Researching History

Researching History

Researching the history of a property is one of the most important steps in ghost hunting. An investigation is not complete unless some sort of history is found to validate the reason behind a haunting.

The best way to learn how to research the history of a location is to take a course in genealogy research. These courses are often offered through your local libraries or Historical Societies. In taking a genealogy course, you will learn what records are available for research and how to find them. Although genealogy research mainly applies to family surnames, the knowledge you gain from it can be applied to researching the history of a location. The only difference is that you are researching a location instead of a family surname, but the same principles apply.

Obtaining Land Descriptions

The first information that you need to obtain from your clients is the land description of their property. This is usually found on the homeowner's deed and appears as such: Section, Township and Range. If the land description cannot be located on the deed then the local Title Company can provide this information from the current address. Once you have this information, then you’ll want to go to the local office that holds the land records. This may be the courthouse, library, Historical Society or perhaps a Title Company. Using the land description given, you can begin to trace the land records by checking the land record indexes or the plat maps for the property description. In doing this, you will learn the names of past property owners and the years that they occupied the location in question. Often times it is very difficult to find the entire list of property occupants. Some land was rented and finding records of past occupants when this is the case is almost impossible. Finding what information you can at least gives you some insight to possible past events. Tax records are also a good source for finding landowners.

Once you have compiled a list of owners, then you need to move to the next step.

Searching Census Records

In the United States, Census Records have been kept since 1800 and are compiled every 10 years. From 1800 through 1840 only the names of the head-of-households were listed. These records show other occupants of the property but only list their gender and age-range. In 1850 and beyond, each household member and their ages are given, which provides a more in-depth look at the family structure. By searching the census records we are able to see if a death may have occurred within the family or if additional relatives may have been living in the same household. For example, in 1850, the family of John Doe shows that they had a daughter, age 2, named Emily. In 1860, Emily is no longer listed as a household member. This is a good indication that Emily may have passed away sometime between 1850-1860. Other children may have married, depending on ages. Marriage, probate, cemetery and death records can be searched to identify missing family members. Census records help provide us with a list of family members and help us trace their occupancy throughout the years.

Searching Probate, Cemetery & Death Records

Once you have identified the missing family members who may have married, a search of probate, cemetery and death records will provide clues to other missing members, providing death dates and often times, the cause of death. Death dates can be obtained from any of these records. These records are usually available at the local library or courthouse. Once you have the death dates, you can begin searching through the old microfilmed newspapers for obituaries or tragic events which may have been news worthy. Microfilmed newspapers can be found at libraries or the newspaper offices.

Other Resources

Most counties have published history books. These provide general information about the events that have occurred throughout the county’s history, such as Civil War battles, massacres, upheavals, etc. Often times you will find biographies of the families that lived in the county. By tapping into these resources, you can find the general history of the area and events that may have occurred on or around the location you are researching which may provide clues to the possible source of the haunting. For example in the area in which MPR operates, Order #11 had a big impact on the 4 counties it effected. Order #11 brought about so much devastation and death that the whole region was affected by it. An alleged haunted house may not have been in existence at the time Order #11 was issued, but the vibrations of the Order still linger over the land.

There are many other resources available for searching; these are just the basics to get you started. The more experience you gain and the more familiar you become with what is available in your area, the more thorough you will become at researching. Interviews with neighbors or residents who have lived in the area for a long time are also good resources. Researching the history takes a lot of time and effort but the end result is usually well worth the time spent.

Brenda Marble

Co-founder Miller’s Paranormal Research