All of the three books listed below have a small section covering each state that includes maps, historical information, vital records coverage and a bibliography of resources for that state.
- Handybook for Genealogists ( 11th edition) (find in a library) (note: some libraries may have earleir editions; those are usable)
- Ancestry's Redbook (you'll want the 3rd edition) (find in a library)
- The Family Tree Resource Book for Genealogical Research (find in a library)
Books you might purchase or list in a library are listed below
Online Guides
Use the Family History Library
Bookmark or print out these FHL documents:
Use the catalog at the FHL to find out what has been filmed covering the state of West Virgina ; Then Click View Related Places in the upper right to find sources that have been filmed for the county you are researching and once there click View Related Places in the upper right to find sources that have been filmed for the township or city. You will want to check for resources in all three jurisdictions, although most people check the county holdings first, township next and state last.
Maps, Atlases and Gazetteers
(For general information, see my page on Maps, Atlases and Gazetteers)
Don't even think aboout starting research without a map at hand !
Visit the websites of these libraries. archives and societies.
West Virginia Cemetery Records For general information, see my guide to cemetery records... it will open in a new window so you can leave it open.
Find online West Virginia cemetery transcriptions through one of these sites
West Virginia Census Records
(For general information, see my guide to census records, especially the section on how to locate and obtain census records.)
West Virgnia Church Records
(For general information on finding and using church records, see my guide to church records)
West Virginia City Directories
West Virgnia County and Local histories
(For general informaton, see my guide to finding and using county histories)
Access Genealogy lists a few West Virginia county histories available online.
Searching Google Books for West Virginia county history brings up several hits, some are limited or no preview, but a few are full view county histories.
West Virgnia Land & Property Records
(For general informaton , see my guide to land records-- it will open in a new window, so you can leave it open )
Maryland Institution Records, including slavery, criminal and court records
West Virginia Military Rceords
(For general information, see my "Guide to Finding Ancestors in Military Records" -- it will open in a new window, so you can leave it open.)
West Virginia Naturalizations (For genearal information about Naturalizations, see my "Guide to Finding and Using Naturalization Records"-- it will open in a new window so you can leave it open)
West Virginia Newspapers and obituaries
(For general information, see my "Guide to Using Newspapers for Genealogical Research" -- it will open in a new window so you can leave it open)
West Virginia Probate Records
(For general information, see my guide "Using Estate and Probate Records to Find Your Ancestors"--it will open in a new window so you can leave it open )
FamilySearchWiki: about West Virginia Probate Records
West Virginia Vital Records
(For general information, see my page "Your Guide to Using U.S. Vital Records" -- it will open in a new window so you can leave it open)
Work with Other Researchers
Queries... Placing or answering queries at these sites might result in a mutually beneficial contact with other researchers
- Gen Forum West Virgina (this site doesn't break down by counties)
- Rootsweb/Ancestry Message Boards for West Virgnia (select a county)
LookUps... You may find help at one of these sites and you may want to volunteer to help others...
More Links
