R E S E A R C H   G U I D A N C E

Michigan
Research Outline
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Table of Contents
Records Of The Family History Library
Family History Library Catalog
Archives And Libraries
Bible Records
Biography
Cemeteries
Census
Church Records
Court Records
Directories
Emigration And Immigration
Gazetteers
Genealogy
History
Land And Property
Maps
Military Records
Naturalization And Citizenship
Newspapers
Periodicals
Probate Records
Societies
Vital Records
For Further Reading
Comments And Suggestions

PROBATE RECORDSLook this term up in the glossary.

ProbateLook this term up in the glossary. and estateLook this term up in the glossary. matters in Michigan were recorded by the clerk of the probate court in each county. Probate records were kept beginning in 1817, except in Wayne County, which began keeping probate records in 1797.

These records include willsLook this term up in the glossary., guardianshipsLook this term up in the glossary., administrator bondsLook this term up in the glossary., estate inventoriesLook this term up in the glossary., and other records. They are usually indexed. You can obtain them by writing or visiting the county courthouse.

The Family History Library has microfilm copies of probate filesLook this term up in the glossary. from most Michigan counties up to the year 1900, and some indexes or calendarsLook this term up in the glossary. to 1970. For example, the probate estate packetsLook this term up in the glossary. and indexes from Wayne County cover the years 1797 to 1901 and are available on 648 microfilms.


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SOCIETIESLook this term up in the glossary.

State genealogical and historical societies may have records and services to help you with your research. The following are important genealogical societies in Michigan are:

C/O Burton Historical Collection
5201 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202

P.O. Box 80953
Lansing, MI 48908-0953
The Michigan Genealogical Council acts as a coordinating body for genealogical societies in 83 counties.

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