When becoming a citizen, most immigrants filed a series of papers to live in the United States. These papers can give information such as a person s place and date of birth, arrival date, residence, personal description, ship traveled on, and occupation. Area directories are often a good source if information. Although the information contained in them may vary from year to year and place to place, directories are useful in tracing your relative s living location or occupation. City atlases, Sanborn maps, plat maps, etc. give specific information about land ownership, shape and size of property.
Deeds are formal documents showing ownership and intent for property use.
Local courthouses usually house deeds and indexes to them. Various community organizations often keep records over the years. Meeting minutes, membership lists, addresses, and group photos are often saved throughout the years and can give interesting insight to the lives of one s relatives. Local periodicals can supply a wealth of information. Many papers are available on microfilm.