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Hidden Treasures in Ohio's Court of Common Pleas

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Common pleas records, found in the current Clerk of Courts office, include cases of law and equity (partitions, divorces) as well as criminal matters and even naturalizations. Dating from statehood in 1803, common pleas includes almost every type of civil action up to 1852 when probate court was formed in Ohio. Genealogists often skip this office, and FamilySearch has concentrated on probate offerings, but common pleas is the one that will surprise you with the unexpected treasures in family history.

Tom Neel (BA, Ohio Wesleyan University; MLIS, Kent State University; CPL, Ohio Library Council) – Retired Ohio Genealogical Society Library Director (1984-2021); Immediate Past President, Firelands Genealogical Society (OGS); Past President and Current Trustee, Ashland County Chapter OGS; Current President, New London Area Historical Society.  

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