The Big Four
Census, Vital Records,
Land & Probate
Mesa Regional Family History Center
Census
What is a Census
Information asked to satisfy need of the
Government
U.S. Federal Census 1790 to 1930
State Census – sporadic
U.K. and Canada 1841 to 1911
Used for taxes and population of districts
Census
Why do we look at a census?
Gather Family Information
Names, dates and places
Glean Clues for further research
1900 Census
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Birth month and year, age
marriage status, years married
How many children born and living
Birthplace of deceased Father
Year of immigration
3.
4.
1.
5.
2.
Census
Where do we find a Census?
Ancestry.com, easiest and most direct
Film and State Index books at the MRFHC
Other Websites
Vital Records
What are Vital Records?
Birth or Christening
Marriage
Death
Kept by Government or Church
Vital Records
Why do we want them?
Primary Record
Made at the time of the Event
Marriage most reliable – People gave
own information
3.
1.
Marriage
Application
1. Maiden name
2. # of Marriage
3. Parent’s names
4. Mother’s maiden
name
2.
4.
Vital Records
Where do we find Vital Records?
State Vital Statistics Offices
Many Internet sites, ex. Ancestry.com,
Familysearch.org, Progenealogists.com
Film, FHL Catalog > Place search > Vital
records
Books, County and State
Family Bible
Land Records
What are Land Records?
Show Ownership
Transfer of Land
Government Records
Court Records
Land Records
Why do we look for Land Records?
One of the first records kept
Trace family movements and
generations
Older records can be chatty
Land Patent
Name
Date
Location
Description
Grant or
Purchase
Land Records
Where do we find Land Records?
County Court House
Internet sites, glorecords.blm.gov,
nara.gov and more
Film, FHL Catalog > Place search > Deeds
Books, County and State
Government and Military Land Grants
Probate Records
What is a Probate Record?
Court Document
Hand in hand with a Will
Probate Records
Why do we look for Probate Records?
Legal and Correct
Extended Family is involved in all aspects
Inventory, Sale, Guardianship Papers
Wills can be chatty and give a lot of
information
Probate Record Search
Probate Records
Where do we find Probate Records?
County Court House
Internet sites, Rootsweb.com,
Progenealogists.com and more
Film, FHL Catalog > Place search >
Probate
Books, County Court Records
The Big Four
The Foundation of
Family History Research
The End