Charity Rouse, Director of Local History for the Spartanburg County Public Libraries in South Carolina will look at a variety of genealogical records available for both North and South Carolina. While the records are similar, how they were kept and how they are accessed differ between the two states. We will look briefly at early county names/geography, early land records, vital records, bastardy bonds, and some Revolutionary War resources. Charity will be presenting via Zoom.

 

Culminating 15 years of research about the Battle of Sharpsburg, author Steven Cowie brings his book alive in this presentation. Not only does he explore the savage battle experience of the soldiers, he meticulously follows the fortunes of individual families—ordinary folk thrust into harrowing circumstances—and their struggle to recover from their unexpected and often devastating losses. Steve will be presenting via Zoom.

 

Often overlooked, land records are a rich source of genealogical and biographical information. Patti Hobbs will show examples and explain how to access the records. Patti will be presenting in person.

 

In this session, OGS member Michelle Dickens, Certified Genealogist®, will unravel the often-mysterious metes and bounds land surveying system, a foundational method used to describe land parcels in colonial and early American records. Unlike the later rectangular survey system, metes and bounds relied on physical landmarks, compass bearings, and distances—often creating irregular, winding property shapes. Understanding this system is essential for genealogists tracing land ownership, inheritance patterns, and familial connections. A discussion of land-platting tools and software will be included along with strategies for locating the plats within a given area. Michelle will present in person. Michelle will be presenting in person.

 

Please note: We will be meeting at the Ozarks Genealogical Society Library located at 534 W Catalpa St, Springfield, MO (near Parkview High School).