History Topics – Page 2 of 155

A Comprehensive History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota

1893 Map of Minnehaha County, South Dakota

A Comprehensive History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota: Its Background, Her Pioneers, Their Record of Achievement and Development” by Charles A. Smith is an extensive and detailed chronicle of the county’s past, encapsulating its evolution from its earliest days. This work, published in 1958, spans 504 pages, elaborately documenting the county’s journey through various phases of development. Particularly noteworthy are the chapters on the City of Sioux Falls, which provide a comprehensive overview of its growth, municipal enterprises, public buildings, and transportation systems. As well, for genealogists, the few biographies in chapter 13 of part 1.

Our Historic County of Kern, California

*Our Historic County of Kern* by Glendon J. Rodgers, published by the Kern County Historical Society in 1949, served as a guide to the landmarks and historical sites within Kern County, California. This second edition, while slightly revised from the original, continued to provide a brief but complete account of the county’s notable landmarks. The book is designed to be both informative and accessible, encouraging readers to explore and appreciate the historical landmarks of Kern County.

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 Nemaha County Nebraska

Published in 1902, John H. Dundas’s book “Nemaha County, Auburn, Nebraska” provides a personal account of the history and development of Nemaha County, referred by Dundas as “The Banner County” of Nebraska. The book documents significant historical events, including the passage of the Lewis and Clark expedition along the Missouri River. Dundas also recounts the establishment of educational institutions, religious services, and the first newspapers in the county. The early settlers’ resilience and enterprising spirit are highlighted throughout the narrative, illustrating their contributions to the county’s growth and prosperity.

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.

History of Buffalo New York

Buffalo Village from the Light House, 1828

“History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County” by Henry Perry Smith offers a comprehensive account of the development and significant events in Buffalo and Erie County, New York. Published in 1884 by D. Mason & Co. in Syracuse, New York, this two-volume work delves into the early settlement, growth, and transformation of the area. Volume II focuses on the history of Buffalo, New York. For the detailed history of Erie County, readers should refer to Volume I.

History of Erie County New York

“History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County” by Henry Perry Smith, published in 1884, offers an extensive and detailed account of the development of Buffalo and Erie County. This two-volume work, enriched with illustrations and biographical sketches, serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the historical progression of the region from its earliest days through the 19th century. Volume I focuses on the history of Erie County, New York, and its townships, excluding Buffalo. For the detailed history of Buffalo, readers should refer to Volume II.

History of Sierra Madre California

The *Annals of Early Sierra Madre* by Edith Blumer Bowen, published in 1950 by the Sierra Madre Historical Society, offers a vivid account of the early history of Sierra Madre, California. This volume serves as a vital record of the community’s development, drawn from the personal experiences and narratives of those who lived through the events described. This historical compilation focuses on various aspects of Sierra Madre’s past, including its founding, significant local figures, and the establishment of institutions such as churches and schools. The work also delves into the biographies of prominent families and individuals, detailing their contributions to the growth and character of the town.

The San Antonio Story

San Antonio Texas in 1854 looking west from La Villita

“The San Antonio Story” by Sam Woolford, with contributions from his wife Bess Carroll Woolford, is a history of San Antonio, Texas. Published in 1950 by Joske’s of Texas, the book was conceived as a remedy for the lack of historical knowledge among San Antonio’s school children, a concern identified by Herbert U. Rhodius, chairman of the Municipal Advertising Commission of San Antonio in 1948-49. Rhodius and his colleagues believed that a readable and authentic history could address this educational gap, making it suitable supplementary reading for public junior high schools.

Boggsville, Cradle of the Colorado Cattle Industry

Map of the Boggsville and Las Animas area

The manuscript “Boggsville, Cradle of the Colorado Cattle Industry” by C. W. Hurd, published by the Boggsville Committee in 1957, serves as an introductory exploration of the rich history of Boggsville, Bent County, and the Arkansas Valley. This work aims to address the frequently asked questions from locals, tourists, and history enthusiasts about the notable individuals and events that shaped the region during the latter half of the nineteenth century. The manuscript provides a glimpse into the lives of pioneers who were instrumental in taming the frontier and establishing the foundations of the Colorado cattle industry. It highlights the significance of Boggsville as a central point in the pioneer narrative of the West, emphasizing the area’s contributions to the development of the cattle industry in America.

History of Ossining New York

Ossining New York, Northeast corner of Spring Street and Broad Avenue

The “Ossining Chamber of Commerce Golden Jubilee, 1901-1951” commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the Village of Ossining, New York, which was celebrated from September 23-29, 1951. This publication, produced by the Ossining Chamber of Commerce, reflects on the rich history and development of the village, the oldest incorporated village in Westchester County, founded in 1813.

Over the Misty Blue Hills: The Story of Cocke County, Tennessee

“Over the Misty Blue Hills: The Story of Cocke County, Tennessee,” written by Ruth Webb O’Dell and published in 1951, provides a historical account of Cocke County. The book covers various aspects of Cocke County’s history, including its political, social, religious, and industrial developments. The contents are divided into several detailed sections: the political history of Cocke County, the significance of local names, the natural resources and setting, early settlers, religious history, industrial development, and notable figures from the county. Additionally, it delves into specific family histories, offering insights into the lives of many influential families such as the Allens, Burnetts, Huff, McMahan, and many others.

Elkhart Centennial, 1855-1955

Drawing of Elkhart at the Turn of the Century

The village of Elkhart City, nestled on the western slope of a long wooded hill in the heart of Illinois, celebrated its centennial anniversary in 1955. This book, “The Village of Elkhart City, Elkhart, Illinois, Centennial History, 1855-1955,” is a comprehensive chronicle of the village’s first hundred years, compiled and written by the Elkhart, Illinois Centennial Book Committee and published by Feldman’s Print Shop in Lincoln, Illinois.

Early Settlers of Ralls County, Missouri

The manuscript “Early Settlers of Ralls County, Missouri” compiled by Eunice Moore Anderson in 1951 serves as a valuable resource for those tracing their family genealogy in Ralls County. Divided into three parts, the compilation focuses on documenting early settlers prior to 1878, drawing from sources such as county atlases and historical records spanning Marion, Ralls, Pike Counties, and beyond. While not aiming to provide a comprehensive history, Anderson’s work catalogues pioneer families, offering insights into their origins, migration dates to Ralls County, and family connections. This structured approach, supplemented by an alphabetical index, aids researchers in navigating through ancestral records and locating further detailed information within related historical volumes.

A History of Winlock, Washington

This history of Winlock was written in 1951, at the request of the Winlock Community Development Association. The Community Development came into existence as a result of a 21-week study of our community, under the direction of the Bureau of Community Development of the University of Washington, with Professor Dick Poston as our weekly leader and consultant. This history was made into book form by commercial classes of the Winlock High School under the direction of Mrs. Sylvia Haapala.

A history of Covington Oklahoma

Fannie L. Eisele’s book, “A History of Covington, Garfield County, Oklahoma, and Surrounding Territory,” is a folksy chronicle of the pioneering era in southeastern Garfield County following the opening of the Cherokee Strip. Published in 1952 by Newel A. Ellis, this 214-page volume documents the transformation of untamed prairie claims into flourishing farms and the lives of the settlers who cultivated the land. Growing up just west of what is now the town of Covington, Eisele’s personal history and connection to the land add depth to her account. Her work not only chronicles the development of Covington but also aims to include the surrounding townships of Wood, Otter, Reed, and Marshall, each contributing to the broader history of the Cherokee Strip and Oklahoma.

Down in the Hills o’ Brown County

“Down in the Hills o’ Brown County,” written by Frank M. Hohenberger provides a historical overview of Brown County, Indiana, highlighting its development from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. The source initially details the county’s early economic activities, including salt mining, agriculture, and the establishment of mills and infrastructure. It then traces the emergence of Brown County as an artists’ colony, emphasizing the role of nature in attracting artists to the area. The source delves into the history of local newspapers, offering a glimpse into the evolution of media and communication in the county. Furthermore, it explores various aspects of Brown County’s cultural identity, touching upon topics such as gold prospecting, pottery making, tourism, and the preservation of traditional crafts like weaving. Through its accounts of early settlers, prominent figures, and anecdotes reflecting local life, “Down in the Hills o’ Brown County,” aims to capture the unique character and heritage of Brown County.

1871 Rocky Mountain Directory and Colorado Gazetteer

1871 Rocky Mountain Directory and Colorado Gazetteer, comprising a brief history of Colorado up to 1871 … together with a complete and accurate directory and history of Denver, Golden City, Black Hawk, Central City, Nevada, Idaho, and Georgetown.