North Carolina, Civil Action Court Papers, 1712-1970

This collection includes digital images of civil court records filed in North Carolina counties between 1737 and 1968. Civil court actions contain a variety of records with information of genealogical and historical value whether in adversary or ex parte proceedings. Civil suits were generally brought to settle questions of land ownership, unpaid debts, unfulfilled contracts, and unperformed agreements. Suits concerning dower, breach of contract, and slander were frequent. Divorces were included. The legitimating of bastard children fell within the province of this court. The records also include some records of slave emancipation and of naturalization proceedings. This collection is being published as images become available.