As you live locally, how about contacting the local Historical and Genealogical Societies and anyone else you can think of, who might be interested in taking on the task of saving the records? How about the local DAR chapter? Is there a SAR chapter there? Believe me, there will be enough work for everyone ! You are in the enviable postion, geographically, of being in the right spot to make phonecalls, etc, and to KNOW what organizations there are, who could be contacted, etc. The rest of us who can only visit yearly are in no position to do this......so, how about it? Will you make a few calls? Sandra. ----- Original Message ----- From: "CJ Skinner" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, April 16, 2004 7:47 AM Subject: [OHBELMON-L] Records > I would be willing to help. I live here in Belmont County and not that far > from the Wic Building > > > > Cheryl J Skinner > > www.connectingfamilydots.com > Make a Genealogist happy with books from the Belmont County Genealogical > Society! > http://www.rootsweb.com/~ohbelogs/pubs.htm > > > > >

I would be willing to help. I live here in Belmont County and not that far from the Wic Building Cheryl J Skinner www.connectingfamilydots.com Make a Genealogist happy with books from the Belmont County Genealogical Society! http://www.rootsweb.com/~ohbelogs/pubs.htm

Well, I think I could do some even from here in Texas. I live outside of Houston and they have here a very large geneolagy library with rows and rows of books from every state. I;ll help with what I can too. Emma Ayles ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, April 16, 2004 8:13 AM Subject: [OHBELMON-L] records > I think you may could get a grant to help with the records They got one > in my county in Mo > Now theyre all on microfilm Same thing here not a good place to store > them > Wishing you success Jean in Mo >

I think you may could get a grant to help with the records They got one in my county in Mo Now theyre all on microfilm Same thing here not a good place to store them Wishing you success Jean in Mo

I was just reading through all the emails about the records. I am willing to donate some time since I only live in Woodsfield, after I see a neurosurgeon about my back which is in the first part of May. Has anyone thought about using a good laptop with lots of processing power, a lot of memory, huge amounts of harddrive space (even an external drive) and a portable hand scanner? I do have a paralegal degree with research as one of my specialties. I have often thought about doing this with Monroe County also.We need to have this information via online or some way of having it stored digitally. A few years back, I went looking all over Belmont County looking for my Grandpa's birth certificate, but not many people were very helpful or did not have the correct information. The only way I found it was because Grandpa was a twin. On the birth certificate he didn't have a name listed, I am sure there is a correct copy out there somewhere. Keep me informed as to maybe those who live close to St. C we could start a committee. I will see if I can find out if there are records stored in the old jail. Terri --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.656 / Virus Database: 421 - Release Date: 4/9/2004

That is So sad that the county doesn't take more pride in their history. Once it's gone it's gone. If I lived in Belmont Co. I sure would volunteer to help! If some one would write a Letter to the Editor about this problem it,it hopefully would at least start a discussion from the local citizens & a whole bunch of people willing to work to solve the problem. If someone would talk to the county judge & their County Commisioners maybe that would help too.Talk to the Editor of the newspaper too. They are always looking for good human interest stories. Also, maybe there's an Historic Preservation Grant out there for this type of work. Ask about one at the State History Society in Columbus too. Good Luck! Pam Drake in IN. [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sandra Ferguson" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 12:50 PM Subject: WICs bldg. > I KNOW you're right about the courthouse not knowing where records are > .......and, quite frankly, they don't care. In my search for early tax > records I was all over the courthouse, from the women in probate all the way > to the treasurers office. NO one knew were they were, if they were still > in existance, and the treasurer himself didn't even know when they had > started recording tax records....had NO idea, can you imagine? . The only > way I found out where they were was from a 'civilian', who had heard me > asking some clerk, and told me she'd "heard" they were in the basement "out > at the WICs Bldg"! So, we drove to the WICS building and I went in and > spoke to a receptionist, telling her what I wanted. She said, "I don't have > a key", but not being one to take "NO" for an answer, I said "That's fine - > I'll just sit here and wait till you find one." She laughted and said that > she'd used this 'line' many times with other folks who also came looking for > the records, but guessed it wouldn't work with me - and went and found a > caretaker who let me in! However, it did me no good - where to start with > hundreds of black ledgers piled up higgeldy piggeldy along the walls, > surrounded by filth and trash! > > S. > > > " I would bet even the folks at the Court House don't know where all these > records have been stored over the years. " > > ______________________________

Ok, here's my suggestion right now..... I'll present it to the Cumberland Trail Gen. Soc. again. If they know that there are others that are willing to help who live out of state maybe we can get the ball rolling. We already know who to talk to about the problem at the county level. I'll take your ideas and emails with me. After I do this, I'll let the list know what's going on. Sound good? Kim [email protected] wrote: >I would love to help with this project but live in Chicago area so hard to >do. I come back once a year for research and could help a little, but I know >you really need locals. Besides knowing the lettering and words used in those >days it is really important for the transcribers to be familiar with the >families in the area at the time. I have chased so many names for so long only to >find them listed under a name that is totally crazy, but in looking at the >original I can see where they might make a mistake. But if the person doing the >transcribing has been working in Belmont Co for a long time they have a better >chance of knowing the names of people in the records. > >I do believe the idea of taking digital pix and sending them out for >transcription. I have taken a lot of those when back east and then come home and work >on them. It sure is faster than copying and also better on the books. > >Another thought. When I was there last year, I think it was, they had >someone set up in the first floor of the court house making microfilm pix from old >records. I think it was the LDS and perhaps if they knew a lot more records >were available that hadn't been transcribed they would come in and do the work. > >Jerilyn > > > > >

Go to the Times Leader on-line and there is an article regarding the old and new jails (see the last few paragraphs). Perhaps there are some grants out there that would be available to fund a Records Preservation Project. http://www.timesleaderonline.com/news/story/0415202004_new02_jail15.asp ----- Original Message ----- From: "Saboley" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 3:43 PM Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: OHBELMON-D Digest V04 #68 > Go to the Times Leader on-line and under "community" you will find a list of > Government Officials for Belmont County & St. Clairsville. (St. Clairsville > zip code is 43950) > > http://timesleaderonline.com/ > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Byron Knutsen" <[email protected]> > To: "Saboley" <[email protected]>; <[email protected]> > Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 3:08 PM > Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: OHBELMON-D Digest V04 #68 > > > > I now live in Idaho but was born in St. Clairsville in 1938. If I had an > > address to send a letter(s) to, I would be glad to help let the officials > > know that these records are important to many people. > > > > Byron Knutsen > > > > Retired and Still Learning > > While Having a Great Time > > In Southeastern Idaho > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Saboley" <[email protected]> > > To: <[email protected]> > > Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 12:35 PM > > Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: OHBELMON-D Digest V04 #68 > > > > > > > What a great idea..... especially since there is a State Prison in > > Bannock, > > > about a mile down the road from where some of these records are located > > and > > > another prison in Caldwell Ohio with a vocational program!! > > > Maybe some letters to the local elected officials & Reps. describing the > > > problem and potential solution (as Pat described below), might have some > > > impact and help save these records!! > > > > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: <[email protected]> > > > To: <[email protected]> > > > Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 1:59 PM > > > Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: OHBELMON-D Digest V04 #68 > > > > > > > > > > In doing research in the town of Ellsworth Kansas county seat of > Wilson > > > County > > > > I learned they had sent from their storeage area of old records and > > shiped > > > > all of them to the > > > > state prison, and had the inmates microfilm all the old record books, > on > > > film > > > > perserving them, and > > > > the state obsorbed the cost of everything. Giving the inmates > something > > to > > > do > > > > and > > > > in process teaching them a trade. The court house had all of the film > to > > > be > > > > looked at > > > > and a reader. Of course now we have computers, so don't know what the > > > state > > > > prisons do > > > > in recording old records but probably much different. > > > > > > > > Just a note to let you know something that might be possible for > Ohio. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Go to the Times Leader on-line and under "community" you will find a list of Government Officials for Belmont County & St. Clairsville. (St. Clairsville zip code is 43950) http://timesleaderonline.com/ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Byron Knutsen" <[email protected]> To: "Saboley" <[email protected]>; <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 3:08 PM Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: OHBELMON-D Digest V04 #68 > I now live in Idaho but was born in St. Clairsville in 1938. If I had an > address to send a letter(s) to, I would be glad to help let the officials > know that these records are important to many people. > > Byron Knutsen > > Retired and Still Learning > While Having a Great Time > In Southeastern Idaho > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Saboley" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 12:35 PM > Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: OHBELMON-D Digest V04 #68 > > > > What a great idea..... especially since there is a State Prison in > Bannock, > > about a mile down the road from where some of these records are located > and > > another prison in Caldwell Ohio with a vocational program!! > > Maybe some letters to the local elected officials & Reps. describing the > > problem and potential solution (as Pat described below), might have some > > impact and help save these records!! > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: <[email protected]> > > To: <[email protected]> > > Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 1:59 PM > > Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: OHBELMON-D Digest V04 #68 > > > > > > > In doing research in the town of Ellsworth Kansas county seat of Wilson > > County > > > I learned they had sent from their storeage area of old records and > shiped > > > all of them to the > > > state prison, and had the inmates microfilm all the old record books, on > > film > > > perserving them, and > > > the state obsorbed the cost of everything. Giving the inmates something > to > > do > > > and > > > in process teaching them a trade. The court house had all of the film to > > be > > > looked at > > > and a reader. Of course now we have computers, so don't know what the > > state > > > prisons do > > > in recording old records but probably much different. > > > > > > Just a note to let you know something that might be possible for Ohio. > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Are these rolls available for rental out to the local ones? If I could have them sent here and read through them in my spare time, would be a good thing. Can't afford to stay in Salt Lake City for ever to do something like that. Jerilyn

What a great idea..... especially since there is a State Prison in Bannock, about a mile down the road from where some of these records are located and another prison in Caldwell Ohio with a vocational program!! Maybe some letters to the local elected officials & Reps. describing the problem and potential solution (as Pat described below), might have some impact and help save these records!! ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 1:59 PM Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: OHBELMON-D Digest V04 #68 > In doing research in the town of Ellsworth Kansas county seat of Wilson County > I learned they had sent from their storeage area of old records and shiped > all of them to the > state prison, and had the inmates microfilm all the old record books, on film > perserving them, and > the state obsorbed the cost of everything. Giving the inmates something to do > and > in process teaching them a trade. The court house had all of the film to be > looked at > and a reader. Of course now we have computers, so don't know what the state > prisons do > in recording old records but probably much different. > > Just a note to let you know something that might be possible for Ohio. > >

In doing research in the town of Ellsworth Kansas county seat of Wilson County I learned they had sent from their storeage area of old records and shiped all of them to the state prison, and had the inmates microfilm all the old record books, on film perserving them, and the state obsorbed the cost of everything. Giving the inmates something to do and in process teaching them a trade. The court house had all of the film to be looked at and a reader. Of course now we have computers, so don't know what the state prisons do in recording old records but probably much different. Just a note to let you know something that might be possible for Ohio.

I KNOW you're right about the courthouse not knowing where records are .......and, quite frankly, they don't care. In my search for early tax records I was all over the courthouse, from the women in probate all the way to the treasurers office. NO one knew were they were, if they were still in existance, and the treasurer himself didn't even know when they had started recording tax records....had NO idea, can you imagine? . The only way I found out where they were was from a 'civilian', who had heard me asking some clerk, and told me she'd "heard" they were in the basement "out at the WICs Bldg"! So, we drove to the WICS building and I went in and spoke to a receptionist, telling her what I wanted. She said, "I don't have a key", but not being one to take "NO" for an answer, I said "That's fine - I'll just sit here and wait till you find one." She laughted and said that she'd used this 'line' many times with other folks who also came looking for the records, but guessed it wouldn't work with me - and went and found a caretaker who let me in! However, it did me no good - where to start with hundreds of black ledgers piled up higgeldy piggeldy along the walls, surrounded by filth and trash! S. " I would bet even the folks at the Court House don't know where all these records have been stored over the years. "

The following was taken from a column written and published in "The Times Leader" by By RICH GIBSON, Times Leader Area Editor on October 12, 2003: " IMPORTANT HISTORY is being preserved in Union Township thanks to township trustees and the Cumberland Trail Genealogical Society. Many school records, court journals and elections records will be available to future generations. Union Township clerk Suz Miller-Pubal, who helped organize the project, was assisted by Trustee John Spiga, Jr. along with Jean Craig and Sheila Perkins of the CT Genealogy Chapter. Miller-Pubal also praised the contribution of volunteers from a community service program founded by Judge Frank Fregiato. "Our purpose was to preserve some of the township's most important historical documents," noted Miller-Pubal, who first initiated the project four years ago. The township clerk discovered an array of documents, court journals, election records and cemetery data dating back to the 1800s. The group was able to computerize much of the valuable information. "Most of the material was unorganized and located in paper bags and boxes," Miller-Pubal pointed out. "We felt it important to try and reclassify and reorganize. The entire process was time consuming. But with a lot of diligence and hard work, our efforts paid off." Miller-Pubal was assisted by Perkins and Craig of the Cumberland Trail Genealogy Chapter. "They were instrumental in helping up decipher and sort out the important documents we needed to preserve," Miller-Pubal noted. "There was a sufficient amount of historical data and other important records we certainly did not want to see ruined. Not only was the project worthwhile, we feel it will be a definite asset for historians for generations to come." " Perhaps the same would be done with all the court records that are scattered about the county. If it could be done on a Township level, they should be able to do the same on a County Level. It is an election year and this could bring some of the Elected County Officials some great PR.

I now live in Idaho but was born in St. Clairsville in 1938. If I had an address to send a letter(s) to, I would be glad to help let the officials know that these records are important to many people. Byron Knutsen Retired and Still Learning While Having a Great Time In Southeastern Idaho ----- Original Message ----- From: "Saboley" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 12:35 PM Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: OHBELMON-D Digest V04 #68 > What a great idea..... especially since there is a State Prison in Bannock, > about a mile down the road from where some of these records are located and > another prison in Caldwell Ohio with a vocational program!! > Maybe some letters to the local elected officials & Reps. describing the > problem and potential solution (as Pat described below), might have some > impact and help save these records!! > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 1:59 PM > Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: OHBELMON-D Digest V04 #68 > > > > In doing research in the town of Ellsworth Kansas county seat of Wilson > County > > I learned they had sent from their storeage area of old records and shiped > > all of them to the > > state prison, and had the inmates microfilm all the old record books, on > film > > perserving them, and > > the state obsorbed the cost of everything. Giving the inmates something to > do > > and > > in process teaching them a trade. The court house had all of the film to > be > > looked at > > and a reader. Of course now we have computers, so don't know what the > state > > prisons do > > in recording old records but probably much different. > > > > Just a note to let you know something that might be possible for Ohio. > > > > > > >

In a message dated 4/15/2004 7:36:25 AM Pacific Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Another thought. When I was there last year, I think it was, they had someone set up in the first floor of the court house making microfilm pix from old records. I think it was the LDS and perhaps if they knew a lot more records were available that hadn't been transcribed they would come in and do the work. There are already at least 16 rolls of microfilm of unsorted material from the 1820-abt. 1860 period in the LDS Family History Library in Salt Lake City. This material is largely worthless for research purposes because it is unsorted and unindexed. The film crew can record the documents, but can't sort it. They would probably be happy to film this material after it is sorted. Because it is located in locations where it is vulnerable to the elements and to vandalism, they would probably consider it a priority. Neil E. Folsom, CA

This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --Boundary_(ID_d9GkDGfvnod/q9PSWXONCA) Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Content-disposition: inline I know it is not easy to get volunteers for anything. Our genealogy group has been able to get assistance from persons who have court mandated "community services hours" to complete. However, someone/s would still have to oversee the project including filing the volunteer time forms with the Adult Probation Department. And sometimes, this type of work can capture their interest and make a big difference in their lives as well. Phyllis Yarber Hogan --Boundary_(ID_d9GkDGfvnod/q9PSWXONCA) Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Content-type: text/plain OHBELMON-D Digest Volume 04 : Issue 68 Today's Topics: #1 Re: [OHBELMON-L] ] Belmont records ["Kim Shutway" <[email protected]>] #2 Re: ] Belmont records [[email protected]] #3 Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: ] Belmont rec [[email protected]] #4 Belmont records ["Sandra Ferguson" <[email protected]] #5 Belmont Co. Records [[email protected]] #6 Re: [OHBELMON-L] Belmont Co. Recor ["Emily" <[email protected]>] Administrivia: To unsubscribe from OHBELMON-D, send a message to [email protected] that contains in the body of the message the command unsubscribe and no other text. No subject line is necessary, but if your software requires one, just use unsubscribe in the subject, too. ______________________________ --Boundary_(ID_d9GkDGfvnod/q9PSWXONCA) Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2004 13:51:01 -0400 From: "Kim Shutway" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] ] Belmont records To: [email protected] Message-id: <[email protected]> Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit X-Message: #1 Hi Sandra and all, It's not that no one is interested. Believe me, we have beaten our heads off the walls here trying to figure out what to do about these records. A few years ago, a few of us went out to the courthouse annex and looked around at the mess. Not only did we find estate packets and wills, we also found ledgers from businesses and doctors. We were appalled. However, after much talk between us and with members of our society, nothing was settled or done. Sandra is right - it would be a tremendous undertaking and no one seems to want to put the effort into it. I'm afraid that, one day in the near future, these records will "disappear" and a great amount of info will be lost forever. Kim Conley Shutway Co-Founder - Cumberland Trail Genealogy Society, Belmont Co., OH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sandra Ferguson" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 1:41 PM Subject: [OHBELMON-L] ] Belmont records > The tax records are in the basement of an outbuilding on the grounds of > the WICS bldg, several miles outside town. It is filthy dirty, with only > one light, in the ceiling near the door. The ledgers are piled from floor > to ceiling around the walls, in no order, surrounded by boxes of trash, > broken chairs and office desks. One has to crawl over the junk to get to > the ledgers, and it is impossible, by the ceiling light, to read them. One > day would be a drop in the bucket, and many, MANY days would be required > just to open each book and see what the all contain, let along take some > sort of notes. When I found them I contacted a couple members of local > organizations, and could find no one who was interested in taking on the > job....it takes people on the spot, people who live near, to tackle this > job, which would be a tremendous undertaking. > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 12:21 PM > Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Belmont records > > > > Dear Belmont County researchers, > > > > I'm sure all of us have dreamed of the untold genealogical treasures that > > might be lying in those stacks of papers. Does anyone have any ideas > > about what might be done at least to get them organized where they lie? > > Then if a centralized area does become available, a headstart would > > already have been made toward the final organization. > > > > Someone local would have to head and manage the total project so that it > > was done in an orderly manner. But perhaps some of us who are planning to > > travel to the area to research could donate a day of research time to the > > effort. I know I'm coming in June for about a week and would be happy to > > contribute a day to an ongoing task. And if there is anything that could > > be done off-site, I'd be happy to consider that as well. > > > > Maybe if we all put our heads together (and perhaps some extra funds for > > supplies [file folders, storage boxes, or whatever] and possibly the use > > of a laptop to keep track of the records found, etc., etc., etc.), this > > oft-mentioned accumulation might be rendered truly useful. I would think > > the first undertaking would be the identification of the records and the > > sorting into groups according to type. The adrenaline starts pumping just > > contemplating the possibilities! > > > > What are your thoughts? Is this a feasible undertaking? > > > > Lorraine > > [email protected] > > > > > > > > On Mon, 12 Apr 2004 13:31:43 -0400 "Saboley" <[email protected]> > > writes: > > > From what I understand, there are also court house records and stacks > > > of > > > ledgers stored in the attic and basement of the former Old Age home > > > in > > > Bannock as well as the attic of the court house. Seems records are > > > scattered > > > every where in a totally unorganized fashion. Have heard the St. > > > C. > > > Genealogy Society is working on taking over the vacated old jail > > > next to the > > > Court house where they might gather and house some of these old > > > records. > > > Perhaps they will become accessible someday. > > > Also have heard that old school and voting records are stored in > > > the > > > Township Buildings through out the County. Would be nice if these > > > could all > > > be centralized and accessible to the public. > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "Sandra Ferguson" <[email protected]> > > > To: <[email protected]> > > > Sent: Monday, April 12, 2004 10:52 AM > > > Subject: [OHBELMON-L] Belmont records > > > > > > > > > > I visited the courthouse in St. Clairsville, looking for early > > > tax > > > records, > > > > only to discover that hundreds of ledgers were piled in the > > > basement of an > > > > outbuilding, adjoining the WICS bldg, several miles outside > > > town......so, > > > > perhaps some of the records you seek are there. I do know, also, > > > that > > > many > > > > administrative papers (those from estates where the person died > > > intestate) > > > > are stored elsewhere, and not accessable to the public. You must > > > fill out > > > a > > > > form there at the courthouse, with name and pertinent data, and > > > the > > > Probate > > > > clerks will let you know later if there is any paperwork under the > > > persons > > > > name......they explained to me that they only went to wherever it > > > is they > > > > have those records on an occasional basis, and thus it might be > > > quite a > > > > while till they had time to check. I had this happen last summer, > > > and > > > they > > > > did let me know that there was paperwork for the person's estate I > > > sought. > > > > The told me the $ for copies and I sent for them..... > > > > > > > > > Carol, > > > > > > > > > > Thanks so much for all the information. I appreciate it very > > > much. The > > > > > Philip Wise in question was a landowner, and about a year ago I > > > checked > > > > the land > > > > > records in Salt Lake City and didn't find any transfer, and so I > > > have > > > > assumed > > > > > that the land passed to the next generation by probate. When I > > > attempted > > > > to > > > > > access the chancery records for that period I found that they > > > were > > > located > > > > on > > > > > 16 rolls of microfilm, that were completely unsorted and > > > completely out > > > of > > > > > order and that many of the records were in a condition that > > > were > > > difficult > > > > to read > > > > > and understand. It would have required weeks of effort just to > > > go > > > through > > > > > them. I have assumed that because probate records kept track > > > of > > > property > > > > that > > > > > the records would have been continually accessible and that's > > > why I > > > > brought up > > > > > the possibility that those records for that time period might > > > have been > > > > > destroyed because they don't seem to be available anywhere. I > > > visited > > > the > > > > > courthouse in St. Clairsville last summer and the only probate > > > records I > > > > could find for > > > > > that period were those associated with wills. > > > > > > > > > > Neil E. > > > > > Folsom, CA > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________ --Boundary_(ID_d9GkDGfvnod/q9PSWXONCA) Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2004 16:52:03 -0400 From: [email protected] Subject: Re: ] Belmont records To: [email protected] Message-id: <[email protected]> Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit X-Message: #2 Dear Sandra and all, I can imagine that the job is overwhelming. I simply thought that if a lot of people gave a little, it might be accomplished. However, that might not be realistic. But I'd still be willing to give my day! :-} Lorraine [email protected] On Tue, 13 Apr 2004 13:41:48 -0400 "Sandra Ferguson" <[email protected]> writes: > The tax records are in the basement of an outbuilding on the > grounds of > the WICS bldg, several miles outside town. It is filthy dirty, with > only > one light, in the ceiling near the door. The ledgers are piled from > floor > to ceiling around the walls, in no order, surrounded by boxes of > trash, > broken chairs and office desks. One has to crawl over the junk to > get to > the ledgers, and it is impossible, by the ceiling light, to read > them. One > day would be a drop in the bucket, and many, MANY days would be > required > just to open each book and see what the all contain, let along take > some > sort of notes. When I found them I contacted a couple members of > local > organizations, and could find no one who was interested in taking on > the > job....it takes people on the spot, people who live near, to tackle > this > job, which would be a tremendous undertaking. > ______________________________ --Boundary_(ID_d9GkDGfvnod/q9PSWXONCA) Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2004 22:36:06 EDT From: [email protected] Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: ] Belmont records To: [email protected] Message-id: <[email protected]> Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" X-Message: #3 When a job seems overwhelming it might be better to just start with a small project and see how it goes. How about just looking at one of the sites and see what's in just a few of those ledgers? It might give just a clue about what to concentrate on. Neil E. ______________________________ --Boundary_(ID_d9GkDGfvnod/q9PSWXONCA) Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2004 23:16:51 -0400 From: "Sandra Ferguson" <[email protected]> Subject: Belmont records To: [email protected] Message-id: <[email protected]> Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit X-Message: #4 The whole point of the issue is that considering the magnitude of the amount of material, this must be taken on by someone local, or even better, a local organization, people capable of regular access....people, like me, from another state, can do nothing but lend a hand on the couple of occasions during the year, when we visit. It HAS to be orchestrated by locals.....I, personally, would be glad to transcribe original documents; I've done it with others, from other areas - and, others might be willing to do the same - but, we have no access. Someone local must be able to discuss the records with the courthouse 'powers that be' - we can't simply waltz in and take them....I'm sure there would be a ton of red tape involved, and it can't be done long-distance. That was why I suggested, several years ago, that this would be a wonderful project for the local genealogical or historical organizations - or both of them......or, the DAR chapter.....ANYONE who lives there. ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2004 10:36 PM Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Re: ] Belmont records > When a job seems overwhelming it might be better to just start with a small > project and see how it goes. How about just looking at one of the sites and > see what's in just a few of those ledgers? It might give just a clue about what > to concentrate on. > > Neil E. > ______________________________ --Boundary_(ID_d9GkDGfvnod/q9PSWXONCA) Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2004 23:38:44 EDT From: [email protected] Subject: Belmont Co. Records To: [email protected] Message-id: <[email protected]> Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" X-Message: #5 I live out of state but will be in Ohio in June. I agree that this needs to be taken on by locals. I would help a couple of days however I won't be staying near there so would have to find a local hotel. I'll be about 2 hours away from there while in Ohio. If this could get set up by a local group, I'll donate some time then. I can also transcribe records from home but have never done that. I'd need a quick lesson from someone who has. Please, lets not let these records disappear. Kay Researching Brandt, Sheumaker, Anderson, Kagy, Mohler families ______________________________ --Boundary_(ID_d9GkDGfvnod/q9PSWXONCA) Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2004 21:02:39 -0700 From: "Emily" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [OHBELMON-L] Belmont Co. Records To: [email protected] Message-id: <[email protected]> Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit X-Message: #6 Here's my two-cents. Perhaps a petition of sorts to show our support and interest regarding these records should be organized. Then, it must be taken to the locals. Contact the historical society, genealogical societies, etc. and plea with them. They aren't going to let just anyone visit those records for this purpose, so we need local backing. A moment toward saving them and getting support from the organizations in the area that have a vested interest is what is needed at this moment...first steps first. THEN, if something can be negociated with some organization, perhaps all these wonderful volunteers could be of help. FYI for the person offering to transcribe, but has never done so....It isn't as easy as it seems and accuracy is so very important. You may need to learn and practice this for your own research (unless you only use the Internet), so I strongly suggest that you order some deeds for your family and practice. I've transcribed records for years and there is a great variety of handwriting and spelling over the centuries. Sometimes the script in the 1600s is easier to read than the more recent centuries. HOWEVER, I suggest this practice in kindness and from a voice of experience....if you don't do it for a while, it takes a bit to get back into the groove. I have even shared doing some transcriptions with others so two pairs of eyes catch everything. Over thirty years of genealogical experience, talking here... <VBG> E Seeking Ogan, Bevin, Barnes, Wickersham, Ary and others in Belmont Co, OH in early 1800s. --Boundary_(ID_d9GkDGfvnod/q9PSWXONCA)--

About 5 or 6 years ago when I was doing some research at the Court House, LDS was there microfilming the books that were on the shelves. I would bet they had no clue as to records stashed in other areas. Perhaps if these were made known to them they would come microfilm them before they get thrown out or completely deteriorate. Lots of history would be lost as many of these records go back 100+ years. Has anyone explored the basement and attic of the old jail to see if records are also stashed there? Wouldn't surprise me as we already know of several locations where they are stored. I would bet even the folks at the Court House don't know where all these records have been stored over the years. The County obviously needs a Central location for storage of all these scattered records. Perhaps the 2 Genealogy Societies could get with the County officials and designate an abandoned building , such as the old jail house, to store these records. Sounds like there are a lot of folks out there willing to volunteer there time and energies to help with such a project. Has anyone brought this to the attention of the Newspaper in the area? Some well written articles might bring this to the attention of others that might also be willing to help and also make financial contributions to such a project. I'm hoping to get back to the area for a few weeks this summer and would be willing to help with any projects to save these records. ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 10:35 AM Subject: [OHBELMON-L] Old Records > I would love to help with this project but live in Chicago area so hard to > do. I come back once a year for research and could help a little, but I know > you really need locals. Besides knowing the lettering and words used in those > days it is really important for the transcribers to be familiar with the > families in the area at the time. I have chased so many names for so long only to > find them listed under a name that is totally crazy, but in looking at the > original I can see where they might make a mistake. But if the person doing the > transcribing has been working in Belmont Co for a long time they have a better > chance of knowing the names of people in the records. > > I do believe the idea of taking digital pix and sending them out for > transcription. I have taken a lot of those when back east and then come home and work > on them. It sure is faster than copying and also better on the books. > > Another thought. When I was there last year, I think it was, they had > someone set up in the first floor of the court house making microfilm pix from old > records. I think it was the LDS and perhaps if they knew a lot more records > were available that hadn't been transcribed they would come in and do the work. > > Jerilyn >

I would love to help with this project but live in Chicago area so hard to do. I come back once a year for research and could help a little, but I know you really need locals. Besides knowing the lettering and words used in those days it is really important for the transcribers to be familiar with the families in the area at the time. I have chased so many names for so long only to find them listed under a name that is totally crazy, but in looking at the original I can see where they might make a mistake. But if the person doing the transcribing has been working in Belmont Co for a long time they have a better chance of knowing the names of people in the records. I do believe the idea of taking digital pix and sending them out for transcription. I have taken a lot of those when back east and then come home and work on them. It sure is faster than copying and also better on the books. Another thought. When I was there last year, I think it was, they had someone set up in the first floor of the court house making microfilm pix from old records. I think it was the LDS and perhaps if they knew a lot more records were available that hadn't been transcribed they would come in and do the work. Jerilyn

I live out of state but will be in Ohio in June. I agree that this needs to be taken on by locals. I would help a couple of days however I won't be staying near there so would have to find a local hotel. I'll be about 2 hours away from there while in Ohio. If this could get set up by a local group, I'll donate some time then. I can also transcribe records from home but have never done that. I'd need a quick lesson from someone who has. Please, lets not let these records disappear. Kay Researching Brandt, Sheumaker, Anderson, Kagy, Mohler families