Uncategorized - Family Tree Resources

This section lists the societies of Michigan, giving details about each one and what resources and publications they offer. Statewide and Regional Societies Michigan Genealogical CouncilNortheastWestern County Societies Berrien GenealogicalBerrien HistoricalBranchCharlevoixCheboyganChippewaDearbornDeltaDetroitDownriverEatonFlintGratiotHillsdaleHoughtonIsabella JacksonKalamazoo ValleyLeelanauMacombManisteeMarquetteMecostaMidlandNorthvilleOaklandSt. ClairSanilacShiawasseeVan Buren RegionalWashtenaw Statewide and Regional Societies Michigan Genealogical Council The association is a co-ordinating body for Family History Societies Michigan. They also list Periodicals published by Member associations. In collaboration with FamilySearch, they are also in the process of indexing Port of Detroit Manifests 1906-1954 and Marriages. They have also indexed the Centennial Families which is an index of the 1976 MGC Centennial Family Project. Many publications are available for sale, which incorporate: 1870 Census IndexEarly Military ForcesGuide to Historical Collections held by the Library and State Archives Website:http://mimgc.org Northeast Michigan Genealogical Society Many Genealogy Collections are supported by the association, which include contributing to the Collections in Alpena Library and the Unpublished Manuscript Collection, Ancestral Photographs and the Van Nocker Collection in the Besser Museum Library. A database of Death Records from Alpena Newspapers 1901-1995 is accessible on the site. Numerous publications are also available, which include: Cemetery TranscriptsChurch RecordsDeath Entries and Obituaries from Alpena Newspapers 1871-1994Family Registry 1997Naturalisation Index which are Records for the Judicial Circuit 1878-1978 Website:https://sites.rootsweb.com/~minemgs/NEMGS_home_page.htm Western Michigan Genealogical Society The society was established in 1954. Many resources and databases are accessible on the site, which incorporate: Card File Subject Index to Grand Rapids NewspapersCensus ReturnsIndex to Death Notices and Obituaries published in Grand Rapids Press and Grand Rapids Herald from 1910Kent Co. Marriages and DeathsKent Co. School Census 1903-1925List of Genealogical Periodicals from many Associations In addition, indexes to people mentioned in the Society's quarterly publication Michigana from 1954-2011 and the World War I Veterans Census are accessible. Publications sold by the society incorporate: Cemetery TranscriptsChurch RecordsFederal Land Patents 1837-1878Indexes to Kent Co. 1884 and 1894 State Census ReturnsOther Census Indexes for Counties of the stateState Land Patents Website:http://www.wmgs.org County Societies Berrien County Genealogical Society The association was organised in 1971. Many resources are accessible in Berrien Springs Community Library, 215 W Union Street, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. Many publications are available for sale, which include Cemetery Records, Berrien Roots, Basic Preservation Procedures and Cleaning Masonry Burial Monuments. Website:http://www.bcgensoc.com Berrien County Historical Association The association collects and preserves the history of Berrien County. It was established in 1967 in order to operate the 1839 Courthouse as a historical museum. Their exhibits tell the story of Berrien County from the glacier land formation to the 1950s. Many resources are accessible, which include: Births, Marriages and Deaths pre 1930BooksMapsPhotographsPrimary Sources relating to the region's historyProbate Records pre 1930 Some databases are accessible on their site: Deaths 1867-1929Marriages 1832-1929Medical Dentist's RegistryMedical Physicians Registry 1883-1898Medical Nurses Registry 1910-1946Medical Optometrists Registry 1910-1940Probate Court Files Numerous publications are available for sale, which incorporate: AutotramGreetings From Benton HarborGreetings from Berrien SpringsGreetings from BuchananGreetings from St JosephGreetings From Three OaksHistorical Sketches Of Berrien CountyHistoric Walking Tour Of St. JosephLocomotives Along the LakeshoreMillennial Visions And Earthly PursuitsThe Story Of BuchananTwin City Trolleys Website:http://www.berrienhistory.org Branch County Genealogy Society Many publications are available for sale, which include: 1854 and 1874 State Census ReturnsCemetery RecordsColdwater As It Used To BeColdwater Graduates 1868-1967: The First Hundred YearsCombined 1829-1929 Land Ownership Atlas of Branch CountyEarly Marriages 1876-1887Original Land Purchasers from 1829 onwardsPortrait and Biographical Album of Branch CountyTwentieth Century History and Biographical Record of Branch County Website:https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mibranch/CountyResources/BCGenealogy.htm Charlevoix County Genealogical Society The association has a comprehensive collection of resources, which include: The Boyne Citizen 1887-1961 on MicrofilmThe Boyne Citizen 1923 to the Present on the Original PaperCensus ReturnsLocal History BooksLocal Obituaries from 1982Michigan Civil War Veterans 1890 Some information is accessible on their site, which includes Early Businesses and Towns and Villages in Charlevoix County. Numerous publications are available for sale, which incorporate: 1885 Assessment Roll for the Village of Boyne City1901 Charlevoix Cookbook (Reprinted)1901 Plat Book of Charlevoix Co.Boyne City United Methodist Church 1874-1974Cemetery RecordsGAR Membership Roster - East Jordan, Boyne City, Horton Bay, Charlevoix and Boyne FallsPanorama View of Downtown Boyne City - 1887A Pictorial History of the Boyne Valley AreaResearching Your Family History in Charlevoix CountySettlers to Sidewalks Website: http://micharlevoix.org/ccgs/ Cheboygan County Genealogical Society The association has transcribed the Burial Records from all Cheboygan Co. Cemeteries and this book is available through the site. A list of Civil War Veterans is also accessible, along with a photograph collection. Website:https://sites.rootsweb.com/~miccgs/ Chippewa County Genealogical Society Many indexes are on-line, which incorporate: Births and DeathsCemetery TranscriptsCensus RecordsNaturalisationsObituariesVoters Lists Details of surnames currently being researched by Members is also available on the site along with links to other sites that may be of interest. Website:https://sites.rootsweb.com/~michcgs/ Dearborn Genealogical Society The society serves Dearborn and Dearborn Heights in Wayne County and the surrounding area. It serves genealogists with links to the Dearborn, Springwells, Greenfield, Fordson and the Dearborn Township area. Their aims are to promote and encourage the study of genealogy and family history, to publish historical records and to distribute historical material for the purpose of education. Many indexes are available on the site, which include: Ancestor ChartsDearborn Death Certificates 1935-1953Historic Northview and St. Alphonsus CemeteriesMarriages and Deaths in the Dearborn Press 1918-1928 They also have links to many sites that will be useful if you are researching in Michigan, but specifically Dearborn City and Wayne County. Website:http://dgsmi.org/ Delta County Genealogical Society The association was organised in 1981. Many archives are accessible in the Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington Street, Escanaba, Michigan 49829, which include: Births 1867-1915Cemetery IndexesDeaths 1868-PresentMarriages 1862-1927Newspaper Scrapbook 1950-1953Obituaries 1980-1995School Census 1910-1922 all relating to Delta Co. Birth, Marriage and Death Indexes, Excerpts 1869-1980 and Marquette Mining Journal all relating to Marquette Co. are also available, along with a Canadian Collection and excerpts from Escanaba Press 1909-1910. Numerous databases are on-line, which incorporate: 1889 City Directory - Escanaba and GladstoneBirth Record Index 1867-1915Cemetery IndexesCivil War VeteransDivorce Index 1883-1949Escanaba Morning Press 1909-1919Hospital Patients 1897-1914Immigration Process - Declarations of IntentList of Voters in 1881Marriages 1862-1927Pioneer Certificates Surname ListingProbate Index 1873-1975 Website:http://dcmigs.org Detroit Society for Genealogical Research The association was organised in 1936. Many indexes are available on the site, which include the DSGR Magazine Index and a Cumulative Full-Name Index which merges Volumes 1-25 and 51-75. There is a link to the Wayne Co. Death Records Indexes 1934-1953 which are held at the Burton Historical Collection. Details of Cemeteries include: ElmwoodEloiseGethsemaneGrand LawnHoly CrossMount ElliottMount OlivetRedfordTrinityWestlawnWoodlawnWoodmere Numerous publications are available for sale, which incorporate: Back Issues of their MagazineBurialsCemetery RegistersCensus ReturnsMarriage and Death Newspaper NoticesMarriagesPassage to America 1851-1869: Records of Richard Elliott, Passenger AgentRecords of City Physicians 1860-1869 for Detroit A list of surnames currently being researched by Members is also available. The association is on Facebook and has a Message Board and a Forum. Website:http://www.dsgr.org Downriver Genealogical Society Numerous publications are sold by the organisation, which incorporate: 1930 Census of Wayne Co.1930 Detroit Land Valuation MapsAncestor ChartsCemetery TranscriptsFuneral Home BooksGuide to Detroit Churches 1850-1900Index of Landowners from the 1876 Atlas of Wayne CountyLand Owners Map Book 1904River Rouge DeathsWyandotte Deaths Website:http://downrivergenealogy.org Eaton County Genealogical Society The association was organised in 1988. Many resources are accessible, including: Birth, Death and Marriages IndexesCemetery TranscriptsMortality SchedulesNaturalisationsObituary IndexesPhotographsProbate 1838-late 1870'sState Census ReturnsSurname Card File There is also an on-line catalogue of resources. They are also in the process of compiling an index of Pioneer Families. A Cemetery Database is accessible, containing information about the Cemeteries with an Index of Headstones. Publication sold by the organisation incorporate: Ancestor ChartsCemetery TranscriptsIndexes to the Eaton Co. 1840 and 1850 Federal CensusesNaturalisationsPray Funeral Home in Charlotte 1921-1932Surname DirectoriesWill Book Liber 123 1937-1944Will Book Liber 140 1938-1946Will Book Liber 160 1948-1951 (Will Books are all indexes) Details of surnames currently being researched by Members is also on the site. Website:http://www.miegs.org Flint Genealogical Society Numerous indexes are available on the site, which include Genesee Co. Births 1878-1907, Marriages 1867-1934 and Deaths 1867-1930. Many archives are held at Sloan Museum's 'Perry Archives' Building, which include Census Transcripts, Family Books, Funeral Home Books, Flint/Genesee Counties Annual Directories of Home and Businesses and Obituaries. They also have a list of Cemetery Records and Quarterlies held at Flint Public Library. There is a list of Genesee Co. Cemeteries, with some from Lapeer, Livingston, Oakland, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Tuscola Counties. Numerous publications are available for sale, which incorporate: Cemetery RecordsCivil War GravesitesFederal CensusesFuneral Home RecordsGenesee Co. Births 1889-1907Genesee Co. Cemetery LocationsHoldings of Flint Public Library Back Issues of the Society's Newsletter and The Perry Collection Vols 1-22 are also sold by the society. A list of Surnames mentioned on the Society's Pedigree Charts is also available. Website:https://flintgenealogy.org/ Gratiot County Historical and Genealogical Society The association was established in 1978. Many publications are available for sale, which incorporate: 1860 Federal CensusBirths and Deaths 1867-1870Brides' 1855-1927Cemetery TranscriptsChancery Divorce Indexes of Gratiot 1899-1962Gratiot Co. Civil War VeteransHeadstonesMarriages 1855-1870NaturalisationsProbate Records In addition, they sell Books regarding the History of the area, which include: Biographical MemoirsThe First Gratiot Co. History(Reprint)Index to Chapman's BiographicalRural School LocationsSaratoga of the West Website:http://www.mfhn.com/gratiot/gchgs Hillsdale County Genealogical Society The Society is a member of the Michigan Genealogical Council (MGC). Many publications are available for sale, which incorporate: Atlas Index 1857Birth Index 1866-1902Census Indexes (1860, 1870, 1880, 1894)Death Indexes 1867-2002Litchfield Gazette IndexMarriage Indexes 1835-2000Marriage Supplement 2001-2005Plat Map 1894Plat Map 1909Reading Hustler IndexSchools Graduates Index 1800-2002 Website:http://www.migenweb.org/hillsdale/help/hcgs.html Houghton-Keweenaw County Genealogical Society Many databases and information are available, which incorporate: Cemetery PhotographsHecla Cemetery TranscriptionsHoughton-Keweenaw County SurnamesInjuries at Champion MineNissila and Makela Funeral Home RecordsThe Osceola Mine Fire of 1895 List of CasualtiesSettlers Ball Book IndexWidows Pensions Other databases accessible to Members Only include: 1906 Census of South Range, Michigan1915, 1916 and 1917 Newspaper IndexesBaptism, Marriage and Burial Records of Rev William Allen JohnsonCentennial School Class Lists 1927-1940Quincy School Census 1871Quincy Township Legal Voters 1867 Some publications are sold by the Society, which include: Birth, Death and Special Events Notices from Cooper Country NewspapersCopper Country Homecoming and Old Settlers Ball 2004 Collectors BookDeath In Osceola #3: Information regarding the mining accidentThe Families Left Behind: The Italian Hall Tragedy 1913 Details of surnames currently being researched by members is also available. Website:https://www.facebook.com/HoughtonKeweenawCountyGenealogicalSociety/ Isabella County Genealogical Society The association was established in 1995. A list of Local Libraries, Cemeteries and Funeral Parlours is on the site, which will be of use if you are conducting research in the county. They also sell books, which include Isabella Co. History, The Campbell Building and Isabella Co.: Families and History. It is also possible to purchase a bibliography of Isabella County Books and Manuscripts, which contains details of books by authors who have lived in the area or have written about it. It also includes historic manuscripts that can be used for your family history research or research. A 5-generation Genealogy of the Lake Family compiled by Helen Brieske of Salida, Colorado was given to the society. Please contact the association if you would like a PDF copy of her research. A list of surnames currently being researched by Members is also accessible. Website:http://www.mifamilyhistory.org/isabella/GSI.htm Jackson County Genealogy Society Many resources are accessible in their Library located at 211 W. Ganson Street, Suite 170, Jackson, MI 49201, which include a map of Townships in the area. Indexes of Jackson Co. Deaths 1886-1899 and 1900-1901 are also accessible. Numerous publications are available for sale, which incorporate: 1884 Township State Census for various Townships1890 Assessment Rolls for Sandstone and Blackman TownshipsThe Anniversary Book: Compiled Newspaper ClippingsNaturalisationsSurname Master Index to the Lexicon Vols. 1 to 27Tompkins Centre Book of Births, Marriages and Deaths Website:https://jacksongenealogycom.wordpress.com/?fbclid=IwAR1LR3Q87Rphj6hEA_x48YEKKCpJCZIpCR0Fdw2pF98PyUds0wJ1POT38FU Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society Many Historical Records have been transcribed and indexed by the association, and it is possible to search for all individuals mentioned in them. Databases include: 1884 Kalamazoo Co. Census(Partial)Applications for Veterans Burial AllotmentCharleston Township Women Electors 1917-1936City of Kalamazoo Police DeathsForeign Deaths and MarriagesKalamazoo Co. Coroner's InquestsKalamazoo Valley Heritage Bible RecordsNon-Residential Burial PermitsTruesdale Funeral Home Books Thee society has transcribed names of the interred in Mountain Home, Mountain Home Jewish, Riverside and Riverside Jewish Cemeteries and have listed Heads of Government for the City of Kalamazoo which starts in 1843. Website:https://mikvgs.org/index.php Leelanau Historical Society The association was established in 1957, its aim being to collect and preserve the history of Leelanau County. Many resources are available in their museum located at 203 East Cedar Street, Leland, Michigan, which include Photographs, Letters, Government Documents, Newspapers and Manuscripts. You can also search their on-line catalogue. Website:http://www.leelanauhistory.org Macomb County Genealogy Group The association was established in 1973 in order to provide a forum where people could share experiences and assist each other with their research. There are links to some Databases are on the site, which include: Cemetery Master IndexChurch, Court and Probate Records IndexesFuneral Home BooksMacomb Co. 1930 Census IndexMilitary IndexObituaries Some Issues of their Newsletter Echoes From Our Past are available in PDF Format. Numerous publications are available for sale, which incorporate: Knight, Chase and Allied FamiliesMacomb Co. Genealogy Group Heritage CookbookThe Monforte Letters: Correspondence of Historical Interest 1837-1919Transcription of Sterling Grove Cemetery A list of surnames currently being researched by Members is also available. Website:https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mimcgg/ Manistee County Historical Museum There is a large Card Index in the Museum, which is organised by Surname. These surnames were taken from Newspaper Articles, Birth and Marriage Announcements, Obituaries, Books and Cemetery Reference Information. Many other resources are also available, which include City Directories, Phone Books, Old Plat Maps and a Local Newspaper Collection beginning in 1870. Website:https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mimanist/Page63.html Marquette County Genealogical Society The association was organised in 1988, its aims being to preserve and organise sources, to promote and encourage interest in family history and to maintain genealogical resources. A list of Marquette Co. Cemeteries and a list of Vital Records on LDS(Latter Day Saints) Microfilm is available on the site. Links to resources on other sites are also accessible, which include Census Returns, Naturalisations and the Biographical Record of Marquette County. Many publications are available for sale, which incorporate: Back Issues of their Newsletter Lake Superior RootsCemetery RecordsHeritage CookbookHunting for Your Heritage: Comic Book for young GenealogistsIn Search of Our Ancestors: a Genealogy How-To BookMarquette Co. 1850 Federal Census Website:https://lakesuperiorroots.org/ Mecosta County Genealogical Society The Society offers Pioneer Certificates to anyone who can prove they are directly descended from the pioneers of Mecosta County prior to 31 December, 1899. Many resources are accessible in their library, which incorporate: Civil War 1861-1865 First Regiment Engineers MechanicCivil War VeteransFederal Census ReturnsInformation about the Townships, Businesses, Churches, Schools, Cemeteries and Vital StatisticsVeteran's Graves - Civil War Vital Statistics include: Birth Certificates for Derfield TownshipBirth Records for Austin Township 1933-1941Death Records for Aetna, Colfax, Deerfield, Millbrook and Austin TownshipsObituariesPioneer Published Births 1937-1950Pioneer Births 1937-1971Pioneer Birth Index 1951-1971 Website:http://www.migenweb.org/mecosta/mecgen.html Midland Genealogical Society Numerous publications are available for sale, which include Marriages 1855-1910 and Obituaries 1872-1982. Publications sold by the Society also include a Midland Co. Records CD, which includes: Account Book of Charles H. RoddBethany Indian Mission 1843-1855Bethany Indian Mission 1851-1868Cemetery RecordsCounty Census 1850-1894Early Saginaw Valley HistoryIn the Wilderness With the Red IndiansIndex to First Families of Midland CountyIndian Build a Birch Bark CanoeMidland PioneersObituary Index 1872-1927Probate Index 1850-1900 An index to their publication, Pioneer Record, is also available, which dates from April 1980. Links to other sites you may find useful are also accessible. Website:http://mimgs.org Northville Genealogical Society The society was established on 24 June 1987. It serves Northville, Canton, Livonia, New Hudson, Novi, Plymouth, South Lyon, Walled Lake, Westland and Wixom. Many resources are available on the site, which incorporate Obituaries and Cemetery Indexes. It is also possible to access the 1827 Plymouth Tax Rolls. A link to Northville Historic Records site is also accessible, including: Genealogy ResourcesNewspaper Archives 1869-2011Northville High School Palladiums: Yearbooks 1920-2012Northville Township Archives Scrapbooks 1971-1996 Website:https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mings/ Oakland County Genealogical Society The association was established in 1977. Many resources are available in their library. It is possible to peruse an on-line catalogue of these archives on the site. Numerous indexes are accessible, which incorporate: 1884, 1890 and 1894 Brandon Township Assessment Rolls1884, 1890 and 1894 Orion Township Assessment Rolls1886 and 1891 Avon Township Assessment RollsAddendum to Oak Hill Cemetery (Older Sections) 1822-1991Volumes 1-30 of their quarterly publication Acorns to Oaks Numerous publications are also available for sale, which incorporate: 1850 and 1860 Mortality Schedules for Michigan1860 Federal CensusCemetery RecordsDivorce Records for Oakland Co. 1839-1865First Oakland Co. LandownersHarper Mulligan Funeral Home BooksMarriage Returns for Oakland Co. 1836-1884Naturalisations for Oakland Co. 1827-1906Oakland Co. Mortality Schedule Website:http://www.ocgsmi.org St. Clair County Family History Group Many publications are available for sale, including: Births 1867-1874Cemetery TranscriptsFuneral Home BooksMarriage RegistersNaturalisations from 1854St Clair Co. 1845 Census IndexSt Clair Co. 1870 Federal Census Index Website:https://sites.rootsweb.com/~misccfhg/ Sanilac County Genealogical Society Many archives are accessible, which include a History and Pastoral Listing of Argyle United Methodist, Methodist Marriages 1913-1951, Baptist Marriages and Selected Marriage Records. The association has transcribed and indexed the Sanilac Co. 1870 Federal Census and Marriages 1849-1912. They are in the process of transcribing and indexing the 1894 Michigan State Census for the area. Numerous publications are available for sale, which include: 1890 Census Substitute for Lexington, Sanilac and Worth Townships1894 State Census for Buel, Elk, Flynn, Bridgehampton, Custer, Elmer, Argyle, Austin, Delaware and EvergreenBirths 1867-1879Deaths 1889-1899Marriage Index 1849-1920Marriages 1870-1885 A list of surnames currently being researched by Members is also accessible. Website:https://sanilaccgs.wixsite.com/home Shiawassee County Genealogical Society The association has contributed Genealogical Material to Shiawassee District Library - Owosso Branch. A link to search the Shiawassee Co. Surname File is available, along with information regarding where you can find Area Archives. Many publications are also available, including: Cemetery Locations and InscriptionsEarly Land Owners of Shiawassee Co. 1836-1845Marriages from 1862-1867Naturalisation Intent Records 1854-1906 Website:https://sites.google.com/site/scogensoc Van Buren Regional Genealogical Society Van Buren Regional Genealogical Society of Southwest Michigan was established in 1987. Their aim is to preserve the history of the places of Southwest Michigan. Many resources are accessible in Van Buren District Library, including Telephone Directories, Southwest Michigan Yearbook Collection and the Plat Book Collection. Archives also relate to many Counties in the state, which incorporate: AtlasesBirth, Marriage and Death RecordsCemetery BooksChancery RecordsFederal and State Census ReturnsLand RecordsMortality SchedulesNaturalisation PapersNewspapersPoorhouse RegistersProbate IndexesSoldiers DischargesWills Many archives are available on the site, which incorporate: Photographs which include images from Rush Lake Potawatomi CemeteryRush Lake Potawatomi Cemetery IndexSoldier Obituary Collection 1899-1938 (Index)Van Buren Births 1867-1871Van Buren Death Index 1935-1945 In addition, they offer access to the following databases: Pedigree Chart CollectionPhotograph CollectionSouthwest Michigan Marriage, Engagement, Anniversary and Divorce Announcements IndexesSouthwest Michigan Obituary Indexes A charge is made by the society to retrieve the Record from these Indexes. A list of place names in Michigan, along with the county in which they are situated, is on the site. Website:http://www.vbrgs.org Washtenaw County Genealogical Society The association is currently transcribing Cemetery Headstones for later publication. Many resources are available in their libray located at the Family History Center, 525 East Woodland Drive, Saline, MI 48176, including How-To Books, Some Genealogies and other archives relating to various States and Countries, but specifically for Michigan and Washtenaw County. Information regarding a whole range of resources is available, which incorporate: BiblesCemetery TranscriptsCensus ReturnsChurch RegistersCity DirectoriesCourthouse RecordsLand RecordsNewspapersObituariesVital Records Vital Records include links regarding: Deaths 1867-1897Dibean Marriage DatabaseSeeking Michigan Death Certificates 1897-1920Washtenaw Co. Clerk's Deaths and Marriages Databases 1959-present and 1963-present respectively In addition, they have details of Bethlehem, St John's Lutheran, Mount Hope or St. John's and Zion Lutheran or Rogers Corners Cemeteries. Many publications are available for sale, which include: Back Issues of Family History Capers, the Society's quarterly journalCemetery Inscriptions of Saline TownshipDirectory of Washtenaw Co. CemeteriesIndex to O. W. Stephenson's Ann Arbor: The First Hundred YearsWashtenaw Co. 1894 Census Index A list of surnames currently being researched by Members is also available. Website:http://washtenawgenealogy.org