Step-by-Step Alabama Research, 1880-Present

Alabama Step-by-step research 1880--present

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Step 1. Find out everything possible from living relatives and their family records.
Every good genealogy project starts with finding all the clues that can be gathered from living relatives — both from their memories and from documents or memorabilia in their homes.

What information can relatives help with??
In order to extend research on ancestors, look for names, dates, and places. Any information about when and where a relative lived is a clue to a new record search. Be sure to ask questions that lead to that information, including about their occupations, military service, or associations with others, such as fraternal organizations. See also:


 * Fifty Questions for Family History Interviews What to Ask the Relatives
 * Genealogy: 150 questions to ask family members about their lives
 * Creating Oral Histories

Step 2. Find ancestors in every possible census record, 1850-1950, online.
A census is a count and description of the population of a country, state, county, or city for a given date. A census took a "snapshot" of a family on a certain day. For each person living in a household you might find (depending on the year) their name, age, birthplace, relationship to head of household, place of birth for father and mother, citizenship status, year of immigration, mother of how many children and number of children living, native language, and whether they were a veteran of the military.

Using the clues to lead to census record searches.
Imagine that this obituary for a great-grandfather in old papers that parents had. It gives some important clues for where and when to search in census records. Mayor Trainham was born June 4, 1938, in Selma, Alabama. His parents were Kenneth Earl Trainham, Sr., and Bessie Avis Cardwell.
 * 'The first step would be to look for a married couple, Kenneth and Bessie Trainham, in the 1940 census of Alabama, probably in Selma, with son, Kenneth, about two years old.

Here is the 1940 census for the family living in Dallas County, Alabama.

Looking for the next generation.
In 1940, Kenneth Trainham, Sr., was 24 years old, born in Alabama. In 1930, there is a Kenneth Trainham in the home of Lucien L. Trainham and his wife, Sallie (a nickname for Sarah) living in Dallas County, Alabama. '''Going back another 10 years to 1920, the family of L.L. Trainham and Sallie. '''In 1910. L.L. Trainham is listed as Lucien L., and the family is living in Texas.
 * The next step would be to look for him as a 14-year-old in 1930, listed in his parents' home, and then again as a 4-year-old in 1920.

'''In 1900, Lucien Trainham has a wife named Fannie, possibly a first wife, with Sallie being his second wife. It appears that Garland is the son of Fannie, not Sallie. We find a birth date of Sep 1874 for Lucien, so we should be able to find him in the 1880 census listed in his father's home.'''

Another generation back.
In the 1880 census, we find Lucien Trainham as a six-year-old boy, the son of John W. and and Agnes Trainham.
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Step 3: Find birth, marriage, and death certificates for ancestors and their children.
States, counties, or even towns in some states recorded births, marriages, and deaths. In addition to the child's name, birth date, and place of birth, a birth certificate may give the birthplaces of the parents, their ages, and occupations. A death certificate may give the person's birth date and place, parents' names and birthplaces, and spouse's name.

Using the census clues to lead to a birth certificate.
Census information gives approximate birth years and probable birth places, and that information leads to finding important birth records.

Using the census clues to lead to a marriage certificate.
Finding marriage records can:
 * establish the full identity of the wife, with her maiden name and possible birth details.
 * find the names of the parents of the bride and groom.

This index entry links to the original record on the right.

Using the census clues to lead to a death certificate.
Moving forward in time, older generations stop showing up in the census. That is a clue that they probably died in the last 10 years. The death certificate is important because of all the possible secondary data beyond just the date and place of death:
 * birth date and place of the deceased
 * maiden name of the wife
 * names of the deceased's parents
 * birth places of the deceased's parents.

Some of the examples shown above are index entries. That means for each of them an actual, original, full certificate exists. It is highly advisable to order the original certificate. It will contain many details not given in the index. In some cases, the image of the original is found online. Instructions are given below on obtaining the original certificate in other cases.

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How to Find the Records
There are basically three ways to find these indexes or full original certificates:
 * online databases
 * writing to a county courthouse (prior to state civil registration beginning in 1867)
 * purchasing them through the mail

Online databases, usually indexes, with some images

 * This chart gives links to some Alabama online databases for these records:

Records at the County Courthouse.
These records were originally created by county clerks, and then copies were sent to the state. County clerks can be willing to help find all the birth records for one family or perform other searches that the state would not do. To contact county clerks by e-mail or telephone, go to the Wiki article for each county. Links to the county Wiki articles are found at the end of this page or by clicking here: Alabama Counties.

Order Certificates from Alabama Vital Records Department.
Almost always the full original certificate will contain information not contained in the index. Although it costs money, consider sending for the full original certificates, particularly for direct line ancestors (grandparents, great-grandparents, etc).


 * Where to Write for Alabama Birth, Marriage, Death and Divorce Records

For more information on birth, marriage, and death records in Alabama, see How to Find Alabama Birth Records, How to Find Alabama Marriage Records, and How to Find Alabama Death Records.

U.S. Social Security Death Index and Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007

 * The U.S. Social Security program began in 1935 but most deaths recorded in the index happened after 1962.
 * The Social Security Death index includes those who had a Social Security number and/or applied for benefits.
 * You can search these records online at
 * Also at Ancestry.com, ($), index.
 * The Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 picks up where the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) leaves off, by providing information filed in the application or claims process.
 * The Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 picks up where the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) leaves off, by providing information filed in the application or claims process.


 * If you find your ancestor in the SSDI index, you can order a copy of their original Social Security application (SS-5). If you can prove the individual has died (by sending an obituary or copy of their cemetery headstone), the application will also give the deceased's parents' names, if listed.

Notice that these Social Security records can provide the maiden names of women.

Obituaries

 * Frequently, a death is announced in the newspaper with an obituary.
 * These obituaries may supply missing birth or death dates and name the parents of the deceased.
 * Obituaries may also name family members, their spouses, their current residences, and whether they died before the person or are still surviving, especially in obituaries written in the last half of the 20th Century.
 * Try these Alabama links:
 * Online Alabama Death Records, Indexes &amp; Obituaries
 * . Index/images.
 * ObitsArchive.com - Alabama ($)
 * ObituariesHelp.org - Alabama Newspaper Obituaries Listings
 * The Obituary Link Page - Alabama Obituary Links
 * Alabama Obituaries
 * — index and images

Cemeteries

 * Cemetery records may only give the names and dates stated on the tombstone, but as in the case of FindAGrave, sometimes pictures of the deceased and their tombstone, children's or parents' names and links to their graves, and marriage information have been added. Always verify information added by others.
 * Frequently family members are buried in the same cemetery often in neighboring plots.
 * Try these Alabama links:
 * Online Alabama Death Records, Indexes &amp; Obituaries
 * Alabama cemetery records ($)
 * Alabama Cemetery Records at Interment.net.
 * Cemetery Records at Findagrave.com.
 * BillionGraves Cemetery Records.
 * Tennessee Valley Cemetery Relocation Files, 1933-1990
 * I Dream of Genealogy Cemetery Records
 * Alabama Cemetery Records

NOTE: Each database covers different cemeteries, although some may overlap. Don't be discouraged if you do not locate your individual in the first database. Check each collection. Here are several examples of FindAGrave records:
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Step 5: Search military records: World War I and World War II draft cards.

 * There are many different types of military records, some covered in online collections, some microfilmed, and some requiring you to order them from government repositories with a fee. For more information, read the U.S. Military Records Class Handout. Information in military records can vary from a simple lists of name, age, and residence, to more detailed records including name, residence, age, occupation, marital status, birthplace, physical description, number of dependents, pensions received, disabled veterans, needy veterans, widows or orphans of veterans, and other information.

World War I Draft Registration

 * One of the most helpful military records is the draft registration of 1917-1918. During three separate registrations, men born between 1873-1897 were required to register in the draft for World War I. Cards may give birth date, birth place, residence, occupation, employer, physical description, next of kin (usually the wife or mother), and number of dependents. Search for your male relatives born in this time period at.

World War II Draft Registration
Likewise, the World War II draft in 1942 may give birth date, birth place, residence, occupation, employer, and other family members as contacts. Search for your male relatives born in this time period at
 * , index and images.
 * , index and images.

Step 6: Look for church records.
Church records function as vital records. Church records are particularly helpful prior to the advent of civil registration.
 * An infant christening or baptism record documents a birth.
 * Many, if not most, people are married in a church, and then a record is created by the minister.
 * Likewise, ministers presided over funerals, then creating a burial record, which documents a death.



'''Follow the instructions and links in these articles to search for possible church records that might fill in any gaps.

 * 1807-1947 Alabama miscellaneous church records, 1807-1947 at FamilySearch; images
 * 1831-1994 at FamilySearch; index and images — How to Use this Collection
 * 1881-1930 at FamilySearch; index Coverage Table — How to Use this Collection
 * 1816-1957 at FamilySearch; index - Coverage Table— How to Use this Collection

Anglican/Episcopal Collections

 * 1830s-1970s Alabama Episcopal Church Records at the Birmingham Public Library - index
 * 1832-1972 Web: Alabama, Episcopal Church Registers Index, 1832-1972 at Ancestry; index ($)
 * 1837-1970 Alabama, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, Church Records, 1837-1970 at Ancestry; index & images ($)

Lutheran

 * 1781-1969 U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969 at Ancestry; index and images, incomplete.($)
 * 1800-1947 U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947 at Ancestry; index and images, incomplete.($)

Methodist Collections

 * 1830-1920 Methodist Episcopal Church, 1832-1920, Alabama at FamilySearch; images
 * 1836-1928 Circuit Methodist Episcopal churches in Alabama, 1836-1928 at FamilySearch; images
 * 1836-1919 Circuit Methodist Episcopal churches, 1836-1919, Alabama at FamilySearch; images
 * 1830-1934 Methodist Episcopal Church records, 1830-1934, Alabama at FamilySearch; images

Presbyterian

 * 1701-1970 U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970 at Ancestry; index and images, incomplete ($)

Step 7: Search for online wills and probate packets.
For more information, see U.S. Probate Records Class Handout.

County probate records

 * County probate records include probate proceedings, petitions, affidavits, orders for sales, reports of sales, administrators' and executors' bonds, guardianship papers, wills, and letters of administration. In a will book, usually just a transcription of the will is recorded. But all of these other records are kept in a probate packet. Administrations are probate proceedings that handled an estate if no known will existed.


 * Currently, these records are microfilmed and digitized:
 * Alabama, Wills and Probate Records, 1753-1999, ($), index and images, incomplete.
 * Alabama, Marriages, Deaths, Wills, Court, and Other Records, 1784-1920 Book ($)
 * Index to Alabama Wills, 1808-1870. Online at FamilySearch Digital Library, Ancestry ($); index.
 * Index and images.
 * Index and images.
 * index/images


 * Eventually more of these records may become available online.


 * In the meantime, this online directory by Genealogy Inc. will enable you to arrange to have them searched for a fee: Click on the map to select a county, then scroll down to the Courthouse and Government Records to find the address and phone number of the County Clerk of Court. Ask them about the years covered by their probate records and their procedure and fees for ordering copies probate packets. When you write, always ask for the full probate packet, not just the will or administration.

Step 8: If any ancestor was an immigrant, search immigration and naturalization records online.
The census records may show that your ancestor was born in another country. It will be necessary to try to find the town or city they were born in to continue research in the country of origin. Searches of immigration records (usually passenger lists) and naturalization (citizenship) records are the next goal. Immigration refers to people coming into a country, such as the United States, and emigration refers to people leaving a country to go to another. Usually these records are passenger lists of the ships they sailed on. A typical record will show name, age, and country of origin, but in ship lists after 1906 you can find the actual town of birth, the next of kin still living in the old country and their residence, and the names of relatives in the place they are traveling to.

Immigration records
Passenger lists and border crossing lists are the most common immigration records. There are many immigration records available. Click here to see a complete list of available immigration records online. Notice that they are listed by state, but under the letter "U" there is a long list of records that cover all of the United States. Unless family information tells you the port where family arrived, you will need to search all of the United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records for the time period when your ancestors arrived.

There are also many immigration records unique to Alabama:
 * Images.
 * Atlantic Ports, Gulf Coasts, and Great Lakes Passenger Lists, Roll 4:1820-1870 Abstracts ($)
 * Atlantic Ports, Gulf Coasts, and Great Lakes Passenger Lists, Roll 7:1820-1835 Abstracts ($)
 * Atlantic Ports, Gulf Coasts, and Great Lakes Passenger Lists, Roll 8:1845-1849 Abstracts ($)
 * Passports and ship passengers 1849-1862 : Mobile, Alabama. Index.
 * Alabama, Passenger Lists, 1904-1962

Naturalization (Citizenship) Records
Naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen. Records can include the immigrant's declaration of intent to become a citizen, petitions for citizenship, and final certificate of naturalization. Naturalization records after 1906 can show birth date and place, spouse's name, marriage date and place, and lists of children with their birth dates.

Alabama naturalization records could be recorded at the county court or the Federal District or Circuit Court. You must look for them in both locations. Try searching first in any county where the person lived, unless the census tells you the year they were naturalized, and you have evidence of where they lived that year. If you cannot locate them in the county records, try searching for them in the Federal courts.

Alabama Naturalization and Citizenship Online Records

 * Alabama, Naturalization Records, 1909-1991 ($)
 * U.S. Naturalization Records Indexes for Alabama, 1794-1995 ($)
 * Selected U.S. Naturalization Records - District Courts in the Southeast, 1790-1958 – covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee ($)

Local histories

 * Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain biographies and accounts of early or prominent families.
 * Here are several websites that feature online copies of printed county histories:
 * Hathi Trust Digital Library. Don't use the keywords Alabama; that will bring up too many hits. Just use the name of the county and "county": for example, "Hyde County"
 * Google Books. Use keywords "Alabama" and the county name. Hits will list online readable books, lists of libraries that carry the book, and purchasing opportunities.
 * Family History Books
 * Internet Archive.Use keywords "Alabama" and the county name.
 * Online County and Town Histories, Alabama.
 * Ancestry.com, ($). In the Card Catalog search box, use Alabama and the name of the county.


 * Local histories are extensively collected by the FamilySearch Library, public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies. If you have access to the FamilySearch Library or a FamilySearch center, you can find out about local histories the library has by checking the FamilySearch Catalog. In the "place" field, type the name of your county and select it from the drop down list, then click "Search". A list of subheadings for the county will appear. Local histories containing genealogies and biographies will be found under Biography, Genealogy, History, and History - Indexes.

Biographies
These collections of biographies can be searched online. Most have a table of contents and an index. Or use the "Find" function on a computer.
 * WPA Index to Alabama Biography. Index.
 * Reminiscences of public men in Alabama : for thirty years, with an appendix. Images, book index.
 * Alabama, Her History, Resources, War Record, and Public Men (Published 1872). Images, book index.
 * Riley, Benjamin Franklin. Makers and Romance of Alabama History: Embracing Sketches of the Men Who Have Been Largely Instrumental in Shaping the Policies and in Molding the Conditions in Rapid Growth of Alabama, Together with the Thrilling and Romantic Scenes with which Our History is Resplendent. 1915. Images, book index.
 * Early Settlers of Alabama. Online at FamilySearch Digital Library, Internet Archive, Ancestry ($)
 * Northern Alabama, historical and biographical. Images, book index.
 * History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, Vol. 4, e-books
 * History of Alabama and her people, Albert Burton Moore, author and editor, assisted by an advisory council; Alabama biography by special staff of writers. v.1 Index, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, e-books
 * Notable men of Alabama: personal and genealogical, with portraits. V.1, e-book, V.2, e-book

Step 10: Contact a county historical or genealogical society.
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 * County historical societies have collections that are frequently little known and often overlooked.
 * Many have a surname file, where they have collected genealogies, newspaper clippings, old photographs, etc.
 * Many have a sort of "pioneer ancestor" program, where people can submit pedigrees to prove they are the descendants of an early resident of the county. :*Most keep track of queries about families that once lived in the area from other distant relatives who may actually have more family memorabilia than you.
 * Many have a sort of "pioneer ancestor" program, where people can submit pedigrees to prove they are the descendants of an early resident of the county. :*Most keep track of queries about families that once lived in the area from other distant relatives who may actually have more family memorabilia than you.


 * If you can find the society on the internet, they may list their holdings. Or call them on the phone, find out what they have, and find out what arrangements can be made to search their collection. Frequently, you can hire one of their members to search the collection for you.

This online directory by GenealogyInc. lists historical and genealogical societies by county: Click on the map to select a county, then scroll down to the historical or genealogical society listings. Here is an example of an internet website for a local genealogical society.

Historical Images
Records collected and digitized by FamilySearch can all be found through their Historical Images feature.
 * Alabama, United States Historical Images, New Version
 * Alabama, United States Historical Images, Old Version

Alabama Online Genealogy Records
Search any other online records listed in Alabama Online Genealogy Records. The steps given here are intended to list record sources which can most efficiently identify descendants. Many other online records which might or might not mention descendants are listed in the Alabama Online Genealogy Records page, including immigration records, land records, military records, newspapers, and probate records, and others. These can be records that cover a smaller group within the population, such as men who served in the military, etc.
 * Alabama Online Genealogy Records

Step 12: Study the Research Wiki pages for any county in Alabama.
This article focused more on Alabama state or state-wide records. There is a separate Wiki article for each county in Alabama. This can help you with other records kept on a county level.