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The phrase "burned counties" was first used for research in Virginia where many county records were destroyed in courthouse fires, or during the Civil War.<ref>An example of relatively early use of the phrase “burned counties” is found in a regularly featured periodical article which first appeared as “Records from Burned Counties,” ''Virginia Genealogical Society Bulletin'', 4, issue 3 (July 1966) ({{FHL|41739|item|disp=FHL Book 975.5 B2vs v. 4}}) ([http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61483708 WorldCat entry]).</ref> The strategies for researching places where a local courthouse or repository was wiped out by fire, tornado, war, flood, hurricane, earthquake, insects, rodents, mold, neglect, foxing, theft, tsunami, or cleaning-streak clerks are useful in similar situations all around the United States, Canada, and throughout the world.<br> | The phrase "burned counties" was first used for research in Virginia where many county records were destroyed in courthouse fires, or during the Civil War.<ref>An example of relatively early use of the phrase “burned counties” is found in a regularly featured periodical article which first appeared as “Records from Burned Counties,” ''Virginia Genealogical Society Bulletin'', 4, issue 3 (July 1966) ({{FHL|41739|item|disp=FHL Book 975.5 B2vs v. 4}}) ([http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61483708 WorldCat entry]).</ref> The strategies for researching places where a local courthouse or repository was wiped out by fire, tornado, war, flood, hurricane, earthquake, insects, rodents, mold, neglect, foxing, theft, tsunami, or cleaning-streak clerks are useful in similar situations all around the United States, Canada, and throughout the world.<br> | ||
"Burned counties" do not have to be end of the line research situations if you: prepare well, look for alternatives, search a variety of jurisdictions and repositories for the family, kin, and associates, approach such research problems in innovative ways | "Burned counties" do not have to be end of the line research situations if you: prepare well, look for alternatives, search a variety of jurisdictions and repositories for the family, kin, and associates, and approach such research problems in innovative ways.<br><br> | ||
*[https://user.xmission.com/~jsvare/record_coverage/US_County_Records_Loss.html ''List of all counties in the United States with record loss''] | *[https://user.xmission.com/~jsvare/record_coverage/US_County_Records_Loss.html ''List of all counties in the United States with record loss''] | ||
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=== Burned County Research Strategies === | === Burned County Research Strategies === | ||
*'''Verify Loss of Records:''' Every courthouse with record loss has a different story. Some lost all records, some lost only some. It's essential to determine exactly what | *'''Verify Loss of Records:''' Every courthouse with record loss has a different story. Some lost all records, some lost only some. It's essential to determine exactly what records were lost and the year it happened. Contact the local county genealogical society, public library, and the courthouse to verify the information no longer available. | ||
*'''[[Research Logs|Research logs]]:''' As you research in the county, keep a research log or calendar listing all the resources searched. This includes websites, online databases, books, microfilm, and onsite records at a repository like an archive or courthouse. | *'''[[Research Logs|Research logs]]:''' As you research in the county, keep a research log or calendar listing all the resources searched. This includes websites, online databases, books, microfilm, and onsite records at a repository like an archive or courthouse. | ||
*'''Understand the Whole Family:''' Research all members of your ancestor's family including parents, siblings, in-laws, children and their spouses, etc. The more you find out about family members, the more clues to other records you will find. | *'''Understand the Whole Family:''' Research all members of your ancestor's family including parents, siblings, in-laws, children and their spouses, etc. The more you find out about family members, the more clues to other records you will find. | ||
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