Archive for October, 2008


Vital record found in Southern Claims Commission file

For years, I have been taught that you won’t find vital records in federal records. Wrong! I ordered the disallowed Southern Claims Commission file for Harmon Mickle, one of my ancestors [$450]. In one of the depositions, I found reference to a 3rd marriage for his mother-in-law, Johanna [surname unknown] McSweeney Harland LEWIS. Johanna had dropped off the face of the earth in Sebastian County Arkansas after the 1850 census. I could find her children, but not her. Now I know why — she remarried! Now it’s back to Ft. Smith and Greenwood to find what happened to her. Yes, there are two courthouses in Sebastian County. Forthunately they’re not too far apart with modern transportation. Or maybe, considering the price of gas, I’ll just write, hmm.