The numerous Indian Wars are part of our nation’s history.
Records produced from those encounters, if we know what to look for, can greatly aid us in gathering the biographical histories of our ancestors. Michael A. Ports’ new book, “Indian Wars of the American South, 1610-1858: A guide for Genealogists & Historians,” covers each war, its causes and resolution. The book also discusses the documentation of participation in the war by both military and civilians. For each war, he lists historic sites and markers of interest, followed by a bibliography of published sources related to the war, both old and new, books as well as articles. For historic sites, he gives contact information but no websites.
After the war chapters, he includes an extensive section about repositories and what records are there. Beginning with the National Archives, he has an extensive list of manuscript collections, as well as pension record references. He then lists books and records per Indian tribe. After covering other United States libraries and agencies, he proceeds on to state archives, with extensive lists of original records therein, as well as published materials. A section on “Native American Tribes and Archives” goes state by state, tribe by tribe, with contact information and websites.
He ends with a state-by-state listing of other organizations, major libraries, genealogical societies and heritage groups that might be useful to contact. There is no index. It’s an exhaustive compilation that should help lots of people in their research. The book could have been presented in a more attractive manner, but for the diligent researcher on this topic, it is a must. It is $39.95 plus postage from Genealogical Publishing Company, see genealogical.com or call 800-296-6687.
Brookhaven subject of Lunch and Learn
On November 14, the DeKalb History Center’s Lunch and Learn Lecture will be given by Valerie Biggerstaff and Rebecca Williams, authors of “Brookhaven: Images of America Series.” They will discuss the history of one of Georgia’s newest cities. The event starts at noon and is free. Bring your own lunch. See dekalbhistory.org or call 404-373-1088, ext. 23.
Trail of Tears Association
The Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association was formed to support and document the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail in Georgia, where there are seven certified sites. For more on their work, see GaTrailofTears.com.
