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.
OEDGS May Meeting The public is cordially invited to the Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society meeting on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 3:00 p. m. in the Lynch Building Annex of the Tompkins Library, Edgefield, SC.
The guest speaker will be Sara Covin Juengst, president of Willington on the Way, Inc., who will present the story of the Willington Academy and the history of the town of Willington. Willington is a small village located eleven miles north of the town of McCormick. The village grew up around Willington Academy (1804-1836), which was founded by Dr. Moses Waddel, who later was president of the University of Georgia. Willington reached its economic peak when the railroad was built in 1886. Major work is underway to preserve the historic commercial district, which consists of eleven endangered buildings. Refreshments will be served. | 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. |
NEW BOOKS FOR SALE
Military Monuments and Memorials
in South Carolina
by Marion F. Sturkey
In the first paragraph of this book's prologue, it reads: "The purpose of this project is to inventory and document this history [of warfare in South Carolina] for scholars, historians, and posterity." This purpose was fulfilled by Mr. Sturkey in this thoroughly researched and beautifully illustrated book. A complete verbatim transcription and graphic display of all inscriptions--including lists of names--on 636 military memorial structures in South Carolina are included. The narrative begins in the colonial era and carries the reader forward through the years to the present day. The 636 monument and memorial structures are grouped together into the county in which they are located, beginning with Abbeville County and concluding with York County.
The display for each of the 636 structures is preceded by the following identifying information: (1) Name of the city or town in which the structure is located, or nearest to the structure. (2) Common descriptive name, or displayed name, of the structure. (3) Latitude and Longitude. (4) Directions to the structure, beginning at the junction or intersection of two named public roads. (5) Thumbnail description of the height and composition of the structure. (6) Month and year when the structure was documented for inclusion in this project. Following this identifying information, text and inscriptions found on the structure are presented in graphic display boxes in the interest of clarity.
This book is a wonderful addition to any library and is a great resource for anyone interested in the military history of South Carolina and the gallant men who served her with courage and honor over the past 250 years.
Military Monuments and Memorials in South Carolina is hard bound, 575 pages, and fully illustrated with 217 photos. The cost of this book is $40.00 + $5.00 p/h and can be ordered from OEDGS.
The display for each of the 636 structures is preceded by the following identifying information: (1) Name of the city or town in which the structure is located, or nearest to the structure. (2) Common descriptive name, or displayed name, of the structure. (3) Latitude and Longitude. (4) Directions to the structure, beginning at the junction or intersection of two named public roads. (5) Thumbnail description of the height and composition of the structure. (6) Month and year when the structure was documented for inclusion in this project. Following this identifying information, text and inscriptions found on the structure are presented in graphic display boxes in the interest of clarity.
This book is a wonderful addition to any library and is a great resource for anyone interested in the military history of South Carolina and the gallant men who served her with courage and honor over the past 250 years.
Military Monuments and Memorials in South Carolina is hard bound, 575 pages, and fully illustrated with 217 photos. The cost of this book is $40.00 + $5.00 p/h and can be ordered from OEDGS.
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.
