The Illinois in the Civil War Message Board

Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor

No, the County Clerk and Recorder's office isn't supposed to record other records in the deed books, but in the early ones here in Illinois (at least 3 counties I've looked in), I've found military discharge papers (for the civil war); Freedman papers; inventory of an early steamboat accident from 1844 or 45; church and cemetery trustees, etc. Stockholders of small local businesses; and even one paper forming an early Band (yes, band--as in music). Also, a couple of patents on things that were invented or improved by local residents.

The only thing the clerk here could figure out was that maybe there was no other place/book to record these things at the time. Anyhow, makes for some good reading sometimes.

We also have Soldier's discharge books here. There are a few who served in the Civil War, but most began in the Spanish-Amercan war. But Illinois passed a law a couple of years ago that no one can look at the discharge books anymore, except the soldier/veteran. This makes sense for the later wars, but I can't see it for the discharges before 1900.

We also have what are called oath of office books. Elected officials swore upon their oath, etc. to fulfill their duties as (whatever office it was). The very earliest ones required that the officials had never participated in a duel.

I just don't know much about the records in West Virginia though! Wish I could be of more help.
Ann

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Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor
Re: Looking for a "turncoat" ancestor