Civil and criminal court records contain specialized legal terminology that may appear in case files, minute books, dockets, indictments, and newspaper reports. This glossary defines commonly encountered terms to assist in interpreting court proceedings and identifying additional related records. Term Definition Acquittal Formal finding of not guilty in a criminal case. Affidavit Sworn written statement […]
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Background Historical Occupation Profiles explain what ancestors actually did for a living and how those occupations shaped the records genealogists rely on today. Occupation Overview Domestic servants performed household labor within private homes. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, domestic service was one of the most common occupations for women, particularly young, unmarried women […]
Naturalization records contain standard terms for the citizenship process, including “first papers,” petitions, court actions, and certificate information. Use this glossary to decode the wording found in declarations of intention, petitions for naturalization, court orders, indexes, and certificates—so you can recognize what stage of the process your ancestor reached and what record types to seek […]
Divorce records often include specialized legal terms for filings, hearings, rulings, and related support or custody matters. Use this glossary to quickly interpret the language you may encounter in divorce case files, court minute books, docket entries, and newspaper legal notices so you can better understand what occurred and what additional documents may exist. Term […]
Background Historical Occupation Profiles explain what ancestors actually did for a living and how those occupations shaped the records genealogists rely on today. Occupation Overview Iron and steel workers produced the structural materials that fueled industrial expansion in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. From rail lines and bridges to skyscrapers and machinery, iron and […]
Land deeds and conveyance records document the transfer of property from one party to another. These records can establish residence, relationships, financial status, and migration patterns. Because legal language was often formulaic — and sometimes archaic — understanding deed terminology is essential for accurate interpretation. Term Meaning Grantor Person transferring (selling or giving) property. Grantee […]
Background Historical Occupation Profiles explain what ancestors actually did for a living and how those occupations shaped the records genealogists rely on today. Occupation Overview Dockworkers and longshoremen loaded, unloaded, sorted, and transferred cargo at ports and waterfronts. Before containerization and modern mechanized shipping, nearly all goods moving by sea passed through human hands. In […]
Background Historical Occupation Profiles explain what ancestors actually did for a living and how those occupations shaped the records genealogists rely on today. Occupation Overview Teamsters and draymen were essential transportation workers in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Before motorized trucks became widespread, goods were moved by horse-drawn wagons operated by skilled drivers. “Teamster” […]
Coroner’s records and inquest proceedings can provide critical details about sudden, suspicious, or unexplained deaths. These records often include testimony, medical findings, witness statements, and jury verdicts. Understanding the terminology used in inquest files helps genealogists interpret cause of death, circumstances, and legal conclusions. Term Meaning Coroner Public official responsible for investigating certain types of […]
Background Historical Occupation Profiles explain what ancestors actually did for a living and how those occupations shaped the records genealogists rely on today. Occupation Overview Blacksmiths were skilled tradesmen who shaped iron and steel into tools, hardware, horseshoes, wagon parts, agricultural equipment, and countless everyday necessities. Throughout the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, nearly […]