> For the moment, assume that Steve and his wife are to do the > photography, that Mrs. Haun will accomplish the abstracts, etc., and > that the Society is to do the administration. It is not rocket And the USGenWeb Archives can store the images for free in the permanent digital library. <g> Seriously, we can get transcribers for the images and place the text files in the Archives for searching. We have lots of volunteers, including home bound and retired, who just need the material. Linda

To All: Several boxes of "Loose Papers" were found in the Washington county, Va. Courthouse a few years ago.. The Washington co. Historical Society gained permission to hire a photographer to photograph the papers.. The copies were bound in a series of binders and indexed by the Society.. These books are now available for research In the Society Library at Abingdon, Va. by the public.. There is much valuable information in them.. I had searched for several years for a deed for land inheirted by Robert Harreld from his father, James, who died in 1796.. I had found the will of James but no deed transferring the land.. In the "loose" files I found a copy of the Sheriffs' sale of Roberts land for back taxes.. It had never been transferred to Robert who had gone to Ky several years before his father died. One of the Campbells had bought many farms on the same day and the Sheriff had signed the deeds.. It appears to me that the sale was probably not done publically as it should have been and the records were tucked away in a box so they wouldn't be found.. Campbell bought 170 acres of prime land owned by James Harreld for $10.00!! I have found several other useful documents in the Loose files.. They are certainly worth preserving! G. Lee Hearl Authentic Appalachian Storyteller Abingdon, Va.

Amen, Lee. Paul ----- Original Message ----- From: "G. Lee Hearl" <glh@naxs.com> To: <VA-SOUTHSIDE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, August 06, 2001 10:23 PM Subject: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] Loose Papers Etc. > To All: > Several boxes of "Loose Papers" were found in the Washington county, Va. > Courthouse a few years ago.. The Washington co. Historical Society gained > permission to hire a photographer to photograph the papers.. The copies were > bound in a series of binders and indexed by the Society.. These books are > now available for research In the Society Library at Abingdon, Va. by the > public.. There is much valuable information in them.. I had searched for > several years for a deed for land inheirted by Robert Harreld from his > father, James, who died in 1796.. > I had found the will of James but no deed transferring the land.. In the > "loose" files I found a copy of the Sheriffs' sale of Roberts land for back > taxes.. It had never been transferred to Robert who had gone to Ky several > years before his father died. One of the Campbells had bought many farms on > the same day and the Sheriff had signed the deeds.. It appears to me that > the sale was probably not done publically as it should have been and the > records were tucked away in a box so they wouldn't be found.. Campbell > bought 170 acres of prime land owned by James Harreld for $10.00!! I have > found several other useful documents in the Loose files.. They are certainly > worth preserving! > G. Lee Hearl > Authentic Appalachian Storyteller > Abingdon, Va. > > > ==== VA-SOUTHSIDE Mailing List ==== > USGenWeb Archives Digital Maps Project > http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/maps/ > > > ============================== > Join the RootsWeb WorldConnect Project: > Linking the world, one GEDCOM at a time. > http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com >

Hi, making CD's of the data and sell sounds super .It may > not be a permanent solution but viable for now. I see- we fund it, support it, volunteer to do all possible, they copyright and we get sued if we dare to mention a quote from it on a list? I agree with everyone on the importance of protecting, perserving our national heritage for all generations to come. It is vital! One thing I've seen here is a group that will do what it can to help preserve these records and this group seems to have the knowledge and desire to accomplish this. It would be great if this could be done so that the public could have access to these records. Let's face it- not everyone can travel to every county that they are researching. We have to rely on loans, lookups, free info, paid info on the net, writing to NARA, counties, etc. There are many ways to find ancestors. But there seems to be nothing that beats going to the court house and looking yourself. Even then, when items are purposely held back from the public we lose. But, at the same time , these papers are in excellent shape because they have been held back and stored well. Light is paper's enemy, from what I have read about paper preservation, just photocoping a page hurts it. We certaintly don't want to destroy. We want to protect. If digital cameras and scanners are a viable way. The copies need to go to Genweb Surry County, Va. for all - in addition to money making CD's for a deserving historical society. Margy

I am not atall interested in any participating in any discussion as to who does and who does not profit from any efforts that are advanced. That said, we must all full well realize that there is MUCH to be done over and above filming those records. To paraphrase Socrates, if one is to build a boat, he/she should consult a shipwright and not seek the advice of the trash collector. So? To accomplish the intellectual effort needed, needed are no small measure of talent, many years of experience in the "doing" of such work, and a great depth of knowledge, even as to the identity of a particular documents, not to mention the exertion required for ordering, numbering and the accomplishing the terribly tedious indexing of such material. I can't do that, nor can many others among us. To merely copy this enormous quantity and variety of early writings - literally written by hundreds, if not thousands, of different folks, most of whom had a "writing hand" that differed from the others - and then to put that film on-line with no aids to interpretation, abstractions, or indexing surely is but a sorry use of whatever money is forthcoming from good people. So, how to do it? As at the inception of the idea, when some of us suggested that a researcher and abstractor of talent and experience be permitted to undertake this incredible task for whatever profit - IF ANY - he/she might derive, I now again suggest that such a course is the proper one. There is a middle ground for the Society to consider, as follows: IF - IF - the Society/County is willing to oversee and administer the funds and activities needed, and if Steve and his wife do or direct the photography effort, then those two parties should enter into dialogue with Mrs. Haun (OR some other person of equal skill, if one is known) to the end that she/he profit from the publication, that the photography be compenstaed as is agreeable, and that the Society do so also, all by some division that equates to the relative exertions. For the moment, assume that Steve and his wife are to do the photography, that Mrs. Haun will accomplish the abstracts, etc., and that the Society is to do the administration. It is not rocket science for reasonable, sensible and talented folks to evaluate the worths of those separate tasks. Within that very evaluation will rest the answer to the division of such profits - IF THERE ARE ANY. Parenthetically, as a published author of several genealogy related books, I can assure you that the pie to be cut up won't feed many folks, no matter how well done. There will be no bearded fellow there with the fishes and loaves. Paul Drake

I also will be happy to contribute. Marilyn > >

Teresa, I document what I can find on the ALSOBROOK family out of interest in the connection to the HUX/HUCKS family of early Surry. Samuel ALSOBROOK married Mary IRONMONGER dau. of Thomas IRONMONGER and Mary HUX. Samuel died intestate in 1696. I have more if you are interested in this connection. Robert ----- Original Message ----- From: Teresa <tshands@lv.rmci.net> To: <VASURRY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, August 06, 2001 11:30 AM Subject: ALSOBROOK > Hello, > Does anyone on the list research ALSOBROOK(E) in early Surry Co ? If > so, please contact me. > > Thanks, > Teresa Shands > > > hostess: > http://gennetwork.org > > > ==== VASURRY Mailing List ==== > Don't forget to check out the Surry County VAGenWeb site at > http://www.rootsweb.com/~vasurry/ > List Mistress is Eve Gregory egregory20@earthlink.net > > > ============================== > Search over 1 Billion names at Ancestry.com! > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/rwlist1.asp >

Thanks very much, Marilyn. I have passed this on to the site in order that your name be preserved for the project, if the Society sees fit to do it. Paul ---- Original Message ----- From: <MSmith9470@aol.com> To: <VA-SOUTHSIDE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, August 06, 2001 5:45 PM Subject: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] Contribution > I also will be happy to contribute. Marilyn > > > > > > > > > > ==== VA-SOUTHSIDE Mailing List ==== > USGenWeb Archives Census Project > http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/census/ > > > ============================== > Join the RootsWeb WorldConnect Project: > Linking the world, one GEDCOM at a time. > http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com >

Okay everyone is there a email add to the Surrey Co Va Historical Genealogical Society? I keep reading this and everyone refers back to them which it should. But how do we ask them to do this and to set up a person in charge of funds etc, so they know we are serious? I gather some on list live near them and can relay message and maybe long to this list? They will then have to contact the county and work agreement to do this , sure hope they are willing to cooperate. Actually, if cooperative enough it could bring both Society and County some funds. And making CD's of the data and sell sounds super .It may not be a permanent solution but viable for now. There are many counties with records that need preserved. It would be nice to see us get involved and show them it can be a working relationship and everyone gain from it. Berks Co PA has done a great job of doing that. In hopes more county and societys can do the same. In stead of saying no people to do research etc.. WE could be funding the people whom do the research. Especially if records to fragile for everyone to mull through.. My two cents. SusiCP in San Diego Ca

I have been asked how descriptions in "metes and bounds" differ from those in "courses and distances" : > "metes and bounds" are descriptions wherein the boundaries are set forth as the approx. distances and approximate directions to and from landmarks, man-made monuments and natural features. (see e.g., #1) ) > "courses and distances": Meaning compass directions - courses- and measured feet - distance - along those compass lines. These are descriptions set forth in straight lines determined by points on a compass, the lines being measured from one point to the next point or natural or man-made landmark along that line (occasionally an arc is included, the same described by the radius of the circle it partially forms). (e.g., 2). > Example #1: "...from an oak tree in the north bank of Town Creek, thence south along Wyche's west line approx. 54 poles to the corner of the old James Jones property, that corner marked by a pile of stones, thence, in a westerly direction along a line of marked trees to the center of Moccasin Branch, thence, etc., etc....." > Example #2: "...from an iron pin in the northwest corner of the Frances Wyche tract described in Deed Book 8, p. 65 ff, thence south, 10 degrees west, a distance of 1046 feet, to the Scotts Branch Road right of way, thence west, 10 degrees north along that road a distance of 647 feet to an iron pin at the southeast corner of the E. Gregory tract etc., etc....." > Hey, you surveyors, speak up, if we need to know more. Paul

To Doris: The term "Loose Papers" is an all encompassing expression meaning simply those papers, courts' orders, documentary case exhibits, lawyers' work products, written jurys' paperwork and findings, sherriffs' returns, documents, wills, deeds, liens, and any other of the zillion paper materials once needed and then abandoned by the courts or not picked up by those who had ownership or once owned the same. The too, there are those papers of the courts, sherriffs or other public officials whioch had no further use, and were simply kept by the centuries of clerks and officials' assistants. As an e.g., in Sussex Courthouse, thanks so much to Clerk Gary M. Williams, there is a gold mine of old promissory notes, lawsuit papers, and evidence annexed to lawsuits, petitions, executions, on and on; those, a true thrill to view and see preserved. He has numbered, indexed and placed all in alphbetical order, and by appointment those are open to genealogists, historians and others of sincerity and integrity. I have found MUCH that pertained directly to several ancestors, a number of which were signed in hand by my people 250 years ago. Wonderful. ----- Original Message ----- > > ....Paul, could you give me a brief description about these loose Surry papers- > I've lost track of exactly what those might contain if we can get our sweaty > little hands on them!!!!!!!! > Thanks- > D

By now you should have the email I sent to the VA-SOUTHSIDE List about being part of the group who sent funds to Rockbridge. The CD that the Rockbridge Society cut and sold I did not know about. If the person who does all this time consuming work can make a penny from all their hard work, I say 'Go For IT'. Margaret

Dear cousins, friends and fellow researchers, I was a subscriber to the Rockbridge County, VA mailing list and Angela Ruley was the list manager. She was very helpful to me when I start looking 4 years ago for my paternal ancestors. I enjoyed the list and it reminds me very much of this list.... A great group of researchers that become friends through shared interests. Angela mentioned that a scanner was needed to take pictures of the various documents the list was asking for and at that time Rootsweb was only letting contributors have a certain amount of space for a web page. I made a donation to Rootsweb, ($35.00) if I remember correctly and gave the space to Angela to use for the Rockbridge graphic files which just 'gobbles' up space. I and several others donated the first money for the scanner. I sent $50.00 and the treasurer of the Rockbridge Historical Society acted as the collector of the money as it came in. The scanner needed was not a $99.00 one but a really nice one that was, I believe between $300.00 and $600.00. I can't remember, because as Linda said, that was in about 1997 and soon after I subscribed to the VA-SOUTHSIDE List and just occasionally wrote Angela to say hello and inquire about her family. She really was a nice person. I think the most important thing about the above is that Angela and the Clerk at the court were good friends and Angela was allowed to take the scanner right into the court house and scan the documents. I did not know about the computer. Just as Paul mentioned, someone must gain permission to scan or photograph the loose papers. Since some of you are Surry Historical Society members, can't you ask the clerk for permission? Then we can go from there is furnishing that person the funds necessary. Along with making a decision on how they can be viewed freely by all. Warmest regards, Margaret

Hello, Does anyone on the list research ALSOBROOK(E) in early Surry Co ? If so, please contact me. Thanks, Teresa Shands hostess: http://gennetwork.org

I can kick in a couple of bucks, too. Lynn

thank you for your efforts, I assume there is a cost involved for you. I AND I AM SURE others would be pleased to make a small "donation" to offset any cost involved. phebe morgan

We all have a duty to contribute something to our heritage and posterity. Too many folks - people of this list EXCLUDED - seem to have fish-hooks in their pockets and purses when it comes to history. Whatever. :) Paul ----- Original Message ----- From: "phebem" <phebem@home.com> To: <VA-SOUTHSIDE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, August 06, 2001 8:38 AM Subject: Re: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] Re: "Loose Papers" of Surry > thank you for your efforts, I assume there is a cost involved for you. > > I AND I AM SURE others would be pleased to make a small "donation" to > offset any cost involved. > > phebe morgan > > > ==== VA-SOUTHSIDE Mailing List ==== > The USGenWeb Project http://www.usgenweb.org > > > ============================== > Shop Ancestry - Everything you need to Discover, Preserve & Celebrate > your heritage! > http://shop.myfamily.com/ancestrycatalog >

Pattie, this was my comment. I fully understand and highly appreciate Dennis's abilities, accomplishments and compassion for the research he does and the books he has helped produce. I, in no way, meant to degrade him or his reputation. I only meant that he seemed less enthusiastic about these loose papers because they were of a more recent age and he commented that there were many survivng documents already researched and transcribed for this same time. I would also say that I too would wish to have more survivng 1600-1700 documents as this is where my brick walls start. No documents to support ancestral conclusions. So please do not take my comments in the wrong way. I meant no disrespect. Steve ----- Original Message ----- From: <Ltfarmgirl@aol.com> To: <VA-SOUTHSIDE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, August 06, 2001 7:07 AM Subject: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] Surry Loose Papers > Responding to someone's comment about Dennis Hudgins and his take on the age > of the documents: MY take is that Dennis is a well-respected researcher; > however, he may not be as interested in 19th records as a lot of us. Not only > did we have ancestors in Surry during the 1800s, but we find this to be an > especially interesting period of history. Pattie > > > ==== VA-SOUTHSIDE Mailing List ==== > USGenWeb Archives Census Project > http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/census/ > > > ============================== > Search over 1 Billion names at Ancestry.com! > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/rwlist1.asp > --------- Subscribe to BINNS-L surname email list: mailto:BINNS-L-request@rootsweb.com?subject=subscribe&body=subscribe American Binns Families and Individuals: http://www.yspcbdesigns.com/americanb/index.htm 1790/1800 County Tax Lists of Virginia: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~ysbinns/vataxlists/index.htm

Responding to someone's comment about Dennis Hudgins and his take on the age of the documents: MY take is that Dennis is a well-respected researcher; however, he may not be as interested in 19th records as a lot of us. Not only did we have ancestors in Surry during the 1800s, but we find this to be an especially interesting period of history. Pattie

Hi Linda, We also think this is very good info. It would be very beneficial to utilize the gained experience from a previous successful project. This is an activity that must happen at the near vicinity of the Surry Courthouse and under the guidance and supervision of the proper personnel. We are also copying this to Jim Atkins, President of the Surry County Historical Society. If this project can result in financial gain for the Society then there can very well be future projects of the same type. And all researchers can reap the benefits. Thank you for this helpful input !! Steve and Bunny ----- Original Message ----- From: "Linda Lewis" <cityslic@ix.netcom.com> To: <VA-SOUTHSIDE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, August 06, 2001 3:23 AM Subject: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] Re: "Loose Papers" of Surry > In 1997, there was a similar project that was successful for Rockbridge > County VA marriage bonds. One of our VA USGenWeb Archives file managers > organized the preservation and permanent online (free) storage of the > actual bonds. You can see the result of this project: > > http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/va/rockbridge/ > > Angela Ruley, the file manager, and also a member of the Rockbridge > Genealogical Society, organized a fund that would cover all the costs of > this project. The contributions went through the genealogical society, > and in a very short time, enough was collected to purchase a computer, > scanner and acid-free materials to preserve the valuable marriage bonds > in the courthouse. Bruce Patterson, the county's Clerk of Circuit Court, > was also involved in the project. > > Angela, along with Marilyn Headley, meticulously scanned the bonds and > placed them the acid-free protectors. When they were finished, the > images of the actual bonds were uploaded to the USGenWeb Archives and > cd's were created for the genealogical society to sell for additional > funding for the organization. > > I can provide the specifics, from an instructional e-mail sent to me by > Angela, to Paul and whomever is willing to start this project. > > I'm not on the vasurry-L list, so please feel free to forward. > > Linda > > > ==== VA-SOUTHSIDE Mailing List ==== > USGenWeb Archives Census Project > http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/census/ > > > ============================== > Search over 1 Billion names at Ancestry.com! > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/rwlist1.asp > --------- Subscribe to BINNS-L surname email list: mailto:BINNS-L-request@rootsweb.com?subject=subscribe&body=subscribe American Binns Families and Individuals: http://www.yspcbdesigns.com/americanb/index.htm 1790/1800 County Tax Lists of Virginia: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~ysbinns/vataxlists/index.htm