One of the most infamous episodes in Georgia's history and one that influenced many of our ancestors is the subject of a new book.
"The Yazoo Land Fraud," by the late Helen Clark, was originally her master's thesis in 1948 at George Washington University. It has been rediscovered, edited and published by the Jefferson County Historical Society.
The Yazoo Land Fraud took place just before and during the years that Louisville was Georgia's capital, 1796 to 1806. There is an important introduction by R. Perry Sentell Jr., professor of law emeritus at the University of Georgia, who sets the tone of the incident and the court cases that followed.
Clark covers the history of Georgia's western lands, in what is now Mississippi and Alabama, which were the subject of this massive land speculation. The first Yazoo land sale was in 1789, the second in 1795.
She follows with the repercussions in public opinion and the Legislature, ending with the huge outcry, repeal, and repudiation of the events. The final resolution took place in the early 1800s. One of the outcomes was the creation of Georgia's Land Lottery system for future land distribution.
The second half of the book is the appendix. It includes verbatim copies of the various acts, as well as several lists of the early Georgians, mostly very prominent people, who got entangled in this, including major politicians, governors and future governors.
The book is footnoted, includes an annotated bibliography of sources available 60 years ago, and has a full-name index. This volume will be an important addition to any Georgia history collection, and a must for many lawyers and genealogists. The book is available for $20 plus $4 postage from the Jefferson County Historical Society, P.O. Box 491, Louisville, GA 30434-0491.
Researching in Salt Lake City
Nathan Mathews, a professional genealogist, will speak on "Researching in Salt Lake City, the World's Largest Genealogical Library," at the May 11 Lunch and Learn Seminar at the Georgia Archives. The event is from noon to 1 p.m.; bring your own lunch. Mathews makes an annual research trip to Salt Lake City and is well-versed about his topic, and he will provide attendees some good pointers if they wish to visit the library themselves. Some materials from the library in Salt Lake City are available on microfilm at local Family History Centers operated by the Mormon Church; check www.familysearch.org for locations near you. For further information on the seminar, call 678-364-3700 or check www.georgiaarchives.org.
Maps and family materials preservation
The preservation of family records as well as a demonstration of the preservation of some important historical maps will be the focus of a special Lunch and Learn program at the Georgia Archives on May 14 from noon to 1 p. m., followed by an "Ask the Experts" session from 1 to 3 p. m. where attendees can ask the staff conservators and preservation experts about their own family materials. For more information, check www.georgiaarchives.org.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
