Where to Order Genealogical Books

Genealogical books are published in small editions and are not readily available in bookstores. Order directly from the publishers or specialty dealers.

Here are reviews of some recent publications:

Black Courage, 1775-1783 by Robert Ewell Green (National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, 1776 D Street, Washington, D.C. 20006-5392. $8 postpaid).

These previously unpublished accounts of black participation in the American Revolution add an exciting chapter to American history and black genealogy. This superbly documented book is more than just a list of servicemen, though it contains names of many who served in the army, navy and as musicians. About 5,000 blacks enlisted, as substitutes, and fought for freedom and security while they were still slaves.

“Black Courage” provides previously buried genealogical information, gleaned from pension applications, as well as civilian profiles, a breakdown of where they lived, their property assets, occupations, combat wounds and much more for family historians seeking knowledge about their black ancestor’s role in this part of America’s history.

An important portion of the book is devoted to biographical sketches of about 25 men. One tells of Artillo Freeman, who enlisted at Roxbury, Mass., and served as a private in the Massachusetts Line. Freeman had an 88-year-old wife, a 30-year-old crippled daughter named Hester, and four grandchildren when he applied for his pension at age 97. He died in 1837.

Black Courage is a capital account of a long-neglected--historically and genealogically--group of Americans.

Lewises, Meriwethers and Their Kin by Sarah Travers Lewis (Scott) Anderson (Genealogical Publishing Co. Dept. CA, 1001 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md. 21202. $36 postpaid).

The Lewis and Meriwether progeny probably have produced more eminent statesmen, soldiers and frontiersmen than any other American family. This book focuses on six Lewis families who were in America before 1740: Warner Hall Lewises (of Hanover, Henrico, Donegal and Shenandoah); and Zachary Lewis.

The history of these Lewises also is a history of Virginia. Genealogical material pertaining to more than two dozen related families is included in this book, which was originally published in 1938.

Marriage Bonds of Tryon and Lincoln Counties, North Carolina, abstracted and indexed by Curtis Bynum. Southern Historical Press, Dept. LAT, Box 738, Easley, S.C. 29641-0738.

The time period of these 6,000 marriage bonds is from 1769 to 1869. This reprint of a 1929 book is arranged in alphabetical order by bridegrooms’ surnames with an index of the brides.

Tryon County’s western boundary in 1777 was what is now the line between North Carolina and Tennessee. Lincoln County was formed in 1779 from Tryon County.

Marriage licenses were issued by the county court clerk where the bride resided. The prospective bridegroom had to make a bond with sufficient security to guarantee that there was no lawful cause to obstruct the marriage. Some couples were married by having the banns properly published in the Church of England (or by any minister after 1778)--otherwise a license bond was required. Of special interest is the inclusion of the surety’s names--often relatives of the couples.

History of Saco and Biddeford (Maine) by George Folsom. Heritage Books Inc., Suite 300, 3602 Maureen, Bowie, Md. 20715. $26.50 postpaid.

Anyone who has ancestors from Maine knows how difficult it can be to become acquainted with the lay of the land. This facsimile edition of a book, written in 1830, provides valuable help.

Saco and Biddeford were the first areas of Maine to be permanently settled. Folsom includes history on the evolvement of Maine from its beginnings through the Revolutionary War until the 19th Century. This edition is easy to read and an index by Karen T. Ackerman has been included.

About half of the book contains genealogical and biographical material on early settlers and later residents. The oldest book of town records for this area is 1653, when it was still under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Address genealogical research questions to Myra Vanderpool Gormley, Box 64316, Tacoma, Wash. 98464, and please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. For a beginner’s genealogy kit (includes charts) showing how to get started researching your family tree, send $3 and allow about two weeks for delivery.