April 2017

Genealogy Gems: News from the Fort Wayne Library No. 158, April 30, 2017

In this issue:

Exploring the Ethnicity of Our Ancestors

Pre-1907 Indiana Naturalization Index

Last Seen: Finding Family After Slavery

Technology Tip of the Month--Scanning Continued – Why We Use the Color Setting, Even for Black and White Photographs

Quick-Tip of the Month for Preservation--Eastman's article, “How to Manage Your Family’s Digital Assets”

PERSI Gems

History Tidbits: Suits Galore

Summertime, Summertime!

DNA Interest Group

Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming

Area Calendar of Events

Driving Directions to the Library

Parking at the Library

Genealogy Center Queries

Publishing Note

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Exploring the Ethnicity of Our Ancestors by Curt B. Witcher

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Many may be familiar with the adage, “Doing the history eliminates the mystery.” So often in our genealogical research we can benefit dramatically from pausing for a bit from surname-focused searching and shift to engaging in learning some history relative to our ancestors’ and potential ancestors’ geographic areas of residence, occupation, religion, and country of origin. This research tactic can make one aware of more records and even different places to find those records. Focusing on ethnicity can be a great guide in determining where our ancestors may have decided to settle and live. That focus may also point to unique record groups and organizations that will benefit our research. We find over and over again that people of like ethnic groups tended to migrate together, settle together, and move again on this continent together. When individuals are moving into larger cities and urban areas, they tend to cluster in ethnic neighborhoods. New immigrants from a particular country will often settle and move in and along the same areas as previous generations’ immigrants from that same county--a form of chain migration. Though secondary source materials, exploring the town, county and regional histories of any geographic area for information on the ethnic groups that settled in the area are often of significant benefit in determining exactly where the group lived, where they came from, and the path they took to settle in the area. These histories may identify particular churches and schools your ethnic group attended as well as pointing out any aid societies or other groups that may have been in operation to directly benefit the particular ethnic group. In addition to these general geographic histories, increasingly researchers will find comprehensive ethnic histories organized by state. The Wisconsin Historical Society has published quite a number of noteworthy compilations, one each for many of the ethnic groups that settled in the state. Those researching in Michigan will find the same type of publications available for that state. Indiana, through its state historical society, chose to publish one tremendous tome titled, “Peopling Indiana.” This work thoroughly discusses, complete with section bibliographies, every ethnic group that touched-toe in Indiana from its earliest times to the twentieth century. Look for these compilations in the states where you are researching. The detail you will find in the excellent contexting information, the actionable data provided about your particular ethnic group living, working, worshiping, and moving in and through the area, and the identification of data sets to search will positively impact the course of your research. Searching the catalogs of libraries in one’s area of focus is one way to identify a wide range of histories. Another excellent way to identify a large number of histories is to search OCLC’s WorldCat at WorldCat.org. This free online catalog contains more than two billion records from more than ten thousand libraries around the world. One cannot claim to even come close to a thorough search for histories without using WorldCat. In addition to its enormous coverage, there are a number of features that are beneficial to researchers. Among those features are clickable subject links that draw similar materials together from across the database into a new result set, and the ability to click-through from WorldCat to the owning library’s catalog, which might provide more descriptive data than the WorldCat database. Another benefit is that more and more digitized works are linked to bibliographic records found in WorldCat. A wonderful complement to area histories is newspapers. Frequently newspapers are given only a modest amount of attention by researchers, yet they can offer amazing details about ethnic groups important to one’s research. Newspapers are quite literally the chroniclers of the lives and times of the people of an area, an ethnic group, a denomination, or an institution. Access to every newspaper potentially touching the lives of our ancestors should be sought. In geographically based newspapers, so many details beyond birth, marriage, and death notifications can be found. Newcomers, special events, visiting families, activities of the area’s institutions, news from nearby towns and organizations, and anniversaries and other celebrations are among the items one can find in these publications. Depending on the time period and where one is searching there might also be ethnic newspapers. Often these newspapers are in the native language; however, that should not be a deterrent to their use. There are many opportunities to have sections of these publications translated. Getting access to online newspapers literally gets better all the time. There are two large newspaper databases that one can find in many libraries—Newspapers.com (part of the Ancestry.com family of databases) and NewspaperArchive.com. These enormous full-text searchable newspaper databases can be a boon for researchers. It’s always a good idea to be creative with your search terms, engaging “advanced search” options whenever possible. There are other options to the abovementioned subscription databases that are free. One of the better known free databases of newspapers is the Library of Congress’ “Chronicling America.” Millions of pages of newspaper from all over the country—including ethnic newspapers—are discoverable on that site. It is also a good strategy to see if your state of research interest includes any type of “memory” project that has digitized and made available newspapers published in the specific state. The web sites of state libraries and state historical societies should be explored. A large number of colleges and universities also are scanning and indexing their respective school newspapers, and making those digital images available for free. Another type of regularly published work that positively impacts ethnic research are the newsletters, quarterlies, and other journals of historical, genealogical, and ethnic societies literally all over the world. Time and time again researchers find excellent articles detailing migration, settlement, indices and transcriptions of records, and contributions of particular ethnic groups in the genealogical and historical societies that are published in a particular area. Most state genealogical and historical society periodicals also devote many pages each year to the history of particular peoples and the records those groups generate in various regions of the state. Couple those publications with the ethnic periodicals published across the country and one has access to amazingly rich sources of data. A good resource for identifying relevant data published in periodical literature is the “Periodical Source Index (PERSI)” compiled by the Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center and published online by our technology and content partner FindMyPast.com. To find historical relevant articles about a particular ethnic group, one can search on “history” as a record type, refine by geographic location, and then enter the ethnic group of interest in the keyword field. PERSI is approaching three million index records from thousands of periodical titles. In addition to that large database, FindMyPastf continues to work with publishers of the periodicals to craft agreements that will permit the actual scanned periodical articles to be linked to PERSI. The amount of great historical data found in periodicals is almost unbelievable. A further explanation of PERSI and a link to search the database are provided further on in this e-zine under “PERSI Gems.” An outlier resource often not used by genealogists is the National Union Catalog of Manuscript collections, known in the library and archive space as NUCMC. This free database is a special initiative of libraries and archives of all sizes and collection foci to robustly catalog manuscript materials found in every corner of this country and beyond. As one might guess, searching this free database can bring amazing resources to light. The user interface, though, leaves much to be desired. It certainly doesn’t look or act like a Google search, or an Amazon or eBay search either. It is worth the challenge to fight through the search interface, though, due to the vast quantities of information indexed. Similar to many web sites, the best search experience is hidden under an “Advanced Search” link. Conducting an advanced search allows one to build a search statement by linking three terms or phrases together with one’s choice of Boolean operators (e.g. and, or, not). Among the things unique about NUCMC is the extremely robust cataloging. With many of the searchable manuscript descriptions, one can find what I call “actionable information” in the cataloging record. Such information might include a rich biographical statement about the author of a diary; a short genealogy of a farmer, soldier or business owner; and a listing of all the surnames found in a particular Bible record. While it is best to try to obtain access to, or copies of, images of the original sources, while you are engaged in doing that you can use data in the catalog record to continue your research. With so many ways to search for ethnically-based information and records, and the benefits of using the discovered records so meaningful to most research efforts, we should all make using these records a regular part of our research process.

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Pre-1907 Indiana Naturalization Index by Melissa C. Tennant

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When researching naturalization records for an immigrant ancestor, you will find the records informative and personal, documenting how that the immigrant became a United States citizen. Records created during the naturalization process include the Declaration of Intent, the Petition for Naturalization, and the Naturalization Certificate. A Declaration of Intent or First Papers documented when an immigrant initially declared in court an intention to become a citizen. The Petition for Naturalization or Final Papers was filed when an immigrant completed the application for citizenship. Finally, the Naturalization Certificate was issued when the judge approved the application and declared the immigrant to be a U.S. citizen. Prior to 1906, no uniformity existed with respect to naturalization forms. Immigrants could apply to become a U.S. citizen at any court with a seal. Hence, in Indiana, one can find naturalization proceedings documented in the circuit, probate, common pleas and superior courts. In Indiana, clerks would write notes of the court proceedings, which included naturalizations, within the court order books. “An Index to Naturalization Records in Pre-1907 Order Books of Indiana County Courts” (977.2 In1015a), published by the Indiana Historical Society, indexes the naturalization notes found in the court order books from Indiana’s nine-two counties. Initially a Works Progress Administration project, this volume was updated by the Indiana Historical Society after index workers completed a page-by-page review of court order books by searching and documenting these naturalization notes. The index is organized alphabetically by surname, and then by given name. Each reference includes the county name and the court type, as well as the volume and specific page number. If available, the years covered within the individual volume are also documented, using the last two numbers of the years. When referring to the years, researchers should remember that the index covers records dating from the 1820s to 1906. With Indiana nicknamed the “Crossroads of America,” the state attracted many immigrants, who journeyed through it during the 19th century. For those who settled permanently, it was a time of growth and population shifts. “An Index to Naturalization Records in Pre-1907 Order Books of Indiana County Courts” is a valuable resource for anyone seeking an immigrant in pre-1907 Indiana. Once an ancestor is found, the citation is all that is required in order to locate the court orders. With these details, one can also follow-up with the local court for copies of the naturalization documents that were created at the time of the court orders.

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Last Seen: Finding Family After Slavery by Delia Cothrun Bourne

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Before and during the Civil War, African American families were often separated, by force or circumstances, and left wondering what happened to parents, children, siblings and spouses. After the war’s upheaval, survivors began to place advertisements in black newspapers across the country, hoping to gain clues to discovering what became of their lost loved ones. These ads usually mention family members by name or provide physical descriptions, as well as including their last known locations and sometimes the names of former slave masters. Many notices end with an appeal to local pastors to read the ads from the pulpit in order to enhance the chance of success of finding lost people. The Graduate Program of the Department of History at Villanova University, in collaboration with Mother Bethel AME Church, has created the website, “Last Seen: Finding Family After Slavery” http://informationwanted.org/, to preserve and index these notices. The website promotes crowd-sourcing to transcribe and post records of these inquiries. A search in the query box allows one to search for specific names or places. Each entry provides the following components: the name of the person inquiring along with any aliases; the person for whom they are searching; the source, date and place of publication; an image of the advertisement; a transcription, if one has been completed; and an invitation to transcribe the item. In 1865, Jacob Galloway, formerly belonging to Samuel Clarke of Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia, and then living in Wilmington, Delaware, posted an advertisement in order to notify his children, Moses, William, Elizabeth and Isaac, where is was living. In 1870, Sallie Glenn sought the locations of her father, Charles Glenn, mother, Sarah Glen, sister Ludie and brothers Scott and Peter. They had lived in Campbell County, Virginia, and had belonged to a man named Glenn. In 1871, Henry Hurd, formerly Teasley, submitted a query seeking his siblings, Lindsley Teasley, and Betsey and Milly Ann Norman. Henry had been sold from Georgia in 1861, but lived in Boston when he placed the ad. Not all of the notices represent families separated by slavery and war. In 1899, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis of Roanoke County, Virginia, placed an advertisement seeking the whereabouts of their teenaged son, Henry, who had gone to Braddock, Pennsylvania. Their query was rewarded, since Henry was back with the family in the 1900 census. The coverage of the newspapers currently spans the years 1853 to 1911, and includes newspapers from cities in Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, DC and Canada, with contributions from other, smaller cities. With the invitation to transcribe or contribute additional references, coverage of both time and place will undoubtedly expand. For anyone searching ancestors connected to slavery and its aftermath, or to anyone wishing to participate, this is a terrific resource.

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Technology Tip of the Month--Scanning Continued – Why We Use the Color Setting, Even for Black and White Photographs by Kay Spears

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I will start out by using the terms “for archival purposes” and “best practice.” In most cases, when scanning photographs, negatives, slides, documents, we set our scanners with the Full-Color setting – even if it is a black and white photograph. Using this setting when scanning picks up more of the “information” contained in an image. In most cases the quality of the image is better when using the color setting. Occasionally you may wish to switch to grayscale, but I would suggest you scan that image in grayscale and color for comparison. Another reason for scanning even black and white images in color is that you have access to the Color Channels and that comes in handy if you are going to do any restoration of that photo. Of course, to get access to the Color Channels, you need a Photoshop program to do that. Adobe Photoshop, later Adobe Elements and GIMP, are some of the programs that allow access to the channels. I’ll give you an example of how to use the channels: Let’s say you have a black and white photograph and someone has scribbled on it with a blue pen. If I scan that image in color, I can then open it in my Photoshop program and look at the Color Channels. The channels are RGB – Red, Green, Blue. If I turn off or delete the Blue channel, most likely most of the scribble will go away or lighten. I can then work with the other channels separately to enhance the photograph. So, scanning photographs, etc. in Full-Color will not only give you a better quality image, it will allow for greater maneuverability if you plan on later restoration. (In most cases.) Next article: Scanning continued - Those extra settings on some scanners.

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Quick-Tip of the Month for Preservation--Eastman's article, “How to Manage Your Family’s Digital Assets”

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FamilySearch has published a very worthwhile article written by Dick Eastman entitled, “How to Manage Your Family’s Digital Assets.” Dick, well known in the genealogical community for his enlightening “Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter,” provides easily understood details and timely advice on what it means to preserve one’s family history in a digital format. It is a great read with meaningful, practical tips--clearly an article that can be referred to frequently. http://media.familysearch.org/how-to-manage-your-familys-digital-assets/

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PERSI Gems by Adam Barrone and Michael Hudson

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Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is a traditional time to pay our respects to the deceased at their places of burial. Locating and accessing graves, though, can be challenge. Grave markers suffer much from weather alone, not to mention harm caused by neglect and the actions of humans, livestock, and wildlife. Genealogists around the world work to record inscriptions in their local cemeteries and to preserve the cemeteries themselves so relatives can visit. Cemetery readings and record transcriptions have long been useful sources of genealogical data. Large online collections of cemetery data and photographs are helpful, but incomplete. Dig deeper in library catalogs for inscriptions and records published in books and on microtext. Search PERSI for cemetery information published in genealogical and historical newsletters, magazines, and journals. The earliest of the 100,000 cemetery articles cited in PERSI was published in 1826. Try a search here: http://search.findmypast.com/search/periodical-source-index The following PERSI citations highlight activities to avoid when visiting cemeteries: Chad Dean arrested for stealing veteran's grave markers and selling them for scrap, 2007 Bluegrass Roots (Kentucky Genealogical Society), v.34n.2, Sum. 2007 City to install floodlights and patrol cemeteries after vandals toppled 250 stones, 2008 VOCA Newsletter (Vermont Old Cemetery Assn.), v.50n.4, Oct. 2008 Effects of herbicides on historic masonry project description SOC Gram (Save Our Cemeteries, Inc., LA), Feb. 2011 Evelyn Wrench lured to Botany Cemetery, told it was a radio station, Sydney U. student prank, 1941 Kith & Kin (Cape Banks Family History Society, Australia), n.97, Jun. 2010 Flags on Civil War graves stolen by groundhogs, 2012 America's Civil War (Cowles History Group), v.25n.5, Nov. 2012 Flowers stolen from graves at West Side Cemetery, news editorial, penalties, 1892 Linn County (Iowa) Heritage Hunters, v.26n.3, Aug. 2011 Henriette Bartsch, tombstone in driveway, WI Family Vines (Manitowoc County Genealogical Society), v.2n.3, Oct. 1982 How not to conduct a cemetery trip Legacy (Milam County Genealogical County, TX), Jul. 2000 Oak Grove Cemetery caretaker will shoot dogs found in cemetery, notice, 1924 Tallow Light (Washington County Historical Society, OH), v.37n.3, Win. 2006 Proudfoot grave desecrated by schoolmaster, Mae Hongsorn area, d. 1904, 1960s [Thailand] Crowkidar (British Assn. for Cemeteries in South Asia), v.2n.1-5, Mar. 1980 Road cuts through cemetery, boys sell hair taken from coffins, 1872 Grave News (State Association for the Preservation of Iowa Cemeteries), v.15n.3, Jul. 2010 Sexton at Joplin orders arrests of couples cooing and courting in cemetery, news note, 1906 Grave News (State Association for the Preservation of Iowa Cemeteries), v.17n.4, Oct. 2012 Tombstone [Arizona] origins, 1877, cautionary tale of faked tombstones and tourist traps Solitude in Stone, Jul. 2006 Tying students to tombstones no longer permitted at Syracuse University, 1917 Victoria (British Columbia) Genealogical Society Journal, v.33n.4, Dec. 2010

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History Tidbits: Suits Galore by Allison DePrey Singleton

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Analyzing the clothing worn in photographs is a useful way of determining the year the image was captured. However, you may have noticed that men’s suits have changed very little over the years. Men have been wearing matching pants and jackets with a shirt for centuries. The styles have changed somewhat, but the suit worn today was also being worn early in the 19th Century. The modern suit finds its roots in the 17th Century with the royal court dress. Royal court dress was a long coat, a waistcoat (vest), a cravat (tie), and knee breeches (trousers). Over the centuries, it became more elaborate or simpler depending on the time period. Eventually, the modern business suit made its debut in the late 19th Century as a lounge suit. The lounge suit’s evolution was partly due to Beau Brummell. Brummell was a British man, known for being a dandy and taking exceptional care to look his best. He wore well-cut, tailored clothing. He took care to be well-groomed and took daily baths as a part of his toilette. Brummell wore dark, somber colors with a carefully knotted necktie. This set him apart, because trousers were usually light colored during this time period. Brummell was the friend of the Prince Regent, but eventually fell out of favor when the Prince Regent became king. Brummell was not born into a wealthy family, and his income was based solely upon favors bestowed on him from wealthier friends. This is impressive, considering that he is quoted about a man’s wardrobe to say: "Why, with tolerable economy, I think it might be done with £800." The £800 would equal approximately $120,000 in 2017. It took a few more decades for the lounge suit to make its debut. It was not until the end of the 19th century that the modern lounge suit was born. It was initially only used for the country, sporting events, and seaside. It was considered extremely casual and not used for large gatherings or for any business dealings. Not until the Edwardian Era did the lounge suit begin to be seen outside of the original casual settings. The war years (1914-1945) saw the lounge suit become standard apparel for men. After the war years, the suit only changed with modifications, such as color, accessories, style, and fit. Throughout the years, different versions of the suit were worn. Fabrics and suit styles changed, but men are still wearing a pair of pants with a matching jacket and shirt. Considered the business uniform for men, it is doubtful that it will change soon. It is a style that has weathered the test of time. Sources and Further Reading: Breward, Christopher. The suit: form, function & style. London: Reaktion books, 2016. Byrde, Penelope. The male image: men's fashion in Britain 1300-1970. London: Batsford, 1979. Chenoune, Farid, Richard Martin, and Deke Dusinberre. A history of men's fashion. Paris: Flammarion, 1995. F., José Blanco, Mary D. Doering, Patricia Hunt-Hurst, and Heather Vaughan Lee. Clothing and fashion: American fashion from head to toe. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, an imprint of ABC- CLIO, LLC, 2016. Hill, Daniel Delis. American menswear from the Civil War to the twenty-first century. Lubbock, TX: Texas Tech University Press, 2011. Peacock, John. Men's fashion the complete sourcebook. London: Thames and Hudson, 1996. Severa, Joan L. Dressed for the photographer: ordinary Americans and fashion, 1840 - 1900. Kent, Ohio: Kent State Univ. Press.

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Summertime, Summertime!

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Remember to sign-up for Genealogy Summer Camp at The Genealogy Center! There will be no crying tent mates, poison ivy or burned hot dogs--just expert counselors sharing ideas for family history exploration. The first activity will be on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 10:00AM in Discovery Center when Melissa Tennant presents “Her and Me: Finding the Women of My Past.” Understanding the laws and situations that affected women helps us locate uncover our female ancestors who are hidden within records. Join Melissa Tennant and discover how to search records and locate your female ancestors. Other dates are: Saturday, June 24, 2017, 10:00AM, Discovery Center Introduction to Historic Textile Preservation - Karen DePauw Saturday, July 29, 2017, 10:00 AM, Discovery Center Pity the Poor Orphan: Children’s Homes in America - Delia Cothrun Bourne Saturday, August 26, 2017, 10:00AM, Discovery Center A Grave Matter in Indiana - Jeannie Regan-Dinius Saturday, September 30, 2017, 10:00AM, Discovery Center What I Learned at the 2017 FGS Conference - Allison DePrey Singleton To register for any of these free events, call 260-421-1225 or email Genealogy@ACPL.Info. Part of Genealogy Summer Camp 2017. http://genealogycenter.org/docs/GenealogySummerCamp2017

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DNA and Genealogy Interest Group

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Have you done a DNA test for genealogical purposes? Do you completely understand the results you received? Do you need advice in interpreting your results? Are you interested and wonder what the best test is for you? Come to the DNA & Genealogy Interest Group Meeting on the 1st Thursday of the month from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. to share and learn from each other! The next meeting is Thursday, May 4, 2017! Come in and share!

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Staying Informed about Genealogy Center Programming

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Do you want to know what we’ve got planned? Are you interested in one of our events, but forget? We are now offering email updates for The Genealogy Center’s programming schedule. Don’t miss out! Sign up at http://goo.gl/forms/THcV0wAabB.

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Area Calendar of Events

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Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana, Inc. (ACGSI) Monthly Program May 10, 2017 - Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Refreshments at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m. Sara Allen will present “Making Sense of DNA Test Results.” ACGSI Genealogy Technology Group May 17, 2017 – Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 7 p.m. The George R. Mather Lecture Series May 7, 2017 – The History Center, 302 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 2 p.m. Melissa Rinehart will present, “Northern Indiana...At the Crossroads of Many Cultures.” Miami Indian Heritage Days May 6, 2017 – Chief Richardville House, 5705 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, 1 p.m. 4 p.m. “Medicine Woman Singers.” The group’s performances demonstrate the significance of drumming, singing and dancing in Miami society. Learn about the lasting heritage of the Miami and other regional Native American groups. Local artists, performers, and presenters will be featured the first Saturday of the month from May to November. Admission for each Saturday event is $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. History Center members and children ages 2 and under are free.

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Driving Directions to the Library

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Wondering how to get to the library? Our location is 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the block bordered on the south by Washington Boulevard, the west by Ewing Street, the north by Wayne Street, and the east by the Library Plaza, formerly Webster Street. We would enjoy having you visit the Genealogy Center. To get directions from your exact location to 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, visit this link at MapQuest: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=900%20Web ster%20St&city=Fort%20Wayne&state=IN&zipcode=46802%2d3602&country=US&geodiff=1 >From the South Exit Interstate 69 at exit 302. Drive east on Jefferson Boulevard into downtown. Turn left on Ewing Street. The Library is one block north, at Ewing Street and Washington Boulevard. Using US 27: US 27 turns into Lafayette Street. Drive north into downtown. Turn left at Washington Boulevard and go five blocks. The Library will be on the right. >From the North Exit Interstate 69 at exit 312. Drive south on Coldwater Road, which merges into Clinton Street. Continue south on Clinton to Washington Boulevard. Turn right on Washington and go three blocks. The Library will be on the right. >From the West Using US 30: Drive into town on US 30. US 30 turns into Goshen Ave. which dead-ends at West State Blvd. Make an angled left turn onto West State Blvd. Turn right on Wells Street. Go south on Wells to Wayne Street. Turn left on Wayne Street. The Library will be in the second block on the right. Using US 24: After crossing under Interstate 69, follow the same directions as from the South. >From the East Follow US 30/then 930 into and through New Haven, under an overpass into downtown Fort Wayne. You will be on Washington Blvd. when you get into downtown. Library Plaza will be on the right.

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Parking at the Library

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At the Library, underground parking can be accessed from Wayne Street. Other library parking lots are at Washington and Webster, and Wayne and Webster. Hourly parking is $1 per hour with a $7 maximum. ACPL library card holders may use their cards to validate the parking ticket at the west end of the Great Hall of the Library. Out of county residents may purchase a subscription card with proof of identification and residence. The current fee for an Individual Subscription Card is $70. Public lots are located at the corner of Ewing and Wayne Streets ($1 each for the first two half-hours, $1 per hour after, with a $4 per day maximum) and the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Harrison Street ($3 per day). Street (metered) parking on Ewing and Wayne Streets. On the street you plug the meters 8am – 5pm, weekdays only. It is free to park on the street after 5pm and on the weekends. Visitor center/Grand Wayne Center garage at Washington and Clinton Streets. This is the Hilton Hotel parking lot that also serves as a day parking garage. For hourly parking, 7am – 11 pm, charges are .50 for the first 45 minutes, then $1.00 per hour. There is a flat $2.00 fee between 5pm and 11pm.

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Genealogy Center Queries

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The Genealogy Center hopes you find this newsletter interesting. Thank you for subscribing. We cannot, however, answer personal research emails written to the e-zine address. The department houses a Research Center that makes photocopies and conducts research for a fee. If you have a general question about our collection, or are interested in the Research Center, please telephone the library and speak to a librarian who will be glad to answer your general questions or send you a research center form. Our telephone number is 260-421-1225. If you’d like to email a general information question about the department, please email: Genealogy@ACPL.Info.

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Publishing Note

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This electronic newsletter is published by the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center, and is intended to enlighten readers about genealogical research methods as well as inform them about the vast resources of the Allen County Public Library. We welcome the wide distribution of this newsletter and encourage readers to forward it to their friends and societies. All precautions have been made to avoid errors. However, the publisher does not assume any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, no matter the cause. To subscribe to “Genealogy Gems,” simply use your browser to go to the website: www.GenealogyCenter.org. Scroll to the bottom, click on E-zine, and fill out the form. You will be notified with a confirmation email. If you do not want to receive this e-zine, please follow the link at the very bottom of the issue of Genealogy Gems you just received or send an email to kspears@acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe e-zine" in the subject line. Curt B. Witcher and John D. Beatty, CG, co-editors