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Archiver > WVHAMPSH > 2006-07 > 1151976346


From: Elaine D Tomkins <>
Subject: Re: [WVHAMPSH] Research in Hampshire Co.
Date: Mon, 03 Jul 2006 21:25:46 -0400
References: <305.74af4f8.31dadd27@aol.com>
In-Reply-To: <305.74af4f8.31dadd27@aol.com>


Jan,

What Kathy said about the library folks and the charges is correct. I
have been there many times--was there just last week. Aside from having
all sorts of historical printed matter on the shelves in the genealogy
room on the 2nd floor (stop at the desk because the room is kept
locked), they have microfilms of back issues of the Hampshire Review,
as well as the South Branch Intelligencer which preceded the Review.
Microfilms must be obtained from the front desk. Some old courthouse
records were found in the basement of the courthouse a few years ago
which were in fragile condition because of the dampness in the
basement. The WV Cultural Center (I believe that is the correct name)
took them, indexed them, and microfilmed them. There is a set of the
microfilms in the library. Check the first micrfilm in the series
first, since that is the index and will tell you on which microfilm to
find whatever you find of interest. These records are not available in
the courthouse. The courthouse has large ledgers of birth, death and
marriage records, as well as land records. Many old records (especially
birth, death and marriage records, as well as some of the old wills)
were lost during the Civil War, but the deed books were saved since
they were the most important and were given priority in efforts to save
them from the Yankees who were determined to destroy them. In his book,
"Historical Records of Frederick & Hampshire Counties, Virginia.,"
Wilmer Kerns gives an excellent account of the invading Northern troops,
their efforts to track down the county records and destroy them, and
some local leaders' efforts to save the records, hiding them in various
locations in Virginia, and finally in North Carolina until after the war.

As far as the Historical Society, I wouldn't bother. A cousin of mine
sent them dues to join the society a few years ago and was never able to
make contact with anyone in the society. I have been told by a local
resident that it is more of a social club than anything. It may have
changed in the last couple of years; I couldn't say.

Elaine

wrote:

>I am preparing to go to Hampshire Co for the first time, to do research on
>my 18th-early 19th c families.
>
>I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has been there and any helpful
>hints.
>
>I will go to the courthouse of course, and I understand there is a
>genealogical collection at the public library and a historical society. Anything else
>I should know? I'll be working in land records and probate.
>
>Thanks
>Jan Hall
>
>
>


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