Common pleas records\, found in the curren t Clerk of Courts office\, include cases of law and equity (partitions\, d ivorces) as well as criminal matters and even naturalizations. Dating from statehood in 1803\, common pleas includes almost every type of civil acti on up to 1852 when probate court was formed in Ohio. Genealogists often sk ip this office\, and FamilySearch has concentrated on probate offerings\, but common pleas is the one that will surprise you with the unexpected tre asures in family history.
\nTom Neel (BA\, Ohio Wesleyan University\ ; MLIS\, Kent State University\; CPL\, Ohio Library Council) &ndash\; Reti red Ohio Genealogical Society Library Director (1984-2021)\; Immediate Pas t President\, Firelands Genealogical Society (OGS)\; Past President and Cu rrent Trustee\, Ashland County Chapter OGS\; Current President\, New Londo n Area Historical Society. \;
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