We are very proud of our local history collection.
We have a wonderful volunteer, Mrs. Ann, that is here on Thursday mornings from 9:00 until 12:00. If you call in advance, a volunteer will be contacted to be present if possible.
Be sure and check out our genealogy links on Pinterest.
The Tennessee Room
The Tennessee Room at the library houses a collection of local history and genealogical information. Since the department is a reference collection, materials are not available for check out or interlibrary loan.
Copies
A photocopier for copying materials is located behind the Circulation Desk. Copies are black/white only and cost $.20 each. You pay for your copies at the circulation desk.
Microfilm Reader/Printers
In addition, there are two microfilm readers in the Tennessee Room. One of the readers also has copying capability. Cost per copy is $.25.
Computers
There are two public access computers in the Tennessee Room that may be used to access Heritage Quest. Patrons may also access this database from any of the library’s other public access computers; remote access is also possible.
The Collection
Materials available in the genealogy department include the following:
Ancestor Charts
Automated Card Catalog with surnames from ancestor charts, family histories, book titles and subjects, microfilm, and family history files. Call numbers preceded by TENN refer to materials in this department.
Local Cemetery Records
Census Indexes- 1830, 1840, 1850, and 1870 for Henderson County, TN, and 1820-1880 Tennessee State Indexes
Civil War, Confederate Pension Applications-indexed
Civil War Questionnaires, 5 volumes, indexed
Civil War, Tennesseean’s in Civil War, 2 volumes-indexed
Family Histories
Files on Miscellaneous Henderson County Data such as Church record abstracts, old letters, pension records, etc.
History of Henderson County, by Auburn Powers
History of Henderson County, by Goodspeed
History of Henderson County, by Tillman Stewart
History of Scotts Hill, by Gordon Turner
Microfilm of Census through 1930, Court Records, Land Grants, Local Newspapers, and Vital Records
Tax list 1836 and 1862
Old Courthouse Records (Prior to 1890)- The courthouse burned in 1895 but some old records still exist, several of them go back to 1861. The oldest deed book goes back to 1856-1858, but there are several old volumes missing. Marriages and wills do not start until 1865. Births and deaths start at 1908.
March 17, 2013 at 10:40 pm
Is there anyone there that will do research? If so, what is the charge?
June 11, 2013 at 5:11 pm
We have a volunteer in the Tennessee Room on Thursday mornings that will help do research on local history, as well as, family histories. This service is free of charge.
November 19, 2013 at 1:08 pm
I found a Franklin and Blakeless barker on the 1850 census
Is there any addition info you have on then I.e. were there any other Barkers they lived near or with, tax records, wedding
Thank you for your help
March 27, 2014 at 1:13 am
I am looking to make contact with Donna Barker Diley.. Would you be so kind to send her my email address. My husband is a direct descendant of the Barker family from TN who move to Mo and Ark in the 1860’s with many of the Cherokee Nation. I can be reached at babsbarker@embarqmail.com Thank you. I also am looking for any information you might have on a Silas Barker and Beatrice or Betras Barker . Any help would be greatly appreciated.
July 11, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Do you have a copy of Descendants of Thomas and Louisa Evans? Do you have any for sale or know where I could buy one for my friend that is a direct decendant? How many pages if you have one? If we cannot find a copy would it be possible to pay for copies and postage to receive a copy? My friend lives on a fixed income and has very limited vision.
July 12, 2013 at 3:18 pm
I have checked, and we no longer have a copy of “Descendants of Thomas and Louisa Evans.” It may be purchased on Amazon.com.
August 12, 2014 at 5:07 pm
I have since found our copy of that book in our Tennessee Room. It’s a very large book making it too large to copy all the pages.
July 12, 2013 at 3:32 pm
Thanks for checking.
November 8, 2013 at 10:24 pm
I was wondering if there was any information on Silas Johnson married to Lucinda Hall Smith. Looking for any and all records including probates.
Thank you!
November 18, 2013 at 8:30 pm
Shelly,
We have found some information for you, however, we are not finished with the search. When finished, we will scan the documents, and email them to you. Hopefully what we have found will help you out!
November 23, 2013 at 9:23 pm
I would appreciate that very much! Thank you for taking the time to research this for me! I’m from California researching my family roots in Tennessee and Missouri
November 18, 2013 at 3:27 am
I’m researching my family from Lexington, Tennessee.
Major Wesley Horn was married to Martha Jane (Hart) Horn. The last census she appears in is District 10. I am looking to find out where she might be buried and who her parents were. I have been able to find more information on MW Horn as he remarried Francis Daughtrey and moved to Texas. Are you able to point me in a direction to where I might find out more about Martha Jane? Thank you
November 18, 2013 at 8:32 pm
I will submit this request for information to our genealogy volunteer.
November 18, 2013 at 9:45 pm
Thank you so much for any help. What a great resource.
March 2, 2014 at 12:24 am
Excited to see you have some marriage records. I am researching Richard Thomas Martin b. July 14, 1850 Henderson Co.(so he reported) One possible 1860 census record but name not exact. He lived with Dr. Bevil and also became a doctor. Have a diploma. I have him in 1870 and 1880 Henderson Co. census, 22 Jul 1873 he married Martha Ann Thomas, daughter of James H. and Manerva Thomas. Would love to see a marriage record. Richard Thomas Martin, said his father died 1861-65. It’s sounds as though his mother remarried in 1865. So, if you see a record of a widow Martin marriage in 1865. That would be great too. Richard Thomas Martin, left home in 1865 and his mother was married at that time. In 1883-5 Richard Thomas Martin and family left TN and moved to TX.
I think I have sent you my genealogy records. But it would have been early 90’s. Probably, time for me to sent you an update. I live in CA.
April 17, 2014 at 9:08 pm
Unfortunately our courthouse burned during the Civil War and again in 1893 and our marriage records were lost. There are a few misc. marriage records from before 1893. I have looked through those, but didn’t find any that you are wanting. We do still have the genealogy records on Richard Thomas Martin that you sent. If you would like to send an updated version that would be great. I’m sorry we couldn’t be of more help to you.
March 22, 2014 at 5:40 am
Good Evening! I am researching my Ross and Grider and Blair Families from Henderson County. I would sooooo love to come visit your wonderful Library. Maybe soon I will be able to come for a visit from Texas. I understand that their are no Marriage records for the 1850’s for Henderson County. And a marriage record would prove the connection that I really need. I am trying to prove that my Great Great Grandmother Elizabeth “Betsy” Grider is the Elizabeth that married Hugh M Ross. According to their children’s ages their marriage would have taken place ca 1850 – 55. I found Elizabeth Grider on the 1850 Census in Henderson County with her father and mother, and then in 1860, 1870, and 1880 married to Hugh M Ross. I checked your Library Catalog and I cannot believe how much Ross/Grider information ya’ll have in the Library. Please help me brainstorm, to figure out a documented source to prove this connection. I would be so thankful if there was proof in your Library.
Honoring Our Ancestors!
Karla McDonald Jones
June 15, 2014 at 10:31 pm
I’m trying to track the family of john t. Wilkerson. They live there in the 1900 census, but it doesn’t list a father or mothers name. Can u please help.. Thank you ..Bob Wilkinson
August 22, 2014 at 3:55 pm
I really need to know more about the John T. Wilkerson that you are looking for. Is he the the John Thomas Wilkerson who was born 1883, died 1916 and married Epsie Estelle Peterson. If so, Let me know as I can help you if this is the right person. Tell me what you want to learn about him. Thanks.
July 24, 2014 at 11:50 am
Peter Edwards and family lived in Henderson County, ca. 1830. I believe that that he came from Davidson and Williamson Counties prior to moving to Henderson County and that he died sometime around 1834-1836. Does the library contain any records associated with Peter Edwards or his family?
August 15, 2014 at 9:57 pm
Please keep in mind that our courthouse was burned during the Civil War and many or our early records were lost. However some did survive. Peter Edwards in on the 1830 census in Henderson Co. On our 1836 Tax List, it shows Peter Edwards heirs in District 10 with 1 lot, I believe in Lexington. It doesn’t name his heirs. He is listed as a First Major in the Henderson Co. militia on Feb, 5, 1827, in Commission Book 5, p. 1. He is also listed as a Colonel-Commander on Nov. 12, 1831 in Commission Book 5, p. 185.
I also found by accident in a book titled “Henderson Countians in Early Carroll County Land Records” an entry saying
” Henry Brown, of Henry County, Tn sold to Peter Edwards, Henderson Co., Tn 156 acres on DeMosses Creek, District 12, Range 1, Sec. 1, Carroll County for $450. No registration date.” This is in Carroll Co. deed book B 1827-1832, page 513-514, Aug. 11, 1831. Did his family stay in Henderson Co. or move away after his death. If I can help you with anything else, please let me know.
December 11, 2014 at 8:07 pm
I am researching my 2nd great grandparents Thomas J. Barber and Mary Jane Horn. I’m especially interested in information on Thomas J. Barber and his family. I haven’t found much on the family as far as records go and have contacted the Madison county Public Library and they were kind enough to look for my Barber family but didn’t find much other than what I already have found. I was wondering if Thomas may have lived in one of the counties adjoining Madison and perhaps records would be found there. Can someone help me and search the library records for anything on the Thomas Barber family? I’ve included some of the information I have on Thomas J. Barber below:
I believe Thomas J. Barber was born in Madison, TN abt 1824 and have other researchers who support this assumption but lack any supporting documents. The first record that puts Thomas in Tennessee is “Early Marriages of Madison County, Tennessee through 1850 A through B”. The index mentioned lists a Thomas J. Barber marrying a Mary Jane Horn on 11 Jan 1849 in Madison, TN. The only other supporting fact that could put Thomas in Madison, TN is that Mary Jane’s family is found in District 15, Madison, TN in the 1850 census. After 1850 the Barber family can be found in Arkansas minus Thomas. Mary Jane and 4 Barber children are found in the 1860 Arkansas census living with Mary Jane’s two brothers Matthew and William Horn.
I’d be more than glad to provide any help or additional theories on the family.
Thanks so much,
Larry Garland
lgarland12@hotmail.com
December 27, 2014 at 7:17 pm
I would like to find more information on my 2nd great grandmother, Nancy A York. She was born 25 jul 1845 in Tn to John and Lavina Ridley, died 27 apr 1872. She is burried at Bur Ridley Chapel Cemetery with her mother and father and brother.
I have her on the 1850 and 1860 Census doe District 11, Henderson Tenn. I believe she married James Davis York, and had 2 daughters, Anna L and T Alice.
I know James Davis York remarried Ellen Evans in 1872 after Nancy’s death but do not have any knowledge of when or where Nancy and James married.
The earliest record I have of John T Ridley is a tax record of 1837 in Henderson,Tenn. Bornabt 1806 in North Carolina, died 23 aug 1850.
Lavina Medlin born 10 may 1814 in North Carolina, died 27 oct 1889.
I understand many records burned and may not be available
Thank you for any additional information you can give me on any of the family.
February 10, 2015 at 5:01 am
I would like to obtain a copy ( electronic is fine ) of Roberts Family History” compiled by Peggy Roberts Busbee in 1989.
March 17, 2015 at 12:49 am
One of my ancestors, Milton C. Myracle (1862-1910) died at the age of 48, leaving behind my Great Great Grandfather at the age of ten. My mother says my Great Grandfather talked about him being murdered. Several Census records indicate him living in Darden for most the time. He was also buried there. Do you have any records relating to him?
March 17, 2015 at 12:50 am
You can also contact me at Kotasmosh@gmail.com
June 1, 2015 at 12:40 pm
I will be in Lexington 6/22-25/2015 to research John and Eliza Deer. Can I make an appointment with someone to help me out? I am a beginner.
June 15, 2015 at 5:50 pm
My interest is in a Brooks family
A William Brooks was in the 1830 census for Lexington. I wonder if he appears in the 1836 Tax List or any other source around that period.
I am emailing from Ireland and would be grateful for any help, thankyou.
Bobby
August 28, 2015 at 2:24 pm
Please check your email for a response from our Genealogy Volunteer, Mrs. Ann. It will come from the email address librarye@bellsouth.net.
October 19, 2015 at 2:04 am
I am trying to find James Morris and his wife Mahala Benson. They are listed in the 1860 census but are both deceased by 1861. I am trying find proof that James parents were Elizabeth (Brown) and Isaac Morris. I believe Mahala’s parents were Levin and Christchaney Benson. I can’t find any info on their deaths…….when, cause of death, where are they buried, etc. I am trying to trace one of their sons John James. I have found some info on their younger children. I would appreciate any help you could provide, thank you for your kindness, cb
October 19, 2015 at 1:35 pm
I will pass this information along to our volunteer when she arrives on Thursday.
October 28, 2015 at 1:35 pm
Thank you. I believe some of James siblings were: Henry Morris ( 2nd wife Piety Cosart), George W. Morris, William P. Morris and Zenus Morris.
January 14, 2016 at 7:14 pm
Could you tell me if your volunteer was able to find any information? thank you
January 15, 2016 at 7:31 pm
Our volunteer just finished with your request. Please check your email for her results. Thank you!
January 16, 2016 at 11:26 pm
I haven’t received an email as of yet.
January 19, 2016 at 2:18 pm
Your request for information came on 12/11/14. Emails were sent to your email address on 12/22/14 and 12/31/14 with the information you requested. I will gladly forward them to you again. If you have any further questions, please call 731-968-3239. Thank you!
January 19, 2016 at 2:46 pm
The emails were received and went to my junk mail folder. So sorry for the confusion and thanks for the help with my research.
Larry
February 1, 2016 at 1:17 am
This is to request research by your volunteer for any information that might be available on Silas B Barker Born abt 1820 and married Betras Barker mid 1840’s. moved west with the Native Americans that were required to move west of the Mississippi. They had 6 children born in TN then moved to MO where they had a daughter born and then on to Lawrence, Arkansas where they had a daughter born named Sarah. Many thanks for your assistance.
February 2, 2016 at 6:02 pm
Will I need to call to receive help? thanks for your help. Would love to find out more if possible.
February 3, 2016 at 7:38 pm
We will pass your request on to our volunteer. It will be a few weeks before she will have anything, as she has several requests before yours she is currently working on. We will email you any information she finds as soon as she gives it to us.
February 4, 2016 at 12:40 am
Thank you and we understand the time frame and other’s ahead of us.
June 8, 2016 at 12:58 am
I am looking for some information on the family and the business of H.E. Riley & Son. It is listed on the 1917-1918 Draft Registration card for John Elbet Riley. He lists his occupation as “blacksmith”. I am trying to trace my family line back and I am getting stuck at finding the parents of H.E. RIley (I think their names may be Sarah and Henry or John). H.E. is Hezekiah Ethelbert. Please email me if you can assist, I would greatly appreciate the help. Thank you.
SIncerely,
A. Anderson
USAF, Veteran
June 24, 2016 at 9:31 pm
Please check you email. Our volunteer has responded!
June 30, 2016 at 6:47 pm
Hi, I am trying to find old yearbooks for Lexington, TN. I am not sure what high school, but the year of graduation would be between 1930-1940. Do you have any of these in the library, or do you know where I could find them to look through the pictures for a specific lady. I only have her picture to go by and several last names to try out. I notice that you have a volunteer that helps on Thursday morning, and I wonder if I could send a copy of the picture of the person I am trying to find to that volunteer for next week. I would be more than happy to pay for the time it takes to browse the books. If that is possible, could you send me an email address where I can send a copy of the picture. I live so far away, that it won’t be possible to visit the library in person. Thank you.
July 1, 2016 at 4:52 pm
Please send the picture and request to director@ehlibrary.com. At this time, I am not sure what yearbooks we have available in that time frame, but we will check what we do have.
July 13, 2016 at 7:59 pm
I’m told that the Stewart family donated to the Henderson County library, documents know in the family as the “Pillowslip Papers”…..letters and documents to and from Stewart family members, including my great grandfather, William Robison Stewart, in Henderson County (Reagan) during the Civil War. Can you confirm this?
July 14, 2016 at 3:34 pm
We do have copies of the “Pillowslip Papers” that were given to us from the Wadley family from the collection of Richard Cratis Wadley. The originals of the copies are still with the Wadley family.
October 29, 2016 at 6:12 pm
I have just found out that my grandfather was born in Lexington Tn in 1880. His name was James Robert Stevens. How can I go about finding any information on him or his parents. I do not know their names
October 31, 2016 at 5:38 pm
I will get this to our genealogy volunteer Thursday. I will email you if and when she has found something for you! Have a blessed day.
December 21, 2016 at 6:44 am
Does the library have the ability to do microfilm research? Along with deaths, and cemetery records, I’m thinking Newspaper articles for the 1850-1860 period.
December 22, 2016 at 7:35 pm
Yes, we do have microfilm research capabilities. We have death and cemetery records available, but our earliest newspapers on file are “The Lexington Leader” starting in 1875, and “The Lexington Progress” starting in 1893.
February 1, 2017 at 11:15 pm
looking for ishon goff, sterling or sterling goff and ishon married a mcbride
April 22, 2017 at 5:28 pm
I’m looking for my 2 times grandparents. The records that I have found shows that they lived in Lexington Henderson Tennessee. I would love to find any information that I can. And possible the graves. I would love for someone to assist me if it is possible. Their names are John H. Davis and Cornelia Davis. They had 7 children.
April 25, 2017 at 12:52 am
Hi,
I’m trying to find any info on my 3rd great grandfather. He was born in VA around 1822 and lived in Henderson Co. until his death in 1873. His name was William Johnston. His first wife was Clara/Clarissa Smith (1830-1859). His second wife was Artlissa Aycock (1837-1887). He also had a son named William T. Johnston. I’m trying to find out who his parents were or when he moved from VA to TN. The oldest record I can find for him is the 1860 census. If you could provide any help that’d be great.
May 6, 2017 at 7:58 pm
Thank you. I will be returning on Thursday to finish my search. I have found 35 family members there most at the Oak Grove Cemetery. I know that their children are still around and I would love to met with them. If it was not for your help and support in genealogy I would have never found them. Thank you for your help.
May 24, 2017 at 1:56 am
I would like to thank you for all the help that you provided me in the search for the Davis family members. I was able to go to Henderso. I found several family members we had a good time meeting and greeting each other. I hope this will continue for many years to come. Thank you again
August 22, 2018 at 2:14 am
I am researching the Davis family that was from Marshall, TN however a John Davis born 1877 in Tennessee was a resident of Lexington, TN in 1931 and I am wondering what information you might have that could help me.
August 24, 2018 at 4:37 pm
I will give this to our genealogy volunteer, Mrs. Ann. We will email you with any information we may find.
August 26, 2018 at 11:01 pm
I’m looking for John H Davis from Lexington are we looking for the same person
August 26, 2018 at 11:05 pm
Please let me know if we are looking for the Davis family. Ms Ann has done a wonderful job assisting me. Thanks
October 21, 2018 at 11:04 am
I am looking for an article, or articles, from Zelma O’Neal’s writings about Daniel Winchester. Your catalog lists it as available. The Title is “Three forefathers: Their Records in the Revolutionary War”. It is listed as follows:
Location Call Number Status
Everett Horn Public Library – Tennessee – Cabinet TENN CABINET (Book) Available
Thank you for your help.