PCGS - Meeting Minutes

The meeting was opened by president Dorothy McCarthy requesting a moment of silence in memory of member Betty Kneubuhler and a thank you note from her family was read to the members. Members voted on Betty's name and Evelyn Brandon's name be put on the society's memorial plaque. Nina Peden was asked to take care of that.

Sharon Coose, secretary, gave minutes of the October meeting. Judy Wells gave the treasurer's report. Both were accepted as read.

The obituary project is done for now. Those years collected but not catalogued, are Louisiana 1875-1878, Bowling Green 1901-1920, and Louisiana 1903-1905. Those on the shelf are: Bowling Green 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1849, 1850, 1851, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1896; Salt River Journal1839, 1840, 1841; Louisiana 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, 1851, 1857, 1859, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902,; Frankford 1878-1885; and Clarksville 1842, 1843, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905.

Members voted on buying a new computer printer for the library. Judy was asked to check into the prices of different ones. Members wanted to compare a laser printer to a desk jet one.

Donations received were a photo album from the Winn family containing old pictures by Kathleen Murphy. A CD of Grassy Creek Cemetery's pictures and also a family history of the Alphesus B. Willard family from Karen Kruger Tyler. A book, Nebergall Family including ancestor charts of Nebergall-Bibb were all donated by June Fitzpatrick. There have been other donations in various amounts given to the library. The club appreciates all donations.

There is a new book added to the library shelves, "Divided Loyalties (The Border States of Upper South)" by Jack T. Hutchinson.

The next newsletter should be out by Nov. 25. If possible, all committee members are to meet Nov. 13 to put together and mail.

Volunteers for the month are Claudia, 25th, and Mae, 30th. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Time to start caring:
There are a number of people very interested in preserving pioneer cemeteries in Pike County; these are family cemeteries on local farmland. If anyone knows of a cemetery neglected or in need of some TLC, phone the society or stop by their office. Not only is the society a group of history buffs wanting to make changes, some local and state officials are trying to organize some way to direct money, labor and materials in getting the job done. The society is looking at organizing all interested parties to work in numbers in order to get something started.

"Together we can do great things, alone we do nothing. Please get involved. It takes those who have a heart and care about our pioneers enough to do something! They may not be your family but somewhere, some place, sometime it could be your family," said a society spokesperson. She added, "Again, we are asking for your interest in being a helper. No, we are not asking for money, we are asking for something far more precious, your time."

People may contact the Genealogical Society through their website at www.pcgenweb.com or call Claudia (573) 669-5388 or Audrey (573) 470-9880. Soon there will be new changes to the site with more pictures added.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m., 205 W. Main, Bowling Green. This will be the society's Christmas party. Members are asked to bring finger foods and a present for the library.

Everyone is invited to the Pike County Genealogical Society meetings for a chance to learn, share, listen and enjoy.

The Pike County Genealogical Society met Tuesday, Oct. 3. There were 12 members and four guests present.

The meeting was opened by president, Dorothy McCarthy. The meeting opened with old business. Then the members spoke of the obituary project and how much further they would like to extend it. They decided to extend to 1920.

Judy Wells gave the treasurer's report. Sharon Coose was absent with the minutes of the last meeting.

President Dorothy McCarthy then turned the meeting over to the guest speaker the Rev. Richard Smith of Vandalia.

Pat Lynn introduced the speaker and his program. The program was on "Slavery and Salt Mining in Northeast Missouri".

Members found his program very interesting with pictures and family history. Slavery is a subject that is difficult to discuss and Mr. Smith said he wasn't there to be harsh or prejudice, but he was there to tell a story of people of the time.

"You had nothing to do with slavery and neither did I," he said. His program was presented with elegance, honor, and pride of a people not forgotten. He spoke of the history of slavery. Those present found it interesting and alarming to hear how the ones being sold in slavery were transported and what conditions they had to endure. No one today could imagine the horrors of that time and place. He spoke of the salt mining in the area in and around Pike County and how it was a part of his beginnings. He told how the Native Americans found salt. Salt was an important part of all pioneer life. Salt mining brought to Missouri more of the slavery trade.

He spoke of the laws on slaves: they could never read or write; they could never smoke; they couldn't go to church unless escorted by a white man; and couldn't ride in a carriage. They were not allowed to eat with the white folks.

Some members asked Mr. Smith questions about his own family and how long he had researched. He said about 10 years of research and he showed pictures of his family. They also asked about his book being published. In some way or another slavery is part of all of our roots. Anyone interested in his book can contact him directly: Rev. Richard Smith, 54748 Swan Lane, Vandalia, MO 63382.

The society is in need of help from the community in obtaining information about the CCC camp that was in Pike County and those who were enrolled.

The Bowling Green CCC camp started in 1935, other states had camps as early as 1933.

If anyone needs help with their family history or has information for the genealogical society, phone Claudia, (573) 669-5388 or Audrey, (573) 470-9880.

The next meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 1:30 p.m. at 205 West Main Bowling Green. Everyone is invited to attend.

The Pike County Genealogical Society met Tuesday September 5, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. There were 13 members present.

The meeting was opened by Vice President Willard Moore in the absence of President Dorothy McCarthy.

The meeting opened with Pat Lynn and Audrey Jones' program on the CCC Camps. The program spoke of the history of the CCC and what it meant to the Country as a whole. The CCC means Civilian Conservation Corp. Established in 1935 to 1942. Implemented by President Roosevelt. It's also known as "Roosevelt's Tree Army". An army is what they were too a group of young Americans between the ages of 18-25 who were willing to send the bulk of their pay home. $25-30 each month. The camps would house about 200 men.

During the Depression times were very hard. Food was hard to come by especially because no one had any money. The enrollees (Peavies) as they were called were eating hearty, gaining weight, and being healthier than ever before. They got use to working hard. They were cared for just like in the military. Some were grateful to be there for they were starving at home. Others it was a chance to earn some money and help out at home too.

They did all the work by hand. Pick and shovel basically. Some used a buck saw. They chiseled rock and prepared it for using in building shelters and other buildings. They built dams, helped with soil erosion, some planted trees, they helped to save grazing lands, built state parks and restored monuments.

Bowling Green's camp Camp 3757 was housed on the fairground's property where the Bowling Green High school now stands. There were barracks, rec hall, mess hall, and other buildings there. They would hold an anniversary celebration each year and state dignitaries would come and speak. They would hold dances for the enrollees and the locals. They also had an ice skating pond or rink for the winter months.

Camp 3757 was in operation from April 1935- to July 1941. The men in this camp helped 122 farmers with soil erosion, built a lake, helped with planting trees, and some building roads, they also helped with the Cuivre River State Park, and there were quarries in and around Pike County they helped work and build. You may of enrolled here in Bowling Green but you may not of stayed here. You could be sent to other camps like in Mr. Jerry Grimmett's case he was sent to Camp Thunderbird in Desoto Mo. That camp helped build Mark Twain State Park and Washington State Park. Camp Thunderbird was an all Black enrollee camp. If you are to look at any history on the CCC in Missouri you will find that Camp Thunderbird will be the one recognized because of their great accomplishments in the CCC Program. Audrey interviewed Mr. Grimmett and he was very helpful and contributed as much as he could to the program and it's book.

If the CCC Camps were a good thing in depression times, why wouldn't it be a good thing for all times?

This army left in less than 10 years the hugest legacy that no one can match even today.

The faith, hope, and dreams of our young Americans was restored through the CCC Camps. They were given responsibility to self worth, health, country, teamwork, pride in our fellow mankind, and pride in a job well done. They were given food, discipline, structure, faith, an education, life skills surpassing all others, and friends that lasted a lifetime

Accomplishments of the CCC:
46,854 bridges built; nearly 225,000 WWI vets got a second chance at rebuilding their lives; over 800 state parks were built; Built 3,116 lookout towers; built 3, 470 fire towers, built 97,000 miles of roads; 4,235,000 man days devoted to fighting forest fires, built 8, 065 wells and pump houses; used 201,739 man-days fighting coal fires; built 204 lodges and museums; built 1,865 drinking fountains; planted over three billion trees; improved 3,462 beaches; over 5,000 miles of water lines were laid; restored 3,980 historic structures; planted 45 million trees and shrubs for landscaping; built 27,191 miles of fences; more than 400,000 illiterate enrollees learned to read and write, Over 85,000 Native Americans got to help save land that they honored; and if the CCC wasn't in force Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands would of not had any state parks.

Margie Smith brought pictures of her family member in the CCC camp. Pat Lynn showed the members the flag from a CCC camp in Marshall, Mo she had. Another member showed discharged papers from her brother being in the CCC. There were many who contributed to the program and it's history book and we are very grateful to them for their contribution. Thank You.

The minutes of the August 2006 meeting were read by Secretary Sharon Coose. Judy Wells gave her treasurer report. Both reports were accepted as read.

There were books donations to the library: A Misc. Obituary book and a Pa. Mennonite Journal by Claudia Wells. A CCC Camp's enrollment book and a CCC Camp comic book donated by Audrey Jones. The history of the CCC Camps by Pat Lynn and Audrey Jones.

The members spoke of our members who are ill or in the hospital. Get well cards would be sent. Members signed a card for Jack McCarthy who was in the hospital.

We are still in need of help from the community for some answers to our latest project. If anyone was or knows of anyone from this county who was in the CCC camp here in Pike County please let us know about it. We are trying to put together a roster of Pikers who enrolled. You can contact any member or use the numbers below.. Thanks for your help!

If anyone needs help with their family history, Just call and we will try to help. Claudia: 573-669-5388 or Audrey: 573-470-9880 or get on and browse: www.pcgenweb.com

August schedule for library:
14th Harriet Worrell 16th Dorothy McCarthy
21st Nina Peden 23rd Judy Wells
28th Mae Dameron 30th Audrey Jones

The Pike County Genealogical Society met Tuesday April 4, at 1:30 p.m. There were 18 members and three guests present. The meeting was opened by president, Mae Dameron.

Minutes of the March 2006 meeting were read by secretary Audrey Jones. Judy Wells gave the treasurer's report. Both reports were accepted as read.

Mae opened the meeting by talking about old business. That was addressed. Audrey Jones told members the computer was back and the ocbituary project is back in full swing. Members at the meeting helped with some obituaries. Claudia Wells is making books with different years together and indexing them.

The Pike County Genealogical Society hosted The Spirit of Frankford Club's meeting March 16, at 7 p.m. The subject for the evening was "Digging Up Bones!" Learning how to go about searching your own roots. Audrey Jones was the speaker.

There were beginner handbooks on hand and each club membre received family group sheets to start their search. There were seven club members there: Sharon Jackson, Brenda Cook, Marilyn Frazer, Linda Kerns, Linda Raney, Sandy Scherder and Sara Dean. Appreciation was extended for the opportunity to introduce genealogy to future researchers and to refresh the minds of those who have already started.

It was announced that History of the Pike County Fair books are for sale at the library. People who are interested may call or visit the library.

The library is always working on new projects for the future. Currently "in the works" are: obituaries for the late 1800's to early 1900's from in and around Louisiana, Frankford, Curryville, Clarksville, Hartford, Ashley and Eolia; a new 911 cemetery location map listing some of the older towns no longer in existence; and the cemetery list is being re-proofed (hopefully with GPS locations added). When finished, the map will be available in the library and on the society website.

If anyone needs help with their family history, just call and we will try to help. Claudia: (573) 669-5388 or Audrey: (573) 470-9880. Or you can always visit www.PCGenWeb.com.

The Society would like to extend its sympathies to the family of Evelyn Brandon, one of our treasured members.

The April schedule for the library is: 6 - Sharon Coose; 8 - Claudia Wells; 13 - Mae Dameron; 15 - Audrey Jones; 20 - Nina Peden; 22 - Marilyn Johnson; 27 - Harriet Worrell; and 29 - Audrey Jones.

The next meeting is Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. at 205 West Main Street in Bowling Green.

The program for this meeting was "How do you clean a gravestone?" Audrey Jones and Pat Lynn were speakers. Barry Zbornik spoke on his experience caring for some family stones. One member has done four cemetery restorations with the help of her family. She brought "Before and After" scrapbooks. Pat and Audrey passed out wooden flat sticks and bamboo skewers. They are the best tools in removing particles from the surface.

Audrey read the "Do's and Don'ts." First and foremost, she told the group, the use of improper cleaning materials and practices can cause serious and irreparable damage to gravestones.

General cleaning supplies are: a good water supply; a non-ionic detergent (e.g. Photoflo) at 1/4 oz per 5 quarts of water; an ammonia (clear only - not household cleaner) mixture of 1 cup per 1 gallon of water (this mixture can ONLY be used on marble stones); an assortment of brushes of varying stiffness but not including wire; firm toothbrushes; sponges; and scrapers which can include craft sticks, plastic scrapers, wooden skewers and wooden sticks.

The Pike County Genealogical Society met Tuesday, February 7 at 1:30 p.m. There were 13 members and one guest present.

Minutes of the January 2006 meeting were read by Secretary Audrey Jones. Judy Wells gave the treasurer's report. Both reports were accepted as read.

Workday for the newsletter will be February 16 at 9 a.m. If anyone is interested in helping please come by. The Society is in search of a newsletter editor; if anyone is interested, please contact any member. Any member with email will be receiving their newsletter by email unless requested otherwise.

Items donated to the library were: The Lincoln Colored High School of Louisiana and Lincoln Journals and obituaries.

Claudia spoke of someone wanting to fence in the Motley Cemetery near New Hartford. The man would furnish the materials if anyone would help with labor. He doesn't live in Missouri but he is willing to help.

There are History of the Pike County Fair books for sale at the library. Just come by or call if you are interested.

At the March meeting, members are to bring an antique or some keep sake for show and tell. All are welcome to come and share. Also in March, the Society wants to welcome "The Spirit of Frankford Club" who will be holding their meeting at the library Marcy 16 at 7 p.m. The topic of the evening will be "How to begin doing your family tree." Everyone is welcome.

April's meeting will have a program on how to care for and clean old gravestones. pat Lynn and Audrey Jones will be the speakers.

The 1860 Census is being done in book form. Already on the shelf are: Calumet, Salt River, Hartford, Ashley and Indian. They are also ready for sale.

The library is always working on new projects for the future; obituaries for late 1800s-early 1900s from in and around Louisiana, Frankford, Curryville, Clarksville, Hartford, Ashley and Eolia are in the works as is a new 911 cemetery location map listing some of the older towns no longer in existence.

The Society needs those names out there that are Native American from Pike County. Any history on earlier settlers would be appreciated. Members want to add a section just for those searching their Native American roots from Pike County on the website.

The website has a new look. More photos are being added - there is something being added all the time.

If anyone needs help with their family history, just call and the Society will try to help. Claudia: (573) 669-5388 or Audrey: (573) 470-9880. Or you can get on the internet and browse: www.pcgenweb.com. It's not too late to send in dues for the new year. Membership dues are $10 for individual or $15 for family per year.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 7 at 1:30 p.m. at 205 West Main in Bowling Green. Everyone is invited.

The Pike County Genealogical Society met Tuesday January 3, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. There were 15 members and 1 guest present.

The meeting was opened by Secretary Audrey Jones in the absence of President Mae Dameron and Vice President.

The minutes of the November 2005 meeting were read by Secretary Audrey Jones. Judy Wells gave her treasurer report. Both reports were accepted as read.

Audrey opened the meeting mentioning the Christmas Party and thanking all who brought something to the party. Also thanking those who donated something to the library at the party. There were 11 members present to enjoy food, fun and celebrate the season.

It was also mentioned to the members that the new 1866-1940 Pike County Marriage Book is on the shelf ready for research. The members decided this book would not be for sale, reference only. Audrey thanked those who contributed their hard work and time in creating such a great addition to the library. In the process those working on the book corrected some dates during that time period in the original indexes at the courthouse, making it easier for all of those who need to look up marriage records. Again Thanks Claudia, Harriet, and Audrey

Items donated to the library were: Mo Journal, by Claudia Wells; Ralls County Marriages by "Weant", donated by Harriet Worrell; and many office supplies donated by Pat Lynn, Audrey Jones, Judy Wells, Claudia Wells, Harriet Worrell, and Marie Haught.

Claudia Wells told the members that her 2005 Obituary Book would soon be completed and ready for the shelf.

Nina Peden told everyone that Mike Weaver's name was on the Memorial Plague and it needed to be picked up. She would take care of it.

Marilyn Johnson reminded the members the Pike County Historical Society's meeting being held in St. Clements telling the History of St. Clements Tuesday, January 10, 2006.

Member Barry Zbornik from Hannibal donated to the library two DVD's of atlases of Pike, Marion, Monroe, Shelby, Scotland, Ralls, and Lewis counties. These are another great addition to the library. Barry is also working on digitalizing a map of cemeteries in the county. He asked if anyone had a pioneer cemetery on their property please call the library or let a member know about it. He would like to come and picture it and GPS. Don't let them become lost and forgotten. If you know about a cemetery and it's location please call.

Barry is also doing an in depth history on Buffalo Fort and surrounding burials near the Fort. If anyone knows anything please call or contact a member.

There are History of the Pike County Fair books for sale at our library just come by or call if you are interested.

In our January meeting we were to show antiques, but all members but one forgot so we decided to do it at a later time. Member JoAnn Bowen brought in a necklace her cousin had given her when she was 15 years old. It's been in the family for years, very nice and thanks for sharing JoAnn.

It was decided that at our March meeting we will have a show and tell day on antiques. Bring in something old and tell about it. All are welcome.

The library is always working on new projects for the future: obituaries for early 1900's-late 1800's are in the works from in and around Louisiana, Frankford, Curryville, Clarksville, Hartford, Ashley and Eolia; always something new going on the website cemetery photos and such; a new 911 cemetery location map listing some of the older towns no longer in existence; 1860 Census in book form.

If anyone needs help with their family history, just call and we will try to help. Claudia 573-669-5388 or Audrey 573-470-9880

Or get on and browse: www.pcgenweb.com. It's not too late to send in your dues for the new year. Membership dues are $10.00 for Individual or $15.00 for family per year.

January schedule for library: 5th - Harriet Worrell; 7th - Dorothy McCarthy; 12th - Pat Lynn; 14th - Marilyn Johnson; 19th - Sharon Coose; 21st - Audrey Jones; 26th - Nina Peden; 28th - Judy Wells; 2nd - Sharon Coose; 4th - Dorothy McCarthy

The Pike County Genealogical Society met Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m. There were 12 members and one guest present.

Minutes of the October 2005 meeting were read by secretary Audrey Jones. Judy Wells gave the treasurer's report. Both reports were accepted as read.

members discussed a workday schedule for putting out the next newsletter. It was decided jupon Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. Those who would like to help are welcome to attend.

Members discussed the upcoming Christmas Party to be held Dec. 6. This will be a party and no regular meeting will be held. All are welcome to attend and bring a favorite dish to share.

here are a couple of new projects going on. Member Barry Zbornik is putting together a map of Salt River Township cemeteries. He's wanting to see if local hunters would help him find cemeteries that are one or two stones no one knows about in that area. Hunters comb more ground hunting than realized and may come across a hidden treasure. If someone finds one, let the Society know.

Claudia Wells picked up another Pike County 911 map for marking cemetery locations. There will also be one on the organization website.

January's meeting will have members bringing in an antique and telling about it. Everyone is welcome to bring in a show-and-tell item of the past.

The marriage book for Pike County 1866-1940 is in the final stages of finishing. The continuing obituary project is coming along. The library is getting some newspaper microfilm in order to extract more obituaries for further research. It is a time consuming project and will be ongoing for a while. It is asked people be patient as work is done.

Items donated to the library were: Pennsylvania Mennonite book and Missouri Journal by Claudia Wells and a picture of the Allison Schoolhouse by Alice Schuckenbrock. There are History of the Pike County Fair books for sale at the library; just come by or call if interested.

If anyone needs help with their family history, all and the Society will try to help. Contacts are Claudia, (573) 669-5388 or Audrey, (573) 470-9880.

November schedule for library: 3rd Claudia Wells; 5th Pat Lynn; 10th Mae Dameron; 12th Audrey Jones; 17th Sharon Coose (workday); 19th Dorothy McCarthy; 26th Audrey Jones; 1st Harriet Worrell; and 3rd Dorothy McCarthy.

The Pike County Genealogical Society met Tuesday August 2, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. There were 13 members and 2 guests present.

The minutes of the July 2005 meeting were read by Secretary Audrey Jones. Judy Wells gave her treasurer report. Both reports were accepted as read.

The meeting began with the news of the society purchasing a new microfilm reader. Audrey Jones showed the members their newly purchased reader.

Judy Wells mentioned that the Allison-Carroll-Harris Family donated $200.00 to the library.

Other donations were: A 911 Pike County Map and frame from Jack and Dorothy McCarthy, The School District records of PIke County by Claudia Wells, and Montgomery County Marriages by Margaret Miller.

President Mae Dameron told the members of our invitation to host the North East Genealogical Society's next meeting on August 27, 2005. Those members have not been to Pike County before and would very much like to come and at the same time do research here. The guest speaker will be Audrey Jones telling those members what resources are available here in Pike County. This meeting will be posted in the community calendar. The meeting will start at 10:00a.m. Our Society is very excited to have the opportunity to be hosting this meeting. We have so much to share with our library resources and others. We are proud of all the hard work that's been done and continues to be done.

Audrey Jones told of her trip to the open house for the new ShortLine Railroad Museum at Center Missouri. She told of how they were going to try and have it open more and she told of the collection of books, information, photos, and even a video of when the ShortLine ran through Center. The coordinator gave the library a photo calendar of the Center Depot in it's heyday.

The new beginner's handbooks were all bound and ready for distributing. A copying fee/donation of $5.00 will be asked to cover costs.

Hertiage Days was discussed. Members decided to do cookie sales again and other items will be offered at the PCGS Booth. So drop by and check us out.

Anne Keller asked the members if anyone knew what happened to the Old Grassey Creek Cemetery records? If anyone knows please contact Anne or any member of the PCGS. We hope they didn't burn when the old church burned.

Members will be having a workday August 18, 2005 at 9:00a.m. if anyone wants to come they are welcome.

Our website at www.pcgenweb.com is putting on photos of cemetery gravestones, if anyone would like their family on there please contact anyone on that website or email Rhonda Darnell your photo and she will post it. Her email is on the website.

Our next meeting is Tuesday September 6, 2005 at 1:30p.m. Come, learn, share, listen, and enjoy!

This Society isn't just a "SOCIETY" we actually do help those people in search of their roots here in Pike County and elsewhere even COLORADO.

We are a labor of love, hard work, and dreams. We carry on the dreams of others to help those in search of the past, to help those who like diggin up bones, to help those who like searchin for ghosts. We do it with excitement, we do it with a smile, we do it for you.

Just call us and we will try to help. Claudia: 573-669-5388 or Audrey: 573-470-9880