Following is a description of only
some of the records that are available for research in
the Probate Court.The staff is helpful and co-operative but
please be courteous and patient. Correspondence is answered
and please remember to include an SASE for your reply and specify
if you wish a certified or non-certified copy. The Probate Court
is located on the main floor of the courthouse. Most, but not
all of the records which can be researched, are on microfiche.
There are 2 microfiche reader/printers available in an adjoining room
which researchers may use The staff prefers to print out the
copies. Some records are in individual case numbered file jackets
in numbered metal file cabinets which you may take from the file cabinet
to research. As an ongoing project, the Muskingum
County Genealogical Society is copying the records and indexes
and copies are given to the court to further aid the researchers.
The Motion Dockets which contain Mental Illness and Adoption Records
are closed to the public. At the present time copies are 5 cents but it
would be wise to check for current rates when you request information.
These records were not mandatory until 1867 though
some earlier
information and dates exist. Even though it was mandated in
1867 the information was only recorded if it was reported
to the court. After 1908 the records are in the Muskingum County
Department of Health. All records are on microfiche.
MARRIAGES- 1804
THRU PRESENT
ADMINISTRATION DOCKETS
- 1804 THRU PRESENT
The administration books are recorded
by years. For example: Administration Docket A 1817-1837;
Administration Docket B 1838-1849,etc. An index prefaces each
volume and gives the name and page number where the records are
recorded in the docket. Each individual record has a case number
which corresponds with a case file jacket which is in the numbered file
cabinets. The original records are in a file jacket which can be
searched or they can be researched on the microfiche. If there is
a will it will also be in the jacket with the estate papers. Remember
though, that not everyone may have a will but by checking the administrations
you will find the estate papers. A few of the case files are
missing. Make a note of the case file number as you will need it
to pull the file. All records are on microfiche.
WILLS - 1804 THRU
PRESENT
The will books are recorded
by years and each volume is prefaced by an index which gives the
name and page number where it is recorded in that volume. Since
you need a case number to search the original will in the case file
jacket it is advisable, therefore, to check the administration index
first to obtain it. The wills are also on microfiche. A few
wills are missing.
GUARDIANSHIPS
- 1804 THRU PRESENT
The guardianship
books are recorded by years and an index appears in front
of each volume. Check the guardianship index on microfiche for
a case number. The original record is in a corresponding numbered
file jacket which is kept in the numbered metal file cabinets. The
records are on microfiche.
The earliest Declaration of Intention is 1811. They are the original
Declarations handwritten on small pieces of paper and were
discovered in the courthouse attic several years ago. They
are filed alphabetically in a file box in the room with the
metal file cabinets. There are over 2700 names, 32 counties and
21 states referenced. Information varies from very limited such
as name,date of application and county or state where the application
was made to more detailed information added such as country
of emigration and age. For further
reference see MUSKINGUM COUNTY FOOTPRINTS,
Vol. 1 by Hargrove and Yinger for an index to the names. This
can be viewed at the Muskingum County Genealogical Library or
by contacting the authors. (See address below)
The earliest is 1812. Before 1850 they are in the unindexed Minute Books. From 1923 to 1953 they are in Common Pleas Court. An application to become a citizen did not need to be applied for in the same jurisdiction as the Declaration of Intention and even though a Declaration of Intention was filed, final naturalization papers were not always applied for. The naturalization laws changed many times through the years and you should refer to a reference about the naturalization process to better understand it.