Step-by-Step Colorado Research, 1880-Present
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Step 1. Find out everything possible from living relatives and their family records.[edit | edit source]
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 are the best questions to ask?[edit | edit source]
In order to extend research, ask for names, dates, and places. Everything about who a relative was and when and where they lived is a clue to a new record search. For ideas, see :
- 50 Questions to Ask Relatives About Family History at ThoughtCo.com
- Creating Oral Histories at FamilySearch Wiki
What documents should be collected or copied?[edit | edit source]
Because these records cover names, dates, places, and relationships, they are a valuable source of clues. Look for them in your home, your parents' home, and ask living grandparents to check for them.
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Step 2. Find ancestors in every possible census record, 1850-1950, online.[edit | edit source]
- A census is a count and description of the population for a given date. A census took a "snapshot" of a family on a certain day.
- For each person living in a household (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 can be listed.
- Searching for a family in census records every ten years can identify all the children in a family.
- Searching in earlier census records to find someone as a child can identify parents.
Using clues to lead to census record searches.[edit | edit source]
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According to her obituary, Ingrid Hetfield was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Tor Hylbom and Elizabeth Hamlin in 1934.
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Identifying an earlier generation.[edit | edit source]
Since Tor Hyblom is from Sweden, this case study will follow the Hamlin line, to demonstrate Colorado records.
In the 1930 census, Elizabeth Hamlin is living with her parents, Clarence and Seddie Hamlin.
- In 1920, Elizabeth is 18 years old.
- Clarence now has the middle initial "C".
- Sedde is now Zedia.
- Allen Gunnel, Clarence's mother-in-law (Seddie/Zedia's mother), is living with the family.
In 1910, "Elizabeth Gunnell" is head of the family. Zedia is Seddie again.
Identifying yet an earlier generation.[edit | edit source]
- In 1900, Seddie G. and her husband Clarence C. Hamlin are living with her parents, Allyn L. and Elizabeth M. Gunnell. Apparently the later census has some confusion withe Zedia's mother, calling her Allyn instead of Elizabeth.
- Also, Allyn's father, Seddie's grandfather, Thomas A. Gunnell, is living in the home.
- Month and year of birth is given for each person.
- The Gunnell line will move back into Kentucky and Missouri. The Hamlin line will go back to Iowa and Pennsylvania.
In the 1885 Colorado State census, Seddie/Zedia is nicknamed Daisy.
Look for ancestors in as many censuses as possible. Use the clues from each census for hints where to find families in both earlier and later census records.[edit | edit source]
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Colorado State Census[edit | edit source]
Step 3: Find birth, marriage, and death certificates for ancestors and their children.[edit | edit source]
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 marriage certificate might list the parents of the bride and groom.
- A death certificate may give the person's birth date and place, parents' names and birthplaces, and spouse's name.
Using census clues to lead to a birth certificate.[edit | edit source]
Census information gives approximate birth years and probable birth places, and that information leads to finding important birth records. In addition to basic birth date and place, a birth certificate can give age, birthplace, occupation, etc. about the parents.
Colorado birth records must be ordered through:
- Where to Write for Colorado Birth, Marriage, Death and Divorce Records at at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC.gov
Using census clues to lead to a marriage certificate.[edit | edit source]
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.
Using the census clues to lead to a death certificate.[edit | edit source]
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.
Example of Social Security Death Index.
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. Instructions are given below on obtaining the original certificate.
Gather as many birth, marriage, and death records as possible.[edit | edit source]
How to Find the Records[edit | edit source]
There are basically three ways to find these indexes or full original certificates:
- Online databases
- Writing to a county courthouse (prior to the beginning of state civil registration)
- Purchasing them through the mail at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC.gov
Online databases, usually indexes, with some images[edit | edit source]
Records at the County Courthouse.[edit | edit source]
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: Colorado Counties.
Order Certificates from Colorado Vital Records Department.[edit | edit source]
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 Colorado Birth, Marriage, Death and Divorce Records at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC.gov
For more information on birth, marriage, and death records in Colorado, see How to Find Colorado Birth Records, How to Find Colorado Marriage Records, and How to Find Colorado Death Records.
Step 4: Try to find additional details about ancestors in obituaries, cemetery records, and Social Security records online.[edit | edit source]
There are additional record collections available, based upon a person's death: obituaries, cemetery records, and Social Security records. These are a great source for more details about a person. Here are some examples; notice the level of details.
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Obituary Collections[edit | edit source]
- 1859-1928 Colorado Online Historical Newspapers at Google Sites — index & images
- 1859-1978 List of 302 Newspapers in Colorado at GenealogyBank — index ($)
- 1980-2014 United States, GenealogyBank Obituaries, Births, and Marriages 1980-2014 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- Colorado Newspapers and Obituaries at LDS Genealogy — index
- Colorado Newspapers and Periodicals at Ancestry — index ($)
- Native American Obituaries : A Project of the Farmington, NM Family History Center. Farmington, New Mexico: Family History Center, n.d. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library
Cemetery Record Collections[edit | edit source]
- 1949-1969 United States, Cemetery Abstracts, 1949-1969 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- BillionGraves — index & images
- BillionGraves Index at FamilySearch — How to Use This Collection; index; Also at: Findmypast ($)
- Colorado Cemetery Records at AccessGenealogy — index
- Colorado Cemetery Records at Interment.net — index
- Colorado Gravestone Photo Project at ColoradoGravestones — index & images
- Colorado Tombstone Transcription Project at USGenWeb Tombstones — index
- FindaGrave — index & images
- Find a Grave Index at FamilySearch — How to Use This Collection; index; Also at: Ancestry ($)
- Online Colorado Death Records and Indexes at DeathIndexes.com — index
U.S. Social Security Death Index and Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007[edit | edit source]
- 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
- 1935-2014 U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014 at Ancestry — index ($)
- 1936-2007 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 at Ancestry — index ($); Picks up where the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) leaves off by providing information filed in the application or claims process
- 1962-2014 United States Social Security Death Index at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index
- If you find an 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.
For more information, see Colorado Obituaries and Colorado Cemeteries.
Step 5: Search military records: World War I and World War II draft cards.[edit | edit source]
There are many different types of military records: draft records, enlistment records, service records, pension records, etc. 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.
Example of a World War I draft card.
Example of a World War II draft card.
Search the World War I and World War II Draft Collections for male relatives.[edit | edit source]
- 1917-1918 United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
- 1942 United States World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images
For more information and additional collections, see Colorado Military Records.
Step 6: Look for church records online.[edit | edit source]
Church records function as vital records.
- 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.
Church records are particularly helpful prior to the advent of civil registration.
Search for church records that can provide additional birth, marriage, and death information.[edit | edit source]
FamilySearch Records[edit | edit source]
- 1692-1942 Colorado, Church Records, 1692-1942 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index
- 1876-1959 Church Records (Eastern Colorado District), 1876-1959(*) Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Eastern Colorado District at FamilySearch Catalog — images
Ancestry.com[edit | edit source]
Catholic[edit | edit source]
- 1800-1967 Colorado, U.S., Roman Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs Sacramental Records, 1800-1967 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
Dutch Reformed[edit | edit source]
- 1639-1989 U.S., Dutch Reformed Church Records in Selected States, 1639-1989 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- 1701-1995 U.S., Selected States Dutch Reformed Church Membership Records, 1701-1995 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- 1856-1970 U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Vital Records, 1856-1970 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
Lutheran[edit | edit source]
- 1781-1969 U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- 1800-1947 U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
Presbyterian[edit | edit source]
- 1701-1970 U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
For help with church records kept in Colorado, see Colorado Church Records.
To search records by denomination, if you know your ancestors religion, go to Searching for Church Records by Denomination.
Step 7: Search for online wills and probate packets.[edit | edit source]
- County probate records include probate proceedings, petitions, affidavits, orders for sales, reports of sales, administrators' and executors' bonds, guardianship papers, wills, and letters of administration.
- In a will book, usually just a transcription of the will is recorded. But all of these other records are kept in a probate packet.
- Administrations are probate proceedings that handled an estate if no known will existed.
This index entry can be used to request the full probate packet for Tor Hylbom's estate.
Search these indexes and images for probate records.[edit | edit source]
- 1875-1974 Colorado, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1875-1974 at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- Archives Search at Colorado State Archives — index
Probate Information in County Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]
Each Colorado county Research Wiki page lists additional probate sources, including where to write for records: Colorado Counties
For more information, see Colorado Probate Records and United States Probate Records.
Step 8: If any ancestor was an immigrant, search immigration and naturalization records online.[edit | edit source]
The census records may show that an 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 would be the next step.
Here are the shipping list records for Tor Hyblom: an index for his arrival, the original arrival record, and his Swedish departure record.
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Look for immigrant ancestors in shipping lists and citizenship sources.[edit | edit source]
Colorado Immigration Records[edit | edit source]
- 1500-Onward All U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s at Ancestry — index & images; includes those with destination of Colorado ($); Also at: MyHeritage ($)
- 1895-1956 United States, Border Crossings from Canada, 1895-1956 at MyHeritage — index & images; includes those with destination of Colorado ($)
Cultural Groups[edit | edit source]
- 1920-1939 Germany, Bremen Emigration Lists, 1920-1939 at MyHeritage — index ($); includes those with destination of Colorado
- Germans Immigrating to the United States at MyHeritage — index ($) ; includes those with destination of Colorado
- Italians Immigrating to the United States at MyHeritage — index ($); includes those with destination of Colorado
- Russians Immigrating to the United States at MyHeritage — index ($); includes those with destination of Colorado
Passport Records Online[edit | edit source]
- 1795-1925 United States Passport Applications, 1795-1925 at FamilySearch — How to Use this Collection; index & images; Also at: Ancestry ($)
Published Pioneer Sources[edit | edit source]
- Pre-1861 McGrath, Maria Davies. The Real Pioneers of Colorado. Denver, Colorado: The Denver Museum, 1934. Online at: Denver Library
- 1858-1859 Bromwell, Henrietta E. FiftyNiners' Directory, Colorado Argonauts. Denver, Colorado: n.p., 1926. Online at: Denver Library
- Hafen, LeRoy R. Colorado and Its People : A Narrative and Topical History of the Centennial State; V. 03. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., Inc., 1948. Online at: FamilySearch Digital Library
Colorado Naturalization and Citizenship Online Records[edit | edit source]
- United States Naturalization and Citizenship Online Genealogy Records
- Online Colorado Naturalization Records Indexes
- Colorado, State and Federal Naturalization Records, 1868-1990, index & images ($)
- Colorado Naturalization Records, 1876-1990
- Selected U.S. Naturalization Records - U.S. District Court in Colorado, 1877-1952 ($)
- Colorado State Archives Naturalization Index Years and counties covered listed here
For more information, see Colorado Emigration and Immigration and Colorado Naturalization and Citizenship.
Step 9: Search for printed local histories or biography collections online.[edit | edit source]
Local Histories[edit | edit source]
- Published histories of towns, counties, and states sometimes contain biographies and accounts of early or prominent families.
- Here are several websites that feature online copies of printed county histories: Colorado; that will bring up too many hits. Just use the name of the county and "county": for example, "Hyde County"
- Google Books. Use keywords "Colorado" and the county name. Hits will list online readable books, lists of libraries that carry the book, and purchasing opportunities.
- Family History Books
- County and Town Histories
- Internet Archive. Use keywords "Colorado" and the county name.
- Ancestry.com ($). In the Card Catalog search box, use Colorado and the name of the county.
FamilySearch Collected Local Histories[edit | edit source]
- Local histories are extensively collected by the FamilySearch Library, public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies.
- If you have access to the FamilySearch Library or a FamilySearch center, you can find local histories by:
- Go to the FamilySearch Catalog.
- In the "Place" field, type the name of your county and click "Search".
- A list of subheadings for the county will appear. Local histories containing genealogies and biographies will be found under Biography, Genealogy, History, or History - Indexes.
Biography Collections[edit | edit source]
- County and Town Histories, Colorado at LearnWebSkills
- Encyclopedia of Biography of Colorado : History of Colorado at Ancestry — index & images ($)
- Portrait and Biographical Record of the State of Colorado. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1899. Online at: HathiTrust
- Progressive Men of Western Colorado. Chicago: A. W. Bowen and Co., 1905. Online at: HathiTrust
- Representative Men of Colorado in the Nineteenth Century. New York and Denver: Rowell Art Publishing Company, 1902. Online at: HathiTrust
- Representative Women of Colorado. Denver, Colorado: James Alexander Semple, 1914. Online at: HathiTrust
Step 10: Contact a local historical or genealogical society.[edit | edit source]
- 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.
- 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.
Step 11: Use other FamilySearch tools.[edit | edit source]
Historical Images[edit | edit source]
Records collected and digitized by FamilySearch can all be found through their Historical Images feature.
- Colorado, United States Historical Images, New Version
- Colorado, United States Historical Images, Old Version
Colorado Online Genealogy Records[edit | edit source]
Search any other online records listed in Colorado 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 Colorado 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.
Step 12: Study the Research Wiki pages for any county in Colorado.[edit | edit source]
This article focused more on Colorado state or state-wide records. There is a separate Wiki article for each county in Colorado. These articles give information, office addresses, and links to county records.
- Adams
- Alamosa
- Arapahoe
- Archuleta
- Baca
- Bent
- Boulder
- Broomfield
- Chaffee
- Cheyenne
- Clear Creek
- Conejos
- Costilla
- Crowley
- Custer
- Delta
- Denver
- Dolores
- Douglas
- Eagle
- Elbert
- El Paso
- Fremont
- Garfield
- Gilpin
- Grand
- Gunnison
- Hinsdale
- Huerfano
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Kiowa
- Kit Carson
- Lake
- La Plata
- Larimer
- Las Animas
- Lincoln
- Logan
- Mesa
- Mineral
- Moffat
- Montezuma
- Montrose
- Morgan
- Otero
- Ouray
- Park
- Phillips
- Pitkin
- Prowers
- Pueblo
- Rio Blanco
- Rio Grande
- Routt
- Saguache
- San Juan
- San Miguel
- Sedgwick
- Summit
- Teller
- Washington
- Weld
- Yuma