Individuals who have multiple middle names and who used more than one last name can create research headaches. The main reason is that they could appear in a record in any one of a number of ways. It’s important not to omit any of those name possibilities. Johann Christian Valentin Hess was born in 1827 in Wohlmuthausen, Thuringen, Germany. His parents, Ernestine Trautvetter and Kaspar Hess, were never married. His sister when she married in St. Louis, Missouri, used the last name of Trautvetter. It’s possible Johann Christian Valentin did as well. Of course, many Germans in the area where the Trautvetters were from did not use the “first name” they were given. Their “call name” was one of their “middle names.” That does not mean that they […]
Before you go to that courthouse, make certain you have answered some questions: What are the hours? What are the research policies? What do things cost? What can you bring in? Are there any special holiday closings? Are all records onsite? etc. Don’t “just show up.” You may be disappointed if you do. Consider asking a local researcher or someone who has been to the courthouse or facility before for advice.
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