Letters from readers and other good stuff

Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past few months, you are aware that the Georgia Archives has moved from its downtown location to just outside our "back yard," and is now up the road a few miles in Morrow, next door to Clayton College and State University. If you're new to genealogy and have never visited the Archives, now's your chance. It's the "granddaddy" of all research libraries in Georgia. You will find stuff there you won't find anywhere else in Georgia.

They have a few rules for researchers which must be strictly followed ... things like not allowing ink pens or markers, notebooks with pockets, scanners, purses or brief cases in the research rooms, etc. But they have lockers where you can deposit your purse and a snack room where you can eat lunch, if you decide to spend the whole day.

They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Their Web site at www.Georgia Archives.org gives all the information. You may also subscribe to their online newsletter. You might want to add this site to your list of favorite places on the Internet.

Another item of interest is a series of free genealogy classes coming up next month at the Fayette County Library. Offered by Sloan Superior Tutors, Inc., classes will be offered June 9, 12, 16 and 19 from 7-9 p.m., and will include information on "Packing your Genealogy Suitcase," "Charting your History," The "Census Taker's Tracks," and information on vital records and obtaining genealogical information from family photos.

For more information, e-mail Jandssloan@mindspring.com. To register for classes, call 770-461-8841, ext. 5331.

Now for those letters. Gerry Pelletier (gerryatlga1@charter.net) is looking for more information on Levi Hollingsworth whose family built the bridge over the Chattahoochee in Franklin. Gerry writes:

"I was wondering if you had any additional information on Levi Hollingsworth and the bridge in Heard County. Also, are there any drawings or photographs of the bridge or the ferry? Any info in this regard would be appreciated, at least someone in the area has information that I feel the historic society should be aware of. That bridge years ago had, no doubt, a significant impact on the prosperity of Heard and Coweta counties. Also, do you know when the service of the ferry was stopped?"

I advised Gerry to write the Heard County Historical Society P.O. Box 990 Franklin, GA. 30217, or visit the Heard County Historical Center and Museum located at the Old Jail, off N. Court Square in Franklin, open 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Phone 1-706-675-6507. Heard County information is also online at http://www.rootsweb.com/~gaheard/ and at http://www.segenealogy.com/georgia/ga_county/hea.htm.

Regarding the earlier articles on the Vollenweiders and Arnolds of Coweta County, Blake Adock (adcock@numail.org) of Newnan wrote:

"I would like to thank you for the recent articles you published re the Bowers, Morgans, Vollenweiders and Arnolds. I am a great-great-grandson of Giles Bowers and Mary Morgan.

"I have been searching for the Vollenweider connection to my family but have never been able to figure it out until I saw the article you wrote based on info provided by Mrs. Arnold.

"Interestingly, my aunt, who is the great-granddaughter of Giles and Mary, is married to the great grandson of Seretha Arnold and Julious William Noble, and was unaware of the close family connection prior to my reading your article.

"I also read an article you had written previously about Moses Gresham Herrin, who is my great- great-grandfather.

"I just want to thank you for providing this valuable information."

You are very welcome, Blake. I appreciate your taking the time to write and let us know we helped you "find your folks."

And finally, Frances Burns (tofrances@hotmail.com) in Peachtree City wrote about looking for her McElroy ancestors:

"I have enjoyed your column in the newspaper and hesitate writing because I know so little about family research. I really never cared to know until I moved to Fayette County last year. My mother and her family were born and raised in Fayette County. Her maiden name was McElroy and her mom's maiden name was Scarborough. My mother lived to be 100 and died in l998. She often referred to Fayette County in her stories, telling us how they would catch a train to visit relatives in Locust Grove or some other spot (which today seems like a stone's throw by car).

"A cousin has done a bit of research and so I have some bits of family history. In reading his notes I see that there was a Clark Howell McElroy, a Peter Early McElroy and some others. Recently my son was visiting and we went down McElroy Road and found an old graveyard with about eight graves. Most of them were too old to read but we did see Peter E. McElroy and he had died in l830. My mother was born in l898 so he could have been her grandfather. Interesting.

"Now I'm interested in learning more and would appreciate any help in pointing me to the right place to start."

Frances is very fortunate to be working with a name so rich in Fayette County history. The Fayette County Library and the Fayette County Historical Society library should have enough information to keep her busy for a while. She also should find a "whole mess" of relatives still living nearby.

If you have stories about your ancestors, their families, your research or genealogy tips, send them to The Citizen, Drawer 1719, Fayetteville, GA 30214; E-mail jkilgore@thecitizennews.com or jodiek444@aol.com.

Until next week, happy hunting!

(Judy regrets that time does not permit her to do personal research for others, but she will willingly share research information on her own family lines.)