Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Walter M. Everton was the first compiler of the original edition HANDYBOOK in 1945. This reference book lists each state and all counties that ever existed there with details including: Name, map index reference number, date created, population per latest census, dates US Census Reports available, parent county or territory from which organized, county seat including zip code (for requesting copies of documents), As an example, I learned that Carroll County, MD, created in 1837 from Baltimore and Frederick Counties. It's county seat is Westminister, zip code 21157. The Clerk of the Circuit Court has the marriage records from 1837-1900 not indexed, from 1900 indexed, divorce, civil court and land records from 1837. Reading about the state of Maryland as a whole, I learned that the Division of Vital Records and Statistics, Department of Health located at 201 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 issues copies of birth, marriage and death records. Birth records begin 1898. Marriage records begin 1 June 1951. Wills are in the register of wills for each county. There are also listings of genealogical archives, libraries, societies and publications, along with dates for each available census index. The line drawings of each state with current counties might be useful to illustrate a family's location in the area for your family history notebooks. From their advertising circular: "Information that researchers need for America includes records available in each county, current information includes: address and telephone numbers for country clerks, 56 color maps of each state and trails! 124 emigration trail descriptions. Illustrates rivers and lakes. I wouldn't steer you wrong of this one! The first genealogy research book I every bought was an earlier edition! Now, I consider it money well spent. Even though I am gifted with numerous genealogy books to review, I'd still pay for a copy of this excellent reference work! Myrt