Grand Rapids (Mich.) -- Genealogy

Abstract The Maxine Sowerby Genealogical Collection reflects years of research collected around a handful of families pertinent to the donor, Maxine Sowerby of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The research was collected in the late 20th century, but traces families back many years using family trees, printed genealogical research, scrapbooks, original photos, certificates, diaries, newspaper clippings, and other types of ephemera. Perhaps the most notable ancestor researched in the collection is Leo Salkeld...

Abstract The Michigan Genealogical Council (MGC) is comprised of genealogy societies and institutions around the state of Michigan. This collection contains a directory of member societies and their publications as of 1994. In October 1992, MGC hosted its annual seminar in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This collection includes a syllabus and audio cassettes with recordings of presentations given at that seminar. That year the theme was "The Great Crossing to the New World," and the presentations centered...

Abstract The Russell Family Papers contains documents primarily of Mr. and Mrs. Huntley Russell, who were active in numerous business, political, social and religious organizations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Huntley Russell (1858-1928) was a Republican State Senator, State Land Commissioner and real estate developer. Clara Russell (1866-1935), daughter of Charles Carter Comstock & Cornelia Guild Davis Comstock, was chairman of the Republican Women's State Executive Committee, Vice-president of...

Abstract The Ryder-Rearick family photographs document members of the Rearick and Ryder families of Grand Rapids, Michigan, particularly their work, recreation, and home life. The photographs include images of bridge and public works construction projects completed by Harry G. Benedict, brother of Hallie (Benedict) Rearick, many associated with the Works Progress Administration, as well as family portraits, school, church, and baseball team photographs. These photographs provide visual evidence of...

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This collection contains 19 record books recording burials handled by the Spring Funeral Home of Grand Rapids (Mich.) from 1906-1953. Data includes the name of the deceased, address, occupation, death date, age at death, cause of death, parents' names and birthplaces, funeral costs, and place of internment. Additional information, such as race and accompanying newspaper clippings, are included in some volumes.

Abstract This collection represents several generations of the Watrous family, who were early residents of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The first Watrous family members arrived in the city from New York State in the 1840s. There are also materials related to affiliate Grand Rapids residents such as the Seymour, Tucker, and Dale families. The collection contains original photographs of family members and family homes, as well as family history and excerpts of published materials. This collection would be...

Abstract The Grand Rapids Woman's Committee of the Council on National Defense was organized in the spring of 1917. The group contributed to the war effort by helping with home and allied relief, food conservation and the welfare of children. The bulk of this collection is a large group of note cards containing data about women who registered for home front service during World War I. The cards include the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area, covering much of Kent County and occasionally...