My Recollection of the 1920 Peggs Tornado

Tornado damage in Peggs, Oklahoma, May 1920

Walter Neel’s firsthand recollection of the 1920 Peggs cyclone describes the storm’s deadly impact on Peggs, Oklahoma, and nearby families. He recounts the warning signs, the destruction of homes and businesses, the loss of friends and relatives, and the grim work of helping identify bodies and dig graves in the aftermath.

History of Robert Chaffin and his descendants

Chaffin Coat of Arms

William L. Chaffin’s 1913 genealogical study, *History of Robert Chaffin and his descendants*, chronicles the Chaffin family lineage from colonial origins to the early 20th century. It explores Robert Chaffin, the immigrant ancestor, and his marriage to Abigail Davis in 1719, including their life in Massachusetts and the challenges faced by their family. The book emphasizes the connection between family history and broader historical events, such as the Revolutionary War, while acknowledging the limitations of historical records and oral traditions.

Sowams

1908 Map of Indian Localities about Narragansett and Mount Hope Bays

Sowams,” authored by Thomas Williams Bicknell in 1908, delves into the history of the ancient proprietary known as Sowams, encompassing Native leadership under Massassoit and early colonial settlement dynamics that shaped Barrington, Rhode Island, and surrounding areas. Drawing from over forty years of research, Bicknell includes primary records from the proprietary, showcasing the region’s governance, land ownership, and the founding of the First Baptist Church of Massachusetts. This comprehensive work serves as a vital resource for lawyers, historians, and general readers interested in colonial life and legal frameworks of the time.

Collections of the New Hampshire Historical Society

1892 Map of New Hampshire

The Collections of the New Hampshire Historical Society is a 15 publication series documenting the state’s history through various primary sources, including manuscripts, letters, and public records. It collates valuable narratives that were previously difficult to access, providing insight into events, individuals, and communities in New Hampshire. Each volume offers focused topics and historical analyses, and most volumes contain individual indexes.

Samuel Lane’s Journal, 1739-1803

Jabez Lane House

Samuel Lane’s journal, covering 1739 to 1803, chronicles the life of a New Hampshire resident who experienced the colonial, Revolutionary, and early national periods. Lane transitioned from farming to various professions, including tanner and shoemaker, while actively participating in community roles. His meticulously kept journal captures local and national events, personal reflections, and societal changes. Edited by Charles Lane Hansen in 1937, it serves as a crucial primary source, offering insights into the daily life, hardships, and resilience of 18th-century New England.

Vital records of Stratham, New Hampshire, 1700-1867

Plan of the Town of Stratham

In 1934, Priscilla Hammond compiled vital records from Stratham, New Hampshire, covering the years 1700 to 1867, based on original town records. This compilation, transcribed with imperfect typing, was privately published and distributed to libraries and societies. The records are presented largely as found, with family members often grouped together. An index is included to assist in locating individual records. Users should be cautious with dates, especially those before 1752, as it is unclear if old dates were converted.

New Hampshire Men

1892 Map of New Hampshire

New Hampshire Men presents 407 biographical sketches, with portraits, of men who were active in commercial, professional, and political life in New Hampshire in 1893.

New Hampshire Men of Progress

1892 Map of New Hampshire

New Hampshire Men of Progress contains 289 biographical sketches and portraits of leaders in business and professional life in and of the state of New Hampshire. It was edited by the staff of the Manchester Union under the supervision of Richard Herndon.

Abington Massachusetts Marriage and Death Records

1830 Map of Abington, Massachusetts

Volume 2 of the Abington, Massachusetts vital records compiles marriage and death records up to 1850, complementing Volume 1, which contains birth records. Established in 1712, Abington’s boundaries have shifted, affecting historical jurisdiction. Extensive research from town records, cemeteries, and family Bibles ensured comprehensive documentation, including the identification of Black families recorded by given names. The volume is organized alphabetically by marriages and deaths.

Abington Massachusetts Birth Records

1830 Map of Abington, Massachusetts

Volume 1 of the Abington, Massachusetts vital records details births recorded in the town up to 1850, featuring comprehensive research from town records, cemeteries, and church documents. Established in 1712, Abington’s jurisdictional changes may affect genealogical searches. The records also include separate listings for Black families, primarily by given names. Additionally, various surnames are cataloged, emphasizing the need to consider alternate spellings. For marriages and deaths, researchers should consult Volume 2.

New Hampshire State Builders

Birthplace of George Franklyn Willey in the Summer

State Builders, published in 1903, serves as a historical and biographical account of New Hampshire at the turn of the twentieth century. Authored by local writers, it covers the state’s development across various sectors including politics, education, and industry, while documenting the lives of notable residents. The volume reflects both continuity and change in the state’s traditions, making it a valuable reference for understanding New Hampshire’s institutions and influential figures during this pivotal period.

1932 New Hampshire Notables

1892 Map of New Hampshire

New Hampshire Notables,” published by the Concord Press in 1932, is a biographical compilation that follows a previous work by Henry H. Metcalf. It contains 474 brief sketches of notable individuals, both natives and residents of New Hampshire, recognized for their contributions across various fields such as public life, business, and education. This edition focuses on living subjects as of 1932, with an alphabetical index for easy reference. While not exhaustive, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers and libraries, preserving important biographical data.

Genealogies of the Town of Goffstown New Hampshire

Orrin Moore and family of Goffstown, New Hampshire

The genealogical record of Goffstown, New Hampshire, was a substantial undertaking, hampered by the extinction of early families and the widespread scattering of descendants. Efforts to gather vital statistics necessitated considerable travel and correspondence, often revealing discrepancies in recorded dates across various sources. Despite challenges, contributions from former works and assistance from individuals proved invaluable in compiling this record. The comprehensive index reflects the depth of research involved in documenting the town’s heritage.

History of Francestown New Hampshire

Map of Francestown New Hampshire

History of Francestown, New Hampshire is a historic and genealogical record of the town from its first settlement in 1758 through the beginning of 1891. It records Francestown’s settlement, civic growth, religious and educational institutions, military participation, industries, and social customs, followed by an extensive genealogical register of families associated with the town.

Vital Records of Bellingham, Massachusetts

Vital Records of Bellingham Massachusetts to the year 1850

Alphabetical indexes to the vital records of Bellingham, Massachusetts, up to the year 1850, supplemented by information from bible records, church registers, cemetery inscriptions and other private sources to include the diary kept by Samuel Wight and his daughters.

Medway Massachusetts vital records

Medway Village Straw Factory

Alphabetical indexes to the vital records of Medway, Massachusetts, up to the year 1850, supplemented by information from church registers, cemetery inscriptions and other private sources to include Rev. Dr. Jacob Ide’s account of Marriages and Deaths, 1814-1849.

The history of Medway Massachusetts

History of Medway title page

The History of Medway, Massachusetts, 1713–1885, covers the entire period of local history, embracing two hundred and twenty-five years, from 1660 to 1885; or, from the first appearance of a white settler within the territory, to the recent date of the incorporation of the town of Millis. The book is divided into ten sections, and gives, in consecutive order, an account of the first settlement, the municipal doings, the churches, the schools and other institutions, the industries, the military service, the miscellaneous matters, the cemeteries, the biographies of many persons, and the genealogies of numerous families.

History of Amherst New Hampshire

Residence of Isaac Brooks in Amherst New Hampshire

The history of Amherst, New Hampshire, unfolds from its 1675 land grant to veterans of the Narraganset War, marking the impetus for settlement along the Souhegan River. From its early governance and incorporation in 1760 to territorial adjustments that birthed Mont Vernon and Milford, this narrative encompasses local geography, economy, and Indigenous presence. Key military engagements, civic institutions, and genealogical records are explored up to 1882, offering a comprehensive view of the town’s evolution and its prominent figures.

History of Glastonbury Connecticut, 1653-1853

Indian Map of Glastonbury

The history of Glastonbury, Connecticut, from 1653 to 1853 chronicles an account of its schools, commerce, mills, and ecclesiastical societies. The author, Alonzo Bowen Chapin, balances the general history with personal narratives, making the reading engaging for individuals tracing their ancestry. The work provides valuable insights into the town’s development, the contributions of its early ministers, and the influences of religion and learning that shaped the community. Unfortunately, the work is limited in the depths of the genealogy presented.

History of Derby Connecticut, 1642-1880

Edmund Leavenworth of Derby, Connecticut

The book titled “History of the Old Town of Derby, Connecticut, 1642-1880” presents a comprehensive account of Derby’s development, including the town’s Indian history, early settlers, and significant events like the Revolutionary War. It emphasizes education, commerce, and church influences, while offering an extensive collection of biographies and genealogies.