Biography Topics – Page 2 of 791

Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Story County, Iowa

This manuscript offers a broad survey of Iowa’s development and the individuals who shaped it. It opens with a concise history of the state, followed by a series of biographical sketches highlighting notable Iowans whose careers influenced law, politics, commerce, and community life. A substantial section is devoted to Story County, providing a descriptive account of its formation, settlement patterns, and early growth. This county history is supplemented by an extensive collection of personal profiles documenting the lives of its leading residents.

History of Hampton New Hampshire vol 2

The original version of this monumental work was published in 2 volumes. Volume 1 contains the history of the town of Hampton, New Hampshire from its settlement in 1638 to the autumn of 1892 and can be found here. Volume 2 featured the genealogical and biographical details of the early families of Hampton, NH up to the autumn of 1892 and this is the volume shown below. This manuscript was meticulously researched by Joseph Dow up until his death in 1889. Unfortunately his death preceded the final compilation of the genealogies and his daughter, Lucy Ellen Dow, took on the task after his decease. For genealogists this is an important fact. Lucy admits in her preface that she had difficulty bringing the genealogies down to date (1892) for lack of full understanding of Josiah Page’s notes and for the lack of accurate town records. As she laments about the town records “but whole decades are passed over with scarcely an entry of birth or marriage.” Indeed they are.

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.

History of Montville, Connecticut 1640-1896

Samson Occum House in Montville, Connecticut

This history of Montville, Connecticut spans from 1640 to 1896, highlighting the interactions between early colonial settlers and the Mohegan tribe, particularly regarding land disputes and legal challenges. The text, largely genealogical, traces the ancestry of local families across over 500 pages while detailing the region’s evolution from native subsistence to a burgeoning Colonial economy complete with industries like grist-mills, saw-mills, and the manufacturers of bog-iron and textiles.

History of Hall County, Nebraska

When the Union Pacific Railroad stretched its iron rails across Nebraska in the 1860s, it opened the prairie to settlement in ways the earlier trails and rivers never could. The editors of this history researched and documented the stories of the families who shaped Hall County, Nebraska. They didn’t just write, though, they also listened. Listened to the remembrances of the elders in their region that remembered Hall County in its infancy. These historical narratives span from the pre-county exploration days to the growth of towns like Grand Island and Wood River, up to 1920. While recognizing gaps in the historical record, the manuscript honors those who contributed to Hall County’s development through their stories and challenges.

Doane Robinson’s Encyclopedia of South Dakota

In 1925, Doane Robinson, South Dakota’s first official state historian, published the Encyclopedia of South Dakota, aiming to make historical research accessible to the general public. This extensive work included diverse topics, simplified complex information, and highlighted notable figures who contributed to the state’s development, despite space limitations. While it faced critiques for lacking academic rigor, Robinson prioritized a practical resource for citizens. This manuscript is free to read and download.

Iowa County History and Genealogy Books Online

These are free books online where you can research your Iowa ancestry. This list contains county and local history, genealogical and biographical books, as well as atlases and farm plats.

History of Carbondale, Illinois, 1852-1905

Carbondale, Illinois, spans about 6,000 acres, primarily in the southwest quarter of Carbondale Township, established following congressional guidelines. Early settlers settled near Little Crab Orchard and Piles Fork creeks. The city’s growth is intertwined with the contributions of its founders, highlighted through 330 biographical sketches in the book, which offer details into their lives during challenging times. Carbondale’s history reflects the influence of individual leadership on municipal progress, celebrated here in the context of the nation’s bicentennial.

Memoirs of the Lower Ohio Valley, vol 2

Published in 1905 by the Federal Publishing Company, Memoirs of the Lower Ohio Valley is a two-volume historical and genealogical work documenting the lives of individuals in the region. Volume 2 features 352 biographical sketches compiled from standardized questionnaires, covering personal details such as occupation, land ownership, military service, and family lineage. Many sketches include photographs of the subjects. This web page includes an expanded index with full names for easier reference. A free digital eBook download is included. Explore the lives of the people who shaped the lower Ohio Valley.

Memoirs of the Lower Ohio Valley, vol 1

Published in 1905 by the Federal Publishing Company, Memoirs of the Lower Ohio Valley is a two-volume historical and genealogical work documenting the lives of individuals in the region. Volume 1 features 382 biographical sketches compiled from standardized questionnaires, covering personal details such as occupation, land ownership, military service, and family lineage. Many sketches include photographs of the subjects. This web page includes an expanded index with full names for easier reference. A free digital eBook download is included. Explore the lives of the people who shaped the lower Ohio Valley.

The Genealogy of Joseph Strock

This book touches on Joseph Strock’s origins in Wurtemberg, Germany, his migration to America, and his role during the Revolutionary War. It also explores his descendants, with careful attention to correcting past errors and clarifying uncertainties in the family narrative. Though minimally documented, it was extensively researched, and as such, The Descendants of Joseph Strock of 1757 remains a valuable resource for those seeking to research the genealogy of Joseph Strock.

History of Blue Island, Illinois, 1835-1935

Postcard of the Grand Theatre, Blue Island, Illinois

The First Hundred Years, 1835–1935: Historical Review of Blue Island, Illinois is John Henry Volp’s comprehensive account of his hometown’s evolution from a pioneer settlement to a thriving city. Organized into three main periods—covering the earliest settlers, the village era, and the city form of government—the book chronicles the challenges, triumphs, and growth of Blue Island. It also features a biographical section, photographs, and valuable primary-source references, preserving the city’s heritage for future generations.

Genealogical Register of the Town of West Boylston, Massachusetts

The Historical Memorandum and Genealogical Register documents the founding of West Boylston, Massachusetts, up to 1868, celebrating its first settlers and their contributions to the town’s development. The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight the events that led to the founding of West Boylston. It also sought to honor the first settlers who made their homes on the hills and in valleys of West Boylston.

History of Alameda County California

Leslie J. Freeman’s “Alameda County: Past and Present” is a historical account of the development of Alameda County in California. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the native Indian tribes who inhabited the area to the Spanish Dons who claimed vast ranchos, and the early American settlers who established cities like Oakland and San Leandro. Freeman details the founding of missions, the development of transportation and industry, the evolution of social life, and the establishment of government institutions. The text also provides biographies of key figures in the county’s history, including William Heath Davis, Jose Joaquin Estudillo, and Anthony Chabot. Freeman emphasizes the importance of the Spanish Missions in the early development of California and describes the evolution of the county from a sparsely populated, agricultural area to a major center of industry and commerce.

Slave Narrative of Walter Calloway

Walter Calloway, an 89-year-old former slave, reflects on his life during an interview in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1937. Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1848, he recounts being sold to a plantation owner in Montgomery, where he faced hard work but relatively fair treatment. He describes witnessing the Civil War’s impact and the destruction caused by Union raiders. Although emancipation brought freedom, he notes that many former slaves, including himself, continued to work just as hard under difficult circumstances. Calloway’s narrative captures the resilience and hardships of ex-slaves.

Pioneer Days in Malheur County

“Pioneer Days in Malheur County” by Jacob Ray Gregg is a comprehensive historical account that seeks to perpetuate the memory of prominent pioneers and preserve an authentic history of Malheur County, Oregon. This privately printed volume, published in 1950 by L. L. Morrison in Los Angeles, spans 442 pages and provides a broad narrative of the region’s history, covering significant events and developments from the mid-19th century onwards. Key locations discussed include Ontario, Vale, Nyssa, Westfall, Harper, Juntura, Ironside, Brogan, and Jamieson. The work also delves into critical historical topics such as the Bannock War and the Overland Trail, alongside accounts of early pioneer life.

History of Centralia, Washington

“Centralia: The First Fifty Years, 1845-1900,” authored by Herndon Smith and published by the Daily Chronicle in 1949, is an accounting of Centralia, Washington history during its formative years. This work captures the essence of the community’s early development, providing a narrative enriched by diverse anecdotes and some pictorial representations.

History of Long Beach, California

The “Long Beach Community Book,” authored by Walter H. Case and published in 1948 by A.H. Cawston, is an extensive exploration of the history and development of Long Beach, California. The book is divided into two main sections: a historical narrative and biographical sketches. The first part of the book offers a detailed account of Long Beach’s evolution from its early beginnings to a thriving city. It covers various aspects of the city’s growth, including its geographical advantages, municipal governance, public facilities, educational institutions, and notable events such as epochal oil discoveries and the impact of wartime activities. The narrative also addresses challenges faced by the city, such as land subsidence and the major issue of tideland rights. The second part of the book comprises biographical sketches of significant Long Beach citizens, both past and present, highlighting their contributions to the community.

History of Ferndale and Ten Mile Townships, Washington

“Early History of Ferndale and Ten Mile Townships, Whatcom County, Washington,” authored by Chris C. Siegel and published by Cox Brothers & Williams, Inc. in Bellingham, Washington, in 1948, is an account of the early settlement and development of the Ferndale and Ten Mile townships. This book, spanning 110 pages, offers a detailed narrative focusing on the period from the arrival of the first settlers up until the year 1901, which coincides with the end of the author’s residence in the area. The continuation of the history beyond this point was intentionally left for future historians.

Kathi Reid’s Pennsylvania Websites

Kathi Reid has placed online her websites various Pennsylvania genealogy material. This page links directly to that material. Her website contains various history and biographical material for Bucks, Butler, Centre, Clinton, Erie, Fayette, Lycoming, and Schuylkill counties as well as Pennsylvania military records.