Decatur County, Tennessee Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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{{breadcrumb
{{Locality
|Name=Decatur County
|ID=395252
|Level=2
|Country=United States
|CountryID=1
|Locality1=Tennessee
|Locality1id=374
|Locality2=Decatur County
|Locality2id=395252
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2= [[Tennessee, United States Genealogy|Tennessee]]
| link2= [[Tennessee, United States Genealogy|Tennessee]]
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|county courthouse= [[File:TNDecaturcourthouse.jpg|330px]]
|county courthouse= [[File:TNDecaturcourthouse.jpg|330px]]
|county location in state= [[Image:Location_of_Decatur_County,_Tennessee.PNG|250x250px]]
|county location in state= [[Image:Location_of_Decatur_County,_Tennessee.PNG|250x250px]]
|adoption= {{Adoption TNGenWeb}}
|adoption=  
}}
}}
|}</center>
|}</center>
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=== Decatur County, Tennessee Record Dates  ===
=== Decatur County, Tennessee Record Dates  ===
{{TN Record Dates Intro|Decatur}}
{{TN Record Dates Intro|Decatur}}
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
|-
| bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" colspan="7" | <center>'''Known Beginning Dates for Major County Records'''<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Tennessee.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref></center>
| bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" colspan="7" | <center>'''Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records'''<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Tennessee.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref></center>
|-
|-
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Tennessee Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Decatur County, Tennessee Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
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| width="14.2%" align="center" |1810
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1810
|-
|-
| colspan="7"| <center>*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1914. General compliance by 1927.</center>
| colspan="7"| <center>*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1908 (1913 missing). General compliance by 1927.</center>
|}
|}


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|  
|  
'''1869''' and '''1927'''  Courthouse burned and many records were damaged.<ref name="TSLA">[http://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/lost-records-courthouse-fires-and-disasters-tennessee Lost Records: Courthouse Fires and Disasters in Tennessee] in ''Tennessee State Library and Archives'' in ''Tennessee Secretary of State'' (accessed 31 March 2014).</ref>
'''1869''' and '''1927'''  Courthouse burned and many records were damaged.<ref name="TSLA">[http://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/lost-records-courthouse-fires-and-disasters-tennessee Lost Records: Courthouse Fires and Disasters in Tennessee] in ''Tennessee State Library and Archives'' in ''Tennessee Secretary of State'' (accessed 31 March 2014).</ref>
:*Marriages lost 1845 to 1869
{{Block indent|*Marriages lost 1845 to 1869}}
:*Probate lost 1845 to 1869
{{Block indent|*Probate lost 1845 to 1869}}
:*Nearly all records, except deeds, lost in 1869 fire.<ref name="null">Robert M. McBride, ''[http://www.worldcat.org/title/tennessee-county-data-for-historical-and-genealogical-research/oclc Tennessee County Data]'' (Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee States Library and Archives, 1966), 20.</ref><br>
{{Block indent|1=*Nearly all records, except deeds, lost in 1869 fire.<ref name="null">Robert M. McBride, ''[http://www.worldcat.org/title/tennessee-county-data-for-historical-and-genealogical-research/oclc Tennessee County Data]'' (Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee States Library and Archives, 1966), 20.</ref><br>|2=1}}
{{Fire+}}
{{Fire+}}


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*'''1845--'''Decatur County was created November 1845 from [[Perry County, Tennessee Genealogy|Perry]] County. <br>''
*'''1845--'''Decatur County was created November 1845 from [[Perry County, Tennessee Genealogy|Perry]] County. <br>''
*'''County seat:''' Decaturville<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Tennessee.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref><br>
*'''County seat:''' Decaturville<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Tennessee.{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref><br>
*For animated maps illustrating Tennessee county boundary changes, [http://www.mapofus.org/tennessee/ "Rotating Formation Tennessee County Boundary Maps"] (1777-1985) may be viewedat the MapofUS.org website.
*[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/TN_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#Individual_County_Chronologies Tennessee Individual County Chronologies] - Newberry Library list of all boundary changes by county
 
*[https://publications.newberry.org/ahcb/map/map.html#TN Tennessee Historical Borders - Map] at Newberry Library Atlas of Historical County Boundaries; ''Also at:'' [http://www.mapofus.org/tennessee/ mapofus.org] - animated maps illustrating Tennessee county boundary changes
|}
|}


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*Decatur County Church Records
*Decatur County Church Records


:- FamilySearch Catalog - {{FSC|524631|subject-id|disp=Decatur County Church Records}}
{{Block indent|1=- FamilySearch Catalog - {{FSC|United States, Tennessee, Decatur - Church records|subject|subject-id=1954099105|disp=Decatur County Church Records}}|2=1}}


*Church histories tell when a church started in the area, who the early members were, give data about church leaders, etc.
*Church histories tell when a church started in the area, who the early members were, give data about church leaders, etc.
*If the records you need are not found in the FamilySearch Library collection, contact the church(es) in the area where your ancestor lived.Two sites that give information about churches in Bedford County are:
*If the records you need are not found in the FamilySearch Library collection, contact the church(es) in the area where your ancestor lived.Two sites that give information about churches in Bedford County are:


:- [http://www.yellowbook.com/yellow-pages/?what=churches&where=Decatur+county%2C+TN List of Decatur County churches] with addresses and phone numbers (Yellowbook)<br>
{{Block indent|1=- [http://www.yellowbook.com/yellow-pages/?what=churches&where=Decatur+county%2C+TN List of Decatur County churches] with addresses and phone numbers (Yellowbook)<br>|2=1}}
:- [http://tennessee.hometownlocator.com/features/cultural,class,church,scfips,47039.cfm List of Decatur County churches] (TN HomeTownLocator)
{{Block indent|- [http://tennessee.hometownlocator.com/features/cultural,class,church,scfips,47039.cfm List of Decatur County churches] (TN HomeTownLocator)}}


*In 1936, a helpful guide to early Decatur County church records ([http://www.worldcat.org/title/guide-to-church-vital-statistics-in-tennessee/oclc/1829968referer=brief_results Guide to Church Vital Statistics in Tennessee], also {{FSC|976.8 K23w|book}}) was published by the Works Project Administration. Use this guide to locate which church records exist and where they were housed in 1936. The Tennessee State Library and Archives has filmed some of these records. To locate which records are available at the TSLA, go to the appropriate [http://www.tn.gov/tsla/history/county/factcounty.htm#D "county fact sheet"] on the TSLA Web site and scroll down to "selected manuscript material". All filmed church records at the TSLA for Decatur County are listed. Many of these filmed records are also available at the FamilySearch Library.
*In 1936, a helpful guide to early Decatur County church records ([http://www.worldcat.org/title/guide-to-church-vital-statistics-in-tennessee/oclc/1829968referer=brief_results Guide to Church Vital Statistics in Tennessee], also {{FSC|976.8 K23w|book}}) was published by the Works Project Administration. Use this guide to locate which church records exist and where they were housed in 1936. The Tennessee State Library and Archives has filmed some of these records. To locate which records are available at the TSLA, go to the appropriate [http://www.tn.gov/tsla/history/county/factcounty.htm#D "county fact sheet"] on the TSLA Web site and scroll down to "selected manuscript material". All filmed church records at the TSLA for Decatur County are listed. Many of these filmed records are also available at the FamilySearch Library.
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=== Directories ===
=== Directories ===
{{TN Directories Intro|Decatur}}
{{TN Directories Intro|Decatur}}
*'''1970-2024''' {{RecordSearch|5000290|United States, Residence Database, 1970-2024}} at FamilySearch — [[United States, Residence Database - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index, coverage may vary


=== Emigration and Immigration  ===
=== Emigration and Immigration  ===
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=== Funeral Homes  ===
=== Funeral Homes  ===
{{TN Funeral Homes Intro|Decatur}}
{{TN Funeral Homes Intro|Decatur}}
{| style="width:100%; vertical-align:top;"
|-
|
<ul class="column-spacing-halfscreen" style="padding-right:5px;">
<li>[https://www.oakdalefuneralhome.com/ Oakdale Funeral Home] in Parsons</li>
<li>[https://www.paffordfuneralhome.com/ Pafford Scotts Hill Funeral Home] in Scotts Hill</li>
<li>[https://www.parsonsmortuarytn.com/ Parsons Mortuary] in Parsons</li>
<li>[https://www.reedschapel.com/ Reed's Chapel Funeral Home] in Decaturville</li>
</ul>
|}


=== Genealogies  ===
=== Genealogies  ===
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{{TN Land Intro|Decatur}}
{{TN Land Intro|Decatur}}


Decatur County Register of Deeds has Land Records from 1846 and is located at 22 West Main Street, Decaturville, Tennessee 38329, or P.O. Box 488, Decaturville, TN 38329-0488; Telephone: 731-852-3712. Land and property records may include transfer of real estate or personal property, mortgages, leases, surveys, and entries.<br>The FamilySearch Library has microfilmed deed records 1846-1896 with indexes to 1926 and survey books 1891-1918.
Decatur County Register of Deeds has Land Records from 1846 and is located at 22 West Main Street, Decaturville, Tennessee 38329, or P.O. Box 488, Decaturville, TN 38329-0488; Telephone: 731-852-3712. Land and property records may include transfer of real estate or personal property, mortgages, leases, surveys, and entries.<br>
The FamilySearch Library has microfilmed deed records 1846-1896 with indexes to 1926 and survey books 1891-1918.
 
''Online Land Indexes and Records''<br>
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Land Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


=== Local Histories ===
=== Local Histories ===
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''Online Records''<br>
''Online Records''<br>
*'''1861-1865''' {{RecordSearch|1932378|Tennessee, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1861-1865''' {{RecordSearch|1932378|Tennessee, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865}} at FamilySearch - [[Tennessee, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1861-1865''' {{RecordSearch|1932422|Tennessee, Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers, 1861-1865}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee, Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1861-1865''' {{RecordSearch|1932422|Tennessee, Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers, 1861-1865}} at FamilySearch - [[Tennessee, Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1861-1865''' -  [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2322 U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865] at [http://search.ancestry.com Ancestry]
*'''1861-1865''' -  [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2322 U.S., Confederate Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865] at Ancestry  
*'''1861-1865''' -  [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2344 U.S., Union Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865] at [http://search.ancestry.com Ancestry]
*'''1861-1865''' -  [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2344 U.S., Union Soldiers Compiled Service Records, 1861-1865] at Ancestry  
*'''1891-1965''' {{RecordSearch|1874474|Tennessee, Confederate Pension Applications, Soldiers and Widows, 1891-1965}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee Confederate Pension Applications, Soldiers and Widows - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1891-1965''' {{RecordSearch|1874474|Tennessee, Confederate Pension Applications, Soldiers and Widows, 1891-1965}} at FamilySearch - [[Tennessee Confederate Pension Applications, Soldiers and Widows - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*[http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/military/cwrd/main.aspx Civil War Research Database]  
*[http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/military/cwrd/main.aspx Civil War Research Database]  
*[https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/soldiers-and-sailors-database.htm Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System]
*[https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/soldiers-and-sailors-database.htm Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System]
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*Tennessee State Library and Archives, [http://tennessee.gov/tsla/history/military/pension120.htm Tennessee Confederate Pension Applications: Decatur County]. Index includes Soldier's Name, County, Pension #, Unit or widow.
*Tennessee State Library and Archives, [http://tennessee.gov/tsla/history/military/pension120.htm Tennessee Confederate Pension Applications: Decatur County]. Index includes Soldier's Name, County, Pension #, Unit or widow.
*United States Pension Bureau, [http://www.archive.org/stream/listpensionerso02buregoog#page/n349/mode/1up List of Pensioners on the Roll January 1, 1883: Giving the Name of Each Pensioner, the Cause for ...] (Washington Printing Office; 1883). Online at Internet Archive. Decatur County, page 331.
*United States Pension Bureau, [https://www.archive.org/stream/listpensionerso02buregoog#page/n349/mode/1up List of Pensioners on the Roll January 1, 1883: Giving the Name of Each Pensioner, the Cause for ...] (Washington Printing Office; 1883). Online at Internet Archive. Decatur County, page 331.


=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
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{{TN Newspapers Intro|Decatur}}
{{TN Newspapers Intro|Decatur}}


Many Tennessee newspapers are filmed and available at the [http://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/newspapers-microfilm-tennessee-state-library-and-archives TSLA]. Most of these newspapers may be accessed by interlibrary loan to libraries within Tennessee, although there are some newspapers which are not available in or outside of Tennessee. For further information regarding interlibrary loan policies and newspapers not available for interlibrary loan click [http://www.tn.gov/tsla/history/mailill.htm#newspapers here]. For a list of newspapers available at the archives for Decatur County click on the following cities or towns:
*[http://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/newspapers-microfilm-tennessee-state-library-and-archives Newspapers on Microfilm at the Library & Archives] at TSLA; some may be accessed via interlibrary loan to libraries within Tennessee
**See [https://sos.tn.gov/tsla/guides/interlibrary-loan-policies Interlibrary Loan Policies] for more information<br>
For a list of newspapers available at the archives for Decatur County click on the following cities or towns:


*[http://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/newspapers-microfilm-tennessee-state-library-and-archives-d#Decaturville Decaturville]
*[http://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/newspapers-microfilm-tennessee-state-library-and-archives-d#Decaturville Decaturville]
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*'''1847-1914''' - Smith, Jonathan K.T. ''Genealogical Abstracts from Reported Deaths, the Nashville Christian Advocate''. (1847-1914), 10 vols. Jackson, Tenn.: J.K.T. Smith, 1997-2003. {{FSC|789366|title-id|disp=FS Library US/CAN Books 976.855/N1 V48s 1847-1851}} ff; digital versions at [http://www.tngenweb.org/records/tn_wide/obits/nca/index.html David Donahue Memorial: Tennessee Records Repository]. Website expands upon the publications and includes deaths from the 1830s, 1840s, 1910s and 1920s.
*'''1847-1914''' - Smith, Jonathan K.T. ''Genealogical Abstracts from Reported Deaths, the Nashville Christian Advocate''. (1847-1914), 10 vols. Jackson, Tenn.: J.K.T. Smith, 1997-2003. {{FSC|789366|title-id|disp=FS Library US/CAN Books 976.855/N1 V48s 1847-1851}} ff; digital versions at [http://www.tngenweb.org/records/tn_wide/obits/nca/index.html David Donahue Memorial: Tennessee Records Repository]. Website expands upon the publications and includes deaths from the 1830s, 1840s, 1910s and 1920s.
*'''1800s-Current''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/50075/ Tennessee, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-Current] at Ancestry — index & images ($)


=== Obituaries ===
=== Obituaries ===
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The County Court has responsibility for the probate records of Decatur County.
The County Court has responsibility for the probate records of Decatur County.


''Online Records''<br>
''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br>
 
*'''1779-2008''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9176 Tennessee Wills and Probate Records 1779-2008] at [http://search.ancestry.com/ Ancestry] ($)
*'''1779-2008''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9176 Tennessee Wills and Probate Records 1779-2008] at [http://search.ancestry.com/ Ancestry] ($)
*'''1869-1975''' -[https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index?owc=M6QS-1WP%3A179633801%3Fcc%3D1909088 Decatur County] portion of {{RecordSearch|1909088|Tennessee, Probate Court Books, 1795-1927}} at FamilySearch - images only; handwritten indexes may be found at the front or back of some volumes.- [[Tennessee Probate Court Books - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1869-1975''' -[https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index?owc=M6QS-1WP%3A179633801%3Fcc%3D1909088 Decatur County] portion of {{RecordSearch|1909088|Tennessee, Probate Court Books, 1795-1927}} at FamilySearch - images only; handwritten indexes may be found at the front or back of some volumes.- [[Tennessee Probate Court Books - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]


=== School Records ===
=== School Records ===
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*'''1935-2014''' {{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}} at FamilySearch - [[United States Social Security Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index. ''Also at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3693/ Ancestry], [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/social-security-death-index findmypast], [https://www.fold3.com/title/830/ Fold3], [https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/ssdi/all GenealogyBank], [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10002/us-social-security-death-index-ssdi?s=270606331 MyHeritage], and [https://stevemorse.org/ssdi/ssdi.html Steve Morse].'' [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|Click here for more information]].
*'''1935-2014''' {{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}} at FamilySearch - [[United States Social Security Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index. ''Also at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3693/ Ancestry], [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/social-security-death-index findmypast], [https://www.fold3.com/title/830/ Fold3], [https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/ssdi/all GenealogyBank], [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10002/us-social-security-death-index-ssdi?s=270606331 MyHeritage], and [https://stevemorse.org/ssdi/ssdi.html Steve Morse].'' [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|Click here for more information]].
*'''1936-2007''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007] at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/ Ancestry] ($) — index, [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Applications and Claims Index|click here for more information]].
*'''1936-2007''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007] at Ancestry ($) — index, [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Applications and Claims Index|click here for more information]].
*'''1936-2007''' {{RecordSearch|5000016|United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007}} at FamilySearch - [[United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT) - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1936-2007''' {{RecordSearch|5000016|United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007}} at FamilySearch - [[United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT) - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Wills and Probate Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


=== Tax Records ===
=== Tax Records ===
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*'''1828-1939''' {{RecordSearch|1681012|Tennessee Births and Christenings '''1828-1939'''}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1828-1939''' {{RecordSearch|1681012|Tennessee Births and Christenings '''1828-1939'''}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1850''' Porch, Deane ''Decatur County, Tennessee, 1850 census'' Nashville, Tennessee: D. Porch, 1970. {{FSC|401945|title-id|disp=FS Library US/CAN Book 976.832 X2}}
*'''1850''' Porch, Deane ''Decatur County, Tennessee, 1850 census'' Nashville, Tennessee: D. Porch, 1970. {{FSC|401945|title-id|disp=FS Library US/CAN Book 976.832 X2}}
*'''1869-1909''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2282 Tennessee Delayed Birth Records 1869-1909] at [http://search.ancestry.com Ancestry] ($)
*'''1869-1909''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2282 Tennessee Delayed Birth Records 1869-1909] at Ancestry ($)
*'''1880''' Sistler, Byron H. and Barbara ''1880 Census, Decatur County, Tennessee'' Nashville, Tennessee B. Sistler and Associates, c1993. {{FSC|712432|title-id|disp=FS Library US/CAN book 976.832 X2}}
*'''1880''' Sistler, Byron H. and Barbara ''1880 Census, Decatur County, Tennessee'' Nashville, Tennessee B. Sistler and Associates, c1993. {{FSC|712432|title-id|disp=FS Library US/CAN book 976.832 X2}}
*'''1881-1903''' - Decatur County Birth Index 1881-1903 in [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/igi International Genealogical Index] at FamilySearch. Batch {{IGI|C710351}}<ref>Genealogical Society of Utah, ''Parish and Vital Records List'' (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at [[Media:Igitennesseea.pdf|https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/images/6/60/Igitennesseea.pdf]].</ref>
*'''1881-1903''' - Decatur County Birth Index 1881-1903 in [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/igi International Genealogical Index] at FamilySearch. Batch {{IGI|C710351}}<ref>Genealogical Society of Utah, ''Parish and Vital Records List'' (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at [[Media:Igitennesseea.pdf|https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/images/6/60/Igitennesseea.pdf]].</ref>
*'''1908-1912''' {{RecordSearch|2515873|Tennessee, Birth Records (ER Series), 1908-1912}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee, Birth Records, Enumerator Record Series - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1908-1912''' {{RecordSearch|2515873|Tennessee, Birth Records (ER Series), 1908-1912}} at FamilySearch - [[Tennessee, Birth Records, Enumerator Record Series - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]


==== Marriage ====
==== Marriage ====
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*'''1625-1966''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=tennessee%2ctn Tennessee, United States Marriages] at [http://findmypast.com/ Findmypast] ($)
*'''1625-1966''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=tennessee%2ctn Tennessee, United States Marriages] at [http://findmypast.com/ Findmypast] ($)
*'''1780-2002''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1169 Tennessee State Marriages 1780-2002] at [http://search.ancestry.com Ancestry] ($)
*'''1780-2002''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1169 Tennessee State Marriages 1780-2002] at Ancestry ($)
*'''1780-2002''' {{RecordSearch|1936414|Tennessee State Marriage Index 1780-2002}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee State Marriage Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1780-2002''' {{RecordSearch|1936414|Tennessee State Marriage Index 1780-2002}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee State Marriage Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1790-1962''' {{RecordSearch|1619127|Tennessee County Marriages, 1790-1950}} [1790-1962] - at [https://www.FamilySearch.org/search FamilySearch]. index and images. Covers all counties in Tennessee.- [[Tennessee County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1790-1962''' {{RecordSearch|1619127|Tennessee County Marriages, 1790-1950}} [1790-1962] - at [https://www.FamilySearch.org/search FamilySearch]. index & images. Covers all counties in Tennessee.- [[Tennessee County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1796-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1681022|Tennessee Marriages 1796-1950}} (Indexes only) at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [Tennessee Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1796-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1681022|Tennessee Marriages 1796-1950}} (Indexes only) at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [Tennessee Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1838-1888''' {{RecordSearch|2559093|Tennessee Civil Marriages, 1838-1888}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee Civil Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1838-1888''' {{RecordSearch|2559093|Tennessee Civil Marriages, 1838-1888}} at FamilySearch - [[Tennessee Civil Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1851-1900''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4125 Tennessee Marriages 1851-1900] at [http://search.ancestry.com Ancestry] ($)
*'''1851-1900''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4125 Tennessee Marriages 1851-1900] at Ancestry ($)
*'''1869-1898''' - ''Marriage records, 1869-1898, Decatur County, Tennessee'' {{FSC|241993|title-id|disp=FS Library US/CAN Film 24638 items 3-7,11}} '''+++'''
*'''1869-1898''' - ''Marriage records, 1869-1898, Decatur County, Tennessee'' {{FSC|241993|title-id|disp=FS Library US/CAN Film 24638 items 3-7,11}} '''+++'''
*'''1869-1895''' - Decatur County Marriage Index 1869-1895 in [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/igi International Genealogical Index] at FamilySearch<ref>Genealogical Society of Utah, ''Parish and Vital Records List'' (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at [[Media:Igitennesseea.pdf|https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/images/6/60/Igitennesseea.pdf]].</ref>
*'''1869-1895''' - Decatur County Marriage Index 1869-1895 in [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/igi International Genealogical Index] at FamilySearch<ref>Genealogical Society of Utah, ''Parish and Vital Records List'' (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at [[Media:Igitennesseea.pdf|https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/images/6/60/Igitennesseea.pdf]].</ref>
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*'''1874-1955''' {{RecordSearch|1681020|Tennessee Deaths and Burials 1874-1955}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1874-1955''' {{RecordSearch|1681020|Tennessee Deaths and Burials 1874-1955}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch]- [[Tennessee Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1908-1933''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10076/tennessee-deaths-1908-1933?s=275764761 Tennessee Deaths, 1908 - 1933] at MyHeritage ($) — index
*'''1908-1933''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10076/tennessee-deaths-1908-1933?s=275764761 Tennessee Deaths, 1908 - 1933] at MyHeritage ($) — index
*'''1908-1958''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2376 Tennessee Death Records 1908 - 1958 ] at [http://search.ancestry.com Ancestry] ($)
*'''1908-1958''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2376 Tennessee Death Records 1908 - 1958 ] at Ancestry ($)
*'''1908-1912''' [https://tslaindexes.tn.gov/death-records-database-name/tennessee-death-records-1908-1912 Tennessee Death Records 1908-1912] at [https://tslaindexes.tn.gov/ Tennessee State Library & Archives] - index
*'''1908-1912''' [https://tslaindexes.tn.gov/death-records-database-name/tennessee-death-records-1908-1912 Tennessee Death Records 1908-1912] at [https://tslaindexes.tn.gov/ Tennessee State Library & Archives] - index
*'''1914-1933''' [https://tslaindexes.tn.gov/death-records-database-name/tennessee-death-records-1914-1933 Tennessee Death Records 1914-1933] at [https://tslaindexes.tn.gov/ Tennessee State Library & Archives] - index
*'''1914-1933''' [https://tslaindexes.tn.gov/death-records-database-name/tennessee-death-records-1914-1933 Tennessee Death Records 1914-1933] at [https://tslaindexes.tn.gov/ Tennessee State Library & Archives] - index
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{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}


*[[Columbia Tennessee FamilySearch Center]]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/tn/jackson/923-pipkin-road?qp=Decatur+County%2C+Tennessee%2C+United+States&lat=35.629391&lng=-88.128083&r=25 Jackson Tennessee FamilySearch Center]
*[[Jackson Tennessee FamilySearch Center]]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/tn/paris/1921-lone-oak-road?qp=Decatur+County%2C+Tennessee%2C+United+States&lat=35.629391&lng=-88.128083&r=25 Paris Tennessee FamilySearch Center]
*[[Paris Tennessee FamilySearch Center]]
*[https://chestercountylibrary.net/ Chester County Public Library] - an affiliate library.
*[https://chestercountylibrary.net/ Chester County Public Library] - an affiliate library.
*[https://www.lawcolibrary.org/ Lawrence County Public Library] - an affiliate library.
*[https://www.lawcolibrary.org/ Lawrence County Public Library] - an affiliate library.
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*[https://wths-tn.org/ Decatur County Archives], USGenWeb Archives
*[https://wths-tn.org/ Decatur County Archives], USGenWeb Archives
*[http://www.tnyesterday.com Yesterday's Tennessee]
*[http://www.tnyesterday.com Yesterday's Tennessee]
*{{FSC Place IDNum|194842|Tennessee|Decatur}} – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection.  Use [https://familysearch.org/search/ Historical Records] to search for specific individuals in genealogical records.
*{{FSC Place IDNum|2125|Tennessee|Decatur}} – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection.  Use [https://familysearch.org/search/ Historical Records] to search for specific individuals in genealogical records.


== Research Guides ==
== Research Guides ==

Latest revision as of 09:56, 19 August 2025


Guide to Decatur County, Tennessee ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, and military records.


County Facts
County seat: Decaturville
Organized: November 1845
Parent County(s): Perry[1]
Neighboring Counties
BentonCarrollHardinHendersonPerryWayne
See County Maps
Courthouse
TNDecaturcourthouse.jpg
Location Map
Location of Decatur County, Tennessee.PNG

County Information

Description

Decatur County was named for Stephen Decatur, Jr., who gained national recognition in the First Barbary War, the Second Barbary War, and the War of 1812 by his leadership and achievements at sea. The county is located in the west-central area of the state.[2]

County Courthouse

Decatur County Courthouse
PO Box 488
Decaturville, TN 38329-0488
Decatur County Website Phone: 731-852-3417
County Clerk Phone: 731-852-3417
Clerk Master Phone: 731-852-3422
Circuit Court Clerk Phone: 731-852-3125
Register of Deeds Phone: 731-852-3712

Court records
Marriage records from 1869
Register of Deeds has land records.[3]

Decatur County, Tennessee Record Dates

Information for this chart was taken from various sources, often containing conflicting dates. This information should be taken as a guide and should be verified by contacting the county and/or the state government agency.

Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records[4]
Birth* Marriage Death* Court Land Probate Census
1881 1869 1908 1860 1846 1869 1810
*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1908 (1913 missing). General compliance by 1927.

Record Loss

1869 and 1927 Courthouse burned and many records were damaged.[5]

*Marriages lost 1845 to 1869
*Probate lost 1845 to 1869
*Nearly all records, except deeds, lost in 1869 fire.[6]

For suggestions about research in places that suffered historic record losses, see:


Boundary Changes

Populated Places

For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit HomeTown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[8]

Cities
Towns
Unincorporated communities


History Timeline

Additional Information

U.S. Naval Officer Stephen Decatur (1779-1820)

The county is named after U.S. naval officer Stephen Decatur (1779-1820).[9]

Resources

Bible Records

Biographies

Business, Commerce, and Occupations

  • West Tennessee's Forgotten Children: Apprentices from 1821 to 1889. 2006. By Alan N. Miller. Baltimore, Md.: Clearfield Company. FS Library US/CAN 976.8 U2man. Online at MyHeritage ($). Includes Decatur County.

Cemeteries

Cemeteries of Decatur County, Tennessee online and in print
Tombstone Transcriptions Online
Tombstone Transcriptions in Print (Often more complete)
List of Cemeteries in the County
See Tennessee Cemeteries for more information.


Census Records

Historical populations
Census Pop.
1850 6,003
1860 6,276 4.5%
1870 7,772 23.8%
1880 8,498 9.3%
1890 8,995 5.8%
1900 10,439 16.1%
1910 10,093 −3.3%
1920 10,198 1.0%
1930 10,106 −0.9%
1940 10,261 1.5%
1950 9,442 −8.0%
1960 8,324 −11.8%
1970 9,457 13.6%
1980 10,857 14.8%
1990 10,472 −3.5%
2000 11,731 12.0%
2010 11,757 0.2%
Source: "Wikipedia.org".

1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 federal population censuses of Decatur County are available online. For tips on accessing census records online, see Tennessee Census. If you're having trouble finding your ancestors in online indexes, try checking printed indexes. Created by local experts familiar with the area's families, these indexes are often transcribed more accurately than nationwide online indexes.

See Tennessee Population Schedule Indexes: Fiche, Film, or Book for more information about statewide printed indexes.

See Decatur County, TN census assignments, including links to transcribed files. The USGenWeb Census Project®

Church Records

List of Churches and Church Parishes

Church records include baptisms, marriages and burials, as well as information about family members and clues about family migration.For additional information about church records, religions, and religious archives in Tennessee, see Tennessee Church Records.

  • Decatur County Church Records
- FamilySearch Catalog - Decatur County Church Records
  • Church histories tell when a church started in the area, who the early members were, give data about church leaders, etc.
  • If the records you need are not found in the FamilySearch Library collection, contact the church(es) in the area where your ancestor lived.Two sites that give information about churches in Bedford County are:
- List of Decatur County churches with addresses and phone numbers (Yellowbook)
- List of Decatur County churches (TN HomeTownLocator)
  • In 1936, a helpful guide to early Decatur County church records (Guide to Church Vital Statistics in Tennessee, also FS Catalog 976.8 K23w) was published by the Works Project Administration. Use this guide to locate which church records exist and where they were housed in 1936. The Tennessee State Library and Archives has filmed some of these records. To locate which records are available at the TSLA, go to the appropriate "county fact sheet" on the TSLA Web site and scroll down to "selected manuscript material". All filmed church records at the TSLA for Decatur County are listed. Many of these filmed records are also available at the FamilySearch Library.

Court Records

Law and Legislation

  • Tennessee State Library and Archives, Acts of Tennessee 1796-1850: Index to Names. January 25, 2005. In addition to creating new laws, legislative acts were often required to obtain a divorce, grant legitimacy to a child, or for appointments to or grant payments for public service. The TSLA has created an index to names that appear in these acts covering the years 1796 to 1850. Online searchable index at TSLA.

Directories

Emigration and Immigration

Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups

Funeral Homes

Genealogies

More than a dozen genealogies have been published about Decatur County, Tennessee families. For more information visit Decatur County, Tennessee Compiled Genealogies.

Guardianship

Land and Property Records

Decatur County Register of Deeds has Land Records from 1846 and is located at 22 West Main Street, Decaturville, Tennessee 38329, or P.O. Box 488, Decaturville, TN 38329-0488; Telephone: 731-852-3712. Land and property records may include transfer of real estate or personal property, mortgages, leases, surveys, and entries.
The FamilySearch Library has microfilmed deed records 1846-1896 with indexes to 1926 and survey books 1891-1918.

Online Land Indexes and Records

Local Histories

Maps and Gazetteers

Carroll CountyBenton CountyHumphreys CountyPerry CountyWayne CountyHardin CountyHenderson CountyTN DECATUR.PNG
Click a neighboring county
for more resources

Migration

Military Records

War of 1812

Civil War

Online Records

Regiments. Men in Decatur County served in various regiments. Men often joined a company (part of a large regiment) that originated in their county. Listed below are companies that were specifically formed in Decatur County:

Confederate Soldiers

Union Soldiers

Additional sources for Civil War soldiers from Decatur County:

Naturalization and Citizenship

Newspapers

For a list of newspapers available at the archives for Decatur County click on the following cities or towns:

  • 1794-1851 - Lucas, Silas Emmett. Marriages from Early Tennessee Newspapers 1794-1851. Easley, S.C.: Southern Historical Press, 1978. FS Library US/CAN Book 976.8 V2L.

For deaths of Methodists in Decatur County between the 1830s and the 1920s, try:

Obituaries

Other Records

Prisons

Periodicals

Genealogical periodicals can contain unique sources and can be local, regional, or statewide. The following periodicals cover this county:

Probate Records

The County Court has responsibility for the probate records of Decatur County.

Online Probate Indexes and Records


School Records

Social Security Records

Tax Records

The original Decatur County Tax Books 1888-1889, 1896-1898 are kept at the County Courthouse. In the 1970s, the TSLA microfilmed these records. FS Library copies: FS Library US/CAN Film 979664.

Book Abstracts and Indexes

  • 1848 "1849 Land Sales Held in 3 West Tennessee Counties for Unpaid Taxes," [1848 taxpayers in Decatur, Carroll, and Henderson counties], Ansearchin' News, Vol. 44, No. 4 (Winter 1997):12. For FS Library and online access, as well as indexes, see Decatur.
  • 1852-1882 - Hill, Phyllis. "Decatur County, TN - Misc - Tax Receipts of W.G. Riggs," available online, courtesy: USGenWeb Archives. Abstracts of receipts Riggs received for paying his taxes, various years between 1852 and 1882.
  • 1888 Hill, Phyllis. "Decatur County, TN - Land - Property Tax Records, District 12, 1888," available online, courtesy: USGenWeb Archives.
  • 1889 Hill, Phyllis. "Decatur County, TN - Land - Property Tax Records, District 12, 1889," available online, courtesy: USGenWeb Archives.
  • 1896 Hill, Phyllis. "Decatur County, TN - Land - Property Tax Records, District 12, 1896," available online, courtesy: USGenWeb Archives.

Vital Records

Birth

Marriage

Online Indexes and Records

Book Abstracts and Indexes

  • 1869-1921, 1927-1992 - Early marriage records of Decatur County, Tennessee FS Library US/CAN Book 976.832 V2a volume 1 and 2 Book covers all recorded marriages from 1869 to 1921. A fire on March 25, 1927 destroyed all records between March 23, 1921 and March 25, 1927. Book then begins the records following the fire through the year 1992.

Death

Divorce

Online Records

Online Titles

  • W.P.A. Guide to Public Vital Statistics in Tennessee. Nashville, Tenn.: The Tennessee Historical Records Survey, 1941. FamilySearch Digital Library.

Research Facilities

Archives

Listed below are archives in Decatur County. For state-wide archival repositories, see Tennessee Archives and Libraries.

FamilySearch Centers

FamilySearch Center and Affiliate Library Locator map - search for local FamilySearch Centers or Affiliate Libraries

  • FamilySearch Centers provide one-on-one assistance, free access to center-only databases, and to premium genealogical websites.
  • FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases, but may not always have full services normally provided by a FamilySearch center.

Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries

Libraries

Listed below are libraries in Decatur County. For state-wide library facilities, see Tennessee Archives and Libraries.

Decatur County Public Library
20 W Market St
Decaturville, TN 38329
Phone: 731-852-3325
Email: dcldsl@tds.net
Website
The Tennessee Room holds birth and marriage records, census records, cemetery records, county histories, military records, county deeds, court minutes, newspapers, etc.

Parsons Public Library
535 Tennessee Ave South
Parsons, TN 38363
Phone: 731-847-6988
Email: parsonslib@netease.net

West Tennessee Heritage Study Center
Paul Meek Library
10 Wayne Fisher Dr.
Martin, TN 38238
Phone: 731-881-7065
Website
Houses a variety of genealogical resources including materials relating to the following counties in Tennessee: Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Houston, Humphreys, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Stewart, Tipton, Wayne, Weakley and Carlisle (KY), Fulton (KY), and Hickman (KY) counties in Kentucky.

Museums

Societies

Listed below are societies in Decatur County. For state-wide genealogical societies, see Tennessee Societies.

Decatur County Historical Society
P.O. Box 700
Decaturville, TN 38329-0700
Email: dctnhistsoc@hotmail.com
Website

Websites

Research Guides

References

  1. Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Tennessee.At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
  2. Wikipedia contributors, "Decatur, Tennessee" in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County,_Tennessee accessed 18 Dec 2018
  3. Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Tennessee.At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
  4. Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Tennessee.At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
  5. Lost Records: Courthouse Fires and Disasters in Tennessee in Tennessee State Library and Archives in Tennessee Secretary of State (accessed 31 March 2014).
  6. Robert M. McBride, Tennessee County Data (Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee States Library and Archives, 1966), 20.
  7. Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Tennessee.At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
  8. Wikipedia contributors, "Decatur County, Tennessee," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County%2C_Tennessee#Communities, accessed 12 November 2019.
  9. "List of counties in Tennessee", Wikipedia.
  10. Genealogical Society of Utah, Parish and Vital Records List (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/images/6/60/Igitennesseea.pdf.
  11. Genealogical Society of Utah, Parish and Vital Records List (July 1998). Microfiche. Digital version at https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/images/6/60/Igitennesseea.pdf.