Unlock Your Ancestry Secrets: Trace Your Clinton County New York Family History

INTRODUCTION

As a dedicated genealogist who is passionate about preserving Clinton County New York Family History, it has been a fascinating experience. Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains in the northern part of the state, Clinton County boasts a rich tapestry of history, making it an intriguing and rewarding destination for those eager to uncover their family's past.

In 1999, I began gathering information on the Crabtree, Clark, Elliott, Haynes, Lewis, Soper, Tankard, and Wheeler families who lived in Clinton and Essex County, New York. As I searched through census records, and marriage, and visited the cemeteries, the family trees for these families grew. Along the way, I spoke with a few of the descendants of the Clark and Crabtree families who graciously shared photos of their ancestors.

The first book, called "Tan Americans of Clinton County, New York" was published in 2009 and the second book was published in 2017, at which time, my research was featured in the television program called "Who Do You Think You Are" for the Elliott family of Clinton County New York, the ancestors of Steve Tyler of Aerosmith.

C.S. Winslow-Turner Carriage House

The Rich History of Clinton County, New York

Clinton County Family History: More Than Just Geography

Before delving into the intricacies of genealogical research, it's important to grasp the historical context of Clinton County. The region's history, characterized by its stunning flowing Saranac River, majestic mountains, and beautiful landscape with diverse small communities sprinkled within the county, greatly influences the journey you're about to embark on.

My journey began with a curiosity about families who lived in this area over 200 years ago and who called this area home. With each new generation some descendants left the area to seek new horizons while others continued to with each passing season, new generations continued to live in this area.

Researching Family History

Researching Clinton County Ancestry: Expert Strategies

The Art of the Hunt

To unlock your ancestry secrets in Clinton County, you'll need more than a simple family tree. Advanced genealogists like us rely on an array of strategies and resources.

Utilizing Primary Sources

My breakthrough in researching the Elliott family came when I stumbled upon a court record, at the Clinton County Surrogate Courts office. I opened the drawer and placed it against the back of the drawer was this valuable document. It was the document for Jane (Elliott) Currier. Her son, William (Crabtree) Currier was killed in a mining accident in Leadville, Colorado in 1887. And Jane, his mother, had petitioned the court for his land in Keeseville, New York. She stated, “She was his sole living relative”. But, his father, Charles Crabtree was still living.

Another, very important document found at the Clinton County Clerk’s office was the document that stated, “the care of their grandmother, Jane Hicks. This document included the names of Charles Crabtree, his wife Jane, and Andrew Clark, of Beekman town. These primary sources document provided a clue about the relationship between the Crabtree and Clark families.

Vital records, like birth and death certificates, can prove a wealth of information about your ancestors However, be prepared to navigate through various town and village offices, as well as county and state archives, to locate these gems.

Exploring Local Archives and Repositories

One particularly memorable research trip led me to the Clinton County Clerk’s Office in Plattsburgh. Their archives contained handwritten marriages, death dates, and land deeds, providing a glimpse into the relationships between Clinton County residents during the 19th century.

Libraries such as the Plattsburgh Public Library and SUNY Plattsburgh's Special Collections house invaluable resources as well. Local history books, manuscript collections, and maps can be instrumental in piecing together your family's history.

Gathering Family History Online

Navigating Online Genealogical Databases

While the thrill of holding an ancient document in your hands is unparalleled, online genealogical databases are indispensable. Websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com offer vast collections of digitized records, making it possible to research from anywhere in the world.

For Clinton County-specific research, don't forget to explore the Family History Center in Plattsburgh, New York. It allows you to gather information outside Clinton County, New York. Also, the Essex County Clerk Office in Elizabethtown, New York has genealogical information about the residents of Clinton County, as well.

Overcoming Challenges

The Detective Work

Genealogy in Clinton County comes with its unique set of challenges. One recurring puzzle I encountered was the ever-shifting borders. As families moved from one area to another, records could end up in different counties, complicating the research process. As mentioned by William Currier. He was the son of Charles Crabtree and Jane Elliott. They had two sons, Albert Crabtree, and William Crabtree. But Albert and William assumed the surname of “Currier”

Lack of Comprehensive Records

The diversity of settlers in Clinton County, from French Canadians to Irish immigrants, has resulted in a tapestry of surnames and languages. My quest to trace the O'Mara family's Irish roots took me to a small, wooded area, where the sole O’Mara headstone stands. Be prepared for variant spellings and language challenges and consider consulting local experts or historians who may have insights.

Preserving Your Findings

Documenting and Sharing Your Journey

As you uncover the stories of Clinton County families, it's essential to preserve your findings. Trust me; you'll want to pass on this treasure trove of history to future generations.

Create a comprehensive system for organizing your research. Digital tools like genealogy software can help manage vast amounts of data, while physical files and Family History Research Log Books, keep your notes and documents organized. You can organize your records in a small notebook that is easy to carry with you during your research.

I found that sharing my discoveries with family members not only deepened our connections but also encouraged them to share their own stories and memorabilia. One memorable family reunion allowed us to create a collective oral history that might have otherwise been lost.

Clinton County New York

Collaborative Genealogy in Clinton County, New York

Strength in Numbers

Your journey into Clinton County's family history need not be solitary. Collaboration can yield unexpected breakthroughs. Since beginning my journey researching my ancestors, I have connected with so many people. Some are distant, relatives who shared oral history with me, and others, were searching for information about how they could further their research. So, when working with others who are passionate about preserving family history you can learn so much from others.

Local Genealogy Societies and Groups

Consider joining local genealogy societies and groups in the region. They often hold meetings and workshops, providing opportunities to network with fellow researchers and access valuable resources.

I recall a meeting where a fellow genealogist shared her research about her family. Her insights provided me with helpful hints on where to locate additional information for my own research on a different branch of the same family.

Conclusion

As you embark on the journey to unlock your ancestry secrets in Clinton County, remember that this is not just about names and dates. It's about connecting with your ancestors. And reading about their stories, resilience, and the essence of who we are, helps you to understand yourself. Also, the challenges you'll encounter are part of the adventure, and the discoveries you'll make are priceless.

So, fellow genealogists, gear up for a thrilling journey into the heart of Clinton County's family history. May your research be fruitful, your discoveries profound, and your connections with the past enduring. Happy hunting! For more information on Family History Books visit Ancestral Connections.