Going to the Carolinas this week and need some pointers from locals

Question

In addition to cemetery hiking, I'll primarily be searching for a clue to the parentage of John J. Johnson who was born in SC (possibly York County), lived from 1851 to 1923 and died in Gaston County NC. I haven't done bricks & mortar research in either state before. From what I see online it appears the state archives are my best shot rather than the local courthouse in NC. Not sure about SC. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Answer 1

The South Carolina Archives in Columbia is a good place to start with resources to many published records and microfilm of many county records and the staff is very helpful.  The historical society in York County is also a good source with helpful staff.

Comments

Carolyn, thanks a million for pointing me toward the McCelvey Center in York County. They are a great resource and Nancy was a tremendous help and amazingly was able to help me punch through my most difficult brick wall.

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Always happy to pass on good resources and so happy you were able to break through a brick wall.

Answer 2

I have not worked on-site in the Carolinas. But if they work like Virginia, you will have more success at the county level. The reason is because all of Virginia's courthouses have sent their records to the state archives yet.