Seven Sources for Seeking Scoundrels

In her lively and insightful webinar, “Researching Scoundrels and Black Sheep: Criminal and Institutional Records,” professional genealogist Janice Nickerson pulled back the curtain on lesser-used historical sources that can reveal fascinating, sometimes scandalous, details about ancestors who lived outside the lines. As part of the 24-Hour Genealogy Marathon, Nickerson guided viewers through eight categories of criminal and institutional records—most of which lie outside the usual genealogical toolkit. Whether your ancestors were lawbreakers or law enforcers, these records can dramatically enrich your family history with depth, context, and vivid storytelling.

• Think Beyond the Census and Church Registers: Nickerson introduced lesser-used sources like coroner’s inquests, police blotters, jail registers, and juvenile reform records. These not only offer unexpected personal details—addresses, occupations, even handwriting—but also bring to light the social and legal systems that shaped your ancestors' experiences.
• Scoundrel Stories Make the Best Case Studies: Through dramatic, real-world examples—like Daniel Sullivan, a 19th-century Toronto troublemaker who appeared in multiple courts over 17 years—Nickerson demonstrated how to follow a subject across jurisdictions using court dockets, newspaper reports, and penitentiary records. These narratives show the value of comprehensive, cross-source research.
• Records for the “Ordinary” Can Be Extraordinary: Many offenses, like public drunkenness or unshoveled sidewalks, brought everyday people into the criminal justice system. Records from local jails, church disciplinary committees, or debtor calendars can provide vital clues to social status, family tensions, and even migration patterns that more traditional records might obscure.

Don’t forget to download the extensive syllabus packed with links, definitions, and record type explanations. It’s a valuable reference whether you're just starting out or diving deep into criminal justice archives, and it will help you turn even the most notorious ancestor into a rich and revealing chapter of your family history.