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. Trying to search by the county. Connecticut hasn’t had political counties since 1960 and prior to that point, counties had only a limited role. (See here for theContinue reading “5 Common Connecticut Research Mistakes – and How to Avoid them”
Category Archives: Resources
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. The U.S. Census: While Connecticut did have a colonial census,Continue 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!”
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 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: Records may exist going back to the 1640s – but not every family will have them. Connecticut required birth, death, and marriage records from the 1660s forward. However, the law allowed clerks to charge for recording. A family who couldn’tContinue reading “How do I locate a Connecticut birth, death or marriage record?”
