R E S E A R C H   G U I D A N C E

New Mexico
Research Outline
   

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
Native Races
Naturalization And Citizenship
Newspapers
Periodicals
Probate Records
Vital Records
For Further Reading
Comments And Suggestions

PROBATE RECORDSLook this term up in the glossary.

The Spanish Archives and the Mexican Archives contain probate recordsLook this term up in the glossary. for the Spanish and Mexican periods (see the “Genealogy” section).

In the 1840s and 1850s, prefect courts and probate courts kept records of the disposition of estatesLook this term up in the glossary.. Probate records from the 1850s to 1912 are in the records of the U.S. judicial district courts for the Territory of New Mexico at the National Archives—Rocky Mountain Region (Denver).

Since statehood in 1912, probate matters have been under the jurisdiction of probate courts in each county. Records of guardianship and adoption have usually been transferred to the district courts. In 1953 the district courts were given concurrent jurisdiction with the probate court over all probate matters in each county.

The Family History Library does not have copies of the county probate records. They are available at each county courthouse. You can obtain copies by contacting the county clerk.

Further explanation of the records and laws dealing with probate affairs in the state is in Arie Poldervaart, New Mexico Probate Manual (Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1961; FHL book 978.9 P2p).


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VITAL RECORDSLook this term up in the glossary.


BirthLook this term up in the glossary. and DeathLook this term up in the glossary. Records

In 1907 each county was required to keep birth and death records. Records dating from the 1880s are available for a few counties. All of these records have been sent to the Vital Statistics Bureau (address below).

Statewide registration of vital statistics began in 1920 and was generally complied with by 1930. Delayed registrations of birthsLook this term up in the glossary. are also available from 1935. You can obtain birth and death certificates by writing to:

Vital Statistics Bureau
New Mexico Health Services
1190 St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Telephone: 505-827-2338
Fax: 505-984-1048
The current fees for obtaining copies of the state's records are listed in Where to Write for Vital Records: Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces (Hyattsville, MD.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 1993; FHL book 973 V24wv). Copies of this booklet are at the Family History Library and at many Family History Centers. You must have written authorization from the family in order to obtain a copy of a birth or death certificate. The Family History Library does not have copies of these records.


MarriageLook this term up in the glossary. and DivorceLook this term up in the glossary. Records

Marriage records were usually kept from the date each county was organized. You can obtain copies of the records from the clerk's office in the county where the marriage was performed.

Marriage records for Bernalillo, Chavez, Eddy, San Juan, Oterro, Quay, Roosevelt, and Curry counties for 1880 to 1920 have been published in Some Marriage Records of the State of New Mexico, (ca. 1880-1920) 2 vols. (N.p.: New Mexico DAR, 1971-1973; FHL book 978.9 V25d; vol. 1 on film 908289 and vol. 2 on 908026 item 4).

Divorce records are available only from the clerk of the district court in the county where the decree was granted.


Inventory of Vital Records

You can learn more about the history and availability of vital records in Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in New Mexico (Albuquerque: Historical Records SurveyLook this term up in the glossary., 1942; FHL book 978.9 V2h; film 874077 item 7; fiche 6051288).


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FOR FURTHER READING

For more detailed information about research and records in New Mexico, see:

Barnes, Thomas C. et al. Northern New Spain: A Research Guide. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1981. (FHL book 973 H27ba.) This book describes the jurisdictions and documents of the government and the Roman Catholic Church. It also includes information on archives, maps, handwriting, and terminology.

Spiros, Joyce V. H. Handy Genealogical Guide to New Mexico. Gallup, New Mexico: Verlene Publishing, 1981. (FHL book 978.9 D27s; fiche 6051310.) This book describes the history, records, and archives of each county.

Eichholz, Alice, ed. Ancestry's Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources. Rev. ed. Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1992. (FHL book 973 D27rb 1992; computer number 594021.) Contains bibliographies and background information on history and ethnic groups. Also contains maps and tables showing when each county was created.


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COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

The Family History Library welcomes additions and corrections that will improve future editions of this outline. Please send your suggestions to:

Publications Coordination
Family History Library
35 N. West Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-3400
USA
We appreciate the archivists, librarians, and others who have reviewed this outline and shared helpful information.

Paper publication: Second edition July 1997. English approval: 7/97.

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