Van Zandt County Genealogical
Library of Genealogy and Local History
County Courthouse Annex, Suite 104 (East End of Building)
250 East Groves Street
P O Box 1388
Canton, TX 75103
903-567-5012
[email protected]
Welcome to the website of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society and the Van Zandt County Library of Genealogy and Local History! 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.
Library Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Holidays
*Please call before travelling a long distance as sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances which call for the library to be closed from time to time.
Looking for the "regular" (non-genealogy) Van Zandt County library? The Van Zandt County Sarah Norman Library is at a separate location, at 317 First Monday Lane, Canton. A wonderful resource! Books, activities, fun for all ages! Visit the main library in person or at vanzandtlibrary.org.
Upcoming Events:
Van Zandt County Genealogical Society
For upcoming events, and for other interesting information, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VanZandtCountyGenealogy. Most of our monthly meetings are free, they are all open to the public, and refreshments are served.
Thanks for the mtDNA, Mom!
mtDNA migration patterns since prehistory
The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society met Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the main county library. In addition to the usual business, the meeting featured a pre-recorded presentation by genealogist Mic Barnette entitled “Extend Your Direct Maternal Lineage: Take an mtDNA Test.” The lecture was a review of what information can be learned from mitochondrial DNA.
While both men and women have mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), nearly all of men’s mtDNA is destroyed upon conception. So only the mother passes this DNA to the offspring. Most people who get a DNA test for genealogy purposes get their “regular” or autosomal DNA tested, and in many ways autosomal DNA is more useful for finding relatives and tracing ancestors up through the past several hundred years.
But mtDNA has a bit of a “Wow factor.” Basically, mtDNA changes very, very little over the hundreds and thousands of years. But it does change enough, with slight mutations, such that it enables us to trace our lineage back to the original “Mitochondrial Eve” of about 160,000 years ago. MtDNA lets you trace your particular maternal line back through your family’s history through humanity’s progress from its first location in Africa, and perhaps through Europe or Asia and the Americas, for thousands of years. It’s sort of the “cool DNA.”
In addition to its use in tracing ancient migratory patterns, mtDNA can be used by genealogists to answer specific questions about their lineage back, for example, 4 or 5 generations ago. To do this, a genealogist needs a bit of existing background on the family. But mtDNA can give clues that often other sources cannot. And as every genealogist knows, knowledge is not wasted! Getting all the clues that are available is often the key to successful family research.
Mic Barnette is a popular speaker and has been a genealogist and genealogy writer and instructor for decades. His column on genealogy was a feature in the Houston-Chronicle from 1994 to 2004. He has been actively engaged in genealogy since the age of 12. He has been a library associate in the Genealogy Department of the Dallas Public Library since 2006. See his website at: yourfamilytree.micbarnette.com for more information.
While both men and women have mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), nearly all of men’s mtDNA is destroyed upon conception. So only the mother passes this DNA to the offspring. Most people who get a DNA test for genealogy purposes get their “regular” or autosomal DNA tested, and in many ways autosomal DNA is more useful for finding relatives and tracing ancestors up through the past several hundred years.
But mtDNA has a bit of a “Wow factor.” Basically, mtDNA changes very, very little over the hundreds and thousands of years. But it does change enough, with slight mutations, such that it enables us to trace our lineage back to the original “Mitochondrial Eve” of about 160,000 years ago. MtDNA lets you trace your particular maternal line back through your family’s history through humanity’s progress from its first location in Africa, and perhaps through Europe or Asia and the Americas, for thousands of years. It’s sort of the “cool DNA.”
In addition to its use in tracing ancient migratory patterns, mtDNA can be used by genealogists to answer specific questions about their lineage back, for example, 4 or 5 generations ago. To do this, a genealogist needs a bit of existing background on the family. But mtDNA can give clues that often other sources cannot. And as every genealogist knows, knowledge is not wasted! Getting all the clues that are available is often the key to successful family research.
Mic Barnette is a popular speaker and has been a genealogist and genealogy writer and instructor for decades. His column on genealogy was a feature in the Houston-Chronicle from 1994 to 2004. He has been actively engaged in genealogy since the age of 12. He has been a library associate in the Genealogy Department of the Dallas Public Library since 2006. See his website at: yourfamilytree.micbarnette.com for more information.
Don't go nuts! Get organized!
Lee Dickson taught the workshop on March 22.
Learning and laughs were on the program at the Spring Genealogy Workshop of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society, held March 22, 2025 at the main county library in Canton. Lee Dickson, genealogist and author of three family research books, gave the workshop presentation, “Genealogy in a Nutshell.” The program focused on the basics of family research, interspersed with many examples and fun facts as well as audience participation.
Mr. Dickson began by saying that genealogy is different from other research because the researcher is putting himself (or his client) into the historical record. Genealogy links us with the past, he said, so you want that record to be as well-documented, as organized, and as easy to follow as possible. Later generations may be looking over one’s shoulder eventually. In addition, he noted, paying attention to the basics makes the job easier. For example: Keeping notes on each place one has looked for family records takes a bit of time, but it takes much more time (and frustration) to look up the same source twice or three times. “It’s good to check a record and not find anything—you know where not to look next time!” he said.
Consistency is also key, said Mr. Dickson, stressing that a genealogist needs to figure out what sort of data method she is going to use—paper files? computer database?—and stick with it. Being consistent in how one records specifics is important too. Abbreviations of dates, making sure to always use women’s maiden names in addition to married names, being clear about location names (town, county, state), are all basics that a researcher should be consistent in handling.
Among the many fundamental rules Mr. Dickson stressed were l. Everyone should get a genealogy DNA test, from one or many of the DNA companies that provide this service. 2. Researchers should document every fact. While much of the information available on the internet, or through services like Family Search or Ancestry, is accurate, some of it is not. All facts have to be proved. 3. Stay informed. Keep up with family research trends, by going to genealogy society meetings, taking classes (online and in person), and talking with other researchers. The genealogy community is a good source of information and encouragement.
The workshop was supplemented with helpful handouts, including one that tipped off researchers to the meaning of archaic diseases that might turn up on death certificates, such as “dyspepsia” meaning heartburn or heart attack symptoms, “cramp colic” meaning appendicitis, and “consumption” meaning tuberculosis. Another handout listed interesting professions that appear on census records, like “costermonger” meaning a fruit/vegetable seller, “puddler” meaning wrought iron worker, and “wainwright” meaning wagon maker. Mr. Dickson, a librarian at the Van Zandt Genealogy library and a board member of the Genealogical Society, showed that family research is both entertaining and rewarding.
Mr. Dickson began by saying that genealogy is different from other research because the researcher is putting himself (or his client) into the historical record. Genealogy links us with the past, he said, so you want that record to be as well-documented, as organized, and as easy to follow as possible. Later generations may be looking over one’s shoulder eventually. In addition, he noted, paying attention to the basics makes the job easier. For example: Keeping notes on each place one has looked for family records takes a bit of time, but it takes much more time (and frustration) to look up the same source twice or three times. “It’s good to check a record and not find anything—you know where not to look next time!” he said.
Consistency is also key, said Mr. Dickson, stressing that a genealogist needs to figure out what sort of data method she is going to use—paper files? computer database?—and stick with it. Being consistent in how one records specifics is important too. Abbreviations of dates, making sure to always use women’s maiden names in addition to married names, being clear about location names (town, county, state), are all basics that a researcher should be consistent in handling.
Among the many fundamental rules Mr. Dickson stressed were l. Everyone should get a genealogy DNA test, from one or many of the DNA companies that provide this service. 2. Researchers should document every fact. While much of the information available on the internet, or through services like Family Search or Ancestry, is accurate, some of it is not. All facts have to be proved. 3. Stay informed. Keep up with family research trends, by going to genealogy society meetings, taking classes (online and in person), and talking with other researchers. The genealogy community is a good source of information and encouragement.
The workshop was supplemented with helpful handouts, including one that tipped off researchers to the meaning of archaic diseases that might turn up on death certificates, such as “dyspepsia” meaning heartburn or heart attack symptoms, “cramp colic” meaning appendicitis, and “consumption” meaning tuberculosis. Another handout listed interesting professions that appear on census records, like “costermonger” meaning a fruit/vegetable seller, “puddler” meaning wrought iron worker, and “wainwright” meaning wagon maker. Mr. Dickson, a librarian at the Van Zandt Genealogy library and a board member of the Genealogical Society, showed that family research is both entertaining and rewarding.
Irish and Scottish Research Made Easy
Carrie Woolverton speaks at Feb 22 meeting.
The Van Zandt County Genealogy Society met on Saturday, February 22, at 2:00 p.m. at the Van Zandt County Sarah Norman Library in Canton, Texas. Carrie Woolverton, Genealogical Society President, reminded attendees that there will be a beginner workshop at the Society’s next meeting, on March 22, with Lee Dickson, VZCGS librarian and Board member, as instructor. She also announced that the April 26 meeting will feature a webinar with speaker Mick Barnett, on the topic of “Mitochondrial DNA and Genealogy Research.” She said the May 24 meeting will be a webinar with speaker Thomas Macentee regarding “Creating an Ancestor Sketch.”
The program for Saturday’s meeting was “Irish and Scottish Research,” presented by President Woolverton. She said that many millions of Americans have ancestors who were from Ireland and Scotland, because of the huge influx of immigrants to the Americas from those countries, particularly in the 19th century. She briefly described, with maps, the history and boundaries of Scotland and Ireland, noting that now the island of Ireland is divided in 2 sections, with the country of Ireland in the south and Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, in the north. Scotland lies just across the North Channel from Northern Ireland. Ms. Woolverton also gave a quick tutorial on the eccentricities of Irish and Scottish surnames—lots of Mac’s, O’s, Gil’s and Mul’s at the beginning of names.
Ms. Woolverton took the audience on a tour of Ireland (including Northern Ireland) and Scotland, telling them how to start one’s research and what online resources are available. As with all research, she stressed, a genealogist working with foreign sources needs to branch out as much as possible. So, she said, don’t just look for a Scottish or Irish census; look in church records, probate records, etc. This sort of long-distance research is made easier, she said, by the fact that many of the Scottish and Irish resources, such as the online portals to the national archives and national libraries, are user-friendly. Ms. Woolverton also encouraged everyone to get their DNA tested to see how much of their ancestry is from Scotland and Ireland—and from other places. Approaching research with as many tools as possible, she said, is the key to success.
The program for Saturday’s meeting was “Irish and Scottish Research,” presented by President Woolverton. She said that many millions of Americans have ancestors who were from Ireland and Scotland, because of the huge influx of immigrants to the Americas from those countries, particularly in the 19th century. She briefly described, with maps, the history and boundaries of Scotland and Ireland, noting that now the island of Ireland is divided in 2 sections, with the country of Ireland in the south and Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, in the north. Scotland lies just across the North Channel from Northern Ireland. Ms. Woolverton also gave a quick tutorial on the eccentricities of Irish and Scottish surnames—lots of Mac’s, O’s, Gil’s and Mul’s at the beginning of names.
Ms. Woolverton took the audience on a tour of Ireland (including Northern Ireland) and Scotland, telling them how to start one’s research and what online resources are available. As with all research, she stressed, a genealogist working with foreign sources needs to branch out as much as possible. So, she said, don’t just look for a Scottish or Irish census; look in church records, probate records, etc. This sort of long-distance research is made easier, she said, by the fact that many of the Scottish and Irish resources, such as the online portals to the national archives and national libraries, are user-friendly. Ms. Woolverton also encouraged everyone to get their DNA tested to see how much of their ancestry is from Scotland and Ireland—and from other places. Approaching research with as many tools as possible, she said, is the key to success.
Remembering Larry
Friends, family and colleagues gathered to pay tribute to the late Lawrence O. Greer at the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society’s November 23 meeting at the main library in Canton. (A memorial service for Mr. Greer had been held the previous day at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton.)
Lawrence Greer, who died on August 18, 2024, had a lifelong interest in history and became active in the Genealogical Society and the Van Zandt County Historical Commission, among other organizations, after retiring. The Genealogical Society dedicated its November meeting to Mr. Greer and invited the public to come share their memories. There was an enthusiastic response. The meeting was well-attended by people eager to tell many inspiring and amusing stories about Mr. Greer’s life.
Genealogical Society President Carrie Woolverton led the tribute by presenting a Genealogical Society plaque honoring Lawrence Greer to his daughter, Donna Greer. The plaque noted Mr. Greer’s long service to the community, his commitment to history and scholarship, and his status as a friend and mentor to countless people. Donna told of how her father’s interest in history and genealogy influenced all the family’s vacations. She noted that her father’s obsession with visiting cemeteries and museums wherever they traveled was something she and her two brothers got used to, with the amused support of her mother, Mickie, Lawrence’s wife of 52 years.
Sherrie Archer read Lawrence’s obituary and explained how the members of the Genealogical Society and Historical Commission were the only ones who had called him Larry. She reminded the Genealogical Society members that Mable Cook, former President of the Genealogical Society (and a force to be reckoned with) began to call Lawrence "Larry" and, well, you kind of followed her lead. Jan Crow spoke of how Larry would often bring into the library binders of research information that he had no use for and would say: “If you can use this, great. Otherwise, throw it out!” Many members of the Genealogy Society remembered Larry doing this: He had stacks of materials he’d used on various articles and books he was writing.
Family members talked about Mr. Greer’s love of Van Zandt County, where his roots ran deep. Larry spent his early childhood years in the Wentworth Community, before his parents moved him and his siblings to Dallas. He later returned and settled on family land. Larry’s daughter-in-law, Katy Greer, reminisced about how he was always driving into Canton for some errand or other, and how she could see why he loved the area.
Ms. Woolverton remarked that Lawrence seemed to know in detail every cemetery in the county: she told of how she had gone to a cemetery with Larry and Benja Mize (Larry’s old friend and a fellow genealogist and researcher), and although Larry professed not to know anything about that particular graveyard, he identified many of the persons buried there. (There really were very few cemeteries he didn’t know.)
James Fuller spoke of Lawrence’s assistance with his research on the Canton Masonic lodge’s history. Ed Bailey praised Mr. Greer’s extensive knowledge of history and genealogy, and noted Lawrence’s generosity in donating books to the Grand Saline Old School Museum. Many people at the meeting spoke of the beautiful walking sticks that Mr. Greer carved and gave away; these sticks are now treasured mementoes. Donna Greer mentioned that her father was an auctioneer—not something many of the crowd were aware of. He was a person of many talents, in addition to the work he actually made a living at—finance and banking.
Janice Haddaway, Lawrence’s sister-in-law, kept the crowd in stitches with stories of traveling with her husband and Lawrence and Mickie, including a month-long trip to Alaska. She shared Mr. Greer’s recipe for the ultimate cocktail: Jim Beam bourbon mixed with a McDonald’s milkshake! Suzie Bass talked of Mr. Greer’s influential presence on the Historical Commission and at the Van Zandt County Genealogy Library, his helpfulness to other researchers, and the many articles and books he wrote—in particular, the book Stories Beneath the Stones, which he wrote with Benja Mize. Ms. Bass noted the long friendship and collaboration between Mr. Greer and Elvis Allen, the President of the Van Zandt County Historical Commission, and how the two of them knew pretty much everything about county history. Many other touching stories were shared by the numerous attendees—before, during and after the meeting, including Robin Touchstone, Kris Gutz, Betty Mull, Pat Wolford, Tracey Neufang, and Ali Genauer.
The meeting ended with a quick show-and-tell session. Jan Crow spoke about her Tabler family, and showed a striking photo of one ancestor standing on his horse’s back—while the horse was sitting down! Imogene Kirkpatrick showed a jar with different layers of soil—representing different home locations. She also read a fascinating collection of postcards recording family members of different ages keeping in touch 100 years ago. It was a fitting finish to a meeting dedicated to a man like Lawrence Greer, whose love of history and family was equal to his love of fun.
Lawrence Greer, who died on August 18, 2024, had a lifelong interest in history and became active in the Genealogical Society and the Van Zandt County Historical Commission, among other organizations, after retiring. The Genealogical Society dedicated its November meeting to Mr. Greer and invited the public to come share their memories. There was an enthusiastic response. The meeting was well-attended by people eager to tell many inspiring and amusing stories about Mr. Greer’s life.
Genealogical Society President Carrie Woolverton led the tribute by presenting a Genealogical Society plaque honoring Lawrence Greer to his daughter, Donna Greer. The plaque noted Mr. Greer’s long service to the community, his commitment to history and scholarship, and his status as a friend and mentor to countless people. Donna told of how her father’s interest in history and genealogy influenced all the family’s vacations. She noted that her father’s obsession with visiting cemeteries and museums wherever they traveled was something she and her two brothers got used to, with the amused support of her mother, Mickie, Lawrence’s wife of 52 years.
Sherrie Archer read Lawrence’s obituary and explained how the members of the Genealogical Society and Historical Commission were the only ones who had called him Larry. She reminded the Genealogical Society members that Mable Cook, former President of the Genealogical Society (and a force to be reckoned with) began to call Lawrence "Larry" and, well, you kind of followed her lead. Jan Crow spoke of how Larry would often bring into the library binders of research information that he had no use for and would say: “If you can use this, great. Otherwise, throw it out!” Many members of the Genealogy Society remembered Larry doing this: He had stacks of materials he’d used on various articles and books he was writing.
Family members talked about Mr. Greer’s love of Van Zandt County, where his roots ran deep. Larry spent his early childhood years in the Wentworth Community, before his parents moved him and his siblings to Dallas. He later returned and settled on family land. Larry’s daughter-in-law, Katy Greer, reminisced about how he was always driving into Canton for some errand or other, and how she could see why he loved the area.
Ms. Woolverton remarked that Lawrence seemed to know in detail every cemetery in the county: she told of how she had gone to a cemetery with Larry and Benja Mize (Larry’s old friend and a fellow genealogist and researcher), and although Larry professed not to know anything about that particular graveyard, he identified many of the persons buried there. (There really were very few cemeteries he didn’t know.)
James Fuller spoke of Lawrence’s assistance with his research on the Canton Masonic lodge’s history. Ed Bailey praised Mr. Greer’s extensive knowledge of history and genealogy, and noted Lawrence’s generosity in donating books to the Grand Saline Old School Museum. Many people at the meeting spoke of the beautiful walking sticks that Mr. Greer carved and gave away; these sticks are now treasured mementoes. Donna Greer mentioned that her father was an auctioneer—not something many of the crowd were aware of. He was a person of many talents, in addition to the work he actually made a living at—finance and banking.
Janice Haddaway, Lawrence’s sister-in-law, kept the crowd in stitches with stories of traveling with her husband and Lawrence and Mickie, including a month-long trip to Alaska. She shared Mr. Greer’s recipe for the ultimate cocktail: Jim Beam bourbon mixed with a McDonald’s milkshake! Suzie Bass talked of Mr. Greer’s influential presence on the Historical Commission and at the Van Zandt County Genealogy Library, his helpfulness to other researchers, and the many articles and books he wrote—in particular, the book Stories Beneath the Stones, which he wrote with Benja Mize. Ms. Bass noted the long friendship and collaboration between Mr. Greer and Elvis Allen, the President of the Van Zandt County Historical Commission, and how the two of them knew pretty much everything about county history. Many other touching stories were shared by the numerous attendees—before, during and after the meeting, including Robin Touchstone, Kris Gutz, Betty Mull, Pat Wolford, Tracey Neufang, and Ali Genauer.
The meeting ended with a quick show-and-tell session. Jan Crow spoke about her Tabler family, and showed a striking photo of one ancestor standing on his horse’s back—while the horse was sitting down! Imogene Kirkpatrick showed a jar with different layers of soil—representing different home locations. She also read a fascinating collection of postcards recording family members of different ages keeping in touch 100 years ago. It was a fitting finish to a meeting dedicated to a man like Lawrence Greer, whose love of history and family was equal to his love of fun.
|
Van Zandt County Courthouse Annex
Our BuildingWe are inside the second door on the left side of the building, up the steps .
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Useful Genealogy & History 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