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History of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana

Leave a Comment / Louisiana, Free Archives / 5 minutes of reading

This special edition of the Daily World, largely written in 1955 by Ruth Robertson Fontenot, celebrates the 150th anniversary of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, detailing its history from the 1690s. Ruth Fontenot, a descendant of local pioneer families, extensively researched using parish records and private archives to provide a comprehensive view of the area’s early days, despite gaps due to historical record shortages. Supplemental contributions on specific areas like northern St. Landry Parish and Eunice were made by Sue Lyles Eakin and Mary Alice Fontenot, respectively. The publication is rich with historical photographs and includes personal insights into the region’s development, showcasing the significant local contributions of the families of St. Landry Parish.

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A History of Newburgh Lodge No. 174, F. & A.M.

Leave a Comment / Indiana, Free Archives / 10 minutes of reading

A History of Newburgh Lodge No. 174, F. & A.M. provides a historical account of the lodge, detailing its founding in Newburgh, Indiana, in 1854. It traces the origins to an inaugural meeting under a dispensation with key figures like Draper Chipman and Azel Freeman leading the lodge. The narrative connects local events such as the burial of Mason John W. Palmer in 1851, hinting at an earlier Masonic presence in Newburgh. The chapter also paints a vivid picture of Newburgh in the 1850s as a bustling river port with significant economic activity and cultural vibrancy, suggesting these factors contributed to the establishment of the Masonic lodge.

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History of Milam County Texas

Leave a Comment / Free Archives, Texas / 65 minutes of reading

Lelia McAnally Batte’s History of Milam County, Texas presents a comprehensive exploration of the county’s evolution from its earliest days to the mid-twentieth century. Published in 1956 by the Naylor Company in San Antonio, this 257-page work delves into the myriad forces that have shaped Milam County, making it a unique yet representative reflection of Texas’ broader historical and cultural dynamics.

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History of Waterloo Indiana, 1856-1956

Leave a Comment / Indiana, Free Archives / 3 minutes of reading

The publication “Historical Celebration, Waterloo, 1856-1956: A Century of Progress in Living” commemorates the centennial of Waterloo, Indiana, reflecting on its development since its establishment in 1856 and serves as a history of Waterloo Indiana for those years. This official record, compiled by the Waterloo Centennial Commission, captures a detailed historical account from the town’s early days, spurred by the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, to its evolution into a vibrant community by 1956. It covers the growth of local businesses, churches, schools, and public services, alongside the socio-economic changes marked by industrial and commercial advancements. The centennial celebration itself, with its parades and community involvement, is also highlighted, alongside stories of notable residents and transformative events.

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Clinton County Missouri Marriage Records, 1833-1870

Leave a Comment / Missouri, Free Archives, Vital Records / 5 minutes of reading

This valuable collection of marriage records survived a courthouse fire in 1895. The 1595 marriages documented in Clinton County Missouri Marriage Records, 1833-1870 are taken from Books A and B. While parental information is sometimes missing, the author has supplemented the records with additional research from historical sources to aid further investigation. A “Key to Ministers and Justices” is included to identify the officiants of each marriage.

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Marriage records of Liberty County Georgia, 1785-1895

Leave a Comment / Free Archives, Georgia, Vital Records / 3 minutes of reading

These marriage records were abstracted from unbound marriage bonds and licenses in the Liberty County Courthouse, Hinesville, Georgia. The names were copied as they were spelled on the bonds, often barely legible and often spelled differently on the same bond. Sometimes the marriages were performed before the licenses were issued. The first date given in the abstracts is the date of the license or bond; the second is the date of marriage. The following abbreviations are used in these abstracts with the meaning indicated:

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Sevier County 1830 Tennessee Census

Leave a Comment / Tennessee, Census, Free Archives / 4 minutes of reading

Published in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1956 and distributed by the Genealogical Publishing Company of Baltimore, Maryland, Sevier County, Tennessee: Population Schedule of the United States Census of 1830 (Fifth Census) provides a transcription of the often difficult to read, 1830 Sevier County Tennessee census. Authored by Blanche C. McMahon and Pollyanna Creekmore, this meticulous reproduction of the original census record sheds light on the people of Sevier County in 1830.

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The Story of Wise County, Virginia

Leave a Comment / Virginia, Free Archives / 3 minutes of reading

“The Story of Wise County, Virginia” by Luther F. Addington, published in 1956 by the Centennial Committee and School Board of Wise County, Virginia, serves as a historical record of the county from its inception through its first hundred years. Wise County, established in 1856 from sections of Russell, Lee, and Scott counties, carries the name of Governor Henry Alexander Wise, highlighting its significance in the state’s political and social life. This text outlines the county’s formation, development, and the various elements that have shaped its identity, including geography, notable events, and significant figures.

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Wintergreen Cemetery, Port Gibson, Mississippi

Leave a Comment / Mississippi, Cemetery, Free Archives / 7 minutes of reading

This survey of Wintergreen Cemetery, Port Gibson, Mississippi, was completed in 1956 by Mr. Gordon M. Wells and published by Joyce Bridges the same year. It contains the cemetery readings Mr. Wells was able to obtain at that date. It is highly likely that not all of the gravestones had survived up to that point, and it is even more likely that a large portion of interred individuals never had a gravestone.

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Logan County, Kentucky Wills – Book A, with index

Leave a Comment / Kentucky, Free Archives / 3 minutes of reading

The wills in this book come from Book A of the Wills found at the Logan County Court house in Russellville, Kentucky. The information was extracted in 1957 by Mrs. Vick on behalf of the DAR located in Russellville. The text in this book was done with an old manual typewriter and has the usual faint and filled-in type often found with such papers. On top of the difficulty in interpreting the print from the typewriter, the scanning process was also deficient, and led to the creation of a faint digital copy exacerbating the difficult to read text.

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History of Jefferson County Oklahoma

Leave a Comment / Oklahoma, Free Archives / 4 minutes of reading

In “History of Jefferson County, Oklahoma,” Jim M. Dyer provides a comprehensive account of the development and heritage of Jefferson County within the broader context of Oklahoma’s growth since its inception as a state in the Union. This work is particularly significant as it commemorates Oklahoma’s Semi-Centennial, marking fifty years of statehood filled with rich productivity and development. Dyer’s exploration is driven by a multifaceted purpose: to celebrate the state’s achievements, to preserve the memory of Jefferson County’s “birth and growth” for future generations, and to honor the pioneers whose resilience and dedication laid the foundations for the county’s prosperity.

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The History of Carter County Oklahoma

Leave a Comment / Oklahoma, Free Archives / 3 minutes of reading

Published in 1957, ‘The History of Carter County’ provides a comprehensive visual and textual history of Carter County Oklahoma. Covering the period from its Native American origins to the mid-20th century, the book focuses on the themes of Native American presence, settlement, churches, utilities, transportation, and industry. In doing so, it serves as a tribute to the people who shaped Carter County.

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Spokane Story

Leave a Comment / Washington, Free Archives / 3 minutes of reading

“Spokane Story: A Colorful Early History of the Capital City of the Inland Empire” by Lucile Foster Fargo offers readers an evocative journey through the formative years of Spokane, Washington. Published in 1957 by Northwestern Press in Minneapolis, this work seeks to straddle the realms of history and storytelling, presenting a narrative that is neither entirely factual history nor pure fiction. Fargo accepts the challenging task of depicting Spokane’s cultural and developmental evolution from its fur trade beginnings to its emergence as a municipal entity in the early twentieth century.

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History of San Juan County Utah

Leave a Comment / Utah, Free Archives / 5 minutes of reading

“Saga of San Juan,” originally published in 1957, is a history of San Juan County Utah, compiled by the San Juan County Daughters of Utah Pioneers. The book provides a comprehensive look at the county’s origins and development. It spans from prehistoric times to the year 1957, offering insights into the diverse communities and challenges faced by early residents of this unique region.

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Hudson Wisconsin History, 1857-1957

Leave a Comment / Wisconsin, Free Archives / 3 minutes of reading

In the heart of the American Midwest, nestled along the scenic banks of the Willow River and the St. Croix, lies Hudson, Wisconsin—a city with a storied past and a vibrant present. The “Hudson Centennial Souvenir Program, 1857-1957,” published by the Hudson Wisconsin Centennial Committee was written to showcase the city’s rich history. This program commemorates the 100th anniversary of Hudson’s charter as a city, celebrating a journey that began in the early 19th century.

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History of Union County South Dakota

Leave a Comment / South Dakota, Free Archives / 3 minutes of reading

This History of Union County, South Dakota was authored by Donald Dean Parker and published in 1959 by South Dakota State College, and it stands as a comprehensive chronicle of the region’s development from its earliest settlements to its role in the broader tapestry of state and national history. This work delves into the intricate narrative of Union County, capturing its transformation from a sparsely populated territory to a flourishing agricultural hub, enriched by a vibrant community and diverse cultural heritage.

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History of Mercer County Ohio

Leave a Comment / Ohio, Free Archives / 4 minutes of reading

“History of Mercer County Ohio,” authored by Bronshart H. Gilberg and published in 1959 by the Mercer County Historical Society, serves as a comprehensive journey through the annals of Mercer County, Ohio. This book emerges from a deeply felt need among the residents of Mercer County for a cohesive and detailed account of their county’s past—a narrative that had been missing from local educational and cultural institutions.

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Orange County, Virginia, will book I, 1735-1743

Leave a Comment / Virginia, Free Archives / 4 minutes of reading

In the heart of Virginia, amidst the rolling hills and rich history, lies Orange County. Established in 1734, this vast expanse of land, originally stretching from the Rappahannock River to the Blue Ridge and further west to encompass what would become West Virginia and Kentucky, has been a witness to the early stories of America. “Orange County, Virginia, Will Book I, 1735-1743,” meticulously compiled by John Frederick Dorman and published in Washington, D.C., in 1958, serves as a crucial link to this foundational past.

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