A Brief Guide to Genealogical Materials in the Local History and Genealogy Department

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Department Information

The library catalog is one of the first places to begin research. All books and some microforms in the collection are listed by author, title, and subject in the database. Call numbers preceded by LH, TennR, and MilC refer to materials in this department.

Since the department is a reference collection, materials are not available for check out or interlibrary loan. Facilities for copying library materials are located in the department. This can be considered a good thing because any resource that you need will always be available for you to see.

The library has access to

• America's GenealogyBank -by NewsBank - remote access
• HeritageQuest Online - remote access
• Fold3 - Remote searching; printing is permitted inside library buildings
• Ancestry Library Edition- Full access allowed only inside library buildings
• Sanborn Maps
• New England Ancestors
• World Vital Records -by FamilyLink

These databases are specifically for genealogical research. The ones with remote access will require a library card outside our library buildings. Use a link here or from the E-Reference List to examine these resources!

The Research

The first thing to remember in beginning a family history is to BEGIN WITH YOURSELF. Without skipping a generation, continue to trace your parents, grandparents, great–grandparents, etc. When a generation is omitted, it is very easy to stray from the direct lineage.

You need to obtain as much information as possible about your family before beginning to search the various records. You should contact older family members for data on ancestors and to locate family papers or Bible records. The information needed to begin your search should include the ancestor’s name, birth, marriage, and death dates, as well as the city or county of residence. Some of the information received from relatives may be "family tradition" but this may provide clues to help in your research.

When you begin to gather data, a system of organization will need to be worked out so each generation is clear. A genealogical chart is the best method for arranging basic data. Sample charts which may be photocopied are available in the department.

It is very important to document any information you find. Keep a record of the author, title, volume, page or other proper reference so data can be verified. You should also list materials used even if no information is found. This avoids needless repetitive searching.

Census Records

Most researchers begin by using census records compiled by the federal government every ten years since 1790. Information on these records varies from year to year based on the questions asked. From 1790–1840 only the head of the household is listed by name. Other family members are noted only by sex and age groupings. Beginning in 1850, every person in a household is listed by name with additional information given. The 1890 census was destroyed by fire with only a few pages surviving.

Census records are restricted from public use for a period of seventy–two years from the date they were taken. Forms providing regulations for requesting data from a more recent census may be obtained from the Local History Department.

The department has census records through 1930 for Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Printed indexes for locating ancestors on the microfilmed census are available for many states. Soundex microfilm serves as an index to the 1880–1930 census. The department has the soundex for Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama only. [link to census holdings]

Registered borrowers of the library may order census and soundex microfilm not in the collection through interlibrary loan. Please contact us for details.

County Records

After using census records, the next step in your research is to consult state and county records. These include court minutes, deeds, marriages, tax lists, tombstone inscriptions, wills, etc.

The department’s collection of published county records varies by state and county but covers in some depth Tennessee and other southeastern states. Records for other sections of the country are available in more limited scope. Certain records, such as birth and death records, were not maintained on a regular basis until the twentieth century. Birth and death records for Tennessee are available beginning in 1908.

The BASIC GENEALOGICAL RESOURCES section provides examples of some of the bibliographies and guides useful in determining existing records for various states and counties.

In addition to printed records, an extensive collection of Tennessee county records is on microfilm. A list of these holdings is available in the Local History Department.

Military Records

These records can provide genealogical information on ancestors who may have served in a particular war. Most of the records available at this time cover the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War.

Military records are usually arranged by state and are in the form of rosters which list those serving from a particular state. The department contains many such records, as well as a general index to Revolutionary War service records, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama Civil War service records, and the Confederate pension applications for Tennessee.

For service records for members of the military from other states, write the General Reference Branch, National Archives, 7^th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20408 and request NATF Form 80.

Family File

This alphabetical surname card file indexes family sketches found in books, periodicals, clippings, and other departmental material. The file is continually updated. Be aware the citations may not necessarily refer to the family line you are researching.

Obituary Indexes

An index to obituaries appearing in Chattanooga newspapers from 1897 to the present is available in printed form and in an online database through 2003. [search the database]

The index provides the name of the deceased, newspaper name, and date of the obituary.

Periodicals

Magazines published by historical and genealogical societies are a frequently overlooked resource because they are unindexed or indexed only by issue. Many of these publications contain family and county records not available elsewhere. Researchers also can keep abreast of new genealogical publications or locate persons working on the same lineage.

The department subscribes to several national, state and local historical and genealogical publications.

Basic Genealogical Resources

Listed below are examples of many of the basic types of genealogical resources used in research which will be found in most libraries containing a genealogical collection.

Hours

The Local History and Genealogy Department is open the following hours:

9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday& Tuesday
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday & Saturday

Directions

From either I–75 or I–24, follow signs marked "Chattanooga" Hwy. 27 North. Take the M.L. King Blvd. exit, bear right and continue on M.L. King Blvd. to Broad St. (2 blocks). Turn right on Broad and go one block (Broad & 10^th Sts.). The library is located on Broad between 10^th and 11^th. Pay parking lots are located nearby.

Research By Mail

The staff will do limited research by mail. Contact the Local History and Genealogy Department regarding your request. Prepayment is required.

Fees are:

For More Information Contact:

 Local History and Genealogy Department
Chattanooga–Hamilton County Bicentennial Library
1001 Broad Street
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402

423–757–5317