Customer Reviews

Courthouse Indexes Illustrated

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a treasure chest of information on the different types of indexes used in local courthouses. It never would have occurred to me that there were so many different indexes in use. It seems each region had its own preferred method. This is invaluable information for someone who is trying to access court records.

All the details you need to use just about any courthouse index, and small enough to take to the courthouse with you

This book is a must for a novice family historian. Court house records can be a brick wall in themselves for researchers confronting unfamiliar microfilmed indexes in a library far from the court house itself. With Christine Rose's illustrated examples, the wall tumbles.

While this volume is a valuable eye-opener to prepare for research in courthouses, there is only an occasional reference as to where in US a particular indexing system is used. Also I found no info as to whether certain systems have been discarded in favor of more contemporary systems, and where. Consequently I assume one has to correspond with court clerks to learn which system is in use and on what type of documents. I find it hard to believe that a system instituted in 1795 is still in use without periodic modifications.

For those who have never done research in a Courthouse this task can be daunting to say the least. It can be very time consuming, especially when the courthouse employees are less than helpful. It can also be very expensive when they charge $.25 per copy of a document. Best to be prepared to have all the information you can get (dates, places, names, neighbors, etc.) before you get there and be prepared to spend days researching unless you are researching a very famous person who is well known to the local community (a previous Civil War Hero, a famous General, a Mayor of the City or Governor of the State).

Having just returned from two weeks in Virginia and leaving this week for Texas for three weeks, I have not had an opportunity to completely review this fine book. I will; however, be taking it with me to Texas to be able to better understand the research I will be doing in the courthouse in Conroe, TX. I appreciate your fine service, - books arrive promptly and in excellent space. Thank you, Sandra Jane Tapper