Courthouse Research for Family Historians: Your Guide to Genealogical Treasures Paperback – Illustrated, January 1, 2004

Great condition and fast delivery.

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 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.

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.

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!

I found this book to be an excellent help for understanding these types of records. As I was reading it, I was able to compare what I was learning to records I have found before. It helped me realize what I actually had and understand what I was looking at, especially those indexes, and what I might still be missing. Now that many wills/probate records and deeds/land records are online at FamilySearch.org, I was able to pull up some of the records I need, and realize what might not be imaged and actually at the courthouse in a "packet". This is one of those basic "how to" books every genealogist should have in their library.

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.

This book provided great suggestions for my first trip to the courthouse. What to expect, how to approach courthouse staff, how to handle fragile records, etc. I wouldn't have known where to start had I not consulted this book first.