Sometimes we get stuck in research simply because we don’t know where to look next. While this list is far from exhaustive – and will apply better to the colonial period – here are sources you can check to learn more about your Connecticut ancestors. Keep in mind, these are a starting point. There areContinue reading “Stuck researching a Connecticut ancestor? Have you checked these sources?”
Author Archives: Bryna O'Sullivan
What does “removal” mean in a burial record?
From sexton’s books to burial transit permits, Connecticut has remarkably good civil burial records. The term removal appears in many of those records. What does it actually mean? The term “removal” is used to indicate that the remains were moved from one town to another. If it appears in the town’s sexton’s books, it’s usuallyContinue reading “What does “removal” mean in a burial record?”
The Hale Collection: A Resource for Cemetery Inscriptions
An outgrowth of a project to document veteran’s graves, the Hale Collection was largely compiled between 1932 and 1935. To create the collection, staffers visited the town, attempted to locate all relevant cemeteries, and transcribe the headstones. Those transcriptions were then organized into volumes by town and then by cemetery. The volumes are available onContinue reading “The Hale Collection: A Resource for Cemetery Inscriptions”
How do I find my ancestor’s Connecticut divorce record?
Connecticut’s statute allowing for divorce dates from 1667, created under the argument that marriage – and thus divorce – was a civil contract. The superior court system was given jurisdiction over divorce cases as early as 1784. In 1849, it officially became exclusive. Yet, many still petitioned the Connecticut General Assembly. The Connecticut State LibraryContinue reading “How do I find my ancestor’s Connecticut divorce record?”
Justice of the Peace: More than just marrying people!
Today, the justice of the peace has three “official” roles in Connecticut: they can conduct marriages, take oaths, and take depositions. The institution has simplified over time. In the colonial period, the Justice of the Peace essentially functioned as a small court. It had many of the roles it does today. Individuals could marry inContinue reading “Justice of the Peace: More than just marrying people!”
How do I take my Connecticut immigrant ancestor back to Europe?
This is one of the more common Connecticut research questions. A simplified version might be “I know my family is Irish (Italian, Polish, German, French, etc.). How do I learn more about where they’re from in Europe.” The short answer: you need a European point of origin. Expecting to find an ancestor in Europe whenContinue reading “How do I take my Connecticut immigrant ancestor back to Europe?”
How do I find the district probate court that holds my Connecticut ancestor’s records?
Since 1719, Connecticut has used district – rather than county – probate courts. The boundaries of the districts have changed periodically, but the records do not move with district changes. To identify the probate court that would have served your ancestor, you need to know in which district their town of residence was located atContinue reading “How do I find the district probate court that holds my Connecticut ancestor’s records?”
How do I locate a Connecticut birth, death or marriage record?
Adapted from a post on http://www.charteroakgenealogy.com. Here’s what you need to know for Connecticut records: Rule of thumb: FamilySearch first and then the town. State only when all other options have been exhausted.
Connecticut Colonial Census Enumerations
copied from a post at Charter Oak Genealogy To apply to a Revolutionary War era lineage society, the applicant needs to document not only the ancestor’s service but also the ancestor’s residence during the War. For Connecticut ancestors, there are four sources typically used to “prove” residence: One could add a fifth: census enumerations. EvenContinue reading “Connecticut Colonial Census Enumerations”
Running a genealogy group in a Connecticut library? Here are some resources to help.
Connecticut’s libraries are amazing. And many are trying to make programs and projects happen on limited resources. If you are a library staff member or volunteer in a Connecticut library, here are some resources that can help.
Connecticut Roots by Charter Oak Genealogy 