For the past three days I have been searching Tennessee family files in several libraries. Family files are vertical files stored in file cabinets or in loose leaf binders,arranged alphabetically by surname. Some may be by subject or about one person. Most public libraries have these vertical files.
And I want to share with you some of the great stuff I found…Like
__ family Bible pages
__photocopies of original, loose wills and estate settlements
__Revolutionary War pension files
__DAR membership applications
__militia pay vouchers
__family correspondence
__genealogies compiled by genealogists
__genealogies compiled by family members–especially by the men in your family
__genealogies with handwritten corrections by family members
__land documents including tax receipts
__family data written in the margins of small paperback books
__maps, contemporary and modern, often with notes written on them
__newspaper clippings
__obituaries, copies from the newspapers and transcripts
__photographs–often without captions
__research notes and transcripts of records on assorted pieces of paper
Hundreds of pages of copies–
As fast, as I could, I made photocopies of these materials–hundreds of pages of copies for analysis and documentation of the pedigree lines I am researching in East Tennessee.
Some libraries will also make photocopies of the contents of these family files by email and postal mail request. Be sure you specify that you want the above materials copied. And it is always a good idea to find out, in advance, how many files they hold for each surname you have. And what their page cost is–expect to pay 20 to 50 cents per page. Libraries try to make a little extra income from their copy machine.
Using local family files leads you to greater success in tracing the correct lineage, especially when you find two or more persons share the same names. Your favorite Tennessee genealogist, Arlene Eakle http://arleneeakle.com
PS I’m off to search the family files and periodicals in the East Tennessee Historical Society library. Stay tuned for more research tips and goodies.