Mecklenburg County, NC, Will Abstracts, 1791-1868, Books A-J
If you purchased a copy of Herman W. Ferguson's Mecklenburg County, NC, Will Abstracts, 1791-1868, Books A-J, from Olde Meck, and it did not have a loose copy of the “Errata” in the front, you may wish to print this Errata page and insert it. Ferguson made these corrections in 2010, but some copies sold after that time may not have had the page of “Errata.”
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Genealogical Offerings at NC State Archives
For our June meeting, we enjoyed an informative overview of the offerings of the North Carolina State Archives, presented by Alison Thurman. Alison provided this NCSA Handout which you may download. Thanks, Alison!Contact info@oldemeck.org with questions.
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FRC Research Visit Results in Serendipity!
Olde Meck volunteers were recently having a productive day assisting Myra Rodgers, a researcher visiting from Texas. At some point, it came up we were looking for a new home for our microfilm reader and printer. Myra perked up, saying her local library back home would love to have it. Within the hour, the microfilm reader and printer were loaded into her daughter’s SUV and headed to Honey Grove, TX!
Myra has sent word that it made the trip safely and is up and running at the Honey Grove Library & Learning Center’s Local and Family History Room. They’ve already used it to discover that one of their unmarked rolls of film is actually a copy of the first deed book in Fannin County!
We are pleased we were able to find a wonderful new home for something we were not using. Come on over to the FRC and see what adventures you might have! We are open Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and other days by appointment. Email info@oldemeck.org to schedule your visit.
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Organizing Your Genealogy Research
Does your genealogy area look anything like the picture here?
If so, you may want to view the recording of Olde Meck member Lynn Bancroft's talk Organizing Your Genealogy Research.
This is an updated program from one she gave to Olde Meck in 2019 and was presented at the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) Black History Month Conference. Lynn discussed useful hints and presented a sampling of different charts which can also improve our efficiency. Based on ideas from many genealogy experts, she described how the following tips may be helpful:
Keep the big picture in mind.
Designate a workspace.
Take charge of paper files.
Establish an organization routine.
Go digital.
Use Additional Charts
Create a kit for on-site research.
We are sharing the recording here in the hopes it can provide some tips for all of us to better organize our research.
(1) Click Start Button below to begin. Be sure to view in Full Screen (icon at bottom right of video)
UNC Charlotte Instruction Archivist Shared Genealogical Resources
At our February meeting Randi Beem, Instruction Archivist at UNC Charlotte’s J. Murrey Atkins Library spoke to us about the resources available for genealogists in their Special Collections and University Archives. The collections include manuscripts, the university's records, rare and unique books, maps, and oral history recordings. Ms. Beem explained what resources are most interesting to genealogists as well as which are available online. She also shared interesting success stories from past researchers.
Given the closure of the Mecklenburg main library for construction, it's a great time for researchers to investigate what is available through the library at UNC Charlotte. Contact the Special Collections section of the library at spec-coll@uncc.edu for more information or to arrange an appointment.
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Newspapers Online
Katie Grafer presented our January program about how to use historic newspapers to assist in genealogical research. In her presentation, "Extra! Extra! Getting Clues and Context From Historic Newspapers," Katie shared many tips about how to look beyond the obituaries and wedding announcements to help guide your newspaper research. She explained the other types of useful information that can be found in old publications, including public notices, social columns, and even advertisements. She gave specific examples from her own research that allowed her to ‘connect the dots’ on elusive ancestors.
The following list of websites may help you find historic newspapers:
At the December Holiday meeting, President Jeff Houser presented the two awards given annually by Olde Meck:
(1) The Order of 1775
The Order of 1775 is the highest honor awarded by Olde Meck and recognizes long term service and dedication both to the society and the practice of genealogy in Mecklenburg County. This year's award was presented posthumously to Lionel Demming Bass, Jr., known to members as L. D.
L. D. was an accomplished genealogist who was especially passionate about preserving Southern and Scottish history. Mr. Bass ...
Served as Olde Meck President in 1993.
Was also a Director, Vice President, and Program Chair.
Was instrumental in establishing the Hopewell genealogy group.
Was an avid supporter of Historic Rural Hill and the Loch Norman Games, coordinating Olde Meck’s presence there for many years.
Wrote numerous articles for our Quarterly journal.
Participated in Olde Meck project in local schools, appearing in full Scottish regalia, to the delight of the students.
Similarly, appeared in costume at many other venues for Olde Meck, at Senior Centers, Meck Deck Day celebrations, etc. or just random Olde Meck meetings!!
L. D. passed away on October 3, 2017 in Charlotte, NC at the age of 81.
(2) Greenlee Lilly Award
President Houser then awarded the Greenlee Lilly Awardfor 2021 to Lovenia Summerville. Named in honor of the society's first president, this award is in recognition of a member who has contributed significantly to the society within the past year and is selected by the current society president.
Lovenia is a retired librarian who has been a faithful volunteer at our Family Research Center, taking charge of cataloging our collection of books, journals, etc. This year Lovenia was one of the first to return when the FRC reopened after the Covid shutdown. She has been tirelessly working to incorporate the many donated titles we have recently received into our library database. She is always willing to share her wealth of knowledge about Mecklenburg families and assists us with the many local library resources she is also familiar with.
We are extremely fortunate to have Lovenia as an essential part of our team and congratulate her on a well-deserved honor!
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Navigating Mecklenburg County Deeds
Video Tutorial
Deed records can provide a wealth of information to fill out our ancestors' stories but can oftentimes be difficult to access. We are excited to announce an addition to our website which will make the process of finding valuable Mecklenburg land records easier than in the past.
As part of her internship for a course in her Masters of Library Science program at East Carolina University, Ann Martin, now an Olde Meck member, has recently completed a helpful video tutorial to walk users through the process of accessing the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds website. If you have Mecklenburg ancestors and have ever wanted to view old deeds and land transactions, this video will facilitate your journey.
Ann describes the basics of deeds, what they consist of, and how they can help with family research. She then provides easy to follow navigation through the Register of Deeds website using a specific example.
(1) Click Start Button below to begin. Be sure to view in Full Screen (icon at bottom right of video)
We hope you will find Ann’s video tutorial useful and search for the deeds of your ancestors. Please feel free to give us feedback on this new feature.
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Storyteller Has Writing Projects You Can Join
Thanks to storyteller Randell Jones for sharing his entertaining video of Famous and Infamous Women of North Carolina with us in July. Randell has many other fascinating tales, available both in printed and video form. He is also compiling stories from anyone else who wants to share and publish their own stories.
To hear more of Randell's stories and learn about his other writing projects, visit www.randelljones.com.
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Picture Formatting Suggestions
Below are links to YouTube videos created by Louise Nottingham, leader of the Olde Meck Writers' Group. They are designed to help you format photos and images of documents that you may want to include in a Microsoft Word family file:
If you have already worked out that ‘Mc’ and ‘Mac’ surnames are the most complicated British surnames, you must listen to this webinar. And if you haven’t already worked this out, you must absolutely listen to this webinar. ‘Mc’ surnames ...
Aminah Ghaffar will speak about Native Americans in North Carolina, including the blood quantum system and how Jim Crow laws impact people of Afro-indigenous descent. She will also explain Tribal Nation enrollment.
Need help tracing your family history? Learn how to get started Get tips on organizing your research Learn how to create a family tree Discover valuable information in census records, birth certificates, death certificates and more. Come get started ...
Infrastructure Records of North Carolina and Their Use In Genealogical Research
Friday, August 5 - Sunday, August 7 Recorded Webinar with Stewart Dunaway The North Carolina Genealogical Society is delighted to present Stewart Dunaway, "Infrastructure Records of North Carolina and Their Use In Genealogical Research". This recorded Webinar will be freely available ...
Finding Your Roots Using Ancestry.com Library Edition
Learn how to get started using the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's free access to Ancestry.com and a multitude of online resources. Dive into census records and many other public documents to find your family. Details and registration at: cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/ ...
, it came up we were looking for a new home for our microfilm reader and printer.
Does your genealogy area look anything like the picture here? 
spoke to us about the resources available for genealogists in their Special Collections and University Archives. 
selected by the current society president.
