From: mfc@medoc.aux.apple.com (Matt Caprile)
Subject: Re: NH birth records
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 22:48:45 GMT
Organization: A/UX Group, Apple Computer Inc, Cupertino, CA

In article <1ees6jINN9q6@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu> Bradley N. Deacon writes:
>Does anyone know if NH has (or would have) birth records back to 1805?
>I'm looking for a birth record of a woman born there in 1805, and I
>sent a letter asking if they even have records back that far, and I got
>back the form letter with the box checked for 'no money sent'.

I'm posting this to the list, since it might interest others...

My experience with NH records would indicate a definate "maybe". The
state required the local records office to send in copies of their
local birth/marriage/death records in the late 1800's. It depends on
how dilligent the local records person was as to whether or not records
from the early 1800's were sent in, as well as whether or not such
records existed locally at the time. (I had ancestors from Jackson, NH,
and the records burned in about 1850.)(As an aside, my direct ancestors
were listed BEFORE that date, because the town clerk at that time was a
cousin of my ggg-grandmother, and researched his family!) Many towns
didn't have formal record keeping in 1800. (My ancestors from Durham /
Dover / Portsmith area are difficult to find. I have had to rely on
ministers' journals for that area.)

So, I would recommend writing first to the local town were she was born
(if you know). Also write to the local library, or call information as
ask for the number. In small towns, they can point you to a local
history/genealogy "expert". If this doesn't work, don't despair (too)
much. The info that you have for place of birth might be wrong. It is
likely wrong if it's from the death certificate. Look in adjoining
townships - or look at a map since it might have been easier to
declare her birth in a "neighboring" town, since it was on the
river, instead of over the mountains.

If you don't know where she was born, (well, actually, even if you do
know) I would recommend going to the local LDS genealogy library, and
look through the IGI to see if your ancestors are listed. It is a long
shot, but it can help in your research. (Giving you hints as where to
continue your search.) DON'T assume the info is correct. Much of the
info for my lines that I found there was wrong. (But close enough to
help me find the correct info.)

And to close, the reason that the request came back marked "no funds
enclosed" is because they would have to search the records to see if
they had anything for that town in that time period, which requires a
search fee.

_matt

PS - If anyone out there has information concerning vital records in
the Dover/Durham/Portsmouth NH area 1620-1820, or Jackson NH 1790-1895,
please either email me (caprile@apple.com) or post to the net. Well,
any information about Jackson would be helpful, including information
on the town's founding, first settlers, migration patterns [such as
"most people came from Madison", or "most land was Rev war grants"],
etc. (My ancestors, TRICKEYs, were there before the town was formed [as
Adams, in 1802. The town name was changed by a vote of the town when
Andrew Jackson became presidant.].)

--

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