R E S E A R C H   G U I D A N C E

New Jersey
Research Outline
   

Table of Contents
Records At 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
Public Records
Societies
Taxation
Town Records
Vital Records
For Further Reading
Comments And Suggestions

This outline describes major sources of information about families from New Jersey. As you read this outline, study the United States Research Outline (30972), which will help you understand genealogical terminology and the content and uses of genealogical records.


RECORDS AT THE FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY

The Family History LibraryLook this term up in the glossary. has most of the records described in this outline. These records are from the National Archives and its regional centers, the state archives, county courthouses, church archives, university libraries, and historical societies. Though the Family History Library has microfilm copies of some twentieth century records, most microfilm copies are of pre-1900 records.

The library's major holdings include census, military, vital, land, probate, and naturalization records for most areas. The library also has a comprehensive collection of published and manuscript genealogies of New Jersey families. There are also statewide indexes to probate records, early land records, censuses, vital records, tax records, and military records.

Unfortunately, nearly all census records from 1790 to 1820 and some early county records for Gloucester, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, and Somerset counties no longer exist. However, the tax records and their indexes help make up for the missing census records. Researching New Jersey ancestors may require the use of some unusual sources, such as tavern licenses, cattle earmarks, and road surveys.

Most of the sources described in this outline list the Family History Library's book, microfilm, microfiche, and computer numbers. These are preceded by FHL, the abbreviation for Family History Library. These numbers are used to locate materials in the library and to order microfilm and microfiche at a Family History CenterLook this term up in the glossary..

The computer number can be used if you have access to the Family History Library CatalogLook this term up in the glossary. on computer. The “Computer Number Search” is the fastest way to find a source in the catalog.


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FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY CATALOG

The library's records are listed in the Family History Library Catalog, found at the library and at each Family History Center. To find a record, look in the Locality Search of the catalog for:

  • The place where an ancestor lived, such as:
UNITED STATES - CENSUSNEW JERSEY - GENEALOGYNEW JERSEY, ESSEX - PROBATE RECORDSNEW JERSEY, ESSEX, NEWARK - CHURCH RECORDS

  • The record type you want to search, such as:
UNITED STATES - CENSUSNEW JERSEY - GENEALOGYNEW JERSEY, ESSEX - PROBATE RECORDSNEW JERSEY, ESSEX, NEWARK - CHURCH RECORDS

The section headings in this outline match the names of record types used in the Locality Search of the catalog.

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Version of Data: 6/9/2001]