February 2012 Newsletter
News & Articles of Interest to Durham-Orange Genealogists
NCDOGS-admin@rootsweb.com
PO Box 4703, Chapel Hill , NC 27515-4703
2012 dues – $20
Fred Mowry – President
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Meeting Announcements
Meeting Minutes
Message From D-OGS Journal Editors
D-OGS Civil War Workshop
February is Black History Month
PBS Explores Genealogy Again
Debate Builds Over Black Confederates
Unintended Donation
Queries
Genealogical Glossary
Websites of Possible Interest
Calendar of Events
Humor
Parting Thought
Meeting Announcements
This D-OGS Meeting will be held on Wednesday evening, 1 February 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Bennett Place State Historic Site, 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd., Durham, NC 27705- Phone: (919) 383-4345 – Email: bennett@ncdcr.gov. here is a map: http://tinyurl.com/7xu8g5z.
Our speaker for the evening is D-OGS member Stewart Dunaway. Stewart’s program will be on the “The McCulloh Grant Tracts – Their Impact on Genealogical Research”. Stewart is a retired executive who has spent the last few years searching out, copying and transcribing literally thousands of old records on land grants as well as county and state records for taverns, bridge and road construction in the early part of North Carolina’s history. He has also written several family histories and also dabbles in writing books on meteorology and astronomy. He has a number of books of transcribed and indexed books available for sale at Lulu.com: http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=stewart+dunaway.
D-OGS Meeting Minutes for January 2012
The new D-OGS President, Fred Mowry, introduced himself and asked for visitors to introduce themselves. There were 11 members in attendance and 5 guests/visitors. Fred introduced the officers: Ginger Smith as Secretary and Webmaster, Ginny Thomas as Treasurer, Karen Vance is an At-Large Director, Rob Elias as an At-Large Director, Richard as Newsletter Editor, Peg Edwards as Membership Director.
Program:
Richard introduced the speaker, D-OGS member Ann Myhre.
The topic was “The War of 1812 in the Lower South – The Rest of the Story” by Ann Myhre
The PBS special that Carol Boggs sent to the mailing list was told from the perspective of the Canadian, British and New England researchers with very little mentioned about the South. The point of Ann’s talk was to give more of a perspective from the Southern Soldiers’ standpoint.
The Conditions Leading to War:
- Trade with France was impeded by the British
- There was an impressment of 6000+ US sailors
- British supported the Native Americans
- US expansionism into Canada
- US political conflict between North and South
Ann showed us a map of the US in 1812. She mentioned the USS Constitution which was nicknamed “Old Ironsides” because Britain’s cannon balls bounced off the hull during the battle with HMS GUERRIERE. This is the oldest commissioned warship in the world.
Scientific American article about the New Madrid MO earthquake, similar to the one that happened in VA last year; caused the Indians to take caution about the Americans who were taking their land. They thought it was a “sign”
- Fort Mims and Other Indian Battles consisted of Red Sticks (not Friendly Creek Indians) vs the Friendly Creeks
North Carolina:
- North Carolinians were divided
Tennessee:
- More people fought from TN than any other state; hence the state nickname – the Volunteer State
- Two of Ann’s ancestors fought in the War of 1812
James McEwen (Ann’s 3rd great-grandfather) was from Rowan Co., NC fought from Tennessee, son of David McEwen
- They moved to Madison Co., KY about 1790, then moved down to TN about 1797 with their cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep
- Their house is now on the Vanderbilt Legends Golf Course, which John and Ann visited in 2011
- Visited the Williamson Co., Historical society and they showed her the portraits of David McEwen, and James’ 2 brothers and nephew
- Ann also found a record on Ancestry.com for James McEwen as a patroller against the slaves in Williamson Co
- Married Betsy Goff, daughter of Andrew Goff about 1804 and they had six children
Compiled military service records for 1812 cost $20 from NARA
- Captain James McEwen
- Pay was $40/mo
- Ann showed us the muster roll of his “company”
- Mustered in Dec 10, 1812 for 12 months
- They drilled on flat boats as they floated down to Natchez
Ann’s husband John read a letter from Andrew Goff about what happened when they arrived at Natchez. They found that the enemy had backed out and Gen’l Jackson ordered them to return to Nashville.
Ann showed a photo of Natchez Trace from present day which is the trail they walked back on. Jackson paid for their travel back.
Ancestry.com has a (free?) Index for soldiers for the War of 1812 which tells you what unit they served in and who their commanding officer was.
James got called up again and was promoted to Major.
Joel Henry Region/Regen
- Parents and date and place of birth unknown, was in Williamson Co., TN by 26 Sept 1813
- Also from Tennessee
- Was a private, mustered in Fayetteville
- Built Fort Strother and fought in the battle of Talladega
- Served under Christopher McEwen
- James made a total of $259.97 military service pay; Joel only made $25.95. The difference is between a private and a Captain/Major
- Joel Regan married Loretta Bateman
Battles of New Orleans:
The PBS special only mentioned 1 but there were actually 3 different battles.
Joel was involved in the Night Battle of New Orleans
The Treaty of Ghent ended the War, signed 24 Dec 1814, ratified by British 27 Dec and by the US 18 Feb 1815; But the Battles were still going on. The Americans gained fishing rights to the Greater St. Lawrence
Americans lost about 3,000 slaves
What the war accomplished:
For the US:
- Increased nationalism
- Increased in the Navy
- Demise of the Federalist Party
For Canada:
- Increased nationalism
For Britain:
- Return to status quo
- Return to trading with the US
For the indigenous people:
- They lost the most territory
Soldiers were allotted a certain number of acres of bounty land based on how long they were enlisted for and how long they served.
Ann has provided this related information about the topic:
http://www.warof1812.ca/intro.html
http://www.ancestry.com/militaryrecords
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_1812
http://www.history.com/topics/war‐of‐1812
Business Meeting:
Ginny – December Treasury holds $3803.89 – from that, she paid $18 check for copy costs, brought in $300 deposits, including $200 check from a member for 10 yrs dues, final $4085.89
Ginger – the newsletter is posted to website, events are posted to the blog; and will be posted to the calendar
Peg – currently 155 members, 25 complimentary members who receive publications; she put a call out for volunteers for membership development
Fred – looking for volunteers to coordinate the Civil War workshop on Feb 25th at Duke Homestead. A committee has been formed with Richard, Fred and Cathy and Rob Elias; might have some slave records, scanning table, available records; Please let Fred, Richard, Cathy or Rob know if you would be interested in helping to put together a workshop for this event.
Next meeting will be Feb 1st with Stuart Dunaway, talking about “The McCulloh Grant Tracts – Their Impacts on Genealogy Research” will be at Bennett Place State Historic Site at 4409 Bennett Memorial Rd, Durham, NC.
Richard – NCGS spring meeting in Rocky Mount, March 31st;
NC Museum of History – hosting a conservation assistance day; make an appointment, bring by your old documents or quilts or whatever to ask how to conserve it, on Jan 20th, call Jan Sweat at 919-807-7023; Will not take live ammunition or items infested with mold or pests.
This Sunday they are also continuing the Music of the Carolina Series with Mr. Locklear, a Lumbee/Lakota Indian who will be performing in the Museum auditorium at 3pm and is free.
NGS will be held this spring in Cincinnati.
Upcoming programs – In March, Mark Clinton will talk about State Land Grants; April – Allen Dew will talk about cemetery research and his website; May – Richard will discuss his new Ellington family history findings; June – David Southern, using maps for genealogical research; August – Show and Tell for members to talk about their projects; September – Carol Boggs will talk about things you find on the internet; October – Melanie Crane will talk about more advanced genealogy topics.
The computer interest group is still looking for a new moderator/leader.
There will be a genealogy workshop at the Durham Senior Center taught by Margo Brewer next Wednesday. (She takes groups to SLC and teaches at OLLI, Duke’s lifelong learning center).
Message From D-OGS Journal Editors
When we first took on the job in 2008 as editors of your journal, The Trading Path, we intended that it would be for a long tenure. We have enjoyed it more that we can say, and the stories that many of you contributed helped make the publication one that did our society proud!
Unfortunately, things happen in life that we never expect, and we now find ourselves in the position of seeking a new editor (or pair of them) for the journal. Health problems are presently taking all of our energy and attention.
This really is a fantastic position, and you would not have to live in the Durham and Orange County area to hold it. Electronic communications now make it possible for members to serve in various ways from great distances. As you look into your hearts, and your calendar of commitments, keep in mind the following:
1. Lots of material is already available for publication, as well as ideas for future articles.
2. Photographs needed for accompanying an article can easily be taken by a local member.
3. Printing of the few issues needed for mailing can still be done by us.
4. Any expenses that you incur – such as purchase of Microsoft Publisher software – will be reimbursed by the society.
If you would consider helping D-OGS as editor, let us know and we’ll be happy to answer any further questions.
It has been our privilege to serve as your editors these past several years.
Sincerely,
Rob & Cathy Elias
D-OGS Civil War Workshop at Duke Homestead in February
D-OGS will be holding a workshop on 25 February from 2:00-4:00pm at Duke Homestead. The scope of the workshop will be “Researching your Civil War Era Ancestor”. We will be covering the records repositories that are available locally and online. We will focus on some Confederate and Union war-time records and, hopefully, also look into slave records. This presentation is being held in conjunction with the Duke Homestead Historic Site staff in support of the sesquicentennial commemoration of the start of the Civil War.
D-OGS will also have an information table set up to try to attract some new members from the attendees. We need some D-OGS members who would be willing to sit at the table and talk with folks, answer their questions and hand out brochures. Please volunteer. Contact President Fred Mowry or Richard Ellington (919-967-4168 or richard_ellington@unc.edu) if you will help.
February is Black History Month
Don’t forget that this month is Black History Month. There will be a number of special programs and presentations going on around our area. Consult the Coming Events calendar in this newsletter for a schedule.
PBS Explores Genealogy Again
PASADENA, Calif. — Long before NBC’s genealogy show “Who Do You Think You Are?” PBS joined with historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. on its own genealogy series, which has morphed into “Finding Your Roots,” a 10-part series that debuts on PBS stations on March 25, 2012.
This latest iteration will feature two people in each one-hour episode, including husband-and-wife actors Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, who jokes she’s afraid they might turn out to be cousins.
“They are indeed distant cousins,” revealed Gates. “Talk about six degrees of separation, right?”
Gates said he’s had some guests agree to do the show and pull out, including Colin Powell, who changed his mind in the span of four minutes, e-mailing, “Changed my mind. I have too many cousins already.”
Gates said he first got fascinated with genealogy when “Roots” premiered in 1977.
“Ever since I’ve had a bad case of ‘Roots’ envy,” Gates said. “I wanted to be like Alex Haley and find my family tree.”
Debate Builds Over Black Confederates
BY RENEE ELDER
Associated Press
RALEIGH — As America embarks on four years of Civil War commemorations; it revives an unsettling debate that lingers 150 years after the conflict: how to view the role of African Americans in the Confederacy.
It arose last year when a Virginia textbook was yanked over protests that it inaccurately claimed thousands of blacks served as Confederate soldiers. More recently, a North Carolina community turned down an effort to erect a monument to 10 black men who served the Southern army and later collected Confederate pensions.
Confederate law prohibited slaves from serving as soldiers until March 1865, when it was changed in a last-gasp effort to strengthen troop numbers. Yet the debate continues bubbling to the surface.
Gregory Perry of Monroe, who learned recently that an ancestor was awarded pension for Confederate service, says it’s hard to reconcile that fact with what he knows about being a black man in the South.
“I grew up in the era of Malcolm X and militancy, and would never have considered something like this possible,” said Perry, 46, reflecting on the life of his great-great-grandfather, Aaron Perry.
Most Civil War historians agree black slaves and even free blacks contributed manpower to the Southern war effort — but it was mostly menial work done under duress or for survival, not out of support for secession.
John David Smith, professor of American history at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and a member of North Carolina’s Sesquicentennial Academic Advisory Committee, said the South’s 11th-hour effort to recruit black soldiers was “too little, too late.”
“There’s no evidence of any real mobilization of slaves,” Smith said. At most, a company or two — including one of hospital workers — was ever organized.
Yet efforts to depict blacks as Confederates persist.
The Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond once sold black toy soldiers, clad in Confederate gray. They were pulled from shelves in fall 2010 after several complaints.
Historian and library director John Coski posted an explanation in the gift shop.
“There is much wartime and postwar evidence of African-Americans acting in ways that suggest loyalty to the Confederacy — staying ‘home’ even when there was an opportunity to run away, even burying the family silver,” Coski wrote. But as to whether significant numbers of black men enlisted as combat soldiers, Coski says “the answer is a resounding ‘no.’”
Smith says he believes painting African Americans as Confederate sympathizers plays down the real causes of the Civil War.
“What gets professional historians concerned is when certain people start calling these people soldiers. It all goes back to how you define soldier. And for me, the story of so-called black Confederates is not as important as the story of why it keeps coming back.”
He added, “I think it keeps coming up because there are certain people who resist the idea that slavery and white supremacy were the cause of the Civil War.”
One such group is the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a Southern heritage organization whose members say state’s rights, not slavery, was the primary motivation for succession.
In North Carolina, Sons of Confederate Veterans member Tony Way researched historical records and found that 10 black men from Union County received Confederate pensions. All were listed as having served the Southern Army as guards, servants, cooks and in other supporting roles. Way proposed a marker on the courthouse square to recognize their contributions. He said he wasn’t trying to make a political statement.
Unintended Donation: Goodwill Worker Returns Family Scrapbook
A little good luck and a lot of goodwill prevented a Fairmont family from losing a big part of its history.
Sharon Haffey is grateful to a staff worker at the Goodwill Store in Butte for discovering a plain, blue binder that Haffey inadvertently gave away. It contained her family tree and old photographs of her relatives.
“This is very important to the family,” Haffey said, looking through the family history on her mother’s side and some 100-year-old photographs. This piece of family history was almost lost forever.
Haffey’s mother, Rita Kramarich, died Nov. 4, and the binder with her family’s history was one of her valued possessions. A couple of weeks after her death, Haffey collected some items that were stored at her daughter’s house in Butte and donated them to Goodwill. She had no idea the binder was in one of the boxes.
It was a gut feeling from Goodwill worker Carrie Coulter that saved the binder from being lost.
“I just got a feeling that it wasn’t supposed to be there,” Coulter said. So she did a little investigating.
With the help of Cheryl Yount from the Easter Seals-Goodwill Highlands Hospice, Coulter was able to determine the items belonged to Kramarich, who was a resident at hospice before her death. The hospice staff was able to get Coulter in touch with Haffey.
“She came right over that day and picked it up,” Coulter said.
Though she had never met Haffey, Coulter said Haffey was very friendly and extremely appreciative about recovering the scrapbook. Coulter said it was an emotional moment for both of them.
“I never saw so many tears flow between two strangers,” Coulter said.
Recovering the scrapbook was a ray of hope during a dark time for Haffey.
The loss of her mother was painful, and she is glad to have a record of her mother’s genealogy and the old family photos.
“It’s been a tough year,” she said.
Queries
Jennifer Merline, Fort Myers, FL 3908 – Email: jennymerline@gmail.com
I am looking for a copy of the will of Ephraim Sargent. Ephraim was married to Elisabeth Hodge. He died in Orange Co., NC around 1839.
=============================================================
Marilyn C. Jones, 6673 Sprague St., Philadelphia, PA 19119 – marilyncj@msn.com
I am seeking information on Orange and Martha Sears (African Americans) who lived in Orange County, NC, Mangum Township. Orange was born approximately 1810 and died in 1878. Martha’s maiden name was Umpstead (Umstead?). She owned land in Durham in 1880′s. They were married in 1851. I’m trying to find the name of the slave owner of both. Thanks.
=============================================================
Surnames: BURROUGHS – My husband’s family – Burroughs – came from the Hillsboro NC area in the 1880′s – and I am looking for information on the family – do you have family folders or reference information on local families. Do you have any information on the family – or can you suggest someone who would do a little research?
This is a black family and the earliest I can find on the census is a William Burroughs who was born in 1856 and married 1st Martha and second Emma Pratt. I have a listing of 5 children from both wives. The family moved to Madison NJ in the 1890′s along with a great number of people from that area. Thank you in advance for your suggestions
Genealogical Glossary
- DIOCESE – In medieval and current times, a unit of Christian church government consisting of a number of parishes, and headed by a bishop. Formerly, in Roman times, it was a unit of civil government equivalent to a province, within one of the four prefectures, governed by a Prætorian Præfect. Each of the Roman dioceses governors held the title of vicar.
- DIRECT HEIR – one who is in an individual’s direct line of ascent or descent
- DIRECT DESCENDENT – We use the adjective "direct" when we need, because of context, to emphasize that the descent is NOT collateral, otherwise, we use "descendant" unmodified to mean lineal descendant.
- DISSEIZIN – forcible dispossession of real property
- DISTRAIN – [Legal] to seize goods esp. for debt, including non-payment of rent/rates
- DISTRIBUTEE – one entitled to a share in the estate of a person who died intestate (without a will). In 1705 colonial Virginia, division of property amoung children: real property: eldest received all (common law not statute); personal property – equal shares among children. The widow received a share if there were children: real property – 1/3 for life (common law); personal 1/3. If there were no children, the widow received: real property – 1/3 for life (common law); personal – 1/2. In 1705 Virginia passed a statute making it impossible to break an entail without obtaining a special act of the assembly.
Websites of Possible Interest
New, Free Online Collection: Indianapolis Recorder African-American Newspaper, 1899-2005 – More than 5,000 digitized issues of the Indiana-based African-American newspaper Indianapolis Recorder are searchable online at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis library website. The issues span 1899 to 2005 (those from 1917 to 1925, and January to April 1932, are missing).
You can keyword search the full text or browse by year. An advanced search lets you designate words as exact, exclude words, and run a proximity search to find two words appearing within a certain distance of each other on a newspaper page. (In the advanced search, multiple library collections are selected by default. To search just the Indianapolis Recorder, scroll down, check the box to deselect all the collections, then check the box next to Indianapolis Recorder.)
You can share links to articles via social media or email, or bookmark them in your browser. You can save articles by right-clicking or control-clicking and selecting “Save Image As” (an alternative would be to take a screenshot).
http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/digitalscholarship/collections/Irecorder
Calendar of Events
Orange county public library program – Monday, January 30 – Get Organized: GO Month – Truths and Myths About Being Organized, 6:00 PM: Ever wondered how to get that organized look out of a magazine? Lori Bruhns, time management consultant and professional organizer, will share the truths and myths about being organized and what is real and realistic about getting and staying organized. January is Get Organized Month, so kick off the year with some great tips from Lori. Find out more or register online at http://www.co.orange.nc.us/library/getorganized.asp.
Granville county genealogical society – In keeping with the tradition of focusing on black families’ heritage and culture during Black History Month, the Granville County Genealogical Society, 1746, Inc. is pleased to offer a presentation by Ms. Sallyann Hobson and Ms. Emma Williams about the history of the Big Zion A.M.E. Church in Granville County, N.C. on February 2, 1012 at 6:30 P.M. at the Richard H. Thornton Library. Ms. Hobson and Ms. Williams, both members of the Granville County Genealogical Society, have strong family ties to the church and its history.
The presentation will touch on the Methodist Episcopal Church split over the issue of slavery in 1844, the northern African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church formation in 1796, and the actions of local Salem Church members in the early formation of one of the oldest African American churches in Granville County. In addition, Ms. Hobson will share what family history information she has gathered during her research.
The meeting will be held in the large conference room at R.H. Thornton Library on Main Street in Oxford at 6:30 P.M. on February 2, 2012. Visitors are cordially invited to join with the society members for this program.
Michael john neill webinars – We will be offering the following genealogy webinars in February of 2012. These webinars are as close as your computer with a high-speed internet connection:
- 3 February 2012–Yet More Brick Walls from A to Z
- 10 February 2012–Writing and Making Your Case
- 10 February 2012–Your Own Genealogy Blog
- 17 February 2012–The Genealogy Proof Standard-for the “non-professional”
More details, including times, are provided on our website: http://www.casefileclues.com/webinars_neill.htm
Stagville state historic site – Sunday, February 12, 2012 -2:00pm to 4:00pm. Stagville welcomes Dr. Sydney Nathans, Professor Emeritus of History with Duke University. His most recent publication, To Free a Family: The Journey of Mary Walker is available February 2012. This book explores the story of Mary Walker, an enslaved woman at Stagville plantation who in August 1848 fled the Bennehan/Cameron family for refuge in the North and spent the next seventeen years trying to recover her family. Mary Walker was not reunited with her family until the end of the Civil War. Mary Walker’s journey, To Free a Family brings an often untold story of the Civil War era to life. This program is free and open to the public.
Alamance county genealogical society – February 13 2012 – retired Elon University professor Carole Troxler will be talking about her new book, Farming Dissenters – The Regulator Movement in the Piedmont. The Alamance County Genealogical Society meets the second Monday of each month except June, July and August, at 7:00 p.m., at the Western Steak House, 142 N. Graham-Hopedale Road Burlington, NC 27215, 336-227-1448
Stagville state historic site – Stagville Under the Stars! – Saturday, February 18, 2012 -7:30pm to 9:30pm – Stagville will partner with Morehead Planetarium again to celebrate Black History Month! We will begin inside with storytelling focusing on the astronomy and night sky myths and legends told in African cultures. Step inside original structures from the 1700s and 1800s where interpreters can answer questions about the lives of enslaved people or peer through the planetariums telescopes at Mars, Jupiter, and maybe even Venus (view permitting)! The program will wrap up with a constellation tour looking at the same stars as our ancestors. Fun for the whole family! Expand your universe, bring your friends and family, and observe the sky. This program is free and open to the public.
North Carolina state capitol – Feb. 18: African American Read-In – Saturday 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm. Local authors, community leaders, and students read from works by their favorite African American writers at the Capitol for the 23rd annual National African American Read-In. Fiction and non-fiction for children, teens, and adults will be featured in an afternoon of great works. Presented with Wake County’s Richard B. Harrison Library. Admission is free. Donations are kindly accepted.
12th Annual Revolutionary War Living History Day and Guided Tours – Continental and British armies occupied Hillsborough during the Revolutionary War. Commanding figures like Horatio Gates, Nathanael Greene, and Lord General Cornwallis headquartered in the town’s inns and taverns. Cornwallis’ ill-spent week in Hillsborough in February of 1781 eventually culminated in his surrender at Yorktown eight months later.
On Saturday, February 18, from 10am-4pm, the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough will hold its Twelfth Annual Revolutionary War Living History Day. Continental, British and militia reenactors will demonstrate camp life during the Revolutionary War and commemorate General Cornwallis’ encampment in Hillsborough in February 1781 on the grounds of the Alexander Dickson House (ca 1790), 150 E. King St., Hillsborough, NC. Events include marching drills, musket-firing demonstrations and open-flame cooking.
The Alliance’s Revolutionary War Guided Tours will also be held that day, beginning and 11:00am and 1:00pm. The 60-minute tour showcases Hillsborough’s revolutionary and colonial era sites, while retelling stories of the events that took place in and around the town. Tours cost $5 per person.
For additional information please call the Alliance office at 919-732-7741 or visit our website at www.visithillsboroughnc.com.
Last Fridays Art Walk in Hillsborough – The Hillsborough Arts Council presents Last Fridays Art Walk, featuring local galleries and artist studios in historic downtown Hillsborough. Check online for brochure with map at www.lastfridaysartwalk.org – Event date and time: Fri, 02/24/2012 – 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Genealogy weekend in texas – Huntsville Public Library in conjunction with the Walker County Genealogy Society is hosting a Genealogy Weekend in Historic Huntsville, Texas from Friday, March 2 – Sunday, March 4, 2012.
Registration begins at 2:30 PM Friday, March 2. Sunday, March 4, activities will end about midday.
Weekend schedules for both adults and for children (ages 7 – 16) are posted at: http://www.myhuntsvillelibrary.com. While the times are not completely set in stone, they are quite close! Any changes or additional information will be posted on the website as it becomes available.
Live FamilySearch networked presentations followed by Q & A sessions include the following:
- FamilySearch Overview: Its Library, Library Catalog & Family History Centers, time allowing – Very timely as the website was recently completely revised
- Getting Over Brick Walls
- Challenges of African American Research
Live presentations will include:
- The “Gene” in Genealogy – Where Do We Look? – A Resource Roundtable of accomplished & knowledgeable individuals – to springboard your research
- Genealogical Resources at the Texas General Land Office (maps and books will be available for purchase)
- “Mining” Texas Prison Records
- Treasure Hunting in County Courthouses
Silent Auctions Friday and Saturday – Genealogical Books & Materials
Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.
Alamance county genealogical society – March 12 2012 – Tim Allen will be talking about the NC Quakers Spring Friends Meeting. The Alamance County Genealogical Society meets the second Monday of each month except June, July and August, at 7:00 p.m., at the Western Steak House, 142 N. Graham-Hopedale Road Burlington, NC 27215, 336-227-1448
North Carolina state capitol – Mar. 21: Lecture: Between Heaven & Hell: Raleigh at the End of the Civil War – Saturday 1-2pm. In April of 1865, Raleigh was an occupied city. Joyous federal soldiers, despondent Confederates, and terrified civilians all experienced the dramatic end of the Civil War together in North Carolina’s capital. Historian Ernest Dollar will speak on the people and events that shaped their experiences as America began to reunite after a long and bloody war. Admission is free and open to the public. Donations are welcomed and appreciated.
NCGS Spring meeting – 31 March 2012, Rocky Mount, NC: The North Carolina Genealogical Society, the Braswell Memorial Library, and the Tar River Connections Genealogical Society will present “Genealogy Done Right” featuring Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL, FASG, FNGS.
Are you sure the family records you have gathered are accurate? Are you concerned that your facts are built on solid foundations? On Saturday, 31 March you will have the opportunity to learn the right way to do your genealogical research. Additionally, Dr. Jones will be providing his audience with many case studies and research tips to give you security in your conclusions.
Program
How to Avoid Being Duped by the Internet – The Internet brings increasingly bountiful amounts of information to genealogists’ desktops-some valid, some erroneous, and much of unknown accuracy. Attendees will learn practical strategies for discriminating between correct and misleading information. They will also learn how online information-even if its accuracy is unknown-can lead to valid conclusions about ancestors.
Solving the Mystery of the Disappearing Ancestor – Genealogists may be frustrated by not finding ancestors in the records and places where they logically expect them to be. This presentation will explain seven reasons why such ancestors seem to have disappeared, provide examples of each from actual case studies, and suggest strategies to help attendees find their elusive ancestors.
Organizing Evidence to Overcome Record Shortages – Genealogists are often frustrated by record shortages and surviving records that do not specify relationships. Using the analogy of assembling a jigsaw puzzle with many missing and damaged pieces, a case study will demonstrate six steps to bypass record shortages and identify ancestors successfully.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Genealogists– Using standards articulated in the BCG Genealogical Standards Manual (Orem, Utah: Ancestry, 2000), the session explains and provides examples of seven ways attendees can achieve research results that are both accurate and useful.
Additional information and registration at: http://ncgenealogy.org
Humor
A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor’s office.
“Is it true,” she wanted to know, “that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?”
“Yes, I’m afraid so,” the doctor told her.
There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied, “I’m wondering, then, just how serious is my condition because this prescription is marked ‘NO REFILLS’.”
Parting Thought
Three friends from the local congregation were asked, “When you’re in your casket and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?”
Artie said, “I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine spiritual leader, and a great family man.”
Eugene commented, “I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in people’s lives.”
Al said, “I’d like them to say, ‘Look, he’s moving!”
If you have any items of interest that you would like to submit for future publication, please contact Richard Ellington at mailto:richard_ellington@unc.edu or 919.967.4168
Themocracy