Finding 19th Century Florida Records: for Biographical, Genealogical, and Other Historical Research

“Why can’t I find his death certificate?” “What records show a woman’s maiden name?” “Where else can I look?” This researcher’s handbook provides information on what types of historical records may be available for persons who lived in Florida in the nineteenth century. It includes many types of records that are not available through the popular online genealogy databases and, therefore, are often overlooked. Using images of actual records, the book shows what type of information can be found in each. This is followed by instructions on how to obtain the record in print, microfilm and/or online. Maps, tables, and photos are used to supplement and provide context for how to interpret the records. There are over 175 illustrations in all. The anticipated users of the book will be genealogists, biographers, historians, and college and high school students who are required to use primary source material. Topics covered in this book include: Basics and background: Population censuses (Spanish, territory, state, and federal), County creation dates and County border maps, Predicting names using naming patterns, Photo archives, Journals Life and death records: Church records, Cemetery records, Death notices and obituaries, Family Bibles, Marriage records, Divorce announcements, Social Security Application (SS-5), Will and probate records Colonial and Territorial: Archives of Spanish East and West Florida, Spanish land grants, Florida Territorial papers (1777-1824), U.S territorial papers for Florida (1821-1845), American State Papers Work and civic duties: Agricultural census, City directories, Jury/Court records, Marks and brands, Physician’s license, Tax lists (local and federal), Voter lists Land: Federal land patents, military bounty land warrants, Armed Occupation Act of 1842 land grants, County land deed sales, PLSS maps (Township/Range), Free online mapping systems Newspapers: Professional and personal advertisements, Post Office list of letters, society columns, online historic newspaper collections with free access, and more. Immigration and Travel: Immigration records, naturalization records, Passports Military: Military returns (fort personnel records), Military muster sheets and service records from the Indian Wars, Mexican-American War, Civil War, and War with Spain, Pension records Florida’s 45% Non-White Population: African American records, Slave records, Native American records