Welcome To The Official Web Site Of
Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society
Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society (OEDGS) was founded in 1985 and chartered as a chapter member of the South Carolina Genealogical Society on January 6, 1985. For a number of years, OEDGS has been the largest genealogical society in South Carolina, with over 600 members in 40 states. In November 2005, the Old Edgefield District African American Genealogical Society (OEDAAGS) was formed under the umbrella of OEDGS, and in April 2008, OEDGS became the headquarters for the South Carolina Genealogical Society (SCGS).
The purpose of the OEDGS is to promote genealogical and historical research in Old Edgefield District. To this end, the Society maintains a large collection of newspapers (both hard copies and microfilm); many Old Edgefield County records, such as probate records (wills and deeds), censuses and mortality tables. There is an extensive collection of family histories as well, with new titles being acquired regularly. Many of these histories were donated by the authors or by family members.
OEDGS also has over 2,000 surname files available to researchers, which contain Bible records, newspaper clippings, letters, lineage charts, diary excerpts, and other information. The Society also has subject files, which include church histories, cemetery surveys, information on historic homes and communities, etc. The Society welcomes additional material from members and researchers to add to these collections.
On the shelf is a vast amount of information on other South Carolina counties as well as other states, especially the southern states. In addition, there are general books on period history, such as the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Reconstruction.
OEDGS is a non-profit organization supported by memberships, donations, and sale of publications. [The Internal Revenue Code, Section 501 (3) allows tax deductions for the value of materials donated to the Chapter.]
OEDGS records are housed in the Tompkins Memorial Library located at 104 Courthouse Square in Edgefield, South Carolina. The library is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a. m. to 1:30 p. m.(except holidays). For more information, call 803-637-4010.
The purpose of the OEDGS is to promote genealogical and historical research in Old Edgefield District. To this end, the Society maintains a large collection of newspapers (both hard copies and microfilm); many Old Edgefield County records, such as probate records (wills and deeds), censuses and mortality tables. There is an extensive collection of family histories as well, with new titles being acquired regularly. Many of these histories were donated by the authors or by family members.
OEDGS also has over 2,000 surname files available to researchers, which contain Bible records, newspaper clippings, letters, lineage charts, diary excerpts, and other information. The Society also has subject files, which include church histories, cemetery surveys, information on historic homes and communities, etc. The Society welcomes additional material from members and researchers to add to these collections.
On the shelf is a vast amount of information on other South Carolina counties as well as other states, especially the southern states. In addition, there are general books on period history, such as the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Reconstruction.
OEDGS is a non-profit organization supported by memberships, donations, and sale of publications. [The Internal Revenue Code, Section 501 (3) allows tax deductions for the value of materials donated to the Chapter.]
OEDGS records are housed in the Tompkins Memorial Library located at 104 Courthouse Square in Edgefield, South Carolina. The library is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a. m. to 1:30 p. m.(except holidays). For more information, call 803-637-4010.
May Meeting The public is cordially invited to the Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society meeting on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 3:00 p. m. in the Lynch Building Annex of the Tompkins Library, Edgefield, SC.
Mr. James H. Goodman will be speaking on the "Political Situation in 1876--The Election and the Red Shirts." Mr. Goodman is the author if seven books, four of which are historical novels about the original family of Granville Plantation (built in 1840). Mr. Goodman has served as a Certified Lay Speaker of the United Methodist Church for almost fifty years. His speaking activities have stretched across denominational lines in many different locations. He was a successful businessman with a varied background in a wide range of businesses. He also is a member of over twenty organizations, including the Aiken Historical Commission, the Beech Island Agricultural Club, and the Aiken County Accommodation Tax Advisory Committee. Refreshments will be served. Genealogy 101 Classes on Saturday in EdgefieldGenealogy 101 classes are being offered at the Tompkins Library one Saturday a month. All of the classes held so far have been well-attended. The next class will be held on May 11th and the topic will be "Researching Confederate Ancestors."
These classes begin at 9:00 a. m. and last about an hour, with time and assistance given afterwards for research in the library until 1:30 p. m. Each class is different and ranges from a variety of beginning to intermediate genealogy topics. The cost is $10.00 per class, and the classes are open to the public. This class is now a part of The Edgefield Experience: Living History Saturdays. For more information, please contact Tonya. |
Old Edgefield District Confederate Soldiers Wanted A biographical book project is underway featuring Old Edgefield District Confederate soldiers. This includes men from what are now Edgefield, McCormick, Aiken, Greenwood, and Saluda Counties.
If you have Confederate ancestors from Old Edgefield District and are interested in participating in this project that is dedicated to honoring these heroes of the South, please send in photographs (in uniform or civilian clothes), stories, letters, diaries, obituaries, service and/or pension records, family histories, etc. concerning these men. You will be given full credit for whatever material you contribute. A number of OEDGS members have already responded and sent in their soldiers to be included in what is hoped to be the most comprehensive history of Edgefield County Confederate soldiers ever compiled. Make sure that your ancestors are not left out! This is a worthwhile endeavor, and it is hoped that more of you will become involved. For more information, please call Tonya at 803-637-4010 or e-mail her at OEDGS85@gmail.com. Credit CardsOEDGS is pleased to announce that they are now able to accept credit cards for book purchases, memberships, and donations. Please be aware that there is a 3% fee for the use of a credit card.
The Sad Passing
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Southern Studies Showcase to be held on September 20-21, 2013
The date for the Southern Studies Showcase is set for September 20-21, 2013! It promises to be better than last year’s event! There will be a "Block Party" on the Edgefield Courthouse Square Friday night and three special luncheons offered on Saturday. There will also be a variety of other special events held throughout the workshop on Friday and Saturday. See the itinerary below for more details and make plans to attend.
NEW ITEMS FOR SALE
D. A. TOMPKINS’ 1901 LITHOGRAPHS
Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society has received a number of copies of color scenes from the rare D. A. Tompkins book, "Cotton and Cotton Seed Oil." These scenes are three lithographs approximately 9½" x 6½" depicting the cotton plant as it appears in September, as it appears in October, and as it appears in December. In addition, there are copies of "ARAB-AFRICAN." All are dated 1901. (Please see examples below.)
The donor, a descendant of D. A. Tompkins, states that "they are ‘originals’ and were saved by my grandmother, Nell Graydon, after ‘Uncle Dan’ gave them to her. I inherited them and they have been in my attic for years."
These lithographs are limited in number and are available on a first-come first-served basis from OEDGS, P O Box 546, Edgefield, SC 29824. You may also call 803-637-4010 or e-mail OEDGS85@gmail.com to reserve a copy or a set.
Prices including postage/handling are:
Cotton lithos each: $25.00; set of three $65.00
ARAB-AFRICAN litho each: $25.00
All four: $90.00
The donor, a descendant of D. A. Tompkins, states that "they are ‘originals’ and were saved by my grandmother, Nell Graydon, after ‘Uncle Dan’ gave them to her. I inherited them and they have been in my attic for years."
These lithographs are limited in number and are available on a first-come first-served basis from OEDGS, P O Box 546, Edgefield, SC 29824. You may also call 803-637-4010 or e-mail OEDGS85@gmail.com to reserve a copy or a set.
Prices including postage/handling are:
Cotton lithos each: $25.00; set of three $65.00
ARAB-AFRICAN litho each: $25.00
All four: $90.00
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Special Book Sale Through April 30, 2013
(or as long as they last)
Strom: The Complicated Personal and Political Life of Strom Thurmond, by Jack Bass and Marilyn W. Thompson, hard bound, indexed, 415 pages. (1st Edition) WAS $28.00 + $4.00 p/h
Dear Senator: A Memior by the Daughter of Strom Thurmond, by Essie Mae Washington Williams, hard bound, 223 pages. (1st Edition) WAS $26.00 + $3.00 p/h
Through April 30, 2013 only, buy BOTH BOOKS for ONLY $40.00 + $6.00 p/h
The Free Flag of Cuba: The Lost Novel of Lucy Holcombe Pickens, edited by Orville Vernon Burton and Georganne B. Burton, hard bound, 212 pages. WAS $60.00 + $3.00 p/h
Through April 30, 2013 only, buy THIS BOOK for ONLY $35.00 + $3.00 p/h
(This is less than OEDGS cost!)
Dear Senator: A Memior by the Daughter of Strom Thurmond, by Essie Mae Washington Williams, hard bound, 223 pages. (1st Edition) WAS $26.00 + $3.00 p/h
Through April 30, 2013 only, buy BOTH BOOKS for ONLY $40.00 + $6.00 p/h
The Free Flag of Cuba: The Lost Novel of Lucy Holcombe Pickens, edited by Orville Vernon Burton and Georganne B. Burton, hard bound, 212 pages. WAS $60.00 + $3.00 p/h
Through April 30, 2013 only, buy THIS BOOK for ONLY $35.00 + $3.00 p/h
(This is less than OEDGS cost!)
I Was First on D-Day
by Sgt. J. L. Doolittle
of Edgefield County, South Carolina
as told to and written by Rev. Dan White
OEDGS has a new book available for purchase, I Was First on D-Day, by Sgt. J. L. Doolittle of Edgefield County, South Carolina as told to and written by Rev. Dan White, which is the story about Edgefield County's James L. Doolittle and his part in the D-Day invasion of France on June 6, 1944, and his battles through Europe all the way to Berlin.
He was awarded the Silver and Bronze Stars for heroism, and rescued Strom Thurmond after his glider crashed in the Normandy invasion.
The book contains 45 pages and is 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 in size. It was published 15 March 2012. Copies of the book are $5.00, plus $2.00 p/h.
He was awarded the Silver and Bronze Stars for heroism, and rescued Strom Thurmond after his glider crashed in the Normandy invasion.
The book contains 45 pages and is 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 in size. It was published 15 March 2012. Copies of the book are $5.00, plus $2.00 p/h.
Edgefield Advertisers
To help make travel plans to Edgefield easier for researchers and to support local businesses, OEDGS decided to publish paid ads by certified genealogists, restaurants, lodging, and historic / tourist sites in Quill and on the web site. Please check out these advertisers below and give them your patronage during your next visit to Edgefield.
