|
|
Blog Entries: 1 to 10 of 59
|
Museum Now Open on Thursdays!!!
 Until further notice, the historical society's museum located within the Arcadia Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center will now be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. We are pleased to be adding this extra day to our schedule and we thank all of our volunteers for helping us to keep the museum open! |
|
Missouri Land Records
 An Abbreviated Guide to Missouri Land Records
Among the varied reasons our ancestors came to this country or later moved westward to places like Missouri was the promise of cheap land. Unless your ancestor stood to inherit land in the old country, there was often little land available, or at least little land available that they could afford. You may think of land record research in terms of going to the local county courthouse and searching through deed books, but here in Missouri, that’s just one of the places to look. This brief article provides an overview of the various types of land records in Missouri.
Missouri's rich history is woven into the land itself. For genealogists, land records offer a treasure trove of information about your ancestors' lives and settlements. Deciphering these records can be like putting together a puzzle, revealing where your kin lived, what they owned, and even their migration patterns.
So, where do you begin? Buckle up, because Missouri boasts a fascinating mix of land record sources:
1. Delving into the Past: French & Spanish Land Grants (1790-1803) Before Missouri became a U.S. state, French and Spanish colonial authorities granted land. These records, housed at the Missouri State Archives, offer a glimpse into early settlements. Be aware, these grants often reference pre-statehood county boundaries, so some digging might be necessary. You can search these records on-line by clicking here.
2. Unveiling Federal Land Sales (1818-1903) After the Louisiana Purchase, the U.S. government sold land parcels. You can search these records multiple ways at the Bureau of Land Management / General Land Office (BLM/GLO) website. Besides searching by surname, you can also search by county within a state to get a list of all land patents for that county or even by a particular township and/or range within a county.
3. Missouri State Land Patents Again, the Missouri State Archives is your source for researching Missouri state land patents for land that the state received from the federal government. These included categories like Township School Land and others described at the Archives website. You can search these records using the same link as that for the French and Spanish Land Grants mentioned above.
4. Digging Deeper: County Records Upon the first transfer of land between individuals, those records reside in each county’s courthouse. Most of these records for Missouri counties have been microfilmed and are available for your use at the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City. For Iron County, the Ozark Regional Library in Ironton has copies of many of these same microfilms, especially the earlier years. Of course, the Recorders Office in the Iron County Courthouse has the full set of records as well. These deeds can be goldmines, detailing property exchanges, ownership changes, and even family relationships mentioned within the legal documents.
5. Want to Learn More? There are a number of websites with great information on the value of land records for genealogists. The first place that I would recommend is the Family Search Wiki (sort of an on-line encyclopedia for all things genealogy). The land has always played an important part in our nation’s history. Similarly, land records can play an important role in your family history research. Good luck and happy hunting!
|
|
Grand Opening of Clark Branch Library
 This past week saw the grand opening of the new Clark Branch of the St. Louis County Library (SLCL). Those familiar with the old Headquarters Branch of the SLCL know that it housed one of the greatest family history resources in the local area.
The new branch is even better and you can get a look at all of the new features by clicking here. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to check it out!
The Clark Family Branch is the largest branch in the St. Louis County Library District. The new two-story building, encompassing 74,000 square feet, offers something for everyone. The library is located at 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 53131-2958.
|
|
April 2024 Minutes and July 2024 Agenda
 Just wanted to let eveyone know that the minutes from the April 2024 Annual Meeting as well as the agenda for our upcoming Quarterly Meeting on July 21, 2024 have been posted under the Members tab in the Members Only area of the website. For more information on our upcoming meeting, go to our Home page. |
|
New Webmaster Needed - It Could be You!
One of the songs in my playlist I created for when I walk is America’s “Don’t Cross the River”. The song is actually about a young girl trying to move forward with her troubled life, but one line in that song has taken on a deeper meaning for me. That line is, “Don’t cross the river if you can’t swim the tide.” Its deeper meaning implies that one shouldn’t attempt to do something if they are not prepared to accept the challenges, risks and the dedication necessary to see it through. This song and this particular line has taken on a special meaning for me when it comes to being your Webmaster.
When I volunteered to take on the role of Webmaster and to build the website that we have today, my life was much different. I didn’t have the family related responsibilities that I have today and, of course, I was younger. I was also under the mistaken impression that once the website was built that my work was basically done, perhaps my biggest mistake of all. Throughout my life whenever I have taken on a project, I try and give it my all. The sad truth of the matter is that, when it comes to the website, I feel that I am failing. I simply don’t have the time that I need to do everything that I need to be doing to make the website the best that it can be. I have already announced my intention to step down as Webmaster in April 2028 and I will honor that commitment. My sincere hope is that there is someone out there with a vision and the drive to take the website, employ their own vision and work to make our website even better. As it is with all positions in the historical society, the Webmaster is an unpaid position, but as our website is one of our most important outreach tools, it is probably one of the historical society’s most important roles. Any volunteer would need to work with the historical society’s Board of Directors, but you would have the latitude to employ your own vision. I would be willing to stay on for some period of time in a consulting role, but would not interfere with the changes you make. You needn’t worry about not having any experience in creating or maintaining a website, I didn’t have any either. Our website host has a 16 hour online training program along with several downloadable files that will prepare you for this rewarding position.
So, if there is someone out there that is interested in taking on this challenging and important role, I would ask that you reach out to me by email at webmaster@ironcountyhistory.org or by contacting any of our historical society’s officers or Board members.
|
|
Best State Websites 2024
 Every year, the folks at Family Tree Magazine produce a list the best websites for family history research within each state. Here's the the link to their list for 2024. Happy hunting and good luck! |
|
Revolutionary War Pension Records
 Improved Access To Revolutionary War Pension Records and Why They are So Valuable to Genealogists
One year ago, the National Archives and the National Parks Service began an ambitious project for America250 – adding transcriptions of 83,000 Revolutionary War Pension Files to the catalog. The files contain over 2.5 million pages! So far, nearly 65,000 pages have been transcribed by 3,400 volunteer Citizen Archivists, and 1,800 files have been completely transcribed. Now as we approach the one year anniversary of the project, we’re beginning the next phase, a tagging mission that will improve accessibility for all our users - and you don’t even have to read cursive to do it! Here's the link to find out more about that project
So, exactly why are these records so important for family historians?Well, if you are you tracing your family tree and hit a wall at the Revolutionary War era, these records may be the key to breaking through that wall. Revolutionary War military pension records can be a treasure trove of information for genealogists, offering a wealth of details about your ancestors who fought for American independence.
Why Pension Records Are Genealogical Gold
Unlike some military records that focus solely on service details, pension applications were created much later in life, often decades after the war. Veterans applying for financial assistance needed to prove their service history. This resulted in a rich tapestry of information beyond just military rosters. Here's what you might find:
- Military Service Details: Rank, unit, dates of enlistment and discharge, battles fought in, and even descriptions of specific duties.
- Biographical Information: Age, birthplace, residence at the time of application, and sometimes physical descriptions.
- Family Ties: Names of spouses, children, and even parents, along with marriage and birth dates when provided as proof of dependency.
- War Injuries and Disabilities: Details about wounds sustained and any ongoing health issues that resulted from service.
- Supporting Documents: A treasure trove of additional materials could be included, such as:
- Affidavits from fellow veterans corroborating service
- Family Bible pages or other genealogical documents
- Discharge papers
- Widows' applications revealing details about the veteran's death
Finding the Records
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) houses the vast majority of Revolutionary War pension records [National Archives Revolutionary War Pension Records]. Many have been digitized and are searchable online, while others require a trip to a NARA research facility. Several genealogical societies and websites have also compiled and indexed these records.
Tips for Using Pension Records
- Start with basic information: You'll need your ancestor's name, state of residence during their later years, and any known military details.
- Be prepared for variations: Spelling and names may not be consistent, so try searching with alternative spellings.
- Look beyond the application: The included affidavits and documents can hold surprising details.
- Consult online resources: Genealogical societies and websites offer valuable guides and indexes to help navigate these records.
Unearthing Your Revolutionary Ancestor's Story
Revolutionary War pension records offer a unique window into the lives of your ancestors who fought for freedom. With a little research and perseverance, you might uncover not just military details, but a captivating family narrative that brings history to life. So, delve into these records and get ready to discover the fascinating story of your Revolutionary War heroes.
|
|
Release of Legacy Family Tree Version 10
 This was passed along to me by Judie Huff, the historical society's recording secretary, I can't comment on the software because I have never used it and as the most current version of the software has just been released, I couldn't find any pre-release reviews for this most current version. I say all of this because, as always, I will never use this blog to promote / endorse one version of software over another (free or not). Like many other family history related tools, what works for one person, may not work for another. It's really up to you, the user, to decide.
All of that said, if you are new to genealogy and are looking for software that will help you to record your family history research, this freeware is definitely worth a look whether or not you choose to download it. Here's the link for you to check it out and decide for yourself. |
|
Family History and Recipes
A Taste of the Past: Exploring Historic Recipes for Family History Research
Earlier tonight I shared a post on our Facebook page about the making of Depression Era cornbread. I have to admit that, after 5 months of dieting, I can easily get sidetracked when it comes to food. Anyway, that post got me thinking about old family recipes and a possible way to use food to help get other family members interested in family history. Here goes:
Food connects us. It nourishes our bodies, brings families together, and tells stories passed down through generations. But have you considered using historic recipes as a tool for family history research? Delving into what your ancestors cooked can be a fascinating way to learn about their lives, culture, and even the times they lived in.
Recipes as Clues:
Unlike dry census records or birth certificates, historic recipes offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of your ancestors. They can reveal:
- Ingredients: Limited access to certain ingredients can tell you where your ancestors lived and their socioeconomic status.
- Cooking Techniques: Traditional methods used can hint at their cultural background and available resources.
- Family Traditions: Were there special dishes for holidays or celebrations? These recipes can shed light on family customs.
Finding Your Culinary Ancestors:
- Family Recipe Box: A treasure trove of handwritten recipes passed down through generations.
- Local Archives and Historical Societies: They may have archived cookbooks or resources specific to your region. Don’t forget about our cookbook, “A Celebration Worth Remembering” put together by Carolyn Sheehy. It is a reprint of the Centennial Cookbook from the 1957 Iron County Centennial Celebration. Each recipe in the book has the submitter’s name and some are old family recipes passed down through the generations. Carolyn’s thoughtful research includes modern equivalents for woodstove cooking temperatures and substitutions for ingredients that are no longer easily obtainable. The book is professionally printed and, besides the recipes, it also contains numerous photographs from the 1957 Centennial Celebration. It is soft cover, coil bound, 192 pages and is available at the museum or through our on-line bookstore.
- Online Resources: Websites like Project Gutenberg offer digitized historical cookbooks, and Ancestry.com has a recipe collection you can search.
Bringing History to Life:
Once you find a recipe, the fun begins! Here are some ways to use it:
- Research the Context: Learn about the historical period and the origin of the dish.
- Adapt and Cook: Many historic recipes require adjustments for modern kitchens. Research substitutions and techniques.
- Share the Story: Gather family and friends to cook and enjoy the dish together. Share the history you discovered.
More Than Just a Meal:
Exploring historic recipes is a journey that connects you to your ancestors on a deeper level. It's a way to taste their history, understand their experiences, and create new traditions for your own family. So, fire up the oven, dust off those old recipe cards, and get ready for a delicious adventure into the past!
Bon Appetit!
|
|
More on July's Program
The Provost Marshals in the Arcadia Valley
Presented by David W. Dillard
We hope you can join us for our Quarterly Meeting at 2 p.m. on July 21, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ironton. The church is located at the corner of Reynolds and Knob streets in Ironton and, as always, the public is cordially invited and encouraged to attend. This quarter's program, presented by David W. Dillard will detail the history of the provost marshals in the Arcadia Valley. David has spent many years researching the Civil War, especially as it relates to the history of the Arcadia Valley and the surrounding area.
During the entire Civil War, Missouri was ruled under martial law which is the replacement of civilian government by military rule and the suspension of civilian legal processes for military powers. The Arcadia Valley was under Union control during the entire Civil War except for Confederate General Sterling Price’s occupation in September 1864. Union forces allowed some civil law under the county sheriff and local courts, but they were subject to military review, if not full control. To implement martial law local Provost Marshals were appointed by the various military commanders with often vague and contradictory orders to act as police, judge and jury or as some historians have been termed them, “the Little Gods.” David’s presentation will give an overview of the fifteen Union officers who served as Provost Marshal in the Valley. He will provide a brief biography of each individual and the major incidents that occurred during their tenure while concentrating on some of the more notable. The company grade officers, captains and lieutenants, who were appointed to the position were usually young, non-military career men, with very little military training from diverse backgrounds. They were usually better educated and were or would pursue professional careers after the war. Among them were some men who figured notably in history such as Dr. Willis Danforth who would treat Mary Todd Lincoln and testify at her insanity hearing, Thomas Macklind who would marry Louisa Volker, the first female telegraph operator west of the Mississippi River. Macklind would later become street superintendent for St. Louis and Macklind Avenue would be named for him.
Among the local men appointed to the office were Carroll R. Peck the son-in-law of James Lindsay. Before the war, Peck was a merchant and receiver in the Government Land Office, while after the war he was postmaster and served in the Missouri Legislature. William T. Leeper who became a lawyer and judge in Wayne County also served in the Missouri Legislature and was one of the most noted guerilla hunters in Southeast Missouri. Another local Provost Marshal was Hugh M. Bradley from Louisiana, Missouri. He was a lawyer and merchant who settled in the Arcadia Valley after the war. His major claim to fame might be that his grandson is William “Bill” Bradley the NBA star and U. S. Senator.
Most of the citizens of the Arcadia Valley had southern sympathies for a verity of reasons, but were loyal to the United States. Under the “occupation” (at least that is how many Valley residents saw it) by federal forces and martial law, citizens were often subject to arrest, imprisonment, forced to take loyalty oaths, post a bond ranging up to $1,000, and banishment.
In Southeast Missouri there were no regular Confederate troops, except for various raids from Arkansas, but there were partisans, guerrillas, bushwhackers, and Southern supporters who caused a constant state of turmoil that kept the Provost Marshals busy. David’s presentation will provide a glimpse of who the amateur soldiers were who had been thrust into a divided and often hostile environment and how they handled almost unlimited power over the lives of citizens in the Arcadia Valley. We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you on July 21st!
|
|
|
