In Tennessee, genealogy records can help you to learn about your family and its history. There are many outstanding resources available throughout the region that you can use to create this type of family history. However, it takes some time to make it all come together. The reason for that is that you need to contact various organizations and request information. Genealogy records searches can help to speed things up if you know where to look to get this information. The more resources you turn to, the more likely you will find the information you need.

For those in Tennessee, genealogy records searches will often start at the state level. The state did not always gather this information, though. In fact, the first law that required all birth and death records to be sent to the state for registration did not occur until 1914. Prior to this, only the counties or towns gathered this information. There were several attempts to enact this type of law though. As such, it is possible to have a record of someone's birth, death or marriage prior to this time on file with the Vital Records Department. Your search should start by visiting or writing to the following address.

Tennessee Vital Records

Central Services Building, 1st Floor

421 Fifth Avenue, North

Nashville, Tennessee 37247

The local counties do have a great deal of information on file for most records dating back to the 1700's. If you know the county or town where the individual lived, this local records search can be very important.

From this, you can then build out your Tennessee genealogy records to include more information by using other resources. In Tennessee, religion was an important part of the daily lives of many people. In fact, during the 1700's, people reported more to their church than they did to any government offices. That's why some of the best resources for finding genealogy records is with the churches in the state that date back to that time.

In addition, a few older cemeteries in the state also have records available. Some of those records provide a range of details that users can benefit from accessing. If you are looking for records in Obion County, visit Walnut Grove Methodist Church Cemetery for potential records. In Sequatchie County, check out the Davis Cemetery. Both have records available to you.

Other sources to help you to complete your Tennessee genealogy records include the county records for property ownership, the Tennessee Slave Narratives and Native American files and archives. You may also want to request copies of military records. The area was an important part of the American Revolution and later the Civil War. Records of those who fought in the wars and their families is on file through the local military bases. You can also gather more information through resources such as local town clerks. These city clerks gathered information about many of the happenings within the area and can offer one of the best overall views of what the people locally did.

• Tennessee Genealogy