Get up close and personal with newspaper research

You can gather all the census reports, tax lists, Bible records, deeds and wills you like.

But until you read about your ancestors in the newspaper, it's hard to view them as living, breathing people.

In times past, newspapers were a little more personal in the news they reported. Communities were small, life's pace was slow, and people weren't so obsessed with protecting their privacy. Oh sure, a lot of the news was what we would now consider "gossip," but even that reflected the pulse of the community. You could read about people having babies, being ill, recovering, having a good crop, preaching a good sermon, having a good shipment of whatever in their store, being on the honor roll at school, performing in a school play, and visiting from out of town ... even if it was from just down the road.

Newspapers can definitely help fill in the gaps in your ancestors' lives. And, if the courthouse burned in the county of your ancestors' residence, the newspaper can be a valuable substitute resource to official county documents. Even current newspapers have their goodies to yield. Read on and I'll explain.

I came across a fantastic Web site recently. It's the listing of all the Georgia newspapers available on microfilm at the University of Georgia in Athens. You can visit this site at www.arches.uga.edu/~mainper2/index.htm and search by county or by year. I have never seen such a collection of old newspapers, some dating back to the early 1800s. Although the only way you can view the papers is to make a trip to Athens, it would be well worth the trip if you are missing valuable information and courthouse records have been destroyed. The Web site gives directions to the library, parking locations, and what to do once you get there.

Old newspapers for the town you live in are usually available on microfilm at your local library, genealogical library or historical society. Some even have the actual newspapers on hand. Bound issues of old Coweta newspapers dating back to the 1800s are available at the Coweta Genealogical Library in Grantville. Old Fayette County newspapers are on microfilm at the Fayette County Library in Fayetteville.

Looking through the newspapers is very time-consuming, but the enjoyment and hidden treasures you find are worth the extra time. If you are looking for old obituaries, your time spent will be shortened since you probably have at least an approximate date of death. But who can resist reading the whole paper? It's like traveling back in time.

I copied an excerpt from an old Coweta paper not too long ago when I was looking for evidence that my grandfather taught school in Turin back in 1910. I hit pay dirt, but couldn't resist reading the rest of the news from Turin. I thought you might enjoy some of it too. This is from the issue of Sept. 10, 1910:

"The writer was called to Bethel church Friday to conduct the funeral of Mrs. Beckom, an aged lady who died near Palmetto on the day previous. She was in her 79th year and had long been a member of the Baptist church. The remains were laid to rest in Bethel cemetery beside other kindred.

"The death of Mrs. Richard Addy on Sunday morning last at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Morgan, near Standing Rock, was a great shock to the community, for only a few knew of her illness. She was a good woman, devoted to her husband and children, and will be sadly missed. The pastor, Rev. Mr. Jones, assisted by the writer, conducted the funeral service at the residence of her parents, a large number of sorrowing friends being present. We extend sympathy to the stricken family.

"Prof. McWhorter opened school here Monday with a very good attendance." (That was my grandfather ... I got my proof.)

And, sometimes, the "gossip" columnists editorialized a bit. I thought the following would give you a chuckle as it did me ...

"'Good roads' enthusiasts are found mainly in the cities and towns, where the automobile is the favorite toy of pleasure-seekers. The country people have been most earnest advocates of good roads in the past, and are yet; but they do not like to be forced to give the right-of-way to every frivolous 'joy rider' encountered on the public highways. Take the country over, and not one person in a hundred is financially able to own a machine ... and we daresay that many now sailing around in automobiles have mortgaged their earthly possessions in order to own them. There is more objection to these 'devil wagons' than the occasional frightening of a horse. Human life is in constant jeopardy also. Like many other unnecessary things, the automobile 'may be here to stay,' but it is certainly not welcome in the country districts. It has come to a pass that poor way farers take their lives in their hands when they travel the public highways nowadays."

I don't believe that "writer" was blessed with a great deal of foresight, do you?

Current newspapers are a good source of information also. Many small hometown newspapers (like this one) publish genealogy and history columns which prove helpful in research. I discovered one in Cleburne County, Ala., which really opened up some doors for me in my early efforts. Mildred Perry Miller has been doing a column for the Cleburne News (www.cleburnenews.com) for many years. She printed two of my letters in her "People in Your Past" column and it really led to some good contacts to relatives who still live there. I check Mildred's column every week to see what interesting tidbit of history she's come up with. I also check the obituaries. If you do a search online for the town or community your ancestors lived in, you may find that the paper includes historical and/or genealogical information. It might open doors you never thought of opening. And, it may give you a better portrait of your ancestors themselves.

Looking for your Georgia ancestors? Got a genealogy tip? Got a local family history to share? Write to The Citizen, Drawer 1719, Fayetteville, GA 30214; e-mail jkilgore@thecitizennews.com or jodiek444@aol.com.

Until next week, happy hunting!

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