Judy Hildreth has published a series of books of birth and death records pertaining to neighboring Calhoun County.

The 19th Annual Genealogy Fair, is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2013, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Heritage Park Community Building in Spencer.

The 5 volume series, Cemeteries of Roane County West Virginia, is now available on a single DVD-ROM, containing searchable PDF (portable document format) versions of all 5 volumes. Originally published in 2001, this series features updated readings of Roane County Cemeteries. Each volume has approximately 200 pages plus index. In addition to marker readings, each cemetery has notes on location, and any additional or differing information available from the older WPA readings is noted.

Supplies are limited, so add this valuable resource to your research library today for only $25.00 (plus postage and handling and sales tax where applicable.)

The Roane County Historical Society met on Thursday, November 15, 2012 for their regular monthly meeting with seven members and one visitor present. Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., he welcomed those present, Mike Hill led an opening prayer and the pledge to the American flag was recited by all.

Susan Tucker, Recording Sect'y, read the minutes from the October meeting, which were approved as read.

Carol Board-Westfall gave the treasurer’s report with current balance at $19,206.56 Copy filed for annual audit.

Linda Liss, Corresponding Sect'y, reported that she had sent two sympathy cards since last meeting and replied to different inquires as needed. As Membership Sect'y, Linda also reported that current membership is 213 but 17 of those members have not renewed membership for the 2012-13 fiscal year. All have been contacted. Names will be removed from roll if not paid by time of the publishing of the Membership/Surname Directory in December.

Old business:

Susan reported that we still have a few of the DVD's available of the 5 Volumes of the Roane County Cemetery Books that were made available at the Sept. Genealogy Fair. Price of the DVD is $25.

Susan also reported that a “Tailgater” microphone speaker system was purchased and now available for use at meetings and other society functions. Cost: $90.10

Carol Board-Westfall: Nothing new to report on the possibility of the Society cleaning or working with the City of Spencer in cleaning the city Museum housed at the Heritage Park’s historic B & O Depot building.

Carol also reported that the County Commission has approved the $1,000 Governor’s Community Participation Grant for 2013. As discussed and approved at an earlier meeting, the grant will be used toward digitizing the microfilm library owned and housed with the Roane County Historical Society. The microfilms will be sent to the Florida-based company for converting to digitized media.

Information and forms have been received for nomination of a 2013 “History Hero” as part of the annual History Day at the Legislature. This is held in conjunction with the WV Archives & History Commission. After discussion the society decided to forego the nomination this year.

New Business:

Mike Hill suggested an idea of perhaps the society working on a book about early pioneer settler families of Spring Creek, Roane County. His suggestion was to use maps and/or surveys showing settlement of the different families and histories about those families. The Adam Hodam journal and other documents would be good source materials. Item tabled for further discussion.


Program:

Special thanks to Carol Board-Westfall who led discussion about the use of D.N.A. in family genealogy research. She was excited to report that her D.N.A. results through Ancestry.com’s program revealed that her ancestors were 96% Central European. An oral saliva swab is taken and studied, revealing shared D.N.A. characteristics to one’s ancestors and others sharing the same characteristics. Ancestry then makes available surnames of those matching that D.N.A.

The next meeting of the R.C.H.S. is scheduled for THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library. Each person is asked to bring a sampling of Christmas goodies to share as refreshments. THIS WILL BE THE LAST MEETING FOR 2012. Questions and/or comments may be directed to Linda Liss, Corresponding Secretary, at WVRoots@aol.com

The Roane County Historical Society met Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library. There were fourteen members and two visitors present.
President, Rick Greathouse, called the meeting to order, and welcomed members & visitors. Johanna Nutter led the opening prayer and the pledge to the flag was recited by all.
In the absence of the Recording Secretary, the minutes from the September meeting were read by Linda Liss, Corresponding Sect’y. The minutes were approved as read.
Carol Board-Westfall gave the Treasurer’s report reflecting a balance of $18,578.66
Linda reported that she had responded to inquiries where needed and reported that current membership stands at 210. Eighteen members still have not paid dues for the 2012-13 fiscal year. All were sent emails or a reminder postcards.
Two pieces of correspondence rec’d by Carol B-W. – She will follow-up on these.
1. Letter from James Guy Hudkins regarding a portrait of and doctor bag belonging to his grandfather, Byron Jonah Hudkins. At a future time he would like to make a gift of these items to the society if interested.
2. U. S. Postal Service – letter regarding use of automated bar-code on bulk mailings.

Old Business:
1. Several bags of non-perishable foods were bought to be donated to the local food pantry.
2. Possible project to help clean & maintain the Heritage Park Depot Museum was discussed. Carol B-W will talk with Teresa Parker, Museum caretaker and the City of Spencer officials regarding the building and report back at a future meeting.
3. Sound system for use at society meetings: Johanna Nutter reported that Susan Tucker was working on this, but had nothing new to report from Susan at this time.
4. Linda Liss reported that she had talked with Susan Gerstell and Rebecca Lockhart, Counselors at R.C.H. School, and presented the guidelines and firmed up dates to proceed with presenting a $750 scholarship to a 2013 graduating senior who writes the best family history/ genealogical type essay.

Program:
Long-time Society member, Mike Hill, made an interesting & well-planned presentation about focusing on “family genealogy.” His purpose was to motivate and get members interested in discussing their ancestors and family surnames at the different society meetings as part of the society’s regular programming. He is looking to do something, structurally, that will enhance today’s technology-based family research. He distributed the Bonnett/Meadows Pedigree Chart (his wife’s ancestors) which generated discussion among others present who are researching or have ancestors of the same families.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m., with a variety of delicious refreshments being served by Shirley Hill.

The next meeting will be held on the 3rd Thursday of November which is November 15th. The program will involve a presentation on use of D.N.A. in forming ancestral connections. Melissa Swisher and Carol Board-Westfall will lead the discussion.

In attendance were: Carol Board-Westfall, Shirley and Mike Hill, Linda Cottrell Liss, Hazel E.C. Gandee, Rick Greathouse, Peggy L. Starcher, Phyllis Counts, Jerry Morgan, Reva Paxton, Johanna Nutter, Betty Moore, Melissa Swisher, Paul Hughes and guests, Judy Hildreth and Bobby Skinner.