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?”
Category Archives: Resources
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?”
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?”
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?”
Stuck researching a Connecticut ancestor? Have you checked these sources?
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?”
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?”
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!”
Connecticut Roots by Charter Oak Genealogy 