When I was Young! Tennis Interview

 I may have been a little bit precocious at the age of 15 or 16.  But I didn't let that stop me!  

While Northwest Florida might have been mistaken, back then, for Lower Alabama, there is no doubt that part of this region has since become, a favorite place for vacationers and the "Snowbirds", retirees, and others.  The number of folks in South Okaloosa who "farm" for a living, is tiny, if existing at all.  The pecan "grove" planted by Silas Gibson out in Wright, still stands and I'm pretty sure that was 40-50 years, or more, now, in 2023, ago.  In fact it crosses the highway at the location of the Barbecue Place and thereabouts. 

I was born at Eglin Field (known now as Eglin Air Force Base).  My mother was born in Crestview as was her mother, Alice Settles Givens.  When Mother married Wiley Benjamin Hill, Jr., we lived first in the community of Valparaiso, Florida.  The East Gate of Eglin was within spitting distance.  My dad had purchased some property, there, NOT on the side of the bayou, but across from that.  He  conjured up different "schemes" in order to support the needs of his growing family.  He put all of his savings into two or three primary projects.  My brother and sister might be a better source for this information, but I do know that Ben Hill, my dad, "built" a trailer court; he also bought a HOG, named after his brother, Rudolph.  I was too young to understand that the hog, Rudy, was purchased as an investment and would become at some point, someone's dinner!

Dad also had procured an interest in some apartments in Val-P and with the growth  of Eglin Field 

In 1955, my Dad, began to look for a more rural community; he settled on the Community of Wright.  I recently found some notes that came from the family of Mel and Ann Tennis... folks who had settled in Wright and folks who had become active in Fort Walton Beach doings, as well as the Wright area.  I had visited their home with my Dad, Ben Hill and felt right at home because of the bookcases filled to the "rim" with all kinds of titles!  

I attended, at some point in my history, Choctawhatchee High School in Shalimar, Florida.  I either had an assignment to interview a "famous" person or maybe I just decided to interview a member of the Tennis family.  I would have been age 16.  What follows is my very humble record of the interview.  Mel Tennis had passed away in 1961, I believe.  So the interview was with Bill Tennis, his son, who was living, I believe, with his mother in Wright.  I believe that Bill Tennis was working at local newspaper, The Daily News at this time or perhaps just previous to this 'interview'.

Interview with Bill Tennis, by Margaret M. Hill Harris at the age of 16 (1961-1962)

 1.  Q: We live in a, geographically, large county (Okaloosa, Florida).  What are some of the challenges challenges for that condition? A: The separation is both physical and traditional.  First of all, the south end of the county was created from Santa Rosa county and the north end from Walton County [circa 1915].  There is also something about the five fingers of land with a body of water at each juncture (?)  Each community grew into a fiercely independent unit.  Perhaps it was because of its Scots-Irish heritage?!

2.  Q: What project is your brother, Mel Tennis, Jr. working on at this point in time?  A.: Mel, Jr. is working on gathering our mother's family history.

3.  Q: Who else is assisting in this "family history" project and the history of this land in Wright that your father purchased?  A.  Walt Humphrey is a good appraiser.

4.  Q.  What did your father learn about the contributions of others in developing this area?  A.  Silas Gibson came here to sell land fro the railroad.  He was an ice skating champion in the north and had to convert to roller skating in this warm climate.  He could skate backwards on one foot.  His competitive spirit and talent were tested when he went to DeFuniak Springs to skate and someone stole his skates!

5.  Q.  What have you learned about the old Wright School House?  A.  The roof leaking problem got so bad it couldn't be fixed.  [The Tennis family resided in that "house" during their time in the Wright Community "after the time that it was being used as a school"]. 

6.  Q:  To BE Continued.

7. 

8.  

"CLL" Fall 2022

For My CLL Class at UWF

 Hello, out there!

I've decided to put my references for the current CLL Class on this page at my blog.  Here are some of the internet links that I think might be helpful to you and also some of my personal ideas, too!  You were all very kind at our first meeting to work with me, after a crazy week or two or three...at my home.  

1.  The class itself is aimed at the topic of Genealogy Plus.  We will hit on: reviewing some of the basics of research, plus gathering other types of data which are also key. Photos, letters, maps, and stories can become data that confirms or opens up our family history.

2.  What we really want to know:  Who were they? What role did they play in the history of their lives? Those precious people who worked, struggled, played, and sacrificed that we might exist?!! History was when they lived, where they lived, how they put food on the table and more!  You will want to look at:

• old family recipes?
• the hymns they sung?
• where they went to church, (if they went to church), who was their neighbor, what they did to feed their family, how or if they voted, and other little tidbits.  This photo was taken of a logging group in Wright community, here in this county. (at that time it was Walton county).  I found the photo at a facebook group: What we did in Fort Walton.  Many years later, my brother would become very interested in lumbering and I believe he and my dad built a "mill" somewhere in Okaloosa County.  I had at least one major relative that farmed in Wright, killed pigs, and raised a family.  His son-in-law would go on to become a "driving" force in the civil service of this county (Okaloosa)'s growth.  His name was Julius Walter Martin. 
  
  
  
  
  

3.  How do we begin the historical journey? We utilize" #1 Research" (dates, places, names, events), so that we can find out more and hopefully recover photos and other great "stuff".  

I hope what I have to offer will help you accomplish that goal and more, give you a feeling, some compassion, maybe, that everyone deserves to be remembered, (some more than others), that our "roots" are able to grow and reach out to a younger generation.

Links and More.  Case # 1: 

Photo and more:  https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/KN14-Z13

Fannie Mae Lewis: Why do I care?  

She was married to Mr. Lewis, my relative.  Loyd/Lloyd Lewis was my

great granduncle on my bio-dad's "Tree".  What can I learn from findagrave, the census, death certificates?  But that is for another day!  I'm pretty sure you get the idea.  What role did women play back then?  Did they learn to read and write so they could read their Bibles?  

I learned that her name is "Trannie Mae" Halbrooks LEWIS.  At Findagrave.com:  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63335561/trannie-mae-lewis

We don't automatically take everything at this website as "gospel" truth but we analyze and test the data and add it to /her/our story!

 

 

Clues and resources for writing you family story

What and Why: Journeling

I used to do that.  The LiveJournal thing.  Keeping a diary.  Writing my own story.  Etc.

What made me think of that, I wonder?!!  For one thing, I'm teaching a class at the Center for Lifelong Learning and I think this article will be helpful.

 

In October of 2021, I made a short trip to Arizona to finally celebrate my granddaughter's marriage in 2020.  We had to wait for a while for this joyous occasion because of the Covid challenge.  While there, I took the opportunity to visit several family members.  The reception was super nice and some of my extended family were present.  The photo above is me and my daughter.  Those are her grandchildren!  I am still waiting on the reception photos, as I have not figured out how to get my phone pics (not really very good photos on my part), from the phone to the computer, to include here!

Writing Your Family History #1

 

What are some reasons that would initiate and propel you to writing your family history? 

What is your motivation?  

What challenges or feelings would make such a project unattractive, impractical, or painful for you to do so?

1.

2.

3.

Discovery Day

 Just located more of my bio-dad's history!  Yippee!  The Winters family rediscovered in: guess where?!! Etowah Heritage Museum!

 http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-4000

Library holds manuscript collections, books, periodicals, maps, newspapers, audiovisual materials, and more than 20,000 photographs on subjects such as southeastern Native Americans, American wars, African American history, the state of Alabama, northeast Alabama, and Etowah 

Actually, I discovered this particular line of the Winters family first at FamilySearch.org, which in turn had marriage certificates and the like!

Telling a Story with the Census at Hand

Census of 1880 (U.S. Federal Census) for:

1.  Jeremiah EDGE:  He is head of the household at age 54 and making a living as a farmer in Alabama.  This source "Household Record" is found at familysearch.org.  He was born in Alabama, but this record indicates that his father was born in Massachusetts.  His mother was born in Alabama.

2.  Elizabeth:  Wife of Jeremiah, she is also age 54; she was born in Georgia.  Her father was born in South Carolina and her mother in Georgia.   Housework is her job!

3.   James Edge is the oldest living child in this 1880 period.  He is age 21 and was born in Florida.  He works on the farm.

4.  Brother of James Edge: Jessie Edge: Jessie is age 19 in 1880.  He was born in Florida.  Jessie helped his dad and brother working at homestead's farm.

5.  Eliza Jane Edge:  daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth, she is age17 and was born in Florida.

6.  Elizabeth Edge: age 15.  She was born in Florida.

7.  Sally Edge: age 12 in 1880 and she was born in Florida.

8.  Tommy Edge: age 7 was born in Florida.  Beside his name, instead of being listed as a child of Jeremiah and Elizabeth, the census indicates "OTHER".  Curious.  What was his relationship to Jeremiah and Elizabeth?!  Looking at other census records may reveal the answer?!

This census place was: Precinct 9, Walton County, Florida.  The FamilySearch Library Film # is 1254132.  The NARA Film # is T9-0132 and the Page Number is 480C.

Now!  How to put this information in story format; 

• We have the facts, but remind yourself, always, that the information on any document is only as accurate as the folks who are giving the information (answering questions, etc.) and as the person who is recording the info.💁❓ 
  
• Research the place details.  https://www.americantowns.com/walton-county-fl/maps/ 
• Look for photos.  Read historical info about Walton County, Florida in 1880 or "back in the day".  If you have never been to the Southern States, look for books or publications via your local library or seek information (further resources) at familysearch.org. (example): 
  
  
• Take a look at the census page before and after (some folks advise checking more than just one page before and after); is that surname repeated?  Are other relatives living nearby to that original household? 
• Can you think of other ways to turn your documents into a story?
• 18 suggestions:  https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/18-writing-tips-tell-stories/
  

Grow Your Family Tree

 Check this following link from RootsTech presentation for a better understanding of the standards that have been set up for genealogical research.  Of course, no one is going to force you to use the standards but if you generally acknowledge them, then you are more likely to wish you had, down the road.

 https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/genealogicalproofstandardpart1/

Below is a chart a lot of folks refer to as they gather the information about their relatives:

Charts such as this can be found in many different locations on the Internet.  Can you search for them?!  OR, here's an idea:  Create your own chart!  One great place to start looking for genealogy-related web sites:  Cyndi's List! 

 Questions?   

 

 

Page 2: Grow Your Family Tree" Favorite Websites (Most of them free)!

Question:  What can a photo reveal?  

1. Check out the Background.  What is hanging on the wall? (for example).  This photo is so old, I'm not sure about trying to define the large map or photo.  It is obviously blurry! Perhaps it is a map?! 

 

2.  I also don't know what the date is at the time of this photo.  I do know the identities of the people in the photo, or at least I think I have it straight!  The gentleman in the light blue or green long sleeved shirt is my Uncle Andy Winters.  Standing beside him is my biological father, Dewey Earnest/Ernest Winters (short sleeves striped shirt).  Note he is wearing glasses (as I have been doing since I was about 12 years old)!  Sitting on the couch are four females.  Left to right, my aunt,______; my grandmother, my Aunt Ludell (worked at police department in Jasper, Walker, Alabama...in blue jacket;

 

 

Bob Hope Village 

(May 2021)

Presentation Handout: 

"Finding Your Family History on the Internet"

 If you choose to have a paper record, put your genealogy in a notebook or send information by mail to your relatives, please look at these websites:   

• Charts and Forms from the National Archives (free)
  
• Printable charts and forms from Ancestry.com (free) 
•  FamilySearch forms and charts (This source will also provide the names of several sources for finding what else you are looking for).
• Google.com: (or any internet search engine) will provide other sources, whether it be for genealogy forms and charts or even if you want to publish a book about your family.  For example: 
• https://www.familytreemagazine.com/basicforms/
• https://www.familyhistoryfanatics.com/post/family-history-publishers
• And many other resources are available!  If you want to purchase charts and forms via the internet, try this:
• https://www.amazon.com/Blank-Genealogy-Starter-Sheets-EasyGenie/dp/B01M5J3GLF

 2.  If you want to work your genealogy project online, create a blog for your family's ancestry, or create your family tree on the Internet, here are some other options:

• Free family tree building at myheritage.com, familysearch.org, wikitree.com, etc. and even Ancestry.com will let you build a family tree for free!  Just read the fine print!
• You can also purchase software programs where you have complete control to create your own private family tree project. 
• https://www.smarterhobby.com/genealogy/best-genealogy-software/
• Ancestral Quest
•  https://genealogy-software.no1reviews.com/family-historian.html
• What is the difference in a private tree and a public tree?  For example, Ancestry.com offers you the option of having a "private" tree that only you can access OR you can choose to share it with the public or certain individuals.  
• Why would you want to have a "publicly shared" family tree?  Rule #1 in genealogy:  Do not ever share the information for living family members!
  

3.  Websites You Should Check Out! 

• Genea-Musings
• Dick Eastman 
• FamilySearch.org Search their vital records! and More.
• Google "genealogy blogs worth reading"
• Google "familytreemagazine.com"  You get two free articles each month or subscribe for a year 
  
• 
  

 

BHV Presentation Handout 1, May 2021 2021“Finding Your Family History Online”

Part 1: Websites

1. What is a blog? A blog is a “web log”. It is a type of website. Companies have blogs, individuals and groups have blogs. 2.  More information ABOUT BLOGS: https://www.thoughtco.com/genealogy-blogs-worth-reading_1421713

3.  If you have googled your home town or your parents’ home town or county or state, you may get something like this: https://settlesfam.blogspot.com/ OR if you are wondering about the DAR in Eastern Tennessee you may land on this blog: http://tnblog.arleneeakle.com/

4. When looking for websites that have genealogical information, you can use a search engine such as Google or some other search engine, like Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, or look at this article: https://www.lifewire.com/best-search-engines-2483352 

Don’t limit yourself; If you don’t want to mess with entering a specific URL, then just do a web search using a “search” engine.  For example try just searching a phrase like: “Genealogy Blogs Worth Reading”! Or, put this in your search engine: “Okaloosa County History”. and see what you get!

2. A website that is "Free to research, Free to Create Family Tree": www.FamilySearch.org.

3. Free family tree: https://www.wikitree.com/ Straightforward? Not a quickie fix! Complicated? Worth your while: You decide.

4. Ancestry.com: Some elements are free, watch for "$".   What is free at Ancestry.com?  See this link:  https://www.familytreemagazine.com/websites/ancestry-help/ancestry-com-free/; this genealogical magazine isn't cheap but you can get access to two free articles each month!   Alternate URL: https://www.familytreemagazine.com/websites/ancestry-help/ancestry-com-free/

5. Use Google to find specific places, historical information and unusual names; 

I put in my great great grandfather’s name:

John Witherspoon Givens: 

You can add a place to that search. He lived in Florida, Baldwin County, Alabama, and was born in North Carolina! 

 Search my relative and see how many “hits” you get!  A request on your favorite search engine should include the correct or most common version of the ancestor's name and a place where he or she resided.  Remember that females may have a maiden name or a married name!  

As long as an ancestor is deceased, you can search their name, but look first for an unusual name first.  DO NOT PUT YOUR LIVING ANCESTORS' INFORMATION ONLINE, (unless there is a way to hide the info!!!!)

6. Check Amazon for books about genealogy or visit a library.

7. https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/ (this "wiki" is filled with information.  You just need a free account at familysearch!  Then, look at the wiki and search (Example) Oklahoma, School Records

8. Also seek for genealogy lessons at:  YouTube.com!

• https://www.familyhistoryfanatics.com/post/googling-your-genealogy (watch it on youtube: link on that page)!  Or...

• Look online to see what resources are in libraries, etc.: https://readokaloosa.org/ + https://www.archives.gov/ https://www.loc.gov/ + WorldCat.org,

Ten Ways To Grow Your Family Tree and Then Some

1.  Join a group:  Horses love company.  Trees often grow in a forest.  Fish swim in a school.  If you want to be a successful researcher do this:

• Take a Class or Sign up for a Course.
• Join a Genealogy Society
• Attend a Seminar
•  Register for a Zoom Presentation
  

• Find a friend, partner, or family member.  Research is more fun, more interesting, etc., when you have a buddy.  

2.  Be a Spy: (or detective, investigator, or snoop).  Play "Blue's Clues".  Ask questions: Who, When, Where, Why, and How:  What is my ancestor doing in Kentucky?!  Being nosy is allowed in genealogy research.

3.  Connect with Living Relatives, beginning with the oldest living person.  If you don't think you have a living relative, think again!  Maybe you have a cousin 3 times removed?   

4.  Watch a good video at YouTube about How to Do Genealogy.  There are literally hundreds.  You might not meet any kinfolk, but you will learn a few pointers!

5.  Take a Look at RootsTech.org (Free); they have saved presentations from the World's Largest Genealogy Event.  

6.  Write it down, type it up, utilize "Word" on your computer BUT DO KEEP A RESEARCH LOG.  

7.  Read a good book about "How to Do Genealogy".  Amazon (online) has a whole bunch of published items on this topic.

8.  Visit a brick and mortar building (aka repository), like a library and check out a "how to" book, (don't forget biographies and genealogy mystery novels to); you will also be looking for the history section, maps, geography, etc.  Take a summer drive and visit Archives, graveyards, fishing holes, etc.

9.  Cite your sources: Prove Your Genealogy: Gather historic documents like marriage records, baptismal events, Christening doc, birth, death and divorce certificates.  Create a timeline so you will know which war your grandfather might have fought in.   

10.  Did you know?  There are standards for genealogical research?  In fact, there is also standards for Genetic genealogy.  Google that.   

11. Just so you don't make that many mistakes, (ever? HaHa),you should probably check out this Webinar AT Legacy Family Tree/Webinars.  (this item is free if you take your own notes; as opposed to getting a "handout")

Event Announcement from the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County

 This program will discuss:

1... the options wannabe book writers have, from DIY (scrap-booking, murals, a book on a wall or self-publishing with a print template), to hiring photo and design help, to commissioning a company that specializes in producing heir-loom-quality family books. 

2...She will share what she learned as she worked with the client's family, and with a book designer to preserve the family’s letters, diaries, documents, and scrapbook entries for posterity. The program is aimed at Genealogists of all levels, who are looking for best practices for writing and sharing one's family story. 

 Speaker Bio: Since 2011, Janeen Bjork has combined 30 years of experience as a television researcher and presenter, editor and educator, with her love of family history, teaching Gene-alogy, Newspaper and DNA classes, mostly in New England and New York. When a non age-narian Genealogy student asked in 2018, “Do you have any ideas for Christmas presents?” she began an unexpected, challenging, and heartfelt, year-long adventure. The result was a 182-page family history book that memorialized the lives and legacies of 11 family members who lived together in a house in a small town in Nebraska, in the first half of the 20th century. Her second book project [which was given to the client's family for Christmas 2020] is a book of family travel photos, album entries and newspaper clippings from 1912-1913. Her third book, a book of the client's family lines and photos, has begun with the scanning and organization of almost 300 family photos.

Please e-mail if you are interested in "attending" the virtual presentation and a link will be provided!  GSOCOkaloosa@gmail.com

The Best We Can Do

 All researchers can do is to do the best that they can do to locate records and sources to verify the existence of their ancestors.  Then, you can look again at a later time; maybe you just missed a name or a fact.  And then there is this:

Students of genealogy, random folks who do good genealogical deeds, "fate" or whatever: Voila!  You make a discovery!  Or you see a random post at the facebook group you sponsor?  That is what happened today.

Unfortunately, my ancestors would have been the slave keepers in this document that is mentioned.  Although...recently another researcher verified that one of our lines did hold some interesting possibilities.  At any rate, a friend brought to my attention when she discovered a link that someone has been waiting for!

My friend wrote:

I came across a resource I didn't know about. 

 http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~ajac/genealogy/slave100up.htm

Slaves' names do not appear in the census; this source is a list of slaves 100 years old and older and does give their names.

Maybe someone can use this.

 

 In the meantime, just keep looking for the answer to your puzzle!  Serendipity Happens!  Serendipity also rewards preparedness.

 

RootsTech

Very excited about 2021 RootsTech.org (a virtual and FREE version this year), happening online! Registration required.

Also excited to be teaching a class at the Center for Lifelong Learning: Ten More Ways to Grow Your Family Tree.

I love to teach because I learn more than the students, sometimes!  Because the Covid-19 shut our person-to-person meetings, down, it is possible to still get involved and via our virtual "Zoom" option.  

In addition, I am staying fairly active because the Virtual Meeting is taking place with the Genealogical Society of Okaloosa County. 

Plus, I host a face book group for genealogists that live in Northwest Florida or that research NWFL.  That link is  https://www.facebook.com/groups/nwflgenealogy

 Again, I get involved because Genealogy Research keeps me centered on what matters.  And one of those things that matters to me is family history.  Do you have a family history question or comment?  Please connect with me and I'll share your comments.  

 

Research Trip to the Valparaiso Library

 On September 6th, 2001, I traveled from my home in Fort Walton Beach, FL to visit the Valparaiso Library for the purpose of gathering information about my family lines.

As is the case these days, more and more counties have "joined" resources between the libraries in the county.  At the time I took this trip, however, there was no "co-op" in existence.  I probably inquired at that time for "some old newspapers" and that is where the following notes originated from.

1.  Bayou Times, September 17, 1937(should this date be 1973?; clippings mention two of my relatives:  John H. Givens of Laurel Hill, District 1 and B.P. Edge.  This article mentions that these two, among others, were named county commissioners when the county was organized in 1915, I believe.  Governor Park Trammell appointed this District one body of commissioners.  

2.  Bayou Times of 4 September, 1974 (?) mentions "Cox's Ferry".

3.  Article dated 11 Oct 1940 re: military service and registration to happen on 16 Oct 1940.

4.  19 June 1974 issue article mentions the Settles, which is one of my families; The post office was located in the home of Mrs. E. Settles in 1883 and also from 1887-1894.  This may have been near the railroad at the Crestview Junction.

5.  The Okaloosa County News Journal mentions ? 16 Sept., 1938.

6.  The above newspaper published a qualified voters list, page 6 and 7 of the Friday October 30, 1936 issue.

7.  Mentioned in the Bayou Times, page 8, (5 June, 1974) an item mentioning of the Funeral Barge captained by E. J. McKee that transported the deceased to the Sunset Cemetery.

8.  Article in the Playground Daily News, page 4 (Bicentennial Edition): Okaloosa was carved from neighboring counties [Santa Rosa and Walton].  This written by Emma Goggins.

9.  25 May 1980, Playground Daily News: The Jesse Rogers Cemetery in Mary Esther, FL lists Peter Green born? in Nova Scotia on the 1 Aug 1826 buried next to his daughter Mary Esther who died 5 October 1885.

10.  1975 PGDNews: Hurricaine Eloise?

11.  The newspaper, Valparaiso Messenger of April 1919 posted early pictures (August 1919) and/or a recipe for Paradise syrup?

12.  De Funiak Springs published the Breeze, 16 Jan 1919.

13.  Valparaiso Messenger: Vale of Paradise.  Oct-Nov 1919.

14.  Valparaiso Library has book re the Knox Hill Academy, dates of operation (?): September 24, 1849-December 24, 1854.

15.  Patrons of that academy were Alexander McLeod, along with (children?), Isabella and Christian.

16.  Florida Connections through Bible Records, Volume I, compiled and edited by Anne Wood Taylor and Mary Lee Barnes Harrell mentions the following:

    Arnett, p.7; 

    Bamman, p.412; Barnes, p. 224; 16; 14/15/450

    Clark

    Edge, p. 433

    Daniel Douglas Campbell, p. 62 and 63, along with Nancy                  McLean.

    Christian L. Campbell (female), married 4 Feb, 1858 to Jacob EDGE.

Just before the holidays 2020-style, I received this photo from my daughter-in-law, Melissa.  These are her daughters! The "sailor" was transferring to a new assignment and they hadn't seen her for a while and decided to surprise her at the airport in New Orleans, I think.  "J" looks very dashing in her uniform and as we sat this past week at the Thanksgiving table we were sad to hear that she was quarantined somewhere at her post for the holiday due to a fellow mate have the virus.  

Thanksgiving and Christmas time turns our thoughts to our family members current and past.  Where will you locate the information for those ancestral profiles?

Last night as I watched a webinar via my genealogical society from Legacy, (https://familytreewebinars.com/), I realized that searching newspapers just makes sense for us genealogy folks.  This website has a ton of related webinars on that topic.  Here, then, are my notes (not the handout), as I tried to soak in the rich harvest of "what's out there" for us, as genealogists, in re-structuring our family's history via newspapers.  I hope you will let me know if the links prove fruitful for you, or which links you thought helpful.  

1. Lib-Guides: for example: https://libguides.uwf.edu/histnews

1. What is a lib-guide?   

   The LibGuides system is commonly used by librarians to create research or subject guides. Guides are the outermost component that functions as a mini-website on a topic or subject. They contain pages, boxes, and content.  This is how you know, which newspapers, for example, the university or library has access to.  This collection may be physical--they have the actual/physical newspaper or they may have a digital collection.  

   Whoops?!!  Just about the time that you find a collection that you want to investigate, you click and a message pops up requiring your "login" or "password".  It is usually a free or low cost proposition to obtain a library card for state institutions.  Simply walk-in or follow the directions on the log-in screen.  In my next blog, we will follow through with more about accessing the goodies featured in the "lib-guide".

   Community Patron Cards available for this particular institution.
   

How to Find Genealogical Info Via Worldcat.org

 Okay, let's say that I was looking for my ancestors who lived in Northeast Alabama at some period of time.  Somewhere in the vicinity of Gadsden, Alabama.

Keywords to search at https://www.worldcat.org might be Alabama, genealogy, northeast Alabama, periodicals, registers, "family history", etc.  

The best and first thing you can do when utilizing "WorldCat" is to sign in (free) for your very own account.  This will enable the program to identify nearby libraries that might have the information you are seeking.  And nowadays, if that library is located somewhere else, not convenient to your research location, you can bring up a web page for that individual library and "Ask a Librarian" or contact via e-mail and see if they can help you out!

So you could do the legwork yourself, skip the worldcat folks and go straight to the library's website.  But, you really want to know, if for some reason this info is located at a Jr. college 2 miles away, you can know that at the beginning of your search.

ALERT!!!  Not all libraries are listed or affiliated with WorldCat, but those are usually available via a Google search, if they have an online presence.  Going to a library is always an enriching experience, but doing some "legwork" via your computer will save you time and effort when you do visit personally. 

EXAMPLE:  My own personal go-to library website, locally.

 

Going through Stuff

 Who knows what treasures you will find as you go back through your old genealogy papers?!  And "stuff"?!  

Today:  Here is  a publication I ran across.  Its title is Pike County Alabama:  Bethlehem Baptist Church Records and it was contributed by: Mrs. B.W. Gandrud of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

I have highlighted in orange hi-lighter, on my paper copy, family names which jump out at me: Cadenhead, Dennis, Edge, Bishop, Carlisle, Reynolds (a name from my kids' paternal line).  

Note, especially, the beginning explanation of how these records came to Mrs. B.W. Grandrud.  They were given to her by Winfred R. Horne of Clayton, Alabama, in September of 1960.  Mr. Horne has the following comments to make on the Church Register:

"Mr. Hobdy, in 1898, made only a brief condensation of the minutes, omitting practically all mention of individuals except what is contained in the following references."

Included is a list of the Founding Members.  Equally important is a description of the history of this church:  "The Bethlehem Baptist Church, near Louisville, Alabama was founded 25 April 1824.  This was in Pike County (Alabama) at that time, but since 1832 in Barbour County.  Louisville was the county seat of Pike County from 1822-1832.  This church is seven miles from Clayton, three miles from Louisville, on the Clayton-Louisville Road. 

Founding Members:

• Warren Jackson
• William Anglin
• Randol Jackson
• William Cox
• William Cadenhead
• James Cadenhead
• James A. Head
• Elizabeth Jackson
• Elizabeth Cox
• Eliizabeth Head
• Mary Pruit(t)
• Elizabeth Warren
• Anna (a woman of color)

 James Cadenhead was the first preacher and moderator and James A. Head was the first church clerk.

One wonders (I wonder), where is the appropriate place for this type of historical record?  And how is it helpful to one?  I did find, online, a Bethlehem Baptist Church reference at www.findagrave.com.  And, in that cemetery there are mentions of "Dennis" (one of my family names) burials.  But, I am thinking that the State Archives in Montgomery, Alabama might be a place to send a copy of this document which was cited in the Alabama Genealogical Register, 13 August 2003.  Or check their collection for that publication.

I continue to use this type of publication to look for clues online or elsewhere (local library, FamilySearch, etc.).  For example, Mathew Bishop + Pike County Alabama + OR Alabama cemeteries.  Certainly, you would want to census records for a time period that was defined according to information gleaned from a cemetery or document.  For example, T.J. Carlisle was a church clerk in 1879.  I check my genealogy software database...There was  a Thomas Carlisle who was a sibling to Dr. Charles Carlisle.  I am not related to Dr. Carlisle, but he was married to my third great grand aunt, Emily Lenora Rabb!  Their children are my cousins (albeit distant)!  

Sometimes squeezing information from near relatives' profiles is better than no information!  I have my round about ways!  And I'll take what I can get when it comes to folks who may have played a role in the life of "my" people!