Divorce records are a goldmine of information for family historians. "This compilation of Cumberland County divorce cases, 1789-1860, is invaluable not only for those interested in the history and genealogy of that area, but many other locations as well. When a husband or wife left their mate, they often went quite a distance." Typically, these records establish the date and place of the marriage, and often mention whether either of the parties were previously married and if there were any children. Other family members are frequently named as witnesses and "next friends." These Cumberland County records were painstakingly copied word for word from handwritten court documents. The compiler has chronologically grouped together all of the separately dated entries for each case, thus eliminating the frustration of leafing through the entire book to follow the progress of a single case. A surname index makes it easy to find the names of the participants in each transaction.

This book will be a great aid to those with roots in south-central Pennsylvania. Imagine your surprise to see your ancestor mentioned in a divorce action either as a contestant or perhaps as a neighbor, relative, or friend of a contestant. From colonial times to the Civil War days, a large number of divorce actions are on record for Dauphin and York Counties, Pennsylvania. This book records the available details in the surviving records. Typically, these records establish the date and place of the marriage, and often mention whether either of the parties were previously married and if there were any children. Other family members are frequently named as witnesses and "next friends." The compiler has grouped together all of the separately dated entries for each case, thus eliminating the frustration of leafing through the entire book to follow the progress of a single case. The cases are arranged chronologically according to the date of the original petition, and a surname index makes it easy to find the names of the participants in each transaction. The compiler has been actively involved in doing professional genealogical research for twenty-eight years (at the time of publication), taking him to the attics and basements of Pennsylvania courthouses.

This book provides data on the marriages and deaths recorded in available records for 1821-1830. Information was gleaned from newspapers and church records held by the Library of Congress and the Cumberland County Historical Society. An index to full name

A "history of the bench and bar in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania during the past 250 years."

Shows how to find family genealogy online and includes a description of many different genealogical Web sites and strategies for searching them.