Quitman County in southwest Georgia has just had its first-ever county history published.
“Quitman County, Georgia: The Early Years and Genealogy Source Book” consists of original research by Emmie Bledsoe Lester (1895-1985) and her son, Dr. Malcolm Lester (1924-2008), compiled and edited by F. Nick Bledsoe Jr.
In the preface, Bledsoe describes taking the research papers from the Lesters and working them into a book. He also explains that most of the material was researched for the county’s centennial in 1958 and little of it postdates 1964.
The book is divided into several sections. The first, “The Cast,” consists of biographical sketches of early pioneers. “The Locations” has descriptions and photographs of towns and houses, many of which have long disappeared. “The Narrative” is just that, a chronological history of the county from the Indian days onward, including the county seat of Georgetown and smaller places. It covers the impact of the Civil War and other wars, and the local people who served.
Also included are topics central to most county histories: slavery, the advent of the railroad, schools, post offices, and both black and white churches. The appendix includes lists of county and state officials, slave holders in 1860, eligible men and their Civil War service if documented, World War II draftees (both black and white), and a short list of cemeteries. Regrettably, there is no index.
Quitman County has long needed a history, and this one is an important addition to Georgia’s county bibliography. It is available for $50 plus $5 shipping from Bledsoe at 54 Westmoreland Dr., Jefferson, GA 30549. His email is: fnbledso@windstream.net.
African-American genealogy
Researching African-American genealogy is the topic of Frazine Taylor’s lecture at 3 p.m. June 1 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in Atlanta.
Taylor, retired from the Alabama Archives and author of “Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama,” will discuss the unique challenges of African-American genealogy research.
The event is free, but there is limited seating and reservations are required at www.researchingafamgen.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 404-730-4001, Ext. 100.
Georgia’s Salzburgers
The heritage of the Salzburgers — the earliest German immigrants to Georgia in 1734 in today’s Effingham County — is part of a new initiative by German language teachers to spread the word of this unique part of the state’s history and provide material for other teachers.
Got to www.georgia.aatg.org, then look under “Salzburger Project,” for more information.
