Pennsylvania to Ohio

Episode 1

The Pennsylvania-Ohio Border: A Genealogy Secret?

Before Ohio existed, Pennsylvania's western line had to be settled. Once it was surveyed, it became the starting point for the survey of Ohio's first federal lands, the Seven Ranges. This episode shows how that line decided where your ancestor's land was recorded and which state's records to search.

• Why the border matters for finding the right jurisdiction
• The Point of Beginning and the Seven Ranges survey
• Where to look when a family appears on both sides of the line

Free cheat sheet (PDF): Pennsylvania Before Ohio

Episode 2

Finding Your Family in Columbiana County: Early Settlers and Records

The first stop across the line. Columbiana County was formed in 1803 from Jefferson and Washington Counties, so the earliest records for your family may sit in the parent counties. Learn who settled here, where they came from in Pennsylvania, and where their records are kept.

• Parent counties and pre-formation records
• Pennsylvania origins of early settlers
• Land, probate, and church records to check first

Episodes 3–5

Jefferson, Belmont, and Harrison Counties

The border-county run continues down the line. New episodes are added to the playlist above as they are released.

Coming Soon

Researching Pennsylvania Records for Ohio Families

How to search Pennsylvania county court, tax, and church records directly when your Ohio ancestor's trail leads back east.