Part 1 (Lincoln Series 59): Original Collection, 1880-196080.8 cubic feet (202 archives boxes) and 56 reels of microfilm (16 mm)
This series consists of Circuit Court and some County Court cases dealing primarily with civil actions. Legal papers include complaints, summonses, affidavits, petitions, court orders and decrees.
Cases from 1880-1925 (#1-7375) are from the circuit court branch and are paper format. Specific cases are easiest to find by using the database name index (see the Reading Room staff for assistance). "Indexes (Lincoln Series 64)" volumes 1 and 2 also index the cases.
Cases from 1926-1960 (#7376-12664) consist of cases from both the Circuit Court and County Court branches. Circuit Court cases are indexed by "Indexes (Lincoln Series 64)" volumes 1-4. County Court cases are indexed by "Court Record Books (Lincoln Series 49)" volumes 9-21. When using the "Court Record Books," you will need to know the approximate year of the proceeding to determine the appropriate court record volume (see the finding aid for Lincoln Series 49). Search that year's entries to find the case number that can be used to find the case file in Lincoln Series 59.
To find cases from 1960-1976, contact the Lincoln County Clerk of Courts office in Merrill, Wisconsin, to obtain the case file number.
: The 1926-1960 portion of this series (case #7376-12664) is available only on microfilm. Each case is preceded by a cover sheet listing case number, parties, reference to court record volume and notes.
