We have found deeds date 1849 registed in 1927. go figure!

That's why I wish they would film all the darned things, or digitally scan them and toss them online. That way, the clerks could do what they'd rather do other than help those of us looking for family history. Since I'm cranky, I wish Pennsylvania would give us an index to post 1906 death records too! *grin* If WV and Ohio can give indexes, so can our state. Bonz -----Original Message----- From: pafrankl-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:pafrankl-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Diane Hettrick Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2010 6:14 PM To: PAFRANKL@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [PAFRANKL] Franklin County Courthouse Records I think that courthouse clerks all over the US do something like that. Years ago, I went to the King County courthouse in Seattle to get a copy of an old record. I knew it was there, and knew they would try to tell me it wasn't there. I went to the counter, told them the marriage record and date that I wanted, and they, predictably said, "Oh our records don't go back that far." I said, very firmly, "The record I want is in one of the old, handwritten ledger books." Her body language said that she wasn't pleased, but she didn't protest or ask anyone else, she just got the record for me. Diane in Seattle

I think that courthouse clerks all over the US do something like that. Years ago, I went to the King County courthouse in Seattle to get a copy of an old record. I knew it was there, and knew they would try to tell me it wasn't there. I went to the counter, told them the marriage record and date that I wanted, and they, predictably said, "Oh our records don't go back that far." I said, very firmly, "The record I want is in one of the old, handwritten ledger books." Her body language said that she wasn't pleased, but she didn't protest or ask anyone else, she just got the record for me. Diane in Seattle -----Original Message----- >From: Bonnie Malmat <blmalmat@bellsouth.net> >Sent: Aug 19, 2010 10:44 AM >To: PAFRANKL@rootsweb.com >Subject: Re: [PAFRANKL] Franklin County Courthouse Records > >Donna, > > I actually had an admission when I was up there that the "records >burned" excuse was used, whether it was true or not. Sometimes they don't >*know* what still exists or where it is, especially older less-used/more >obscure records, so the "records burned" makes a dandy excuse, as it makes >the genealogist give up and go away and leave them alone.

Donna, I actually had an admission when I was up there that the "records burned" excuse was used, whether it was true or not. Sometimes they don't *know* what still exists or where it is, especially older less-used/more obscure records, so the "records burned" makes a dandy excuse, as it makes the genealogist give up and go away and leave them alone. Time will tell and if they're digitizing stuff, sooner or later, if "burned" records emerge, we'll hear about them. If they never emerge when all is done, well then, maybe they *did* burn! Records DO show up unexpectedly. Several years back, the missing death records for Allegheny County (1893-1905) were found in the courthouse. Prior to that, they only had records for those years for people who left wills. The local society quickly made an index of these records and I sent for two records of direct ancestors. Got both. On one, I hit the jackpot, it gave exact place of birth in Germany. Prior to that, I only had "Prussia," frustratingly vague. So I know that often, there are records stashed away about which the overworked staffs don't know. I keep hoping that some of the missing 1776 census records for Washington County/Frederick County, MD will appear some day. Bonz -----Original Message----- From: pafrankl-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:pafrankl-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Donna Heller Zinn Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 8:43 AM To: PAFRANKL@rootsweb.com Subject: [PAFRANKL] Franklin County Courthouse Records Hello Folks: I've been reading the posts about the Franklin County Courthouse Records being destroyed. This is a falsehood. The local governments knew the movings of the Confederate Army and were well aware of them coming into Chambersburg and so made arrangements to have all of the records moved out of the courthouse and into safe-keeping elsewhere. If it were true that all or most of the records were destroyed, then why are (or were) there original Tax Books dating back to the first year that the county was formed in the basement? These original tax books and records are not found at the PA State Archives and must be accessed at the courthouse - at least they were in the damp basement back about 7-8 years ago. I have also utilized the early Wills, Deeds and other various records there at the courthouse at various times - all dating back to the date of organization for the county. As per someone doing something with them.... they may have been taking them to scan digitally, as many courthouses are doing this to cut down on space. I know The Perry Historians (a genealogical library near New Bloomfield, Perry Co.) were given the original books from the Perry County Courthouse to hold and care-for.... after they were sent out to be scanned and put on a computer program for use at the courthouse. Every-now-and-then someone from the courthouse makes a visit to the Perry Historians to get copies of pages that were missed during scanning... so I hope that the original books and records were not destroyed after the scanning process... if this did take place. Donna Heller Zinn of Newville, Cumberland Co., PA.

I don't have inside information, but we all should assume that the early records are extant but inaccessible. Compared to other South Central Pennsylvania counties, Franklin County (from a genealogical standpoint) is...well...a mess. But, take Cumberland County, for example. Their earliest records (apart from estate and deed) also were largely inaccessible. They currently have an archivist scanning them and posting them on the Internet. The records were always there, they were just in boxes and on shelves in the basement (as well as a secondary story area in another building). Though they were public, the staff was reluctant to allow visitors to explore these cluttered areas unsupervised. (I have a relative who works there.) Franklin is probably the same. A staff member once told me that the administrative bonds and inventories that I requested were in the building but not "accessible." It will take patience and prodding. I do know that a roll of microfilm at the Pennsylvania State Archives has complete estate files for Franklin County decedents from 1784 to about 1815. I found this by accident once. It had the papers I had been looking for. And: Nothing burned. It's a myth. It's there. And the answer you need is always in a document that one day you will find. If you keep pressing.

Hello Folks: I've been reading the posts about the Franklin County Courthouse Records being destroyed. This is a falsehood. The local governments knew the movings of the Confederate Army and were well aware of them coming into Chambersburg and so made arrangements to have all of the records moved out of the courthouse and into safe-keeping elsewhere. If it were true that all or most of the records were destroyed, then why are (or were) there original Tax Books dating back to the first year that the county was formed in the basement? These original tax books and records are not found at the PA State Archives and must be accessed at the courthouse - at least they were in the damp basement back about 7-8 years ago. I have also utilized the early Wills, Deeds and other various records there at the courthouse at various times - all dating back to the date of organization for the county. As per someone doing something with them.... they may have been taking them to scan digitally, as many courthouses are doing this to cut down on space. I know The Perry Historians (a genealogical library near New Bloomfield, Perry Co.) were given the original books from the Perry County Courthouse to hold and care-for.... after they were sent out to be scanned and put on a computer program for use at the courthouse. Every-now-and-then someone from the courthouse makes a visit to the Perry Historians to get copies of pages that were missed during scanning... so I hope that the original books and records were not destroyed after the scanning process... if this did take place. Donna Heller Zinn of Newville, Cumberland Co., PA.

On another note, it is also going to be a tragedy when all those old newspapers that are piled in the old jail cells totally rot away. I have seen them. They need to be digitized! ---- Bonnie Malmat <blmalmat@bellsouth.net> wrote: > > "I can't believe that ALL the early court records are gone especially when > the deeds and probate records are available." > > Me either. Odds are, they're down in the basement in one of those barrels. > If they are, we'll find out some day, I hope. > > Bonz > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PAFRANKL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Paul: You are forgetting that Chambersburg had the option of paying the ramson demanded by the Confederates which would have saved the city ffrom being burned to the ground. Frederick, Maryland paid up and was aved from destruction. So you might want to blaime on on those skinflints called the "city leaders" who refused to pay. Gordon Crooks ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul" <geneo@paul-n-paul.com> To: "Patti Hobbs" <genealogy@hobbits8.com>; <pafrankl@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 10:22 PM Subject: Re: [PAFRANKL] Franklin County records >I am not the expert on this, but I assume the records that were removed >from > the courthouse and sent to Carlisle were the only ones saved. Probably > Deeds and Probate Records were considered more important, and they did not > have a chance to move everything before the attack. Horse and buggy can > take a while to move heavyweight books. > > Buy the way, Mr or Ms "$*#@ rebel scum" (see below), the northerners did > the > same in the south, so what do you expect. That the only good guys were in > the north? There were Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on both sides who wanted to > destroy the country. Just be thankful the Franklin County agents were > intelligent enuf to save what they could. > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Patti Hobbs" <genealogy@hobbits8.com> > To: <pafrankl@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 7:55 PM > Subject: Re: [PAFRANKL] Franklin County records > > >>I wondered about the court records, too. At one time I had seen that >>someone was doing something with them, but I don't recall where I saw it. >>It was already way past the time frame given and I used the contact info >>on >>the website, but I never heard from anyone. I can't believe that ALL the >>early court records are gone especially when the deeds and probate records >>are available. > > >> >> Patti >> >> >> On Aug 15, 2010, at 12:42 PM, Bonnie Malmat wrote: >> >>> >>> I actually got to speak to the archivist when I was in Chambersburg in >>> July. >>> He was very helpful and took time out of his busy schedule to spend a >>> bit >>> of >>> time explaining things to me. Nice guy. >>> >>> The land records on microfiche (the older ones) are very difficult to >>> read >>> and gave me fits. Is it too much to hope that when things go online >>> they're >>> available to people outside of the courthouse? >>> >>> My biggest regret is there seem to be no court records (Clerk of Quarter >>> Sessions, etc.) before the Civil War. Either they're uncategorized as of >>> yet >>> down in that basement, or rgwt burned along with whatever burned when >>> those >>> $*#@ rebel scum set Chambersburg alight during the Civil War. >>> >>> Bonz >> >> >> >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> PAFRANKL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the >> quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > PAFRANKL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Patti: Its said that most of the early records in Chambersburg were destroyed in the fire set by the Confederates, this makes sense considering the lask of them. Maryland long ago adopted a procedure where by records of this type from about 1800 back and in the central depository in the Maryland Archives (Hall of Records) most of them are available on line (Free). In the case of Pennsylvania Harrisburg (the State) has considerable records of the counties too. Gordon Crooks ----- Original Message ----- From: "Patti Hobbs" <genealogy@hobbits8.com> To: <pafrankl@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 7:55 PM Subject: Re: [PAFRANKL] Franklin County records >I wondered about the court records, too. At one time I had seen that >someone was doing something with them, but I don't recall where I saw it. >It was already way past the time frame given and I used the contact info on >the website, but I never heard from anyone. I can't believe that ALL the >early court records are gone especially when the deeds and probate records >are available. > > Patti > > > On Aug 15, 2010, at 12:42 PM, Bonnie Malmat wrote: > >> >> I actually got to speak to the archivist when I was in Chambersburg in >> July. >> He was very helpful and took time out of his busy schedule to spend a bit >> of >> time explaining things to me. Nice guy. >> >> The land records on microfiche (the older ones) are very difficult to >> read >> and gave me fits. Is it too much to hope that when things go online >> they're >> available to people outside of the courthouse? >> >> My biggest regret is there seem to be no court records (Clerk of Quarter >> Sessions, etc.) before the Civil War. Either they're uncategorized as of >> yet >> down in that basement, or rgwt burned along with whatever burned when >> those >> $*#@ rebel scum set Chambersburg alight during the Civil War. >> >> Bonz > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > PAFRANKL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

"I can't believe that ALL the early court records are gone especially when the deeds and probate records are available." Me either. Odds are, they're down in the basement in one of those barrels. If they are, we'll find out some day, I hope. Bonz

I am not the expert on this, but I assume the records that were removed from the courthouse and sent to Carlisle were the only ones saved. Probably Deeds and Probate Records were considered more important, and they did not have a chance to move everything before the attack. Horse and buggy can take a while to move heavyweight books. Buy the way, Mr or Ms "$*#@ rebel scum" (see below), the northerners did the same in the south, so what do you expect. That the only good guys were in the north? There were Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on both sides who wanted to destroy the country. Just be thankful the Franklin County agents were intelligent enuf to save what they could. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Patti Hobbs" <genealogy@hobbits8.com> To: <pafrankl@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 7:55 PM Subject: Re: [PAFRANKL] Franklin County records >I wondered about the court records, too. At one time I had seen that >someone was doing something with them, but I don't recall where I saw it. >It was already way past the time frame given and I used the contact info on >the website, but I never heard from anyone. I can't believe that ALL the >early court records are gone especially when the deeds and probate records >are available. > > Patti > > > On Aug 15, 2010, at 12:42 PM, Bonnie Malmat wrote: > >> >> I actually got to speak to the archivist when I was in Chambersburg in >> July. >> He was very helpful and took time out of his busy schedule to spend a bit >> of >> time explaining things to me. Nice guy. >> >> The land records on microfiche (the older ones) are very difficult to >> read >> and gave me fits. Is it too much to hope that when things go online >> they're >> available to people outside of the courthouse? >> >> My biggest regret is there seem to be no court records (Clerk of Quarter >> Sessions, etc.) before the Civil War. Either they're uncategorized as of >> yet >> down in that basement, or rgwt burned along with whatever burned when >> those >> $*#@ rebel scum set Chambersburg alight during the Civil War. >> >> Bonz > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > PAFRANKL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I wondered about the court records, too. At one time I had seen that someone was doing something with them, but I don't recall where I saw it. It was already way past the time frame given and I used the contact info on the website, but I never heard from anyone. I can't believe that ALL the early court records are gone especially when the deeds and probate records are available. Patti On Aug 15, 2010, at 12:42 PM, Bonnie Malmat wrote: > > I actually got to speak to the archivist when I was in Chambersburg in July. > He was very helpful and took time out of his busy schedule to spend a bit of > time explaining things to me. Nice guy. > > The land records on microfiche (the older ones) are very difficult to read > and gave me fits. Is it too much to hope that when things go online they're > available to people outside of the courthouse? > > My biggest regret is there seem to be no court records (Clerk of Quarter > Sessions, etc.) before the Civil War. Either they're uncategorized as of yet > down in that basement, or rgwt burned along with whatever burned when those > $*#@ rebel scum set Chambersburg alight during the Civil War. > > Bonz

I actually got to speak to the archivist when I was in Chambersburg in July. He was very helpful and took time out of his busy schedule to spend a bit of time explaining things to me. Nice guy. The land records on microfiche (the older ones) are very difficult to read and gave me fits. Is it too much to hope that when things go online they're available to people outside of the courthouse? My biggest regret is there seem to be no court records (Clerk of Quarter Sessions, etc.) before the Civil War. Either they're uncategorized as of yet down in that basement, or rgwt burned along with whatever burned when those $*#@ rebel scum set Chambersburg alight during the Civil War. Bonz -----Original Message----- From: pafrankl-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:pafrankl-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Carolyn K Shearer Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2010 1:07 PM To: PAFRANKL-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [PAFRANKL] Franklin County records Here is more about the Franklin County records Franklin County records go digital http://www.publicopiniononline.com/ci_15783284 [If this link does not work for you, just use the publicopiniononline.com . You can't miss the article as it is on the front page of this morning's paper. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to PAFRANKL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Here is more about the Franklin County records Franklin County records go digital http://www.publicopiniononline.com/ci_15783284 [If this link does not work for you, just use the publicopiniononline.com . You can't miss the article as it is on the front page of this morning's paper.

This announcement has been posted on the Franklin County website. August 11, 2010 - Chambersburg, PA - Franklin County, with financial and technical assistance from the Franklin County Records Improvement Committee, will open a new records management office beginning August 11, 2010. This renovated office space located on Franklin Farm Lane will be utilized to begin work on the county's records management initiative. This project is designed to assist the county in achieving greater efficiencies in operation as well as reduce the total costs associated with records retention and storage by digitally scanning and storing records and information rather than maintaining physical files. The initial phase of this initiative involves the processing, scanning and microfilming of records for seven (7) county offices (i.e. Adult Probation, Clerk of Courts, District Attorney's Office, Prothonotary, Public Defender's Office, Register and Recorder and Sheriff) and will serve as the foundation for the county's comprehensive records management program. Has anyone tried to use this? Does this mean that the deeds are now at this office and no longer in the court house annex?

I would like to hear from anyone who might have a connection or any information on the John Shaffer family. John Schaffer, Shaeffer, Shaffer, Shafer. born 1824-26, Pennsylvania, died after 1880 Wife, Eliza Gonder born abt. 1828, Pennsylvania, died 1883 buried Mt. Alto Cemetery, Franklin Co. Married bat. 1848-49 Residence: Quincy Township 1850-1880 Children: Susan b. 1850 John F. b. 1855 George B. b. 1856 (George may have married in Franklin before 1880 to Margaret C., George is not living with the family in 1880) Jeremiah W. b. 1862 Mary Ellen b. 1869= My Best To You, Constance Diamond

Good Evening, I wanted to inquire to see if anyone knew how to get historical records from the Franklin County Prison. I have information that one of my ancestor's, Joseph Alvin Cuff (Born around 1858-1861), was incarcerated between 1880 and 1900 in the Prison and was held there at least until 1930 when he was 69 years old. Most of my information is based from Census records since I cannot find any other records about him. If anyone can point me in the right direction, it will be greatly appreciated. Thank You, Robert Cuff

Hello Folks: Just letting you know that the 76th Annual RICHARDSON-MILLER Family Reunion will be held on Sunday August 15, 2010 at Big Spring State Park, in Large Pavillion #5, Toboyne Twp., Perry Co., PA.. Eating at 1:00 p.m.. (Below you'll find a brief outline of the RICHARDSON and MILLER Family.) The reunion will be supplying turkey... which Jim and Tanya Warner will be roasting.... mmmmmm good! Donna Zinn will be providing the drinks, cups and place settings. Bring a covered dish or two to share, tablecloth, your appetite and wrapped items for our Annual Dirty Bingo and White Elephant Sale to benefit the Reunion Expense. Officers for the 2010 Reunion: President - Dave Baker Vice-Pres. - Dickie Brownawell Secretary/Treasurer/Historian - Donna Heller Zinn ** Please note that there will be no games for the youngsters, if they want to play Dirty Bingo they must bring wrapped items. Please feel free to forward this invite to other family members who may not receive a mailing. Hope to see you there! Donna Heller Zinn djzinn@pa.net 1. Joseph R. Richardson, census name Millie Richardson, b. 9-Mar-1826, (son of Elias Richardson and Agnes Horn) occupation Laborer. He married (1) Catherine Miller, married 18-May-1849, b. 7-Jan-1831, (daughter of David Miller and Mary Jane Riegel) d. 24-Jan-1879, buried: __-Jan-1879 in Cross Key's Cem.,Juniata Co.,PA. He married (2) Amelia Miller, married 30-Dec-1879 by Rev. S.C. Alexander, b. 4-Oct-1833 in Path Valley, Franklin Co.,PA., (daughter of Jacob Miller and Esther Neal) occupation Housekeeper, d. 20-Dec-1920 in Pleasant Hall, Letterkenny Twp., Franklin Co., PA., buried: 22-Dec-1920 in Orrstown Presb.Cem.,S.Ampton Twp.,Frk.Co. Joseph died 21-Sep-1881 in his home near Peru Mills, Juniata Co.,PA, buried: __-Sep-1881 in Cross Key's Cem.,Juniata Co.,PA. Children by Catherine Miller: 2. i Mary Jane Richardson b.24-Oct-1849 (George Andrew Taylor, census name G. A. Taylor, married 26-Dec-1864 in Honey Grove, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA., b. 17-Jun-1844 in Lack Twp., Juniata Co., PA., (son of Peter Barnhart Taylor and Martha Mary Delrimple) occupation Farmer / Laborer, d. 24-Jun-1914 in the home of his daughter, Jeanetta Taylor Fulton's in South Middleton Twp.,Cumberland Co.,PA., buried: 28-Jun-1914 in Mt.Zion Cem.,Monroe Twp.,Cumb.Co.,PA. Mary died 22-Jul-1909, buried: 25-Jul-1909 in Mt.Zion Cem.,Monroe Twp.,Cumb.Co.,PA. 3. ii David Miller Richardson b.22-Dec-1851, occupation Farmer. He married Hannah J. Vawn, married __-___-1875, b. 6-Dec-1853, d. 8-May-1931, buried: __-May-1931 in McCullochs Mill Cemetery, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. David died 6-Apr-1913, buried: __-Apr-1913 in McCullochs Mill Cemetery, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. 4. iii Agnes Horn Richardson b.4-Dec-1853. She married John Brandt, married __-___-1870, b. __-___-1844, d.27-Jan-1909, buried: __-___-1909 in East Waterford Cemetery, East Waterford, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. Agnes died 19-Mar-1924, buried: __-Mar-1923 in East Waterford Cemetery, East Waterford, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. 5. iv Catherine Elizabeth "Lizzie" Richardson b.2-Oct-1855. Partner Frederick James Vaughn, also known as Frederick James Vawn, also known as James Vaughn, b. __-___-1856 in Pennsylvania, occupation Laborer. She married (2) Andrew Creighton Hockenberry, b. 10-Nov-1857, d.26-Jan-1917, buried: __-Jan-1917 in East Waterford Cemetery, East Waterford, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. Catherine died 14-Feb-1896, buried: __-Feb-1896 in McCullochs Mill Cemetery, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. v Elias M. Richardson, b.19-Jul-1857, d.29-Jul-1858. 6. vi Margaret Anna Richardson b.24-Mar-1850 in Lack Twp., Juniata Co., PA., occupation Keeping House. She married William Franklin Vaughn, married __-___-1880 in Juniata Co., PA., b. __-May-1849, occupation Farmer, d. 27-Jan-1927, buried: in McCullochs Mill Cemetery, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. Margaret died 11-Oct-1924, buried: in McCullochs Mill Cemetery, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. 7. vii Martha "Mattie" Frances Richardson b.17-Oct-1861, baptized 9-Apr-1874 in Cross Keys Luth.Ch.,Lack Twp.,Juniata Co. She married Dennis Divinney Kennedy, married 15-Aug-1880 in the Juniata Hotel, b. 1-May-1848, d. 18-Mar-1912, buried: __-Mar-1912 in McCullochs Mill Cemetery, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. Martha died 26-Sep-1936, buried: __-Sep-1936 in McCullochs Mill Cemetery, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. 8. viii William Reynolds Richardson b.__-___-1864 in Pennsylvania. Partner Mary "Molly" Rhine, b. 25-Aug-1855 in Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA., occupation House Keeper, d. 4-May-1923 in Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA., buried: 6-May-1923 in East Waterford Cemetery, East Waterford, Tuscarora Twp., Juniata Co., PA. He married (2) Ida May Hockenberry, married 24-Dec-1897 in Huntingdon Co., PA., b.20-Feb-1869 in Kansas, Juniata Co., PA., occupation Housekeeper, d.16-Aug-1941 in Blandburg, Cambria Co., PA., buried: in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Glasgow, Cambria Co., PA. William died 3-Aug-1921 in Huntingdon Co., PA., buried: __-Aug-1921 in Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, Cambria Mills, Glasgow, Cambria Co., PA. Children by Amelia Miller: 9. ix Martha Richardson b. __-___-1878.

The Underground Railroad in Perry County On Sunday, October 24, 2010, at 2:00 p.m., The Perry Historians will host a discussion of the Underground Railroad in Perry County, Pennsylvania. The county was the scene of much action on the "Underground Railroad" between 1830 and 1863. This informal network existed to aid fugitive slaves escaping to freedom. There were at least five "stations" in the county and many "agents" or "conductors" Ms. Janet Taylor will lead a discussion of the latest findings, including how to go about locating an Underground Railroad Station. Known and possible routes through the county will be explored, including the Juniata Division of the Pennsylvania Canal. Other topics will include Methodists and Mennonites, the sea shell thank you gift, and why secrecy was so important. This is an information sharing session, so any information at all about UGRR will be greatly appreciated! The program is FREE to all and will be held in the upstairs of the Hoverter Archives. Light refreshments will be served following the program. Feel free to visit The Perry Historians' website at www.ThePerryHistorians.org for more information about the facility, holdings, services and directions to library.

I never did come back and tell you all how I did on my genealogy trip. Well, as Dickens would have said, "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times." I hope that some of my experiences will help other out-of-towners. Most of the "worst" was a direct result of having the bad luck of scheduling my trip for what turned out to be one of the hottest few days of the year. It was brutal. The heat impacted my health negatively, and stopped me from doing some planned stuff (walking around graveyards.) The first day, after arriving in Baltimore, I swung through Hagerstown and Chambersburg before arriving in Mercersburg to the bed and breakfast I had chosen, only to discover, as I set the parking brake, that my travel purse was missing. It was back in Hagerstown, where I had left it on the back of a bathroom door. Why? The floor of that restaurant bathroom was filthy. I didn't put the purse on the floor as usual. Should have hung it about my neck! It had my Kindle, all my travel money, my wallet, my ID, my iPod, my checkbook everything but my cellphone. What a disaster. To say I was panicking was the understatement of the century. Said cellphone did not work at all in Mercersburg, in spite of what the T-Mobile map claimed. Not inside the B&B, not out on the street, not all at. The very kind owners of the B&B let me use their cellphone to call down to Hagerstown, when in a stroke of incredibly good fortune, someone had found the purse and turned it it. So back down to Hagerstown I went, incredibly relieved. I never lose things and it was an unpleasant experience. Day 1 of research was Chambersburg day. I had a great time, minus the 100 degree heat which was just horrendous. The courthouse was disappointing. Other than land and probate records, everything "burned" or so I was told. I later spoke to the archivist who admitted that they really didn't know what they had (were still going through old stuff stored in old barrels as priorities permitted) and pretty much, when they didn't know, they just claimed that the stuff had burned, whether it had or not. Note that both the archivist and the kind employee that led me to him were most helpful, taking time to try to help me. This was a crushing blow, as I was hoping for Quarter Sessions records or other court records. And I suddenly had extra time. Now what? I wanted to head to the Franklin County Historical Society, which didn't open 'til 5. Coyle Library to the rescue! What a treasure! They had a whole room of genealogy books. I had no problem filling that extra time. The Historical Society was fun too. I had no luck, but enjoyed looking and they also had helpful, friendly staff. A cozy group sat around a table researching along with me. Unfortunately, this is where, incredibly, the bad luck gremlin struck again. Something got lost again and I never got it back. My checkbook, with some travel money tucked away (I usually split any cash I carry) was lost. I absolutely cannot believe I lost something TWICE. I'm guessing the heat and my health made me plain stupid on this trip. Because of the checkbook/cash lost, I wasn't able to purchase any books as I had planned to do. Day 2 was Fendrick Library. Amusement of the day "Oh, you're the lady who lost the purse." LOL. I kind of cocked my head and looked at her and she started to apologize and I laughed, reassuring her that I wasn't at all offended, but I was reminded that I was in a small town where one would easily become known. I had fun in the library, minus two things. They keep their A.C. as low as they can, meaning it was hot and humid in there. It literally made me sick and I had to leave for a while to cool off. Plus - you can't go in where they keep their genealogy books, they fetch them for you. I'm not a fan of that system. Who knows what I missed? But the staff was patient and kind and again, friendly. Highlights of Mercersburg were finding exactly where my ancestor had lived (down the alley from where I was staying in fact) and confirming that "King and Riny" were really "Ring" as I suspected. I also loved looking at the old houses and in the early evening, when the heat wasn't quite a blast furnace, I walked around town a bit, including the one cemetery (in bad shape, alas) near where I was staying (Lutheran/Reformed one). I never could sync Jim Houpt's index to the cemetery books I saw in both Fendrick and Coyle, so the burial places of two or three that I wanted to known will remain a mystery, alas. I'm not sure where in Mercersburg those people were buried. The indexes to the cemeteries and other places were quite handy though and they helped me a lot. The last day it was down to Hagerstown to the excellent library there. I was also going to the courthouse for a half hour just to scope it out around lunchtime, but discovered I couldn't go in when I got there. Why? I had a cellphone with a built in camera and that is not allowed. Grr! It was another 100 degree day and it was just too hot to walk all the way back to put it in the car and then return to the courthouse, so instead, I took a break for lunch and went back to the library, where I spent a fun afternoon digging through many books. So it wasn't really a successful trip and it was rather stressful, but I loved seeing the area from where my ancestors came. The libraries were excellent; the people helpful and friendly (don't get that down here!). I learned my lesson about July or August genealogy trips and won't do that again. I'm glad I went, but future trips will be in the late spring or early autumn. Thanks to all who helped me in preparing for the trip as your tips were of great help; from where to go to where to park to where to eat. And if any of you know where a Methodist would have married between 1825-1830 (Hagerstown-Funkstown-Mercersburg) or a Presbyterian marriage in Hagerstown around 1790, please let me know! I never could find any records for those times in that area. German records galore, but not that. Bonz