USA > Pennsylvania > Bedford County > History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and personal history > Part 12
USA > Pennsylvania > Somerset County > History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and personal history > Part 12
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
EPHRAIM J. WALKER.
Ephraim J. Walker, secretary of the Farmers' Union As- sociation and Fire Insurance Company of Somerset County, was born in Brothers Valley township, Somerset county, Penn- sylvania, February 22, 1845. He is a son of Jonathan G. and Matilda (Hay) Walker, and grandson of George G. and Cath- erine (Coleman) Walker, descendants of a German ancestry.
Jonathan G. Walker (father) was born in Brothers Valley, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. He was educated in the township schools, and throughout his active career followed the occupations of farmer and carpenter. He was a member of the Lutheran church, in which he held the offices of deacon and elder, and in politics was first a Whig and later a Repub- lican. By his marriage to Matilda Hay, daughter of Francis P. Hay, the following named children were born: Drucilla, who became the wife of Samuel Stahl; Joseph. married Lucinda Engle; Melinda, who became the wife of Daniel Altfather; Ir- win, married Lillian Dively; and Ephraim J., of whom later. Jonathan G. Walker died May 17, 1874, aged fifty-nine years. His wife survived him many years, passing away October 7, 1899.
Ephraim J. Walker attended the public schools in the vi- cinity of his home, and worked on the farm with his father until after his marriage, at the age of twenty-three, when he removed to Winchester, Virginia, but after a residence of a few months there returned to his native state and settled on a farm in Summit township, where he lived for a number of years. After the death of his father, in 1874, he settled on the home farm, which had previously been owned in succession by his grandfather and father, and which is now owned and operated by himself. In 1875 the Farmers Union Association and Fire Insurance Company of Somerset County received a charter from the state to conduct the business of fire insurance among
105
BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES
the farmers of Somerset county. The first secretary of the company was Ezra Berkley, and he was succeeded by Mr. Walker, who served as both secretary and treasurer for two years and as treasurer for three years. In 1892 he was again elected to the office of secretary, in which capacity he is now serving. This company has been exceedingly successful in its operations, and is on a sound financial basis. December 31, 1905, they had $4,357,872 of business in force, and had paid losses up to the same date amounting to $153,681.84. Total amount of premiums received, $165,239.85.
The esteem in which Mr. Walker is held by his fellow- citizens is evidenced by the fact that he was chosen to fill the offices of school director, inspector and auditor, being the in- cumbent of the latter at the present time (1906). He has been for many years a member of the Lutheran church, in which he holds the offices of trustee and deacon, and is also a teacher in the Sabbath school connected therewith. Although Mr. Walker is now sixty years of age, he is hale and hearty, and he divides his time between the duties of his secretaryship and his farm, although his sons relieve him of a large share of the work and responsibility of the latter. Throughout his long and honor- able career he has fulfilled every trust reposed in him, and his character is without blemish.
At Somerset, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1868, Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Sarah Berkley, born May 16, 1848, died March 5, 1896, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Hauger) Berkley. She was educated in the public schools of her native township, and was an active member of the Brethren church. The children of this marriage were as follows: Anna V., born December 30, 1868, in Winchester, Virginia, married Charles E. Boyer, of Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. ,died in infancy. Ollie M., born April 9, 1872, in Summit township, Pennsylvania, is the wife of Charles B. Dickey. Clinton, born December 10, 1874, in Summit, Pennsylvania, died March 2, 1881. Forrest O., born April 16, 1877, in Brothers Valley, Pennsylvania, died February 22, 1881. Carrie A., born Sep- tember 21, 1879, in Brothers Valley, Pennsylvania, became the wife of Sylvester Baer. She is the assistant secretary of the Fire Insurance Company above referred to, and they make their home with her father, Ephraim J. Walker, by whom Mr. Baer is employed on the farm. Lydia M. P., born April 6, 1882, died May 21, 1895. Marling G., born September 8, 1884, resides at home and assists his father in the work of the farm. Orville Ray, born March 6, 1887, resides at home. George C., born May 26, 1889, died April 5, 1890. Dalton L., born Sep- tember 25, 1890, resides at home. Gladys M., born May 12,
106
BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES
1893, died October 14, 1895. These children were given the advantages of a good education, and consequently are well fitted for their several stations in life.
CHARLES A. FLOTO.
Charles A. Floto, a leading manufacturer of Berlin, is a son of Charles Floto (I), who was born in Germany, and in 1846 emigrated to the United States, settling in Berlin, where he learned the trade of cigarmaking with Henry Floto, who was the first tobacco manufacturer in the town. Charles soon became a manufacturer himself, making what are known as "Berlin stogies," and conducting the business until 1862. He then obtained a contract for carrying the United States mail between Berlin and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and for eight years was employed in this manner. The remainder of his life he was a small farmer. In politics he was a Democrat. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church.
(I) Charles Floto married, in 1846, Wilhelmina Specht, a native of Germany, and in the same year he and his bride sought a new home across the sea, where the following chil- dren were born to them: Charles A., of whom later; Augustus C., a prominent merchant of Berlin; Theodore H., cigar manu- facturer of Berlin; Harmon, cigarmaker of Berlin; Matilda, wife of Newton Berkebile; Minnie, wife of R. C. Heffley, hard- ware merchant of Berlin; and William, of Shanksville, travel- ing salesman. Mr. Floto died in 1897, at the age of seventy- six, and his widow, who is now eighty-seven years old, is in the enjoyment of good health.
(II) Charles A. Floto, son of Charles and Wilhelmina (Specht) Floto, was born April 13, 1847, in Berlin, where he at- tended the public schools until the age of eleven years, when he began learning cigar-making under the instruction of his father. He worked at his trade until 1862, when he ran away from home and enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Forty- second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which, owing to his youth, he was obliged to enroll as a drummer. Notwithstand- ing this, however, he never struck a drum, but drew a gun which he carried throughout the war. The regiment took part in thir- ty-eight battles, beginning with Fredericksburg and including Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Petersburg and the Wilderness, and was present at the surrender at Appomattox. In all the marches and privations Mr. Floto, despite his youth, bore his full part and never missed a battle or a skirmish. Not one day was he absent from the regiment, and was never seriously ill, wounded or captured. He was probably the youngest regular soldier from Pennsylvania who served his full term of enlist-
107
BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES
ment. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged and mustered out.
After his return home he resumed the trade of cigarmak- ing, at which he worked for two years in Johnstown. He had then accumulated some money, which he invested in a cigar fac- tory in Berlin under his own management and ownership. There he has since remained, building up a large wholesale trade in the noted "Berlin tobies." His leading brands, for which he has an extensive sale, are the B and O, the Senator, the Blue Point and the Shafter. He also has a good trade in spe- cial makes among consumers in Somerset and the adjoining counties. The factory turns out from two to two and one-half million tobies annually.
Since the organization, in 1898, of the Co-operative Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Berlin, Mr. Floto has been its vice- president, and he is also one of the directors of the First Na- tional Bank of Berlin. He has served the borough of Berlin as school director, councilman and three times as chief burgess. He is serving his fourth term as commander of Post No. 241, G. A. R .. of Berlin, and is a member of Berlin Lodge, No. 471, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all chairs. He also affiliates with Meyersdale Lodge, No. 551, F. and A. M. In politics he is a Democrat, but cast his first presidential vote in 1872 for the Prohibition candidate in preference to the one nominated by the Democrats. This was probably the first Prohibition vote ever cast in the township. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church of Berlin, in which he has served as deacon.
Mr. Floto married, June 19, 1870, Ruth, born January 15, 1851, daughter of Auguste Kerl, of Berlin. Mrs. Floto is of German ancestry, both her parents being natives of the Father- land. She was educated in the Berlin schools. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Floto consists of the following children: Robert H., born March 16, 1873, cigarmaker of Berlin, married Clara, daughter of Francis Knepper, and has two children, Leroy and Mildred; Annie M., born November 18, 1874, at home, educated in Berlin schools; H. Wilson, born December 29, 1885, cigar- maker, lives at home. All the children are members of the Lutheran church, H. Wilson being an active worker in the Sun- day school and in other branches of young men's church work. He is a speaker and writer of great promise and a young man of good business ability. Both he and his brother are active members of the Sons of Veterans.
Mr. Floto has a very pretty residence, furnished with all modern improvements and situated on Berlin's main street, which he purchased in 1898. Although still in active business, he feels that it is nearly time to take off the harness which for well nigh half a century he has worn so faithfully.
108
BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES
ROBERT P. BRANT.
Robert P. Brant, of Shanksville, is a great-grandson of Christian Brant, who came from Dauphin county to Stony Creek township in 1795 and settled near the site of Shanks- ville, on the Lazear farm. His children were: Christian; Abram, an 1812 soldier; Samuel; Adam, of whom later; George; Elizabeth, wife of Caspar Keller; and Eve, wife of Jacob Kel- ler. Mr. Brant died suddenly while on a hunting trip.
Adam Brant, son of Christian Brant, was born in 1785 in Dauphin county and was a carpenter and wheelwright, work- ing at his trade for forty years in this county. He was a Whig and a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Brant mar- ried Elizabeth Grove and their children were: Jacob, married Maria Burkett and removed to Iowa, where he died; Sarah, wife of John Lutz, died at the age of eighty-one; Eliza, de- ceased, was wife of Joseph Keefer; Joseph, of Berlin, married Mary Woy; Leah, deceased, was wife of Benjamin Keefer; Susan, deceased, was wife of Henry Grady; Sophia; Chauncey A., of whom later. Mr. Brant died near Shanksville in 1847.
Chauncey A. Brant, son of Adam and Elizabeth (Grove) Brant, was born June 12, 1832, and learned the saddler's trade in Stovestown, receiving two dollars and a half for eighteen months' works. He afterward worked at his trade in Pitts- burg and for several years in Shanksville. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-third Regi- ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving with the rank of first sergeant until May, 1863, when he was honorably discharged. For forty years Mr. Brant has been a merchant in Shanksville. He has served as school director, for twenty years held the office of justice of the peace, and for the last eight years has been postmaster. He is a Republican and a member of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Brant married, May 12, 1855, Susan, born May 8, 1833, daughter of George Rayman, and their children were: Robert P., of whom later; Araminta, wife of D. S. Wilson, of Shanksville, has one child, Lee, who married Susan Blackburn and has one child, Robert F .; Jennie S., wife of Lincoln Hull, merchant of Spring Hope, Bedford county; Richard J., mer- chiant of Shanksville, married Eva Heffley; Foster F., partner of Richard J., married Rose Ream. Mrs. Brant is a member of the Lutheran church.
Robert P. Brant, son of Chauncey A. and Susan (Ray- man) Brant, was born May 20, 1856, in Shanksville, where he received his preparatory education in the publie schools, after- ward attending the normal schools of Somerset and Berlin. After completing his edneation he taught for five years in the
109
BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES
schools of Stony Creek township, and then entered commer- cial life as a traveling salesman for a Philadelphia wholesale grocery house, taking Somerset and Bedford counties as his field of labor. Since 1887 he has conducted a drug store in Shanks- ville, being a registered druggist, qualified to practice anywhere in Pennsylvania. For ten years he has served as justice of the peace, and for the last eight years has been assistant post- master, the office being situated in his store. He belongs to Shanksville Camp. No. 7325, Modern Woodmen, and is a Re- publican in politics. He is a member of the Lutheran church, which he has served as deacon and elder, and for fifteen years has been superintendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. Brant married, December 12, 1878, Miriam A. Wil- son. They have no children. Mrs. Brant is a daughter of Abraham Wilson, who was born December 12, 1828, and is a retired miller of Shanksville. He is a Democrat and a member of the United Brethren church, as is his wife, Catharine Balt- zer, who was born in 1839. Their daughter Miriam was born December 31, 1854, was educated in the common and normal schools and became the wife of Robert P. Brant. She is a mem- ber of the Lutheran church.
ROBERT C. HEFFLEY.
Robert C. Heffley, of Berlin, is a grandson of Jolin Heffley, who in 1815 came to Berlin from Berks county, Pennsylvania. He was a tanner by trade and was twice married, his first wife being Barbara Swartz, who bore him the following children, all of whom are deceased: William, Druscilla (Mrs. Alex. Brubaker), and Julia Ann. John Heffley's second wife was Elizabeth Keffer, and their children were: Charles A., of whom later; Albert, enlisted in August, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment, Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, Captain F. H. Edmundson, served as first lieutenant, captured at Gettysburg and for twenty months confined in Southern prisons, promoted to captain and at close of war honorably discharged, married Minnie Stoner and lives in Ber- lin; Alexander, Joseph and Gersham B., all deceased; James, clergyman at Canal Manchester, Ohio; Samuel, of Berlin; Harriet, wife of Dr. Right, of Berlin; Elizabeth, wife of E. H. Anawalt; Ellen C., wife of C. P. Heffley, of Somerset; Clara, deceased. The father of this family died in 1873 at the age of eighty-one.
Charles A. Heffley, son of John and Elizabeth (Keffer) Heffley, was born August 8, 1833, and followed his father's trade, owning and operating a tannery in Berlin. He was an active politician and a strong Democrat. Mr. Heffley married,
110
BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES
August 22, 1859, Judith A., born October 20, 1832, daughter of Alexander and Nellie (Crigler) Philson, the former for many years a merchant of Berlin, a noted land surveyor and for thirty years justice of the peace. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heffley: Margaret E., of Berlin; Robert C., of whom later; Rose E., of Berlin; John A., clerk in Ber- lin, married Minnie Suder and has three children, Stewart, Emmeline and Louise; Annetta, wife of George P. Brubaker, coal operator and manufacturer of Berlin, has one child, Rob- ert D .; Emma B., wife of C. W. Krissinger, manager of Berlin Mercantile Company; Nellie, wife of S. Platt Zimmerman, fireman on Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Mr. Heffley died June 3, 1885, and his widow was appointed by President Cleveland postmistress of Berlin, which office she held the full term of four years. She is still living in Berlin and is a member of the Lutheran church.
Robert C. Heffley, son of Charles A. and Judith A. (Phil- son) Heffley, was born January 2, 1863, in Berlin, where he re- ceived his education in the common and normal schools. He began his business life as a worker in and around the coal mines of the vicinity, and in December, 1883, entered the service of C. A. M. Krissinger, a hardware merchant of Berlin, with whom he remained six years in the capacity of clerk. In the summer of 1889 he left the store and for a few months worked in a creamery, returning in the autumn to the store, now con- ducted by Krissinger & Kuitz, where he remained until 1897. On May 1 of that year Mr. Heffley opened a general hardware store in Berlin, which he still conducts, employing two clerks and doing a large business. In addition to the regular hard- ware stock he deals in wagons, buggies, farm machinery, paint, oils, etc.
He has served as school director, auditor and chief burgess of Berlin. In 1896 he was elected justice of the peace, and in 1901 was re-elected, making ten yars of continuous service in that office. In 1906 was again elected, making his third term. He was in 1906 candidate on the Democratic ticket for protho- notary of Somerset county. He is a member of Meyersdale Lodge, No. 554, F. and A. M .; Berlin Lodge, No. 461, I. O. O. F .; Berlin Lodge, No. 122, Order of Maccabees, and Berlin Lodge, No. 7170, Modern Woodmen of America. In the I. O. O. F. and in the Maccabees he has passed all chairs and in the for- mer order holds the rank of past grand. He and his wife are members of Trinity Lutheran church of Berlin.
Mr. Heffley married, July 12, 1893, Minnie, born Septem- ber 4, 1859, in Berlin, daughter of Charles Floto, of that town, in the schools of which she received her education. Mr. and
111
BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES
Mrs. Heffley are the parents of two daughters: Judith Ray, born June 17, 1894; and Edith Marie, born November 1, 1895. Both these children are pupils in the Berlin schools.
JACOB G. KIMMEL.
Jacob G. Kimmel, of Downey, born September 2, 1850, son of Josiah and Susan (Glessner) Kimmel, traces his descent from Jacob Kimmel, who was born May 6, 1757, in Lancaster county, and about the period of the Revolution came to Somer- set county. He settled in Stony Creek township, where his farm was one of the first clearings. He was a Whig and a member of the United Brethren church. Jacob Kimmel's wife was Mary Hoffman, born December 26. 1760, and the follow- ing were their children: Abraham, Jacob, John, Solomon, Eliz- abeth, wife of Jacob Shank; Ludwig, Mary, wife of Peter New- comer; Peter, Michael, and Jonathan, of whom later. Jacob Kimmel died November 14, 1824, and his widow passed away May 11, 1838.
Jonathan Kimmel, son of Jacob and Mary (Hoffman) Kimmel, was born January 28, 1798, in Stony Creek township, and made farming his life-work. He held the offices of super- visor, school director and county commissioner, was a Whig and a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Kimmel married, July 24, 1818, Susan Meyers, born January 3, 1799, and their children were: Mary, wife of Josiah Walker, de- ceased; Michael, deceased; Josiah, of whom later; John M., retired farmer of Jefferson township; Daniel, Noah, Elizabeth, and Susan, wife of Moses Gashaw, all of whom are deceased; and Jonathan J., retired farmer of Berlin. The death of Mr. Kimmel occurred July 7, 1878, and that of his widow January 14, 1983.
Josiah Kimmel, son of Jonathan and Susan (Meyers) Kim- mel, was born May 22, 1824, in Stony Creek township. He was a farmer and the owner of the homestead, the tract originally settled by his grandfather. Jacob Kimmel. He filled the offices of supervisor and school director, and in politics was first a Whig and later a Republican. He was a member of the Breth- ren church, in which he was always a prominent worker, serv- ing as both deacon and elder. He married, February 18, 1847, Susan, born November 5, 1829, daughter of Joseph and Cath- arine Glessner, and great-granddaughter of Elder Jacob Gless- ner, whose unprovoked murder caused so great a sensation throughout the county, and especially in Berlin, which was the scene of the tragedy. Josiah and Susan Kimmel were the par- ents of the following children: Kate, born November 4, 1848, wife of Alexander Hillegass, farmer of Allegheny township, had eight children, died April 20, 1890. Jacob G., of whom
112
BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES
later. Ellen, born October 8, 1853, wife of John Croner, farmer of Brothers Valley township, had six children, died December 17, 1893. Joseph L., born February 18, 1856, minister of United Brethren church, Dayton, Ohio, married (first) Vida Schrock, and after her death Alice Musser, who died March 8, 1906, at Gratis, Ohio; four children by each marriage. Milton J., born March 8, 1860, active politician and county clerk, married Ag- nes, daughter of Dr. Ray, of Wilsey, Kansas, had two children, died in Wilsey, 1902. Jonathan E., born September 12, 1862, died January 2, 1865. Ida, born November 1, 1864, died Janu- ary 6, 1883, a few weeks after her marriage to John Ross. Ed- mund B., born September 17, 1870, owns and operates the home- stead farm, married Lizzie Schrock, has four children. The father of this family died December 21, 1903, and the mother is still living in her home in Downey, in good health and very active at the age of seventy-seven. She is a member of the Brethren church.
Jacob G. Kimmel, son of Josiah and Susan (Glessner) Kimmel, was educated in the public schools of Stony Creek township and at the normal school. He worked on the farm for his father until of age, when he married and bought the farm at Downey, which he still owns. This estate consists of two tracts of one hundred and forty-six and one hundred and sev- enty acres, respectively, and on this land Mr. Kimmel con- ducted a general farming and stock-raising business. He was a very enthusiastic stockman and raised fine specimens, con- stantly seeking then, as he does to-day, to improve his breeds, which were and are in many cases pure blooded. There is on the farm a sugar camp of five hundred vessels and also good orchards. Mr. Kimmel also owns the Peter Kimmel farm of one hundred and seventy acres, adjoining the one before men- tioned.
In 1884 Mr. Kimmel took up the study of surveying, and after perfecting himself in this art became an expert whose services were much in demand, being called upon to survey farm, coal and lumber lands'in his own and adjoining counties. He surveyed completely the extensive coal lands of the Niver Coal Company, a circuit of nineteen miles, and it was at this time that he formed the acquaintance of Major Philip A. Shaf- fer, manager for the company, the acquaintance ripening into a warm friendship, which still exists. In 1884 Mr. Kimmel laid out the town of Downey in the center of his own land, the South Pennsylvania railroad being then engaged in building their line through his farm. The collapse of the railroad nipped this enterprise in the bud, although Downey is quite a thriving little hamlet, with postoffice, stores and pleasant homes. There, in 1902, Mr. Kimmel built his present residence, erecting at the
113
BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES
same time a structure in which he carries on the business of a general country store. He then retired from farm life in favor of his son. Mr. Kimmel's mother is his next-door neighbor and is the object of his constant care. Mr. Kimmel was one of the promoters of the Farmers' Union Telephone Co., and has been the treasurer of that company since its organization. This line extends from Shanksville to Berlin. He has held the offices of assessor and school director and is a Republican in polities, having cast his first presidential vote for Ulysses S. Grant. He and his wife are members of the Brethren church, in which for twenty years he has served as deacon, being also superintendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. Kimmel married, November 10, 1870, Hester, born July 10, 1848, daughter of Peter R. Hillegass, of Bedford coun- ty, and their children were: Albert P., born December 3, 1871, educated in public schools of Stony Creek township and Berlin normal school, began teaching at the age of seventeen and for thirteen years taught in the public schools; now lives on and cultivates his father's farm. He married Mollie, daughter of Jacob Stutzman, and has three children, Marion H., Mildred and Charles C., aged respectively ten, eight and five years. Charles A., born December 8, 1874, died December 16, 1875. The mother of these two sons died May 6, 1875, and on Decem- ber 26, 1876, Mr. Kimmel married Abia Reel. They have no children.
Mrs. Kimmel is a daughter of William. Reel and a grand- daughter of Mathias Reel, who was born in Harrisburg, Penn- sylvania, where his German ancestors had settled on their ar- rival from France, whither they had fled on being driven by religious persecution from their native land. William Reel was a native of Stoystown and was by trade a shoemaker. He bought a farm on the Bedford pike and there conducted a hotel for the entertainment of the throngs of travelers which in those days made use of that thoroughfare. He served as county auditor and commissioner, was a Republican in politics and a member of the Lutheran church. William Reel married Sarah, daughter of Levi Gribble, who was of English descent and a veteran of the Mexican war. Mr. and Mrs. Reel were the par- ents of a son and a daughter: Matthias D., ex-prothonotary of Somerset county; and Abia, born October 18, 1848, educated in public schools, wife of Jacob G. Kimmel.
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.