Should I or Shouldn't I?

Recently, one of my dear cousins was a presenter at a genealogy conference held in York, PA.  Since I was unable to attend in person (just my spirit was there), dear sweet Frank was kind enough to grab the handouts for me.  I've been reviewing these and look forward to seeing if any of the hints will be beneficial as the search for those elusive kin continues.

Cousin Frank's topic was on creating a family history book.  After reviewing his notes, I find myself wanting, yet again, to take the time to create a book that future generations can read when they have a need to find their roots.

I've been asked to do this by several kin and I just haven't done it.  The main reason is the information uncovered changes so rapidly that the alleged book would be out of date when it is published. Seems like a familiar lament in the world of publishing.

If you decide to create a family history book, please consider the following as "must-have."

• Table of Contents with each major and minor family surname.
• Every name index.
• Source everything.
• Names, dates, marriages, deaths, grave locations, all children found.
• Add pictures of homes, people, graves, family plots, wedding announcements and obits.
• Have an appendix with wills.
• Have an appendix with land records.
• Tell the story of the area(s) in which your family lived or migrated.
• Tell the story of why they migrated.
• Include family lore, but be sure to acknowledge whether it has or has not been documented.
• Did I mention source EVERYTHING?

Ok, so maybe writing a family history book isn't in the immediate future.  Maybe, I'll just continue writing these genealogy tidbits which have been discovered about the family of long ago.  That way, I can entertain my readers without the standard "who begat who", and rather, focus on WHO the beloved ancestors were.  And, maybe, just maybe, I'll publish some of my favorite GeniTales for my kin to keep on their coffee tables.:)

Ahh, genealogy.  Tis always wonderful to sit and reread genealogy tales of the past.  Many times, they remind me of the next step I need to take. That is, after I say a prayer of thanks for what my beloved family did, however big or small, and for their dedicated faith in God.


©2012 AS Eldredge

Are Your Roots in Georgia? Great Used Book Sale Online

While my genealogy roots are not in Georgia, I still am interested in the state.  I imagine it's because I have spent some time there in the Peach State.

There are some 20 used books for sale on Georgia that would be of immense value to those researching the state.  Included are some indices for early Georgia grants byb the English crown and some probates, as well as some Civil War letters and histories of some counties.

There are a couple of titles that really caught my eye.  One is on those beautiful old Savannah gardens and old Georgia courthouses.

If Fayette County is of interest to you, then you will most likely be interested in:
Fayette County, Georgia Probate Records 1824-1871 by Jeannette Holland Austin. Abstracts of court house records, 383 pp., hardbound, like new. Price: $15.00.

So go on and take a gander.  You may just find the perfect peach for your collection......
http://genealogy-books.blogspot.com/2010/12/used-georgia-books-for-sale.html

Ahh, genealogy.  Kinda like making the perfect peach pie.  You have to find just the right ones for your taste buds to explode in delight.


©2010 AS Eldredge

Rare Finds at Georgia Archives This Weekend

Now, this may just be the ticket to encourage some genealogy buffs to trek over to Morrow to the Georgia Archives. Will there be some great treasures to find?

The following article is from Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter and is copyright by Richard W. Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Information about the newsletter is available at http://www.eogn.com.

Rare Books for Sale at Georgia Archives

You never know what treasures may be buried among the 25,000 books that go on sale Thursday at the Georgia Archives in Morrow. Volunteers at the state’s repository for historic documents have amassed an assortment of volumes from around the country that just may include a few hidden gems.

Volunteer coordinator Dee Thompson described the genealogy books: “They are a very small percentage of the 25,000 books we’ll sell,” she said. “They may take up two full shelves. But there are some good ones, even a few rare genealogy books. And they’re not expensive, between $10 and $20. Everything this year is priced much lower than it’s been in the past.”
Hours for the Friends of Georgia Archives and History book sale are Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for members only. (New members who join that evening are also welcome.) Public hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Details may be found at http://foga.pbworks.com and at http://www.ajc.com/news/henry/rare-books-a-top-203235.html.

Look It Up, Dano!

I was wandering around today and came across the site "Books We Own.". It is manned by a group of volunteers (my favorite people) who are willing to provide complimentary lookups in books they own.

This site has been active for over 12 years. Reimbursement may be requested for copy or snail mail services.

Check it out.