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Archiver > OHCLERMO > 2004-04 > 1081456417


From: Ladonna Viertel <>
Subject: Ohio research and facilities
Date: Thu, 08 Apr 2004 15:33:37 -0500


Hello listers! I am several days behind getting to my e-mail, but
wanted to make some general comments, some in regard to Herman's posting
on April 1. This time last year I was able to make a research trip to
the Ohio River counties before heading up to Dayton to watch our
youngest daughter compete in the WinterGuard International compeition in
Dayton. I was able to devote about a week to my research but as Herman
said, none of us seem to be able to devote enough time to it. The lines
I was researching were Williams, Shinkle, Bolender, Littlejohn, Munyan,
Lauderback, Foster, Bussey, Griggs, Halterman and probably a few more
that I can't think of right away. The more I uncovered while there, the
more I needed to dig! Before I had to come back to Texas, I had
uncovered two more lines, Craycraft and Walling, which still need
hands-on research in Ohio. We have a pretty decent library here in Ft.
Worth, Texas, but nothing beats having the ability to go into the
libraries, genealogy libraries and courthouses of the actual counties
where your ancestors came from. During my stay, I visited the Clermont
County Library three different days, if I remember correctly, and was
pleased with the amount of material I uncovered. I also spent four days
in the Portsmouth Library, with some time in the Adams County Courthouse
and a few hours in the Brown County Historical Society building. But
even with the hundred-plus pages of notes I took, I realized after I got
home that I need another trip back to your lovely state! On the day I
went to Brown County, I lost some time visiting at the side of the road
with a local farmer/stockman who was raising a breed of cattle we don't
have here in Texas---at least not around the ranches I've been around.
(Banded Galloways or something or other; I can't remember off the top of
my head). Anyway, we stood at his fence and talked cattle and then got
into genealogy. He was about my age, in his forties, and we had a
wonderful visit. But, because of that visit, I only had two hours in
Brown County. I didn't make it to the courthouse. Just not enough time
to do justice to my Brown County ancestors.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Ohio and was very impressed with the
friendliness of the people, the helpfulness of the staff in the
libraries, genealogy societies and at the courthouses. I was even so
bold in Scioto County as to go to someone's front door and ask them
where so-and-so lived. And they invited me in, made some phone calls on
my behalf and made me welcome. My plan is to make another trip up there
next April when our daughter will go to Dayton to compete again in
WGI---Lord willing and the creek don't rise! Ladonna Viertel

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