Step-by-Step Utah Research, 1900-Present: Difference between revisions

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=='''Step 2. Find ancestors in every possible census record, 1850-1950, online.'''==
 
*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.'''  ===
=== '''Using clues to lead to census record searches.'''  ===
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== '''Step 3: Find birth, marriage, and death certificates for ancestors and their children.'''  ==
== '''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 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'''.
<br>
=== '''Using census clues to lead to a birth certificate.'''  ===
=== '''Using 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. In addition to basic birth date and place, a birth certificate can give age, birthplace, occupation, etc. about the parents.


=== '''Using census clues to lead to a marriage certificate.'''  ===
=== '''Using 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.'''<br>


=== '''Using census clues to lead to a death certificate.'''  ===
=== '''Using 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.'''
[[File:Tip Tip1.jpg|left]] 
'''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.
-----
[[File:Tip Tip1.jpg|left]]
===<Span style="Color:DarkViolet">'''Gather as many birth, marriage, and death records as possible.'''</Span>  ===
----
===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 the beginning of state civil registration)'''
*'''[http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/utah.htm purchasing them through the mail]'''


=== '''Online databases, usually indexes, with some images'''  ===
=== '''Online databases, usually indexes, with some images'''  ===
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'''Also, see [[How to Find Utah Death Records|How to Find Utah Death Records]].'''
'''Also, see [[How to Find Utah Death Records|How to Find Utah Death 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: [[Step-by-Step Utah Research, 1880-Present#Step 12:  Study the Research Wiki pages for any county in Utah.|'''Utah Counties'''.]]


=== '''Step 4: Try to find additional details about ancestors in obituaries, cemetery records, and Social Security records online.'''  ===
=== Order Certificates from Utah 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).
<br>
 
*[https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/utah.htm '''Where to Write for Utah Birth, Marriage, Death and Divorce Records''']
----
For more information on birth, marriage, and death records in Utah, see '''[[How to Find Utah Birth Records]]''', '''[[How to Find Utah Marriage Records]]''', and '''[[How to Find Utah Death Records]]'''.
== '''Step 4: Try to find additional details about ancestors in obituaries, cemetery records, and Social Security records online.'''  ==


=== '''Obituaries'''  ===
=== '''Obituaries'''  ===
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*[http://www.idreamof.com/cemetery/ut.html I Dream of Genealogy Utah Cemeteries]  
*[http://www.idreamof.com/cemetery/ut.html I Dream of Genealogy Utah Cemeteries]  
*[http://ldsgenealogy.com/UT/Cemetery-Records.htm Utah Cemetery Records, Utah Genealogy]
*[http://ldsgenealogy.com/UT/Cemetery-Records.htm Utah Cemetery Records, Utah Genealogy]
=== '''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
:*{{RecordSearch|1202535|'''United States Social Security Death Index'''}}.
:*Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693 '''Ancestry.com'''], ($), index.
:*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60901 '''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 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 '''[[Utah Obituaries]]''' and '''[[Utah Cemeteries]]'''.
== '''Step 5: Search military records: World War I and World War II draft cards.'''  ==


=== '''Step 5: Search military records: World War I and World War II draft cards.'''  ===
[[File:Utah WW I draft.png|thumb|800px]]
 
== '''Step 6: Look for church records online.'''  ==
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.<br>
Church records are particularly helpful prior to the advent of civil registration.


*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|'''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 ====
[[File:Tip Tip1.jpg|left]]
[[File:Utah WW I draft.png|thumb|800px]]
===<Span style="Color:DarkViolet">'''Search for church records that can provide additional birth, marriage, and death information.'''</span>===
<br>
====FamilySearch====
*'''1915-1972''' {{RecordSearch|2790271|Utah, Church Records, 1915-1972}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images, incomplete.


*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 {{RecordSearch|1968530|'''U.S. WW I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918'''}}.
====Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints====
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/261771 Historian's Office record of members : known as the "Minnie Margetts" file]
*'''1830-1900''' {{RecordSearch|2078505|Utah, FamilySearch, Early Church Information File, 1830-1900}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, FamilySearch, Early Church Information File - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1835-1846''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3176 Seventy Quorum Membership, 1835–1846], index<br>
*'''1836-1921''' {{RecordSearch|3714676|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Record of Members (Worldwide), 1836-1970(1921)}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church History Library, Record of Members Collection - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]], index & images; Records online only go to 1921 because of a 100-year restriction
*'''1860-1937''' {{RecordSearch|2517343|Utah, Salt Lake City, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Missionary Department, Missionary Registers, 1860-1937}} at FamilySearch - [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Missionary Registers (Worldwide) - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images.
*'''1877-1918''' {{RecordSearch|2553860|Utah LDS Mission Calls and Recommendations 1877-1918}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, LDS Mission Calls and Recommendations - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1877-1995''' {{FSC|445064|item|disp=Deceased Membership Files, 1877-1995}}(*) at FamilySearch Catalog, index
*'''1887-1966''' {{RecordSearch|1675546|Utah, Marriages, 1887-1966}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; Index only.
*'''1887-1966''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60201 Utah, Select Marriages, 1887-1966] ($), index. Also at [http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30198/utah-marriages-1887-1966?s=218489221 MyHeritage], ($), index
*'''1888-1946''' {{RecordSearch|1675547|Utah, Deaths and Burials, 1888-1946}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; Index only. Also at [http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30199/utah-deaths-burials-1888-1946?s=218489221 MyHeritage], ($), index
*'''1892-1941''' {{RecordSearch|1675542|Utah, Births and Christenings, 1892-1941}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; Index only. Also at [http://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/utah-births-and-christenings-1892-1941 Findmypast], ($), index
*'''1914-1940''' {{RecordSearch|3438701|Church Census Records, 1914–1960(1940)}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church Census Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; indexes and images; Records online only go to 1940 because of a 80-year restriction
*'''1915-1972''' {{RecordSearch|2790271|Utah, Church Records, 1915-1972}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index.


[[File:Utah WW II draft.png|thumb|500px]]
====Dutch Reformed====
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60524/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Vital Records, 1856-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60767/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Membership Records, 1856-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)
====Lutheran====
*'''1781-1969'''  - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969], index and images, incomplete.($)


===World War II Draft Registration===
====Presbyterian====
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
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)
*{{RecordSearch||Utah, World War II Draft Registration Cards,1940-1947}}, index and images.
*{{RecordSearch|1861144| U.S. WW II Draft Registration Cards, 1942}}, index and images.


-----
For help with church records kept in Utah, see [[Utah Church Records|'''Utah Church Records.''']]<br>
To search records by denomination, if you know your ancestors religion, go to [[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''Searching for Church Records by Denomination.''']]
== '''Step 7: Search for wills and probate packets.''' ==
*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.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br><br><br><br>
[[File:Tip Tip1.jpg|left]]
===<Span style="Color:DarkViolet">'''Search these indexes and images for probate records.'''</span>===
<br>
<br>
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/textprototype/?content=utah&state=Utah&recordType=Probate%20records United States Wills and Deeds Experimental Search: Utah]
*[https://archives.utah.gov/research/guides/probate.htm Probate Records Utah Division of Archives and Records]. This page will also contain discussion of the different probate record types.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9082 Utah, Wills and Probate Records, 1800-1985], Ancestry ($), index and images, incomplete.
*'''1851-1961''' {{RecordSearch|1916182|Utah, Probate Records, 1851-1961}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*{{RecordSearch|2001084|Utah, State Archives Records, 1848-2001}}, index and images.
 
===Probate Information in County Wiki Articles===
Each Utah county Research Wiki page lists additional probate sources, including where to write for records: [[Step-by-Step Utah Research, 1880-Present#Step 12: Study the Research Wiki pages for any county in Utah.|'''Utah Counties''']]
----
For more information, see '''[[Utah Probate Records]]''' and '''[[United States Probate Records]]'''.


-----


=== '''Step 6: If any ancestor was an immigrant, search immigration and naturalization records online.'''  ===
=== '''Step 8: If any ancestor was an immigrant, search immigration and naturalization records online.'''  ===
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.  
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.  


Revision as of 19:36, 26 June 2023


Utah Gotoarrow.png Step-by-step research 1900--present


Step-by-step Utah
Research 1900--to the present

Table of Contents

1. Contact living relatives.
2. Online census records.
3. Births, marriages, and deaths online
4. Obituary and cemetery records online.
5. Military records online.
6. Immigration and naturalization records online.
7. Study clues.



Tip Tip1.jpg

Some online records have restrictions, due to contractual agreements, allowing them to be used only at FamilySearch Centers or FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries. This pop-up warning has links to lists of addresses of the many affiliate libraries that are available throughout the world.

Subscription websites such as Ancestry.com, FindMyPast, and MyHeritage and many others offer complimentary service at these affiliate libraries and at most local libraries.

Affiliate.png


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 :

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.

  • Announcements of births, weddings,
    and anniversaries
  • Baby and wedding books
  • Certificates
  • Deeds, and property records
  • Family Bibles
  • Family reunion notices and records
  • Fraternal or society records
  • Insurance policies
  • Journals and diaries
  • Letters and cards
  • Licenses (business, marriage,
    fishing, driving)
  • Naturalization documents
  • Newspaper clippings and obituaries
  • Medical records
  • Military service and pension documents
  • Occupational awards
  • Passports
  • Personal histories and biographies
  • Photograph albums
  • Printed Notices and Announcements
  • Programs (graduation, award ceremonies, funerals)
  • School records
  • Scrapbooks
  • Wills and trusts

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]

In this obituary are clues to when and where to search in census records for Laura Swallow.
She was born in 1896 in Fillmore, Utah, to Charles and Isabel Swallow. She married Joseph Clifton Beckstrand in 1917.

  • The first step is look for her in the 1900 and 1910 censuses living with her parents.
  • Beginning with the 1920 census through the 1950 census, searching would include both Laura's parents and then Laura as the wife of Joseph Clifton Beckstrand.
  • Another goal would be to look for Joseph Clifton Beckstrand in the 1900 and 1910 censuses living with his parents.
Utah obituary.jpg


Tip Tip1.jpg

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]

For more information, see Utah Census and United States Census.


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.

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 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.
Tip Tip1.jpg

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.

Tip Tip1.jpg

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, usually indexes, with some images[edit | edit source]

Also, see How to Find Utah Birth Records.

Also, see How to Find Utah Marriage Records.

Also, see How to Find Utah Death Records.

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: Utah Counties.

Order Certificates from Utah 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).

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

Step 4: Try to find additional details about ancestors in obituaries, cemetery records, and Social Security records online.[edit | edit source]

Obituaries[edit | edit source]

Cemeteries[edit | edit source]

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
  • 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 Utah Obituaries and Utah Cemeteries.

Step 5: Search military records: World War I and World War II draft cards.[edit | edit source]

Utah WW I draft.png

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.

Tip Tip1.jpg

Search for church records that can provide additional birth, marriage, and death information.[edit | edit source]


FamilySearch[edit | edit source]

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[edit | edit source]

Dutch Reformed[edit | edit source]

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

For help with church records kept in Utah, see Utah 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 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.


Tip Tip1.jpg

Search these indexes and images for probate records.[edit | edit source]



Probate Information in County Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

Each Utah county Research Wiki page lists additional probate sources, including where to write for records: Utah Counties

For more information, see Utah 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.


Tip Tip1.jpg

Look for immigrant ancestors in shipping lists and citizenship sources.[edit | edit source]

Utah Immigration Records[edit | edit source]

Green check.png
The usage of "Mormon" and "LDS" on this page is approved according to current policy.



Utah Naturalization and Citizenship Online Records[edit | edit source]

For more information, see Utah Emigration and Immigration and Utah Naturalization and Citizenship.

This website requires a paid subscription for full access. Some subscription websites are available for free at your local FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library.

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

Due to contractual agreements, some images and/or databases on FamilySearch.org may only be viewed at a FamilySearch Center or FamilySearch Affiliate Library.

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