This is a growing collection of free genealogy books and documents. Read or download the free PDFs.
The fourth volume of the Colonial Records of North Carolina scrutinizes the long administration of Governor Gabriel Johnston in North Carolina (1734-1762), challenging his traditionally positive reputation.
This third volume of North Carolina’s State records chronicles the tumultuous six-year period following the Lords Proprietors’ surrender, focusing on Governor Burrington’s administration as the first Royal Governor.
Volume 2 of the Colonial Records of North Carolina is an overview of North Carolina history, spanning from 1713 to 1729, which examines the challenges and defining characteristics of the colony under Proprietary rule.
Volume 1 of the Colonial Records of North Carolina details the early colonial history of North Carolina, specifically focusing on the Albemarle settlement and the years 1662-1712.
A brief history of John and Christian Fretz and a complete genealogical family register, is a record of people who crossed an ocean for their beliefs, carved homes out of wilderness, and built churches where they could worship in peace. It’s brings to light the kind of history that’s often overlooked: the slow, steady work of building a life and heritage. In putting this record together, Rev. Fretz gave thousands of descendants a way to connect with their past, and a reason to be proud of it.
Charles Storrs of Brooklyn, New York, dedicated over 20 years to compiling “The Storrs Family: Genealogical and Other Memoranda,” which traces his family lineage from the immigrant ancestor Samuel Storrs in Connecticut. Although it includes some limitations regarding early history and distant branches, the 1886 publication remains a valuable resource for descendants and researchers interested in the Storrs family. Organized by generations, it serves as a guide for validating genealogical information rather than absolute proof.
The “Chronicles of the Boit Family” by Robert Apthorp Boit is a detailed genealogical account of the Boit family and related lineages, including the Hubbards and Mercers. Aimed at the author’s descendants, it chronicles the lives and achievements of family members, starting with master-mariner John Boit of Boston. The narrative combines anecdotes and personal reflections with genealogical tables, preserving the family’s cultural heritage and serving as a resource for researchers of Boit New England lineages. Free PDF.
For individuals researching ancestors who lived in Natrona County between 1888 and 1922, this book offers valuable context and potential leads. It includes names of county officials, war veterans, pioneers, and individuals involved in notable local events, as well as detailed accounts of institutions such as schools, churches, newspapers, and civic organizations. Descriptions of towns, industries, and public records provide insight into the communities where ancestors may have lived or worked. While not a genealogical record in and of itself, the book’s extensive local detail can help place family histories within the broader social and economic framework of the time. And who knows, perhaps your ancestor was one of the more colorful citizens portrayed…
Selma Baptist Church was founded on June 1, 1872, in Selma, North Carolina, by nine charter members, facilitated by the Raleigh Baptist Association. The inaugural meeting likely took place at Scarborough’s Academy, with notable figures such as Dr. W. M. Wingate officiating. The church adopted its covenant and quickly grew to 46 members by 1875, leading to the purchase of land for a permanent location. This is a pamphlet written by a church committee in celebration of the church’s centennial.
Celebrate New Albany’s first century with George L. Russell’s 1913 souvenir history. From the Scribner brothers’ 1813 purchase of 826 acres to the bustling river city’s schools, churches, industry, and civic life, this richly illustrated volume captures the pioneers, businesses, and community spirit honored during the centennial festivities of 12 to 16 October 1913. Discover early settlers, anti‑slavery leaders, steamboat tales, and the rise of the Floyd County seat, all in a freely available PDF.
This Muster Roll details Cherokee Indians who migrated west of the Mississippi River under B. F. Curry’s supervision. It includes payments made by Capt. Vashon, outlining the number of individuals and slaves receiving subsistence. Each Indian received $32.50, with payments occurring in April or May 1832. The document lists heads of families and their respective counts of males, females, and slaves, totaling 231 men, 193 women, and 157 slaves, with a cumulative total of 561 individuals.
This specific roll is of a list of 146 heads of families entitled to reservations under the Treaty with the Cherokee of the 27th February, 1819.
From the late 18th to early 19th centuries, the Cherokee faced pressure from American expansion, prompting voluntary migrations westward before the Trail of Tears. Early attempts included a 1782 petition to Spanish authorities, leading to settlements in Missouri and Arkansas. Multiple treaties, particularly those in 1817 and 1819, formalized land exchanges and recognized divisions within the Cherokee Nation. The Emigration Rolls from 1817 to 1835 document these movements, revealing the complex responses of families as they sought refuge from encroaching settlers, leading to significant cultural and geographical shifts.
The Cherokee Muster Rolls of 1835-1838 document the forced relocation of the Cherokee people during the Trail of Tears. These rolls list families who were moved west, including those who left voluntarily, were rounded up by military forces, or migrated under Cherokee leadership. They offer crucial genealogical information for descendants of Cherokee individuals from the southeastern U.S., particularly those connected to the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band. These records, like the 1835 Henderson Roll and various muster rolls, are important for researchers tracking Cherokee ancestry during this difficult chapter in American history.
The 1834 Cherokee Muster Roll documents Cherokee Indians who emigrated westward under J. A. Harris before the 1835 Henderson Roll. It includes 216 Heads of Families among the 903 individuals who traveled, noting that some returned east due to conditions. Births and deaths occurred along the journey, and family members were not always together. Each family was provided with supplies. If your ancestor is missing from the Henderson Roll, this muster roll may hold their name.
The list includes Cherokees who emigrated from Georgia with B. F. Curry in 1838. It details family heads and counts for males and females across two different age groups, over and under 25.
In 1861, Stand Watie led the formation of the Cherokee Mounted Rifle Regiment in support of the Confederacy, becoming its Colonel. Other officers included Thomas Fox Taylor and Elias Cornelius Boudinot. Companies were organized with various captains and lieutenants, including notable figures like Joseph Franklin Thompson and James Madison Bell. Despite initial neutrality, pressures led to alliances with Confederate forces as the Cherokee sought to protect their interests. The regiment, reflecting their commitment, faced numerous challenges and engaged in battles throughout the Civil War.
The muster roll details the arrival of Lt. Deas and a large group of Cherokees to the West on May 1, 1838. While most were in the Northern Georgia area, some like William Davis and Robert Brown were from Alabama, and others like the Timberlake’s were from Tennessee.
The 1838 muster roll documents the journey of 1,072 Georgia Cherokees from Rosses Landing to Indian Territory, culminating with 635 survivors arriving on September 7, 1838. The official count recorded on July 23 noted 763 individuals, accounting for 144 deaths, 289 desertions, and 2 births along the Trail of Tears. The detailed enumeration lists 91 family groups, suggesting many of the missing were likely enslaved individuals whose descendants later became Cherokee freedmen.
A free digitized copy of the Southold Town-Shelter Island New York Register published by the Lawton Company of Maine split up into townships.