Family History and the Law - What You Need to Know

[@MrHarryreed]

The first fifteen years I was into genealogy I rummaged through courthouses all across the Midwest and Northeastern United States. This video brought back a lot of great memories. There's nothing like pulling a long-forgotten family record out of a musty old courthouse.

[@ryan-m]

what kind of stuff did you find??

[@MrHarryreed]

@@ryan-m When I started there wasn't anything online. I found the usual things, vital records, property records, and probate records. The one that really brought tears to my eyes was finding a beautiful hand-written and decorated marriage certificate from 1884. It was of my great-grandfather and great-grandmother from Scioto County, Ohio. Also, I would say court records can add so much to your family history. You can find all kinds of stories about your ancestors.

[@AncestryAimee]

Oh wow! That is so true! Some great memories for me too.

[@AncestryAimee]

Yes! Even when some of the records are available online, to touch the real deed your grandfather signed... it's powerful! And there are ALWAYS things there that are not online.

[@MrHarryreed]

I agree totally, Aimee.

[@robins8769]

Last week, I was in the local courthouse in the county where my mom and her maternal line are from (Deep East Texas). I spent 8 hours straight - on my feet, no breaks - looking at old land records, probate, and tax records, Barely made a dent. I loved it so much - one of my ideal vacation days! Can't wait to go back. :)

[@AncestryAimee]

Love it Robin!

[@kathywiseman7944]

I try to watch Judy on whatever show she appears on. So much information ❤

[@AncestryAimee]

Me too. 👍

[@PackerBacker23]

I loved hearing her speak at NGS!

[@AncestryAimee]

Me too!

[@herbsmith1985]

A wonderful interview. Well done. I'd like to hear more from Judy Russell

[@AncestryAimee]

Look for some of her talks at Rootstech - they are online and free. Enjoy! She is wonderful.

[@litebriteeyes]

Thank you for this, I learned something new! When I first started researching my family tree I looked for books to read and discovered a genealogy book by a dear uncle of mine who had passed. He was a lawyer, but while he was alive I didn't even know he was a genealogist too. I wish I had asked him questions while I could.

[@AncestryAimee]

That is such a common regret!! So glad you got that book though!

[@daniel.mackin]

Thanks for the great interview, Judy is such a treasure for our community!

[@AncestryAimee]

She is! She couldn't be a nicer more gracious person.

[@SwampCat96]

Thanks Aimee. Very interesting and a lot of tings we should know. I really liked my visits to Court Houses because bere were so much in all of them. Thanks again.

[@AncestryAimee]

Your'e welcome!! Hope you are well my friend!

[@kathleenkelley1299]

Great interview with Judy. My Court Records cheat sheet just arrived today. Will be planning a courthouse visit!

[@AncestryAimee]

Have fun!!

[@Majestic1]

Aimee this is great! I love the questions you asked Judy! I had no idea she started genealogy when she did! She's so very knowledgeable and approachable. I need to do more digging in her blogs. I'll never forget how her information on marriage bonds has helped me get a better understanding of that system.

[@AncestryAimee]

Thank you! She is so knowledgeable and approachable. Her blogs and website are a wealth of information.

[@mclyman-onkka3579]

Thank you!