MAY SEMINAR IN MORROW. Christine Rose

Transcription

1 The Scribe Official Newsletter of The Georgia Genealogical Society Vol. 18, No. 2 ~ April, 2011 MAY SEMINAR IN MORROW Lecturer Will Explore Methods Of Researching Two American Wars Those who are researching the earliest wars of the United States will want to attend the upcoming seminar sponsored by the Georgia Genealogical Society. Christine Rose s topic will be The Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 Erroneous Conclusions and Problem Solving. The seminar will be held on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m.-4:30 a.m. at the National Archives, 5780 Jonesboro Road in Morrow. The seminar will be divided into four sessions, with topics as follows: Revolutionary War in the South We will visit some of the major conflicts in the South and how they affected the outcome of the war. We will also discuss some valuable records beyond the pension file. War of 1812: Its Causes and Its Records We will take a fresh look at this forgotten war: why we entered the war, what happened during the war and the records it left. Leaping to Erroneous Conclusions What did the record really say? We often quickly come to a conclusion as to what a document means. But, does it really tell us that? We will look at numerous instances where we can misinterpret the evidence. Solving The Problem in 25 Hours or Less! We will discuss strategies on how to Christine Rose maximize the research so that in a few hours great advances can be made. This segment will be enhanced by a case study. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Payment and registration forms for the seminar submitted by postal mail must be received by Monday, Feb. 28. Those registering online may pay with PayPal. To register online go to www. gagensociety.org/calendar_ggs.htm. Click on Reservation Form. The deadline for registering online is Monday, May 2. A fee of $5 will be charged for late registrations. Lunch will not be provided, but there are several restaurants in the area. Christine Rose, CG, CGL, FASG, has lecturing experience that includes national conferences (National Genealogical Society, Federation of Genealogical Societies and Gen Tech), as well as regional and local seminars. Rose has been on the faculty at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (Samford at the University of Birmingham, Alabama) since In 1988, she was elected Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists. Rose is the author of several published articles and books. Please see Page 3 for a reservation form and more information. See What s New At Members Only The Members Only section of the Georgia Genealogical Society Web site is always adding new content. The newest additions are PDF format files of the GGS Quarterly: 1964 (vol. 1), 1965 (vol. 2), 1966 (vol. 3), and 1967 (vol. 4), as well as files from 2007 and 2008 issues. See all the helpful information at.

2 April, 2011 ~ Page 2 The Scribe The official quarterly newsletter of The Georgia Genealogical Society Our mission is to collect, preserve & disseminate genealogical information. Vivian Price, Editor Society Officers Linda S. Hughes, President Susan Sloan, Vice President Marcia Peck Swanson, Treasurer Sarah Rondeau, Recording Secretary Joanne Smalley, Corresponding Secretary Kenneth H. Thomas, Jr., Historian/Archivist Mike Brubaker, Past President Directors Beth Olson, Publicity Phyllis Yancey, Membership Sue VerHoef, Publications Nathan Mathews, Policies and Procedures Emma Davis-Hamilton, At-Large Karen Molohon, Programs Ex - Officio Members Linda Woodward Geiger, CG, CGL, Webmaster Monica Hopkins, Quarterly Editor Vivian Price, Newsletter Editor Deadlines: The first day of January, March, August, and October. Publication: February, April, September and November. Materials for publication: Send to Vivian Price 3570 Hildon Circle, Chamblee, GA msaffold@bellsouth.net Advertising: Members -- Quarter page, $10; half page, $40; full page, $80. Non-members -- Quarter page, $25; half page, $50; full page, $100 Address changes: Send to Phyllis Yancey, 2541 Oakridge Place, Decatur, GA pyancey@att.net The Scribe via Write to Vivian Price msaffold@bellsouth.net P. O. Box Atlanta, GA Please note: The Georgia Genealogical Society has no permanent staff or library and cannot assist with personal research. The Scribe From the President Linda S. Hughes Start Thinking Like An Ancestor! Genealogy is all about ancestors. We collect them; we study their lives and their relationships to each other. We look at maps and timelines, and in the process we learn much more geography and history than we did in high school. Research is no longer a dreaded word, and we happily read old wills, deeds, tax records and other documents looking for that missing piece of information. We often bemoan the fact that our ancestors left little information behind for us. What we sometimes fail to remember is that we, too, will be ancestors one day. What are we leaving behind for future generations? This was recently brought home to me because of the death of my sister-in-law. She died childless, so she won t be someone s ancestor, but she will be a link to others in the family who will be ancestors. With that thought in mind, we tried to make her obituary genealogy friendly so future generations can find the names of her parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, as well as highlights of her life. What else can we be sure we leave behind for future generations? A few come to find immediately: pictures with people identified; our genealogy research, well organized and properly sourced; business records such as deeds and wills; awards, newspaper articles and other things celebrating our lives; diplomas; and many, many more. Another area of consideration, however, is what we leave behind for our loved ones who must settle our estate and clean out our belongings. My sister-in-law did a good job of identifying family treasures. She had packed many boxes for a planned move to another apartment, and she had carefully marked them with notes like Grandma s quilt, and Mother s table linens. We found her high school and college yearbooks, her high school scrapbook, and several awards from her college years. She had told her best friend that a group of ceramic items in her kitchen belonged to her mother and grandmother and that the smoking stand in the living room belonged Please see President s Column, Page 7

3 The Scribe April, 2011 ~ Page 3 Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Erroneous Conclusions, Problem Solving j Revolutionary War in the South j War of 1812: Its Causes and Its Records j Leaping to Erroneous Conclusions j Solving The Problem in 25 Hours or Less! featuring Christine Rose National Archives 5780 Jonesboro Road, Morrow Registration: 9:15-10 a.m. Program: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $25 Members, $35 Non-Members REGISTRATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY APRIL 25, MAY 2 ONLY IF USING PAYPAL A $5 surcharge will be assessed for late registrations. Name Street City/State/Zip Address Number members Number non-members Total enclosed $ Please provide names of all registrants, so nametags can be made. Make checks payable to Georgia Genealogical Society and mail with completed form to: Dept. W P. O. Box Atlanta, GA Please tell us how you heard about this meeting (check one): Brochure? Ken Thomas column Newspaper article Web site Other (please explain) Join now and save! Individual membership: $35, Family membership: $40 Contact Karen Molohon at (evenings) or program@gagensociety.org with any questions.

4 April, 2011 ~ Page 4 GGS MEETINGS FEATURE LAND AND DNA TOPICS The upcoming Georgia Genealogical Society quarterly meetings will be held on Saturdays, Oct. 1 and Dec. 3. Paul K. Graham will speak on Land Research in Georgia (headright and bounty grants, land lotteries, militia districts, tax digests and local land records). December s meeting will feature two speakers. Joanne Smalley will discuss tax digests, and Terry Barton s topic will be Autosomal Block DNA, the newest DNA test for genealogy. The December meeting will be the society s annual holiday luncheon, at which awards will be presented. Both meetings will be held at the National Archives in Morrow. Watch The Scribe and the GGS Web site for details. CLARKE-OCONEE SOCIETY SCHEDULES ANNUAL EXPO The Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society will hold its annual Genealogy and History Expo on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at a location to be announced. Speaker Terry Barton will give a talk entitled DNS in Genealogy An Overview of ydna, mtdna and atdna. The event is free, but registration is required. Phone , ext LUNCH AND LEARN AT GEORGIA ARCHIVES The Friends of the Georgia Archives and History (FOGAH) sponsors this free monthly lectures as a way to help the public learn more about Georgia s rich history. Guest speakers cover a variety of topics on the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome to bring a lunch to eat during the program. Reservations are not necessary unless a group is more than ten people. For more information, please contact Georgia Archives Public Services at Upcoming programs include: MARK YOUR CALENDARS March 10 Lafayette s Visit to Georgia Susan Sloan, Professional Research Genealogist This will be a unique look at America s Guest as he traveled through Georgia in March Join us as we toast the Marquis on his visit to Savannah, then take part in a steamboat race in Augusta. We ll travel with him as he visits several towns on his way to Macon, and spends the night at the Old Indian Agency as we make our way to a Creek Indian town on the banks of the Chattahoochee near present-day Columbus. April 14 The Mystery of Daniel Appling s Sword David Carmicheal, Director, Georgia Archives Learn more about this Georgia hero from the War of 1812, his military service and the mysterious history of his ceremonial sword. May 12 Documents Road Show Tina Seetoo, Conservator, Georgia Archives After a brief overview of best practices for the care of records, professional conservators will be available to assess your family papers and provide guidance on their care. No monetary appraisals will be given. See org/documentsroadshow for details. June 9 The Prescott Project: Discovering the Oldest African American Community in Northwestern Wisconsin. Postcards and Historical Research Dr. Timothy Ericson, University of Wisconsin Explore a large, previously unknown African American community in Northwestern Wisconsin that was recently discovered by accident. Established prior to the Civil War, during the 1870s and 1880s it had become one of the largest rural African American communities in Wisconsin, but by 1900 The Scribe it had almost all disappeared. Where did these African American settlers come from? Where did they go? Why did they leave? What about evidence that the community had connections with the Underground Railroad? July 14 Read It Write: Interpreting Early Style of Handwriting Sandy Boling, Historian and Genealogist Researchers often find it difficult to decipher handwritten documents. Understanding trends in penmanship and language will make the task easier. August 11 DeKalb History Center: Local Resources at Their Best Melissa Forgey, Executive Director, DHC What does a county-wide history center collect? What local resources does DHC have to share with researchers and how are they made available? Learn more about what this 63 year old organization has to offer you. September 8 Georgia History: Why It Matters Jamil S. Zainaldin, President, Georgia Humanities Council Dr. Zainaldin will look at three Georgia-related events or people that, arguably, have changed the face of the United States and possibly the world and explore why more people outside Georgia (and a great many inside the state) may not know much about these events and people. October 13 Was Your Great Grandmother an Indian Princess? Brian Wilson, Archivist II, Georgia Archives Mary Evelyn Tomlin, Public Programs Specialist, NARA Explore resources for tracing Native American heritage at the Georgia Archives and the National Archives at Atlanta. Please See Calendar, Page 7

5 The Scribe April, 2011 ~ Page 5 From The Director The recent issues surrounding the Archives budget have prompted a number of questions from patrons of the Archives. Since Scribe readers are among our most frequent (and favorite!) visitors, I thought I would share some of the questions and answers with you: Why do budget cuts seem to affect the Archives more than other state agencies? Is the Archives being singled out and asked to cut more than others? The Archives is not being singled out for its budget cuts all state agencies are taking (basically) the same percentage of reductions. The Archives is affected, however, more dramatically than many others because such a large percentage of its annual costs are fixed. Fixed costs include rent and utilities and other costs that cannot be adjusted when the budget is reduced. In 2001, for example, the Archives rent represented 38 percent of its total budget; in 2010 it represented 54 percent. In 2001 almost 60 percent of the Archives budget was spent on staff; today it spends just over 30 percent. Why does the Archives rent its building? When the building was constructed the state chose to do it through a publicprivate partnership in which the building was constructed to the Archives specifications and then leased back to the state. Rent payments are actually normal for state agencies, even when the state owns the building. The Archives rented its former building (the white ice cube building) from the Georgia Building Authority and paid monthly rent, just as it does now. What has the Archives done to reduce costs? Since 2001 the Archives has cut its energy consumption by more than 50 percent (try that at home!), and we are still searching out ways to lower it further. In fact, some of the methods the Archives has been trying including periodically shutting David W. Carmicheal, Georgia Archives down the system that cools our record storage areas are now becoming widely accepted in the archival world. Our vaults are so well constructed that they maintain the proper temperature and humidity even as we cycle the cooling systems off. As our energy consumption has fallen, of course, energy prices have risen, so it is an endless effort to try to reduce costs. We have reduced costs further by greatly reducing purchases of archival supplies a short term solution at best. Thanks to the Friends of Georgia Archives and History (and friends like GGS) we have found money for the most urgent purchases. How does closing to the public reduce costs? By reducing our public hours we save in some significant ways: we use less energy, because we don t need to heat and cool and illuminate certain parts of the building to the same extent; we use fewer supplies; and we need fewer staff. Public service is hugely important to us, so public reductions come only after the Archives has reduced considerably in the areas that occur out of sight of the public. Still, there comes a point where those out-of-sight reductions can t continue (think of a restaurant that tries to stay in business by cutting its entire out-of-sight kitchen staff). Behind the scenes the Archives is identifying and collecting the state government records that protect your legal, civil and property rights. That is an absolutely essential function and, while we have scaled it back, it cannot be discontinued without dire consequences to Georgians. Secretary of State Brian Kemp and I remain totally committed to customer service, and we look forward to the day when full hours at the Archives will resume. In the meantime, I deeply appreciate your understanding and your heartfelt words of encouragement! Volunteers Needed To Staff GGS Booth At NGS Conference The Georgia Genealogical Society will have a booth at the upcoming National Genealogical Society Conference to be held Wednesday-Saturday, May in Charleston, S. C. Volunteers are needed to help staff the booth. Anyone interested should Beth Olson at elizabeth.s.olson@gmail. com. The theme of the conference is Where the Past is Still Present. Sessions will be held in the Charleston Area Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive, 20 minutes north of the Historic Charleston district. Presenters will include such nationally-known experts as Elizabeth Shown Mills, Lloyd Buckstruck, John Philip Colletta, Pamela Boyer Sayre, J. Mark Lowe, Brent Howard Holcomb and Helen Leary, as well as GGS web mistress Linda Woodward Geiger and former GGS president Sharon Tate Moody. A conference flyer and registration form may be found at:

6 April, 2011 ~ Page 6 Past GGS President Douglas R. Davis Dies At Age 66 Past Georgia Genealogical Society president Douglas Roy Davis, 66, of Smyrna, died Sunday, Jan. 16. Davis was a lifelong resident of Cobb County; he was the seventh generation of his family to live in Cobb. He graduated from The Darlington School in 1962, attended the University of Georgia and was graduated from Mercer University in 1966, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He served for three years in the United States Army. After his stint in the military, he was graduated from the Walter F. George School of Law. He had been a member of the State Bar of Georgia since Davis was a past president of the Cobb County Genealogical Society, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and served on the Georgia Civil War Commission during the administration of Gov. Sonny Perdue. In addition to his interest in history and genealogy, he also was a member of Latham Lodge No. 12 F&AM for 37 years. He was Master in 1987, the bicentennial year of the Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Dovey Hatcher Davis; children, Katie Davis Merrill and Wyatt Harrison Davis and grandchildren, Maggie Merrill, Mollie Merrill, Harrison Davis and Alexander Davis. He was buried with military honors at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. Contributions may be made in his memory to The March of Dimes, The American Cancer Society or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS Irving Bailey, Elizabeth, N. J. Noreen Barber, Oxford Bill Beckemeyer, Roswell John Boone, Perry, Okla. Linda Bramhall, Loganville John Catchings, Marietta William Cowan, Flintstone, Ga. Nancy Daniels, Oak Ridge, Tenn. Julia B. Donaghy, Winston-Salem, N. C. Craig M. Epps, Fayetteville, Ga. Elizabeth Esmann, Boca Raton, Fla. Erin and Barbara Feathers, Brandon, Miss. Ronald L. Flynn Jr., Lilburn Candy Newsome Ford, Atlanta Ollie L. Garmon, Alphaetta Virginia S. Gorday, Atlanta J. Wren and Barbara Harris, Jr., Columbus Janet Heard, Loganville Janyce Hughes, Riverdale, Ga. Cathy Hyer, Suwanee Doris Jones, Snellville Timothy Jones, Milwaukee, Wisc. Karen Kregel, Auburn Jennie Langer, Marietta Lillie M. Larch, Cherokee, N. C. Carolyn C. Latimer, Monroe, Ga. Drs. Gary J. and Terri E. Lindquester, Collierville, Tenn. Albert Martin Jr., Atlanta Janis Hicks McIntosh, Waco, Texas James McMurrey, Richardson, Texas Karen Molohon, Marietta David New, Doraville Jessie H. Paulk, Salem, Fla. Cordelia A. Riley, Hampton James Stephens, Atlanta Terri Taylor-Hamrick, Lake Spivey Marsha Van Ham, Norcross Andrea Vissotzky, Peachtree City Cassandra White, Mobile, Ala. Jason H. Williams, Valley, Ala. The Scribe Foundation Gives Grants For Book Printing, Purchase PRINTING GRANTS Faye Stone Poss Jackson County, Georgia, Newspaper Clippings, The Jackson Herald, Zoie Register/Huxford Genealogical Society, Inc. Pearson, Georgia Newspaper Clippings Zoie Register/Huxford Genealogical Society, Inc. Marriages of Atkinson County, Georgia Gordon B. Smith Morningstars of Liberty: Georgia Continental Officers During the Revolutionary War, , Vol. II Brent H. Holcomb Marriage and Death Notices from the Southern Presbyterian, Volume III, (2 books) Mary Bondurant Warren Georgia Governor and Council Journals 1782 BOOK PURCHASES Tad Evans Pulaski County, Georgia, Newspaper Clippings, Vol. VII, Tad Evans Pulaski County, Georgia Newspaper Clippings, Vol. VIII, Tad Evans Macon, Georgia, Newspaper Clippings (Weekly Telegraph), Vol. XIV Elizabeth E. Kilbourne Columbus, Georgia, Newspaper Clippings, Volume X, Fred W. McRee, Jr. Taliaferro County, Georgia, Deaths, For more information about the R. J. Taylor, Jr. Foundation, visit

7 The Scribe April, 2011 ~ Page 7 her grandfather. This was wonderful and very helpful. This gift to us has reminded me that we need to photograph and identify all of our family heirlooms so that our children know the history of these items and can make an informed decision about what to keep and what to toss. My sister-in-law led a relatively simple life, and finding her important papers was easy. We knew her computer passwords because we helped set them up. She didn t store her life on her computer as many of us do. I believe she is the exception rather than the rule, however. Would your surviving spouse, partner, children or siblings be able to easily find what they need to sort out your affairs? Do they know where you bank, the names of your accountant, investment advisor, attorney, pastor, etc.? Do they know your wishes for your funeral service, whether or not you wish to be cremated, where your body or ashes should be interred, your accomplishments for your obituary, whether or not you have a pre-paid cemetery plot? Do they know whether you have a will and where it is President s Column Continued from Page 2 located? Do they know the location of your insurance policies, car titles, and deeds? Do they know the location of your safety deposit box? Will they have immediate access to it or will they have to wait for probate? Do they know your important computer passwords? If you want certain possessions to go to particular people, is this desire in writing? What about your pets? These are but a few of the things your survivors will face in closing your estate. What can you do to help them? My husband and I have prepared a document for our children answering these sorts of questions. We continually update it and place the most recent update in our safety deposit box (which our children have access to) and give them an updated CD annually. Despite these efforts, we will probably still forget something important. I urge you to start thinking like an ancestor! Leave good records behind. Calendar Continued From Page 4 November 10 The Lafayette Escadrille Narayan Sengupta, World War I Aviation Speaker The Lafayette Escadrille, a squadron of the French Air Service during World War I, was composed largely of American volunteer pilots flying fighters. Join us to learn more about these remarkable airmen and their exploits. December 8 Your Home s Family Tree Amanda Mros, Reference Archivist, Georgia Archives Anne Smith, Assistant Director, Georgia Archives Learn about resources available to help you trace the history of a building or property. For a complete listing of programs, please see G e o r g i a GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Since 1964 the best bargain for genealogical researchers with Georgia connections For as little as $35 per year, you can receive a variety of privileges that will energize your genealogical research. Only Members Can Get These Great Benefits: Discounted seminars. Helpful publications. The GGS Quarterly magazine. Only Members Can Access the Members Only section of the GGS Web site: The Scribe newsletter. Three free queries in each issue of the newsletter. Do your friends a favor. Tell them about the benefits of being a GGS member. See page 8 for a membership application!

8 Georgia Genealogical Society P. O. Box Atlanta, GA On the Internet at Nonprofit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Permit No. 315 Lilburn, GA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Join GGS Today! Name Street City/State/Zip Day Phone Evening Phone OK to publish name in newsletter Yes No Prefer newsletter by Yes No Please make checks payable and mail to: Georgia Genealogical Society P. O. Box Atlanta, GA For more information: Individual ~ $35 Families (same residence) ~ $40 Institutions/Organizations ~ $35 (online members-only access not included) Patrons ~ $50 Benefactors ~ $100