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Check out “Stepping Back Into Time” on Genealogy Wise
Posted on December 23, 2011 by woodgensoc
What will the Wood County Genealogical Society Look Like in Ten Years?
Posted on December 20, 2011 by woodgensoc
If you care about The Wood County, Texas Genealogical Society (WCGSTX), Wood County, Texas itself, or have ancestors who called Wood County home, please join in helping us create a future for genealogy, genealogical research, and the heritage of this county.
The fact is that local genealogical societies like we have known all our lives are in a crisis period. Some are gone, some are struggling, some, like the WCGSTX, are still plugging along and doing okay but face an uncertain future. The reason is that the world as we have always known it has changed, is changing, and will look even more different in a few years.
There is a discussion about the impact of these normal and not unexpected changes going on in the larger genealogy community. It is one that needs serious consideration right here at home.
A genealogy thinker I have been following (thoughtfully) for a while now is one Marian Pierre-Louis. She has an online presence in many places, but I just finished reading from her blog, Marian’s Roots and Rambles, a two-part series on the paradigm shift in genealogy and its meaning. I would like to share two thoughts from it here and urge you to follow the highlighted links to read all she has to say.
I recommend reading part 2 first. It deals specifically with local genealogical societies and the two following thoughts come from it. Out of context, they might seem rather tame and obvious, but just follow this link and read her blog post in its entirety.
1. Societies have a lot to offer but they need to change with the times. They can not continue to offer services in an outdated manner when change is happening all around them. I am not going to give my money to a society who provides me with nothing.
2. Simply sending money to a society is not enough. Active participation and transformation is the answer.
Whatever your reaction to this, will you please join me in a discussion of the merits and ideas we might follow in deciding and directing our survival and our own future. At meetings, in response to this post, in emails, at chance meetings at the grocery store, on Facebook, on Genealogywise, at our activities and social gatherings, lets look for our future, decide what we want to be and become, and get busy on plans to get there.
The parade has started. Let’s make sure it doesn’t pass us by.
From the editor
Filed under: From The Editor, Society Strategies | Tagged: paradigm shift, Pierre-louis | 1 Comment »
Tree of Richard Reed and Nancy Catherine Sanders Reed
Posted on December 12, 2011 by woodgensoc
Daniel Norton shared his public tree of Richard Green Reed and Nancy Catherine (Sanders) Reed who have many descendants in Wood County, TX and northeast Texas today on the Wood County (TX) Genealogy Research Community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/woocotx/.
Filed under: Surnames | Tagged: Norton, Reed, Sanders | Leave a Comment »
Ancestry Stock Jumps Up
Posted on December 8, 2011 by woodgensoc
Ancestry.com stock rose 27 cents today one day after we posted on this blog efforts to get access to Ancestry at the Quitman Public Library. Coincidence? I don’t think so. 
Filed under: From The Editor | 2 Comments »
Ancestry Might Be Available at Library Soon
Posted on December 7, 2011 by woodgensoc
Prospects for Ancestry.com to be available soon at no charge for patrons at the Quitman Public Library are looking good with donations in the works to the library by the Uncle John’s Coffee House of Quitman and the Wood County Genealogical Society.
Uncle John’s Coffee House is an organization in Quitman which raises money for causes in Wood County with its second Saturday of the month meetings held at 7:00 p.m. in the Joy Hall at the First Methodist Church. Attendees contribute $7.00 a ticket each meeting to raise the funds which are awarded annually.
The $500 donation to the library will be matched by the genealogical society.
Filed under: Notices, Projects, Resources | Tagged: Ancestry.com, Quitman Public Library, Uncle John's Coffee House | Leave a Comment »
Christmas Party Set For December 19
Posted on December 7, 2011 by woodgensoc
The Wood County Genealogical Society will hold its annual Christmas party on the regular meeting night, Monday December 19, at 7 p.m. at the Shamburger Room at the Quitman Public Library. We are hoping for a large turn out from all out members who live close enough to drive in for the party. We would love to share this time with you and your spouse or other guests.
Members are reminded to bring finger foods to share with others. Plates, cups, napkins, ice, etc. will be furnished but you should bring your choice of drink.
A white elephant, gag gift, or “Mexican gift” exchange will take place so bring something that might bring giggles or guffaws when opened. A $5.00 to $15.00 limit is suggested, but if you’ve got something on hand that will work, that’s okay, too. When it’s your turn, you can either open a not-yet chosen gift or take one of those already opened. A three-time limit on taking any specific gift will be in effect. (Third person can’t be stolen from.) Shirley Bates suggests you find your gift soon and wrap it and bring it along with your finger foods dish to the party.
Important: If you know local area members who do not get email or check the internet, please call them and let them know about the Christmas party.
Filed under: Events, Programs | Tagged: Bates, Christmas Party | Leave a Comment »
Charles Edward Niswanger 1939-2011
Posted on December 5, 2011 by woodgensoc
It is with great regret we report the death of Charles Niswanger, husband of member Mary Ann Niswanger. Our prayers and memories are with Mary Ann and her family at this time.
Charles Edward Niswanger, age 72,died Saturday, December 3, 2011 in Mineola, Texas. He was born on Thursday, February 16, 1939 in McLennan County, Texas to the late Lee Franklin and Mattie Niswanger. He was a business owner and the Mayor
Charles Niswanger
He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers Bill and Ted Niswanger.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Niswanger of Mineola; a son, William Niswanger of Mineola; a daughter, Sherry Ragsdale and husband Hugh of Alba, Texas; an adopted son Chief Kirk McFarlin and wife Desiree; a brother Fred Niswanger of Teague, Texas; a brother in law, Jim Koerth; a sister, Betty Fletcher of Burleson, Texas; and six grandchildren, Ethen Ragsdale, Charles Ragsdale, Koerth Ragsdale, Natalyn Niswanger and friend Joseph, Jaylyn Niswanger and Greer Niswanger.
Visitation for Charles will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola from 6 – 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Beaty Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Bro. Larry Mitchell, the Rev. Arlon Ragsdale officiating.
Filed under: Members, Notices | Tagged: Fletcher, McFarlin, Mineola, Mitchell, Niswanger, Prosper, Ragsdale | Leave a Comment »
