County History Award Offered

COUNTY HISTORY AWARD OFFERED

The Georgia Historical Society has established the Lilla Mills Hawes Award honoring the publication of the most significant county or local history book pertaining to Georgia published over the previous two years. The award honors the society’s director emeritus who retired in 1976. The first award will be presented at the Spring 1995 meeting in Savannah and will cover works published in 1992 and 1993. The award itself is a $750 stipend. To be eligible, a work must be the history of a county or a town, but not a compilation of records, such as marriages or cemeteries per se. To enter, five copies of the book must be sent to the society. To enter or to receive further information, contact the Georgia Historical Society, 501 Whitaker St., Savannah, Ga. 31499 or call (912) 651-2125cq.

ATLANTA GUIDE

“Genealogical Resources in the Atlanta Area” by Gary M. Palgon has just been published. Compiled through questionnaires and personal visits, the book concentrates on a county by county approach to the various city and county records offices, such as Clerk of Superior Court, or voter registration offices, with some of the genealogy collections, such as the Georgia Archives, the Atlanta History Center, and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library mentioned. But the author chose to omit many others such as the DeKalb Historical Society or the Decatur Public Library, except in lists in the appendix. He charts three (of the five) Mormon Family History Centers in the area. He also includes a section on Jewish oriented research centers . While a guide to Atlanta-area research places has been long needed, this book has not filled the bill because it concentrates on many places genealogists need not go first, while omitting many they should visit first. Professional researchers should find the book useful for it gives the hours and other details for many government offices they might not have used. The book is available for $14.95 plus $2 postage from Custom Enterprises, Ltd., 2700 Claridge Ct., Atlanta, Ga. 30360.

NEWTON AND JACKSON COUNTY RECORDS

Newton and Jackson Counties are the subject of two recent records compilations, both supported by the R. J. Taylor, Jr., Foundation and published through W. H. Wolfe Associates. “Jackson County, Georgia, Early Court Records, 1796-1831”, transcribed by Faye S. Poss, consists of wills and estates, 1796-1813 with all the annual returns, inventories and wills presented in the order in which they were recorded. Then the Inferior Court minutes for county purposes (1799-1800) a brief but rich source of the county’s workings, much like the later county commissioners. It includes such things as the construction of the jail and the laying out of roads. Then follows the minutes of the court of ordinary for 1800-1831, a rich source of probate and estate information. There are also some Revolutionary Soldiers’ oaths included as well. By presenting the information as it appears in the original court books and then following up with a full-name index, the compiler has given the reader the maximum use of the material without any interpretation. One can see what rich sources there are in a county’s minutes and should be inspired to read similar works in manuscript form for other counties not so fortunate to be in print. The book is $30 plus $3.50 from Faye Poss, 471 Mimosa Dr.,N.W., Tucker, Ga. 30084.
Note 2010: Ms. Poss’s address is now 2767 Centerville Rosebud Rd., Snellville, GA 30039 and she also has a website.

“Newton County Georgia Records: Marriage Licenses, 1822-1903” was compiled by John I. Bruno, although his name does not appear on the cover, or the title page. The marriages are presented in alphabetical order by groom, with the race and minister’s name included. There is a full-name index to brides and a brief discussion of ministers and their affiliations. This is a wonderful resource book for this county, as it would be for any county, since it opens up one of the most vital of all records needed by genealogists. I wish every county had such a volume done to this quality. It is available from John Bruno, 1427 Highway 138 SW, Conyers, Ga. 30208-2553 for $35 plus $4 postage.

RE-RECORDED DEEDS

One of the major losses for researchers in Georgia is the “burned courthouse”, that is where a courthouse was burned, often during the Civil War, and all or almost all of the records are lost. Many times after a fire, the deeds are often brought back in and recorded again. We often think that this occurs only shortly after the fire. In searching for information on my Revolutionary War ancestor Joel King who died in Wilkinson County in 1822, I found that he had lived for awhile in the part of Hancock County which went to Baldwin County in 1807. Even though he may never have lived in Baldwin County per se, his farm ended up there. His 1814 deed selling his farm was re-recorded in 1909 nearly a century later. So when you look in a deed index, the moral is, fire or no fire, a deed can be recorded at any time, so look through the entire index if the information is important enough for you.

ROSWELL HISTORY

“Roswell: A Pictorial History” is being reprinted in a second edition. This 272-page hardbound work will contain all the material found in the first edition plus additional photographs, revised text, an index, and a special section on the textile industry. Anyone familiar with the original pictorial history will realize what a valuable source it is and a wonderful way to tell the story of the City of Roswell. This revised reprint will again bring the book back into print. It is available for $45 plus sales tax (6%) and $5 postage, if mailed, from the Roswell Historical Society, P.O.Box 1636, Roswell, Ga. 30077. No doubt many of the new items added to this book come from the newly-opened archives of the Roswell Historical Society in the Roswell City Hall.

QUILT PROJECT

The Georgia Quilt Project is in its fifth year of documenting and compiling information related to the state’s quilts and quilt makers, having already documented 8,000 quilts. A book about quilts and an exhibit are planned. If you have quilts and would like to participate in the survey, write Anita Z. Weinraub, Georgia Quilt Project, P.O. Box 34, Norcross, Ga. 30091-0034.

NGS MEETING WAS A SUCCESS

The recent National Genealogical Society annual meeting in Houston, Texas was a success with several thousand genealogists in attendance from all over the nation. A syllabus was published containing each of the handouts from the various talks, and it alone is worth the price, since most speakers prepared excellent material to accompany their lectures. Cassette tapes were also made of most every speech and sell for around $7.50 each. An order form for the tapes can be obtained from Repeat Performance, 2911 Crabapple Ln, Hobart, Indiana 46342. Lectures are available on research in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, on Civil War Records, as well as research in the West Indies, the Canary Islands, and other more unusual topics.

While in Houston, the group was treated to several special events at that city’s own Clayton Genealogical Library. This is an entire branch of the public library dedicated to genealogy through a donation of the Clayton Family. That facility alone is worth a trip to Houston. They accept donations of Georgia and other Southern family histories and often purchase other genealogy books. Their address is 5300 Caroline, Houston, Tex. 77004.

While in Texas, there was much discussion about the founding of Texas and how many of our relatives moved to Texas to seek a better life, especially after the Civil War. One group which honors the original Texas colony, while it was still part of Spanish Mexico, is “Descendants of Austin’s Old Three Hundred”. These are descendants of the families who settled in the early 1820s in Texas at the invitation of Stephen F. Austin. There are now about 500 members. Anyone who thinks they might qualify should contact the society president, Tim Cummings, 602 Old Colony, Richmond, Texas 77469.

UDC ROSTERS

The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), Georgia Division has completed volume 9 (T-V) and 10 (W-Z) of their “Ancestor Roster” series listing the ancestors, in alphabetical order, of their members, with a list of those members who have joined UDC on this particular person. The series has been donated to thirty libraries around the state and was begun in honor of the centenary of the UDC this fall. All that is left to publish is a comprehensive index. For additional information contact Mrs. John A. Dunaway, 1604 Executive Park Lane NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30329.
Note 2010: Mrs. Dunaway died in 2006, but the address is still valid for purchase of any Georgia Division, UDC publications, address the Georgia Division Treasurer at that address.

HEALTH HISTORY

The latest issue of the “National Genealogical Society’s Quarterly” is devoted to your family’s health history, a major field developing in genealogy. The five articles discuss how to be a family health historian, the Eugenics Records Office created early in this century and which lasted 34 years–material is on microfilm through the Mormons and at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia; patient records prior to World War II at the National Archives; an article on courses, videos and books one can use to learn more about being a family health historian; and finally an update on umbilical links proven through DNA. This issue is available at many local libraries or though the National Genealogical Society, 4527 Seventeenth St. North, Arlington, Va. 22207.

Emmett Lucas

The Rev. S. Emmett Lucas, Jr., noted genealogical publisher and editor through his “Georgia Genealogical Magazine” and his Southern Historical Press, died on May 4. A major figure in genealogical publishing for two decades, he will be sorely missed. His family will continue the publishing company and are in the process of reprinting and publishing new titles this summer. The Southern Historical Press is at P.O.Box 1267, Greenville, S.C. 29602-1267 or 1-800-233-0152.

Civil War Reprints

Oldbuck Press, Inc. has surfaced as a new reprinter of Civil War material, especially works about Georgia. They have a free catalog and have sent for review their reprint of Charles Edgeworth Jones’ “Georgia In the War, 1861-1865”, originally published in 1909. The main features of the book are lists of Georgia commands and commanders, biographical sketches of generals from Georgia with a list of their staffs, biographical sketches of Confederate navy officers from Georgia, and a new all-name index added by the publishers. The book, hardback, is $34.95 plus $2 shipping from Oldbuck Press, Inc., P.O.Box 1623-C, Conway, Ark. 72033 or 1-800-884-8184.

Paulding County

The Paulding County Genealogical Society has been formed in Dallas, Ga. The group meets the third Saturday of the month at 10:00 A.M. Anyone with roots in Paulding County may call Dan Ruch, society president, at 445-5867cq.

NORTHERN IRELAND

An attractive brochure with the title “An Information Guide to Ancestral Heritage: Tracing Your Ulster Roots” has been published in Northern Ireland. It lists fifty centers of interest including several “Irish Genealogy Centres” and an Irish Emigration Database Centre. They also list the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland and the Association of Ulster Genealogists and Record Agents. This brochure can be obtained from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, 59 North St., Belfast BT1 1NB Northern Ireland.

COUNTY HISTORIES

Many Georgia county histories are published through Curtis Media, a company which has never submitted any of their publications for review. Nevertheless, their latest brochure indicates that books have recently been published or contemplated by the following communities: Bowden; Camden Co.; Fannin Co.; Heard Co.; McIntosh Co.; Oconee Co.; Pike Co.; Savannah; Screven Co.; Telfair and Wayne Counties, and Waycross. For information contact Curtis Media, 734 East Pipeline Rd., Hurst, Tex. 76053 or 1-800-743-4388.

FAMILY HISTORIES AVAILABLE

The first thing one should do when visiting any genealogy collection in a library or archives is check out the family histories which have been published or which might be in the vertical files. See how the library has indexed the volumes, since some, like the Washington Memorial Library in Macon, have a card catalog specifically devoted to all the major surnames found in a family history. You never know when someone has written a book on your family. Just because you do not know about it is no reason not to look. In the 1970s after President Carter was elected, it became known that there were many published family histories that included some of his ancestors, including his grandparents on one side and great-grandparents on the other. Neither of these books was known to his family. No one has to ask your permission to put you or your ancestor in a book.

OLLIFF FAMILY

Robert Brooks Casey and his mother Bernice Brooks Casey have recently published “Olliff Family History”. This book records the descendants of John Shears Olliff, who died in Bulloch County, Georgia. He was a Revolutionary Soldier and died in 1801. Since his roots are not known, all those with the surname in Georgia are presumed to descend from him, although some “other” Olliffs are included. The Jackson family of his wife is also included. Perhaps the most important aspect of the book is the unexpected migration of this family from Effingham, to Screven, then Bulloch, with his near kin in Putnam and Wilkinson. Noted descendants include former Georgia first lady Betty Foy Sanders and the Brannens of Statesboro. Family photographs are well reproduced and the author has included a lot of the mysteries he encountered in his research making it an interesting book to read. He has written books on the Brooks and Casey families. The Olliff volume is available for $25 postpaid from Robert Casey, 4705 Fred Eby, Jr., Lane, Austin, Tex. 78731.

WOODALLS OF TALBOT

The Woodall and Baugh families of Talbot and Muscogee Counties, Georgia are the subject of the “Woodalls of Talbot” by Margaret Woodall Browne and Jane N. Grider. This attractive volume was published through Gateway Press of Baltimore, a firm that specializes in publishing family histories. The authors have traced this pioneer family of west Georgia in an interesting way, including documents and photographs, to make it very readable. One can understand a lot about the times these people lived in due to the details that have been included. Best-known members of the clan include W. C. Woodall (1878-1971) noted editor and historian from Columbus and the Allen Woodalls. A good bit on the Daniel Baugh family is also included. If anyone is looking for a model to follow in creating their own family book, this is one to look at. Any family should be quite honored to have such a record. The author, Mrs. Browne, is a former librarian from Dalton. The book is available for ___ plus $3 postage from Margaret W. Browne, 651 S.E. Degan Dr., Port St. Lucie, Fla. 34983.

WILSON FAMILY

H. Grady Wilson, Jr., has written “Mule Creek: History of the Wilson, Stanaland, and Allied Families”. The author traces the line from his Revolutionary War ancestor, James Wilson, who came to Effingham County, Ga. He includes many good reproductions of documents, photographs of people as well as of houses and churches. He traces briefly the other Revolutionary-era ancestors: Lucas, Mikell, Ball, Robeson, and Stanaland. The book is a well-presented record of 200 years of a family. There is a full-name index. For information, contact H. Grady Wilson, Jr., 4819 Rock Springs Rd., Lithonia, Ga. 30038. He has also written a book on the Spears family.

YELDELL AND FANCHER

Oliver C. Weaver, Jr., has compiled a history with the title: “Yeldell and Hartsfield Families…and The Weaver Family”. Divided into sections on each family, it is heavily footnoted, probably due to the author being a retired professor. Each section has its own index. The author includes a lot of biographical information, making it readable, interspersing the text with family letters, legal notices, and family mysteries. All of this makes this one of the few family histories that is really interesting reading. The families lived in South Carolina and Alabama. The author involves the reader in many of the crossroads and misadventures of research. The book is available for $39.95 plus $3 postage from Oliver C. Weaver, Jr., 1229 Greensboro Road West, Birmingham, Ala. 35208.

Paul B. Fancher has written “Richard Fancher (1700-1764) of Morris County, New Jersey”. It is rare that an author can share the same surname as his 18th century ancestor. He has traced the different branches to Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. The migration and dispersal of this family is an interesting study and shows how the opening of the frontier affected one line. The book has no illustrations and a full-name index. Published through W. H. Wolfe Associates, it is available from the author, Paul B. Fancher, 1479 Ashwoody Ct., Atlanta, Ga. 30319 for $19.

MILITARY RECORDS FOUND IN VARIOUS SOURCES

Military records are always important genealogical sources. Researchers should always check to determine if an ancestor or other relative participated in a war or otherwise had a military record. The American Revolution, fought from 1775-1781, is the source for two new publications. Bobby G. Moss’ “Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution” has been reprinted for the third time since 1983. The volume lists brief biographical bits on each proven South Carolina patriot with exact citations as to the source, mostly from records at the South Carolina Archives. Anyone found in this book would be a viable ancestor for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution or the Sons of the American Revolution. For those for whom pensions or widow’s pensions survive, that is noted and the information entered. The information does NOT tell you specifically where the person was living either at the time they entered service, or at the end of the war unless they got a pension. The 1,000-page book is available for $50 plus $3 postage from Genealogical Publishing Co., 1001 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md. 21202. Earlier printings are found at many genealogical libraries.

On the opposite side during the Revolution were the Loyalists, American colonists who supported the British. Many Georgia backcountrymen changed sides several times during the war as did others. Even Benjamin Franklin’s own son was a loyalist, serving as Governor of New Jersey. Alexander Fraser’s 1905 “Second Report of the Bureau of Archives for…Ontario” has been reprinted as “United Empire Loyalists”, a two-volume set. it contains abstracts of the actual claims filed by the loyalists themselves in the wake of the American Revolution. These claims were filed in Canada and most of the people appear to have been from the northern states, although all original colonies/states are represented including Georgia. The full-name index contains some geographical locations. These books shed light on an aspect of the American Revolution that is often overlooked in our history books, especially the fact that many United States citizens were once loyalists, filed claims, and then often were forgiven and returned home to reclaim their lands, as happened to some Georgians. The United Empire Loyalists or a similar-named organization exists today for those of loyalist descent. This set is available for $87.50 plus $4 postage from the Genealogical Publishing Co., address above.

CIVIL WAR LIST FOUND

The Confederate soldiers buried at Liberty Hill Cemetery in Lamar (formerly Pike) County, near Milner, Georgia, have been unknown until recently. The 70 soldiers from eight states fought in the Battle of Atlanta and were evacuated to hospitals and died. Recently their names were found in an article published August 4, 1866 in the “Macon Telegraph”. Many other lists are to be found in newspapers the first few years after the war. A group is trying to erect a monument, a fence, and obtain contributions for the perpetual upkeep of the cemetery. For information contact Bill Lockhart (404) 412-9769cq, or Southern Poseur, 563 South 6th St. Extn, Milner, Ga. 30257.

WORLD WAR ONE DEKALB

The World War One Draft Registrations for the Metro-Atlanta area continue to be published with those registrants from DeKalb County, some 5400 names. Edited by Linda Geiger for the Friends of the National Archives, Southeast Region, the list is in alphabetical order, giving each man’s name and birth date. One must use the original cards at the National Archives in East Point in order to determine if place of birth, next of kin, and occupation are given. There is a bibliography, and an explanation of the World War One draft registrations of 1917-1918. This volume is $12 postpaid from the Friends of the National Archives, 1557 St. Joseph Ave., East Point, Ga. 30344. Remember the Archives is open Monday -Friday, has late night on Tuesdays, and is open one Saturday and one Sunday a month. Reservations needed for microfilm readers and they have a bookstore. They have the draft registrations for the entire U.S. Call 763-7477cq.

CENSUS INDEXES

The 1820, 1830, and 1840 censuses for Hall and Habersham Counties, Georgia, have been abstracted, indexed and published in two volumes, one for each county. Viola H. Jones has painstakingly listed the inhabitants in the exact order they appear on the original lists on microfilm, including the numbers of family members in each age category. For each year the citizens appear first in the order they were recorded and then in a separate list in alphabetical order. Thus there are 6 lists in each volume, but not one overall index. These volumes should be welcomed by anyone doing research in these counties as they provide a great data base. “Early Census of Habersham County, Georgia” and the “Early Census of Hall County, Georgia” are $20 each from Viola Jones, 1712 Maplecrest Dr., Louisville, Tenn. 37777. The author has also done census and marriage works on Fannin County.

TURNER COUNTY CEMETERIES

“Survey of Turner County, Georgia Cemeteries” has been compiled by Jessie H. and Delma Paulk. Published through a grant from the Taylor Foundation, the book contains approximately forty cemeteries in alphabetical order by name of cemetery and within each the burials/tombstones are listed in alphabetical order, rather than being grouped by family lots. Directions are given for each, and there are notes and annotations explaining discrepancies and other information known but not on the tombstones. There is a full-name index. Those attached to churches include a history of the church. The same authors prepared a similar book on Irwin County Cemeteries published last year. Both the current Turner County cemeteries and the Irwin County volume are each $40 plus $5 postage from Jessie H. Paulk, P.O.Box 275, Salem, Fla. 32356.

Georgia Day and Royal Descendants

February 6, 1994

GEORGIA DAY AND ROYAL DESCENDANTS

The Colony of Georgia was founded on February 12, 1733 when General James Edward Oglethorpe and just over a hundred colonists landed in Savannah, seeking a better future in the New World.  Georgia once again celebrates this event, most notably in Savannah where there is always a parade and other events, many at the Georgia Historical Society.  The first colonists are listed in E. Merton Coulter and Albert Saye’s “A List of the Early Settlers of Georgia” found at many libraries.  A new work gives some interesting Royal linkages for Georgia’s founder and some later leaders.  Gary Boyd Roberts of the New England Historic Genealogical Society has just written “The Royal Descents of 500 Immigrants to the American Colonies or the United States”.  While many current Georgians will no doubt find relatives with royal ancestors, I was surprised to find Gen. Oglethorpe and Governor Button Gwinnett, namesake of Gwinnett County, among those listed.  The book was compiled with the help of 150 noted scholars and in order to understand the research involved as well as the abbreviated nature of the entries, one must fully read the introduction.  Although Gwinnett and Oglethorpe have no descendants, their lineages are traced back to no less a personage than Eleanor of Aquitaine and her husband King Henry II, who were the parents of Richard the Lionhearted.  Oglethorpe’s sister was the ancestress of the Kings of Italy, Bulgaria and Portugal.  Other Georgia families traced are the Baillie and Irvine lines, the latter ancestors of President Teddy Roosevelt whose mother was married at Bulloch Hall in Roswell.  The book is available for $45 plus $3 postage from Genealogical Publishing Co., 1001 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md. 21202.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

An advanced Black History Workshop in honor of Black History Month will be offered this Thursday night from 6:30-9:30 P.M. at the National Archives-Southeast Region in East Point.  At this lecture, participants will be able to find the answer to many questions about their ancestors and especially what can be found in the federal records housed there.  The fee is $10.  To register call David Hilkert or Lonnie McIntosh at 763-7477.

INDIAN RESEARCH

Native American or Indian Research will be the topic for the Georgia Archives Lunch and Learn Seminar on Monday, February 21^st, from 12-1.  This free lecture will be offered by state representative June Hegstrum and Indian genealogist Martha Redus at the Georgia Archives, 330 Capitol Ave., Atlanta, at I-20, just south of the State Capitol.  A sign-up sheet is located at the front desk.  Other scheduled lectures include:  February 9^th, Carl Anderson on newspapers as sources; March 8^th, Lorne Busker on using the Mormon Family History Centers; and March 22^nd, David Hilkert on using the National Archives in East Point.  For further information call Howard Hancock at 656-2370.

REVOLUTIONARY LOYALISTS

“Georgia on the Eve of the American Revolution:  Loyalists Voices” will be the topic for Mary B. Warren, of Athens, editor of  “Family Puzzlers” for thirty years and one of the most well-known genealogists.  Georgia Genealogical Society’s Spring Meeting, 10-12 Noon.  Saturday, March 5^th.  $3 for members, $6 non-members, Georgia Archives, 330 Capitol Ave., Atlanta, 30334.  Parking is an additional $3.  Attendees may bring a lunch.  For further information, call 475-4404.  The Archives will be open for research, as it is most Saturdays, until 3:30 P.M.

COASTAL GEORGIA

The Coastal Georgia Genealogical Society was formed in 1990 and holds meetings the second Sunday of the month in Brunswick at the Mormon Church on Community Road.  The Society is non-sectarian and has no religious purpose or objective.  Membership is $12.  The society’s address is P.O. Box 4436, St. Simons Island, Ga. 31522.

LAMAR COUNTY

“The History of Lamar County [Georgia]” originally published in 1932 only a few years after the county’s 1920 creation has recently been reprinted.  The more than 500-page work is an important look at the way a new Georgia county looked at itself at the onset of the Depression.  Published as part of Georgia’s colonial Bicentennial when county historians were appointed in most counties, it has been re-printed several times before.  Divided into traditional chapters, such as schools, military, civic and social organizations, it tells the history of the territory that became Lamar County from its settlement in 1825.  The book has a full-name index and was published through W. H. Wolfe Associates.  Originally edited by Augusta Lamdin, the current reprint is sponsored by the Friends of the Barnesville-Lamar County Library, to whom checks should be made.  The cost is $45 plus $3 shipping, to the Friends, 401 Thomaston St., Barnesville, Ga. 30204.

REUNION OFFER

“Reunions Magazine” is offering a limited number of free subscriptions to all qualified reunion organizers until May 1.  To qualify, you must send a letter about the reunion you are organizing, or hoping to organize.  This should include the number of people expected, when and where the event will be, and how long it has been going on.  If you already are a subscriber, you can request an extension.  Send to Reunions Magazine, Dept. QS3, P.O. Box 11727, Milwaukee, Wisc. 53211.  A regular subscription is $24 a year.  A sample copy is $2.  Each issue includes a reunions RegisTREE for family reunions and another for military reunions.