Featured Archives – Page 5 of 6

Tobacco in Colonial Virginia

Tobacco was central to the development and economy of Colonial Virginia, driving the expansion and establishment of the colony from Jamestown onward. Though small-scale diversified farming existed, large plantations dominated, relying heavily on the labor of enslaved Africans. Tobacco served not only as a primary cash crop but also as a medium of exchange for goods and services, shaping the social structure and financial transactions of the time. The cultivation and trade of tobacco significantly influenced Virginia’s growth, leading to the emergence of towns and urban centers.

Gazetteer of Lamoille County Vermont for 1883-84

Smith and Worthen Livery and Stable Morrisville VT

This collection stems from a manuscript published by Hamilton Child in 1887 which provided a gazetteer for Lamoille and Orleans County. Within that manuscript was a brief history of each community, a directory of each community, and short biographical sketches of some of the leading citizens for each town.

Cleveland Ohio Biography – The Book of Clevelanders

The Book of Clevelanders, published in 1914, is Cleveland’s first biographical dictionary focused on its living male residents. The work, edited by Burrows Book Company, provided an accurate and reliable reference for notable contributors shaping the city’s civic and cultural landscape at that time. Each biographical sketch was authored by the individual, emphasizing transparency and factual representation without embellishment. Participation was voluntary and unpaid, which limited the inclusion of certain prominent figures and photographs.

History of Ontario County New York

The second volume of “The History of Ontario County New York, and Its People” focuses on genealogical and family histories, documenting influential individuals and their contributions up to the 20th century. The narratives are independent accounts submitted for correction by family representatives, although some details may be incomplete due to limited data. This installment includes over 900 biographies, contributing significantly to the understanding of the county’s heritage, with future volumes planned to elaborate on family connections and genealogies.

Vital Records of Bergen New Jersey

Bergen was the first permanent European settlement in New Jersey, following failed attempts in nearby areas due to conflicts with local tribes. With a history spanning 200 years, the township dissolved in 1862. The records provided in this collection, sourced from editions of the Year Book of the Holland Society of New York, include baptismal records from 1666 to 1692 and marriage records from 1665 to 1788, predominantly featuring Dutch names. These vital records enhance our understanding of Bergen’s early community dynamics.

Early History of Brown County Nebraska

The early history of Ainsworth, Brown County, Nebraska, reflects the memories and experiences of its pioneers, who overcame hardships to establish a community in a vast prairie land once rich with buffalo and other wildlife. This account draws from the recollections of early residents, capturing their efforts to cultivate law and order in an untamed wilderness. Prior to white settlement, the region was visited by Native American tribes, and explorations from European nations began shaping its future. Pioneers harnessed this land, carving out homes amidst the challenges of frontier life.

Centennial History of Missouri

Daviess County Savings Bank of Gallatin, Missouri

On December 7, 1869, the James gang allegedly robbed the Daviess County Savings Bank in Gallatin, Missouri, resulting in the deaths of bank owner and cashier John W. Sheets, whom they blamed for the death of “Bloody Bill” Anderson. This event is one of many highlights covered in the Centennial History of Missouri, which features 363 biographies and photographs of notable figures from the state’s first century, particularly centered around St. Louis and spanning from 1820 to 1921.

1894 Michigan State Census

1894 Thornapple Barry County Michigan Sample Census Image

If you had an ancestor residing in Michigan during 1894 then you may have the chance to fill some of that census gap by using the 1894 state census of Michigan, of which parts are available online for free.

West Stockbridge Massachusetts vital records

1855 Plan of the towns of Stockbridge and West Stockbridge Massachusetts

Alphabetical indexes to the vital records of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, up to the year 1850, supplemented by information from bible records, church registers, cemetery inscriptions and other sources. PDF file is free to read and download.

Medfield Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850

This page provides a PDF and transcription of the vital records for Medfield, Massachusetts, up to 1850, sourced primarily from town records. It includes all registered births, marriages, and deaths from the town’s establishment in 1650 to 1850, excluding private Bible and church records. The document preserves original spellings and formats while offering detailed insights into various entries. It also highlights the historical context of Medfield, including its founding and boundaries, and supplies transcriptions organized by surnames for easier access.

Walpole Massachusetts vital records

Birdseye View of East Walpole Massachusetts in 1898

This page contains a PDF and transcription of Vital records of Walpole, Massachusetts, to the year 1850. The records were compiled largely from the town records of Walpole and did not contain private bible or church records, but do contain all births, marriages, and deaths published with the town from its start in 1724 through 1850.

History of the Creoles in Louisiana

The early white settlers of Louisiana, primarily French aristocrats, brought their culinary traditions and chefs, establishing a unique Creole culture in New Orleans. This manuscript explores the history of the Creoles, a vital part of Louisiana’s identity, who continue to influence the cultural landscape, especially in the French Quarter. The narrative highlights their enduring legacy, distinctive celebrations, and the challenges faced throughout their history, amidst a dominant Anglo-Saxon culture, preserving a rich, proud Latin civilization within the United States.

History of Douglas County Illinois

The history of Douglas County, Illinois, highlights the settlement patterns and early pioneers. John Richman, the first settler in 1829 in Camargo Township, experienced the challenges of frontier life, such as isolation and illness. The region saw limited settlement until post-1850, with pioneers living scattered along the Cumberland Road to Camargo. Richman’s family faced hardships while establishing their homestead, eventually leading to the construction of a log house that remains a historical landmark. The county’s biography collection celebrates these foundational figures.

Illustrated History of the State of Idaho

Illustrated History of the State of Idaho was written in 1899 by the Lewis Publishing Company and comprised one of many large collections of state biography and history books published by the Lewis company. Our collection provides the entire manuscript including the histories and all 480 published biographies.

The Defense of Stonington, Connecticut

Accounts the attack and defense of Stonington Connecticut during the War of 1812. Included will be found a muster-roll of the Borough company of militia, the official account furnished for publication by the magistrates, warden and burgesses; and a letter from Capt. Amos Palmer, chairman of the citizens’ committee of defense, to Mr. Crawford, secretary of war, containing a concise narrative of the action.

Biographies of San Mateo County California

The Woodside Store San Mateo County California

The restored wooden structure in Woodside served as a general store, post office, and dental office by Dr. Tripp during the peak of the lumber industry. The history of San Mateo County is enriched by 140 biographical sketches of its pioneers and notable figures, providing an essential personal insight into the region’s development. These biographies capture the significant contributions of individuals, ensuring that their legacies remain recognized and valued over time, while complementing the broader historical narrative of the area.

1840 Pensioners Census

The information contained in this 1840 Pensioners Census database is a compilation of the data on the Revolutionary War pensioners gathered from the 1840 census returns. The information is organized by place – state, county, then township. It also lists the name and age of the veteran, and the name of the head of household with whom the pensioner resided on the census date.

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.

Famous American Belles of the Nineteenth Century

Throughout the nineteenth century, America witnessed the emergence of remarkable women whose beauty, wit, and influence shaped the nation’s history. These women, renowned for their mental and moral strength, often achieved prominence at a young age, casting a long-lasting impact within their respective eras. The text explores the lives of several notable American belles, emphasizing their unique ability to inspire and captivate in a time when communication and travel were limited. This era created a stark contrast to the conditions experienced by women at the century’s end.

1867 Plymouth County Massachusetts Directory

The 1867 Plymouth County Massachusetts Directory is abstracted from the Plymouth County Directory and Historical Register of 1867 and contains a brief history of Plymouth County, MA and each town within it, along with various notes of historical and genealogical importance, such as a list of men from each town who died in the Revolutionary War. It also contains a directory of all heads of household in each town and city of Plymouth County in the year of 1867.