August 2006

Genealogy Gems:

News from the Fort Wayne Library No. 30, August 31, 2006

In this issue:

Maps and More Maps Cherokee National Records – Microfilm Series

The Federal Direct Tax of 1798

”Dorchester Illustration of the Day”

Family History Month Extravaganza!

Preservation Tip of the Month

Countdown to Conference 2007

Hotel of the Month

Area Calendar of Events

ACPL Librarians on Tour

Driving Directions to the Library

Parking at the Library

Queries for the Department

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Maps and More Maps by Curt B. Witcher

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In recent months, the Historical Genealogy Department’s collection of land ownership maps has expanded greatly. We have updated our collection of Rockford Publishers’ land atlas and plat book compilations, adding many hundreds of plat books from across the country. These latest additions cover years in the second half of the twentieth century for many states. Another major addition to the department’s land ownership maps is a growing collection of works compiled by Arphax Publishing Company, a relatively new enterprise. Called their “Family Maps” series, the map volumes we have acquired each cover an individual county. The volumes combine data from various mapping sources into very useable and rather fascinating compilations. The majority of the data comes from the General Land Office’s Bureau of Land Management, the Department of the Interior, and the Census Bureau. The deluxe editions of this series provide maps that detail homesteads, waterways and railways, cities and towns, and cemeteries. Knowing the routes our ancestors traveled to both arrive at the places we find them and move their goods, produce and supplies can provide a much clearer picture of their lives and help us discover earlier places of origin. In addition, knowing who their neighbors were can be of great consequence as well. As genealogical researchers, we know the value of being able to place our ancestors and potential ancestors in the most complete contexts possible, with geographic contexts being among the most significant in our research. So, when you’re poking around in our online catalog , do a search under the counties in which you have research interests--and keep your eyes peeled for these new maps.

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Cherokee National Records – Microfilm Series by Roberta F. Ridley

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The Cherokee Nation/Indian Territory located in what is now northeastern Oklahoma consisted of the following districts: Canadian, Cooweescoowee, Delaware, Flint, Going Snake, Illinois, Saline, Sequoyah, and Tahlequah, which was the Nation’s capital. After their forced removal from their native lands, the Cherokee established a local as well as a national government in an effort to rebuild and retain the history of their families and their nation. This extensive microfilm collection offers historical documentation of the ongoing cases between the Cherokee and the federal government on land ownership, as well as the stories and events of everyday life and genealogy. The researcher will find records of census rolls (a separate collection from the Indian reservation censuses) and similar lists, applications for citizenship (admitted and rejected), court records, land purchases, marriages, subject files (diverse in content, such as orphan names and their guardians), and tribal records. These materials present events through oral, photographic, and written history from tribal leaders, missionaries, military men, traders, intruders, cattlemen, slaves and freedmen. The bulk of the collection (depending on the category), covers a time period of 1858-1906, while some supplementary materials such as missionary records, manuscripts containing journals, correspondence and other records, provide information from the 1820s to 1996. This 130 reel collection includes a subject index reel which will allow you to identify the volume, document number of your topic or person, and the appropriate microfilm for viewing the chosen information. The guidebook entitled “Guide to Cherokee Indian Records Microfilm” (970.3 C42a) is also an excellent help in using this collection. In the index we find a listing for August 16, 1877, document number 892, regarding the case of John B. vs. Eliza B. Saunders for divorce in Sequoyah District Court. Cherokee divorce documents numbered 884-917, dated May 30, 1874–September 16, 1895 are found on reel number CHN 75, where you will find a copy of the original divorce decree. The Cherokee Nation was and still is the largest Native American tribe in North America. This may explain why most researchers seeking their Native American roots, tend to say “My ancestor was Cherokee.” The challenge is to prove it through some historic documentation. When you try to validate this family tradition, we would like to suggest the ACPL Genealogy Department’s microfilm collection of Cherokee National Records.

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The Federal Direct Tax of 1798 by Steven W. Myers

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A publication that crossed my desk last week reminded me of a source few genealogists use–the Federal Direct Tax of 1798. In July of that year, under the threat of war with France, Congress authorized a special tax on real property and slaves to raise money for a potential conflict. Although the records generated by this tax have survived in only a fragmentary way for most states, those that have survived can be extremely useful for family and local historians. Assessors used a variety of schedules in valuing property occupied as of October 1, 1798. Form A is the “Particular List, or Description, of each Dwelling House” and associated outbuildings on a lot not exceeding two acres, but which property was valued at more than $100. Form B contains the “Particular List, or Description, of all Lands, Lots, Buildings and Wharves” except those on Form A. Form C is a Particular List of Slaves and provides the names of the superintendents and owners of slaves, as well as the number of taxable slaves, but fails to give the names or ages of individual slaves. Forms D, E and F are “General Lists” that consolidate some of the same information found on Forms A, B and C, while Forms G, H, I and K are summaries. Returns are arranged by first letter of the last name, under each township or town and county within tax districts. Forms A and B can be particularly useful, providing the names of owners, occupants, and adjoining landowners, as well as detailed descriptions of property. Besides assessed values, these include the size of the lot or land occupied, the dimensions, number of stories, number of windows, and construction material for dwellings, and the number, description and dimensions of various other buildings called “outhouses.” These might include a barn, shed, kitchen, stable or smokehouse, for example, or give other occupational clues, as do listings including a smith shop or wagon maker’s shop. Assessors sometimes added other valuable comments such as “new house upper story not finished” or “The man is an old blind poor man.” The Genealogy Department has microfilm copies of surviving schedules for Maryland, Massachusetts (including Maine) and Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s schedules are the most complete, occupying 24 reels of film. A number of published books and articles in the collection also index or abstract the tax schedules for a particular locality and can be identified by checking our online catalog and the Periodical Source Index at HeritageQuest Online. Patrons can also search a database of Maine and Massachusetts returns through our in-house subscription to www.NewEnglandAncestors.org. No lists are known for Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia/West Virginia, while some lists for other states can be found at the relevant state historical society or state archives.

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Dorchester Illustration of the Day

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The Dorchester Historical Society in Boston issues an emailed newsletter called “Dorchester Illustration of the Day,” which is exactly what it says--an historical picture with a little background. It's a great idea--it means the historical society has a daily presence in its members' lives, and helps to educate them in the history of their area in a painless way. It's some work, but for a librarian or archivist who lives surrounded by the photos every day, it would not take much effort to pick one for the daily mail. The public relations and educational benefits would be enormous. In fact, people could even do this on a family basis--maybe not a daily illustration, but what about Family Picture of the Week? The family historian could send out the photos to interested family members. It would be a way of keeping in touch, and helping people learn about their relations. The cost would also be very low. The Dorchester Historical Society’s website is at www.dorchesterhistoricalsociety.org, but it doesn’t mention the e-newsletter. Back issues of Dorchester Illustration of the Day can be found at ACPL.

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Family History Month Extravaganza!

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As mentioned in the last issue of Genealogy Gems, the Historical Genealogy Department is celebrating Family History Month in October with a wide variety of workshops and lectures. Valuable research tips and resources will be discussed in presentations such as “Immigration Research,” “Genealogy Snapshots: Digital Photography for Genealogists,” and “Irish History for the Genealogist.” “Genealogy Searching in the Online Catalog” and “Using Ancestry.com” are among the computer-related sessions that will help researchers looking to expand their electronic sleuthing skills. And, again, don’t forget our Midnight Madness extended research hours on Friday, October 27th! We’ll be staying open until midnight for lots of late-night digging and camaraderie. You can see the complete calendar of events at www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/2006FamilyHistoryMonth.pdf. Several sessions are limited in size, so sign up soon by calling the Historical Genealogy Department at (260) 421-1225 or by sending an email with your name, phone number and sessions you would like to attend to Genealogy@ACPL.Info. See you in October!

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Preservation Tip of the Month by Becky Schipper

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The following is a very good website, encompassing many varied types of preservation information: www.preservationheritage.org

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Countdown to Conference 2007!

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As plans progress for the 2007 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana, remember that there are lots of reasons to visit the Historical Genealogy Department before next August. The primary reason for visiting is that we are open and happy to serve you! Until December of this year, we are operating in our temporary location at 200 East Berry St. while we wait for the finishing touches to be applied to our new Main Library (see some recent photos of the Main Library’s renovation at http://www.flickr.com/photos/acplinfo). Our temporary facility affords “open stack” access to our materials, meaning that researchers can browse the bookshelves and pull out materials to use without having to fill out request slips – how great is that?! Researchers can use as many books, magazines and microforms as they desire and if they find items of interest, they can make photocopies at only ten cents a each (twenty cents for microtext copies). A bargain, to be sure. Researchers are even welcome to bring in their digital cameras to document their findings, if they are so inclined! Visitors to the department are able to use the many electronic resources we have available including Ancestry.com, HeritageQuestOnline.com, and NewEnglandAncestors.org. Identifying the many wonderful items the department owns on microfilm and microfiche just got a whole lot easier with the introduction of our online microtext catalog! Take a look at the new catalog at http://FriendsOfAllenCounty.org/search_microtext.php. Finally, another important reason for visiting our department is to stop by our reference desk and consult with one of our librarians. Perhaps you’ve encountered a nasty “brick wall” in your research or you’re just getting started on your genealogy project and you’re not sure how to proceed. Our librarians have many years of research experience and will gladly offer tips and suggestions for you to employ to make your searching more fruitful. Any more questions about the Historical Genealogy Department? Check out our website at http://www.acpl.info/genealogy/index.html or phone us at (260) 421-1225 or email us at genealogy@acpl.info. As they say in many parts of this great country, ya’ll come!

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HOTEL OF THE MONTH

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Each issue we will feature a local hotel, for visitors from out-of-town. Fairfield Inn By Marriott 5710 Challenger Pkwy, Fort Wayne 46818 260 489 0050 This conveniently-located hotel is about six miles from the library, straight down Lima/Clinton to downtown (about 15 minutes), and right at I-69 exit 111B. The 105 rooms feature a well-lit desk and the hotel emphasizes its cleanliness. Continental breakfast is included. There is an outdoor pool for those who visit in good weather. There are many restaurants of varying prices in the area, and stores for shopping or groceries. Rooms start at $74.

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AREA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana (ACGSI) 30th anniversary year Refreshments at 6:30, meeting at 7:00. Questions: contact Katie Bloom kathrynabloom@verizon.net Aboite Branch Library, Wednesday September 13: Curt Witcher, Manager of the Historical Genealogy Department of ACPL, will bring us an update on the library re-opening in January of 2007. Computer Users Group Aboite Branch Library, Wednesday September 20: 7:00 p.m. "What new web site I found on summer vacation." ACGSI members share their new and exciting finds. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) First Wednesday of each month in the Genealogy Department 9am – 7pm. Expert help from members of the DAR in becoming a member of that organization.

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ACPL LIBRARIANS ON TOUR

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Curt Witcher 30 August-2 September: Federation of Genealogical Societies Annual Conference, August 30- September 2, 2006, Boston, MA; "The Future of the Past: Rights and Responsibilities," "Your Society Wants You! Effective Recruiting Strategies for Genealogical Societies," "Lookin' & Bookin': Effective Use of Record Repositories," "Fingerprinting Our Families: Using Ancestral Origin/Ethnicity as a Genealogical Research Key." 14 September: Woodburn Branch Library, 4701 State Road 101 North, Woodburn, “Beginning Your Family History." 23 September: Permian Basin Genealogical Society Conference, Odessa, TX, "Doing the History Eliminates the Mystery," "Doing Effective Genealogical Research in Libraries," "Mining the Mother Lode: Using the 'Periodical Source Index,'" "Pain in the Access: Getting More from the Internet for Your Genealogy." 29-30 September: Pennsylvania Genealogy Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, "The Road Not Taken: Mega Internet Sites for Genealogists Off the Beaten Path" and "Pain in the Access: Getting More from the Internet for Your Genealogy." John Beatty 22 September: Clan Ewing Family Association Reunion, Don Hall’s Guest House, Fort Wayne, “The Ewing Family of Fort Wayne and their Fur Trading Empire.” Don Litzer 28 October: Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County History Fair, “Not Just Ancestry: Learning about Genealogy and the Internet.” Ryan Taylor 18 September: Noble County Genealogical Society annual dinner, “Creating a Family Cookbook.”

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DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE LIBRARY

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Wondering how to get to the library? Our exciting transition location is 200 E. Berry, Fort Wayne, Indiana. We will be at this location until late 2006. We would enjoy having you visit the Genealogy Department. To get directions from your exact location to 200 E. Berry, Fort Wayne, Indiana, visit this link at MapQuest: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=250&addtohistory=&searchtab=ad dress&searchtype=address&address=200+E+Berry+St&city=Fort+Wayne&state=IN&zipcode=46802 -2706&search=++Search++&finditform=1 From the South Exit Interstate 69 at exit 102. Drive east on Jefferson Blvd. into downtown. Turn left on Barr Street to Berry Street. The library is located on the corner of Berry and Barr Streets. From the North Exit Interstate 69 at exit 112. Drive south on Coldwater Road, which merges into Clinton Street. Continue south on Clinton, the library will be on your left when you cross Berry Street. From the West Using US 30: Drive into town on US 30. US 30 turns into Goshen Road. Coming up to an angled street (State Street.) make an angled left turn. Turn right on Wells Street. Go south on Wells to Wayne Street. Left on Wayne Street. When you cross Clinton, the library will be on your left on Wayne Street. 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. Turn right on Barr Street. Turn left on Berry Street. The library is on your left on Berry Street.

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PARKING AT THE LIBRARY

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Lot in front of the library, east side Available for short-term library parking. Limited to one hour. Tippman Parking Garage Clinton and Wayne Streets. Across from the library, however the skybridge is NOT accessible. Hourly parking, $1.25 per hour up to a maximum of $5.00 per day. Park Place Lot Covered parking on Barr Street at Main Street. This lot is one block away from the library. Hourly parking Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm. Street (metered) parking on Wayne Street and Berry Street. 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 Covered parking 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 DEPARTMENT QUERIES

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The Historical Genealogy Department 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 Historical Genealogy Department, 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.FriendsOfAllenCounty.org. Scroll down toward the bottom of the first screen where it says, "Enter Your Email Address to Subscribe to "Genealogy Gems." Enter your email address in the yellow box and click on "Subscribe." 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 GenealogyGems you just received or send an email to kspears@acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe ezine" in the subject line. Ryan Taylor, editor