The new-cities movement going on in DeKalb County will be important to future genealogists, since where one lives is where one’s records are kept.
As cities are created and boundaries drawn, we must wonder what our ancestors faced as they reached the frontiers of Georgia and other states and created cities 200 years ago.
Georgia cities were incorporated by the Legislature, with the city leaders listed within the law. In the early days, boundaries were often a circle drawn from a central point. Search for Georgia legislative documents or check the laws themselves at the Georgia Archives.
City records are some of the least used by genealogists. If your ancestor lived in a city, don’t forget to search for them in city minutes, tax records and school records.
But also be aware of changing boundaries. One set of my own ancestors in Charlotte were in the city directories (privately published) off and on. Using the census, I figured out why: They had moved across the street to new lodging, with the street being a city boundary. So, mystery solved: Cross the street and you are out of the city.
City directories can be found online at ancestry.com and other sites and should always be searched. Visiting a library or archives/historical society in the city where your ancestors lived also can turn up directories.
In Georgia, various archives have city records, either on microfilm at the Georgia Archives or at city-run archives such as in Savannah. Some of Atlanta’s are at the Atlanta History Center. It’s hit-or-miss. Just don’t overlook the details of city living and the potential for records.
DeKalb archives
“Archives 101” will be the Lunch and Learn topic Jan. 20 at the DeKalb History Center.
Archivist Nicole Carmolingo will present an overview of the history center’s archives and will highlight the collection’s depth in local records, genealogy materials, photographs and much more.
It's at noon, and is free; bring your own lunch. For information, check dekalbhistory.org or call 404-373-1088, Ext. 23. Check the fall 2014 newsletter for an overview of the archives.
Springboard blog
The Board of Certification for Genealogists has a blog that links to free webinars as well as examples of types of genealogy proofs. Check it out at bcgcertification.org.
