Organizing Genealogy Records

I was recently asked “How do you keep up with all the information you find?” A good, simple genealogy system can make the difference between an excellent researcher and a frazzled, disorganized, pile of unconnected papers. When I first started, I noticed I spent a lot of time searching for records that I already had- that was not only aggravating but it was a huge waste of time.


I went to my local library and checked out some books on organizing your family history records. I also searched online for a simple way to store my notes. I was tired of filing papers in a file so specific that I couldn’t remember the name of the folder where I put it. I needed a way to be able to travel with my files, taking all of them or only a few needed in that location. I didn’t want to have to carry bulky binders or punch holes in all my research. Most importantly, I wanted a system that was cheap to put together and that I could use forever.

Fifteen years later, I use a common system that I think many genealogists are familiar with. I am not claiming that I created this system. It’s just a combination of several ideas I read about that I thought would work best for me. I bought colored file folders and chose one color to represent each of my grandparents’ lines. For example my maternal grandmother’s (my Buffington line) ancestors all have blue folders, her husband’s folders (my Chandler line) are all red. My paternal grandmother (Thompson) has green folders and her husband’s (Ellenburg) folders are all orange. I included my husband’s lines (I combined Wingate & Davis) in yellow folders because I had an extra color in the pack. There is no reason I chose those particular colors to represent each line.

I used file folder labels and wrote each married couple’s name in Sharpie marker and listed both of their ahnentafel number from my pedigree charts. For example my maternal grandfather’s parents’ label (on a red folder) said “WV Chandler & TC Jones, 12/13.” Now because I am a complete dork about my office supplies staying pretty, I laminated the entire set of file folders for durability. It cost a little bit but after extensive use for over 10 years they still look brand new. After laminating I wrote the most basic facts about that married couple and their children. I only wrote down items that I could prove to be true. For example, my “WV Chandler & TC Jones, 12/13” folder front said:

12. Dr. William Vance “Will” CHANDLER- born 13 July 1867 in Greenville Co., SC; Died- 10 August 1952 in Baldwin, Habersham Co., GA; married 7 February 1897 in Hall Co., GA


13. Tallulah Christine “Tina” JONES- born 16 October 1878 in Hall Co., GA; died 21 January 1940 in Baldwin, Habersham Co., GA


i. Mary Christine CHANDLER- born 29 September 1909 in Baldwin, Habersham Co., GA; died 6 September 1911 in Baldwin, Habersham Co., GA


ii. 6. William Pinckney “Billy” CHANDLER- born 29 April 1914 in Baldwin, Habersham Co., GA; died 1 July 1996 in Baldwin, Habersham Co., GA; Married 12 January 1941 in South Carolina
m. 7. Lottie Inez BUFFINGTON- born 12 September 1920 in Gillsville, Hall Co., GA; died 21 April 2007


iii. Julia Nelle CHANDLER- born 29 October 1917 in Baldwin, Habersham Co., GA; died 3 April 1978 in Baldwin, Habersham Co., GA; married ______
m. Leonard Jason Crane

I put all the records I have about Dr. & Mrs. WV Chandler and their children in this folder, with the exception of records pertaining to their son and his wife. Their son Billy and his bride Inez are my maternal grandparents and so they have their own folder (as ahnentafel numbers 6/7) with their own children. I put birth, death and marriage certificates in these folders, as well as important emails from fellow researchers (making sure I list their first and last name, email address and mailing address, and the date of correspondence). I often make several copies of important census records to put a copy in both the parent’s and child’s family folder.

This is a brief summary of my system. This is by no means the only way to organize your files- it’s just the way that works best for me. Try and find one that works best for your needs. Please let me know if you have any questions. I’ll be glad to help you.

A good source for beginners is The Genealogy Sourcebook by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack. You can find more information about it here on Google Books:

http://books.google.com/books?id=kZotbGofk20C&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

A free online explanation can be found on www.about.com at:

http://genealogy.about.com/cs/organization/a/filing_systems_3.htm

1931 Obituary of William Berrien Buffington- Hall County, GA

The Gainesville News

Gainesville, Hall County, GA
Wednesday, March 11, 1931
Front Page

__________________________________________________
W.B. Buffington, 84, Former Tax Receiver, Rests at Timber Ridge


In the death of Mr. William Berrien Buffington, 84, prominent Hall county citizen and former tax receiver, which occurred at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon at his home between Gillsville and Lula, the county loses a valuable citizen and his church a devoted member.


Funeral services, largely attended, were held at Timber Ridge Baptist Church this afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. H.C. Martin, and interment was in the church yard there.


Mr. Buffington had made his home in Hall county practically all his life, and had been a very successful farmer. He was a devoted member of the Baptist church since youth, and had served on the board of deacons of that church for a long time. He had also served with distinction in the Civil war, and in the realm of politics had been successful in a number of campaigns for tax collector of this county, in which he sustained his reputation for integrity and fair dealing. Possessed of a pleasant disposition and genial personality, Mr. Buffington had endeared himself to a host of friends in this section who received the news of his death with sincere regret.

His widow preceded him to the grave several years. He is survived by twelve children, Mrs. J.D. Hawkins, Mrs. C.M. Bolding, Mrs. E.D. Hawkins, Mrs. O.D. Buffington, Mrs. N.A. Martin and J.B. Buffington of this city; Mrs. J.D. Martin, W.J., C.E. and H.E. Buffington of Atlanta, L.A. Buffington of Cedartown, and Mrs. E.S. Buffington of Mitchell, Ga. Fifty-eight grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren also survive him.

Source: The Gainesville News on microfilm at Hall County Library, Gainesville, GA

William Berrien Buffington was married to Amanda Marcellus "Marcie" Pool.  My grandmother (his great-granddaughter) remembered people calling him "Judge Billy."

***Note- I plan to go back and take a better photograph of the tombstone under the tree.  There were yellow jackets nearby so I took a quick photograph or two and left.

1919 Obituary for Amanda Marcellus "Marcie" Pool Buffington (Mrs. William Berrian Buffington)

The Gainesville News

Wednesday, January 8, 1919
Page 8

--------------------------------------
MRS. W.B. BUFFINGTON

Mrs. W.B. Buffington, aged 68 years, died last Tuesday afternoon at her home in Glade district.

The funeral and burial took place at Timber Ridge church last Thursday afternoon. Mrs. Buffington exemplified those Christian graces in her life that lend a helping influence in life and leave a shining example after death for those who knew and loved her to follow. The community and county loses a noble woman and Christian character in her death.

She is survived by her husband and twelve children, viz: J.B., of Gainesville; C.E., W.J. and Herbert, of Atlanta; L.A. of Lineville, Ala.; Mrs. J. D. Hawkins, Mrs. Edd Hawkins, Mrs. Emory Buffington, Mrs. O.D. Buffington and Miss Ina Buffington, all of this county; Mrs. J.D. Martin, of Athens; Mrs. C.M. Bolding, of Flowery Branch.

Original newspaper microfilm at Hall County Library, Gainesville, GA

[Personal note: This is the obituary for Amanda Marcellus "Marcie" Pool Buffington (Mrs. William Berrian Buffington). She was the daughter of Brigadier General Andrew Jackson Pool and Sarah Armstrong Norvell Pool.]

1932 Obituary of Ara A. Buffington Buffington (Mrs. Obourn Delong Buffington)

The Gainesville Eagle

Gainesville, Hall County, GA
Thursday, Oct. 13, 1932
Section: Down the Valleys of Hall
____________________________

Gillsville Route 2


Mrs. O.D. Buffington

 Mrs. O.D. Buffington, age 58, died suddenly at her home near Gillsville Wednesday morning, Oct. 5. She had apparently been in good health up to the time of her death. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Buffington. She had been a faithful member of the Methodist church for a long time and was a faithful wife and devoted mother. She had many friends throughout the state who were saddened to learn of her death.

 Funeral services were conducted at the Buffington cemetery Friday morning with Rev. E.C. Sweat_am? officiating, with interment there.


Surviving are her husband, five brothers and sisters and five children. ___ Guy Buffington of Atlanta; Frank, Mark, O.D. Jr., Buffington and Miss Lottie Blanche Buffington all of Hall county.



Source: The Gainesville Eagle on microfilm at Hall County Library, Gainesville, GA



Personal Note- This is the obituary of Ara A. Buffington Buffington (Mrs. Obourn Delong "Buddy" Buffington).  She was the daughter of William Berrian "Billy" Buffington and Amanda Marcellus "Marcie" Pool, all of Hall County, Georgia.


The phrase on her tombstone says:
"Sad was the shock that day
you bade no one a last
farewell A last goodbye
you could not say"

Deed from OL Buffington to OD Buffington- 10 Aug. 1895 Hall Co., GA

This is a deed I transcribed that shows that my great-great-great-grandfather OL Buffington sold land to his son (and my great-great-grandfather) OD Buffington. It is dated 10 August 1895 in Hall County, Georgia. OD Buffington is the father of my great-grandfather Frank Buffington.

_____________________________

State of Georgia, Hall County.

This indenture made this the tenth day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred & Ninety Five 1895, between O.L. Buffington of said county of the one part and O.D. Buffington of the same county of the other part.

Witnesseth, that the said O.L. Buffington for and in consideration of the sum of One hundred Dollars to him in hand paid at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged hath granted & bargained, sold and consigned and doth by __ presents grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said O.D. Buffington his heirs and assigns, all that tract or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the county of Hall State of Georgia, containing seventy five acres, more or less, lying on the waters of the North Oconee River beginning at a white oak corner on the publick road thence nearly east strate to a red oak on the proper home line thence N.W. with said line to a P.O. Oak on the timber ridge road, thence rep said road to a Spanish oak thence W. with the old road to a rock on the public road leading to Dunagan’s Mill thence nearly west to a Sower wood thence S.E. direction to a dogwood, thence N. to a rock at the forks of the road S. with the public road to the beginning corner-

To have and to hold, said tract or parcel of land unto heir the said O.D. Buffington his heirs and assigns together with all and singular the rights, members and appurtenances thereof to the same in any manner belonging to his and there own proper use, benefit and behoof forever in fee simple.

And the said O.L. Buffington for himself, his heirs, executors and administrators the said bargained premises unto the said O.D. Buffington his heir and assigns will warrant and forever defend the right and title thereof against themselves and against the claims of all other persons whatever.

In witness where of the said O.L. Buffington hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal, the day and year above written.

Signed, sealed and delivered
O.L. Buffington L.S.

in presents of
W.B. Crow
S.S. Crawford, J.P.
Recorded April 28th, 1904.
Thos. M. Bell, C.S.C.

Deed Book 10; Index _ - 314; page 261 & 262; Hall County Records Room, Gainesville, GA

Treasure Chest Thursday- Birth & Death Certificates (This one of Dovie King Buffington)

This is the Georgia Death Certificate of Dovie Emmeline King Buffington.  She is the daughter of John King, Jr. (1795-1852) & his wife,  Kezia King (1805-1878).  Dovie King married Ezekiel Buffington (1832-1911). He is the son of Ezekiel Lafayette Buffington and his wife, Nancy Gilmer/Gilmore.  Both born in Hall County, GA they later moved through Lumpkin County, GA and later into Ellijay, GA in Gilmer County.

Dovie & Ezekiel are the parents of my great-great-grandfather, Walter Leonedas Buffington. 

He often went by Walter Lee Buffington.

Birth and Death Certificates can be one of our best treasures to find as genealogists. Just remember- they often contain mistakes.  This one has an obvious error or two.

Tombstone in Jarrett Cemetery, Ellijay, Gilmer County, GA.

Thank you for sharing this photograph Patricia!

Land Deed- William Devenport To Temperance Chandler- 22 Feb 1838 in Greenville Co., SC

William Devenport To Temperance Chandler- pg 139
Two Hundred and Sixty One acres (Devenport Homeplace)
___________________________
The State of South Carolina
Greenville District

Know all men by these presents that I, William Devenport, of the State and District aforesaid for and in consideration of the natural love and affection I have for my Daughter Temperance Chandler, and one dollar to me in hand paid by the said Temperance Chandler of the said state and district aforesaid, have given, granted, bargained, sold and released, and by these presents do give, grant, bargain & sell & release unto the said Temperance Chandler, after my own and my wife's death, the plantation where I now live, and tract of land as described below, lying in the state and district aforesaid on the waters of Horse and Mountain Creeks. Beginning on a P.O. 3x thence running S.1.E.53.10 to a stake 3x bounded by land belonging to I. and John Kirby. Thence N.88 1/2 E. 51 to a stake 3x thence

page 140

N.24W.51.50 to a pine 3x thence N.70 1/2 W. to the beginning containing two hundred and sixty one acres, be the same more or lefs [less], but I retain possession of said plantation and everything appertaining thereto as long as I or my wife lives, and at our death to be given up to the said Temperance Chandler. Together with all and singular, the rights, members, hereditaments & appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining to have & to hold, all and singular the said premises above mentioned unto the said Temperance Chandler her heirs and afsigns [assigns] forever, And I do hereby bind myself my heirs executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises above mentioned unto the said Temperance Chandler (after the death of myself and wife) from myself and my heirs and from every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witnefs [Witness] my hand and seal this 22nd day of February A.D. 1838- and in the 62nd year of the Independence of the U.S. of America. Signed sealed

acknowledged and delivered in presence of

William Devenport, L.S.
Lewis H. Shumate
William Allison
Micajah Berry
Isaac Kirby

South Carolina
Greenville District

Personally came before me (the subscribing magistrate) Micajah Berry and made oath that he saw William Devenport Senr sign & seal the within deed of conveyance to Temperance Chandler, for the use & purpose therein specified & that L.H. Shumate, William Allison & Isaac Kirby were subscribing witnefses [witnesses] at the same time. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th December 1842.

Micajah Berry
L.H. Shumate, M.G.P.

Recorded for 4th January, 1843
Original delivered to I. Devenport

Transcribers note: Original document showed Devenport spelled as both Davenport & Devenport in the body of the deed; also both the names Isaac Kirby and James Kirby were listed as the 4th witness (Isaac in 1838, James in 1842)

William Devenport to Isaac Devenport- Land Deed- Greenville County, SC

Here my 4th great-grandfather, William Devenport, sold land to his son, Isaac Devenport in 1838.

_______________________________________________________________________________
William Devenport To Isaac Devenport- page 139
One Hundred Ninety-five and a half acres


The State of South Carolina
Greenville District


Know all men by these presents that I, William Devenport, of the State and District aforesaid for and in consideration of the natural love and affection I have for my son Isaac Devenport and in consideration of the sum of one dollar to me in hand paid by the said Isaac Devenport of the said state and district aforesaid have granted, bargained, sold, released and given and by these presents do give, grant, bargain & sell unto the said Isaac Devenport a plantation & tract of land lying in the state and district aforesaid, on the waters of horse creek of Reedy River being the tract of land that the said Isaac Devenport now lives on. Beginning on a P.O. 3x thence N.8.E.46.25. to R. Oak (down) thence S.44W.24.25. to a post O. 3x, thence N.37.W15.10 to a poplar 3x. thence S.56W13.90 to S.G. 3x, thence S. 39 1/2 W.39.30 to R.O. 3x, thence S.70 1/2 E. 42. to a pine 3x, thence N. 57. E. 20.50 to the beginning, containing one hundred ninety five and a half acres be the same more or lefs [less], but retaining to myself and wife the privilege of using any of the timber on the place as long as either of us live, and at our death to be given up to the said Isaac Devenport. Together, with all and singular, the rights, members, hereditaments & appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining to have & to hold, all and singular the said premises, above mentioned unto the said Isaac Devenport his heirs and afsigns [assigns] forever, And I do hereby bind myself my heirs executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises to the said Isaac Devenport his heirs and assigns against myself and my heirs and against every other person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witness my hand and seal this 22nd day of February A.D. 1838- and in the 62nd year of the Independence of the U.S. of America.


William Devenport, L.S.


Signed sealed acknowledged and delivered in presence of us


Lewis H. Shumate
William Allison
Micajah Berry
Isaac Kirby


South Carolina
Greenville District


Personally came before me (the subscribing magistrate) Micajah Berry and made oath that he saw William Devenport dead, (during his life) execute the within deed of conveyance to Isaac Devenport, purpose therein specified & that L.H. Shumate, William Allison & James Kirby were subscribing witnefses [witnesses] at the same time. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th December 1842.


Micajah Berry
L.H. Shumate, M.G.P.




Recorded for 4th January, 1843
Original delivered to I. Devenport


Transcribers note: Original document showed Devenport spelled as Davenport in the body of the deed but the signature clearly shows he signed it as "William Devenport;" also both the names Isaac Kirby and James Kirby were listed as the 4th witness (Isaac in 1838, James in 1842)

Follow Friday- Greenville County Records Online

What better way to start my first “Follow Friday” than to share a link to an amazing online source?

Greenville County, South Carolina has posted images of early Land Records and I have found so many wonderful deeds that I did not know existed. These are the original images on file in Greenville, not typed transcribed copies that often contain errors. Here’s the link to the disclaimer so you can check it out yourself:


http://www.greenvillecounty.org/disclaimer/ROD_Geneology_Disclaimer.asp?DirURL=http://www.greenvillecounty.org/rod/geneology.asp

I have transcribed one of my family’s deeds below. This was when my great(x4)-grandfather, William Devenport deeded land to his daughter (and my great(x3)-grandmother), Sisaly Devenport Vance in 1838. She and her husband, William Gilmer Vance lived in Laurens County, South Carolina at that time.

________________________________________________________________________

William Devenport To Sicily Vance- page 102
Deed 166 1/2 Acres


The State of South Carolina
Greenville District


Know all men by these presents that I, William Devenport of the State and District aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of love and affection I have for my daughter Sicily Vance of the state aforesaid and Laurens District have granted bargained sold and given, and by these presents do give grant bargain sell and release unto said Sicily Vance a parcel or tract of land laying in the state and district aforesaid on the waters of horse creek of Reedy River. Beginning on a S.G. 3x thence running N.50.W.30.60. to a stake 3x bounded by land that belongs to the estate of John Anderson thence S. 52. W. 49. to a stake 3x bounded by Tully Bolling thence S.46.E.16.83 to a Red oak 3x thence S. 70 1/2 E.26 to a R.O. 3x thence S. 391/2 W. 39.50 to the Beginning containing one hundred and sixty six and a half acres be the same more or less, but retaining to myself and my wife the privilege of using any timber in the place as long as either of us lives and at our death to be given up to the said Sicily Vance for the use of her and the ishue [issue] of her body and if she never has any children or non living at her death then the said tract of land to fall back to my estate and be equally




page 103
divided between my four other children or their heirs. Together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining to have and to hold all and singular the premises above mentioned unto the said Sicily Vance and the ishue [issue] of her body, (if she has any, but if she has none then to my other four children and their heirs and assigns forever) to wit, Francis Devenport, Isaac Devenport, Susannah McDavid and Temperance Chandler, And I do hereby bind myself my heirs executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises above mentioned unto the said Sicily Vance and the issue of her body, but if she has none then to my other legatees as mentioned above their heirs and assigns against myself and my heirs and against every other person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witness my hand and seal this twenty second day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight and in the sixty second year of the Independence of the United States of America.


William Devenport, L.S.


Signed sealed acknowledged and delivered in presents of us


Lewis H. Shumate
William Allison
Micajah Berry
Isaac Kirby




South Carolina
Greenville District


Personally came before me the subscribing magistrate Micajah Berry and made oath that he saw William Devenport (son) sign & seal the within deed of conveyance to Sicily Vance for the use and purpose therein specified & that Lewis H. Shumate, William Allison and Isaac Kirby were subscribing witnesses at the same time. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th December 1842.


Micajah Berry
Lewis H. Shumate, M.G.P.


Recorded for 1st June, 1846, by Robt. McKay, R. M.C.
Original delivered to Davenport

Treasure Chest Thursday- What contributions are you making for your descendants?

This week when I was thinking of Treasure Chest Thursday, I couldn’t help but think of the 2010 US Census that many of us recently received in the mail. I made a copy of my completed census before I mailed it in to include with my personal genealogy records. What took me a few seconds may make life easier for my own descendants one day- especially since they won’t have to wait 70 plus years to see my personal results of the 2010 census.

This made me wonder what else I could save to make researching my immediate family easier for future generations. Of course I have copies of the basic forms and certificates such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, baptismal records and school/graduation information. But what else would help my future family learn more about me? I have labeled all my photographs (both old pictures and recent snapshots) and organized my applications to lineage societies but what other items should I save to make this a collection a true “Treasure Chest” for my children’s children?

What do you save? What documents do you feel are important to save for future generations? I’d love to hear what you are keeping for your own descendants. Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Treasure Chest Thursday- An Unusual Namesake is still a Welcome Namesake

My daughter was 4 years old this Christmas of 2009 when Santa Claus brought her a Madame Alexander doll. She immediately called her "My own twin doll" because they both have blond hair and blue eyes. She carried her around all morning. Later in the morning on Christmas, I asked her "What are you going to name that baby?" Her answer completely shocked me. I'm glad my husband was there because he would have never believed she came up with this name without any help from me. So why was I so shocked?


She said "I am going to name her "Susan Elliotte Vance Chandler" and call her "Elliotte."" The reason I was speechless was that this was the full name of my great-great-grandmother and her great-great-great-grandmother. Susan Elliotte Vance Chandler was born 26 March 1846 and lived in Greenville County, South Carolina. The 4th child of William Gilmer Vance and Sisaly Devenport, Elliotte married Pinckney Lafayette Chandler (possibly around 1866). Pinckney was the son of Willis C. Chandler and Leanna Campbell.  Together they had one child, William Vance Chandler, on 13 July 1867. Her husband Pinckney died on Christmas Day in 1868 at the young age of 25. Later the young widow remarried Ira William Davenport and had a large family with him. She also died young on 3 September 1882 at the young age of 36.


I have often wondered how horrible that Christmas Day must have been for her- losing her husband so suddenly and being left alone to care for a 17 month old child. Who would have thought that one Christmas morning 141 years later someone would pay tribute to her in such a special way? I can't imagine anything more wonderful than to be remembered. I think that’s all our ancestors want. But to hear her great-great-great-grandbaby call out her name 127 years after her death? I know she was proud.


So how did my daughter even remember this name? I had told her this name in passing weeks before. I think that in itself is remarkable for a 4 year old girl to remember. But maybe she had some help. Maybe someone special whispered it in her ear. Regardless of how she remembered the name, I am so proud she did. It made my day and I know it made a group of people in heaven very happy too.

Treasure Chest Thursday- I've added my Family Tree online

For this week's "Treasure Chest Thursday," I am adding my own treasure- my own research.  I have finally added my Family Tree online.  I found a neat (and free) site that will allow me to share my Family Tree with others. It's called "Tribal Pages."

I have put off doing this because I didn't want people to simply copy and paste my names into their "name collector tree" of thousands of names without verifying any of my information.  I will be glad to share all my sources but please don't copy and paste my Family Tree and call it your own.  Our ancestors deserve more respect than that.  Everyone wants to be remembered but I don't think anyone wants to be remembered incorrectly.

If you find any errors or have any questions, please let me know.

Simply click this image (in the column on the far left) to visit my Family Tree.