancestry, or finding all records and anything else in courthouse files. It has helped me find a few things about relatives.

Courthouse Research for Family Historians: Your Guide to Genealogical Treasures Great research tool for both the beginner and more advanced family history researcher. The author writes in a very easy to understand language about what can be a very complicated and confusing process of navigating courhouses records. She also provided extremely helpful hints on how to prepare for your visit, how to locate the hard to find information, and how to deal with roadblocks.

First, a disclaimer - I haven't yet finished the book. In fact, I'm only in the 3rd chapter BUT I've already learned enough to make the cost of the book a great investment! I'm relatively new to 'serious' genealogy and have my first courthouse trip planned for next week. I thought it would be a good idea to learn a bit more about local records before my trip so I purchased this book. My goal is to answer a couple of very specific questions about an ancestor and I had a small inkling of what I would need to answer those questions. However, I'm barely into the book and have already discovered 2 others ways I might be able to use local records to discover what I am after. Before I started this book, I was excited but nervous about my trip . . . now I'm am SUPER excited and confident!

With what little I have read, this book is written for the lay person and I am sure the pro will benefit by reading it as well. Easy to read and lots of things to help one to be prepared for a visit. Some humor to let us all know that genealogy is not something is all drudge. The rewards can come from some of the most unusual situations and this book can help us know some of the places and ways to look for information.

I never knew you could get so much ancestry information from a court house but tis book explains what to look for. The author has done court house research for a long time and explains to you what and where you need to look for the information.

This had some useful tips but not as many as I had hoped.