Welcome to the Walker County

Genealogical Society's Homepage

Huntsville and Walker County, Texas

Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for our Summer Library Lock-In which will be held at the Huntsville Public Library on Friday, August 21st, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The library will be open for Genealogy research ONLY during those hours. Plan to come directly from work as we will have a snack dinner available. Bring your research materials and take advantage of this research opportunity. There will be society members present to help you with your research questions.

The Walker County Genealogical Society is pleased to announce the release of this new cemetery research book. This extensive research tool will be an invaluable addition to genealogy and public libraries throughout Texas, due to the inclusion of the historic Oakwood Cemetery, listing many of the leaders of the Texas Revolution, and the listings of three Texas penetentiary cemeteries, providing an unusual access to very hard to find records of a forgotten part of our population.

President:                                                                                    Treasurer: Linda Parrish
1st Vice President: Sissy Johnson                                               Registrar: Crystal Miller
2nd Vice President: Beverly Hansen                                           Historian: Bill Dixon
Librarians: Johnnie Jo Dickenson and Dot Aldrich                      Recording Secretary: Beth Williamson
Parliamentarian:                                                                         Corresponding Secretary: Jinny Chastain
Archivist: Sherma Raymond                                                         Newsletter Editor:
Ex-Officio Member: Linda Dodson -Library

Two Commemorative Certificates will be Awarded to Eligible Descendants of Early Walker County Pioneers

671 Pioneer Certificates Have Now Been Issued

NOTE: Due to the overwhelming response to this program, the deadline for submitting applications has been extended indefinitely.

For More Information on this Project

Click Here!

For a list of Approved Families

Click Here!

"Waverly Emigration Society"

Registry of Polish Families

The Walker County Genealogical Society will honor descendants of the "Waverly Emigration Society" with a Commemorative Certificate. Forty-five families, totaling 143 persons, arrived in New York aboard the SS City of Antwerp on April 9, 1867. This group of Polish Emigrants settled primarily in Waverly (southeast Walker County). They contributed greatly to this part of Walker County. The Waverly Emigration Society was established by planters in this area to recruit workers on the plantations following the Civil War. This is the 135th Anniversary of the arrival of this group.

To qualify for this Certificate, a person must be a descendant (direct or collateral) from one of these forty-five families. Applications may be picked up at the Huntsville Public Library, or by mailing a "long self-addressed stamped envelope" to WCGS - P. O. Box 1295 - Huntsville, Texas 77342-1295.

Library Donations

The Walker County Genealogical Society encourages you to make donations to the Huntsville Public Library for genealogical publications to be place in the Johnnie Jo Sowell Dickenson Genealogy Room. These can be general donations, or memorial donations. Each book given, or puchased, will be plated with the name of the donor and the name of the person for whom the memorial is made. Please download the Donor Form when making a contribution. The Donor Form provides the necessary information for the library to notify the appropriate persons. Mail the Donor Form and your donation to WCGS - P. O. Box 1295 - Huntsville, Texas 77342-1295.

! Click Here to Download Donor Form !

*** NEW AT THE LIBRARY ***

*** Barbour Collection ***
Connecticut Town Bible Records

*** Mayflower Families through 5 Generations ***

*** Mississippi Records ***
Multiple Volumes - Compiled by Ben Strickland

*** 1930 Texas Census (127 Rolls of Microfilm) ***

These 127 Rolls are now available for researchers. They are housed in Drawers 11 and 12 of the Microfilm Cabinet. There is NO INDEX for Texas 1930. One must read the entire county where their ancestor was living. This is a great addition to our collection at a cost of $2,000.00. Our Thanks to each of you who donated toward the purchase of this collection.

*** MICROFILM READER-PRINTER ***

The Walker County Genealogical Society and the City of Huntsville have purchased a New Microfilm Reader-Printer. This reader-printer will enhance our ability to use our microfilm and mirofiche more efficiently.

*** 1880 U. S. Federal Census ***

The Huntsville Public Library has purchased, on CD-ROM, the ENTIRE 1880 U. S. Federal Census. This includes all states, and territories. This 56 CD set has a complete index and is searchable by name. This will be catalogued and ready for patrons shortly.

*** Roster of Confederate Soldiers ***

This is a 16 Volume set of books, plus a CD-Rom, edited by Janet B. Hewett. It contains the names of ALL known Confederate Soldiers, listing the state from which they served, and their unit numbers and companies. This is a very valuable research tool for persons trying to locate a Confederate ancestor. With the information from this book, one can order military records and pension applications from the various state archives. These volumes will enhance our Confederate collection. The cost of this set of books is approximately $1,800.00. Our Thanks to each of you who donated toward the purchase of this collection.

Publications for Sale

Walker County, Texas, Cemeteries Publications

Volume 1 is the first of 3 Volumes of Walker County Cemeteries, published by the Walker County Genealogical Society. "Volume 1 - South Walker County" contains the cemeteries in Walker County, South of State Highway 30 and State Highway 190. The book is 8.5X11 - 157 Pages - Spiral Bound. The price of the book is $25.00 plus $5.00 postage.

Volume 2, includes cemeteries located North of State Highway 30 and State Highway 190. The book is 8.5X11 - 182 Pages - Spiral Bound. The price of the book is $30.00 plus $5.00 postage.

Volume 3, includes cemeteries located in the City of Huntsville and includes Oakwood Cemeteries I and II, Adickes Addition and Mayes Addition of Oakwood Cemetery, and Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery, which is the Texas Department of Criminal Justice cemetery for burial of prison inmates. The price of the book is $35.00 plus $5.00 postage.

Black Cemeteries Book

!This Book Received Honorable Mention Award from Texas State Genealogical Society!

Ruth Stubblefield, of Hemet, California, has cataloged the Black Cemeteries of Walker County. The price of the book is $25.00 plus $5.00 postage. This book contains 43 cemeteries, approximately 4,400 names, and has a Full Name Index. It is 8.5X11 and is Spiral Bound. Ruth was in Huntsville for over six months working on this much needed project and this book is a valuable research tool for those searching Walker County connections.

Walker County, Texas, 1870 Census: 8.5X11 - 200 Pages - Surname Index - $20.00
Postage: 1st Book - $5.00  -  Each additional book - $1.00

For Other Walker County, Texas, Publications: Click Here

If you wish a copies of these books, please mail your check to Walker County Genealogical Society - P. O. Box 1295 - Huntsville, Texas 77342-1295.

Ruth Stubblefield Recognized in Afrigeneas Spotlight

Ruth Stubblefield, who compiled the "Black Cemeteries - Walker County, Texas", has been recognized for her outstanding contribution to the field of genealogy, during National Family History Month. Ruth suffered a stroke about a year ago, but is back doing genealogical research. Please read the article and see pictures of Ruth by Clicking Here.

Society Fundraisers

Sweat Shirts: This year, we have designed Sweat Shirts for sale. They are a Royal Blue with White Lettering and may be purchased for $20.00. Please invest in a shirt and help your society. They may be purchased at the next meeting or by contacting Beth Williamson at betwil@aol.com   Please support this project.

Note Cards: The pen and ink drawings by Juanita Lynch have been made into Note Cards. These are for sale in packages of 8, with envelopes, for $5.00 per pack plus $1.00 postage if mailed. Several of these drawings are on the Pioneer Registry Certificates. These Note Cards are excellent for Thank You notes, etc.

Have you checked www.usgenweb.org lately? This is the U. S. GenWeb site for all counties in the United States. Information is added daily.

Check out www.genealogybulletin.com. This is an on-line publication by Heritage Quest Magazine and is full of research hints.

Are you looking for a specific book? Go to the largest bookstore on-line www.amazon.com and place a search. You may find your genealogical books a lot cheaper than purchasing them directly from the publisher.

Have you checked your ancestor's name on the Bureau of Land Management?  Land Patent Records of 12 states are on-line. The records are for Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. You may print out the Land Patent of your ancestor. Check it out at www.glorecords.blm.gov

The Walker County Genealogical Society works to further knowledge about genealogical research, assist others with their family lines, and exchange knowledge gleaned from experience in a variety of research areas. It was begun in 1965, and as of May 2005, has 148 members. Meetings are held the third Saturday of each month, except during the summer and in December, and are held at 9:30 a.m. Annual dues are $10.00 for individuals or $15.00 for couples. We are able to keep our dues at this low rate due to the generosity of our members and friends. All correspondence to the society should be mailed to P. O. Box 1295 - Huntsville, Texas 77342-1295. 

Annual Events

February - 2nd Sunday - 12:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. - Winter Library Lock-In - Huntsville Public Library
May - 3rd Saturday - 10:30 A.M. - Annual Society Picnic
August - 3rd Friday - 5:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. - Summer Library Lock-In - Huntsville Public Library

Society Newsletter

Society Member Beth Williamson is the Editor of the Walker County Genealogical Society Newsletter.  It is published each month (except June, July and December).  You should receive it just prior to each month's meeting date.  Please read carefully for announcements and other pertinent information about the society.  Our society is growing and this is an economical way to keep up with the membership and keep you informed.

Society Web Page

The society's web page is being constantly accessed and we have received a number of inquiries about local genealogical research opportunities through the web page. We have added several new links; some of which are websites of families with long time Walker County connections.  If you know of other web sites that we might add to our links please let us know.

We are still accepting copies of Family Bible Records and Confederate Military Records. We are also beginning a Union Military Records File. A Colonial Period File (Pre-1700) is also being started. The file will consist of Wills, Probates, Marriages, Deeds, and Family Items of this period. Please contribute any in your files!

Genealogical Holdings

The Genealogy and Local History collection is housed in a special room of the Huntsville Public Library. The collection contains over 4000 volumes, including histories of states, counties, and families.

• Microfilm of 1850-1930 Texas census
• Texas birth and death records
• Texas 1867 voter registration lists
• Early Texas newspapers
• LDS name and locale records
• Stirpes
• CD-ROM collection
  

In addition there are vertical files containing Bible records, Family papers, Civil War records and other source materials. There are also many useful guides to assist in research.

• The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy
• The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy
• Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Census, 1790-1920
• The Handybook for Genealogists

Texas Prison Inmate Records 1850-1954 (Microfilm)

1900 Texas Soundex - Complete

Huntsville Item on Microfilm - 1928 thru 2004

Topographical Dictionary of Ireland - Volume 1 and 2

The Alsace Emigration Book - Volume 1 and 2

Jewish Roots in Poland

Jewish Roots in Ukraine and Moldova

Twenty-Six Great Migration Colonists to New England

Early English Churches in America - 1607-1807

Slave Ancestral Research, It's Something Else

Civil War in Texas

Between the Enemy and Texas: Parson's TX Cavalry in the Civil War

Miscellaeneous Alabama Newspaper Abstracts - Volume 1 and 2

Acadian to Cajun Transformation of a People

Catawba Cousins - Volumes 1 through 13

Green County, Georgia - Wills 1786-1877

Wayne County, Nebraska - Newspaper Abstracts - 1876-1899

Genealogies of New England Families - Volume 1 and 2

Family History Made Easy

Clara Driscoll: An American Tradition

The Star of Destiny: The Private Life of Sam and Margaret Houston

Women Pioneers in Texas Medicine

List of Colonial Soldiers in Virginia

Sons of the South

The History of San Diego - Volume 1 and 2

The Last Days of British Saint Augustine - 1784-1785

The Early History of Ada

Knox County, Tennessee, Estate Book - Volume 1 and Volume 3

The Wells Family of Louisiana and Allied Families

The Richards Family in America

The Ancestry and Lee Harrison Sandel and Susie Cornelia Thomas

Hang on to the Willows: Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma

Microfiche Listing of Holdings (Surname and Locale) - LDS Library - Salt Lake City

Microfilm  -  Walker County, Texas, Records (Deed - Probate - Tax - Marriage - Civil Minutes)

Reprints of the New England Historical & Genealogical Society Register arrive Monthly

Computer Terminals: The computers are up and running. The three computers in the Genealogy Room are now hooked up to the Internet.  We are members of Heritage Quest and Ancestry.com. Each computer has our collection of CD-ROM's on the hard drive. "Family Tree Maker" has been installed and we are able to use all of our CD-ROM's.

The new Microfilm Cabinet has arrived. All Texas film will be housed in this cabinet. Miscellaneous Film will be housed in the old cabinet.

Some of Our Other Holdings:

Texas Census on Microfilm - 1850-1920

Walker County, Texas, Records on Microfilm: Probate - Deeds - Marriage - Tax List

Huntsville and Walker County Histories

Walker County Marriages - 1846-1900

History of Forrest Masonic Lodge No. 19 - 1844-1994

Huntsville Funeral Home Records

Minutes - First Baptist Church - Huntsville

History of First Baptist Church - 10th Street - Huntsville

Handbook of Texas

New England Historical and Genealogical Register

Virginia Marriages

1850 Federal Census of Tennessee

Revolutionary War Pension Files

Arkansas Land Patents: Ashley County

Marriage Book I: 1853-1931 - City of Winchester, Virginia

Abstracts of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Wills

1920 Fort Worth, Texas City Directory

War of 1812 Virginia Bounty Land & Pension Applications

History: First Baptist Church Coldspring, Texas

History: Waller County, Texas

Alabama Marriages: Brides and grooms A-Z

1860 census index on microfiche: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Rhode Island.

1870 census index on microfiche: Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Rhode Island.

1890 Veterans census on microfiche: Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Virginia, West Virginia.

1910 census index on microfiche: Nevada, Wyoming.

Other new microfiche: marriages of District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina, Tennessee. All back issues of "Heritage Quest" magazine are on microfiche.

Dickenson Research - Professional Genealogists
Walker County - TXGenWeb
Palmer/Parmer Family Reunion
Descendants of Martin Parmer
Everton Publishers
National Genealogical Society
Penn State University Genealogical Homepage
Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet
The H. A. McAdams Family of Texas
Cockrell Family of Texas
Angelina County, TXGenWeb
Madison County, TXGenWeb
Polk County, TXGenWeb
Trinity County, TXGenWeb
Houston County, TXGenWeb
Texas State Library and Archives
SE TX Genealogical & Historical Society
Texas Death Records 1964-1998
Social Security Death Index
Texas Cemeteries
Texas Confederate Pension Index
Texas Research Sources
Catholic Church Records - Houston/Galveston
German Texan Historical Society
Montgomery County Genealogical & Historical Society
Obituaries Help
Hispanic Genealogy Research

Other local sites of interest:

Huntsville Public Library
Walker County Treasures
Tides in Early Texas History
City of Huntsville
Forrest Masonic Lodge No. 19
Sam Houston State University
Newton Gresham Library - SHSU