I have recently discovered that there are many people who use the Family Search website on a regular basis, yet did not realize that there are record files that cannot be searched. These records can only be browsed, and not all have indexes. They are a wealth of documents if you just have the patience!
This is a quicky introduction to these browsable-only records, for both the new and frequent users of Family Search! If you are not familiar with Family Search, check it out! It is free to sign up, free to search, and free to browse!
Browsing Through Family Search (I hope this makes sense!)
Step One
After signing into Family Search with your username and password, click “Search”.
Step Two
Under the map on the right click the link “Browse All Published Collections”
Step Three
On the left side you will see “Filter by collection name”. You can input a state, or a keyword such as “marriage”.
Step Four
I typed in “tennessee”, and a list of available Tennessee records showed up. To the right of each file name you will see whether the number of records contained in that file or the words “Browse Images”. If it is a number you can search those records. Otherwise, click “Browse Images”. I chose to browse “Tennessee, Probate Court Files, 1795-1955”.
Step Five
Click on the link that reads “Browse through [#] images”.
Step Six
Usually at this point you can chose from available counties. For this example I will click on Madison County.
Step Seven
On this screen you will see all files available for the county. I will click on “County Court, Wills”.
Step Eight
Depending on what county and state you are looking at, you may have to choose a year range.
Step Nine
Here I choose which packet of names I would like to browse.
Step Ten
You will see a small box that tells what page number you are on, between arrows. Use those arrows to navigate through the file. Browse away! Just don’t blame me if you end up sitting up all night reading old court records!
Happy Browsing!
