USA > Michigan > Monroe County > History of Monroe County, Michigan > Part 87
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119
His successors were: Rev. Joseph S. Large, from 1843 to 1846; Rev. W. H. Hunter, from 1846 until he resigned on account of ill-health ; Rev. C. F. Lewis, from 1849 to 1850; Rev. Wil- liam C. Lyster, from 1850 to 1855. ( He was a singularly refined and accomplished gentle- man, and endeared himself to the citizens as well as the church); Rev. John Bramwell, from 1855 to 1856; Rev. S. F. Carpenter, from 1856 to 1860; Rev. Thomas Green, from 1860 to 1864; Rev. Henry Safford, from 1864 to 1868 -all of whose names call for more than the mere mention, were space allowable. Great
improvements had been made in 1868, and as all was in readiness for resuming services, the church caught on fire and the building with all its appointments was destroyed. The cor- ner stone of the present stone church was laid in June, 1868. In 1868 the Rev. George R. Eastman became rector, and in 1871 the church was completed and consecrated. Mr. East- man resigned on account of failing health, in April, 1878. Rev. Benjamin Hutchings ac- cepted a call from the church August 1, 1879, entered upon his pastorial charge, but resigned December 1, 1881. The Rev. William H. Os- born succeeded him April 3, 1882, resigned February 1, 1885, and was succeeded by the Rev. R. D. Brooks, April 25, 1885, who is the present rector of the church. The number of communicants is eighty-nine, and average number of Sabbath School scholars, forty.
Having a pleasant parsonage on Scott street, the church having accumulated the means, intend building, adjoining the church, on Mon- roe street, a Parish building of stone, to corres- pond with Trinity Church.
HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MONROE.
Fifty-nine years ago, only one Baptist was known to reside in Monroe; Sister Fan- nie Stoddard. She had been trained under the ministry of such eminent men of God as Bartholemew T Welch, D. D., and Dr. David Benedict, the venerable historian of the Bap- tists. Here, however, she was alone, and waited many years for the coming of others of her own faith and practice. At length Deacon Samuel Stone and his wife, of New York, set- tled at Waterloo. Hearing by some means that Mrs. Stoddard was a Baptist, on a stormy night in the winter of 1831, they came into the city to see if it was so. The three were enough to claim the promised presence of Christ, and they at once decided regularly to gather together in his name. They prayerfully re- solved, "In the name of our God, we will lift up our banners."
These meetings were held in Mrs. Stoddard's house. It was there, also, that the first ser- mon ever preached by a Baptist minister in Monroe, was delivered. This was in January, 1832. During this year Rev. Eber Carpenter and Rev. Bradbury Clay preached as often as their home duties elsewhere would permit.
509
THE CHURCHES OF MONROE COUNTY.
The text of Mr. Carpenter's first sermon was a very appropriate one, considering the destitute condition of this worthy trio of Baptists : " Comfort ye, comfort ye my people ; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem."
The first converts baptised were Mr. D. Cur- tis and Mrs. Cynthia Skellinger, February 16, and Mrs. Joel Skellinger and Mrs. Pauline Miller, March 16, 1834. They were baptised in the River Raisin, by Rev. Bradbury Clay.
Around the little nucleus thus formed a few others gathered, until November 6, 1833, when a Baptist Church was organized in the old log court house, which then stood on the park in front of the Presbyterian Church. It was reorganized by a council of churches, the ser- vices being conducted by Elders R. Powell, Charles Randall, Lamb, and Swift. The fol- lowing were the constituent members: Deacon Samuel Stone, D. Whitcomb, Judson Wheeler, and their wives, and Sisters Stoddard and Gray, eight in number.
Rev. Bradbury Clay served the church as pastor, in connection with other churches, about six months. After a short interval he was followed in 1834 by Rev. M. Pearsall, for a similar period of time. The church was then destitute of a pastor for several years, during which time prayer and covenant meet- ings were regularly sustained. They were usually led by Brother M. V. Savage, a worthy layman, who possessed many of the elements of ministerial culture and usefulness. There were occasional supplies by Elders Bradbury Clay, Eber Carpenter, Thomas Bodley, Anson Tucker, Robert Powell and Marvin Allen.
In 1836 an effort was made to build a house of worship. A lot was purchased on the corner of First and Scott streets, and the frame erected. Nothing more was done to it, how- ever, for want of funds, and the house was never completed. After standing several years, until it became dangerous and threatened to fall, the city authorities had it indicted as a nuisance, and it was torn down in the summer of 1846.
In the fall of 1843 Rev. David Barrett settled as pastor, and remained until April, 1846. Ile was the first pastor whose residence was in Monroe. During his pastorate .the church en- joyed the first revival of any note. Many were added to the church, and more prosperous days seemed to be dawning. They had leased for
two years or more, the old brick church then owned by the Presbyterians.
After him came Elder J. Parks in 1847. During his pastorate the church became weak- ened and discouraged, and after several vain attempts to maintain their organization, they finally decided to disband. A written state- ment to this effect was given to each member, many of whom, having no longer a home of their choice, united with churches of other de- nominations.
For more than eight years there was no or- ganization among the few Baptists of Monroe and vicinity, and no meetings were held, ex- cept as Rev. Marvin Allen, who was then publish- ing the Michigan Christian Herald, in Detroit, was able occasionally to visit them and preach for them. He had strongly opposed the disband- ing of the original organization, and was mainly instrumental in bringing about the formation of a new one. At length, through his faithful and untiring efforts, the present church was organized on the Sth of November, 1857, and recognized as a regular Baptist Church by the Ecclesiastical Council, which met on the 26th of February, 1858. The recognition services were as follows: Prayer by Rev. D. H. Bab- cock, of Dundee ; sermon by Rev. J. A. Clark, of Adrian ; Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. M. Allen, of Detroit; Charge to the Church, by Rev. E. F. Platt, of Toledo ; Closing Service by Rev. S. Cornelins, D. D., of Ann Arbor. The number of constituent members was nine. Their names are as follows: Titus Babcock, David St.John, Joseph Doty, Thomas Whelpley, T. M. Babcock, Phebe Kinnie, Catharine Ben- son, I. Doty, Fanny Duncanson.
Rev. Dr. Cornelius having supplied the church a few weeks, about the time of its or- ganization, was chosen its first pastor early in January, 1858. He accepted the call, agree- ing to serve the church. one-half of his time. He continued to labor here about seven months, when he was appointed agent of the Michigan Baptist State Convention, and entered upon that work. It was during this year (March 4th) that the first Baptist Sunday School was organized in Monroe. A church library was established in August.
After Dr. Corneline left, the church was sup- plied during the balance of the year by Rev. D. I. Parker, of Ash.
On the 2d of July, 1859, the church extended
510
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
a call to Rev. W. R. Northrop, of Ohio, who accepted it, and settled here in September fol- lowing, and continued pastor for three years, or until October 1, 1862. He also supplied a large number of out-stations, at some of which there were a number of conversions. During his pastorate the membership of the church was doubled, and at its close they were classi- fied as follows : Male members, fourteen ; female, thirty-two; total, forty-six. After several years of service elsewhere, he has re- turned again to his home in the field of his former labors.
For more than two years from October 1, 1862, the church was destitute of a pastor, ex- cept for a few months in 1863, when they were supplied somewhat regularly by Elder Snyder.
Owing to removals and various causes, the membership and zeal of the church were very greatly diminished. While the love of many waxed cold, however, there were a very few who had regularly maintained the covenant meetings of the church. It was " the day of small things " for the Baptist cause in Monroe. Many, therefore, stood entirely aloof from what seemed to be a sinking cause, while even the few faithful ones were anxiously inquiring, " By whom shall Jacob arise ? for he is small."
In the summer 1864 Mr. C. Ives and his family removed from Detroit to Monroe, and naturally preferring his own kindred to strangers, he endeavored to seek out his own people. Hearing one day, after various in- quiries, that a few Baptists were holding a meeting of some kind in the court house, he attempted, like Saul, " to join himself unto the disciples." Like the disciples of old, this little band, seven in number, were fearful at first that his object was merely to spy out their weakness. Their fears, however, soon gave place to joy on learning that he, too, was one of that sect " everywhere spoken against," and that he would be one with them, and stand by them under all circumstances.
We have felt justified in referring to this simple event, and personal matters of this character, because here was the turning point, where the tide of financial prosperity, at least, began, and has ever since continued to flow. Religious services were hereafter regularly sustained. An effort was at once made to secure a pastor, and the question of building a house of worship began to be freely discussed.
On the 1st of January, 1865, a call was ex- tended to Rev. L. J. Huntley to become pastor, which was accepted. At the same time it was decided to purchase some lots in a desirable part of the city, and as soon as possible erect thereon a suitable house of worship. Elder Huntley continued as pastor one year and a half, and resigned July 1, 1866.
Rev. J. Butterfield became pastor in Decem- ber of this year, and after a pastorate of only eight months, left Monroe in September, 1867, to take the pastoral care of one of the churches in Grand Rapids. His unexpected departure had a tendency to discourage the church, who had made some progress in starting the work of building a chapel and house of worship.
His successor, Rev. J. S. Axtell, settled as pastor in December, 1867. An Ecclesiastical Council was convened for his ordination Janu- ary 31, 1868. The services were conducted as follows : Ordination sermon by Rev. A. Owen ; prayer by Rev. S. Chase ; Hand of Fellowship by Rev. William Buxton ; Charge to the Can- didate by Rev. A. E. Mather; Charge.to the Church by Rev. E. J. Fish. During his pas- torate the church occupied the chapel for pub- lic worship and Sunday School purposes, instead of the court house, which had been used for several years. Elder Axtell resigned in May, 1870, after serving as pastor for two years and a half.
Rev. T. M. Shanafelt accepted a call from the church in November, 1870, and commenced his labors here on the first of January of the following year.
Since the organization of this church Novem- ber 8, 1857, its pastors and other officers have been as follows:
Pastors -- S. Cornelius, D. D .; W. R. North- rup, L. J. Huntley, J. Butterfield, J. S. Axtell, T. M. Shanafelt.
Deacons-John Boyce, Joseph Doty, J. J. Smith, C. C. Myers, C. Ives.
Clerks-Titus Babcock (who served six years), A. Marsh, J. J. Smith, C. C. Myers, T. N. Wells.
Treasurers -- T. Babcock, C. Ives, T. N. Wells.
As nearly as we can ascertain there have been, in all, one hundred and forty persons added to the church; by baptism, ninety; by letter and experience, forty.
The Ladies' Benevolent Society was organ- ized May 5, 1865, for the purpose of raising funds towards furnishing a new house of wor-
511
THE CHURCHES OF MONROE COUNTY.
ship whenever it could be built They have plodded on faithfully through many discour- agements, and as a result of their diligence and perseverence they have accumulated, by means of festivals, socials and membership fees, a fund of $1,261.49.
The erection of this house of worship was begun in the summer of 1867. The chapel was finished and occupied in January, 1868. The main edifice was enclosed and frescoed during the following year. It has been finished and furnished since the first of January, 1871.
The pastors since Rev. T. M. Shanafelt have been F. N. Barlow, W. T. Burns; supply, Tay- lor Crum, I. N. Lewis, D. Morse, P. F. Ogden, F. W. Gokin, and I. A. Davis, settled in 1887.
The present membership is fifty-seven. The Sabbath School, including officers, teachers and scholars, sixty.
THE MONROE COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.
In the year 1820, in the upper room of the old yellow court house (which has given place to the First Presbyterian Church), seventeen of the first settlers, viz , Colonel John Ander- son, Harry Conant, Oliver Johnson, Jeremiah Lawrence, Thomas Wilson, David Jacobs, Timo- thy E. Felt, Luther Smith, William Goodale, Henry Disbrow, Walcott Lawrence, Samuel Felt, Joseph Farrington, John Cook, Charles Noble, William A. Town and Luther Harvey, assembled for the purpose of inquiring into the expediency of forming a Bible Society, and resolved in the strength of the God of the Bible to place the sacred truths, without note or comment, in the hands of every family within the county of Monroe.
To appreciate in some degree the circum- stances under which this organization was effected, we should be mindful of the moral darkness that then prevailed in this vicinity, of the very limited facilities for intercourse with, and far removed from commercial cen- ters; limited in resources, with a very small amount of money; and that depreciated in value. They naturally contrasted the situa- tion with the established and well regulated society from which they had emigrated to seek their fortunes in the far west, and resolved upon laying well the foundations of society upon which their children and children's chil- dren could build. The difficulties and embar-
rassments which attended the raising of means for the purchase of Bibles and Testaments may be inferred from a resolution which I here copy from the original record :
" Resolved, As the sense of this society, that the initiation fee of fifty cents may be paid into the depository of this society in cash, wheat or corn, as shall best suit the convenience of parties, the wheat and flour to be disposed of to the best advantage for the society by the board of directors."
The directors' report in January, 1823, as the result of persevering effort, shows that a copy of the Sacred Scriptures had been placed in the hands of every family in the county that was willing to receive it. The county was, within nine years from its organization, very thorongly canvassed three times, and a Bible or Testament, without note or comment, placed in the hands of every family that was willing to receive it. In 1835 auxiliaries to the county society were organized in several of the towns of the county, and two thousand three hundred and two Bibles and Testaments were distributed through their agency. This society became auxiliary to the American Bible Society and was as old into four years. Its field of labor extended beyond the limits of Monroe into Wayne, Washtenaw and Lenawee counties. Through their agency over seven thousand Bibles and Testaments were distributed in this county. The county, through this agency, has been, from time to time canvassed, and nearly every family that is willing to receive a copy of the Bible or Testament has been supplied therewith.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LA SALLE
Was organized January 7, 1844, by Rev. Nathaniel West, who was appointed by the Presbytery of Monroe for that purpose.
January 27, 1844, Lewis Darrah, David N. Hall and John T. Gilbert were elected elders, and John T. Gilbert was chosen clerk of session. Francis Charter, Norman Barnes, John Brad- ford and William Dunlap were elected trustees.
February 16, 1844, the elders were ordained. Rev. William L. Buffett was the first pastor, and was succeeded by the Rev. R. Rogers Salter and Rev. E. F. Tanner as pastors. The Rev. Mr. Keller supplied the pulpit from 1879. In 1879 George W. Bradford and Jacob
512
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
A. Rauch were elected and ordained elders of the church.
The members have erected a pleasant brick church which is free from any encumbrance, and though it has not at this time a settled pastor, the Sunday School is maintained and well attended, Elder Jacob A. Rauch being superintendent.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Of Raisinville, Monroe county, was organized June 13, 1849, at the Paper Mill school house (so called), and services were held every alternate week at that point and Bruckner Bridge school house until the erection of the church building, which was dedicated December 19, 1855 ; ser- mon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Salter, of La Salle; dedicatory prayer by Rev. E. J. Boyd, of Monroe. The Revs. Mr. Strong, of the Presbyterian Church of Monroe, Mr. May of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Monroe, took part in the exercises. The church build- ing, at the time of its erection, was the only church between Monroe and Dundee. The society is feeble, though the pulpit is supplied every Sunday.
THE PRESBYPERIAN CHURCH OF MILAN
Was formed by a committee of the Presbytery of Monroe, October 16, 1878, with a member- ship of eight, consisting of the following named persons : Henry M. Burt, Mrs. M. A. Burt, Dr. N. Alpheus, G. Messic, Dr. H. H. Palmer, Mrs. Lucy Palmer, Mrs. Alice Gaunt- lett and Mrs. S. C. Allen. Messrs. Henry M. Burt and Alpheus G. Messic were elected elders. Up to the present time the church has been in charge of the following pastors, viz : Revs. W. H. Blair, D. C. Reid, W. S. Withing- ton, A. S. Wight, L. W. Fowler and I. W. McGregor. The latter entered upon his min- istry with this church in October, 1887, and is at present pastor thereof. In July, 1882, the ground was first broken for a house of worship, which was dedicated Tuesday, August 13, 1883.
Up to this time the Sunday school had been in union with the Methodist Episcopal School, but they organized by themselves, with Fitch Allen, superintendent, and there are at present eighty scholars in attendance.
THE MILAN BAPTIST CHURCH
Was organized October 5, 1881, with eleven communicants, viz: Durfee Simmons, Laura Simmons, Jennie Leonard, Deraxa Whitmarsh, Thomas H. Fuller, Emiline Fuller, Rev. W. Buxton, Cilvilla Calkins, Elice Dexter, Thomas Dexter, Catherine Medham and Melissa Dexter.
October 15, 1881, Durfee Simmons and Thomas S. Fuller were elected deacons, and William Buxton, clerk.
Services were held by Elder Cochiane, Rev. Mr. Buxton, F. E. Button, until June, 1884, when William P. Thompson was called and continued until December, 1885. He was succeeded by Rev. O. F. A. Epinning. From July 1, 1887, Rev. J. Huntington accepted a call to this church, and has since been the pas- tor in charge.
A lot was purchased in April, 1883, and in September following, a church edifice was commenced, and dedicated December 10, 1884.
The present membership under Rev. J. Huntington is ninety-two.
The Sunday School connected with this church was organized in 1884, with A. D. Jackson superintendent, which now numbers one hundred and two scholars, with an aver- age attendance of seventy two.
HISTORY OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIA- TION OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
The Evangelical Association began opera- tions in this county about fifty years ago, the first appointment being on Port Creek, some ten miles south of Flat Rock, where the first missionary in the State was taken sick and died. The people being few in number and poor, the first ministers were obliged to travel over a large scope of country and preach al- most daily. The circuit to which the work in this county formerly belonged extended origin- ally from Ann Arbor to the Maumee River, and from Monroe to Adrian. On account of these circumstances the society in the city of Monroe could not be properly supplied, and finally disbanded, some joining the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a few still belong to the Evangelical Church in other parts of the county, and still others, having finished their course, have entered into rest.
ERIE.
The Evangelical Church began work here in 1856. The first members were Mr. M. Blouch,
513
THE CHURCHES OF MONROE COUNTY.
sr., and wife, Mr. M. Blouch, jr., and wife, Miss Nancy Elliot, Thomas Elliot, Mr. and Mrs. Nehemiah Eight, Rev. R. Spots and wife, Rev. J. Borough and wife soon moved into the neighborhood and visited with the church, and others.
In 1866 the society purchased the Free Will Baptist Church, which is located one mile sonth of the north line of the township, and one-half mile east of the west line.
The society is in a healthy condition and maintains an interesting Sunday School, at the head of which stands Mr. Holser, as the able superintendent. The school has an attendance of about eighty ; church members, forty five.
The ministers who served the churches in Monroe county, from the beginning up to the present time, are as follows : Revs. Altmore, R. Spots, C. Munk, Shafer, D. Rosenberg, J. J. Kopp, L. George, J. Borough, G. Doll, H. B. McBride, J. Paulin, S. Copley, J. II. Keeler, D. W. Shafer, W. Remkie, A. A. Scheurer, C. S. Brown, S. Hilbert, J. A. Frye, D. P Rumberger, F. E. Erdman, S. Heininger, H. Spitle, J. Gramley, J. J. Bernhard, J. W. Loose, B. F. Wade, F. Mueller, and the present pastor, P. Scheurer. The presiding elders who have had the general supervision of the work in the county, were C. Munk, D. Strawman, M. J. Miller, A. Nicalai, E. Weiss, J. H. Keeler, and S. Copley, the latter serving seven years in this capacity.
SOUTH RAISINVILLE.
The Evangelical Church was organized in 1861, under the pastorate of Rev. J. Spots.
The first members were John Swenk and wife, Mr. Mitchel, wife, son and daughter, Mr. Simon and wife, Geo. Besser, wife and father, Will Schafer, wife and father, John Schafer and wife, and Andrew Ren and wife. Others were soon added, such as Peter Resse and family, John Sheid and family, etc.
The society owns a good brick church, and maintains an interesting Sunday School, num- bering about sixty. George Bogen is the present superintendent. Peter Reese is the steward, and George Besser the class leader. The membership is abont forty.
LA SALLE.
The Evangelical Church (Association) was organized in 1863, The first members were D. Laudenslager and wife, C. Thomas and wife,
Mr. Seip and wife. The Scheurers and Troubs and Millers soon followed.
The society owns a good brick church and has a good Sunday School, numbering about seventy-five. Mr. Smith is the superintendent. The society numbers about fifty members.
EAST RAISINVILLE.
The Evangelical Church was organized in 1863. Rev. E. Loose and family, Darius Loose and family, Jacob Broast and wife, Lewis Klein and wife, C. H. Cring and wife, Ja- cob Newcomer and wife, John Netcher and wife, Jacob Brightbill and wife, were the first members, but others soon followed, such as Charles Loose. William Stahl, John Kem- berling and Henry Moses. The society is in a flourishing condition, owns a beau- tiful new church, located on the north side of the River Raisin, near the old paper mill. A highly interesting Sunday School is main- tained under the superintendency of N. J. Cluster. The school numbers about one hun- dred. Number of church members, eighty- three. The officers of the church are J. Kem- berling, J. C. Smutz, George Doty, C. D. Loose, H. Moses. Ed. Overmoyer and Jacob Broast. Peter Scheurer is the present pastor, and William King, assistant.
IDA.
The Evangelical Church was organized by S. Heininger, in 1883. The following were among the first members: Mr. and Mrs. S. McFetridge, Mr. and Mrs. A. II. Fredenberg, Mrs. W. Klipple, Misses Hester and Stella Jones-daughters of Dr. Jones, the Misses Martin, Miss Emma Mills, Miss Lonisa Ren, and others.
S. McFetridge is superintendent and class leader, and A. H. Fredenberg, steward. The present membership is about thirty.
STRASBURG.
The Evangelical Church was organized in 1871, the first members being John Albig and wife, Mr. Harry, Eli Hansberger and wife, the Misses Choats ; and soon after, E. Burket and wife, D. Hansberger and wife, and Thomas Hansberger and wife united. The society built a fine chapel at Strasburg Station in 1888 free of debt. The officers are John Albig, E. Burket, D. Hansberger and Thomas Hans- berger.
514
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
WHITEFORD.
The Evangelical Church was organized in 1857, by Rev. C. Munk. Among the first members were John Klump and wife, John Bittner and wife, John Wittmeier and wife. The society owns a good church edifice, and maintains a flourishing Sunday School, under the superintendency of Mr. Peters, school num- bering about seventy five. Church members number about fifty, but just across the State line is an outgrowth of this society. The offi- cers are John Bittner, Mr. Friedley and Mr. Johnson. D. P. Rumberger is the present pastor.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.