Genealogical Society learns about indentured servants
"Records of Indentured Servants" will be the topic for the Aug. 22 general meeting of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society at 2 p.m. in the Buchanan Room of the main county library located on First Monday Lane in Canton.
Marynell Bryant of Hopkins County will be the special speaker. She is a retired journalism teacher from Sulphur Springs High School with 35 years of experience. She has bachelors and master’s degree in journalism from Texas A&M University at Commerce. She is a member of DAR, US Daughters of 1812, Daughters of American Colonists, Colonial Dames XVIIth Century, and Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She is also the administrator for the national Rainey/Raney DNA Surname project, chair of the Texas Heritage Certificates, TSGS, past president of Texas State Genealogical Society (3 terms), and past president, treasurer, and current librarian for Hopkins County Genealogical Society.
According to Ms. Bryant, as many as one quarter of a million European immigrants came to North America in the 150 years before the American Revolution. Many were bound by contracts for three to seven years of labor. The practice was so prevalent that more than one-half of the immigrants came to America as indentured servants and although there is no one complete listing of all indentured servants, there are published and online sources available. Useful clues can be found in court minute books and land grant records.
The genealogical society meets the fourth Saturday in every month except December at the main county library. Visitors are warmly welcomed.
For further information on society membership or activities, contact the Library of Genealogy and Local History at 903-567-5012, or visit the library located in the courthouse annex in Canton.
Library hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, with extended hours on Thursday until 6 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
