Q. I discovered my great-great-grandfather in a listing of “black outrages against whites” in North Carolina. The microfilmed court docket says my ancestor was found guilty in 1867 of assault with intent to kill, but no sentence was recorded. I can't find him in the 1870 or later censuses. What should I do next?

A. Your ancestor's family was undoubtedly changed by his conviction. Here are three strategies for tracking criminal ancestors: