I have found the name I was looking for. Now what?
Further information on entries listed in each Every Name Index will be found in the corresponding book the index
was compiled from. Each entry in the alphabetical index refers to the person's name then the page number where
they are mentioned in the original text. For instance, an entry listed as Smith, John, 123, would indicate that his
name would be found on page 123 of the original text.
Can you do a look-up for me?
All of the original texts I use for indexing are borrowed from university libraries located several hours from my
home or have been obtained through the inter-library loan system. I do not own a copy of any of the original
texts. Once the Every Name Index is completed and available online, the original text has been returned to the
lender. Therefore, I cannot do a look-up for you.
How do I locate a copy of the original text?
INTER-LIBRARY LOAN. Browse your local library catalog or use the inter-library loan system to try and locate a
copy of the original text. Some of these books may be out of print but a few libraries usually offer them by
inter-library loan.
If you do not live in the area or county you are researching you may also consult the online WorldCat Catalog
which connects you to the collections and services of more than 10,000 libraries worldwide. Be aware that
sometimes when you borrow an original text, they may send it to your local library but you may be required to use
it in-house only. Many of these texts are very old and in a fragile state or it may be one of only a few copies still
available, so libraries will not let them leave their facility and care.
SEARCH FOR ONLINE SCANS. You may wish to do an online search for scans of the original text pages that may
have been uploaded to websites such as Google Books or Heritage Quest - Search Books. My local library allows
free remote access to Heritage Quest through the library website using my library card number. Perhaps your
local library would offer the same service.
REQUEST A LOOK-UP FROM A GENEALOGY VOLUNTEER. Make a request of online genealogy look-up
volunteers. Often times you can find a list of genealogy volunteers for a specific county on the county's GenWeb
page. You can also search for genealogy volunteers on the Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness website. I
have requested the services of genealogy volunteers and received copies of documents and information from
look-ups, and even photographs of tombstones. I have been very pleased and grateful for their generous help.
If you receive help from a volunteer, consider paying the kindness forward and offer to do a look-up for someone
that cannot travel to your county.
FAMILY HISTORY CENTERS. Check with the LDS Family History Library to see if a copy of the original text is
available on microfilm. The Family History Library Catalog is available online, and on CD or microfiche at a LDS
Family History Center in your community. If a microfilm or microfiche copy of the text is available it can be ordered
for a small fee from Salt Lake City and sent to the LDS Center near you for your use.
EBAY. Another way you may be able to secure a copy of the original text is a search of the bookshop on eBay
Many new and gently used county history books are sold on eBay at reasonable prices. I do not endorse or
guarantee the reliability of any eBay seller however I have had good experiences purchasing items on eBay.
Good luck and Happy Hunting!
Locating your ancestor in an old county history book can be exciting and a valuable tool that provides excellent
clues to expand your research. You may find him listed as a soldier or a member of the business community. He
may have been a founding or prominent member of his church. The stories about the founding of the county and
other settlers may give you clues about where your ancestor lived before residing in that county.
Using genealogical information found in an old county history can be a big help, but you need to keep in mind that
documenting the facts with primary sources is very important. There are no doubt errors in these texts because
publishers did not take the time to verify the accuracy of the family information provided. Sometimes people liked
to stretch the truth or make the story more interesting by adding little embellishments here and there. Getting as
many supporting documents as you can will help sort out the fact from fiction.
Publishers often charged a small fee to include a family's biographical sketch. Information was often submitted by
anyone in the county that could afford to pay the cost therefore you may find only the most prominent and wealthy
families included in the book. Keep in mind that It does not mean your ancestor did not live in that county, rather
it may simply be the family could not afford to pay the cost to be included in the text.
Further information on entries listed in each Every Name Index will be found in the corresponding book the index
was compiled from. Each entry in the alphabetical index refers to the person's name then the page number where
they are mentioned in the original text. For instance, an entry listed as Smith, John, 123, would indicate that his
name would be found on page 123 of the original text.
Can you do a look-up for me?
All of the original texts I use for indexing are borrowed from university libraries located several hours from my
home or have been obtained through the inter-library loan system. I do not own a copy of any of the original
texts. Once the Every Name Index is completed and available online, the original text has been returned to the
lender. Therefore, I cannot do a look-up for you.
How do I locate a copy of the original text?
INTER-LIBRARY LOAN. Browse your local library catalog or use the inter-library loan system to try and locate a
copy of the original text. Some of these books may be out of print but a few libraries usually offer them by
inter-library loan.
If you do not live in the area or county you are researching you may also consult the online WorldCat Catalog
which connects you to the collections and services of more than 10,000 libraries worldwide. Be aware that
sometimes when you borrow an original text, they may send it to your local library but you may be required to use
it in-house only. Many of these texts are very old and in a fragile state or it may be one of only a few copies still
available, so libraries will not let them leave their facility and care.
SEARCH FOR ONLINE SCANS. You may wish to do an online search for scans of the original text pages that may
have been uploaded to websites such as Google Books or Heritage Quest - Search Books. My local library allows
free remote access to Heritage Quest through the library website using my library card number. Perhaps your
local library would offer the same service.
REQUEST A LOOK-UP FROM A GENEALOGY VOLUNTEER. Make a request of online genealogy look-up
volunteers. Often times you can find a list of genealogy volunteers for a specific county on the county's GenWeb
page. You can also search for genealogy volunteers on the Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness website. I
have requested the services of genealogy volunteers and received copies of documents and information from
look-ups, and even photographs of tombstones. I have been very pleased and grateful for their generous help.
If you receive help from a volunteer, consider paying the kindness forward and offer to do a look-up for someone
that cannot travel to your county.
FAMILY HISTORY CENTERS. Check with the LDS Family History Library to see if a copy of the original text is
available on microfilm. The Family History Library Catalog is available online, and on CD or microfiche at a LDS
Family History Center in your community. If a microfilm or microfiche copy of the text is available it can be ordered
for a small fee from Salt Lake City and sent to the LDS Center near you for your use.
EBAY. Another way you may be able to secure a copy of the original text is a search of the bookshop on eBay
Many new and gently used county history books are sold on eBay at reasonable prices. I do not endorse or
guarantee the reliability of any eBay seller however I have had good experiences purchasing items on eBay.
Good luck and Happy Hunting!
Locating your ancestor in an old county history book can be exciting and a valuable tool that provides excellent
clues to expand your research. You may find him listed as a soldier or a member of the business community. He
may have been a founding or prominent member of his church. The stories about the founding of the county and
other settlers may give you clues about where your ancestor lived before residing in that county.
Using genealogical information found in an old county history can be a big help, but you need to keep in mind that
documenting the facts with primary sources is very important. There are no doubt errors in these texts because
publishers did not take the time to verify the accuracy of the family information provided. Sometimes people liked
to stretch the truth or make the story more interesting by adding little embellishments here and there. Getting as
many supporting documents as you can will help sort out the fact from fiction.
Publishers often charged a small fee to include a family's biographical sketch. Information was often submitted by
anyone in the county that could afford to pay the cost therefore you may find only the most prominent and wealthy
families included in the book. Keep in mind that It does not mean your ancestor did not live in that county, rather
it may simply be the family could not afford to pay the cost to be included in the text.
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About Each Index
Free Databases
Found It! Now What?
Genealogy Links
Genealogy Awards
Genealogy Clip Art
Testimonials
Link Exchange
Site Map
Contact
This website is able to provide FREE access to all databases because you visit the advertisers on its pages. Copyright 2007-2012. Cathy L. O'Connor, Picture It Designs. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions. Links Disclaimer. Privacy Policy. This page last updated 01 January 2012. Question or comment? Email. |
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