Chesterfield County is considered a "burnt county" because of actions taken by Federial Forces under General Sherman's occupation of the county in 1865. Especially the burning of the County Courthouse and it's records. The apparent non requirement of certain other records prior to the early 1900's or the poorly managed way county clerks and other county official maintained the county records presents a problem for those outside the state and county attemping to do genealogical research in the area. I have found that the State of South Carolina dose not use the same title describtions for their records as most of the other States do. Can someone who has a good working knowledge and has personally done genealogical research in Chesterfield County please give an outline of what is actually available at the County Courthouse or at the State Library and Archives in Columbia? Have any of the records been abstracted and where can these abstracts be found or purchased? Such records might include but not be limited to: A. Administrations of Estates 1. Accounts 2. Appointments 3. Bonds B. Births 1. index C. Bonds 1. Apprentice 2. Officials D. Census E. Court Minutes 1. Inferior Court 2. Superior Court F. Court Papers 1. Dockets 2. Miscellaneous G. Deaths 1. Index H. Deeds (Land and Personal Property) 1. Grants 2. Transfers 3. Sales 4. Index (Grantors) 5. Index (grantees) I. Estates 1. Accounts 2. Inventories 3. Settlements 4. Miscellaneous J. Executor Records 1. Appointments K. Guardians Records 1. Accounts 2. Prphans Accounts 3. Appointments 4. Bonds L. Justices of the Peace M. Marriages 1. Bonds 2. Bans 3. Licenses 4. Register 5. Indexes (Grooms & Brides) N. Divorce O. Military Records 1. Enlistments 2. Discharge 3. Applications 4. Pensions P. Miscellaneous 1. Elections 2. Lunacy Records Q. Tax list R. Widow's Dower S. Wills 1. Originals 2. Recorded 3. Index T. Years Allowances What are these records called in South Carolina? What years do they cover? Which court has responsiblitity for maintaining these records? Where are these records located? I am sure the members of this list as well as myself would be appreciative of someone very knowledgeable with researching such record taking the time to respond to this query. James R. Rasco Harvey, Louisiana