How to Use Government and Legal Records for Genealogy Research

When you begin your family history research, you’ll likely start with birth, marriage, and death records. But did you know there are many other legal and government records that can provide a wealth of information? These documents tell the stories of your ancestors’ lives, though they are sometimes overlooked because they can seem difficult to find. Fortunately, online databases like MyHeritage have extensive collections of records that can make your search much easier.

How to locate legal and government records

Searching locally is often a good starting point because there are fewer records to explore. After you’ve checked local sources, state-level government documents are the next step. These records may be spread across different departments, archives, and systems. Start with online resources like MyHeritage, which gathers billions of these records in one place. You can also contact county courthouses and town clerks to ask how to access their public records. While smaller towns might only have paper or microfilm copies, state archives often provide clear instructions and have digitized collections available online.

Types of records to look for

Each record you find adds another piece to the puzzle of who your ancestors were, where they came from, and what kind of lives they lived. You can confirm basic facts, learn surprising details, and turn simple names and dates into rich, intriguing stories.

Voter registration lists

These lists can provide names, addresses, occupations, and even political affiliations, which can open up new avenues for your research. New registrations can also help you track where your family members moved throughout their lives. You can find these records in courthouse archives and online databases.

Passport applications

These applications can offer fascinating details, including physical descriptions like eye and hair color. If you only have black-and-white photos of your ancestors, this information can help you imagine them more vividly. Passport applications can also confirm citizenship, migration patterns, and sometimes even reveal where the family took vacations.

Naturalization and denization records

While the earliest records may only include names, dates, and arrival ports, documents from the 20th century often provide more detail. These records are especially useful if your ancestors anglicized or Americanized their names after arriving in a new country. Denization records were a similar type of document used in the U.K. in earlier centuries.

Prison and criminal records

Did any of your ancestors have run-ins with the law? These records can be surprising assets in your genealogical research. Look for court documents, prison intake records, and arrest paperwork, even if the accusations didn’t lead to a conviction. You might even find a mugshot, providing a rare photo of a family member.

Name change petitions

People change their names for many reasons, which can make them difficult to track in a family tree. Name change petitions from local or state courthouses can help you fill in these gaps and connect with new branches of your family. Documenting these changes in your MyHeritage family tree can help you keep your research organized and accurate. These documents often include addresses, occupations, marriage details, and the reason for the name change.

Tax records and property assessments

Knowing where your relatives lived helps you map your family’s journey. Information about property taxes, sales, and purchases also offers insight into their financial situation and how it may have changed over time. Sudden changes in property ownership can indicate a death, job loss, or other hardship. You can align these findings with historical events in the region to get a fuller picture of their lives.

Morgue and autopsy reports

While a death certificate provides basic information, these reports can offer a deeper insight into the end of a family member’s life. They are especially valuable if there were legal inquests, court orders, or other people involved who could lead you to new discoveries.

Take the time to explore these less common legal and government records to fill in the gaps in your family history. Sometimes, the most local paperwork provides the greatest insights and surprises. Start searching the MyHeritage historical records collections to see what new stories you might uncover.

Key takeaways about using government records for genealogy

• Start with local records before moving on to state-level archives for more specific and manageable searches.
• The more documents you find from different sources, the easier it becomes to cross-reference data and confirm facts.
• Some records, such as passport applications, may include physical descriptions that can bring your family history to life.

FAQs about using government records for family history

Who can you ask at a local level for help finding records?

Your main local contacts are county or town clerks, who can direct you to archives and explain how to access public documents. Additionally, local libraries and historical societies often hold valuable collections or can provide guidance. These resources are essential for finding records that may not be digitized or available online, providing a more complete picture of your ancestor’s life.

What records can give hints of physical appearance?

Passport applications, as well as morgue or autopsy reports, can include physical descriptions to help you put a face to a name. Details like eye and hair color can help bring old black-and-white photos to life, adding a personal touch to your research and helping you visualize your ancestors more clearly.

Can tax or land records confirm family relationships?

Yes, in some cases. While they might not list family members directly, you may find these details when property changes hands after a marriage, death, or inheritance. Combining these records with other documents can help confirm your information. In the past, it was also common for extended families to live on the same property or very close to one another.

How can you more easily discover unknown family members?

Your ancestors may have kept quiet about a relative who broke the law or changed their name. Using prison records, court documents, and name change petitions, you can uncover new branches of your family and gain more insight into their lives. These less-common documents can solve long-standing family mysteries.

Where can you find records of someone who left the country?

While immigration records for arriving ancestors can be extensive, finding records for those who left a country can be trickier. Passport applications are very helpful, as they can reveal travel patterns and connections to family in other countries. Your best resources for these records are national archives and online collections.

Gavin Crawley is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience and a strong personal passion for genealogy. He combines his professional writing skills with a deep curiosity about family history, helping others explore their roots through clear, engaging content. Gavin draws on his own research experience to make complex topics more accessible to readers at all stages of their genealogical journey.

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Source: My Heritage