FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, TX—If your ancestor interacted with the governments of the Republic of Texas or the State of Texas, finding them in the archival collections at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) just got easier. TSLAC has announced a new and improved researcher experience for the Republic claims portion of its Texas Comptroller's Office claims records. The updated website at www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/republicclaims includes background information, detailed instructions and search tips. There is also a revised finding aid. The Republic claims records have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive (TDA).

The Republic claims records include requests for payment, reimbursement or restitution submitted by citizens to the Republic of Texas government from 1835 through 1846; records relating to Republic pensions; and claims submitted as public debt against the Republic after 1846. The files include supporting documents such as vouchers, financial accounts, military records, receipts, notes or letters.

Researchers can now search or browse the Republic claims records using a custom search in the Texas Digital Archive to find digitized claims documents and microfilm locations for more than 48,500 names. Record-level information has been converted into filterable tables with search capability to facilitate better access.

During both microfilming and digitization, State Archives staff made every effort to obtain the best possible image. TSLAC digitized high-quality microfilmed copies of the documents to create the PDF format images available in the TDA. As part of digitization, documents were created at a size of 300 dpi (dots per inch) to show the detail visible in the microfilm.

Because the original records are fragile, access is restricted to digital images available online through the Texas Digital Archive (www.tsl.texas.gov/texasdigitalarchive) or high-quality microfilmed copies available in the State Archives Reading Room in Austin and through Interlibrary Loan.

Related collections for Republic-era and 19th century family history research include the Republic of Texas passports (1836-1845, 1855, 1858), Adjutant General Service Records (1836-1935), Confederate Pension Applications (1899-1975), Election Registers (1836-1980) and Record Books (1835-1917), Voter Registration Lists (1867-1870) and more. Dig deeper into your Texas family history with TSLAC—start by visiting the Genealogy Resources website at www.tsl.texas.gov/familyhistory.

For more information about TSLAC’s library and archives collections, reference services, genealogy resources, exhibits and to plan your visit, see www.tsl.texas.gov/arc.

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The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information needed to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.