Bound for Tennessee with info from 1940 Census
I figure while I have the momentum going I should get to Tennessee to see what I can find out about my dad.
I made some calls to make sure the trip would be worthwhile and found out only marriage and divorce records will be at the Campbell County courthouse in Jacksboro so I will start there to hopefully find:
- his parents’ marriage license so I can get his mother’s maiden name
- dad’s marriage and divorce information from his early marriage
- marriage information for Clay and Dave Smith so I might be able to track down their children
After I get that information I will have to go to Tennessee Vital Records in Nashville armed with dad’s mother’s maiden name to see if I can track down his birth certificate. Tennessee didn’t start recording birth certificates until 1908 so that eliminates records for his parents. I will see what I can find out about dad’s siblings births also.
I had planned to ride my motorcycle, but it turned out using air miles to book a flight and rent a car was cheaper since it saved two travel days. I’m leaving April 30 and returning May 5. I’ll rent a car at the Nashville airport and head to Campbell county to research and check out where dad lived as a boy. I may ask around while there to see if I can find any family members. Then is will be back to Nashville to find birth certificates before heading home.
I found a well reviewed little motel in La Follette where I’ll be staying. I’m taking two cameras so I plan to come home with a lot of pictures.
I leave April