Myth… most likely. Those of us who do genealogical research in Connecticut receive questions about things people have been told when visiting towns, historical societies, and more. One such comment: older land records were transferred to the Connecticut State Library. Retention schedules say that historical land records can be transferred to the Connecticut State LibraryContinue reading “The Connecticut Town Hall Transferred the Land Records to the State Library: Truth or Myth?”
Author Archives: Bryna O'Sullivan
Struggling to determine an ancestor’s church affiliation? Have you checked the tax records?
Connecticut had an establishment or state church until 1818. That meant many Connecticut residents – but not all – were Congregationalist by default. Yet, the Baptist and Episcopal Churches had a foothold in the state well prior to 1818. How do you determine which of the denominations your ancestor attended? While it is possible toContinue reading “Struggling to determine an ancestor’s church affiliation? Have you checked the tax records?”
5 Common Connecticut Research Mistakes – and How to Avoid them
As a Connecticut genealogist, I see a few common mistakes happen over and over. Here are the most common research mistakes – and how to avoid them.
How do I locate a Connecticut manumission record?
Connecticut established “Gradual Emanicipation” in 1784, but it applied only to those born after March first of that year. For those already held in slavery, the route out was through manumission, the process by which the enslaver legally released the person held in slavery from enslavement. Connecticut had a process for accomplishing this goal. (SeeContinue reading “How do I locate a Connecticut manumission record?”
Connecticut and the Firelands
The Origins of the Firelands: According to the Connecticut State Library, the Firelands were created as a result of the state of Connecticut’s attempts to recompense property owners for their losses after British attacks on Danbury, Fairfield, Norwalk, New London, and New Haven. In 1792, 500,000 acres of the Western Reserve was provided to survivorsContinue reading “Connecticut and the Firelands”
What are the overseers of the poor, and how can they impact the research of my Connecticut ancestor?
Connecticut had a public welfare system in place by 1702. The law read: Be in enacted and declared by the Governour, Council, and Representatives, in General Court Assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That when and so often as it shall happen, any person to be naturally wanting of understanding, so as toContinue reading “What are the overseers of the poor, and how can they impact the research of my Connecticut ancestor?”
Did Connecticut require vital records for those held in slavery?
As early as 1702, the requirement to register births and deaths included “masters” in addition to parents. Recording was inconsistent: although there was a penalty for failure to register, it’s unclear if it was ever enforced. In short, while there are only a small number of records for those held in slavery, it’s important toContinue reading “Did Connecticut require vital records for those held in slavery?”
Why did the town indenture my Connecticut ancestor?
19th century Connecticut newspapers include ads to reclaim those who had escaped indenture. Indenture, on the basic level, meant that someone “bound” themselves to an employer to work for a set period of time in exchange for some form of reward. Why do some of those ads mention the town as the ones doing theContinue reading “Why did the town indenture my Connecticut ancestor?”
Are there multiple versions of the Barbour Collection?
The Barbour Collection is an index and abstract of pre-1850 Connecticut vital records created in the early 1900s. For a history of the collection, see the “LibGuide” on the Connecticut State Library website. It’s a commonly used resource for Connecticut research, and, as it’s considered to be generally reliable, is accepted as “proof” by manyContinue reading “Are there multiple versions of the Barbour Collection?”
Which Connecticut genealogical societies can help me learn more about my ancestors?
While not all of Connecticut’s genealogical societies include a focus on Connecticut ancestry, those that do can offer unique resources for learning more about your Connecticut roots. Here’s a partial list of societies and a few of their offerings: The Polish Genealogical Society of Connecticut and the Northeast offers resources on research in Connecticut andContinue reading “Which Connecticut genealogical societies can help me learn more about my ancestors?”
Connecticut Roots by Charter Oak Genealogy 