County Courthouse Book, 3rd Edition

This directory for the genealogical researcher gives contact and record information for county courthouses in all 50 states and the US territories. Entries include current addresses and phone numbers, and information on four record groups of special interest to genealogists: land records, naturalization records, vital records, and probate records. Entries gives information on the dates covered in each group, plus information on fees for searches and photocopying, and any restrictions on the use of records. When available, information is also provided on other types of records significant for genealogists, such as name changes, school records, and voter registrations. Because the directory is intended to facilitate research done by mail, information on office hours and reading room fees is not given. A brief introduction offers tips for searching for country records and dealing with county offices. The directory can also be used for land title searches, legal investigations, and other searches. This third edition offers updated entries. Information on the author is not given. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Constructed from a survey sent to county courthouses across the United States, this reference lists the extent of county records in four major groups of interest to genealogists and others--land, vital, naturalization, and probate records. Organized alphabetically by state, each county courthouse entry is headed by a sketch of its judicial structure. An introduction gives needed background on the response to the survey and how the data was compiled, although this information would have been enhanced with a reproduction of the actual survey. Inclusion of a list of a state's counties and a map showing the placement of the counties would have been beneficial as well. A source bibliography gives additional reference material. Libraries with active genealogical division or genealogical associations may find this handy; others may skip.
- Susan M. Dunn, Woodbury Cty. Law Lib., Sioux City, Ia.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.