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Archiver > TNLINCOL > 1998-05 > 0895207487


From: Debbie Wein <>
Subject: Helpful hints
Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 22:44:47 -0600


Hints for success when visiting a courthouse from a N.C. genealogy
workshop.

1. If you want to get more respect and help from the courthouse clerks .
. always dress in business attire, carry a briefcase, and NEVER head
straight for the marriage and will records. ALWAYS look at all land
records first!!! (Don't laugh, I tried this in three N.C. County
courthouses and the clerks about fell over one another trying to help
me! Months before, it was hard to get an answer from anyone while
wearing jeans and sneakers. They must have thought I was an attorney
instead of a researcher.)
2. If you are in a "burned county" check to see if any reconstructed
records remain. Search surrounding counties for any information.
3. When you are reading any deeds, wills, estates, etc . . always check
out at least five pages before and after your record for ones that were
recorded the same day as your ancestors. This often shows relationships
or near neighbors that came to the courthouse together.
4. When checking census...ALWAYS record at least one dozen neighbors
that resided on every side of your family. These are the families that
your ancestor married into.
5. If a child was bound out...it was almost always on the FATHER's side
of the family...many times an illegitimate child.

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