Elder James Martin of the District of Orangeburg South Carolina

Elder James Martin and his brother Simon Martin title page

Steve Malone’s work, “Elder James Martin of the Districts of Orangeburg, Lower Ninety-Six, Edgefield and Barnwell, South Carolina; Warren County, Kentucky; and Knox, Gibson, Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, Indiana Territory/Indiana, and his brother, Simon Martin of the Same Districts in South Carolina,” offers a meticulous exploration into the life of an individual whose existence paints a vivid picture of the American frontier during its formative years. Free to read or download.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1860-1960

The Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1860-1960

“Pioneer Church: The History of the South Dakota District, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1860-1960” is a meticulously crafted chronicle that delves deep into the roots of Lutheran Christianity across South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. Spanning a century, this volume unfolds the vibrant narrative of faith, community, and relentless dedication to the service of God and humanity in a region marked by its pioneering history. Free to read or download.

History of Sheldon Illinois, 1859-1959

Sheldon Centennial

The “History of Sheldon Illinois, 1859-1959,” compiled by the Sheldon Centennial History Committee, offers an immersive journey into the development of Sheldon, Illinois, over its first century. It seeks to celebrate and memorialize the efforts of those early settlers whose dreams and toil laid the foundation for the Sheldon we know today.

Pennsylvania Digital Archives

Pennsylvania State Archives

These 45 genealogy databases comprise part of the Pennsylvania Digital Archives from the state government. We’ve only included those databases and documents which are most relevant to genealogists. All of them are free for you to use.

History of Concordia Missouri, 1860-1960

History of Concordia Missouri, 1860-1960

The History of Concordia Missouri comes from the manuscript published in 1960 by the Concordia, Missouri Centennial Committee in celebration of about 100 years of history. The committee fixed 1960 for their centennial celebration when the only significant event to occur in 1860 was the coming of Pastor Blitz. Their reasoning was the town fathers felt that this date was significant enough for a celebration. What it provides you, the researcher, we hope, are some tangible morsels of information found within its pages about your Concordia ancestors. This book is free to read and download.

A History of California’s Great Hemet-San Jacinto Valley

Down memory lane : a historical record of people and events in California's great Hemet-San Jacinto Valley

“Down Memory Lane: A Historical Record of People and Events in California’s Great Hemet-San Jacinto Valley,” compiled by Homer D. King in an Anniversary Supplement to the Hemet News on September 15, 1960, offers a detailed and vibrant exploration of this unique area’s past and present. This comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for genealogists, historians, and anyone fascinated by the intricate web of stories that constitute our collective past.

Pioneers of Elk Valley, Del Norte County, California

Pioneers of Elk Valley, Del Norte County, California

In the heart of Northern California lies a hidden gem steeped in history and natural beauty: Elk Valley in Del Norte County. This manuscript, titled “Pioneers of Elk Valley, Del Norte County, California: Fifty Years in the History of Elk Valley from 1850 to the Turn of the Century,” authored by Frances Turner McBeth, embarks on a vivid journey through the transformation of this enchanting valley over half a century. From the early days of exploration and settlement to the bustling activity of the turn of the century, McBeth’s narrative weaves together the lives of the pioneers who braved the unknown to establish a community in one of California’s most picturesque landscapes.

Saint Paul’s Parish Virginia Register

The register of Saint Paul's Parish, 1715-1798

The “Register of Saint Paul’s Parish, 1715-1798” is a vital resource for those researching early Virginia history and genealogy. This meticulously restored document chronicles marriages, births, and deaths across Stafford and King George counties, offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers and their families. Despite challenges in maintaining accuracy due to illiteracy and changing clerks, the register remains invaluable for tracing lineages and understanding naming conventions of the era. It also highlights the efforts of those who dedicated themselves to preserving this important historical record for future generations.

Ogle County, Illinois, marriage records, 1837-1850

Ogle County, Illinois, marriage records, 1837-1850 title page

In 1960 Robert Steenrod of Belvidere, Illinois, transcribed the early marriages of Ogle County Illinois, from the Marriage Registers volumes A and B. These marriage records cover the years of 1837, when the first record was created to 1850. This book is free to read or download as a PDF.

History of Lawrence County South Dakota

Lawrence County for the Dakota Territory Centennial, 1861-1961 title page

In celebration of the Dakota Territory Centennial, the 186-page book “Lawrence County for the Dakota Territory Centennial, 1861-1961” serves as a comprehensive guide and a treasure trove of information for genealogists and historians alike, offering a detailed exploration of Lawrence County’s rich history, culture, and development over a century. Compiled with meticulous care by editor Mildred Fielder and published by Seaton Publishing Company in 1960, this book is free to read and download.

A History of Sheridan Indiana

Millwood - Sheridan, 1860-1960 title page

In June of 1960, the Sheridan Indiana Centennial celebration took place and in the commemorative fashion of the day, a book was published about the history of the town of Sheridan up to that day. Sheridan started out as Millwood in 1866, a part of the township of Adams, but had to be renamed when they applied for a Post Office and found that the name of Millwood Indiana had already been taken. They then chose Sheridan after the Civil war general Phil Sheridan in about 1881 to 1885. This manuscript takes you on the journey of forming the town of Sheridan from George Boxley’s 1827 settlement in what was to become Adams township up until 1960. This review of the history is replete with photographs of the village and its people, in and of itself, an enjoyable view. This book is free to read or to download as a PDF.

A History of Washington Valley New Jersey

Washington Valley plotted from earliest available deeds

In 1949 a committee came together to prepare a history of Washington Valley New Jersey. From its origins as a settlement in 1749 through the pivotal moments of the Revolutionary War and into the nineteenth century, they delve into the lives of the early families who once called this valley home. Despite the challenges of piecing together a fragmented historical record, their endeavor aims to illuminate the valley’s heritage, drawing on a diverse array of sources, from land deeds and wills to personal anecdotes and genealogical research. This book is free to read or to download as a PDF.

History of Middletown Ohio

Middletown Ohio All American City Award

The History of Middletown Ohio provides a copy of George C. Crout’s Middletown U.S.A. : All-America City, published by Perry Printing Company in 1960. Extensively researched this manuscript details the history of the rise of the town of Middletown Ohio into a city. From a log cabin on the bank of the Miami to a thriving metropolitan district in the span of 170 years is the story written by the people of Middletown, Ohio. From a family of four pioneers to a growing city of thousands of families and 50,000 individuals is the record of growth. From a sawmill and grist mill powered by a-water wheel to a great industrial complex of many modern industries: is the accomplishment of the community. Read and download for free.

History of Bland County Virginia

History of Bland County Virginia

The History of Bland County was compiled in 1961 and published to coincide with the 100th Anniversary of the formation of Bland County. Largely comprised of interesting anecdotes concerning early settlers, it is one of the most valuable secondary source available for researchers of Bland County Virginia ancestry. Free to read and download.

Vital records of Southborough, Massachusetts

Vital records of Southborough, Massachusetts, to the end of the year 1849 title page

The list of vital records of Southborough, Massachusetts, comprised in this volume includes all which were entered in the Town Books during the period from the earliest date there found to the end of the year 1849. Some additions and corrections of names and dates have been made from the records of the First Church, these being indicated in each instance by proper reference. There are a total of 6,297 births, marriages, and deaths recorded. This book is free to read or download.

The Young family of Bristol Virginia

The Young family of Bristol

“The Young Family of Bristol” by Walter Jorgensen Young is a comprehensive genealogical study tracing the lineage and history of the Young family, primarily focusing on their roots in Bristol and their subsequent spread to various regions in the United States, including Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Published in 1937, this 55-page manuscript has garnered significant recognition in the field of genealogy and history, evidenced by Young’s accolades from various esteemed societies. Michael Cadet Young (b.1684/1685) emigrated in 1716 from England to what is now Columbia, South Carolina, moving shortly to Brunswick County, Virginia. Descendants and relatives lived in Virginia, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Washington and elsewhere. Additional family names researched include: Head, Hieatt, Jacoby, Mitchell, Morton, and Price families. This PDF is free to read or download.

History of Caruthersville Missouri

Caruthersville, Missouri, centennial 1857-1957

This history of Caruthersville Missouri was written as a result of the 100th birthday celebration of Caruthersville Missouri. This unique publication enables the researcher to obtain an overall history of the community (always shown in a favorable light) with photographs and names of citizens and businesses at the time of the centennial, 1957 in this case. Replete with photographs from the 20th century, genealogists with ancestors who resided in or nearby Caruthersville will certainly want to peruse its pages. Free to read or download.

A History of Ashley North Dakota, 1888-1963

Ashley ND Diamond Jubilee title page

The manuscript titled “Ashley Diamond Jubilee” is a comprehensive historical account focusing on Ashley, North Dakota, and its surrounding communities. The document, spanning 279 pages, begins by discussing the Ashley Diamond Jubilee, a celebration of 75 years of progress in North Dakota. It includes various historical and administrative details about Ashley and McIntosh County, including the establishment of towns, early settlers, and the development of the area. Free to read, search, or download!