July 2008

Genealogy Gems: News from the Fort Wayne Library No. 53, July 31, 2008 In this issue: Finding and Placing Your Data A Valuable Guide to Scots-Irish Sources Annals of Cleveland: Cleveland Newspaper Digest and Cleveland Court Record Series Preservation Tip of the Month Tree Talks--A Family History Lecture Series Family History Month Line-up Librarians On Parade Area Calendar of Events Driving Directions to the Library Parking at the Library Queries for the Department

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Finding and Placing Your Data by Curt B. Witcher

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I hope you are enjoying a summer filled with family gatherings and other family history gathering opportunities. There are a lot of exciting activities taking place in the Genealogy Center. Our materials collection continues to grow at an amazing rate; our suite of program offerings continues to expand; and the Center continues to have many days where energized researchers are making neat family history discoveries. With so much data continuing to be mounted on the web, as well as finding a home on our shelves, making consequential genealogical discoveries increasingly depends on one's ability to know where to look for data and how to analyze that data once it is found. I’d like to share just a few short items with you that might impact where you find and where you place your family data. The Foundation for Online Genealogy continues to do very fine work developing the WeRelate.org website. With over two million names and associated data, it is the largest genealogy wiki on the Internet. Add to that the more than five million genealogy web pages that can be searched using a new search protocol, and this WeRelate website is a must visit. Visiting for the first time or visiting again, I believe you’ll be pleased. While we are talking about WeRelate.org, I must ask if you have thought about what will happen to your family history data in case of a natural disaster or other calamity. In the recent past, how often have we heard about wildfires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes? Among the first things people grieve after such horrible events is the loss of family history data, family heirlooms, and other memorabilia. Why not take advantage of the free archiving service provided by WeRelate? You can upload GEDCOM files to WeRelate, or you can simply create person or family pages on the site, where individual or family specific data can be keyed and digital data can be linked. In addition to creating a safe place from which you can access your family history data, you are also making it available to other researchers--preservation and accessibility! Our first two-day, classroom-style mini-course on beginning genealogy was a big hit this month! The class was full and we had a waiting list. The next two-day mini-course is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 24-25, 2008. It is titled, “Family History: Beyond the Basics.” Again taught by two experts, Marge Graham and Steve Myers, this course will provide an up-close look at major record groups, problem solving strategies, and tracing your ancestors across the Atlantic. It is definitely not too early to register. If you wait too long, you may end up on the waiting list! The information-packed program can be found at the URL below.  

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A Valuable Guide to Scots-Irish Sources by John D. Beatty

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A large number of Americans, including this writer, can trace at least a portion of their ancestry to so-called Scots-Irish settlers from Ulster who immigrated to America in the eighteenth century. The challenge of researching these families is often fraught with a variety of difficulties, chief among them identifying the exact place in Ulster where the immigrant originated. Even if the birthplace is known, it can be difficult to identify extant sources in Ireland that might provide useful information. A popular misconception is that the 1922 Public Record Office fire destroyed all valuable Irish source material. William Roulston’s book, “Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors: The Essential Genealogical Guide to Early Modern Ulster, 1600-1800,” (Belfast: Ulster Historical Foundation, 2005) (Gc 941.6 R759r) comes to the rescue and provides an important tool for what is admittedly a difficult area of research. The words “essential genealogical guide” in the book’s title are not an overstatement. Roulston, the Research Director of the Ulster Historical Foundation in Belfast, has produced the most authoritative book on this subject to date. He begins with a short overview of Ulster history and follows with chapters on church records, gravestone inscriptions, seventeenth and eighteenth century records, landed estate records, deed records, wills and testamentary papers, election records, local government records, military records, newspapers, genealogical collections, and other miscellaneous sources. The book is also enhanced with maps of the counties of Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Monaghan, and Tyrone. Each section in the book is richly detailed with references to specific sources, many of which are located in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI). An appendix on church records lists, alphabetically by town, all extant seventeenth and eighteenth century registers and vestry minutes. A second appendix, arranged by county, lists extant estate collections with their PRONI or National Library of Ireland catalog numbers, while a third appendix, arranged alphabetically by parish, lists a variety of pertinent records, giving users an easy means of cross referencing estate papers and census substitutes for areas of interest. Genealogists will find many new leads, especially with respect to estate papers, whose value is often not fully appreciated by American researchers. Roulston himself will be at the Allen County Public Library, together with Brian Trainor, for a Scots-Irish workshop on October 4. Come and take advantage of the opportunity to hear one of the foremost authorities in this field. The book is also a valuable read and is frequently consulted in my own personal research.

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Annals of Cleveland: Cleveland Newspaper Digest and Cleveland Court Record Series by Delia Cothrun Bourne

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As difficult and demoralizing as the Great Depression was, some wonderful buildings, artwork, and historical sources were created as a result of make-work schemes coordinated by the Works Progress Administration. Along with vital record and cemetery indexes, slave narratives, and historical resource surveys, newspaper transcriptions and abstracts were created, and among those abstracts were the “Annals of Cleveland.” The “Annals” consists of the “Cleveland Newspaper Digest” 1818-76 and the “Cleveland Court Record Series” 1837-77. Newspapers abstracted include the following: the “Cleaveland Gazette and Commercial Register” later the “Cleaveland Register” 1818-20, the Cleveland “Herald” 1819-34 and 1836-47, the Cleveland “Whig” 1834-36, the “Daily True Democrat” 1848-53, the “Forest City Democrat” 1853-54, and the Cleveland “Leader” 1854- 76. The “Annals” are available in the Genealogy Center both on microfiche and in bound volumes (977.102 C59an and 977.102 C59ana), although the “Newspaper Digest” books only cover 1818-1858. The first years of the “Newspaper Digest” are arranged chronologically, and then switch to a subject-oriented arrangement. Subjects include, but are not limited to, such diverse topics as Accidents and Disasters, Transportation, Courts, Mathematics, Intoxication, Crime, Marriage, Divorces, Canals, Office Holders, and Lectures and Speeches. An every name and subject index appears annually to provide a citation number. Although these are abstracts, there are some entries that indicate that the piece is verbatim. Subject classification lists, as well as abstracts on the subject “Canals and Canal Boats,” are online at http://www.clevelandmemory.org/SpecColl/annals/Guide toDM.htm As with the newspapers in any good sized town of the era, marriage and death notices included information from other areas of the state, as well as for former residents. Militia notes usually only named regimental commanders, but occasionally the election or appointment of officers was noted, as was the case on May 28, 1824 when the officers of the 3rd regiment, Ohio Militia were listed. Accidents included the drowning death of Lanson Bristol, a 21-year old man of color from New York, who died June 4, 1825. Marriage and Family citations noted Eugene Jumont’s removal from the custody of his parents in 1866 because his mother abused him, even threatening her husband when he tried to defend the 11-year-old. In 1871, juvenile delinquents accused of theft, destruction of property, loafing around, and the misappropriation of peaches were listed by name, and the newspaper encouraged their incarceration at the reform farm. As usual, newspaper abstracts make for interesting browsing, but the “Annals” are also a valuable source for researching ancestors in the Cleveland area, certainly one worth examining.

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Preservation Tip of the Month

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If you are attending a family reunion this summer, you may receive some valuable family documents and heirlooms. Storing them properly for future generations to enjoy should be a high priority. What typically affects the longevity of documents and artifacts is the environment in which they are stored. Light affects documents and artifacts--store them away from both natural light and artificial light. Dirt and dust affect documents and artifacts--store them in a clean container. Chemicals, particularly acidic containers and papers, affect documents and artifacts--store them in acid-free containers. Changes in temperature and humidity affect documents and artifacts--store them where both are consistent. A few simple steps will help ensure generations of enjoyment.

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Tree Talks--A Family History Lecture Series by Delia Bourne and Melissa Shimkus ***************************************

Our fourth-Saturday "Tree Talks" lecture for August will be on the 23rd, and will feature Delia Bourne discussing "Vital Records & Their Substitutes.” The presentation will be at 10 a.m. in Meeting Room A, Main Library. September’s “Tree Talks” will be a real treat--it is the Military Symposium and it will span two days, Friday and Saturday, September 26 & 27, 2008. As previously noted in past “Genealogy Gems,” Marie Melchiori, CG, CGL, a nationally acclaimed military records specialist, will discuss National Archive military records, and research sources for Confederate and Federal soldiers. Curt Witcher will highlight the Our Military Heritage website at Friday evening's dinner. Saturday afternoon will provide opportunities for individual consultations on your research challenges. Click on http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/Military%20Symposium.pdf for program and information on registration. While the September “Tree Talks” is not free, is well worth the fee. Ms. Melchiori is an expert worth hearing--extremely knowledgeable yet easy to understand. And the registration cost of $50 (payable to the Allen County Public Library) includes Friday evening dinner! You can simply send a check for $50 with your name, postal address and email address to: Military Symposium 2008, Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center, P.O. Box 2270, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 260-421-1225 or Genealogy@ACPL.Info

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Family History Line-up

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You’ve simply must check-out the Family History Month line-up of programs planned for this coming October and make plans now to attend a good number of the sessions being offered. See the calendar at: www.ACPL.Info/genealogy/FamilyHistoryMonthActivities.pdf Look for a special announcement about our 2008 Family History Month activities in next month’s edition of this e-zine.

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Librarians on Parade

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Curt Witcher August 1, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., Indiana Library Federation Reference Division Annual Meeting, Allen County Public Library, Theater, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. “Something for Everyone: Genealogical Reference Services in the 21st Century.” August 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. “Midwestern Roots 2008 Family History & Genealogy Conference,” Indiana Historical Society’s History Center, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN. Moderator for “The Evolution of Genetic Genealogy” Panel. August 15, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. “Midwestern Roots 2008 Family History & Genealogy Conference” at the Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 East 21st Street, Indianapolis. “Using Government Documents for Genealogical Research.” August 16, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. “Midwestern Roots 2008 Family History & Genealogy Conference” at the Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 East 21st Street, Indianapolis. “Doing Effective Genealogical Research in Libraries;” and 4:00 p.m. “Who Went Where . . . & Did What?! Using Directories in Genealogical Research.” August 17, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies Conference on Jewish Genealogy at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Hotel, 540 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ballroom B. “Resources for Jewish Genealogical Research at the New Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.” September 3, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. Federation of Genealogical Societies 2008 Annual Conference at the Philadelphia Convention Center. “Past Perfect: The Best of Times for Serving Genealogists.” September 5, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. Federation of Genealogical Societies 2008 Annual Conference at the Philadelphia Convention Center. “All that Other Stuff: Enumerations Beyond the Federal Census Records.” September 6, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. Federation of Genealogical Societies 2008 Annual Conference at the Philadelphia Convention Center. “Looking for the Whites of Their Eyes: Online Sites for Revolutionary War Data and Research.” September 10, 2008 at 6:30 p.m., Allen County Genealogical Society Meeting, Allen County Public Library, 1st Floor Meeting Rooms, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. “What’s New at the Genealogy Center.” September 20, 2008, Permian Basin Genealogical Society Fall Workshop, Odessa, TX. “Historical Research Methodology: Engaging the Process to Find All the Answers,” “An Ancestor’s Death: A Time for Reaping,” “Using Military Records for Genealogical Research,” and “More Than Surname Surfing: Best Practices for Using the Internet for Genealogy.” John Beatty August 1, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., Indiana Library Federation Reference Division Annual Meeting, Allen County Public Library, Theater, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. “County History Book Projects: An Opportunity for Local Libraries.” Delia Bourne August 23, 2008 at 10 a.m., Meeting Room A, Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. “Vital Records & Their Substitutes.”

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Area Calendar of Events

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Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana (ACGSI) September 10, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the Allen County Public Library’s Main Library, 900 Library Plaza., Theater, Lower Level 2. Curt Witcher will present “What’s New at the Genealogy Center.” Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, 302 East Berry, Ft. Wayne, IN September 14, 2008, 2 p.m., Russell A. Working presents “Growing Up in Indian During the Great Depression Years”

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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 102. 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 112. 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.Info. 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. Steve Myers & Curt Witcher, co-editors