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''[[United States]]   [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Ohio|Ohio]]   [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Ohio_History|Ohio History]]''
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| link2=[[United States History|U.S. History]]
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}}


<br>
==Online Resources ==


=== History  ===
*[https://ohiostatepress.org/books/BookPages/VanTineBuilders.html Builders of Ohio].
*[http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award99/icuhtml/fawhome.html The First American West: The Ohio River Valley 1750-1820].
*[http://www.genealogybooklinks.com/Ohio.htm Ohio Genealogy Book Links]
*[http://www.columbuslibrary.org/myhistory Ohio's digital history collection]. Images and index.
*[http://www.learnwebskills.com/family/countyhistories3.htm#oh County and Town Histories], with biographies
*'''1950-1990''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=62512 U.S., Aerial Photos from VintageAerial.com, 1963-2009 (1950-1990)] at Ancestry — index & images ($); incomplete for all states, only rural areas included


Ancient burial mounds and forts throughout the region showed evidence of the [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1283 Hopewell Indians]. In the 1600's, [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/time_period.php?rec=2 European explorers] found the [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=584 Delaware], [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=631 Shawnee], [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=608 Mingo], [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=646 Wyandot], [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=606 Miami] and other [[Indians of Ohio|Indian tribes]] living there. At one time both [http://publications.ohiohistory.org/ohstemplate.cfm?action=detail&Page=0018408.html&StartPage=406&EndPage=415&volume=18&newtitle=Volume%2018%20Page%20406 France] and [http://publications.ohiohistory.org/ohstemplate.cfm?action=detail&Page=0001207.html&StartPage=207&EndPage=229&volume=1&notes=&newtitle=Volume%201%20Page%20207 Great Britain] both held claims to the Ohio area. After the [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=772 Northwest Territory] was established, and the [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1418 Treaty of Greenville] signed, thousands of settlers came to the Ohio region. Among the early settlers were Revolutionary War soldiers who had been given [http://www.genealogy.com/24_land.html bounty lands] in southeast Ohio for their military service.
== Background  ==


The [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1474 Harrison Land Act] in 1800 which enabled common people to purchase land in the Northwest Territory, which they did rapidly helping Ohio to become the [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=530 17th state] on March 1, 1803.  
Ancient burial mounds and forts throughout the region showed evidence of the Hopewell Indians. In the 1600s, European explorers found the Delaware,  Shawnee, Mingo, Wyandot, Miami and other [[Indians of Ohio|Indian tribes]] living there. At one time France and Great Britain both held claims to the Ohio area. After the Northwest Territory was established, and the Treaty of Greenville signed, thousands of settlers came to the Ohio region. Among the early settlers were Revolutionary War soldiers who had been given bounty lands in southeast Ohio for their military service.  


To connect with trade to the East, Ohio built a 1,000-mile long canal system of eighty-three locks called the [http://my.ohio.voyager.net/~lstevens/canal/ Ohio and Erie Canal], opening in 1825. This made an outlet for the Ohioan’s farms, forests and mines to conduct [http://publications.ohiohistory.org/ohstemplate.cfm?action=detail&Page=0031307.html&StartPage=304&EndPage=336&volume=31&newtitle=Volume%2031%20Page%20304 trade] with the outside communities. The [http://www.west2k.com/ohstations/stations.htm railroad] arrived in the mid 1800's, turning Ohio into a crossroads for trade and migration.  
The Harrison Land Act in 1800 which enabled common people to purchase land in the Northwest Territory, which they did rapidly helping Ohio to become the 17th state on March 1, 1803.  


Ohioans were instrumental in smuggling freedom seeking slaves to Canada by using the [http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/wayne/projects/ur_project/ur_home.html Underground Railroad]. This resulted in a scattering of small [http://www.angelfire.com/oh/chillicothe/ugrr.html African American communities] serving as temporary safe havens in southeastern Ohio.  
To connect with trade to the East, Ohio built a 1,000-mile long canal system of eighty-three locks called the [http://my.ohio.voyager.net/~lstevens/canal/ Ohio and Erie Canal], opening in 1825. This made an outlet for the Ohioan’s farms, forests and mines to conduct trade with the outside communities. The [http://www.west2k.com/ohstations/stations.htm railroad] arrived in the mid 1800's, turning Ohio into a crossroads for trade and migration.  


The following important events in the history of [[Ohio|Ohio]] affected political jurisdictions, family movements, and record keeping.  
Ohioans were instrumental in smuggling freedom seeking slaves to Canada by using the Underground Railroad. This resulted in a scattering of small [http://www.angelfire.com/oh/chillicothe/ugrr.html African American communities] serving as temporary safe havens in southeastern Ohio.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "History of Ohio," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ohio, accessed 17 May 2025</ref>


=== Timeline  ===
The following important events in the history of [[Ohio, United States Genealogy|Ohio]] affected political jurisdictions, family movements, and record keeping.
 
== Timeline  ==


The following are important dates in the history of Ohio that affected political boundaries, record keeping, and family movements:  
The following are important dates in the history of Ohio that affected political boundaries, record keeping, and family movements:  


*'''1656:''' [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/294660/Iroquois-Confederacy Iroquois Confederacy] claimed Ohio lands after defeating the Erie Indians.  
*'''1656:''' [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/294660/Iroquois-Confederacy Iroquois Confederacy] claimed Ohio lands after defeating the Erie Indians.  
*'''1763:&nbsp;''' [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/536603/Proclamation-of-1763/536603rellinks/Related-Links The British took possession] of the area but discouraged settlers.  
*'''1763: ''' [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/536603/Proclamation-of-1763/536603rellinks/Related-Links The British took possession] of the area but discouraged settlers.  
*'''1772:''' [http://books.google.com/books?id=LRFePtMXjT8C&pg=PA194&lpg=PA194&dq=Moravian+mission+at+Schoenbrunn+1763&source=web&ots=JopDUTOj3z&sig=LzJiNAUci_xrgEv0YTM1iUNX5kM&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result Moravian misson at Schoenbrunn]  
*'''1772:''' [http://books.google.com/books?id=LRFePtMXjT8C&pg=PA194&lpg=PA194&dq=Moravian+mission+at+Schoenbrunn+1763&source=web&ots=JopDUTOj3z&sig=LzJiNAUci_xrgEv0YTM1iUNX5kM&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result Moravian misson at Schoenbrunn]  
*'''1777: '''[http://books.google.com/books?id=0N47AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA201&lpg=PA201&dq=Moravian+mission+at+Coshocton&source=web&ots=wqkg_cP1Xj&sig=2PTg2QnAahGS2M8pF5J0k7JuVnw&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PPA202,M1 Moravian mission at Coshocton]  
*'''1777: '''[http://books.google.com/books?id=0N47AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA201&lpg=PA201&dq=Moravian+mission+at+Coshocton&source=web&ots=wqkg_cP1Xj&sig=2PTg2QnAahGS2M8pF5J0k7JuVnw&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PPA202,M1 Moravian mission at Coshocton]  
*'''1772-1824:'''&nbsp;&nbsp;[http://www.heritagepursuit.com/Tuscarawas/TuscarawasChapI.htm Moravian Indian land grants], 4,000 acres along the Tuscarawas River in Tuscarawas County.  
*'''1772-1824:''' [http://www.heritagepursuit.com/Tuscarawas/TuscarawasChapI.htm Moravian Indian land grants], 4,000 acres along the Tuscarawas River in Tuscarawas County.  
*'''1787:&nbsp;''' The United States government established the [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1747 Northwest Territory] with the intent to open the land to Revolutionary War veterans and other settlers.  
*'''1787: ''' The United States government established the Northwest Territory with the intent to open the land to Revolutionary War veterans and other settlers.  
*'''1788:&nbsp;'''The first permanent white settlement was established at Marietta.  
*'''1788: '''The first permanent white settlement was established at Marietta.  
*'''1794:''' (August 20,) [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=473 Battle of Fallen Timbers] near Miami River.&nbsp;[http://www.fallentimbersbattlefield.com/ General Wayne commanding] the U.S. forces, this victory ended Indian Wars in the area.  
*'''1794:''' (August 20,) [https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Fallen-Timbers Battle of Fallen Timbers] near Miami River. General Wayne commanding the U.S. forces, this victory ended Indian Wars in the area.  
*'''1799:''' [http://www.frontierplayers.org/timeline.html Ohio Territory]  
*'''1799:''' [http://www.frontierplayers.org/timeline.html Ohio Territory]  
*'''1803:&nbsp; '''(March 1,)&nbsp;[http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=530 Ohio gained statehood].  
*'''1803:''' (March 1,) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ohio Ohio gained statehood].  
*'''1805:''' [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=432 Land ceded] by Ottawa, Wyandot, Chippewa, Potawatomi, Shawnee and Delaware Indians.  
*'''1805:''' Land ceded by Ottawa, Wyandot, Chippewa, Potawatomi, Shawnee and Delaware Indians.  
*'''1807 &amp; 1808:'''&nbsp;&nbsp;Land ceded by Chippewa, Ottawa, Wyandot, an Potawatomi  
*'''1807 & 1808:''' Land ceded by Chippewa, Ottawa, Wyandot, and Potawatomi  
*'''1817: '''Land ceded by&nbsp;Ottawa, Wyandot, Chippewa, Potawatomi, Shawnee, Delaware, and Seneca&nbsp;&nbsp;
*'''1817:''' Land ceded by Ottawa, Wyandot, Chippewa, Potawatomi, Shawnee, Delaware, and Seneca  
*'''1818: '''[http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=440 Land ceded by Ottawa, Shawnee, Wyandot and Seneca]
*'''1818:''' Land ceded by Ottawa, Shawnee, Wyandot and Seneca
*'''1818:''' [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=606&nm=Miami-Indians Land ceded by Wea]  
*'''1818: '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_removals_in_Ohio Land ceded by Miami]  
*'''1818: '''[http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=440 Land ceded by Miami]  
*'''Various:''' [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wea Land ceded by Wea]
*'''1810-1840'''
*'''1843:'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_removals_in_Ohio Wyandot removed to Kansas]  
*'''1843:'''[http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1284 Wyandot removed to Kansas]  
*'''1861-1865: ''' 310,000 Ohio men served in the Union armed forces during the [http://www.ohiocivilwar.com/ Civil War].  
*'''1861-1865:&nbsp;''' 310,000 Ohio men served in the Union armed forces during the [http://www.ohiocivilwar.com/ Civil War].  
*'''1898:''' Over 300,000 men were involved in the [http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/ Spanish-American War] which was fought mainly in Cuba and the Philippines.  
*'''1898:''' Over 300,000 men were involved in the [http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/ Spanish-American War] which was fought mainly in Cuba and the Philippines.  
*'''1917–1918:''' More than 26 million men from the United States ages 18 through 45 registered with the Selective Service. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I World War I] over 4.7 million American men and women served during the war.  
*'''1917–1918:''' More than 26 million men from the United States ages 18 through 45 registered with the Selective Service. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I World War I] over 4.7 million American men and women served during the war.  
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=== Local Histories  ===
=== Local Histories  ===


Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the [[Family History Library|Family History Library]], public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies.  
Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library], public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies.  


You may want to study local histories for areas such as the Maumee, Miami, Hocking, Muskingum, Scioto, and Mahoning Valleys.  
You may want to study local histories for areas such as the Maumee, Miami, Hocking, Muskingum, Scioto, and Mahoning Valleys.  
*Ohio Historical Society. ''The Ohio Surname Index''. <ref> Ohio Historical Society. ''The Ohio Surname Index''. {{Worldcat|21085497}} {{FSC|86323|item|disp=FS Library film 398201  (first of 64 films)}}</ref> A compiled index to many Ohio county histories.


'''Bibliography of Local Histories'''  
'''Bibliography of Local Histories'''  


*Adams, Marilyn, comp. ''Ohio Local and Family History Sources in Print''. <ref> Adams, Marilyn, comp. ''Ohio Local and Family History Sources in Print''  (Clarkston, Georgia: Heritage Research, 1984.) {{WorldCat|11259104|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|31025|item|disp=FHL book 977.1 H23o}} </ref>  
*Adams, Marilyn, comp. ''Ohio Local and Family History Sources in Print''. <ref> Adams, Marilyn, comp. ''Ohio Local and Family History Sources in Print''  (Clarkston, Georgia: Heritage Research, 1984.) {{WorldCat|11259104|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|31025|item|disp=FS Catalog book 977.1 H23o}} </ref>  
*Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories''. <ref> Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories'' (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985.) {{WorldCat|12356760|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|299450|item|disp=FHL book 973 H23bi}} </ref>  
*Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories''. <ref> Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories'' (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985.) {{WorldCat|12356760|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|299450|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H23bi}} </ref>  
*Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress''. <ref> Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress'' 5 vols. (Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76.) {{WorldCat|315166|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|252458|item|disp=FHL book 973 A3ka}} </ref>
*Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress''. <ref> Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress'' 5 vols. (Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76.) {{WorldCat|315166|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|252458|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 A3ka}} </ref>


=== State Histories Useful to Genealogists  ===
=== State Histories Useful to Genealogists  ===
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Several multi-volume histories of Ohio were written between 1890 and 1945. Two examples are:  
Several multi-volume histories of Ohio were written between 1890 and 1945. Two examples are:  


*Howe, Henry. ''[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~henryhowesbook/ Historical Collections of Ohio]''. <ref> Howe, Henry. ''[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~henryhowesbook/ Historical Collections of Ohio]''.  Two Volumes. (N.p.: The State of Ohio, 1908, c1888.) {{FHL|49770|item|disp=FHL film 1698149 Item 5; book 977.1 H2hh 1908}} </ref>The set has been produced by a number of publishers since 1847 and many editions exist.  
*Howe, Henry. ''[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~henryhowesbook/ Historical Collections of Ohio]''. <ref> Howe, Henry. ''[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~henryhowesbook/ Historical Collections of Ohio]''.  Two Volumes. (N.p.: The State of Ohio, 1908, c1888.) {{FSC|49770|item|disp=FS Library film 1698149 Item 5; book 977.1 H2hh 1908}} </ref>The set has been produced by a number of publishers since 1847 and many editions exist.  
*Day, Sandra H., comp. ''Index to Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio.'' <ref> Day, Sandra H., comp. ''Index to Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio.'' (Wintersville, Ohio: S.H. Day, 1987-89.) {{FHL|628842|item|disp=FHL fiche 6003182 (first of 3); book 977.1 H22d}} </ref>  
*Day, Sandra H., comp. ''Index to Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio.'' <ref> Day, Sandra H., comp. ''Index to Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio.'' (Wintersville, Ohio: S.H. Day, 1987-89.) {{FSC|628842|item|disp=FS Library fiche 6003182 (first of 3); book 977.1 H22d}} </ref>  
*Wittke, Carl F., ed. ''[http://archive.org/details/historyofstateof02witt The History of the State of Ohio.]'' <ref> Wittke, Carl F., ed. ''[http://archive.org/details/historyofstateof02witt The History of the State of Ohio.]''  Six Volumes. (Columbus, Ohio: The Society, 1941-1944.) {{FHL|180014|item|disp=FHL book 977.1 H2wi}} </ref>  
*Wittke, Carl F., ed. ''[http://archive.org/details/historyofstateof02witt The History of the State of Ohio.]'' <ref> Wittke, Carl F., ed. ''[http://archive.org/details/historyofstateof02witt The History of the State of Ohio.]''  Six Volumes. (Columbus, Ohio: The Society, 1941-1944.) {{FSC|180014|item|disp=FS Catalog book 977.1 H2wi}} </ref>  
*''Valley of the Ohio''<ref> ''Valley of the Ohio'', Mann Butler, pub., 1971, Frankfurt Kentucky  {{WorldCat|475833|disp=At various libaries (WorldCat)}}  {{FHL|82247|item|disp=FHL film 897452 item 2; book 973 H2bm}}Digital version available through FHL catalog entry</ref>  
*''Valley of the Ohio''<ref> ''Valley of the Ohio'', Mann Butler, pub., 1971, Frankfurt Kentucky  {{WorldCat|475833|disp=At various libaries (WorldCat)}}  {{FSC|82247|item|disp=FS Library film 897452 item 2; book 973 H2bm}}Digital version available through FamilySearch Catalog entry</ref>  
*''Evolution of Ohio County Boundaries'' <ref> ''Evolution of Ohio County Boundaries'', Randolph C., Downes, pub. 1970, Columbus Ohio {{WorldCat|263098|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|73497|item|disp=FHL book 977.1 H2do}}</ref>  
*''Evolution of Ohio County Boundaries'' <ref> ''Evolution of Ohio County Boundaries'', Randolph C., Downes, pub. 1970, Columbus Ohio {{WorldCat|263098|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|73497|item|disp=FS Catalog book 977.1 H2do}}</ref>  
*''History of Ohio'' <ref> 'History of Ohio'' Charles Burleigh Galbreath, pub. 1925, Chicago (5 volumes) {{WorldCat|478168|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|219741|item|disp=FHL book 977.1 H2ga v. 4,5; films 931797-801}} </ref>  
*''History of Ohio'' <ref> 'History of Ohio'' Charles Burleigh Galbreath, pub. 1925, Chicago (5 volumes) {{WorldCat|478168|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|219741|item|disp=FS Catalog book 977.1 H2ga v. 4,5; films 931797-801}} </ref>  
*''The Ohio 100 Years Back'' <ref> ''The Ohio 100 Years Back'' Elliot Howard Giltey, pub. 1901, Columbus Ohio</ref>  
*''The Ohio 100 Years Back'' <ref> ''The Ohio 100 Years Back'' Elliot Howard Giltey, pub. 1901, Columbus Ohio</ref>  
*''History of Ohio'' <ref> ''History of Ohio'' Emilius Oviatt Randall, pub. 1912, New York {{WorldCat|220890409|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}</ref>  
*''History of Ohio'' <ref> ''History of Ohio'' Emilius Oviatt Randall, pub. 1912, New York {{WorldCat|220890409|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}</ref>  
*''The Western Reserve and Early Ohio'' <ref> ''The Western Reserve and Early Ohio'' Peter Peterson Cherry, pub. 1921, Akron Ohio {{WorldCat|1089427|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}(Book), {{WorldCat|42044127|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}} (microform), {{FHL|74147|item|disp=FHL book 977.1 H2c}} (Family History Archive link inside Catalog) </ref>
*''The Western Reserve and Early Ohio'' <ref> ''The Western Reserve and Early Ohio'' Peter Peterson Cherry, pub. 1921, Akron Ohio {{WorldCat|1089427|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}(Book), {{WorldCat|42044127|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}} (microform), {{FSC|74147|item|disp=FS Catalog book 977.1 H2c}} (Family History Archive link inside Catalog) </ref>


=== United States History  ===
=== United States History  ===
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The following are only a few of the many sources that are available:  
The following are only a few of the many sources that are available:  


*Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' <ref> Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' (Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983.) {{WorldCat|9392978|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}, {{FHL|531408|item|disp=FHL book 973 H2alm}}</ref> This book provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.
*Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' <ref> Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' (Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983.) {{WorldCat|9392978|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}, {{FSC|531408|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2alm}}</ref> This book provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.


*''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. <ref> ''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976.) {{WorldCat|2507380|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}, {{FHL|76529|title-id|disp=FHL book 973 H2ad}} </ref> Includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations.
*''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. <ref> ''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976.) {{WorldCat|2507380|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}, {{FSC|76529|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2ad}} </ref> Includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations.


*Van Doren, Charles Lincoln; Robert McHenry, ''Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''. <ref> (Springfield, Mass.: G and C Merriam, 1971.) {{WorldCat|142893|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|280192|item|disp=FHL book 973 H2v}} </ref>Includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.
*Van Doren, Charles Lincoln; Robert McHenry, ''Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''. <ref> (Springfield, Mass.: G and C Merriam, 1971.) {{WorldCat|142893|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|280192|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2v}} </ref>Includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.


*American Historical Association, ''Writings on American History'' <ref> American Historical Association, ''Writings on American History''  (Washington, D.C.:American Historical Association,1960-1960) {{WorldCat|1770230|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|244514|item|disp=FHL book 973 H23w}}Full text available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=mgEPAAAAYAAJ&amp; Google Books] </ref>
*American Historical Association, ''Writings on American History'' <ref> American Historical Association, ''Writings on American History''  (Washington, D.C.:American Historical Association,1960-1960) {{WorldCat|1770230|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|244514|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H23w}}Full text available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=mgEPAAAAYAAJ&amp;amp;amp;amp; Google Books] </ref>


=== Family History Library  ===
'''Draper Manuscript Collection.''' Look for Ohio ancestors 1740-1830 in the '''[[Draper Manuscript Collection]]'''. These manuscripts cover the history of the "trans-Allegheny West," a region including the west Carolinas and Virginia, all the Ohio River Valley, and part of the upper Mississippi Valley. There are 491 volumes of partially-indexed manuscripts, papers, and books.


To access histories available through the Family History Library Catalog, use the Place-names Search for:  
=== FamilySearch Library  ===
 
To access histories available through the FamilySearch Catalog, use the Place-names Search for:  


:OHIO - HISTORY  
:OHIO - HISTORY  
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:OHIO, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY
:OHIO, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY


=== Web Sites ===
=== Websites ===


*[http://www.ohiostatepress.org/books/Book%20PDFs/Van%20Tine%20Builders.pdf Builders of Ohio]  
*[http://www.ohiostatepress.org/books/Book%20PDFs/Van%20Tine%20Builders.pdf Builders of Ohio]  
*[http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award99/icuhtml/fawhome.html The First American West: The Ohio River Valley 1770-1820]
*[http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award99/icuhtml/fawhome.html The First American West: The Ohio River Valley 1770-1820]


'''Wiki articles describing online collections are found at:'''
=== Sources and Footnotes ===
 
*[[Ohio Cuyahoga County Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio Cuyahoga County Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]<br>
*[[Ohio Deaths (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio Deaths (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]<br>
*[[Ohio Tax Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio Tax Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]<br>
*[[Ohio, Stark County Coroner's Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio, Stark County Coroner's Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]<br>
 
=== Sources and Footnotes ===


<references /> {{Ohio|Ohio}}  
<references /> {{Ohio|Ohio}}  


[[Category:Ohio|History]]
[[Category:Ohio, United States|History]][[Category:United States History]]

Revision as of 14:46, 16 June 2025

Ohio Wiki Topics
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Beginning Research
Record Types
Ohio Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources

Online Resources[edit | edit source]

Background[edit | edit source]

Ancient burial mounds and forts throughout the region showed evidence of the Hopewell Indians. In the 1600s, European explorers found the Delaware, Shawnee, Mingo, Wyandot, Miami and other Indian tribes living there. At one time France and Great Britain both held claims to the Ohio area. After the Northwest Territory was established, and the Treaty of Greenville signed, thousands of settlers came to the Ohio region. Among the early settlers were Revolutionary War soldiers who had been given bounty lands in southeast Ohio for their military service.

The Harrison Land Act in 1800 which enabled common people to purchase land in the Northwest Territory, which they did rapidly helping Ohio to become the 17th state on March 1, 1803.

To connect with trade to the East, Ohio built a 1,000-mile long canal system of eighty-three locks called the Ohio and Erie Canal, opening in 1825. This made an outlet for the Ohioan’s farms, forests and mines to conduct trade with the outside communities. The railroad arrived in the mid 1800's, turning Ohio into a crossroads for trade and migration.

Ohioans were instrumental in smuggling freedom seeking slaves to Canada by using the Underground Railroad. This resulted in a scattering of small African American communities serving as temporary safe havens in southeastern Ohio.[1]

The following important events in the history of Ohio affected political jurisdictions, family movements, and record keeping.

Timeline[edit | edit source]

The following are important dates in the history of Ohio that affected political boundaries, record keeping, and family movements:

  • 1656: Iroquois Confederacy claimed Ohio lands after defeating the Erie Indians.
  • 1763: The British took possession of the area but discouraged settlers.
  • 1772: Moravian misson at Schoenbrunn
  • 1777: Moravian mission at Coshocton
  • 1772-1824: Moravian Indian land grants, 4,000 acres along the Tuscarawas River in Tuscarawas County.
  • 1787: The United States government established the Northwest Territory with the intent to open the land to Revolutionary War veterans and other settlers.
  • 1788: The first permanent white settlement was established at Marietta.
  • 1794: (August 20,) Battle of Fallen Timbers near Miami River. General Wayne commanding the U.S. forces, this victory ended Indian Wars in the area.
  • 1799: Ohio Territory
  • 1803: (March 1,) Ohio gained statehood.
  • 1805: Land ceded by Ottawa, Wyandot, Chippewa, Potawatomi, Shawnee and Delaware Indians.
  • 1807 & 1808: Land ceded by Chippewa, Ottawa, Wyandot, and Potawatomi
  • 1817: Land ceded by Ottawa, Wyandot, Chippewa, Potawatomi, Shawnee, Delaware, and Seneca
  • 1818: Land ceded by Ottawa, Shawnee, Wyandot and Seneca
  • 1818: Land ceded by Miami
  • Various: Land ceded by Wea
  • 1843:Wyandot removed to Kansas
  • 1861-1865: 310,000 Ohio men served in the Union armed forces during the Civil War.
  • 1898: Over 300,000 men were involved in the Spanish-American War which was fought mainly in Cuba and the Philippines.
  • 1917–1918: More than 26 million men from the United States ages 18 through 45 registered with the Selective Service. World War I over 4.7 million American men and women served during the war.
  • 1930's: The Great Depression closed many factories and mills. Many small farms were abandoned, and many families moved to cities.
  • 1940–1945: Over 50.6 million men ages 18 to 65 registered with the Selective Service. Over 16.3 million American men and women served in the armed forces during World War II.
  • 1950–1953: Over 5.7 million American men and women served in the Korean War.
  • 1950's–1960's The building of interstate highways made it easier for people to move long distances.
  • 1964–1972: Over 8.7 million American men and women served in the Vietnam War.

Historical Content[edit | edit source]

Histories are great sources of genealogical information. Many contain biographical information about individuals who lived in the area, including:

  • Parents' names
  • Maiden names of women
  • Place of birth, death, or marriage
  • Occupation
  • Migration
  • Military service
  • Descendants

Local Histories[edit | edit source]

Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the FamilySearch Library, public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies.

You may want to study local histories for areas such as the Maumee, Miami, Hocking, Muskingum, Scioto, and Mahoning Valleys.

  • Ohio Historical Society. The Ohio Surname Index. [2] A compiled index to many Ohio county histories.

Bibliography of Local Histories

  • Adams, Marilyn, comp. Ohio Local and Family History Sources in Print. [3]
  • Filby, P. William. A Bibliography of American County Histories. [4]
  • Kaminkow, Marion J. United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress. [5]

State Histories Useful to Genealogists[edit | edit source]

Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful. But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the laudatory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name. Some examples for the State of Ohio.

Several multi-volume histories of Ohio were written between 1890 and 1945. Two examples are:

United States History[edit | edit source]

The following are only a few of the many sources that are available:

  • Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. The Almanac of American History. [15] This book provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.
  • Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols. [16] Includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations.
  • Van Doren, Charles Lincoln; Robert McHenry, Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium. [17]Includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.
  • American Historical Association, Writings on American History [18]

Draper Manuscript Collection. Look for Ohio ancestors 1740-1830 in the Draper Manuscript Collection. These manuscripts cover the history of the "trans-Allegheny West," a region including the west Carolinas and Virginia, all the Ohio River Valley, and part of the upper Mississippi Valley. There are 491 volumes of partially-indexed manuscripts, papers, and books.

FamilySearch Library[edit | edit source]

To access histories available through the FamilySearch Catalog, use the Place-names Search for:

OHIO - HISTORY
OHIO, [COUNTY] - HISTORY
OHIO, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY

Websites[edit | edit source]

Sources and Footnotes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "History of Ohio," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ohio, accessed 17 May 2025
  2. ↑ Ohio Historical Society. The Ohio Surname Index. WorldCat 21085497 FS Library film 398201 (first of 64 films)
  3. ↑ Adams, Marilyn, comp. Ohio Local and Family History Sources in Print (Clarkston, Georgia: Heritage Research, 1984.) At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Catalog book 977.1 H23o
  4. ↑ Filby, P. William. A Bibliography of American County Histories (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985.) At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Catalog book 973 H23bi
  5. ↑ Kaminkow, Marion J. United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress 5 vols. (Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76.) At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Catalog book 973 A3ka
  6. ↑ Howe, Henry. Historical Collections of Ohio. Two Volumes. (N.p.: The State of Ohio, 1908, c1888.) FS Library film 1698149 Item 5; book 977.1 H2hh 1908
  7. ↑ Day, Sandra H., comp. Index to Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio. (Wintersville, Ohio: S.H. Day, 1987-89.) FS Library fiche 6003182 (first of 3); book 977.1 H22d
  8. ↑ Wittke, Carl F., ed. The History of the State of Ohio. Six Volumes. (Columbus, Ohio: The Society, 1941-1944.) FS Catalog book 977.1 H2wi
  9. ↑ Valley of the Ohio, Mann Butler, pub., 1971, Frankfurt Kentucky At various libaries (WorldCat) FS Library film 897452 item 2; book 973 H2bmDigital version available through FamilySearch Catalog entry
  10. ↑ Evolution of Ohio County Boundaries, Randolph C., Downes, pub. 1970, Columbus Ohio At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Catalog book 977.1 H2do
  11. ↑ 'History of Ohio Charles Burleigh Galbreath, pub. 1925, Chicago (5 volumes) At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Catalog book 977.1 H2ga v. 4,5; films 931797-801
  12. ↑ The Ohio 100 Years Back Elliot Howard Giltey, pub. 1901, Columbus Ohio
  13. ↑ History of Ohio Emilius Oviatt Randall, pub. 1912, New York At various libraries (WorldCat)
  14. ↑ The Western Reserve and Early Ohio Peter Peterson Cherry, pub. 1921, Akron Ohio At various libraries (WorldCat)(Book), At various libraries (WorldCat) (microform), FS Catalog book 977.1 H2c (Family History Archive link inside Catalog)
  15. ↑ Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. The Almanac of American History. (Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983.) At various libraries (WorldCat), FS Catalog book 973 H2alm
  16. ↑ Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols. (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976.) At various libraries (WorldCat), FS Catalog book 973 H2ad
  17. ↑ (Springfield, Mass.: G and C Merriam, 1971.) At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Catalog book 973 H2v
  18. ↑ American Historical Association, Writings on American History (Washington, D.C.:American Historical Association,1960-1960) At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Catalog book 973 H23wFull text available at Google Books
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