Duvall

Cherokee Westward Migration

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

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.

Logan County, Kentucky Wills – Book A, with index

Will book A, Logan County, Kentucky

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.

Marriages of Orange County, Virginia, 1747-1810

Marriages of Orange County, Virginia, 1747-1810

Catherine Lindsay Knorr’s Marriages of Orange County, Virginia, 1747-1810 stands as a pivotal work for genealogists and historians delving into the rich tapestry of Virginia’s past. Published in 1959, this meticulously compiled volume sheds light on the matrimonial alliances formed within Orange County, Virginia, during a period that was crucial to the shaping of both local and national histories. The absence of a contemporary marriage register presented a formidable challenge, yet through exhaustive examination of marriage bonds, ministers’ returns, and ancillary records, Knorr has reconstructed a reliable record of these marriages.

History of Bentleysville, Pennsylvania

Bentleysville title page

This book is a collection of stories, letters, and historical records detailing the brief history of Bentleysville, a rural community in southwestern Pennsylvania. Established around a mill operated by Sheshbazzar Bentley Sr. and Jr. on Pigeon Creek in 1816, the town grew to a population of 300 by 1868. The author traces the origins of Bentleysville back to the 1770s to document the earliest settlers, while also providing context through significant national events like the Whiskey Rebellion and the Civil War. Although Bentleysville’s history as a village ended before 1900, this work preserves its legacy for future generations.

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky Wills

Sample Last Will and Testament

The post provides an alphabetical list of wills from Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, detailing individuals along with the year of their will. Notably, if a name is linked, users can access a free transcription of the will online. This resource serves as a valuable tool for genealogists and historians researching local lineage and historical records within the county. The document includes names spanning various years, reflecting the region’s rich heritage and the diverse individuals who once resided there.

Improvements to Annexed Cherokee Lands

1830 Map of Cherokee Territory in Georgia

The Treaty of May 6, 1828, granted the Cherokee Nation 7 million acres as a permanent home, recognizing their sovereignty while mandating the cession of remaining lands to the United States. As a result, some Cherokee settlers were displaced from previously believed tribal lands. The treaty stipulated that land ceded would be appraised, and cash payments would be made for improvements made by proprietors. Numerous accounts detail the assessed value of various improvements, reflecting the complexities of land and ownership during this period.