Nebraska Family Maps

Some of the best book of maps, known as Family Maps, are published by Arphax Publishing of Norman, Oklahoma. The books are available for many states, including Nebraska. The counties available for Nebraska are Arthur, Blaine, Garden, Garfield, Grant, Hooker, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Scotts Bluff, Sioux and Thomas. The books are authored by Gregory A. Boyd.

The maps show the original settlers (first owners) who purchased the land. You will be able to see the exact location of the land, neighbors as well are cemeteries, rivers and streams.

Each book is available as hardbound, spiral-bound and most recently as paperback. There are links on the Arphax Publishing web page to a listing of surnames for each volume. From the web page you can also check out examples in PDF format.

The books are well worth the price, particularly if your ancestor was an original settler in the location.

Blogging about Nebraska

If you enjoy reading blogs, you will want to read the Nebraska State Historical Society's blog, Nebraska History Blog. There are some very interesting links and You Tube connections on the blog.

Some of the July posts on the blog include Lincoln's Fatal Flood, July 6, 1908; Lazy Days of Summer; In Search of Lost Graves; From I-Scream to Eskimo Pie and "Judge Lynch" in Nebraska.

Did you know that the Eskimo Pie was invented by a man from Nebraska? Christian K. Nelson was a graduate of the University of Nebraska and former Thedford, Nebraska schoolteacher. In 1921 he developed that yummy vanilla ice cream and chocolate dessert. It was originally called the I-Scream Bar and a year later renamed Eskimo Pie. Next time you eat an Eskimo Pie, think of Nebraska!

Have fun following this excellent blog about Nebraska.

Cradle Days in York County

In November of 1937 a book was published containing historical sketches of York Co., Nebraska. It was published by The York Republican newspaper and reprinted in 1976 by the York County Historical Association. The book has long been out of print.

My father, who lived in York County, often referred to the book and I am sure read and reread it many times. It is now on my bookshelf. However, if you are less fortunate to have the book in your possession, you will be able to read it online at York County, Nebraska ... a chronicle of its people and communities.

It is full of stories about early settlers and pioneers. Some of the chapter titles include "Stalwart Pioneers from Wisconsin", "Grasshoppers, Frogs and Cyclones", and "Early Days on Lincoln Creek."

The book is a good read!

Researching in Washington Co., Nebraska

The first settlements in the Nebraska Territory were along the Missouri River, the east border of what would, in 1867, become the state of Nebraska. Therefore, if you have ancestors who were in Nebraska early, begin looking at that area along the Missouri River.

Washington County, which is along the Missouri River, was an original county formed in 1854. It was one of the eight original counties proclaimed by acting Governor Thomas B. Cuming. Over time there were three different county seats ... Fort Calhoun, DeSoto and finally Blair which is the current county seat.

To study more about the history of Washington County, I suggest checking out the Washington County Historical Association's web page. You will find links and a good deal of information. Perhaps a trip to their museum should be put on your schedule.

There are some useful web pages on Internet that pertain to genealogical research in Washington County. Be sure to check out the Genealogy Trails History Group for Washington County. You will find online data, such as marriages for 1856-1898 and the 1927 school souvenir book.

The Washington County Genealogical Society's web page has useful maps and information on townships plus cemeteries. They also have suggestions for furthering your research and joining their society.

Be sure to visit the web page of the Blair Public Library. If you are visiting the area, they have local and family histories, cemetery records, death and marriage information, plus the Blair newspaper on microfilm.

At home on your computer, you can search the Blair City Cemetery Burials. You can also search the entire county for burials. The Washington County Genealogical Society link has an excellent map and listing of the cemeteries.

There is much more, so start snooping through Washington County and see what you can find. Have fun!