Deeds and Indexes
Deed rooms will have several sets of indexes, but on each set it will tell you what the index holds. In fact, when you walk around the room, you will find indexes to the probates, military, court cases, oil/gas contracts and so on. All are waiting for you to open them up and explore. Moreover, the best part is, you can! They are all public documents and anyone can view them without permission. There is no need to ask the clerk for permission as all of the records are open to the public. I should mention, at this point that they will not help, you so don’t ask. They can take you into the room and show you the deeds and they might even show you the indexes but they cannot help you DO your research.
Deed rooms may be laid out differently but they do have a few things in common. Each group of books will have indexes. Find the indexes you want to go though first.
The death and birth records will be close to the clerks’ area. You will have to get permission first before you gaze at these. However, if it is at least 75 years old, they will let you have a look. Look for cabinets, like in the picture below, or you'll find them close to a clerk.
Don't get discouraged about not being able to view them. Remember, the probates are open records and they might also have the information in them. I guess a good rule of thumb to remember would be that if it has been through the courts, it is open to review. Unless you’re looking for JFK or someone like this, the records could be closed for review. Ok, find the index you would like to start with, get your note pad out and you are ready to get started! Go though the indexes and see if you can locate the names you are looking for. The indexes will be alphabetized and grouped by years. If you know about what year, start there. If you do not know the year, start with the first book they have indexed, and work your way thru the first years. You never know if you might run across a name that may show up later with someone you know.
Feeling a little intimidated from the people in the room?
Landsmen are working for the oil companies, tracing titles, and heirships. Nine times out of ten, they will not talk to you. Don't think they are being rude as that’s just their code, you could say. They work in competition against other oil companies and hide their work. Do not be offended if they cover their notes if you walk by. Sometimes you might get a “Hello” or “Excuse me”, but do not get offended if you do not.
You have to remember they don't know who you are. You might be a competitor or working against them in some other fashion. And believe me, there are many people out there of retirement age who are working as researchers for oil companies. Therefore, age has nothing to do with it. Even if you told them you are doing genealogy research, they might not believe you. Therefore, it is best to understand where they are coming from, if you are to understand them at all!
Title people are different, and easy to spot. They talk a lot and they seem to know everyone in the courthouse. This can be annoying when you are trying to read a deed or some document. I have been in courthouses where these people were there all day! Many times, you would just love to tell them to shut up. However, since we are nice people, we stay quiet and say nothing at all.
Please follow this piece of advice. Do not start anything in a county clerks office. You have to keep in mind, you are just visiting, they are there every day, and more than likely they are chatting with the clerks. Therefore, you would be the first to go, and you DO need to look at the records.
Now we have the clerks. The clerks sometimes are in there pulling out books, and making copies. Sometimes they will speak to you, sometimes not. It all depends on their mood. They will give you the impression that they are watching you.
Well, they are for several reasons. For one, they do not know who you are. Moreover, since you do not have to sign in, or show ID to look at the records. They are curious, as to just who you are. However, they cannot ask you, unless you are making copies and want a receipt.
Even then, you don't have to tell them. Second, they are making sure you do not harm the books or remove anything from the books. I guess I should mention at this point, if you find something that you would like a copy of, go ask the clerk to make you a copy.
Most courthouses will not let you take the page(s) out of the books. However, there are some clerks’ offices that will let you take it out, and even copy it yourself. However, never just assume! Ask! Keep in mind also that if you want a copy of anything, do so at least an hour before closing, because most clerks WILL NOT, copy anything 30 minutes before closing.
And as far as time goes, check their hours before you leave home, some close an hour for lunch and so on. Small towns keep their own hours. This is very frustrating if you have driven a few hours to get there, and they are closed for lunch.
Back to the top for "The Books" page to continue!