GenealogyGems Mailing List: Genealogy Gems: News from the Fort Wayne Library, No. 66, August 31, 2009

[Genealogy Gems (genealogygems]

Genealogy Gems:  News from the Fort Wayne Library
No. 66, August 31, 2009

In this issue:
*It’s Up to You!
*Genealogical Research and the Salem Witch Trials of 1692
*The Robert R. Livingston Papers, 1658-1888
*Technology Tip of the Month--Photo Restoration with Adobe Photoshop,
Version 9.02:  The Tools You Need for Photo Restoration
*Preservation Tip of the Month--Dealing with Smelly Books & Paper
*Family History: Beyond the Basics, A Two Day Mini-Course
*October: A Celebration of Family History Month
*Second Annual Military Symposium
*International Black Genealogy Summit & More
*Librarians on Parade
*Area Calendar of Events
*Driving Directions to the Library
*Parking at the Library
*Queries for the Department

***************************************
It’s Up to You!
by Curt B. Witcher
***************************************
It has been a curious summer, hasn’t it?  The weather has been
radically cooler in places where it’s normally hot, and in places
where one can almost always be guaranteed cool breezes and moderate
temperatures, the air has felt like a blast-furnace.  Many individuals
I communicate with on a regular basis report (and most lament!) how
fast the summer has passed.  From my young nephews and nieces to
research colleagues, many are almost wide-eyed with disbelief that
schools and universities are largely all back in session and thoughts
are beginning to turn toward the best ways to salvage what remains of
the year.  What about all those research trips we were going to take?
What about all the organization and evaluation of our
already-collected data we were going to do?

Though the unofficial end of summer (Labor Day) is just around the
corner, much good weather, many productive days, and nearly
innumerable opportunities to enjoy genealogical pursuits are available
for the taking.  It’s all up to you to act!  The Genealogy Center is
offering an amazing line-up of programs for this October’s Family
History Month.  Put your “house” in order in September and make the
Allen County Public Library your second home in October!  Amazing
numbers of new records have been added to our Genealogy Center
database site--www.GenealogyCenter.Info.  Have you looked for your
late 19th and early 20th century OH, IN, MI, IL and NY ancestors in
the more than forty-four thousand entry “Evangelical Messenger”
obituary index?  Have you visited Roots Television online recently?  A
lot of new programming and shows are there, and you don’t even have to
worry about your digital signal coming in clearly.

Truly there is much to discover, much to learn, much to share, and
much to enjoy in our marvelous field of historical and genealogical
research.  Let’s get after it--it’s truly up to you!


***************************************
Genealogical Research and the Salem Witch Trials of 1692
by John D. Beatty
***************************************
The Salem witchcraft hysteria, which took place in what is now
Danvers, Massachusetts, in 1692, is one of the most infamous events in
the history of colonial America. Nineteen men and women were hanged,
and one pressed to death, after a series of trials that have been
depicted frequently in literature and in theatrical and motion picture
productions. If you have ancestral connections to the Danvers-Salem
area of Essex County in the seventeenth century, you may have a
personal tie to one of these unfortunates, to the many others who were
accused, acquitted, or died in prison, or to those who entered
testimony against them.

There is no definitive genealogical study of all participants in the
mania. The work that comes closest, however, is Enders A. Robinson’s
“Salem Witchcraft and Hawthorne’s House of Seven Gables” (974.402
Sa32ro), published by Heritage Books in 1992. Robinson’s work
summarizes the events of 1692 and includes several chapters on the
accused witches together with genealogical information about their
families. There are also chapters on many of the accusers and those
afflicted by fits of hysteria. While the book is not extensively
documented, it is well-indexed and represents a good place to begin a
genealogical study of the event. Articles on several of the families
involved have also appeared in the “American Genealogist.”

A number of well-researched histories of the witchcraft mania have
also appeared in print over the last several years. They include
Marilynne K. Roach’s “The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-by-Day Chronicle
of a Community under Siege” (974.402 Sa32px), which gives a daily
summary of events, together with an extensive set of endnotes and an
index. Also useful is Richard B. Trask’s “‘The Devil Hath Been
Raised:’ A Documentary History of the Salem Village Witchcraft
Outbreak of March 1692” (974.402 Sa32tra), which includes
transcriptions of many primary source documents and several
contemporary narratives. Another readable account of recent vintage is
Peter Charles Hoffer’s “The Devil’s Disciples: Makers of the Salem
Witchcraft Trials” (974.402 Sa32h). All of the above-named volumes can
be found the Genealogy Center. Researchers may find additional
relevant information in the genealogies that have been published for
the affected families.

***************************************
The Robert R. Livingston Papers, 1658-1888
by Steven W. Myers
***************************************
This microfilmed manuscript collection is a vital source for
researchers tracing the many descendants of Palatine families and
others who settled on Livingston Manor in present-day Columbia County,
New York in the 18th century. The 57 reel set includes the “Livingston
Family Papers” as well as the “Robert R. Livingston Papers,” both of
which are housed at the New-York Historical Society Library. The
collection is comprised of correspondence, legal and financial papers,
rent lists, and many bound volumes including lease books and account
books, all of which can be profitably mined for information about the
tenant families of the Manor. A printed guide, “The Robert R.
Livingston Papers, 1658-1888” (974.7 Er4r), describes the records in
detail, supplying a contents list for each reel as well as
biographical sketches and genealogical charts for this prominent New
York family. Reel 57 provides indexes to the documents appearing on
the first 17 reels by date and by the name of the writer and recipient
of each document.

Genealogists connected with Manor families will enjoy numerous
opportunities to expose some nugget of information about their
ancestors in the Livingston Papers. Financial ledgers provide the
names of those who kept accounts and can help document arrivals and
departures from the area. Occupations are sometimes given, and
relationships are provided when supplies are picked up by another
family member. The details of purchases made by local settlers from
Manor stores are alone able to transport the reader back to a
different era, as does the following list: “1 pair of shoe buckles,
1/4 pound of indigo, 2 bushels of salt, 1 ivory comb, half an ell of
calico.” Comments in a surveyor’s book reveal that “Michael Lawsing
has spoken to me for this lot. He has the Character of a Sober,
Industrious, Young Man.” Another page provides the details of Philip
Jacobs’ lease for lives, giving the names and ages of his wife,
daughter and son. An angry letter of 1762 to Jacob Shaver begins “You
doe nothing but destroy my woods. I order you to come and pay me the
Rent else [I] shall come and dispossess you and distrain yr
Creatures…” Remarks in a day book on the 23rd of April 1762 report “I
was at Ryvenberghers who lives in a Hutt next the meadow, saw his wife
miserably poor.” Consider exploring these microfilmed manuscripts for
your own family nuggets here in the Genealogy Center.

***************************************
Technology Tip of the Month--Photo Restoration with Adobe Photoshop,
Version 9.02:  The Tools You Need for Photo Restoration
by Kay Spears
***************************************
First, you need a good flatbed scanner. A good scanner should provide
options for changing the resolution and saving the photo in different
formats such as TIFF, JPEG/JPG and PNG. Digital cameras are also a
possibility; however, they only save in JPEG format (unless you have a
very expensive professional camera). As I mentioned previously, you
only want to work on an image that is saved in a TIFF format. We will
explore the reasons later.

Make sure your computer meets or exceeds the software specifications.
I use Adobe Photoshop, which I consider to be one of the best programs
available. It is a bit pricey; however, Adobe also has a scaled-down
version called Elements. If basic restoration is all you’re going to
do, Elements will be sufficient. You want your restoration program to
have a Contrast/Bright tool, a Hue/Saturation tool, a Feather tool and
the all important Clone tool. With those features, you can correct
almost anything. The software you choose should allow you to save the
image as a TIFF, JPEG/JPG or PNG. You should also have something to
transfer these images to, such as CDs, flash drives or external
drives.

And last, you should invest in some acid-free archival boxes to store
the original photos when you’re finished scanning them. I purchased my
boxes through Light Impressions at <www.lightimpressionsdirect.com>.
Even though these boxes prevent light from getting to the photographs,
they should still be stored in a dry place away from any light source.

Next article: Scanning.

***************************************
Preservation Tip of the Month--Dealing with Smelly Books & Paper
by Becky Schipper
***************************************
The question of how to handle books that have an odor comes up
frequently. Most recently it was brought to my attention because of a
small periodical collection we are treating for this problem here at
ACPL.  In working to remediate this situation, I am using a product
called MicroChamber Interleaving Paper. It is available from
Conservation Resources International, LLC.

The description in their online catalog states that it is a very thin,
nearly transparent paper that contains SPZ zeolite, which gives it the
power to remove pollutants. It also removes odors such as those from
smoke, mold, and mildew. It will not however, stop active mold and
mildew.

This paper is 100% cotton, approximately one half the thickness of a
sheet of bond paper. It can be used with all collections, whether
paper-based or photographic. It comes in different sizes and widths,
the smallest being 8-1/2 X 11 in a pack of 250 sheets. The price for
this pack is $23.95.

Conservation Resources International, LLC has been in business in both
the U. S. and the U. K. for more than twenty years and is known for
many innovations in the Conservation field. Their website is
<www.conservationresources.com>

***************************************
Family History:  Beyond the Basics, A Two Day Mini-Course
***************************************
Time is running out--register today for “Family History: Beyond the
Basics, A Two Day Mini-Course,” scheduled for Friday and Saturday,
September 18 and 19. Margery Graham, ICG and Steve Myers, MLS offer
classes in Problem Solving, Probate Records, Land Records and Tax
Lists, Military Records, Church Records, and Tracing Your Ancestors
Across the Atlantic, as well as  tours of the Genealogy Center,
assisted research, and personal consultations. Cost is $50 for the two
days. Expanded course descriptions and a registration form are
available at  http://www.ACPL.Info/genealogy/programs.html. Register
now because space is limited.

***************************************
October:  A Celebration of Family History Month
***************************************
The Genealogy Center has a true *celebration* planned for October--A
Celebration of Family History Month. Every day features a genealogy or
local history program.  Programs include lectures on online sources
and research aids, researching local buildings, the Lincoln family,
and scrapbooking. Some of the month’s highlights are the Genealogy
Center’s second annual Military Symposium and the first-ever
International Black Genealogy Summit.  See the details of all the
events on our Family History Month calendar at
<www.ACPL.Info/genealogy/programs.html>. Programs will have limited
seating, so we strongly encourage you to register early for all
programs at 260-421-1225 or Genealogy [at] ACPL.Info. For more information
concerning the International Black Genealogy Summit, use the following
links:  <www.BlackGenealogyConference.Info> or
<www.BlackGenealogySummit.com>

***************************************
Second Annual Military Symposium
***************************************
Remember that the Genealogy Center’s second annual Military Symposium,
emphasizing Patriotic Lineage Societies, will be offered on Friday and
Saturday, October 9 and 10. Speakers Ron Darrah, Curt Witcher, and
Delia Cothrun Bourne will present lectures concerning organizations
formed by American soldiers and their descendants, and explain how the
records and publications of these societies will help genealogists and
historians alike.    Registrations postmarked by September 25 will
save you $5 of the $35 regular cost. At the door registration is $40,
so sign up now! Expanded course descriptions and a registration form
are available at <http://www.ACPL.Info/genealogy/programs.html>

***************************************
International Black Genealogy Summit & More
***************************************
Five days during October will feature programs specific for those
interested in African American family history and heritage as well as
those who teach and assist others with African American research.
**On October 14th the Allen County Genealogical Society meetings is
featuring Roberta Ridley’s presentation on her research experiences.
Roberta’s family migrated to Fort Wayne in 1869, making her a fourth
generation African American Fort Wayne native.
**On October 28th local historian, Peggy Seigel will present “Sources
for Researching Abolitionists and the Underground Railroad in
Northeast Indiana.” This lecture will examine the research used for
several published papers, focusing on the amazing resources in the
ACPL for researching abolitionists and the Underground Railroad in
Fort Wayne, religious and political leaders and others who worked
quietly behind the scenes.
**On October 29th the African/African American Historical Society of
Fort Wayne and the Genealogy Center are presenting the International
Black Genealogy Summit Pre-Conference. This pre-conference will
feature nine lectures and an open forum examining black genealogical
research. Admission is free!
**Friday and Saturday, October 30th and 31st, the Genealogy Center
hosts the International Black
Genealogy Summit. For the first time, all African American Historical
and Genealogical Societies
chapters, the Special Interest Groups of larger societies, the
independent black groups that make up the West Coast Summit, as well
as independent black genealogical and historical societies in the
U.S., Canada and the Caribbean will come together to celebrate the
joys and challenges of black genealogy. Thirty lectures over the two
days, plus two keynote speakers, will provide interested researchers
with an amazing array of research guidance and expertise. During
Friday morning’s opening session from 8 to 9:30 a.m., Curt Witcher
will highlight the Genealogy Center’s amazingly rich African American
historical research collection. More information as well as the
registration fee and form can be found at
<www.BlackGenealogyConference.Info> and <www.blackgenealogysummit.com>

***************************************
Librarians on Parade
***************************************
Curt Witcher
September 3, 2009--Little Rock, AR, Federation of Genealogical
Societies Annual Conference, Little Rock Statehouse Convention Center,
5 p.m. "More Toys and a Bigger Sandbox: Future Possibilities with
Digital Libraries"

September 5, 2009--Little Rock, AR, Federation of Genealogical
Societies Annual Conference, Little Rock Statehouse Convention Center,
2 p.m. "Finding the World with WorldCat"

September 9, 2009--Fort Wayne, IN, Allen County Public Library, 900
Library Plaza, Meeting Room "A", 7 p.m. "What's New at the Genealogy
Center"

September 16, 2009--Auburn, IN, Willennar Genealogy Center of the
Eckhart Public Library, 700 South Jackson Street, 7 p.m. "Peopling the
Midwest--Patterns & Records"

September 25, 2009--Plainfield, IN, Plainfield-Guildford Township
Public Library, 1120 Stafford Road, 11:15 a.m. "Preserving Local
Records"  Part of the Indiana Genealogical Society's "Society
Management Seminar"--focus on preserving and accessing public records.

***************************************
Area Calendar of Events
***************************************
Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana (ACGSI)
September 9, 2009, 6:30 p.m. social time; 7 p.m. program.  Allen
County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Meeting Room A.  Curt
Witcher will present “What’s New at the Genealogy Center.”

Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, 302 East Berry, Ft. Wayne, IN
September 20, 2009, 2 p.m.  Dr. William R. Heath, author of
“Blacksnake’s Path: The True Adventures of William Wells” will present
a lecture and have a book signing.

***************************************
Driving Directions to the Library
***************************************
Wondering how to get to the library?  Our location is 900 Library
Plaza, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the block bordered on the south by
Washington Boulevard, the west by Ewing Street, the north by Wayne
Street, and the east by the Library Plaza, formerly Webster Street.
We would enjoy having you visit the Genealogy Center.

To get directions from your exact location to 900 Library Plaza, Fort
Wayne, Indiana, visit this link at MapQuest:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=900%20Webster%20St&city=Fort%20Wayne&state=IN&zipcode=46802%2d3602&country=US&geodiff=1

>From the South
Exit Interstate 69 at exit 102.  Drive east on Jefferson Boulevard
into downtown. Turn left on Ewing Street. The Library is one block
north, at Ewing Street and Washington Boulevard.

Using US 27:
US 27 turns into Lafayette Street. Drive north into downtown. Turn
left at Washington Boulevard and go five blocks. The Library will be
on the right.

>From the North
Exit Interstate 69 at exit 112.  Drive south on Coldwater Road, which
merges into Clinton Street.  Continue south on Clinton to Washington
Boulevard. Turn right on Washington and go three blocks. The Library
will be on the right.

>From the West
Using US 30:
Drive into town on US 30.  US 30 turns into Goshen Ave. which
dead-ends at West State Blvd.  Make an angled left turn onto West
State Blvd.  Turn right on Wells Street.  Go south on Wells to Wayne
Street.  Turn left on Wayne Street.  The Library will be in the second
block on the right.

Using US 24:
After crossing under Interstate 69, follow the same directions as from
the South.

>From the East
Follow US 30/then 930 into and through New Haven, under an overpass
into downtown Fort Wayne.  You will be on Washington Blvd. when you
get into downtown.  Library Plaza will be on the right.

***************************************
Parking at the Library
***************************************
At the Library, underground parking can be accessed from Wayne Street.
Other library parking lots are at Washington and Webster, and Wayne
and Webster. Hourly parking is $1 per hour with a $7 maximum. ACPL
library card holders may use their cards to validate the parking
ticket at the west end of the Great Hall of the Library. Out of county
residents may purchase a subscription card with proof of
identification and residence. The current fee for an Individual
Subscription Card is $70.

Public lots are located at the corner of Ewing and Wayne Streets ($1
each for the first two half-hours, $1 per hour after, with a $4 per
day maximum) and the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Harrison Street
($3 per day).

Street (metered) parking on Ewing and Wayne Streets. On the street you
plug the meters 8am – 5pm, weekdays only.  It is free to park on the
street after 5pm and on the weekends.

Visitor center/Grand Wayne Center garage at Washington and Clinton
Streets. This is the Hilton Hotel parking lot that also serves as a
day parking garage.  For hourly parking, 7am – 11 pm, charges are .50
for the first 45 minutes, then $1.00 per hour.  There is a flat $2.00
fee between 5pm and 11pm.

***************************************
Genealogy Center Queries
***************************************
The Genealogy Center hopes you find this newsletter interesting.
Thank you for subscribing.  We cannot, however, answer personal
research emails written to the e-zine address.  The department houses
a Research Center that makes photocopies and conducts research for a
fee.

If you have a general question about our collection, or are interested
in the Research Center, please telephone the library and speak to a
librarian who will be glad to answer your general questions or send
you a research center form.  Our telephone number is 260-421-1225.  If
you’d like to email a general information question about the
department, please email: Genealogy [at] ACPL.Info.

***************************************
Publishing Note:
***************************************
This electronic newsletter is published by the Allen County Public
Library's Genealogy Center, and is intended to enlighten readers about
genealogical research methods as well as inform them about the vast
resources of the Allen County Public Library.  We welcome the wide
distribution of this newsletter and encourage readers to forward it to
their friends and societies.  All precautions have been made to avoid
errors.  However, the publisher does not assume any liability to any
party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, no matter
the cause.

To subscribe to “Genealogy Gems,” simply use your browser to go to the
website:  www.GenealogyCenter.Info. Scroll down toward the bottom of
the first screen where it says, "Enter Your Email Address to Subscribe
to "Genealogy Gems."  Enter your email address in the yellow box and
click on "Subscribe." You will be notified with a confirmation email.

If you do not want to receive this e-zine, please follow the link at
the very bottom of the issue of Genealogy Gems you just received or
send an email to kspears [at] acpl.lib.in.us with "unsubscribe e-zine" in
the subject line.

Steve Myers & Curt Witcher, co-editors