Community Heroes Series
From the March 2003 issue of Alabama Living magazine
Story by Kay Marshall
Stirring
the earth. Digging deep into the soil in order to plant a seed with
the intent to nourish or delight. Such are the tasks of spring for
many. This season, why not consider a different type of tilling
- by digging into the generational landscape of your family tree.
According to Webster's Dictionary, genealogy is a record or table
of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or
ancestors; a family tree.
Today, genealogical research has gone from the gentle pastime of
a few to a passion for hobbyist everywhere - including right here
in our historically rich counties.
Lamar County Society
Nestled
in Lamar county is a group of avid genealogical buffs. Seven individuals
who all shared a keen interest in family history founded the Lamar
County Genealogical Society in March 1994. This organization has
become a springboard for what is now a group of avid genealogists
ranging from the hobbyist to the die-hard researcher. Charter members,
Jean Carr, Terry and Gail Gosa, William Hankins, Bo Morris, Evelyn
Oaks, Reabon Walker, and Dianne Woods, set in motion a society that
meets once a month in Vernon with an average attendance of over
thirty and an active membership roster of 97 members.
On November 13, 1995, they became a non-profit organization and
put their society in the position to accept tax-free donations for
historical restorative work done within the county by society members.
Since then the group has received donations from businesses and
individuals from all areas of the nation . They use these funds
for projects ranging from the upkeep of the Old Nebo Cemetery to
their ongoing yearly project of supplying marble markers throughout
the county with the names and directions to historical cemeteries.
Although they do support numerous projects throughout each year,
their main intent is to preserve the history of Lamar County.
In 2002, the Society had approximately 21 ongoing projects and the
2003 project slate is already brimming. Long time member, and 2003
Society President Sabra Sudberry is active not only in the Lamar
Genealogy group but also is a member of the DAR (Daughters of the
American Revolution) and the Daughters of 1812. When asked what
inspired people to begin exploring their family tree and joining
a genealogical organization she said "Most people join to find
their own roots and historical significance. But once they get involved
in the organization people see the need for the preservation that
we do here in Lamar County. It just speaks to them."
Marion County Society
Marion County has also answered the call of genealogical buffs.
The 100-member strong Marion County Genealogical Society, founded
in 1981, is headed by 2003 President Randy Brown of Winfield.
“This society was the braintrust of Dot Stalcup, Clarece Wheeler,
Lottie Aldridge, and Emma Jean Fowler,” said Brown, and we’re
always looking for new members.
The group often has guest speakers who come with information of
historical nature as well as information for avid researchers. Members
receive four quarterly issues of Marion County Alabama TRACKS, and
genealogy books may be checked out of Winfield’s library.
Brown stated that an interest in family history and heritage is
the main reason that most people join. “I think heritage is
something that we really need to instill in our younger generations
too,” he said.
“Going back to the third or fourth generation, we can really
see the contributions that our ancestors made to the growth of Marion
County. These are the people who settled here and by the sweat of
their brow they made the communities that we have today.
Our ancestors are the preservers of our local and colorful history;
histories that would, for the most part, go unnoticed if not for
the efforts of these community-minded individuals,” said Brown.
Monthly meetings of Marion’s Genealogical Society, are held
in Winfield's library where this group of ancestry-hounds digs up
the roots of not only their kin but also little known facts about
Marion County. In that respect alone these local, county societies
provide an outstanding - and free - contribution to our county.
So how does a person
begin to search for their family tree?
First on the list for getting started is to talk to your family.
Ask your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles or anyone
who is willing to share with you.
What to ask:
1. Ask when and where they were born.
2. Ask about marriage information.
3. Ask their parents' names.
4. Ask where their parents are buried and in what cemetery,
city and state.
5. Ask where other family is buried and about their siblings
- including when or where they were born, married or lived.
6. Ask about their oldest living relative and then make plans
to visit them soon.
Of the list of suggested starting points the most important is
the last. How many times have we said, "I had every intention
to visit her but never got around to it"? Often, putting things
off can come at a high price. Find the people in your life who have
family history to shareand when you visit them take along a notebook,
pen, tape recorder, and a camera. Remember during your visit to
ask the questions listed above as well as personal mementos such
as: "What was Uncle Tuff like? Why did Aunt Era never marry?
Why did the family leave North Carolina and settle in Alabama? These
stories are fun to hear, but they serve a greater purpose when compiling
your genealogical past.
A camera is must-have tool. Many people will be more than happy
to let you see their old pictures but reluctant to let you have
them to make copies. If you have a camera, you can take photos of
them and no one has to worry that the photo might become a lost
treasure.
Organization is a good thing, so write everything down even though
it may seem trivial. That bit of information may be the clue you
need in future. Also, date when and where you got your information.
Finally, transfer this information onto family history or pedigree
charts or in family- tree software. Begin grouping them by family.
This step will save a lot of time as your information grows.
Resources in our area
The first stop, after gathering some basic family history, is to
visit thecounty courthouse for census and land records. Other places
to put on your list is your local libraries. Most libraries have
copies of old newspapers and microfilm, or books on the subject
to aid in your research. Ask about all of the older cemeteries in
the area and make arrangements to visit them - and don’t forget
your camera.
Online Resources
In today's world we’re not as limited in our resource outlets.
We can, in many ways, bring the library into our home through the
Internet. To help in your search here are a few outstanding Websites
that can enhance the search for your family history.
Of
interest is the ongoing efforts of Lamar’s Genealogical President,
Sabra Sudberry, to copy and preserve all known records of Judge
John Terrell’s journals. Sudberry has visited the Department
of Archives and History in Montgomery and is striving to re-establish
these historical journals of Marion’s longest office-holding
judge. Previously lost to a fire at the old Marion County Courthouse
in 1887, these journals can soon be viewed by local citizens who
wish to read and learn about the early days of our community.
“A person gets a real sense of be-longing when involved in
genealogy,” said Randy Brown, “it gives you a sense of
society and of home.”
Kay Marshall is the Web Developer
and writer for Tombigbee EC.
Stirring
the earth. Digging deep into the soil in order to plant a seed with
the intent to nourish or delight. Such are the tasks of spring for
many. This season, why not consider a different type of tilling
- by digging into the generational landscape of your family tree.
Nestled
in Lamar county is a group of avid genealogical buffs. Seven individuals
who all shared a keen interest in family history founded the Lamar
County Genealogical Society in March 1994. This organization has
become a springboard for what is now a group of avid genealogists
ranging from the hobbyist to the die-hard researcher. Charter members,
Jean Carr, Terry and Gail Gosa, William Hankins, Bo Morris, Evelyn
Oaks, Reabon Walker, and Dianne Woods, set in motion a society that
meets once a month in Vernon with an average attendance of over
thirty and an active membership roster of 97 members. 
Of
interest is the ongoing efforts of Lamar’s Genealogical President,
Sabra Sudberry, to copy and preserve all known records of Judge
John Terrell’s journals. Sudberry has visited the Department
of Archives and History in Montgomery and is striving to re-establish
these historical journals of Marion’s longest office-holding
judge. Previously lost to a fire at the old Marion County Courthouse
in 1887, these journals can soon be viewed by local citizens who
wish to read and learn about the early days of our community.