The following is an article that was written by Christy Hughes, Librarian in the Special Collections Unit of the St. Louis County Library located on S. Lindbergh. She has kindly given me permission to post it here. It was originally published in the St. Louis Genealogical Society monthly Newsletter for the month of July 2005. Here is her article: _______________________________ New Microfilm at Special Collections! St. Louis County Court Records: 1824-1928 A vast amount of local information can be found in these administrative court records that for the first fifty years included both St. Louis City and County. After 1877, the records are only for St. Louis County. The St. Louis licensing, for example, licensing ferries, also granted licenses to "free Negroes" to allow them to live in the state. These records include the individual's age, height, ersonal appearance and occupation - a relative gold mine! They alos list those "free Negroes" not granted licenses. Other records include information about bridges, road alignment, school establishment and commitments and hospital payments for the indigent, including names. From 1824 to 1877 and 1918 to 1928 the records are indexed and in a typed format, apparently a transcription done by the WPA. From 1878 to 1917 the record books are in the original handwriting and do not include an index. Example: "The court grant a license to John S. DOUGHERTY to keep a ferry across the Meramec river at his stand called Dougherty's ferry: on which license the court assess a tax of two dollars for state purposes. Thursday 4th August 1831." Book No. 1, Page 235. This film set is comprised of twenty-five rolls and is located in Drawer 97, just under "St. Louis Cemeteries" in the Special Collections Dept. of County Library Headquarters. (By) Christy Hughes, Librarian ________________________________________________ I talked to Christy over the phone today to get permission to post her article and she said that there are lots of interesting records on these 25 rolls of film. I have to admit that it sure piqued my curiosity! If anyone researches using these films, please post to the list to tell us what you found! Diane Shaw