Library News
Dear Library Patrons & Soceity Members
"In the good ole summertime" is a great time to make a genealogy research trip with family or friends. No doubt you've already planned ahead by checking on dates and hours for the required libraries and court house office are open, and other valuable contacts available.
It isn't unusual for patrons to learn they are working on similar lines while in our facility. But once in awhile one of them will leave some of their research papers behind. That is why it is always a good idea to not only leave your name and surnames of interest on the registry, but your address as well so you can retrieve those valuable items.
Some of our most used references are various scrapbooks of newspaper articles, mainly from the Paris Beacon-News of obituaries, weddings, births, anniversaries, and reunions (beginning ca. 1986 to present). Miscellaneous volumes cover previous periods and are individually indexed. But Linda Cary has compiled comprehensive indices for obituaries covering over 30 volumes ranging from the early 1900s through 2008.
In addition we have a number of military scrapbooks with articles about WWII personnel up through current wars; many with individual photos. Cary indexed these as well.
Another much used resource is Fred Delap's Military Records computerized from the Illinois Adjutant Generals Records. These are alphabetized by veteran names for Unit Sections, listing those who were in the "59th - 64th Infantry" for example.
When you visit any library or court house be sure to check all the local histories, family genealogies, federal and state censuses, surname exchange files; vital, probate, and land records. Also ask about other records of use that particular facility may have on hand.
Wherever you are and whatever you do have a wonderful summer and faill.
A Joyce Brown
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