Any ideas which stones to turn over for John Smith bc.1780, Pennsylvania to Martin County, Indiana?

Question

Good example of trying to research a common name.

John Smith was born around 1781 in Pennsylvania (40-49 in 1830). He settled in Martin County, Indiana, prior to 1820, in a region which is now part of Crane Naval Center, and thus pretty much off-limits.

I'm trying to find out more about his family, and I'd like some new ideas where to look. With the area he lived essentially gone to the naval facility, on-the-ground research may not be possible. Also, in the early days or pre-days of Indiana statehood, making me a little uncertain where/what records might be available.

Is there anyone with experience researching such a common name in that time period who can offer a few suggestions?

Answer 1

I had a similar Smith issue though the move was to Ohio. It took a lot of painstaking time with census records and I eventually had data that started to match parts of a late 19th century county history. The connection had eluded researchers for a century. My advice is to not give up ... the pieces came together for me in a way never expected which is half the fun of the research.