While researching my VA/WV roots, I came across a free genealogy resource that will be of use to those researching ancestors from south central Virginia. This includes the counties of Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward.
The
South Central Virginia Genealogical Society has a nice database with lots of information including cemetery transcriptions, census data, marriage records and even other miscellaneous data with some counties. I was pleasantly surprised to find so much information available online as some genealogical societies I've found require membership or payment to access their databases.
For Amelia County, the free genealogy resources include cemetery transcriptions and marriages. The cemetery transcriptions give you the individual's name, dates, and, in some cases, notes. Some of the cemeteries have directions or addresses if you would like to visit it yourself. The marriages include the years 1756 through 1767. Judging by the other dates that aren't hyperlinked, it appears that the SCVGS may be planning to add more later.
Appomattox County only has cemetery transcriptions at this time. Brunswick County gives cemetery transcriptions, a partial 1850 census transcription and a list of Civil War soldiers from the area. The census records only give the individual's name, sex and age. Household releationships aren't noted. The Civil War soldiers list gives the individual's name, date of birth (approximate in some cases), date of death and rank. Unfortunately, it doesn't note whether they are Union or Confederate soldiers.
Buckingham County free genealogy resources gives cemetery transcriptions, some marriages, the Tillotson Parish Petition and one War of 1812 discharge certificate. The marriage records cover various dates. Some are in the 1800s; others are within the last few years. One nice feature is that it includes the parents' names in addition to the bride and groom.
Cambell County has only one cemetery transcription, the one for Candlers Cemetery in Lynchburg, and some marriages. The marriages span the late 1700s to early 1800s. In Charlotte County, there are some cemetery transcripts and a partial listing of the 1810 Census. The census is very brief, giving only the name. A few entries have notes such as occupation, relationship information or the Free Negro designation.
Cumberland County appears to have more information available than the other counties. As with other counties, they have cemetery and marriage records. Marriage records are partial. Most appear to be from the 1700s, but there are a couple from the 1600s. One nice find in this county's information is a partial listing of Cumberland County residents prior to the formation of the republic in 1789. It currently only covers surnames beginning with A, B and E. Other info includes a 1787 tax list for surnames beginning with A, a muster roll of the Civil War Cumberland Greys and a couple deeds.
Free genealogy resources for Halifax County include cemetery transcriptions and obituaries. The transcriptions are organized by both surname and cemetery, which is handy if you don't know exactly which cemetery your ancestor is buried in. The obituaries are for Afro-Americans who passed away in the 1970s through the early 2000s. You can expect to find the individual's name, birth and death dates (when known) and other information.
Lunenburg County has only one cemetery transcription, the Roberts Family Cemetery, and marriage data. The marriages span 1746 to 1853 and are organized by the first letter of the surname. Unlike some marriage record transcriptions that require you know the name of the groom, this one also allows you to look up the marriage by bride's name. Each entry has the names of the bride and groom, date of marriage and notes. In most cases, the notes give the name of the individual who performed the ceremony, but in some cases there may be other data as well.
Mecklenburg County has a couple cemetery transcriptions, the 1850 census and some marriages from 1765 through 1810. The census gives the name, sex and age. In some cases, occupation is given as well. Currently, the marriage records are only for surnames beginning with A and appears to be only in the groom's name. Entries give the groom's name, date of marriage bond, date of marriage, bride's name, individual giving the surety, parents' names and, in some cases, additional notes. Not all entries have everything.
Nottaway County only has two cemetery transcriptions; no other data is included. Pittsylvania County has a couple cemetery transcriptions and a list of 1857 deaths. The death list gives only the individual's name and death date. The last column appears to be finding information for the archive.
Prince Edward County is another that has a lot of free genealogy resources to offer. These include cemeteries, church histories, the 1785 census, a partial death listing from 1862, a deed, a partial marriage listing for the late 1700s to early 1900s and a single marriage bond. The church histories are both for Briery Presbyterian Church. The first includes a brief description of the forming of the church in the mid 1700s and a listing of the 72 original subscribers. The second is taken from a reprint of the church directory from December 1828. This one is nice because it gives the name and some information on the individual.
The census is organized alphabetically by head of household. In the notes column, the first number refers to the number of whites in the household, the second number indicates the number of dwellings and the last number gives the number of other buildings. The death listing is very limited and only includes 5 names. It does give cause of death for all but one though. The marriage listing gives the name of the bride and groom, date of marriage and notes which can include relationship information, conflicts with other records, etc.
Sorry this post ended up being so long, but I wanted to make sure you knew all the free genealogy resources the South Central Virginia Genealogical Society had to offer.
