Mayflower Sources Available
November 20th, 1994MAYFLOWER SOURCES AVAILABLE
With Thanksgiving this week, we turn our attention to the Mayflower and the Pilgrims who arrived in 1620. There has been a lot of research into those first settlers and their descendants. Various states, including Georgia, have Mayflower Societies, consisting of their lineal descendants. A series of books has recently been published which makes available many records related to the Mayflower’s passengers. Those which are reprints are: “The Truth About the Pilgrims (1952)” by Francis R. Stoddard, a book written to correct myths about the Pilgrims, with each member being discussed ($21). “The English Ancestry and Homes of the Pilgrim Fathers (1929)” by Charles E. Banks who discusses those on the Mayflower, as well as other boats, with corrections to the original edition. The recently-completed new series was compiled by Susan E. Roser. It consists of four volumes: “Mayflower Deeds & Probates”, “Mayflower Increasings”, “Mayflower Marriages” and “Mayflower Births & Deaths”–a 2-volume set. The deeds, probates and marriages are from the files of George E. Bowman (d. 1941), found at the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants. The Deeds and Probates volume contains a wealth of original material, while the others tend to contain lists of descendants. Surely anyone with ancestors who are Mayflower Pilgrims will find some proof to pursue in these volumes. Since the Pilgrims landed a century before Georgia was founded and several generations before the Carolinas developed, it is worth a look to see if any ancestors might appear there before moving South. The Roser volumes are priced from $18.95-$75. One should contact the publisher, Genealogical Publishing Co., 1001 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md. 21202 for availability. Check your local library’s genealogical collection to see if the earlier editions are there, plus no doubt many others written about these early American settlers.
NEW ENGLAND RESEARCH
For more detailed New England research see the index to the first 50 volumes of the “New England Historic and Genealogical Society’s Register”. It is found in many libraries, for sure in the Georgia Room in Marietta. It contains a wealth of names.
“DOCUMENTING YOUR RESEARCH”
Diane Dieterle, professional genealogist, will speak on “Documenting Research: What is Reasonable Effort?”, at the Georgia Genealogical Society’s Saturday, December 3rd, brunch, to be held from 9:30-1 at the Sheraton Century Center Hotel, at I-85 and Clairmont Rd., Atlanta. Cost is $15 members, $18 Non-members. Send reservations (payable to GGS) by November 26th to Linda Geiger, 4526 Bexley Dr., Stone Mt. GA 30083 or call 987-2301.
LUNCH and LEARN
The Georgia Archives Noon-time Lunch and Learn Series continues with November 30, staff-member Dale Couch’s lecture on “Southeastern Culture as Genealogical Information”, and December 6th, Atlanta historian Franklin M. Garrett speaking on his Necrology of Atlanta’s early citizens. All lectures are held from 12:15-1:15 in the Georgia Archives, 330 Capitol Ave., Atlanta. Call 656-2350 for further information. Free.