Access Genealogy

Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrants

This article helps you access the Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrants for free. Following two simple steps, one to search, and the other to browse the actual microfilms, you can quickly find your ancestors Revolutionary War pension record, or Bounty-Land record and download the images. During 1800-1900 the United States issued more than 80,000 pensions and bounty-land-warrants to soldiers of the Revolutionary War, their spouse, or their children. Was your ancestor one of them?

Chronicling America Historical Newspapers

Chronicling America is a Website providing access to information about historic newspapers and select digitized newspaper pages, and is produced by the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP). NDNP, a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Library of Congress (LC), is a long-term effort to develop an Internet-based, searchable database of U.S. newspapers with descriptive information and select digitization of historic pages. Supported by NEH, this rich digital resource will be developed and permanently maintained at the Library of Congress. An NEH award program will fund the contribution of content from, eventually, all U.S. states and territories.

Indian Captivity Narratives

The Abduction of Daniel Boone's Daughter by the Indians

This collection contains entire narratives of Indian captivity; that is to say, we have provided the reader the originals without the slightest abridgement. Some of these captivities provide little in way of customs and manners, except to display examples of the clandestine warfare Native Americans used to accomplish their means. In almost every case, there was a tug of war going on between principle government powers, French, American, British, and Spanish, and these powers used the natural prowess of the Indians to assist them in causing warfare upon American and Canadian settlers. There were definitely thousands of captivities, likely tens of thousands, as the active period of these Indian captivity narratives covers 150 years. Unfortunately, few have ever been put under a pen by the original captive, and as such, we have little first-hand details on their captivity. These you will find here, are only those with which were written by the captive or narrated to another who could write for them; you shall find in a later collection, a database of known captives, by name, location, and dates, and a narrative about their captivity along with factual sources. But that is for another time.

The Cherokee Land Lottery

1830 Map of Cherokee Territory in Georgia

The Land Lottery dataset contains the names and residence of all the fortunate drawers in the Land Lottery of the Cherokee country, arranged by districts in numerical order, all carefully copied from the originals in the Executive Department and the office of the Surveyor General, designating also the lots which have been granted. We have given the quality of the lots in some instances, but not generally, deeming it altogether unimportant, from the well known inaccuracy of the surveyors in classing their value, and from the additional fact that very few individuals engage in contracts for real estate until they are enabled by personal observation to place a proper estimate upon the premises. By reference to the numerical list, the drawer’s name and residence can be readily ascertained.

Micmac Tribe

Micmac Birchbark Box with Porcupine Quills

Micmac Indians, Mi’kmaq First Nation. (Migmak, ‘allies’; Nigmak, ‘our allies.’ Hewitt). Alternative names for the Micmac, which can be found in historical sources, include Gaspesians, Souriquois, Acadians and Tarrantines; in the mid-19th century Silas Rand recorded the word wejebowkwejik as a self-ascription. An important Algonquian tribe that occupied Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and Prince Edward Islands, the north part of New Brunswick, and probably points in south and west Newfoundland. While their neighbors the Abnaki have close linguistic relations with the Algonquian tribes of the great lakes, the Micmac seem to have almost as distant a relation to the group as the … Read more

1911 Carlisle School Census

In 1911 Carlisle was directed by the Department of the Interior to prepare a census of the Indians under their charge. In all cases where the Indians are living on separate reservations under your jurisdiction you should submit a separate census roll of the Indians of each reservation. The names should be arranged in alphabetical order. (letter Department of the Interior, 1911) Student Population by Tribe Female Students 1911 Carlisle School Census: Females A-B Surnames 1911 Carlisle School Census: Females C-D Surnames 1911 Carlisle School Census: Females E-G Surnames 1911 Carlisle School Census: Females H-J Surnames 1911 Carlisle School Census: … Read more

The Five Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma

Há-tchoo-túc-knee, Snapping Turtle, a Half-breed, George Catlin, 1834

This manuscript has been extracted from Congressional records relating to relief of specific individuals of the Five Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma. If one of your ancestors was rejected or added to the rolls of any of the five civilized tribes in Oklahoma, you should peruse the information here. It contains a lot of case work involving specific Native Americans and those that attempted to prove themselves as part of the five civilized tribes in Oklahoma.

Indian Tribes of the United States

Linguisitic Families of American Indians - Powell

An extensive cross reference to our tribal pages on AccessGenealogy. What was initially a large exhaustive list of resources found at AccessGenealogy for each tribe in the United States is being converted into a cross reference for the tribal pages themselves. The list of resources for each tribe being now found on the tribal page. In this way, we can concentrate on providing more obscure tribal spellings while still directing you to the appropriate tribal page. On the tribal pages you will find a description of the tribe, villages which the tribe was known to reside, gens and clans, culture, religion, as well as references to other works found on our website. This is a large work in progress, and you’ll see much movement of information in the coming months.

Genealogy of John and Christian Fretz

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.

The Storrs Family

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.

Chronicles of the Boit Family

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.

History of Natrona County, Wyoming

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 History, 1872-1972

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.

New Albany Indiana History, 1813-1913

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.

1832 Cherokee Muster Roll

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.

1819 Cherokee Reservation List

Map of the principal routes taken by Cherokee removal parties in the late 1830s.

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.

Cherokee Westward Migration

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.

Indian Warfare Between Texas and Mexico

Major Chouteau’s expedition in 1836 sought to engage with the Wichita, Kiowa, and Comanche tribes, revealing their growing tensions amid ongoing warfare. After an arduous journey, he established connections but faced challenges as the Kiowa did not honor agreements to visit Fort Gibson. Reports indicated Mexican influence inciting prairie tribes against settlers, necessitating treaties to ensure peace and safety for traders. By May 1837, Chouteau successfully negotiated a treaty with the Kiowa and others, aiming to quell rising conflicts and stabilize the region.

Cherokee Muster Rolls, 1835 – 1838

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.

1834 Cherokee Muster Roll

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.

1838 Cherokee Muster Roll 3

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.

Names of Cherokee Soldiers in the Civil War

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.

1838 Cherokee Muster Roll 1

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.

1838 Cherokee Muster Roll 2

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.

Southold Town-Shelter Island Register 1910-1911

1910-1911 Southold-Shelter Island Register

A free digitized copy of the Southold Town-Shelter Island New York Register published by the Lawton Company of Maine split up into townships.

Hudson River Valley Heritage Newspapers

HRVH Historical Newspapers provides access to digitized copies of historical newspapers from the Hudson River Valley region of New York State. Each newspaper in HRVH Historical Newspapers has its own page with information about the publication, including the date range that is available online and information about the history of the newspaper.

New York Historical Newspapers

An alphabetical list of 1179 newspapers available for free on the NY Historic Newspapers website. These newspapers are usually in the public domain or the original copyright holder has cleared for usage the newspaper.

Genealogies of Cornish New Hampshire

Volume II of History of the Town of Cornish, New Hampshire, with Genealogical Record, 1763–1910, compiled by William Henry Child and published in 1911, presents a detailed genealogical account of the families who settled in Cornish from its founding through the early 20th century.