Genealogy &
Local History

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Genealogy and Local History

Ancestry Library Edition
This resource is based on the subscription version and contains materials from North America, the UK, Europe, Australia and more. (This resource can only be used in the library.)

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Heritage Quest Online
An online genealogy search service that is available for use on the computer in the Beem room. Patrons can view actual pages from books and census records.

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Ohio Obituary Index
The Rutherford B. Hayes Ohio Obituary Index provides access to 2,300,000 obituaries, death and marriage notices and other sources from Ohio from 1810s to present.

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Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
Find large scale street plans produced by the Sanborn Fire Insurance company from 1867 to 1970. Locate and identify buildings and neighborhoods.

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African American Heritage
Search records, books, serials, and other historical records specific to African Americans to trace your genealogy or to do research.

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A premier collection of historical U.S. military records that brings to life the details of America’s military veterans with stories, photos, and personal documents.

Rachel Mathie, Genealogy
The Genealogy and Local History collection at the library is housed in the Beem Room on the library’s main floor. There is a variety of information that is available to assist patrons in searching information regarding Loudonville and the surrounding area. Most of the items in the collection cannot be used outside the library, but there are exceptions and this page has links to online resources that will aid your search. The Beem Room offers a computer and microfilm reader to assist those with their research.

Research assistance is available by contacting the library regarding your research request. If you are searching for a particular obituary, please check the Obituary Index to determine if we have access to a copy that we can find for you.

Local History and Genealogy Collection

  • Submitted published family histories from local area families.
  • Loudonville High School Newspapers – The Redbird from 1946 to Spring 2004 and Fall 2004 to Spring 2009. Current years available online.
  • Collections of cookbooks published by local organizations.
  • A vertical file that contains news clippings, brochures, maps and information about Loudonville, it’s citizens and surrounding area. Both current and historical.
  • Cemetery listings for several local burial locations including Loudonville and Perrysville.
  • Microfilm of the area newspapers past and present.
  • Books on the local history of Loudonville and the surrounding areas including the counties of
    Ashland, Wayne, Holmes, Knox and Richland.
  • Ohio Geological Survey maps of the local area.
  • Pathfinder for Richland and Ashland County and the Ohio Historical Society Echoes publication.

Newspapers on Microfilm

The Library’s local history collection includes many years of community newspapers on microfilm.

The Loudonville Advocate
March 20, 1873-September 9, 1920
(Gaps in some years)
The Loudonville Democrat-March 17, 1887-September 9, 1920 (Some gaps in early years)
The Hayesville Journal-January 2, 1879-July 31, 1890
(Gaps in some years)
The Ohio Union-May 26, 1852 – June 16, 1852
The Ashland Union-June 7, 1854-December 25, 1867
The States and Union-April 8, 1868-December 27, 1871

Additional Materials on Microfilm

  • St. John’s Cemetery Association, Monroe Township, Ohio, Record of Internments, April 3, 1888-May 1984
  • Census of Ashland County, Ohio (1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920)
  • Ashland County Ohio Special Census, 1890 – Civil War Union
  • Veterans and Widows of the Union Veterans

Local Resources

Ashland County Auditors Property Search – Source of information regarding properties and property owners in Ashland County.

Ashland County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society – the Ashland County Chapter of the Oho Genealogical Society was formed to create and build interest in preserving Ashland researchers.

Ashland County Ohio OHGenWeb Project – One-stop shopping for genealogical information related to Ashland County.

Cleo Redd Fisher Museum – A great place to connect with others about the history of Loudonville, Perrysville and the surrounding area. Resources regarding local people, places and things not found in other sources. Also be sure to check out their excellent Facebook Page.

Holmes County Ohio OHGenWeb Project – One-stop shopping for genealogical information related to Holmes County.

Knox County Ohio OHGenWeb Project – One-stop shopping for genealogical information related to Knox County.

Richland County Ohio OHGenWeb Project – One-stop shopping for genealogical information related to Richland County.

Genealogy Helpers

Cyndi’s List of Genealogy Sites – A categorized & cross-referenced index to genealogical resources on the Internet.

FamilySearch: How to Start Your Family History – A valuable introduction to beginning genealogists (and reminder to veterans).

National Archives & Records Administration’s Resources for Genealogists – This site provides a number of general tips and resources for genealogists.

National Archives: Genealogy Research in Military Records – This site provides a number of general tips and resources for genealogists.

The Records Project – Your encyclopedia for state and county public records.

Peoplefinders: Find People from the Past: A Genealogy Resource for Kids – A listing of genealogy resources targeted at or appropriate for children

National Resources

FamilySearch – Created and maintained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this site offers a vast array of genealogical information and research assistance.

Local History & Genealogy Reading Room (Library of Congress) – Provides access to bibliographies, Web directories, and the Library’s local history and genealogy collection catalog. The larger Library of Congress website provides a wealth of information as well.

Ohio Genealogical Society – “The Premier Ohio Family Heritage Resource” Substantial collection of print and electronic genealogy resources and access to a network of researchers.

Ohio Historical Society – A gateway to numerous sources of genealogical and historical information – especially useful for providing access to historical newspapers on microfilm

Online Collections & Indexes

Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers – Chronicling America, a site produced by the National Digital Newspaper Program, Provides free public access to select digitized newspaper pages and a wealth of information about historic American newspapers held in libraries across the country. Included and of particular local interest are issues of The Democratic Banner (Mt. Vernon), the Holmes County Republican (Millersburg), and The Holmes County Farmer (Millersburg).

Ellis Island Records – Search passenger lists from this popular port of entry for many immigrants.

Obituary Index – find out if the library has access to particular obituaries from this site.

Ohio Memory Project – Online scrapbook of historical documents and photographs from across the state.

The Ships List – This site will help you find your ancestors on ships’ passenger lists. there are also immigration reports, newspaper records, shipwreck information, ship pictures, ship descriptions, shipping-line fleet lists and more.

Genealogy Request

If you would like to request an obituary or need assistance finding a genealogical resource Rachel is happy to help. Please add all of your contact information in the message box.