Gaila & other interested compilers: >> I hadn't considered doing it because I know the great people that did work on them were in Houston County. If I could do it from Sydney, then I would be willing to do so. Can you give a bit more information. << Uh oh! Now you've got me started.... Info about the R.J. Taylor, Jr. Foundation can be found on their website at: http://www.taylorfoundation.org Basically, the Foundation will pay for the non-labor costs to publish your compilation. Then, they will buy 33 copies back from you for cost. The rest are yours to sell at whatever price you want. Usually, they will fund anywhere from 150 to 300 books to be printed. Most grants are from $1500 to $4000. It makes no difference where someone lives if they want to become involved with these court record abstractions. Unless it is convenient for you to travel to a local LDS Family History Center, I would suggest purchasing the microfilm directly from the GA Archives. There are several ways to view microfilm at home. The best way would be to purchase a new reader via Everton's Genealogical Helper magazine, for about $400+. You can also manipulate the microfilm to be read in a regular microfiche reader, but it may be sideways. And, you can actually view the microfilm in a regular film strip project, since most microfilm is 35 mm film. But, the film would need to be projected upon the wall, and would be huge. Since I live near the courthouse, I am currently abstracting the info from the original record books. It gives me a sense of connecting to a tangible link from the past. I have a microfilm and microfiche reader at home, but for the time being, I'll stick with the original record books. Also, any of my future projects regarding Houston Co., GA records, will be with the ones which *haven't* been microfilmed yet. Even if you don't live in the U.S., it is not a big concern with the shipping of the books. If you have someone in the U.S. who could warehouse your books for you, that would work out better. The main problem with this whole concept of publishing books, is that there just aren't enough people who will purchase the books once they are printed. There are about 50 genealogy libraries which will buy almost anything that you have compiled about Houston Co., GA. But, most individual researchers don't buy books. All in all, you can make about $1500 to $2000 on your books within the initial buying market. From there, you may end up using them as stepping stones across your garden. Since the total time invested in doing all phases of a publication project is about 400+ hours, that adds up to about minimum wage, *if* you are keeping count of your time invested. Unless, of course, you are really fast at it. For those who are interested in preserving a portion of their ancestors' history, you can really make a difference with these publications. Immediately upon receiving my new publications from the printer, I send one to the LDS Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, and give them written permission to microfilm it. That way, I can be assured that my works will be accessed for many years to come. I am only a human being. I came into this world with nothing, and I won't be taking any possessions with me. I've never seen a U-Haul trailer being towed behind a hearse. If my efforts to help preserve some of Houston Co., GA's history can make a difference to help researchers to find their roots, then I have done what I have set out to do. Today's society is living in such a face-paced world, that they are seeking to find out *where* they came from, and gain a greater sense of *family*. Gaining this sense of family, may be all that it takes to help an entire generation have a greater *appreciation* of their *heritage*, and make a real difference in their lives. It is my ultimate goal to spread around the findings of what I find at the courthouse, and to also *plant* the seeds for others to pursue this same course. I've learned a lot about compiling court records in the last 15 years, and I want to spread that knowledge around. It was basically gained at the "College of Hard Knocks". If I don't share this knowledge with others, it may go to the grave with me. I may be run over by a truck tomorrow. If I can sow, fertilize and water future potential preservers of Houston Co., GA's recorded history, I will feel that I have made a real difference. If you are wanting to know what types of records need compiling and published, here you go: 1. Annual Returns. 2. Appraisements & Sales. 3. Inferior Court Minutes. 4. Superior Court Minutes. 5. Tax Digests. 6. Estray Dockets. 7. Proceedings in Equity. 8. Confederate Pension Records. 9. Houston Home Journal Newspapers. 10. This, that & the other. It's not necessary to own any fancy equipment to publish books. I currently use WordPerfect 5.0 for DOS. I use this primarily because of the excellent indexing features. Plus, that's what I started out with, and I'm too lazy to change. I can index between 500 and 800 names per hour. Try to equal that with *any* sort of indexing or other word processing program. Most of the later model ink-jet printers will be sufficient for "camera-ready-copy" of your books. But, I highly recommend a laser printer. I don't have *either*. I send the diskettes of my work directly to the printing company in Kentucky. He has a 1200 dpi laser printer, and does an excellent job. One suggestion that may help others to know "who is working on what", would be a webpage link on the Houston Co., GA webpage. I am currently working on the 1821 to 1851 Administrators & Guardians Bonds. If you are wondering how in the world you will format or lay out your book, I would suggest that you take a look at some other county publications. Generally speaking, there is no particular format that is used by all abstractors. Personally, I like to devise my own formats. I'll bet there are a lot of creative minds subscribed to this Houston-L list. Also, please keep in mind, that the Taylor Foundation financial grants are available for *all* Georgia counties. I think I have covered some of the basic aspects of compiling & publishing, but if there are any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Take care & happy hunting! William A. Mills Perry, GA [email protected] ==============>>> On Wed, 10 May 2000 09:00:42 +1000 "Gaila & Jim Merrington" <[email protected]> writes: Mr Mills How would I apply for a grant to work on some of these records. Would I be able to organise it via mail? I wonder what the money is for - The actual printing? How does this all work and how would I be able to organise it from Sydney, Australia? I hadn't considered doing it because I know the great people that did work on them were in Houston County. If I could do it from Sydney, then I would be willing to do so. Can you give a bit more information. Thanks so much, Gaila ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Tax Digests are so important as Mr. Mills has shown us. I'm trying to do one on Upson and Jones County (early years). The biggest problem I have is the format. The Digests themselves have so many columns that if I used a program with a table, it would be hard for people to use because of the width....they'd have to scroll to the right, etc. I've tried to use a simple format, but explain what each one means at the top of the page. This is not totally satisfactory, so I'd love to hear how others have done (or seen done) the Tax Digests... The easy way of course is just to list the surnames and forget it...but I think the neighors, the waterways, the # of polls are so important that I really want to include them. Appreciate your ideas... >I have just written for a microfilm copy of a tax digest so maybe when it >comes, this novice can figure out what to do next. >Pat > > > Virginia

In a message dated 05/08/2000 6:36:46 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: << The world is made up of givers and takers. We can't all be takers, all of the time. Sometimes we all need to be givers in return. >> --------- OUCH. I have just written for a microfilm copy of a tax digest so maybe when it comes, this novice can figure out what to do next. Pat

In the book, The First 110 Years of Houston County, Michael Watson is noted several times. He was the treasurer for the Flint River Academy fund of Houston County and there is a note from him about his work on pages 67/68. There is a reference to a Michael Watson - Colonel of the Houston County Militia in 1830. (55th GA Militia). A Michael Watson was also Treasurer of the Flint River Academy. A Michael Watson won the Land Lottery Lot # 89, DT 7, Sec 5 on March 30th 1827 A Michael Watson won the Land Lottery Lot # 206, DT 5, Sec 5 on April 7th 1827 From Addie Howell's Cemeteries and Obituaries Of Houston Co, Ga: The earliest obit I have is for Thomas Watson, who died in 1871 having lived for 3 score 10 years. I am wondering if there is more than I Michael Watson in the 1830's, both from SC? I understand there are possibly 3 in SC during this time frame, but I don't have any research on it. Good hunting, Gaila

Houston County Researchers: A few days ago, I mentioned that there were grants available to assist with the publication costs for those who would abstract Georgia court records. There doesn't appear to be anyone on this Houston-L list that is willing to abstract, transcribe, index, compile, or publish any of the Houston Co., GA court records that need doing. These records could be accessed via LDS microfilm at an LDS Family History Center (FHC), or you could purchase your own microfilm directly from the GA Archives for $20 per reel. If it weren't for William R. Henry, Davine V. Campbell, Addie P. Howell and others, you wouldn't be able to do even half of the research that you are now doing. The world is made up of givers and takers. We can't all be takers, all of the time. Sometimes we all need to be givers in return. Just a thought. William A. Mills ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Mr. Wadsworth: >> I have been looking for 20 years for this marriage record. << Texas probably has more major genealogy libraries than anywhere in the world. Do you live near one? >> I also want to ask did the marriage record in the book list a bondsman or any reference to her parents or who married them << The info on Houston Co., GA Marriage Licenses really leaves a lot to be desired: Name of bride and groom. Name of person who married them. No witnesses. No info about the parents, etc. It sounds like you have been reviewing some of the NC or other state Marriage Bonds & Licenses, where they provide much more info. >> I noticed that several references have been made on the list to Colored and White marriage records being mixed up was this marriage listed in the white or colored or was it listed by race at all? << The marriage that you requested info on, was listed in the White marriages. The Colored Marriage Licenses commenced in 1865, and remained a *separate* record until 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson forbid that type of segregation. >> Also in Texas many of the Marriage licenses were not picked up at the court house so as of a couple of years ago relatives have been allowed to pick up the licenses,is this the case in Georgia? << It sounds like you are making reference to obtaining the copies of the Marriage Licenses from the Dept. of Vital Statistics. Are you wanting to obtain a copy of a particular marriage license? Take care & happy hunting! ______________________ William A. Mills Perry, Georgia [email protected] Houston Co., GA Research & Publications: http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Forum/8795 ===============>>> On Sun, 7 May 2000 23:44:14 -0500 "wwadsworth" <[email protected]> writes: I want to thank you for the lookup.I have been looking for 20 years for this marriage record. I had another person also E-mail me with the lookup the 1835 marriage to Mary Wright is Michael Watson's first wife because he is listed on the 1850 census of Crawford County with a wife named Mary and their four children, I have a copy of the 1850 Crawford County census. I have a question for you the Leonidas Sledge you mention as your ancestor, is he the Louson Sledge listed as Nancy's 15 year old brother in the 1850 census of Houston County Georgia. I know that it is hard to read some of the names that the census taker recorded so they could have misspelled his name. If you are from the same branch of Sledge I have a lot of Questions. I also want to ask did the marriage record in the book list a bondsman or any reference to her parents or who married them, and I noticed that several references have been made on the list to Colored and White marriage records being mixed up was this marriage listed in the white or colored or was it listed by race at all? Also in Texas many of the Marriage licenses were not picked up at the court house so as of a couple of years ago relatives have been allowed to pick up the licenses,is this the case in Georgia? Respectfully Wally Wadsworth ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Houston County Researchers: It has come to my attention that a listing of the research publications that have been printed about Houston Co., GA may need to be presented again. Those of us who live in central Georgia are really spoiled with the abundance of records available at the Houston County Courthouse, Washington Memorial Library, and the Perry Library local history room. For those of you who do not have access to these publications, you may not even be aware that they exist. Therefore, I have compiled what I believe is a comprehensive listing of these research publications. If I have missed any, please bring it to our attention. 1. 1830 Federal Census for Houston Co., GA: William R. Henry. 2. 1840 Federal Census for Houston Co., GA: William R. Henry. 3. 1850 Federal Census for Houston Co., GA: William R. Henry. 4. 1860 Federal Census for Houston Co., GA: Addie P. Howell & William R. Henry. 5. 1825-1898 Marriage Records for Houston Co., GA: William R. Henry. 6. 1898-1919 Marriage Records for Houston Co., GA: William R. Henry. 7. 1821-1855 Wills & Inferior Court Minutes for Houston Co., GA: William R. Henry. 8. 1824-1834 Miscellaneous Estate Records for Houston Co., GA: William R. Henry. 9. 1822-1829 Land Records of Houston Co., GA: Davine V. Campbell & William R. Henry. 10. 1829-1831 Land Records of Houston Co., GA: Davine V. Campbell & William R. Henry. 11. 1831-1834 Land Records of Houston Co., GA: Davine V. Campbell & William R. Henry. 12. 1834-1836 Land Records of Houston Co., GA: Davine V. Campbell & William R. Henry. 13. 1836-1840 Land Records of Houston Co., GA: Davine V. Campbell & William R. Henry. 14. Cemeteries & Obituaries of Houston Co., GA: Addie P. Howell. 15. Evergreen Cemetery Tombstone Transcripts 1827-1997: William A. Mills. 16. Oaklawn Cemetery, Fort Valley, GA 1850-1992: Guelda L. Hay, Millie C. Stewart & Davine V. Campbell. [Peach Co., GA was created in 1924 from Houston & Macon counties. The county seat is Fort Valley]. 17. A History of Houston Co., GA 1821-1934: Warren Grice. 18. First Hundred and Ten Years of Houston Co., GA: Central Georgia Genealogical Society [This is a reprint of A History of Houston Co., GA, and also includes a section on the early schools, as well as a full name index]. 19. Administrators & Guardians Bond Abstracts 1821-1851: William A. Mills. [This publication is still being compiled]. 20. Administrators & Guardians Bond Abstracts 1852-1870: William A. Mills. 21. Administrators & Guardians Bond Abstracts 1871-1900: William A. Mills. 22. A Land So Dedicated: Bobbe Nelson. There have been some publications which deal strictly with Warner Robins, GA and Robins Air Force Base. However, since this city did not exist prior to World War II, the time period of 1941 to the present does not interest most genealogists. Good luck with your research! ______________________________ William A. Mills Perry, Georgia [email protected] Houston Co., GA Research & Publications: http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Forum/8795 ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Hi LOL 20 years!!! Persistence pays, doesn't it?? At the time of these marriages, there is only information on the white families. In 1865-66, you will see marriages listed as to white or colored. So the folks we are discussing here are white. I am sorry, I don't have very much on the Sledge families or the Snelgrove family. One of my gr-gr-grandmother's sisters -Susan Wilder married a Snelgrove. That is really all the information I have on them. Leonidas Sledge wasn't really an ancestor but he married a Lisenby and I know very little about these families, but Jeff Shirah is related to the Lisenby family. I don't know if he knows any more about them. On the marriage records that I have of my ancestors from Houston County, there are no other people mentioned, except bride - groom- jp - Wish it was different. I am in Australia, so I haven't heard anything about marriage licenses in Georgia, being reclaimed after all this time. Maybe someone else can help with that question. Best of luck for the next 20 years, it shows all of us that brick walls can come crumbling down. You might want to have a look at the Houston County page and think about joining the Central Georgia Genealogical Society. You would find more help there. best of luck, Gaila

I want to thank you for the lookup.I have been looking for 20 years for this marriage record. I had another person also E-mail me with the lookup the 1835 marriage to Mary Wright is Michael Watson's first wife because he is listed on the 1850 census of Crawford County with a wife named Mary and their four children, I have a copy of the 1850 Crawford County census. I have a question for you the Leonidas Sledge you mention as your ancestor, is he the Louson Sledge listed as Nancy's 15 year old brother in the 1850 census of Houston County Georgia. I know that it is hard to read some of the names that the census taker recorded so they could have misspelled his name. If you are from the same branch of Sledge I have a lot of Questions. I also want to ask did the marriage record in the book list a bondsman or any reference to her parents or who married them, and I noticed that several references have been made on the list to Colored and White marriage records being mixed up was this marriage listed in the white or colored or was it listed by race at all? Also in Texas many of the Marriage licenses were not picked up at the court house so as of a couple of years ago relatives have been allowed to pick up the licenses,is this the case in Georgia? Respectfully Wally Wadsworth - Original Message ----- From: "Gaila & Jim Merrington" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, May 07, 2000 2:30 AM Subject: Re: [GAHOUSTO] Watson and Sledge families in Houston County area > HI > I find them in one of the wonderful CGGS books: " Houston County, Georgia > Marriage Records 1825-1898 pg 39. > Michael Watson Nanacy A Sledge 27 April 1856. > The Sledge family also married into my Howard family. Leonidas Sledge was > one of the Beauregard Troop in the Civil War. There may have been another > Michael because I see a Michael Watson marrying in 1835. > There is also a Watson Blvd in Warner Robins and through Centerville, GA. It > was a main throughfare in the area. > Good luck in your hunt, > Gaila > > > _____________________________________________ NetZero - Defenders of the Free World Click here for FREE Internet Access and Email http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html

HI I find them in one of the wonderful CGGS books: " Houston County, Georgia Marriage Records 1825-1898 pg 39. Michael Watson Nanacy A Sledge 27 April 1856. The Sledge family also married into my Howard family. Leonidas Sledge was one of the Beauregard Troop in the Civil War. There may have been another Michael because I see a Michael Watson marrying in 1835. There is also a Watson Blvd in Warner Robins and through Centerville, GA. It was a main throughfare in the area. Good luck in your hunt, Gaila

I am new to this list, and I need some help. I have seen several post about the marriage records of Houston county, would anyone be willing to check for the marriage of my GG grandparents Michael Watson and Nancy Ann Sledge they should have married in the 1850's, they had their first child in 1857 in Georgia, they then show up on the 1860 Wood County Texas census. I would check this myself but I live in Texas. I have a friend who found a Michael Watson listed on the 1830 and 1840 Houston County census, I have found him living in nearby Crawford County in 1850 with his first wife and four children, I have not had a chance yet to go to the Dallas library and look at the age of this Michael Watson to determine if he is the same one but if he is it is possible that he kept contact in Houston County and there is a Sledge Family listed in Houston County on the 1850 census and their is a Nancy Sledge although the age is off by one year, if there is a marriage record then this is my Nancy Ann Sledge. Also is there any one on this list that is related to the Sledge family that lived in Houston County in the 1850's? I would like to contact them to see if we are the same family. The Sledge family on the 1850 Houston County census is as follows: Margaret Sledge age 43 b. South Carolina, (widow) female Mary Sledge age 17 b. Georgia, female Louson Sledge age 15 b. Georgia, male (farmer) Joel Sledge age 11 b. Georgia , male Sarah Sledge age 9 b. Georgia , female Also in Household William Snellgrove age 75 b. South Carolina (merchant) Respectfully Wally Wadsworth [email protected]

Someone seems to be having trouble getting a message on the list, if you will e-mail me personally I`ll see if I can help or forward the message. Sandra [email protected]

You know Billy I knew that, I don`t know where my brain was{:> I think I just got excited at the thought of finding their marriage records Thanks for the answer Sandra >Sandra, > >>> Billy would you mind seeing if there is a Isaiah Johnson married to >Tempester Howard I`m sure they were married in Houston both families are >living right next to each other. It would be around 1850 If you find them >you can mark them as a white family. << > >The Colored Marriage Records of Houston Co., GA were not kept until the >County Officials were *made* to keep them; which, incidentally, was >directly after the Civil War ended in April 1865. > >Take care! > >William A. Mills >[email protected] > >=============>>> > >On Fri, 5 May 2000 13:34:22 -0700 "Sandra and Wayne Riner" ><[email protected]> writes: > >Billy would you mind seeing if there is a Isaiah Johnson married to >Tempester Howard I`m sure they were married in Houston both families are >living right next to each other. It would be around 1850 If you find them >you can mark them as a white family. >Thanks >Sandra > >________________________________________________________________ >YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! >Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! >Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: >http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Sandra, >> Billy would you mind seeing if there is a Isaiah Johnson married to Tempester Howard I`m sure they were married in Houston both families are living right next to each other. It would be around 1850 If you find them you can mark them as a white family. << The Colored Marriage Records of Houston Co., GA were not kept until the County Officials were *made* to keep them; which, incidentally, was directly after the Civil War ended in April 1865. Take care! William A. Mills [email protected] =============>>> On Fri, 5 May 2000 13:34:22 -0700 "Sandra and Wayne Riner" <[email protected]> writes: Billy would you mind seeing if there is a Isaiah Johnson married to Tempester Howard I`m sure they were married in Houston both families are living right next to each other. It would be around 1850 If you find them you can mark them as a white family. Thanks Sandra ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Pat, Actually, money is not the problem. Time is the main consideration. Even though financial grants to help publish the books are available via the R.J. Taylor, Jr. Foundation of Atlanta, GA, I'm not aware of anyone else who is currently abstracting Houston Co., GA court records. There are tentative projects on the back burner from 2 other individuals, but there is plenty of work waiting for anyone who wants to abstract, transcribe, index and publish the Houston Co., GA court records. If any of you are interested in performing some of this work, the Taylor Foundation website is at: http://www.taylorfoundation.org If you want some ideas on which records need to be done, I'll be glad to let you know. You would have a wide array of choices. Many of these records could be viewed via LDS microfilm at an LDS Family History Library. Or, if you are real ambitious, and have a microfilm machine of your own, you could purchase the microfilm directly from the Georgia Archives and do the work at home. Take care! William A. Mills [email protected] =============>>> On Fri, 5 May 2000 12:20:32 EDT [email protected] writes: What a treasure you are Billy........how I wish I lived near enough to help you in your efforts. Maybe enough of us from far away could 'help' with a fund that would help you hire some help. Pat Clarke Seattle ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Billy would you mind seeing if there is a Isaiah Johnson married to Tempester Howard I`m sure they were married in Houston both families are living right next to each other. It would be around 1850 If you find them you can mark them as a white family. Thanks Sandra . >Houston County Researchers: > >A while back, I posted an article about the Colored Marriage Records of >Houston Co., GA. I stated that there were also several *white* marriages >listed in these volumes. The reason I know this to be a fact, is that I >am familiar with the early (pre-1900) families of Houston Co., GA. > >Of course, some of the former slaves were named after their owners, but >it is not likely that *both* the bride and groom would be named after >their white (married) former owners. > >I was at the Houston Co., GA courthouse in Perry, the other day, and I >met 2 ladies who were searching for a few Houston Co., GA marriage >records. They said that they had been searching for them for over 20 >years, but just *could not* seem to find them. They had tried going thru >the original Marriage Licenses, to no avail. > >I suggested that they look thru the *Colored* Marriage Records. You >should have seen the look on their faces when I suggested that! But, >their somewhat skeptical looks turned into joy when they found BOTH of >the Marriage Licenses that they were pursuing for 2 decades. They >immediately had the Record Books on the photocopy machine. Very >carefully, though. > >The Colored Marriage Record Books of Houston Co., GA have *not* been >microfilmed. In light of this, over the past 2 years, I have abstracted >8,000 of the marriages up to 1896. > >Now, as time allows, I feel that I "should / would / could" dig thru each >of those 8,000 Marriage Records and compare the name of the bride and >groom to other documented resources, and try to see which ones are >*white* and which are *colored*. > >The Colored Marriage Record Books of Houston Co., GA are in poor >condition. They are also not fully indexed, nor in proper chronological >order. The reason that the 2 ladies were able to find the 2 marriages in >the Colored Marriage Record Books so easily, is because I had previously >spent 200+ hours with those records. Becoming familiar with these >records, I knew which books to have them review. > >There may be various reasons why these white marriages have wound up in >the Colored Marriage Record Books. I believe that the original Marriage >Licenses *somehow* got mixed together, and that they were just pasted in >the Record Books without further ado. > >The mere fact that there may be hundreds, possibly even thousands of >white marriages mixed in these Colored Marriage Record Books, opens up >these *lost* marriage records to those who have never been able to >document a marriage that they just *knew* had to have been in Houston >Co., GA. > >As I said, I have already abstracted 8,000 of these marriages, and have >been approved for a grant from the R.J. Taylor, Jr. Foundation to have >them published. It may be a year or so before the books are actually in >the libraries. Until then, if any of you contact me in pursuit of >locating a particular Marriage Record of your ancestors, I have not >entered them into my computer yet. They are still hand-written onto a >thick stack of notebook paper. It would take me a few hours just to sort >thru these abstracts. > >As I spend more and more time at the Houston County courthouse, I >discover more and more things that need abstracting and preserved for >future generations. It is difficult for me to prioritize these projects >that seem to have evolved into *many* by now. Sometimes I feel that I am >just spinning my tires, but one of these days, I hope to finish up with >these projects. In the mean time, please bear with me. > >Take care & happy hunting! >_____________________________ >William A. Mills >Perry, Georgia >[email protected] >Houston Co., GA Research & Publications: >http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Forum/8795 > >________________________________________________________________ >YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! >Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! >Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: >http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

What a treasure you are Billy........how I wish I lived near enough to help you in your efforts. Maybe enough of us from far away could 'help' with a fund that would help you hire some help. Pat Clarke Seattle

Houston County Researchers: A while back, I posted an article about the Colored Marriage Records of Houston Co., GA. I stated that there were also several *white* marriages listed in these volumes. The reason I know this to be a fact, is that I am familiar with the early (pre-1900) families of Houston Co., GA. Of course, some of the former slaves were named after their owners, but it is not likely that *both* the bride and groom would be named after their white (married) former owners. I was at the Houston Co., GA courthouse in Perry, the other day, and I met 2 ladies who were searching for a few Houston Co., GA marriage records. They said that they had been searching for them for over 20 years, but just *could not* seem to find them. They had tried going thru the original Marriage Licenses, to no avail. I suggested that they look thru the *Colored* Marriage Records. You should have seen the look on their faces when I suggested that! But, their somewhat skeptical looks turned into joy when they found BOTH of the Marriage Licenses that they were pursuing for 2 decades. They immediately had the Record Books on the photocopy machine. Very carefully, though. The Colored Marriage Record Books of Houston Co., GA have *not* been microfilmed. In light of this, over the past 2 years, I have abstracted 8,000 of the marriages up to 1896. Now, as time allows, I feel that I "should / would / could" dig thru each of those 8,000 Marriage Records and compare the name of the bride and groom to other documented resources, and try to see which ones are *white* and which are *colored*. The Colored Marriage Record Books of Houston Co., GA are in poor condition. They are also not fully indexed, nor in proper chronological order. The reason that the 2 ladies were able to find the 2 marriages in the Colored Marriage Record Books so easily, is because I had previously spent 200+ hours with those records. Becoming familiar with these records, I knew which books to have them review. There may be various reasons why these white marriages have wound up in the Colored Marriage Record Books. I believe that the original Marriage Licenses *somehow* got mixed together, and that they were just pasted in the Record Books without further ado. The mere fact that there may be hundreds, possibly even thousands of white marriages mixed in these Colored Marriage Record Books, opens up these *lost* marriage records to those who have never been able to document a marriage that they just *knew* had to have been in Houston Co., GA. As I said, I have already abstracted 8,000 of these marriages, and have been approved for a grant from the R.J. Taylor, Jr. Foundation to have them published. It may be a year or so before the books are actually in the libraries. Until then, if any of you contact me in pursuit of locating a particular Marriage Record of your ancestors, I have not entered them into my computer yet. They are still hand-written onto a thick stack of notebook paper. It would take me a few hours just to sort thru these abstracts. As I spend more and more time at the Houston County courthouse, I discover more and more things that need abstracting and preserved for future generations. It is difficult for me to prioritize these projects that seem to have evolved into *many* by now. Sometimes I feel that I am just spinning my tires, but one of these days, I hope to finish up with these projects. In the mean time, please bear with me. Take care & happy hunting! _____________________________ William A. Mills Perry, Georgia [email protected] Houston Co., GA Research & Publications: http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Forum/8795 ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Houston County Researchers: For those of you who have utilized the Land Lottery info that is printed in THE FIRST 110 YEARS OF HOUSTON COUNTY, GEORGIA (formerly THE HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY, GEORGIA), there are many errors. I only discovered this in the past few days. For example: Alexander Smith is listed as being the fortunate drawer of Land Lot 222 of the 8th Land District of *Houston County*. While there is, in fact an 8th Land District of Houston County, the Land Lots end at Lot # 180. An examination of the 1829 Houston County Tax Digest revealed that Alexander Smith did, in fact own Land Lot 222 of the 8th Land District, but that this parcel was in *Troup County*, Georgia. THE HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY, GEORGIA was compiled, edited and "sort-of published" in the 1930s. It was a group effort, primarily of historically concerned citizens who wanted to document and preserve their county's heritage. It is my opinion that one of them reviewed the Land Lottery data at the Georgia Archives, and then *misinterpreted* it. They abstracted the Fortunate Drawers who were residents *of* Houston County, not who drew Land Lots *in* Houston County. I've reviewed the extensive listing of *all* of the fortunate drawers of the land *in* Houston County. It lists the following: Land Lot. Land District. Name of Fortunate Drawer. County where they resided. Captain's District they resided in. Date of the Land Lottery Drawing. When you are up against a "brick wall" with your genealogical research, it is imperative to check all of the primary sources, and not rely on published secondary sources. This is just a good example of perpetuating inaccuracies. The information that is contained in the 5 volumes of LAND RECORDS OF HOUSTON COUNTY, GEORGIA: Compiled by Davine V. Campbell & William R. Henry *is* CORRECT. If you have access to a genealogy library that has these excellent publications, you would do well to review them. These publications are also available directly from the Central Georgia Genealogical Society (CGGS). Take care & happy hunting! _______________________________ William A. Mills Perry, Georgia [email protected] Houston Co., GA Research & Publications: http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Forum/8795 ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Thanks Billy we plan on spending a day there that is all I have. Thanks for all the information on taxes too I didn`t know this, I need to spend a month in Ga Thanks Sandra -----Original Message----- >Sandra, > >>> found Johnson`s that were not on the cencus records but this showed >they were in Houston Co just hiding somewhere << > >There is no question that the Tax Digests are one of the most valuable >genealogical research tools. For example, in Houston County, there was a >Federal Census taken in 1830 and also 1840. In this same time period, >there was an 1831, 1835, 1837 and 1839 Tax Digest. In the 1840s there >was an 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848 Tax Digest. The >Tax Digests help you to see when an individual died, or left the area. > >>> I think we should check out any kind of record we can in the >courthouse << > >And ... in the basement, on top of high shelves and cabinets, wrapped in >brown paper, etc. You would be surprised where you find records *stored* >at the courthouses. Don't be surprised if the courthouse staff isn't >aware of these records either. > >>> Darien and I are going to check out a murder trial in Bibb Co anyone >have any hints to help us check better. << > >I would suggest that you check these: > >Superior Court Minutes. >Case Transcript Files. >Superior Court Dockets. >Records of State Cases. >Records of Writs. >Certiorari (Appeals) Dockets. >Execution Dockets. >Motion Dockets. >Criminal Dockets >Bound Old Newspapers. > >That ought to keep you busy. It sounds like you will need to spend at >least a full day, with both of you working every minute. > >Take care! > >William A. Mills >Perry, GA >[email protected] > >==========>>> > >On Thu, 4 May 2000 07:32:43 -0700 "Sandra and Wayne Riner" ><[email protected]> writes: > >Just would like to add to your comments Billy. We have alot of the tax >digests on our Johnson`s and found Johnson`s that were not on the cencus >records but this showed they were in Houston Co just hiding somewhere, >also during the CW war it showed who was adminstrator over different >people and >gave clues and to who was related to who. I think we should check out any >kind of record we can in the courthouse. Next week I`m coming down and >and Darien and I are going to check out a murder trial in Bibb Co anyone >have any hints to help us check better. >Thanks >Sandra > >=============>>> > >Houston County Researchers: > >For the past week, I have spent several hours at the Houston County >courthouse in Perry, GA reviewing the Tax Digests. The first extant Tax >Digest is 1829, and they go up to 1869. I have turned every page in the >Digests up to 1853. These Digests are extremely interesting, and >genealogically valuable in your research. > >Have any of you been thru these Tax Digests before, or do any of you have >any questions about them? > >Take care! > >William A. Mills >Perry, GA >[email protected] > >________________________________________________________________ >YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! >Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! >Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: >http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.