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. >

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.

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.

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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

I'd think that most Chancery Court books had indexes, and would then refer to a Court Order book for the execution docket. It's that way for Allegany Co., MD. When there's a judgement made, it results in a court order, and THOSE records can get pretty lengthy if the case gets postponed for deposing witnesses, etc....all of which gets recorded. If the LDS filmed whatever existed in St. Clairsville, you should be able to order the films from your local LDS Family History Center. I ran into the same thing when I was last in St. Clairsville...and I have to wonder just what state of preservation those "books dumped in the building miles out of town" are in. I do a good bit of work in Bedford Co., PA, and the local historical society there worked out a deal with the County Clerk's office, whereby the Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford Co. took charge of those materials that were "dumped" in the basement of the courthouse, which we lovingly refer to as the Dungeon. The Society has been dutifully filming those materials that were rescued, so that at least they can be viewed without risking damage to the bindings, or in many cases, theft. It still amazes me that some people will actually razor out a page as a "keepsake," or worse, to sell on EBay. They eventually had to take over all the original Orphans Court documents there (the materials filed in the rows of narrow boxes up overhead), leaving the docket book transcriptions in the Prothonotary's office. Pages have literally been sliced out....it makes you sick. Good luck with the films. There's still a good bit of Belmont material I need to see, beyond the deed books and birth/marriage registers. David in Richmond, VA

I hope to be in the area in August and would also help for a day if a project was already underway or at least a place established. Carol, what are your thoufghts on this? Anyone in the area that could get it started? Bonnie Burkhardt [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 12:43 PM Subject: [OHBELMON-L] Old Records > I plan on coming late September and could also devote a day or two to sorting > the old records. I intend to make an appointment to at least look and see > what is available. Belmont and Monroe are my main interests for now and all > before 1850 so tax records are really important. Jerilyn >

just a thought . . . . perhaps digital pictures would be the easiest way then those pics could be sent to the masses for organization ----- 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

I would be willing to help on organizing the records if they were digitalized and sent to various people. Chester

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. >

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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

I plan on coming late September and could also devote a day or two to sorting the old records. I intend to make an appointment to at least look and see what is available. Belmont and Monroe are my main interests for now and all before 1850 so tax records are really important. Jerilyn

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 > > > > > > > > > > >

These records were like that back in 1983. good luck ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sandra Ferguson" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, April 12, 2004 7:52 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 > > > >

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 > > > >

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 >

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

I have been very fortunate, thanks to you wonderful people, but I am still looking for information on Robert Pryor and his wife, Jemima Reed Pryor and their families. My direct line is their son Levi and his wife Rachel Moberly/Mobbley. They lived in Belmont County beginning about 1801, when Robert's parents, John and Margaret Garvin Pryor/Prior moved there from Pennsylvania. Robert and Jemima's other children were Amos (1810-1892); Levi (1814-1888); Margaret (1815-1905); John (1819-1905); Thomas (1821-1905); Jurette (1822-1829). I just recently found them, so I am so excited to get anything I can on them. This is my father's direct line, and I have been looking for it for awhile. Janice Neagle, PHR Human Resource Director Cowley County Community College 620/441-5214

Looking for info about Richard Jones 1820 census and Hezekiah Jones who is found in 1830 census. Many Thanks, Janet Currie --- 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

Hello all. I am always searching for more info on my 4th great grandfather, Henry Willis, born ca 1795, PA, and his wife Nancy (last name possibly SLOAN), and their children Daniel, who married Diana "Annie" McGrew, moved to Monroe and lived out their lives there, John S., who married Julia Ann Mowder in Belmont County, 1838, Henry Jr, Jeremiah, William, Mary A., Emaline, Martha A., and George. Also any info on William Willis, born ca 1813, probably a younger brother to Henry, Sr. Every one of these families except Daniel moved down the Ohio River to all the river counties, ending up for several years in Meigs County, OH, then most came to Wood County in WV, where I live. Thanks for any help, especially of the girls, as I have almost nothing on them. Martha Cross Sargent Martha Cross Sargent Data entry Manager - Bios PA-ROOTS http://www.pa-roots.com/ ANKROM ASHBY AULTS BARNHOUSE BERGER BREECH CLARK CORNELL CROSS CURRY GROW HERSMAN HOLCOMB INGRAM LEWIS LIVINGSTON LUKE MCMULLEN MEANS MOWDER MYER MYERS OATES OWENS ROSS SARGENT UMENSETTER WATSON WILLIS WOODS ZUMBRO

EDWARDS, Robert b abt 1840 in Skewen, Wales - immi. to U.S. 1879 DAVIES, Ann b 1841 in Neath, Wales - immi. to U.S. 1881 This couple married in Neath, Glamorgan Co., Wales 23 June 1861. They are in Belmont Co, OH (Aetnaville-Bridgeport-Martins Ferry area) by mid-1880's when their last child is born, and they both died in Belmont Co. Children of this couple included (several died in Wales in childhood): Mary - b 1865 in Wales; m. Lewis Phillip TOTTERDALE Robert - b 1870 in Wales; m. Hannah EVANS John - b 1873 in Wales; m. Margaret JONES William - b 1875 in Wales; m. Mary Ethel SMITH Sarah Ann - b 1877 in Wales; m. John CLINK Solomon - b 1879 in Wales (murdered during 1910 Labor strike at Aetnaville Mill, Belmont Co) Margaret - b 1882 Mercer Co, PA Jane - b 1885 Belmont Co, OH Others out there researching any members of this family? Regards, Nancy Edwards (researching: CLINK, CRISWELL, DAVIES, EDWARDS, EVANS, JONES, SCHOTT/SCHUTT/SHUTT, SMITH, TOTTERDALE, and others)