Alabama, Madison County Chancery and Circuit Court Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This is a collection of probate records, including case files and other documents created by the probate courts of various Alabama counties. Probates were generally recorded in the county of residence. This collection covers probate records created 1800-1930, but the content and time period of the records will vary by county. Additional records may be added to this collection. Check the wiki or browse the collection to determine current coverage.

For a list of localities currently published in this collection, select the Browse link from the collection landing page.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the data and images published on FamilySearch.org Historical Records. It may include the author, custodian, publisher, and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content


The key genealogical facts differ between court files and may include any of the following:


 * Name of interested parties
 * Associated event dates such as marriage, divorce, death. or probate
 * Names of relatives and heirs such as spouse, minor children, and dependents
 * Names of witnesses
 * Name of court
 * Type of event
 * Date of court hearing
 * Residences
 * Lists or property disputed
 * Document and recording dates
 * Occupations

How to Use the Record
To begin your search, it is helpful to know:


 * The names of the principle parties
 * The approximate date of the event
 * The case file number

Search the Collection
To search the collection select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select the "Record Category" ⇒Select the "Record Type, Volume, and Year Range" that takes you to the images.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family. For example:


 * Use the records to identify heirs and relatives.
 * Use the information to approximate birth and death dates.
 * Use the occupations listed to find other types of records, such as employment or military records.
 * Use the residences to locate other records such as vital records, census, church, and land records.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * Watch for information regarding adoptions, guardianship of any minor children and dependents, and land transactions.
 * Compile the entries for others with the same surname; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have resided in the same county or nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family or even the second marriage of a parent. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * There is some variation in the information given from one record to another record.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Check for variant spellings of the surnames.
 * Check for an index. There are often indexes created by the court or local historical and genealogical societies.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby counties.

Related Websites

 * Chancery Clerk Website
 * Alabama Wills

Related Wiki Articles

 * Madison County, Alabama
 * Alabama

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
“Alabama, Madison County Chancery and Circiut Court Records, 1947-1950,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org: accessed 23 April 2012), Chancery Court Records &gt; Case files no 386-391 1842-1853 &gt; Image 60 of 1001, Nancy McDavid, died 1852; citing Madison County Circuit Court Clerk, Huntsville, Alabama.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.