Rural free delivery addresses — research method note
This method note covers rural free delivery addresses for Tennessee genealogy.
Core rule
Fix the event year first, then the jurisdiction that held the courthouse (or independent city* office) that year. Modern maps and place-names often mislead.
Free-first stack
- Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA)
- Chronicling America / TN newspaper research
- FamilySearch catalog and wiki
- This site’s hubs, guides, and directory
Session checklist
- Write the person, year, and place exactly as the source states it.
- Confirm parent/daughter county or city* boundaries for that year.
- Abstract every name in land, probate, and tax evidence (FAN club).
- Search newspapers and churches when civil vitals are thin.
- Log negative searches before moving to paid databases.
Related: Start here · Census methodology · Burned counties.