Genealogy Lock-In at the Clayton Genealogy Library, October 19

[Thought some of my local Houston-area readers and genealogy pals might be interested in this first ever genealogy lock-in event at the Clayton Library. Learn about all the Clayton events by signing up for the Clayton Extra here: Houston Public Library NextReads (check Genealogy: Clayton Extra) --A]

1st Annual Genealogy Lock-In – Discover History for Yourself
Friday, October 19, 2012 2:00PM-5:15PM  - three pre-event  virtual presentations
Friday, October 19, 2012 6:00PM-12:00AM - Lock-in and optional presentations.  Two are virtual; the last one is an in-house speaker.

In celebration of Family History Month in October, the Houston Public Library's Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research will be sponsoring its 1st Annual Genealogy Lock-in at the library.  This event is free and open to anyone interested in genealogy.

This event will showcase the library’s genealogy collection.  It's a great opportunity for both the novice and the experienced researcher to learn more about genealogy and to pursue their individual family’s history.  The Lock-in will include genealogical advice, instruction, and light snacks.

We are pleased to announce that this year’s Lock-in will be held in conjunction with the same type of event being held at four other libraries across Texas. These libraries include: The Texas State Library and Archives Commission; Special Collection Department of the Denton Public Library; Genealogy, Local History, Texana, and Archives of the Plano Public Library; and the West Waco Library and Genealogy Center.

ALL PRESENTATIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE CARRIAGE HOUSE. 
Registration for the pre-event sessions and for the lock-in MUST be made in advance.

 

The pre-event programming during the day is open to everyone, even those not planning on attending the extended hours Lock-in.  All three sessions will be virtual.  You may sign up for any or all of these sessions.  Registration is limited to 50.

 

Resources of the Southwest Regional Archives (NARA)
2:00PM-2:50PM
Aaron Holt, Archives Technician
He will discuss the resources of this great national institution. Learn about Indian records, national records, business and other records of genealogical value.

 

Using the Treasures in FamilySearch 
3:00PM-3:50PM
Lynell Moss of the Plano Family History Center
Learn about all the tools currently available on FamilySearch.org and seven tips for getting better results when searching the more than 1250 collections in Historical Records.

 

Ancestry Library Edition: What’s New 
4:00PM-5:15PM
Edward Loera, ProQuest Database trainer
Listen to Mr. Loera highlight what’s new in content and features and provide us his insight on how to best use this premier resource for genealogical research.

There will be three optional presentations during the Lock-in.  These sessions will be virtual, except for “Unusual Resources”.  You may sign up for any or all of the sessions .   You must be signed up for the Lock-in to attend any of these three classes.   Registration is limited to 100. 

 

Genealogy 101: How to Get Started in Genealogy
6:30PM-8:00PM
Cheryl Smith, Genealogy Librarian (Plano)
She will speak on filling out a pedigree chart, where to find information, software suggestions, Internet sites, and more.

Resources of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
8:15PM-9:15PM
Sara Hayes, Reference Librarian, Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Learn about genealogy resources available on-site and online from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin.

Unusual Genealogy Resources
9:30PM-10:30PM
Susan Kaufman, Manager, Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, Houston Public Library
Susan will provide an overview of unusual resources and not often used sources that can give a deep insight into your family history.

Lock-in attendees do not have to stay until midnight.  You can come to the lock-in (if you are registered) any time between 6:00PM and 10:30PM.

This event is for adults/teens.

Security will be provided, and reservations will be checked.
For more information, contact Sue Kaufman, Clayton Manager, at 832-393-2602 or susan.kaufman@houstontx.gov.  Please use LOCK-IN for the subject line. 

May Events at Houston's Clayton Genealogy Library

There are some great programs coming to the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research in May. Check them out:


Clayton Library Orientation 

Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:30-11:45AM
Learn about the vast resources and how to efficiently utilize genealogical research materials housed at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research.  No reservations needed, meet at the Information Desk in the library.  Adults/Teens.

Clayton Library Friends General Meeting
Saturday, May 12, 2012 10:30AM-12:00PM
James Harkins of the General Land Office of Texas will be the speaker at the meeting.  Registration will start at 10:15 at the Carriage House and the meeting will begin at 10:30.  Adults/Teens.

At the Houston Public Library Central location (500 McKinney in the Julia Ideson Building)…
Clayton Library is proud to present a special day of Civil War related programs featuring Craig Scott and Robin Oliveira
Saturday, May 19 2012, 10:30AM-4:30PM 
No reservations required. Adults/Teens.

10:30-11:30AM Civil War Confederate Records
Researching Confederate soldiers during the Civil War can be challenging. This lecture will be an overview of records that are available for research for the “boys in grey” that valiantly fought for the South.

11:45AM-12:45PM Civil War Pensions
Pension applications for American Civil War veterans can be a rich source of information regarding their service during the war and the lives of the pensioners after the War. These records are housed in many locations depending upon the side fought for. A presentation of the records and repositories will be highlighted.

1:00-2:00PM Medical Records in the Civil War
These records can offer a deeper look into the individual Civil War soldier’s history and stories regarding their service in the American Civil War.  Found mostly in original source documents this group of records offer a special look into the harsher side of the conflict.

2:30PM Robin Oliveira
My Name is Sutter, a work of historical fiction, explores the dedication and devotion of Civil War nurses and doctors who endeavored to bring healing and comfort to wounded men with so little medical knowledge it’s a miracle that anyone survived.  Cemented in years of research, including at the National Archives and Library of Congress, the book follows the story of a young midwife who wants to be a surgeon at a time of great turmoil and change.  Robin Oliveira will discuss some of the medical challenges facing the physicians, the unprecedented medical research the war provoked, and the beginning of nursing in America. Book sales will be provided by Brazos Bookstore

Lineage Help – 
Most Wednesday nights, 5:30-7:30PM
Looking to join the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of the American Revolution, or Daughters of the Republic of Texas?  Come to Clayton Library on Wednesday nights from 5:30 to 7:30.  Members of the Oran M. Roberts Chapter UDC #440 are here to help you discuss your lineage application research.  This is available MOST Wednesday nights, but call 832-393-2600 to confirm the team will be here.  Sign up when you get to the library.  Adults/Teens.

1000memories.com comes to Houston

Today the 1000memories.com crew came to the Clayton Genealogy Library in Houston. They offered a free class to share with attendees the importance of preserving and sharing family photos. Included in the event were a quick tour of the 1000memories website and an introduction to their Shoebox app, which turns one's iPhone into a scanner. (I've been told the Android app is coming.)

I was worried that the rain would keep the people away, but they came out in good numbers.

The lady standing in the corner of the above photo is Sue Kaufman. She's Big Chief Librarian at the Clayton. She's also responsible for making this 1000memories event happen and that makes her awesome.

After the intros and explanation of 1000memories.com's bells and whistles, the class broke out into small groups to learn how easy the scanning process is and to get their own photos scanned.

Jonathan Good (in blue) using his phone to scan photos.

The crowd seemed really enthusiastic to get their items scanned, and happy for the learning opportunity overall.

Michael Katchen (in blue) showing folks how to use the Shoebox app.

The class was about three hours long and I think it went really well. I had a nice visit with Caroline Pointer (@familystories) and Fran Ellsworth (@FranEllsworth).

I was also fortunate enough to have lunch with Jonathan, Michael and Caroline before the event. I even played airport taxi for the 1000memories crew on the way out of town. Hopefully this is enough to get them back again for several more classes at the Clayton Library. There is a great demand for tools that help people preserve family memories.

So please, genealogy vendors, speakers and researchers, come to Houston. We have the space, the need and the enthusiasm for your genealogical wares. And we'll even drive you to the airport. For reals.

(Disclosure: 1000memories.com bought me lunch, but I took them to the airport so that makes us Even Steven.)

1000memories.com is coming to Texas!

Makers Of Top Photography App Help To Digitize Texas History

1000memories Hosts Austin and Houston Events To Help Locals Scan Old Photos, Preserve Local History

Austin and Houston , November 28, 2011 — 1000memories, creator of the popular ShoeBox iPhone app that lets you scan and share old paper photos, will be touring through Texas this December, hosting events in Austin and Houston to help locals digitize their collections of old photos and preserve their local and family histories.

The free “How To Go Home” events will include unlimited scanning of personal photos and videos, a "show & tell" of photographs brought to the event, and activities to show participants how to make the most of the holidays at home.

“Holidays are one of the few times when families are together with their old photo collections,” says 1000memories Director of Business Development Mike Katchen. “We think it’s important to show people how to make the most of these holidays at home, to share these stories and preserve them for future generations.”

ShoeBox, 1000memories’ recently-launched iPhone scanner app, gives individuals, families and organizations the ability to scan and instantly share large collections of photos and documents that have previously been difficult to digitize—the photos traditionally neglected in shoeboxes, old family albums or archived analog collections.  

“Large photo collections from our past have never been digitized or shared because it’s been too difficult and time-consuming. With the introduction of the ShoeBox app, we’re putting multiple hand-held scanners in households and organizations, for free,” says 1000memories co-founder Rudy Adler. “We’ve created a tool  that allows people to upload and share old photos in a fraction of the time needed for traditional photo scanning, which will dramatically change the rate at which these collections are being shared.” 

The “How To Go Home” Texas events are completely free to attend and will be held at the following dates and locations:

• 1:30-4:00 p.m., December 3, Little Walnut Creek Library, 835 West Rundberg Lane, Austin, TX
• 1:00-4:00 p.m., December 4, Carriage House, 5300 Caroline Street, Houston, TX

For more event information or to RSVP, visit facebook.com/1000memories.  To learn more about the ShoeBox app by 1000memories, visit 1000memories.com/shoebox.

About 1000memories

1000memories, creator of the popular ShoeBox photo scanning app for iPhone, is the best way to organize, share and discover the old photos and memories of your family and friends.  Founded in 2010 in San Francisco, California, 1000memories helps bring the albums, scrapbooks, and photo-filled shoeboxes of our lives out of closets and into an online, shareable space where they can be remembered and celebrated, together in one place. For more information, visit 1000memories.com.

(Just FYI...the Clayton Library itself is closed on Sundays. This event is at the Clayton Library Carriage House, which is on the grounds of the library complex. It is separate from the main building, but easy to spot from the parking lot. --A)

Battle Copy Machine, Part Deux

Yesterday I went to the Clayton Library to do some work on a special project. I needed some copies of pages from books, which meant I had to go to the copy room.

The first-floor copy room and I have a history, as described in When Good Copiers Go Bad.

Since that post, Newman was sent packing and a new copier is in its place:

Think all my problems are over? Think again. This copier--which I call Damien--is set to automatically copy everything with 11x17 paper. You have to remember to change it to 8x11. As you can see from the rolled paper underneath, I forgot to change the setting. In fact, it happened three times.

Later on, I went back in the copy room and Damien malfunctioned. I tried to move to the copier to the left, but the copy card machine was not on. I waited for a man to finish using the copy machine to the right and got my stuff done.

Then I went into the copy room one last time. Damien was still not working. The copier to the left still wasn't taking copy cards. To the right, a sweet little lady was pulling nickels out of a coin bag--one at a time--in preparation of copying from a stack of books.

Not good.

So I did the walk of shame to the reference librarian explaining that 2 of the 3 copiers were wonky. He fixed Damien so I could copy. Then he looked at the left copier...which was mysteriously ON and working fine. Took my copy card and everything, making me look like a moron.

I made one last copy, and Damien rolled out another 11x17 piece of paper. That room is possessed, I tell you. Use at your own peril.

I bet that lady and her bag of nickles is still in there making copies.

Coming Events at Houston's Clayton Genealogy Library

There are several great events coming up at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research.

Here's the lowdown:

August 13: Clayton Library Friends meeting in the Carriage House meeting room on the Clayton Library grounds. Registration is at 10:15am and the meeting begins at 10:30am. The featured speaker is Steven Sloan, Director of the Institute for Oral History at Baylor University. His topic is the Library of Congress Oral History Project, Interviewing your Family for Posterity.

August 20: Clayton Library Orientation, 10:30am - 11:30am. Learn about the vast resources and how to efficiently utilize genealogical research materials housed at the Clayton Library Center. No reservations needed. Meet at the information desk.

August 27: Clayton Library Friends all-day seminar featuring Arlene Eakle. I've seen Arlene speak and she is a walking encyclopedia of genealogy information. She knows every early family in Virginia and that is no joke. Registration form.

.

July Programs at the Clayton Genealogy Library in Houston

The Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research is one of the premier genealogy institutions in the country, and it's right here in Houston! Here are some of the great events on their calendar for July:

Genealogy Basics Bootcamp
Saturday, July 2, 2011 10:30AM-12:00PM
Interested in your family history, but not quite sure where to start?  Found some information, but need to know what else is available?  Join the Bootcamp for an exercise in genealogy research resources!  This session focuses on starting genealogical research by examining basic tools, such as the pedigree chart, and basic research strategies.  Learn about the different genealogical materials available to researchers and how they lead to other sources. Reservations required.  Please call 832-393-2600.  Adults/Teens.

Military Research – American Revolution and Civil War
Saturday, July 2, 2011 1:00-2:30PM, 3:00-4:30PM
Researching family history can be as close as the home computer, but finding the best websites and resources can be frustrating.  Lynna Kay Shuffield will present two classes focusing on good Internet resources where you can locate primary source documentation or lineage information related to American Revolution military research and Civil War research.  You must register for each session you wish to attend.  This lecture is co-sponsored by Oran M. Roberts Chapter 440, United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Clayton Library/Houston Public Library. 

American Revolution Military Research
Saturday, July 2, 2011 1:00-2:30PM
Join Lynna Kay Shuffield for a presentation on searching for your Revolutionary War ancestors.    Reservations required.  Please call 832-393-2600.  Adults/Teens.
Civil War Research
Saturday, July 2, 2011 3:00-4:30PM
Continue with Lynna Kay as she provides information and resources for searching for Civil War ancestors.  Reservations required.  Please call 832-393-2600.  Adults/Teens.

Clayton Library Orientation
Saturday, July 16, 2011 10:30-11:45AM
Learn about the vast resources and how to efficiently utilize genealogical research materials housed at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research.  No reservations needed, meet at the Information Desk in the library.  Adults/Teens.

Scrapbook Crop
Saturday, July 16, 2011 10:15AM-4:30PM
Come join us for a fabulous day of scrapbooking your family history!  It’s a potluck crop, so bring snacks, desserts, and sodas to share.  Cups, plates, napkins, etc. will be provided and a refrigerator and microwave are available.  Free wireless and electrical outlets.  Please bring your cutting pad.  A six foot table is available for each person. Reservations required:  e-mail lksfriday@sbcglobal.net or call713-692-4511.  Co-sponsored by Oran M. Roberts Chapter 440, United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Clayton Library/Houston Public Library.  Adults/Teens.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Day
Saturday, July 25, 2011 10:30AM-4:30PM
Ever wonder how to join the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)?  Representatives from local DAR chapters will be at Clayton Library for consultation and research help in preparing lineage papers for submission to the DAR.  No reservations required.  Adults/Teens.

DNA Day at the Clayton Genealogy Library

Yesterday I attended DNA Day at the Clayton Library, which was hosted by the Lone Star Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

There were three sessions that discussed genetic genealogy and the use of DNA testing for family history purposes. Two sessions were taught by Debbie Wayne, CG, and another was led by a representative of Family Tree DNA. The whole shebang was presented at no cost to the attendees.

This event could not have come at a better time, as I have some pending and new DNA results of which I am struggling to make sense.

Here is my pie chart again for reference:

Based on what I learned yesterday, this pie chart is part of the Family Finder test, which deals with autosomal DNA. If I understood what was said, this chart is "me" and factors in both parents.

I didn't quite get the Family Finder test before yesterday, but now I know a little more. I knew mtDNA was all about the ladies, but was confused that my complete results were showing matches on my dad's side. Turns out it's the Family Finder that shows my dad's side, and this pie chart is part of that test.

I still stand by my theory that the Middle East slice is Jewish and that it comes from my mom's mom's side. Though I have a mtDNA test pending for my grandmother, I did not purchase Family Finder so she won't have a pie chart. Maybe I should do that. The two-generation difference between us would be a big deal if I am understanding this Family Finder autosomal DNA testing right.

This whole DNA post is giving me a headache. Ay yi yi. So much to learn.
.
.

Need a Professional Genealogist? Houston, We Don't Have a Problem

Yesterday, Ancestry.com announced that they are terminating their Expert Connect program, which was a way to connect clients and researchers. Projects ranged from basic record look-up to custom research, and Ancestry took a slice of the pie.

A quick glance at the comments on Ancestry.com's own Facebook page indicated that some folks weren't too happy with the abrupt halt of services, as there's now a void when it comes to identifying location-specific researchers.

If you are in need of professional research assistance or record retrieval in the Houston area, I am happy to help. My territory includes:

The Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research

Houston Public Library

Houston Metropolitan Research Center

Rosenberg Library (Galveston)

Harris County Courthouse

Woodson Research Center at Rice University

Montgomery County Public Library Central Branch (Conroe)

Montgomery County Courts

Liberty County Courthouse

Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center

I am willing to travel to other counties in Texas as needed.

I'm also available for custom research and other genealogy needs including family history writing projects. Please contact me for pricing and questions.

Should you need research services in other portions of Texas, please let me know as I have established a network of wonderful professionals ready to serve you. If you need assistance in other parts of the country and world, consult the Association of Professional Genealogists directory.

Do not feel discouraged or worried about the demise of Expert Connect at Ancestry.com. There are so many researchers out there willing to assist with your family history.

Also remember that you have a friend in Texas who is more than happy to help.

From the Clayton: I Ask Questions, You Get Answers

Yesterday, on my way out the door of the Clayton Library, I stopped by the bookshelves that hold the "World" genealogy books, but the shelves were half-empty, half-filled with the "United States" books. The staff were moving the U.S. books, but where were the World ones? The librarian at the desk said they were in the back on the first floor. The staff member didn't give a specific location and I didn't press. I'm just glad to know they're still with us. There are some empty shelves, though, and that always makes me nervous that they're weeding the exact items I need. So if you're looking for the World books, they're in a new place.

I also asked the desk librarian if the Family History Library films on permanent loan at the Clayton are in the Houston Public Library Catalog. Let me explain: the Clayton library recently became a designated Family History Center, meaning you can order films from the FHL and have them delivered to the Clayton where you can view them. If you re-order/check-out your films twice, they are designated as on permanent loan and stay at the Clayton. I wanted to know if I can see what's on permanent loan through the Clayton's online catalog (which is the Houston Public Library). The answer the staff member told me was no, since the items belong to the Family History Library. However, there is a list of permanent loan items on the Clayton library premises, so you can see it there. Because Clayton's FHC designation is pretty new, they don't have a big collection of permanent-loan films. Expect that to change as time goes on.

When Good Copiers Go Bad

Today I went to the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. It's part of the Houston Public Library system, yet it's a stand-alone 100% genealogy library. I am quite fortunate to live 30 miles from it.

The trip was successful, but not complete. I'm going to enter the information I found into my database and then go back for more. Because this project is for someone else, I can't really talk about it. Therefore, I've decided to introduce you to Newman.

On the first floor of the main building, there is a room full of copiers. Here are a few:

I have a chilly relationship with the copier in the corner. It behaves poorly, breaks down (making me look like the bad guy) resets itself and just does what it darn well pleases. It annoys the heck out of me, so I call it Newman just like the Seinfeld character. Every time I go to the Clayton, I welcome a show down. Here is what Newman looks like when others are in the room:

But when I am all alone, Newman shows his true colors:

Today, Newman tried to annoy me with a delay between copies, taking just a few more seconds each page than was really necessary. It also started asking funny questions about templates, trying to get me to fail at making copies, but I wasn't fooled. At least the machine worked, though, and that makes me suspicious. It's clearly trying to lure me into a false sense of security while hatching Plans of Destruction for my next visit.

Genealogy and the Texas Library Association

Did you know the Texas Library Association has a Genealogy Round Table? Well, they do. They also have the 2009 Annual Conference coming up in Houston. Here are the events produced by the Genealogy Round Table:

Genealogy and WEB 2.0.: Creating an Internet Community Event Presenter: Kimberly M. Gay
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 31, 2009/ 2:00 pm - 3:20 pm
Location: Houston George Brown Convention Center
Take genealogy researching to the next level using Web 2.0. Genealogy communities are flourishing online and are the new way to collaborate in the pursuit of one’s past. From flickr and YouTube to blogs and wikis, social networking websites can help your genealogy research.
GENEALOGY ROUND TABLE.

Innovative Ideas: Managing and Collecting for a Genealogy Library
Event Presenter: Sue Kaufman
Date/Time: Wednesday April, 1, 2009/ 2:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. (Business meeting follows)
Location: Houston George Brown Convention Center
Resources, research, and results: learn best practices for creating, developing, and managing a genealogy collection of any size. [A business meeting follows the program.]
GENEALOGY ROUND TABLE.

Genealogy Social and Tour of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research
Event Presenter: Sue Kaufman
Date/Time: Wednesday April, 1, 2009/ 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research Library, Houston Texas
Genealogy Social and Tour of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, 5300 Caroline
Enjoy touring one of the top genealogy libraries in the country.
GENEALOGY ROUND TABLE AND BLACK CAUCUS ROUND TABLE.

You don't have to be a librarian to attend this conference. Many of the events focus on research, technology, archives and preservation. Look for me if you go. I'll be wearing my special libraries hat.

Clayton Library's Day in the Sun

The Clayton Library renovation is done and the official public ceremony is today.

Mitch Clendening of The Seeker was kind enough to point out a local news fluff piece on the event. There is also a Houston Chronicle article about the Clayton. Be sure to watch the video on the left side to get a feel of why this place is such a gem.

Renovations at the Clayton Library

This week I needed to get some specialized reading done for my NGS course, so I took a quick trip to the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. The Clayton is part of the Houston Public Library system, yet slightly different than the other branches. You can't get the lastest fiction here, but it's like a genealogical Disneyland.

The story of the Clayton library is best explained on the Clayton Library Friends web site (under Clayton House). Most of the collection is now in the main library building. Also on the grounds is the Clayton house, which used to house the library. For months now, this house has been under renovation. This week marked the first time I'd seen the construction fences down, so I took a few pix.


The crane in the background is for a different, unrelated construction project behind the library.

I think family histories will be housed here, but I'm not sure. The parking lot for the Clayton is to the left of this house. To the left of the parking lot is the main building of the library. It's much bigger than this house.

One of the other buildings (not sure if it's this one) will be a meeting area. The library's current meeting closet can hold about 5 1/2 people in it, so I am excited for this new area. It means better programming will be coming to the Clayton.

Clayton Library Update

The Clayton Library fared well during Hurricane Ike. Even better, the new construction continues to move along. The Carriage House is set to open in November, just in time for the Clayton Library Friends meeting. I can't wait to see how the restored building looks.

There is a Clayton Library Orientation this Saturday (Oct. 18) at 11:00 AM, and the third Saturday of each month. A list of events at the Clayton through 2008 is available here.

You can subscribe to the Clayton Library Town Crier e-newsletter, by going to the Houston Public Library NextReads newsletter page (you do not have to be a cardholder), checking the "Genealogy" box, and providing an email address and password.

Clayton Library Friends Meeting

Back from Arkansas. The Williamson Family Road Trip and Celebrity Death Tour (tm) went well. More details to follow. I have to upload more pictures first.

Yesterday, I went my first Clayton Library Friends meeting. I wanted to see where my dues went. My dad was visiting, so he came with me for curiosity's sake.

This is a very friendly group with some amazing volunteers. Reports were given on the state of the organization, as well as the state of renovation at the library site. The Clayton Library is good now, but it's going to be great.

After the meeting was a presentation by Karen Miller, President of the Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen 1607-1783. It was a good talk. I learned a lot.

Since I was in "the city" anyway, I took my dad to Goode's for lunch. Then we went to the Clayton so he could see it. I think he was impressed.

The next Clayton Library Friends meeting is Saturday, November 15, 2008. If the planets align and the wood is properly knocked, the meeting will be in the newly renovated Carriage House at the Clayton. If not, then it's at Houston Public Library's Jungman Branch one more time.

The speaker for the November meeting is Karen Black-Morrow who will present From Piles of Paper to Polished Prose, a talk about writing a narrative history of your family and organizing records and documents.

Houston, We Have a Brigance

As I mentioned in my last post, I spent yesterday at the Clayton. I stumbled upon a Roots Magic presentation, so I sat for it. When it was done, I was really hungry and tired, but I didn't want to squander the rare opportunity I had to visit the library so I forged on with the mental thought, "just 20 more minutes..."

This is where we pause for a back story: I've been working on the Williamson clan for a while now, specifically William Woodberry Williamson (1853-1942). His first wife was Sarah/Sallie Brigham. She is my great-great grandmother. I have all this information on Williamson going back may generations. I have little on Sarah: a census where she's an adult and an obituary transcription. She died at 25, leaving four children and that's all I know. It's always bugged me that my Brigham line began and stopped with Sarah.

Back to yesterday. In the "20 more minutes," I browsed the History of Pope County, vol. 1 book. It's helped me sort out all the Williamsons in the past, so I thought I'd scan the pages for other names I recognized.

One of those people was John Clingman (1844-1923). I recognized his name from all the Shiloh Cumberland Church minutes but I never had any indication there was a deeper connection to my ancestors other than church mates. The article had a photo of him, so I studied it for a while and scanned the words. He had two sisters, Mary and Margie. The piece goes on to say that Margie married John Brigance and they had five kids. One of those kids was Sarah Brigance...who was the first wife of Wood Williamson.

So my Sarah Brigham is also Sarah Brigance (1862-1887). Woo hoo! I didn't jump up and down in the library and scream like I won the lottery, but I did make the universal sign for touchdown.

Last night I took the info from the Pope County book and hunted around for more on Sarah Brigance. Having her siblings' names helped me find her as a child "Sarah Briganel" in the 1870 census.

Now Sarah has a history and parents. They apparently died young and the children lived with John Clingman and his wife for a while. The article says John Brigance died in the Civil War. At some point, I'll investigate that claim, but for now it's back to the Williamsons...

It's just really nice to see my tree with the Brigham/Brigance line extended now.

And that's why you stay at the genealogy library just 20 more minutes.

Clayton Saturday

I went to the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research today. I've been reading all the old Pope County Historical Association Quarterly issues in preparation for my trip to Arkansas. I'm trying to do all I can here so I can cram more into my time there.

I did get a lot of reading done. I also got some information from obituary transcriptions. None of this information pertains to William Woodberry Williamson, but they are helpful pieces to the puzzle.

I also found some information on George Washington Boals (1836-1903), which is going to make one of my email buddies very happy.

At noon, there was a presentation on Roots Magic. If it has to do with genealogy, I'll attend the opening of an envelope. Of course, I was in the front row. One of the Clayton folks is trying to get a regular Roots Magic group going. I don't have the software (yet) but I think I'll mark those meetings on my calendar.

After the presentation ended at 2:30-ish, I was tired and hungry. However, there was still time to read, so I did. I made a wonderful discovery. So good, in fact, that it deserves its own post.