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Clayton Town CrierApril 2015
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Your source for all the news from Clayton Library Volume 8 Issue 3 Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research 5300 Caroline, Houston, TX 77004 832-393-2600 |
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Manager's corner... Clayton and Local Repositories
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The Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research is wonderful. One would think that most of you think that. Our resources are vast, and our staff is knowledgeable. Our collections are conveniently geographically arranged. We have databases, microfilm, family histories, classes, computers, copiers, and much more. Use of our resources are free, our parking is free, you only need to pay for copies, and if you are so inclined, you can scan the material with a hand held scanner, or take photos with your smart phone. Starting your research and continually coming back to Clayton Library is very beneficial. We have an international collection of family history research materials; a collection policy that states we try and have a number of sources from each county in the United States, collect material for North America, Great Britain, Europe, and many countries beyond. We are a partner with FamilySearch acting as both a microfilm affiliate library and as a digitization location. You can access resources from the largest genealogy library in the world, and have them sent to Clayton Library. You can view books that are in the public domain at the Family History Books website of FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org). Using the Houston Public Library catalog (https://halan.sdp.sirsi.net/client/en_US/hou/) in the advanced search mode will allow you to plan your research trip by searching our online card catalog before you come. Visiting the Houston Public Library’s Genealogy Resources page (http://houstonlibrary.org/research/resources-by-category/234) gives you access to the Clayton Microprint and Periodical Collection holdings, among other databases and resources you can access from home. Need a Houston Public Library MY Link library card? You can get a 30 day temporary Houston Public Library card by reading “How do I get a MY Link Library Card?” at (http://houstonlibrary.org/find-it/my-link), and following the instructions through the “Online Registration” link. I would like to suggest that you also visit libraries, historical societies, and archives in your area of research. I recently spent a weekend in Tyler, TX (east Texas) visiting with a number of the local public librarians and genealogy society board members and librarians. As we shared collection strengths, these colleagues impressed me with materials found nowhere else other than in these local repositories. From newspaper microfilm that is not held at the state newspaper consortium, to photographs of the local area, to indexes that were locally created and only available at those locations, if you are not visiting their websites, calling, or making a trip to see just what they have, you could be missing a lot! Not sure if your area has a local library or historical society? Use the website “LibWeb” (http://www.lib-web.org/) to discover websites and contacts for public, academic, state, national or regional libraries. Looking for historical societies? A Google search using “listing of historical societies” will result in many webpages. To begin with try: (http://www.daddezio.com/society/hill/) to discover state lists of many societies. If you do not find a local library or historical society through these websites, try doing a Google search for your town or county and the words “public library” or “historical society.” We hope you start and continue to use the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research for your family history research for many years to come. We love having researchers from across the state, the country, and from other continents visit us. These local area repositories are rich in information too. Check them out to make sure you leave no stone unturned, you will uncover gems no matter where you search! Sue Kaufman Clayton Library Manager
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Spotlight On: German Research
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In the year 1871, various kingdoms, duchies, principalities, and electorates of German-speaking peoples were united under the leadership of Prussia to form a unified German Empire (from which the modern-day German state eventually evolved). Prior to that year, your German ancestor may have hailed from Baden, Bavaria, Saxony, Prussia, or from one of many other smaller geographic entities, but now they hailed from “Germany.” As you begin to trace your German ancestor back through time, it is important to determine which German “state” they actually lived in. German record collections, books, and databases are often organized by these state names. In your research, be on the lookout for the state names as well as any town names. Finding the town of origin is the primary key to locating the birth, marriage, and death records that will help you further in your research. Clayton Library has beginner, intermediate, and advanced level resources for German research. Beginner resources include general guidebooks and reference resources as well as searchable databases. Intermediate resources expand beyond vital records to include other town-specific or state-specific record groups. Advanced resources are unique German-language collections that delve deeply into topics such as, regional history or the history of surnames. Here are some examples of each kind: Beginner Level Resources
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Germanic genealogy : a guide to worldwide sources and migration patterns
by Edward R. Brandt
Found in Clayton's Germany book collection under call number: G373 GERMAN 3ED, this book is an excellent overall guide for conducting Germanic genealogy research. The book covers a wide variety of topics such as: finding your ancestor’s place of origin using U.S. records; passenger departure and arrival lists; personal and place name studies; political geography and history of areas; migration patterns and tips for researching ethnic Germans living in other countries; sample letters for overseas correspondence; tips for reading old script and understanding basic German vocabulary; addresses for prominent Germanic genealogical associations; and much more.
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German-English genealogical dictionary
by Ernest Thode
Found in Clayton's Germany book collection under call number: T449 GERMAN, this handy reference source has a distinct advantage over a standard German-English dictionary - it can help you to decipher old terms, expressions, and abbreviations that might be found in German genealogical records, but are no longer in use today. If you are looking at genealogical documents written in German, be sure to have this book by your side for quick reference. This book is an excellent overall guide for conducting Germanic genealogy research. The book covers a wide variety of topics such as: finding your ancestor’s place of origin using U.S. records; passenger departure and arrival lists; personal and place name studies; political geography and history of areas; migration patterns and tips for researching ethnic Germans living in other countries; sample letters for overseas correspondence; tips for reading old script and understanding basic German vocabulary; addresses for prominent Germanic genealogical associations; and much more.
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FamilySearch FamilySearch ( http://www.familysearch.org) is a well-known and well-used online resource for international records research, and this holds true for German records as well. When you are getting started, it is helpful to search the German databases on FamilySearch ( https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list) for the names you are seeking. It is also helpful to do a place-name search in the FamilySearch catalog ( https://familysearch.org/catalog-search) to see if you can find the town name you are seeking, and if any records for that town are available online or on microfilm. Don’t forget that on FamilySearch there are now numerous databases which contain original town and church records that are not yet indexed, but users can still browse through the records. Here is an example of some database titles for the country of Germany, state of Prussia, sub-state of Pomerania that you would see. The first entry in the list shows an indexed record group, with 185,216 entries in the index. The “Browse Images” terminology at the end of the second and third entries tell you that these digitized images are not indexed yet, but users can still browse through the record images. The original records will most likely be arranged in date order, and the digitized will follow this order: Germany, Prussia, Pomerania, Church Records, 1544-1945 185,216 Germany, Prussia, Pomerania, Labes, Church Records, 1647-1764 Browse Images Germany, Prussia, Pomerania, Stralsund, Church Book Indexes, 1600-1900 Browse Images
You could also do a global search of all FamilySearch databases from the home page of FamilySearch, but it is important to remember that those databases which show “Browse Images” are not going to be included in your search results (since they are not yet indexed). Intermediate Level Resources
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Map guide to German parish registers
by Kevan M. Hansen
Found in Clayton's Germany book collection under call number: H249 GERMAN, this set of volumes is designed to aid the researcher in understanding and visualizing the areas under the jurisdiction of the various church parishes (both Catholic and Lutheran) in specific states in Germany. The volumes are first divided by state (Baden, Bavaria, Hessen, etc.) so it is important to first know in which state the person resided. It is most useful if the town name is also known, as there is a Town Index at the back of each volume that shows which Catholic and Lutheran parishes cover that particular town. The book’s maps allow you to see neighboring parishes, which can be useful if only the general area of residence is known. The Family History Library microfilm numbers are included for each locality, if its records have been microfilmed. Information about other major record groups for that area (emigration books, lineage books, and local/regional/state archives and repositories) is included as well.
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Advanced Level Resources Wappenbuch Collection Found in Clayton's Germany book collection under call number: W252 GERMAN. The Wappenbuch collection is a German-language series of 35 volumes on German heraldry, first begun by Johann Siebmacher in the early 1600s, and later expanded with new editions as recent as 1967. This series chronicles the historical occurrence and development of surnames as they relate to the coats-of-arms of German nobility and prominent families. The volumes also contain illustrations of the coats-of-arms, as well as descriptions of the colors and symbols used in them. To use this set, first look at the "General-Index zu den Siebmacher'schen Wappenbüchern, 1605-1967" (Siebmacher General Index), which is an index to all 35 volumes in the set. You can look up a surname in the General Index and it will give you the volume abbreviation and the page number in which that name can be found.
For example, you might find: Bichowski Bad 7 This entry indicates that the surname Bichowski is found on page 7 in the “Baden” volume. (To know which volume is the “Baden” volume, consult the thin “Wappenbuch User’s Guide”, located on the shelf at the beginning of the Wappenbuch collection. It will tell you not only that ‘Bad’ stands for ‘Baden’, but also that the ‘Baden’ volume is vol. 24 out of the 35-volume set. (See the “Wappenbuch User’s Guide” for more tips on using this collection.)
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Deutsches Geschlechterbuch
by Various authors
Found in Clayton's Germany book collection under call number: D486 GERMAN. The Deutsches Geschlechterbuch collection is a German-language lineage book collection pertaining to prominent and middle-class German families, first begun in the late 1800s, with new volumes published as recently as 2007. It follows a format similar to the lineage books of U.S. lineage societies like the DAR, so even if you have no knowledge of German, you can look for surnames of interest in the indexes of these volumes (which are divided and arranged by German state) and then look for the special symbols indicating birth/marriage/death. It is then relatively easy to see the order of ancestry and/or descent by following these symbols and dates. For more information on using this collection, please see the thin “Deutsches Geschlecterbuch User’s Guide” located on the shelf at the beginning of the volumes. Note that vols. 1-75 of this collection are available at Clayton Library on microfilm (2nd floor), while vols. 120-212 are available in book form in the Germany section (1st floor). (Vols. 76-119 are out of print and not currently available at Clayton Library.)
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The important thing to remember is that it is certainly possible to find a lot of records on German ancestors using these resources, and the more you know about the town of origin, the more records you will be able to find. Also, even if you don’t speak the language, you can easily do basic record analysis (in addition to database searches) just by knowing a few key words. So give it a try and see what you can find. Viel Glueck! (Good Luck!)
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Spotlight on a series... Audiencia de México finding aids
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Have you ever wondered what you would discover in your parents’ or grandparents’ attic? What dusty, hidden away treasure lays waiting for you to find. Maybe once discovered this treasure would unfold the secrets to a long-time family mystery. What a great discovery that would be! Libraries can be like attics, having in their collections treasure troves of books, microfilms, CDs, and other items that have been overlooked or not often used. Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research is no exception to this metaphor. Perhaps some of our treasure boxes might assist you in your genealogical research. Located on our second floor is one such “hidden” treasure. Situated on the finding aid shelves is a group of black pamphlet or “pam” boxes that hold a series of 33 spiral bound books entitled: “The Dunn & Cunningham Typescripts of the Audiencia de México in the Texas State Archives.” The Real Audiencia de México (English: Royal Audiencia of Mexico) or high court was the highest tribunal of the Spanish crown in the Kingdom of New Spain. This Audiencia was created by royal decree on December 13, 1527, and was seated in the viceregal capital of Mexico City. The First Audiencia was dissolved by the crown for its bungling and corruption and the crown established the Second Audiencia in 1530. Another Audiencia was created in Guadalajara in western Mexico in 1548. During 1915 and 1916 Drs. William Edward Dunn and Charles H. Cunningham visited the Archivo General de Indias in Seville, Spain and transcribed many original records created by the Real Audiencia de México and Real Audiencia de Guadalajara that pertain to areas that became American states. An original typed copy of their transcripts is in the collection of the Texas State Archives. Their activities were part of the Library of Congress’ Foreign Manuscript Copying program.
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The Dunn & Cunningham Typescripts of the Audiencia de México in the Texas State Archives
by Texas State Archives
These 33 spiral bound books in the Clayton Library collection are photostat copies of the Texas State Archives typescripts. The transcribed records contain “audiencias” or official court hearings brought before the ruling authorities of Nueva Espana (New Spain) from the sixteen century to 1846. Geographical areas mentioned are Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. There is no index to the set, nor are their indexes in the individual volumes. The volumes themselves are in Spanish, as they were created as typed transcripts of the original Spanish documents, not as translations. The records are not arranged in date order. There is a guide located in box 1 though.
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An index and finding aid to the Dunn and Cunningham Typescripts and extensive microfilm of original records created by the Real Audiencia de México can be found in the collections at the University of Texas at Austin. Also digitized images of many of the records created by the various Audiencias can be found on the PARES Portal de Archivos Españoles website ( http://pares.mcu.es/). Using the “Busqueda Sencilla” (Basic Search) and “Busqueda Avanzada” (Advanced Search) sections you can search for, view, and download or print digitized images of original documents from the Real Audiencia de M éxico. Although these transcripts do not contain direct genealogical vital records, in the absence of church records, government and court records can provide those family connections. Also, while hunting through this collection, keep an eye out for other treasures in Clayton Library’s collection that may cover the areas that you need to research. The Dunn and Cunningham Typescripts are a great discovery for the serious historical and genealogical gem treasure hunter! Enjoy the hunt.
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Monthly classes and other upcoming events... |
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April 2015 Genealogy in Your JammiesSaturday, April 4, 2015 | 11 AM - 4:30 PM A day of classes presented by local genealogist Sue Yerby on using the FamilySearch website. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens. - Family Tree and Memories
- Saturday, April 4, 2015 | 11 AM - 12 PM
- Learn how to enter new individuals in the FamilySearch Family Tree database with just one click of your mouse. Document your sources with one mouse click. Upload your gedcom file and watch your family expand before your eyes. Find cousins that may be working on the same lines you are dead ended with and collaborate on a solution. Upload your family photos for posterity and never lose them. Watch as your collection of photos grows from the four you entered to eighty that others have uploaded from their scrapbook.
- Break for Lunch | Saturday, April 4, 2015 | 12 PM - 1 PM
- Bring your own brown bag, or enjoy one of the eating establishments in the Museum District Area.
- Search Records, Catalog & Books
- Saturday, April 4, 2015 | 1 PM - 2 PM
- How do you locate additional records for your existing ancestors (to confirm your work) and add new ones to your chart. Only the tip of the iceberg in genealogical records is actually on-line, learn how to locate those that are not there yet.
- FamilySearch Wiki
- Saturday, April 4, 2015 | 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
- We all know that to find an ancestor we must have a location (whether it be a country, state, county or town) and a time frame. The FamilySearch Wiki teaches you how to research that location and what is available for your search. You can add to this user based finding tool to help others also.
- Indexing and Learning Center
- Saturday, April 4, 2015 | 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
- Learn how to index original records and maybe even index one of the records involving your family. See what is currently available for indexing right, and those records that will be digitized and available on line in the near future. If you want to really know what people were dying from in Chicago between 1878 and 1922 you can index Cook County death records. You just don’t know how to research in that foreign country? Sit in front of your computer for an hour, and learn how to do that research. What about that beautiful colonial script, pretty but how do you know if that letter is an F or a T or another letter, there is a class on how to read it.
Gathering History: Family Cooking: Memories on our Taste-buds Saturday, April 11th, 2015 | 1 PM - 2 PM Every family has a history, and it takes many forms. This class, part of a series at Clayton, addresses the cooking traditions that are part of a family's story. You'll learn the historical significance of cooking, proper preservation for your current recipes, and even how to create a legacy to share. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens. Clayton Library Orientation Saturday, April 18, 2015 | 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM 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 Reference Desk in the library. Adults/Teens. Daughters of the American Revolution Day Saturday, April 18, 2015 | 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM 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. May 2015 Quick Start your Genealogy! Saturday, May 2, 2015 | 1 PM - 3 PM Overview of genealogical research tools: - 1 PM - 1:30 PM | HPL Catalog
- 1:40 PM - 2:20 PM | Ancestry Library Edition; FamilySearch
- 2:30 PM - 3 PM | Ordering microprint from Salt Lake City
This session will be presented by a Clayton Library staff member. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens. Clayton Library Orientation Saturday, May 16, 2015 | 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM 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 Reference Desk in the library. Adults/Teens. Court Day: Genealogy and Legal Records Saturday, May 30, 2015 | 10:30 AM - 12:45 PM A pair of classes presented by Clayton Library staff members Franklin Smith and Sue Kaufman on using court records in your genealogical research. Reserve your spot in one or both classes. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens. - Courting the Courts: Understanding the Court Systems and Court House Research
- Saturday, May 30, 2015 | 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
- Learn the history of the court system, how to use the courthouse and the records you might find there. Tips and strategies for assisting beginning researchers in courthouse research. This class will be presented by Franklin Smith.
- Using Criminal Records in Family History Research
- Saturday, May 30, 2015 | 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
- Experience these specialized records including prison and court documents which give information about not only black sheep family members, but also those involved in all aspects of the process and in the results of the criminal activity. This class will be presented by Sue Kaufman.
June 2015 Global Family Reunion Saturday, June 6, 2015 | 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research is proud to be a satellite location for the Global Family Reunion, hosted by author A.J. Jacobs. It is billed as “the largest, most inclusive, most fascinating family reunion in history.” We will be hosting a live-stream of the New York event, so that local attendees can watch the amazing lineup of speakers and performers, including PBS host Henry Louis Gates, comedian Nick Kroll and genealogist D. Joshua Taylor. Reservations required, please call 832-393-2600. Adults/Teens. Genealogy Basics Boot Camp Saturday, June 13, 2015 | 1 PM - 2:30 PM 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 boot camp for an exercise in genealogical 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. Clayton Library Orientation Saturday, June 20, 2015 | 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM 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 Reference Desk in the library. Adults/Teens.
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Additional information about Clayton Library
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