Must Read Literature of the Whitfield Family History
Replies: 6
Must Read Literature of the Whitfield Family History
 EdmondWhitfield
(View posts)
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Posted: 27 Mar 2007 3:37PM GMT |
Classification: Query
I want to start a post on material that will help people in their search of the Whitfield Family. While I enjoy looking though these forums and finding new information, some members ask very broad questions that are to difficult to answer here.
So listed below you will find a "Must Read" list of Whitfield Family books. Some can be found at your local library and some will require a little digging but if you truly care to learn about your family, do some research yourself.
Where to start:
"Whitfield, Bryan, Smith and Related Families" by Emma Whitfield. This book of family research is the true core of our history. The book has been the best attempt to put our family history together. The only con to the book is it was written in the 1920s and gathering of sources and information could not be done as easily as today. So some information could be a little outdated or even unproven. But I would say that 95% if not more is perfect.
A branch off of this book was written by Vallie Jo Whitfield, actually two books: Whitfield History and Genealogy of Tennessee; and Whitfield Records of U.S. 1620-1995. Both of these books can be purchased from Vallie Jo Whitfield's daughter (Joanne Whitfield). Joanne Whitfield sold me a copy of both for $60. If you can not find a copy of Emma Whitfield's book, than I would suggest buy one if not both of these books, because Vallie Jo Whitfield pretty much copies Emma's book and adds too it. To be honest, these books are not the best, but again if you can not find Emma's this is the way to go.
Next:
Talk with your family and check with your local historical society about the Whitfield family. I can not tell you how much information I have found my going to the State of Alabama's Historical Society website and doing a search for Whitfield.
If you live in Alabama or NC, you must visit Auburn University, UNC Chapel Hill and ECU. All of these school have vaults full of Whitfield Papers. If you do go to one of these schools, please try and scan (BE VERY CAREFUL BECAUSE MOST OF THE TIME THE DOCUMENTS ARE ORIGINAL AND ARE VERY FRAGILE) the documents. I am trying to create a database of Whitfield Records that are held by the state or universities so we can all enjoy them, without having to travel to Alabama or NC.
If you have any other books you feel should be read please list them. I have just included what I know and have read to make sure everyone can do some of their own research.
Edmond Lewis Whitfield III
So listed below you will find a "Must Read" list of Whitfield Family books. Some can be found at your local library and some will require a little digging but if you truly care to learn about your family, do some research yourself.
Where to start:
"Whitfield, Bryan, Smith and Related Families" by Emma Whitfield. This book of family research is the true core of our history. The book has been the best attempt to put our family history together. The only con to the book is it was written in the 1920s and gathering of sources and information could not be done as easily as today. So some information could be a little outdated or even unproven. But I would say that 95% if not more is perfect.
A branch off of this book was written by Vallie Jo Whitfield, actually two books: Whitfield History and Genealogy of Tennessee; and Whitfield Records of U.S. 1620-1995. Both of these books can be purchased from Vallie Jo Whitfield's daughter (Joanne Whitfield). Joanne Whitfield sold me a copy of both for $60. If you can not find a copy of Emma Whitfield's book, than I would suggest buy one if not both of these books, because Vallie Jo Whitfield pretty much copies Emma's book and adds too it. To be honest, these books are not the best, but again if you can not find Emma's this is the way to go.
Next:
Talk with your family and check with your local historical society about the Whitfield family. I can not tell you how much information I have found my going to the State of Alabama's Historical Society website and doing a search for Whitfield.
If you live in Alabama or NC, you must visit Auburn University, UNC Chapel Hill and ECU. All of these school have vaults full of Whitfield Papers. If you do go to one of these schools, please try and scan (BE VERY CAREFUL BECAUSE MOST OF THE TIME THE DOCUMENTS ARE ORIGINAL AND ARE VERY FRAGILE) the documents. I am trying to create a database of Whitfield Records that are held by the state or universities so we can all enjoy them, without having to travel to Alabama or NC.
If you have any other books you feel should be read please list them. I have just included what I know and have read to make sure everyone can do some of their own research.
Edmond Lewis Whitfield III