I index historical records (especially unusual sources that are superb for genealogical problem solving) and I list the names on this website. It has about 70,000 names of people who were in Queensland, other parts of Australia and overseas. In 2024 I'll continue some of the projects listed below, but a few may be withdrawn, so use them now! I may also add 20,000 names from a new index to pre-1900 Queensland records that very few family historians have ever used.

Links below lead to lists of names and many source descriptions. Each page with names explains how to get copies of the original documents.

You can also search my entire site (more than 140 pages) by entering a word in the search box (opens in a new window).

My indexes to original historical records

For many of the tens of thousands of names in this category, it's now possible to check whether the document that I indexed is for the date range that you're researching. On the page for each index, under 'Research / Copying Service' or similar, this service (if it's available) will be explained.

• 'Illegitimate Index'.  Names of mothers and children for whom there is a historical document that names the child's biological father. The index includes women and children from all over Australia (plus a few who were overseas), but at least 60% of the women were in Queensland. There are now 5,300+ names from over 100 record series for various dates between 1858 and 1964. More names added 17 Nov 2024. You can also (it's FREE!) ask me to consider indexing records for specific places/years.
  
  
• 'Interim Index'.  Selected names (men, women and children) from many sources (Court, police, school and land records; depositions; etc.) Future additions will include more records about the work, experiences and domestic life of women (married or single) in Queensland in the 1800s and early 1900s. More names added 18 Nov 2024.
  
  
• Neglected, Adopted or Orphaned Children. The term 'neglected' is misleading (there are entries for children whom you wouldn't expect to be described in that way); and some records say 'orphan' when at least one parent was still alive. More names added 4 Nov 2024.
  
  
• Insanity and Unsound Mind.  I've indexed 60+ series of records in which I've found information about people of unsound mind. Some (but not all) were in mental asylums (often only for a few weeks). A huge combined list (over 20,000 names) is now online. The index includes people who 'vanished' and patients with depression, head injury, epilepsy, alcoholism, congenital defects etc. Some records also have superb details about patient's relatives. More names added 18 Nov 2024.
  
  
• Hospital admission registers.  Often more accurate and more useful than certificates. Sometimes the only surviving source of immigration details. Lots of biographical data for local, interstate and overseas folk. Follow the link to find out about records for Brisbane, Burketown, Cooktown, Croydon, Ingham, Mackay, Muttaburra, Rockhampton and Roma.
  
  
• Old age pension records.  Applicants granted a pension, and some who were rejected for being under age or other reasons. Gives place of residence for many people who were not on electoral rolls.
  
  
• Photos and sketches of people. These images are in historical documents that also have biographical or other details.
  
  
• Missing Friends records.  People sought (for many reasons) by relatives or friends; runaway children; eloping daughters; wife/child deserters; absconders from reformatories or from employment; missing beneficiaries of wills; suspected bigamists; etc. The records have historical background, biographical details and/or physical descriptions. Most give the enquirer's name/address, and many say when/where the subject was found or last seen. Superb for family history!
  
  
• Police station watchhouse records.  People arrested (and sometimes physical descriptions) and names of some victims of crime.
  
  
• Maintenance payments to deserted wives and children.
  
  
• People who travelled interstate or overseas for work or other reasons, 1920s to 1950s. These files may provide clues about someone who 'disappeared'.
  
  
• Women's applications to protect their earnings from their husband.
  
  
• Police Gazettes.  Friends and relatives sought, missing persons, alleged offenders, prisoners, wife/child/ship deserters, victims of crime, etc. Many Police Gazette notices include a detailed physical description or a photograph.
  
  
• Prison records.  Many give ship of arrival, physical description etc.
  
  
• Dentists and dental apprentices.  Includes women.
  
  
• Nurses and masseurs (male & female).
  
  
• Police correspondence about old age and invalid pensioners 1908-1952.
  
  
• Cooktown residents who signed a petition in 1874. The original document has their signatures.
  
  
• Cooktown Boys' School admission register.
  
  
• Indexes in progress (watch for updates on What's New):
  • More hospital records.
  • More prison records.
  • Various other sources.

My indexes to other sources (cemeteries, certificates etc)

• Cemetery headstones.
  
  
• Miscellaneous Australian Certificates Index.
  
  
• South-west Queensland.  Names connected with Cunnamulla, Eulo, Thargomindah, Wyandra, Hungerford and Wooroorooka, from a variety of sources.

Other Suggestions

Other published and unpublished indexes.

Specialist Indexes in Australia: a genealogist's guide.

My other genealogy sites have more advice and names.

Search this site  (do NOT use apostrophes; read search results page carefully)