Madison
County Genealogical Society
Minutes of the Meeting - August 14, 2008
President, Robert Ridenour, called the
meeting to order.
Reports:
Librarian/Researcher Elsie Wasser
reported that we had received four books for the library:
A printed copy of the Family Genealogies
of the Hood, Williams, Nelson and Johnson Families regarding his final work
on his free black ancestors of Madison County, IL with a CD which contains more
information (which should be on the library computer now in the Genealogy
Room).
State Census
Records by Ann S. Lainhart. A very interesting book which points out that
many States have no State Census records, some are very hard to locate. As I
was very interested in reading about Illinois State Census since I have
published three of them, I found that she states that the Illinois 1810 State
Census (by Margaret Cross Norton) shows only Randolph County but if you read
the actual names you find Governor Ninian Edwards and B. Stephenson (whose
Edwardsville residence has been restored) are listed. This means that some
others of the now Madison County were included in this early census also, but
since Madison County was not declared a County until 1812, it is not mentioned.
Something to remember if you are doing very early research in Madison County. Also
the State Census Records book is enlightening in that there are many states
that have never had a State Census done at any time and many that were taken
were only statistical and did not include names of persons.
War of 1812 Soldiers
Buried in the State of Illinois, donated by the Illinois Society of the
National Society of the U.S.Daughters of 1812, indexed by surname with much
information on most soldiers: date of birth, date of death, wife's name when
known, 1812 County with pension number, if known, and name and location of
cemetery.
History of
Macon Co., IL - Bicentennial History, indexed with maps and photos. Unknown
donor, but thanks for it. The volume is indexed and has copies of original
signatures of persons from Macon County. You might find your relative's
original signature.
Seventeen guests were present at this meeting, many due to their interest in
our speaker's excellent program.
Gerald Perschbacher presented a program
titled Researching Your
Roots in Germany.
He described the reasons for the
settlement of the region by the people of German heritage. Also covered were
clues you could get from the spelling of your ancestor's name as to where you
might search for their records in the village/town from which they emigrated.
Mr. Perschbacher gave advice on making
contact with people in Germany to ask for assistance with your research, and
the best way to request help and not appear to be an "Ugly American."
Following his presentation, he
entertained questions from the audience.
This presentation was extremely well
done and very enlightening.