Van Zandt County Genealogical
The Genealogy Library has the following hours:
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (closed Monday afternoon)
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (closed Friday afternoon)
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. (closed Saturday afternoon)
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (closed Monday afternoon)
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (closed Friday afternoon)
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. (closed Saturday afternoon)
Welcome to the website of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society and the Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History! See contact information at the bottom of this page, including for other organizations that provide historical and genealogical help. Our most recent events, and upcoming activities can be found on this page, below. Use our navigational toolbar above to get to know us, including our About page regarding our purposes and mission.
Be sure and keep up with us also on our Facebook site.
Be sure and keep up with us also on our Facebook site.
Upcoming Events:
Van Zandt County Genealogical Society
Saturday, June 24, 2:00 p.m. at the main Van Zandt County Library, 317 First Monday Lane, in Canton: Regular meeting of the Genealogical Society. Speaker will be LaDonna Garner. Ms. Garner, a sought-after genealogist with a Masters Degree in Historic Preservation, will speak on the subject of "Recording Family Health History." Knowing one's health history--and passing it on to one's children and grandchildren--has become a crucial for many families. Come hear Ms. Garner's experiences in this important aspect of genealogy. (See the website of her business, Leafseeker Consulting, at leafseeker.com/ ) This meeting is free, no membership required, refreshments will be served.
Saturday, July 22, 2:00 p.m. at the main Van Zandt County Library, 317 First Monday Lane, in Canton: Regular meeting of the Genealogical Society. Speaker not scheduled yet, will be announced soon.
Saturday, August 26, 2:00 p.m. at the main Van Zandt County Library, 317 First Monday Lane, in Canton: Regular meeting of the Genealogical Society. Barbara Coakley, genealogist and university instructor, will speak on "Search Versus Research." It’s all about having a plan! Searching is just one step in the process of researching your family history. Ms. Richardson’s presentation will focus on a case study based on a family story from the 1920s. She will lay out the research process from beginning to end - how to develop a research goal, plan the research, document results, and preserve your findings. (See Ms. Coakley's website at https://coakleysennottfamilyhistory.weebly.com/) Refreshments will be served, no membership required, and free.
Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Van Zandt County Farm Bureau, 220 Burnett Trail, Canton, Texas: All-day Fall Genealogy Seminar! Emily Coffman Richardson, professional instructor and lifelong genealogist, will be the speaker. Ms. Richardson was raised by a professional genealogist, spending plenty of childhood hours following her mother to cemeteries and other research places. Her first career was in higher education. She now has her own family research business, Kinsearchers, providing a variety of services to clients. (See her website at http://kinsearchers.weebly.com/ ) We are really looking forward to this event! There is a charge for this seminar, as it is all day. More details will be posted here later, regarding specific hours and price.
Saturday, July 22, 2:00 p.m. at the main Van Zandt County Library, 317 First Monday Lane, in Canton: Regular meeting of the Genealogical Society. Speaker not scheduled yet, will be announced soon.
Saturday, August 26, 2:00 p.m. at the main Van Zandt County Library, 317 First Monday Lane, in Canton: Regular meeting of the Genealogical Society. Barbara Coakley, genealogist and university instructor, will speak on "Search Versus Research." It’s all about having a plan! Searching is just one step in the process of researching your family history. Ms. Richardson’s presentation will focus on a case study based on a family story from the 1920s. She will lay out the research process from beginning to end - how to develop a research goal, plan the research, document results, and preserve your findings. (See Ms. Coakley's website at https://coakleysennottfamilyhistory.weebly.com/) Refreshments will be served, no membership required, and free.
Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Van Zandt County Farm Bureau, 220 Burnett Trail, Canton, Texas: All-day Fall Genealogy Seminar! Emily Coffman Richardson, professional instructor and lifelong genealogist, will be the speaker. Ms. Richardson was raised by a professional genealogist, spending plenty of childhood hours following her mother to cemeteries and other research places. Her first career was in higher education. She now has her own family research business, Kinsearchers, providing a variety of services to clients. (See her website at http://kinsearchers.weebly.com/ ) We are really looking forward to this event! There is a charge for this seminar, as it is all day. More details will be posted here later, regarding specific hours and price.
Become a member of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society
Support local county/Texas history, make friends, achieve your family research goals even faster! Dues are $15 per year for an individual membership and $18 per year for a family membership. Members receive our award-winning quarterly publication Our Heritage. Call us during business hours (M-F 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Sat. 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) at 903-567-5012, or email us at vanzandtgensoc@gmail.com Or to pay by credit card via this website, go to our Store page, or click here. For information on membership and its benefits, go to our Membership page.
The Genealogy Library, located at 250 E. Grove St., Canton, Texas, is here to assist anyone wishing to do genealogy/family research or historical research. Our Library has computer terminals with access to services such as Ancestry, and the public is welcome. (You don't have to be a member of the Genealogical Society.) See our hours, above. We also take calls and emails for short research requests, at 903-567-5012, during business hours. Links to our email address and Facebook page, as well as other useful links, can be found at the bottom of this page. See video tour, below, of the Genealogy Library.
More Computer Records Now at Genealogy Library!
The Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History, which is part of the county’s library system, provides computer terminals for free to patrons doing genealogy research. We recently acquired access to an expanded source of research materials by becoming a FamilySearch affiliate. This new status enables researchers to get extra information when they are in the genealogy library doing research on the free FamilySearch program.
We are pleased to offer more sources to our patrons, especially via electronic research, which is how many researchers get the majority of their information. Anyone using the genealogy library terminals simply logs into their own free FamilySearch program and uses it as they would at home, and most will notice there are more documents available. These digital records include images and name indexes. Currently, there are about 400 million original records available in a digital format that affiliate libraries have access to. Come and check it out!
As always, we offer free access to Ancestry.com, another computer research program. And patrons can also log into their own personal accounts of Ancestry or other research programs like Legacy. Don’t forget our other sources, like books and microfilm, also provided at the genealogy library. We strive to help researchers in whatever mode of research they prefer.
We are pleased to offer more sources to our patrons, especially via electronic research, which is how many researchers get the majority of their information. Anyone using the genealogy library terminals simply logs into their own free FamilySearch program and uses it as they would at home, and most will notice there are more documents available. These digital records include images and name indexes. Currently, there are about 400 million original records available in a digital format that affiliate libraries have access to. Come and check it out!
As always, we offer free access to Ancestry.com, another computer research program. And patrons can also log into their own personal accounts of Ancestry or other research programs like Legacy. Don’t forget our other sources, like books and microfilm, also provided at the genealogy library. We strive to help researchers in whatever mode of research they prefer.
Finding Your Inner Sherlock Holmes
Pat Thibodeau (right) presents a Farmers medallion to Carrie Woolverton.
Van Zandt County Genealogical Society members and guests learned all about how to be Sherlock Holmes at their meeting on Saturday, May 27 in Canton. Tamara Hallo, renowned genealogist and instructor, showed how genealogists really are amateur detectives, becoming sleuths in the search for ancestors and family history.
Ms. Hallo stressed that, like any good detective, a family researcher must have clear standards and stick to them. Genealogy is a search for the truth—what really happened many years ago in one’s family, and how each family member is connected to the other. To find the answers, a good detective—or genealogist—should have a clear goal in mind, gather evidence to achieve that goal, and follow up on leads, both positive and negative. Ms. Hallo noted that human nature makes us not want to pursue a lead that would disprove a piece of family lore, but we need to do so nonetheless. For example, she said, many family researchers have heard from their relatives that they are descended from royalty, or from a famous Native American tribe. Most of the time, such stories are not true.
Sherlock Holmes, the famous fictional detective, figured prominently in the speech, as Ms. Hallo compared his methods to the kind of dedication genealogists should have. It was an informative and enjoyable presentation. As usual, there were plenty of free snacks, including a new addition, a popcorn machine that supplied the crowd.
Ms. Hallo, owner of Hallo Genealogy Services, LLC is an educator, librarian, and professional genealogist. She has over 25 years of experience as an educator and holds a Master in Library Science degree as well as a certificate of genealogical research from Boston University. She speaks on genealogical topics to both in-person and virtual audiences. She specializes in Southern United States research.
Pat Thibodeau, representing the National Society Descendants of American Farmers 1776-1914, spoke at the end of the meeting, encouraging those who have ancestors who were farmers to apply for membership to the organization. Ms. Thibodeau also announced that persons with a farmer ancestor buried in Van Zandt County should apply for a special Farmers medallion to go on the ancestor’s gravestone. She presented a medallion to Van Zandt County Genealogical Society President Carrie Woolverton for her work with lineage societies like the Farmers. Those interested in applying for membership or for the Farmers society medallion should contact the Genealogical Society at vanzandtgensoc@gmail.com and ask for Ms. Thibodeau’s contact information.
Ms. Hallo stressed that, like any good detective, a family researcher must have clear standards and stick to them. Genealogy is a search for the truth—what really happened many years ago in one’s family, and how each family member is connected to the other. To find the answers, a good detective—or genealogist—should have a clear goal in mind, gather evidence to achieve that goal, and follow up on leads, both positive and negative. Ms. Hallo noted that human nature makes us not want to pursue a lead that would disprove a piece of family lore, but we need to do so nonetheless. For example, she said, many family researchers have heard from their relatives that they are descended from royalty, or from a famous Native American tribe. Most of the time, such stories are not true.
Sherlock Holmes, the famous fictional detective, figured prominently in the speech, as Ms. Hallo compared his methods to the kind of dedication genealogists should have. It was an informative and enjoyable presentation. As usual, there were plenty of free snacks, including a new addition, a popcorn machine that supplied the crowd.
Ms. Hallo, owner of Hallo Genealogy Services, LLC is an educator, librarian, and professional genealogist. She has over 25 years of experience as an educator and holds a Master in Library Science degree as well as a certificate of genealogical research from Boston University. She speaks on genealogical topics to both in-person and virtual audiences. She specializes in Southern United States research.
Pat Thibodeau, representing the National Society Descendants of American Farmers 1776-1914, spoke at the end of the meeting, encouraging those who have ancestors who were farmers to apply for membership to the organization. Ms. Thibodeau also announced that persons with a farmer ancestor buried in Van Zandt County should apply for a special Farmers medallion to go on the ancestor’s gravestone. She presented a medallion to Van Zandt County Genealogical Society President Carrie Woolverton for her work with lineage societies like the Farmers. Those interested in applying for membership or for the Farmers society medallion should contact the Genealogical Society at vanzandtgensoc@gmail.com and ask for Ms. Thibodeau’s contact information.
Below Left: Imogene Kirkpatrick (L) and Carrie Woolverton (R) enjoying the new popcorn machine.
Below Right: Attendees listen to speaker Tamara Hallo.
Below Right: Attendees listen to speaker Tamara Hallo.
Historical Church, Early Settler of Van Zandt
Celebration on May 7 Honors Past, Looks to Future
Henrietta Reierson grave, with special markers.
The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society on May 7, 2023, joined with the congregation of the Four Mile Lutheran Church of Van Zandt County to celebrate the church's 175 years of continuous service. The historic church has served the community since 1848. It is a beautiful place, founded by Norwegian immigrants, and remains an active church and vital part of the county. The Four Mile Cemetery contains the graves of many old pioneers.
The celebration included a worship service, followed by a ceremony at the cemetery to commemorate special markers being placed on the grave of Henrietta Waldt Reierson (1818-1851), one of the earliest settlers of the Four Mile Prairie community. The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, working with lineage societies such as the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, helped to place markers on Mrs. Reierson's grave honoring her status as a citizen of the Republic of Texas and an Early Settler of Van Zandt County. The church's members very generously allowed the Genealogical Society to be part of the day's festivities, and members of the Society attended the Reierson ceremony, along with the congregation and a descendant of Mrs. Reierson, Dana Crandall. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a potluck lunch together.
It was a good day of celebrating past and present.
The celebration included a worship service, followed by a ceremony at the cemetery to commemorate special markers being placed on the grave of Henrietta Waldt Reierson (1818-1851), one of the earliest settlers of the Four Mile Prairie community. The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, working with lineage societies such as the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, helped to place markers on Mrs. Reierson's grave honoring her status as a citizen of the Republic of Texas and an Early Settler of Van Zandt County. The church's members very generously allowed the Genealogical Society to be part of the day's festivities, and members of the Society attended the Reierson ceremony, along with the congregation and a descendant of Mrs. Reierson, Dana Crandall. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a potluck lunch together.
It was a good day of celebrating past and present.
L-R: Dana Crandall, VZ GenSoc Prez Carrie Woolverton, Bishop Erik Gronberg at the Reierson grave.
Free Genealogy Workshop April 15: Online Discovery
April 15 2023 Genealogy Workshop class listens to Donna Toups.
Donna Toups speaking at April 15 workshop.
The 2023 Spring Genealogy Workshop was a huge success. Donna Toups, speaker, wowed the class with new discoveries in online genealogy research, focusing on the Family Search research site.
The free class, presented every year by the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, is a public service by the Society to get people interested in family research, and to keep seasoned genealogists in touch with new trends. Ms. Toups is a researcher and librarian at the Wills Point LDS Family History Center. (Info on the Center: https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Wills_Point_Texas_FamilySearch_Center ) She determined at the beginning of the April 15 class that nearly everyone in the room had experience with genealogy. With this in mind, she presented a more advanced class that went into the details of online research through Family Search, a free genealogical website sponsored by the LDS Church. Those details were both entertaining and extremely useful for genealogists.
Family Search is similar to other online family research sites, such as Ancestry and Legacy, that help genealogists build their family trees and find documents, pictures and other leads to back up their research. Like the other online sites, it allows participants to contact other researchers with information on a particular family line. Family Search, however, is free, compared to other sites that typically require a monthly fee. Also, Family Search data on any family line is controlled by all; paid sites like Ancestry generally give each subscriber control of his/her own family trees.
Ms. Toups took the class through the many features of Family Search that give researchers the ability to see their data in new ways, find records online, and even quickly record memories orally through the site. Other features included access to free genealogist consultations on family research questions and access to a wealth of online webinar classes.
The Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History has computer terminals available to the public (for genealogy and historical research only), as well as microfilm records and readers and many, many books and other printed material of interest to researchers. There is an Ancestry.com online subscription made available for free to researchers at the library--and of course, researchers can access Family Search for free. Family research has never been easier or more exciting, because of the many online tools now available. We also hope researchers will continue to dig into research that is not online. There is plenty of knowledge out there, from printed records, individual family documents like Bibles and old photographs, church and club records, and interviews with elders.
The free class, presented every year by the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, is a public service by the Society to get people interested in family research, and to keep seasoned genealogists in touch with new trends. Ms. Toups is a researcher and librarian at the Wills Point LDS Family History Center. (Info on the Center: https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Wills_Point_Texas_FamilySearch_Center ) She determined at the beginning of the April 15 class that nearly everyone in the room had experience with genealogy. With this in mind, she presented a more advanced class that went into the details of online research through Family Search, a free genealogical website sponsored by the LDS Church. Those details were both entertaining and extremely useful for genealogists.
Family Search is similar to other online family research sites, such as Ancestry and Legacy, that help genealogists build their family trees and find documents, pictures and other leads to back up their research. Like the other online sites, it allows participants to contact other researchers with information on a particular family line. Family Search, however, is free, compared to other sites that typically require a monthly fee. Also, Family Search data on any family line is controlled by all; paid sites like Ancestry generally give each subscriber control of his/her own family trees.
Ms. Toups took the class through the many features of Family Search that give researchers the ability to see their data in new ways, find records online, and even quickly record memories orally through the site. Other features included access to free genealogist consultations on family research questions and access to a wealth of online webinar classes.
The Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History has computer terminals available to the public (for genealogy and historical research only), as well as microfilm records and readers and many, many books and other printed material of interest to researchers. There is an Ancestry.com online subscription made available for free to researchers at the library--and of course, researchers can access Family Search for free. Family research has never been easier or more exciting, because of the many online tools now available. We also hope researchers will continue to dig into research that is not online. There is plenty of knowledge out there, from printed records, individual family documents like Bibles and old photographs, church and club records, and interviews with elders.
Huffer/Rohrer Cemetery: A Hidden Gem
Sign for Huffer Rohrer Cemetery, designed by Danny York.
The Huffer Rohrer Cemetery of Van Zandt County was established in 1852, and has been hidden for the better part of a century. Located on private land, this large graveyard (roughly two acres) is not open to the public, and there have been no burials there in decades. Large trees have grown among the gravestones that once were on a high open field. It is a quiet, shady, beautiful place. (See Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/731438374636044)
On Saturday morning, April 15, the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society joined with Huffer/Rohrer descendants for a rare opportunity to visit the cemetery and to honor Jacob and Samuel Huffer, two early settlers of Van Zandt County who are buried there. Jacob Huffer was a War of 1812 veteran; his son, Samuel, and their families lived in Texas during the Republic. The men's family members are buried all around them, with many graves marked only with fieldstones.
Descendants of the Huffers, and of Silas Rohrer, who married into the family, came April 15 to view the newly-cleaned grave markers of Jacob and Samuel and Samuel's son Jacob Neal Huffer. Special medallions have recently been placed on Jacob Huffer's gravestone, marking his service in the War of 1812, his residence in the Texas Republic, and his status as an Early Settler of Van Zandt County. A special medallion also has been placed on the gravestone of Samuel Huffer to show his residence in the Texas Republic. These medallions were installed with the leadership of the Captain James Burleson Chapter U.S. Daughters of 1812, the James Pinckney Henderson Chapter Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society. The Society also succeeded in securing a Historic Texas Cemetery designation for the Huffer Rohrer Cemetery. At the April 15 ceremony, Genealogical Society President Carrie Woolverton presented an Early Settler of the Free State of Van Zandt County certificate, on behalf of Jacob Huffer, to his descendants Annette Reeves McKee and Jim Adcock. (For more information on whether you qualify for an Early Settler certificate, or a First Families of Van Zandt or 100 Years in Van Zandt, check out the information on our Services page of this website.)
Special thanks are owed to Danny York, whose parents owned the cemetery land for years, for providing access to the property for gravestone cleaning and for the family to visit. Mr. York, a sculptor, also created an impressive metal sign to mark the location of the cemetery.
Thanks to all who attended, and who support keeping alive the memories of our old settlers.
On Saturday morning, April 15, the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society joined with Huffer/Rohrer descendants for a rare opportunity to visit the cemetery and to honor Jacob and Samuel Huffer, two early settlers of Van Zandt County who are buried there. Jacob Huffer was a War of 1812 veteran; his son, Samuel, and their families lived in Texas during the Republic. The men's family members are buried all around them, with many graves marked only with fieldstones.
Descendants of the Huffers, and of Silas Rohrer, who married into the family, came April 15 to view the newly-cleaned grave markers of Jacob and Samuel and Samuel's son Jacob Neal Huffer. Special medallions have recently been placed on Jacob Huffer's gravestone, marking his service in the War of 1812, his residence in the Texas Republic, and his status as an Early Settler of Van Zandt County. A special medallion also has been placed on the gravestone of Samuel Huffer to show his residence in the Texas Republic. These medallions were installed with the leadership of the Captain James Burleson Chapter U.S. Daughters of 1812, the James Pinckney Henderson Chapter Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society. The Society also succeeded in securing a Historic Texas Cemetery designation for the Huffer Rohrer Cemetery. At the April 15 ceremony, Genealogical Society President Carrie Woolverton presented an Early Settler of the Free State of Van Zandt County certificate, on behalf of Jacob Huffer, to his descendants Annette Reeves McKee and Jim Adcock. (For more information on whether you qualify for an Early Settler certificate, or a First Families of Van Zandt or 100 Years in Van Zandt, check out the information on our Services page of this website.)
Special thanks are owed to Danny York, whose parents owned the cemetery land for years, for providing access to the property for gravestone cleaning and for the family to visit. Mr. York, a sculptor, also created an impressive metal sign to mark the location of the cemetery.
Thanks to all who attended, and who support keeping alive the memories of our old settlers.
L-R: Carrie Woolverton, Jim and Annette Reeves McKee, Jim and Traci Adcock, Trey Adcock, Danny York, Suzanne Bass
Van Zandt County's Birthday: Looking forward to 175 more years
L-R: Rep. Bryan Slaton & Sen. Bob Hall speaking. (Gen. Soc. President Woolverton seated.)
Van Zandt County is 175 years old, and the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, with the help of lots of individuals and organizations, threw a party for the occasion. The people of the county, including many elected officials and plenty of other Van Zandt county citizens, turned out to celebrate on March 25 at the Blackwell House Museum and the Sarah Norman Library. Stories and refreshments were in abundance, and perfect spring weather seemed a good omen for the next 175 years.
The crowd was greeted by Stevan Steadham, Mayor of Edgewood, who opened the festivities with positive remarks about the county’s past and future. The invocation was made by Father Marc Dobson of St. Justin’s Episcopal Church, Canton.
State Senator Bob Hall and State Representative Bryan Slaton read a resolution they had written for the celebration, and Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese read a proclamation passed by the Van Zandt County Commissioner’s Court honoring county. Commissioner Chad LaPrade and Sheriff Joe Carter also attended, along with many members of the county’s historical organizations and lineage societies, including Elvis Allen of the Van Zandt County Historical Commission.
Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett provided plenty of entertaining stories about the county’s historic past. She emphasized the contributions of the many veterans from Van Zandt, telling stories of specific individuals from the wars the nation has lived through. Pat Thibodeau, Genealogical Society member as well as a member of many lineage societies, gave a presentation on Elvira Engledow, a very early settler of Van Zandt County, who endured hardships and raised children and grandchildren, including a granddaughter who later owned the Blackwell House.
Attendees got free tours of the Blackwell House, the oldest residence in Canton, which is now a museum. Docents for the museum provided assistance prior to the celebration and were on hand to give tours to the public. Sarah Norman Library staff also were of great assistance in preparing for the event.
Carrie Wilson Woolverton, President of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, hosted the ceremony, thanking all the volunteers and organizations who made the Van Zandt County 175th birthday party a success.
Sponsors of the event were: Captain James Burleson Chapter U.S. Daughters of 1812; James Pinckney Henderson Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas; Jesse Miller Foster Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy; Jose Francisco Calahorra Chapter, Daughters of the American Colonists; Martin’s Hundred Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century; Neches River Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; Salt Palace Museum, Grand Saline; Van Zandt County Genealogical Society; Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History; and the Van Zandt County Historical Commission.
The crowd was greeted by Stevan Steadham, Mayor of Edgewood, who opened the festivities with positive remarks about the county’s past and future. The invocation was made by Father Marc Dobson of St. Justin’s Episcopal Church, Canton.
State Senator Bob Hall and State Representative Bryan Slaton read a resolution they had written for the celebration, and Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese read a proclamation passed by the Van Zandt County Commissioner’s Court honoring county. Commissioner Chad LaPrade and Sheriff Joe Carter also attended, along with many members of the county’s historical organizations and lineage societies, including Elvis Allen of the Van Zandt County Historical Commission.
Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett provided plenty of entertaining stories about the county’s historic past. She emphasized the contributions of the many veterans from Van Zandt, telling stories of specific individuals from the wars the nation has lived through. Pat Thibodeau, Genealogical Society member as well as a member of many lineage societies, gave a presentation on Elvira Engledow, a very early settler of Van Zandt County, who endured hardships and raised children and grandchildren, including a granddaughter who later owned the Blackwell House.
Attendees got free tours of the Blackwell House, the oldest residence in Canton, which is now a museum. Docents for the museum provided assistance prior to the celebration and were on hand to give tours to the public. Sarah Norman Library staff also were of great assistance in preparing for the event.
Carrie Wilson Woolverton, President of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, hosted the ceremony, thanking all the volunteers and organizations who made the Van Zandt County 175th birthday party a success.
Sponsors of the event were: Captain James Burleson Chapter U.S. Daughters of 1812; James Pinckney Henderson Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas; Jesse Miller Foster Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy; Jose Francisco Calahorra Chapter, Daughters of the American Colonists; Martin’s Hundred Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century; Neches River Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; Salt Palace Museum, Grand Saline; Van Zandt County Genealogical Society; Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History; and the Van Zandt County Historical Commission.
March 18 Genealogy Librarian Training: We Love Our Volunteers!
New recruits as well as experienced volunteer librarians came to the Van Zandt Library of Genealogy and Local History on March 18 to learn and to share knowledge of operating this impressive facility, which is open 6 days per week. Even the seasoned librarians learned a lot. We were pleased to see more people interested in helping keep the Library going as it has since the early 1980s.
The genealogy library, although affiliated with the main Sarah Norman Library, is at a separate location, at 250 E. Grove Street in Canton. It is a reference library, open to the public, providing reference books on history and genealogy that people can study, copy, take pictures of. (We have a copier/scanner, or researchers can take pictures of information.) Researchers have the assistance of the all-volunteer staff. There are computer terminals and free access to Ancestry.com and to the internet, for the public to use in their genealogy or historical studies. There is also a wealth of information available on microfilm, such as old local newspapers and old county marriage records, with microfilm-reading machines at the library available.
With so many resources at this library, we are always looking for volunteer librarians. All ages are welcome! We have people of all backgrounds; most didn't have any librarian experience when they began. The main requirements are a desire to help the public, and an interest in history and/or family research
Let us know if you want to become a volunteer genealogy librarian. Email us at vanzandtgensoc@gmail.com. Or come by or call the genealogy library and ask a librarian about volunteering, during business hours (Monday, Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) at 250 E. Grove St. in Canton, 903-567-5012.
Thank you!
The genealogy library, although affiliated with the main Sarah Norman Library, is at a separate location, at 250 E. Grove Street in Canton. It is a reference library, open to the public, providing reference books on history and genealogy that people can study, copy, take pictures of. (We have a copier/scanner, or researchers can take pictures of information.) Researchers have the assistance of the all-volunteer staff. There are computer terminals and free access to Ancestry.com and to the internet, for the public to use in their genealogy or historical studies. There is also a wealth of information available on microfilm, such as old local newspapers and old county marriage records, with microfilm-reading machines at the library available.
With so many resources at this library, we are always looking for volunteer librarians. All ages are welcome! We have people of all backgrounds; most didn't have any librarian experience when they began. The main requirements are a desire to help the public, and an interest in history and/or family research
Let us know if you want to become a volunteer genealogy librarian. Email us at vanzandtgensoc@gmail.com. Or come by or call the genealogy library and ask a librarian about volunteering, during business hours (Monday, Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) at 250 E. Grove St. in Canton, 903-567-5012.
Thank you!
DNA Testing: How to get started?
Meeting Feb. 25 shows the way.
Carrie Woolverton, Genealogical Society president, streams the Feb 25 lecture on the Society's Facebook page.
The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society held its regular monthly meeting on Feb. 25, 2023. The program was changed at the last minute, due to the speaker, genealogist Emily Richardson, becoming ill the night before. The substitute program, regarding DNA research, was very informative and enjoyed by all.
Genealogical Society President Carrie Woolverton opened the meeting by expressing the Society's hope for a speedy recovery for Ms. Richardson. She also ran through the long list of future activities for the Genealogical Society, including historic grave marking ceremonies, the free April genealogy workshop (open to members and non-members alike), and in particular the upcoming March 25 meeting, which will include a celebration of the 175th anniversary of Van Zandt County. (See our Upcoming Events list, top of this page, for details.)
First Vice President/Program Chair Tammy Garrett introduced the substitute program for the day, DNA: I've Tested, Now What? The videotaped lecture was provided by Beth Taylor of FamilySearch. It gave a step-by-step tutorial on how to get started, once a family researcher gets his/her DNA results from one of the testing companies (Ancestry, 23 and Me, etc.). Ms. Taylor stressed that researchers often just look at the ethnicity percentages in the inital email that arrives from the testing company, and they don't know how to use all the other data that is available through DNA results. She said the main points to keep in mind are: 1. Really look at the names of the people/relatives (the DNA "matches") whose names appear in one's data. Learning how to group them and see patterns of kinship yields plenty of information. 2. Get in touch with the persons who are the most useful matches, and respond to requests when matches contact you. Collaboration is crucial in DNA research. 3. Consider taking more than one DNA test--there are multiple companies, each with different research tools. And there are different forms of DNA testing, such as yDNA (which tracks only the male line but provides critical information). 4. Use DNA results in conjunction with old-fashioned research, both on paper and from computers. Ms. Taylor noted DNA is not particularly useful if used alone; a researcher must have some grasp of his/her family lines. (Special techniques are available, however, for adopted persons who are using DNA to find biological kin; DNA can yield good results.) 5. Have a research goal, and follow it, when using DNA. While this advice is handy for all research, Ms. Taylor stressed it is very important when a person is using the tremendous amount of data available through DNA testing. Focus is key.
Genealogical Society President Carrie Woolverton opened the meeting by expressing the Society's hope for a speedy recovery for Ms. Richardson. She also ran through the long list of future activities for the Genealogical Society, including historic grave marking ceremonies, the free April genealogy workshop (open to members and non-members alike), and in particular the upcoming March 25 meeting, which will include a celebration of the 175th anniversary of Van Zandt County. (See our Upcoming Events list, top of this page, for details.)
First Vice President/Program Chair Tammy Garrett introduced the substitute program for the day, DNA: I've Tested, Now What? The videotaped lecture was provided by Beth Taylor of FamilySearch. It gave a step-by-step tutorial on how to get started, once a family researcher gets his/her DNA results from one of the testing companies (Ancestry, 23 and Me, etc.). Ms. Taylor stressed that researchers often just look at the ethnicity percentages in the inital email that arrives from the testing company, and they don't know how to use all the other data that is available through DNA results. She said the main points to keep in mind are: 1. Really look at the names of the people/relatives (the DNA "matches") whose names appear in one's data. Learning how to group them and see patterns of kinship yields plenty of information. 2. Get in touch with the persons who are the most useful matches, and respond to requests when matches contact you. Collaboration is crucial in DNA research. 3. Consider taking more than one DNA test--there are multiple companies, each with different research tools. And there are different forms of DNA testing, such as yDNA (which tracks only the male line but provides critical information). 4. Use DNA results in conjunction with old-fashioned research, both on paper and from computers. Ms. Taylor noted DNA is not particularly useful if used alone; a researcher must have some grasp of his/her family lines. (Special techniques are available, however, for adopted persons who are using DNA to find biological kin; DNA can yield good results.) 5. Have a research goal, and follow it, when using DNA. While this advice is handy for all research, Ms. Taylor stressed it is very important when a person is using the tremendous amount of data available through DNA testing. Focus is key.
Special tribute for George Washington’s Birthday:
Feb. 11 DAR George Washington Tea and High School Good Citizen Awards for Van Zandt County
Good Citizen awardees: L-R: Betty Wilson of DAR, Madison Dixon, Luke Griffith, Macy Meroney, Beck Robinson, DAR Regent Sherrie Archer.
The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society is please to report on the recent Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) George Washington Tea, held every year in honor of the President’s Day/George Washington’s Birthday holiday. President’s Day this year is celebrated on February 20, between Lincoln’s Birthday (Feb. 12) and Washington’s (Feb. 22.) Although this was not a Genealogical Society event, it celebrates a crucial time in the nation’s history. The George Washington Tea is also the event at which the Good Citizen Awards are presented by the local DAR to a student from each of the Van Zandt County high schools.
The Good Citizen Award is recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. Awardees this year in Van Zandt County were: Beck Robinson of Canton High School, Tristan Smith of Edgewood High, Macy Meroney of Fruitvale High, Luke Griffith of Grand Saline High, Libby Rogers of Martin’s Mill High, Savannah Frey of Van High, and Madison Dixon of Wills Point High.
Parents/relatives, friends and educators joined the students at the celebration, at which the students told of their interests and their plans for the future. Giving out the awards was DAR Good Citizen Chairman Betty Wilson, who spoke of the impressive achievements of the awardees and extended sincere thanks to their families, teachers and school counselors for assisting in the students’ success. Chapter Regent Sherrie Archer noted that several awardees were unable to attend the award ceremony, due to the full schedule of events on Feb. 11, including the University Interscholastic League (UIL) competition. She thanked the students and friends/family who were in attendance.
The program for the event was given by DAR member Pat Thibodeau, who made a very interesting presentation on Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, the wife of George Washington. As the first First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Washington helped set standards and customs that are followed to this day, according to Ms. Thibodeau. She described Mrs. Washington as a humble, hardworking, private person who nevertheless rose to the occasion repeatedly in her life, especially during her husband’s many years leading the Continental Army—she followed him and lived at the various encampments—and during the eight years of Washington’s presidency. George Washington was rightly called the father of his country, but Mrs. Washington was the mother of the country, said Ms. Thibodeau.
Food and drinks were served at the tea, which was attended by members of the Genealogical Society as well as the DAR.
The Good Citizen Award is recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. Awardees this year in Van Zandt County were: Beck Robinson of Canton High School, Tristan Smith of Edgewood High, Macy Meroney of Fruitvale High, Luke Griffith of Grand Saline High, Libby Rogers of Martin’s Mill High, Savannah Frey of Van High, and Madison Dixon of Wills Point High.
Parents/relatives, friends and educators joined the students at the celebration, at which the students told of their interests and their plans for the future. Giving out the awards was DAR Good Citizen Chairman Betty Wilson, who spoke of the impressive achievements of the awardees and extended sincere thanks to their families, teachers and school counselors for assisting in the students’ success. Chapter Regent Sherrie Archer noted that several awardees were unable to attend the award ceremony, due to the full schedule of events on Feb. 11, including the University Interscholastic League (UIL) competition. She thanked the students and friends/family who were in attendance.
The program for the event was given by DAR member Pat Thibodeau, who made a very interesting presentation on Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, the wife of George Washington. As the first First Lady of the United States, Mrs. Washington helped set standards and customs that are followed to this day, according to Ms. Thibodeau. She described Mrs. Washington as a humble, hardworking, private person who nevertheless rose to the occasion repeatedly in her life, especially during her husband’s many years leading the Continental Army—she followed him and lived at the various encampments—and during the eight years of Washington’s presidency. George Washington was rightly called the father of his country, but Mrs. Washington was the mother of the country, said Ms. Thibodeau.
Food and drinks were served at the tea, which was attended by members of the Genealogical Society as well as the DAR.
Attention all who have old Van Zandt County roots: Are you eligible for a 100 Year or First Families Certificate? See below.
Dedication of Two Historic Buildings at Heritage Park in Edgewood: Fun and History
Two beautifully-restored Van Zandt County buildings were dedicated on November 6, 2021, at the Heritage Park of East Texas, at their permanent location in Edgewood. The 1850 Courthouse, the first courthouse that stood in the county seat of Canton, had been demolished years ago and was rebuilt by the Heritage Park. The 1890s Poor Farm Calaboose (jail), was saved from destruction and was restored to its original state. Both buildings were showcased at a ceremony that featured a special session of the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court. The Commissioners arrived by mule wagon and read a Proclamation dedicating the new buildings.
The ceremony was followed by a lunch of old-fashioned stew, cooked over an open fire on the grounds of the park. Many attendees--including the County Judge and Commissioners--wore historic attire. The park, which features many beautifully-restored buildings, was open for all attendees to tour. It was a fun and educational event.
The ceremony was followed by a lunch of old-fashioned stew, cooked over an open fire on the grounds of the park. Many attendees--including the County Judge and Commissioners--wore historic attire. The park, which features many beautifully-restored buildings, was open for all attendees to tour. It was a fun and educational event.
Above: Van Zandt County Genealogical Society Members attending the dedication stand on the steps of the 1850 Courthouse: L to R: Sherrie Archer, Cindy Cooper, Elvis Allen, Suzie Bass, Carrie Woolverton. Below, left: The Poor Farm Calaboose jail of the 1890s, showing the iron grate window. Below, middle: The Van Zandt County Commissioners Court meets inside the 1850 Courthouse. Below, right: The Commissioners and County Judge arrive by mule wagon.
Library of Genealogy and Local History
County Courthouse Annex, Suite 104 (East End of Building)
P O Box 1388
Canton, Texas 75103
Our Phone Number, Email link and Facebook link are below, along with other useful links.
Library Hours
Monday through Friday: 10 AM to 3 PM Closed Sunday and Holidays
Saturday: 10 AM to12:30 PM
Please call before making a long trip as there are some unforeseen circumstances that call for us being closed from time to time.
Monday through Friday: 10 AM to 3 PM Closed Sunday and Holidays
Saturday: 10 AM to12:30 PM
Please call before making a long trip as there are some unforeseen circumstances that call for us being closed from time to time.
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Van Zandt County Courthouse Annex
Our BuildingWe are inside the second door on the left side of the building, up the steps .
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The Library offers four computers with internet access, Ancestry.com (Ancestry Library), History Geo, newspapers online, microfilm of local county newspapers, marriages licenses, various other county records, and microfilm Census records (if you like researching the old-fashioned way). We offer quite a few books relating to Van Zandt County specifically, and books of other Texas counties as well as other states. We are a great little library for genealogy research.
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Useful Links
Van Zandt County Historical Commission www.vanzandthistoricalcommission.com/
Texas State Genealogical Society www.txsgs.org/
Van Zandt County, Texas History (Facebook): www.facebook.com/VZTXHistory
Texas Historical Commission www.thc.texas.gov/
East Texas Genealogical Society www.etgs.org/
The Portal to Texas History texashistory.unt.edu/
Texas State Library and Archives Commission www.tsl.texas.gov/arc
Texas General Land Office www.glo.texas.gov
Texas State Genealogical Society www.txsgs.org/
Van Zandt County, Texas History (Facebook): www.facebook.com/VZTXHistory
Texas Historical Commission www.thc.texas.gov/
East Texas Genealogical Society www.etgs.org/
The Portal to Texas History texashistory.unt.edu/
Texas State Library and Archives Commission www.tsl.texas.gov/arc
Texas General Land Office www.glo.texas.gov