RELEASE DATE: JULY 17, 2005

KINSEARCHING

by

Marleta Childs
P. O. Box 6825
LUBBOCK, TX 79493-6825
[email protected]
 

     Family researchers tracing lines in the Yellowhammer State will be glad to learn about the recent reprint of INDEX TO ALABAMA WILLS, 1808-1870 compiled by the Alabama Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. The classic reference is a listing of approximately 9,000 wills filed and probated in Alabama during the years 1808 through 1870. The index is based on documents located in the state's Department of Archives and History.

     As one would expect, the inventory provides the name of the testator (person making the will), the county where the will was probated, the source
(usually--but not always--a will book), the date of the book, and the page number where the document can be found. Since the volume gives the basic facts that researchers can use to obtain a copy of the record, INDEX TO ALABAMA WILLS is a handy item to have in genealogical libraries.

     The 180-page paperback arranges names alphabetically. To the book's price of $24.00, buyers should add the cost for postage and handling charges. (For U. S. postal mail, the cost is $4 for one book and $1.50 for each additional copy; for UPS, the cost is $6 for one copy and $2.50 for each additional book). The volume (item order #70) may be purchased by check, MasterCard, or Visa from Clearfield Company, 3600 Clipper Mill Rd., Suite 260, Baltimore, Maryland 21211 (toll free phone 1-800-296-6687; fax 1-410-752-8492; website www.genealogical.com).

     The data about the Fourth District members comes from pages 137 - 141 of the yearbook, Texas Federation of Women's Clubs Annual, 1916-1917. Each entry usually provides the name of the town where the club is located, the name of the club, the number of members, and the names of the president and corresponding secretary.

Center - Woman's Reading, 15, Mrs. W. E. Willis, Mrs. F. L. Runnels;
              Mothers', 30, Mrs. J. D. Riditt (sic), Mrs. Lou Price
Crockett - Shakespeare, 56, Mrs. G. Q. King, Mrs. J. W. Young
Joaquin - Mother's (sic), 15, Mrs. E. A. Rushing, Mrs. S. B. Crawford
               Zend Avesta, 12, Mrs. A. F. Bryan, Mrs. Stephen Chamness

     Reunions are "fun" ways to visit with people you haven't seen in a long time, to make new friends, and to meet relatives with whom you haven't had any previous contact. As editor and publisher of the well-known periodical Reunions Magazine, Edith Wagner has considerable experience in dealing with all types of gatherings. She shares the following thoughts and ideas in her recent news release:

"They are our heroes.

     As life wanes for veterans of World War II, more and more is heard of their lives as young, unwitting heroes who fought valiantly to make the world safe for democracy. Their reunions are a time to recall experiences that cannot be shared with anyone who was not there. These were their buddies in the trenches and on the firing line who daily faced certain death and mortal danger and survived to build the great world we enjoy today. They are reluctant heroes." For interesting military reunion stories, log on to www.reunionsmag.com.

"Who are all these people?

     Many family reunions include cousins who may not even know one another. Mobility scattered families in all directions. Bringing them together, helping introduce and reconnect family members and provide activities for everyone is a major undertaking done annually by over 200,000 families." To get helpful advice about planning reunions, log on to www.reunionsmag.com.