Every researcher has their list of “go-to” items on their bookshelf. For Ohio genealogy research, mine is Genealogical Research in Ohio by Kip Sperry. I was lucky enough to grab my own copy of the second edition after drooling over it each trip to the library or the Ohio Historical Society. I’m not sure how I’ve managed without it all these years!

The Basics

In Genealogical Research in Ohio , Sperry walks us through the history, archives, and record sets associated with research in the state. His organized manner presents each section in a straight-forward way without extra fluff or hype. This makes it very easy to utilize this resource while you are in the midst of research. For me, I try to keep resources on hand that allow me to access material quickly as needed. If a book or website has a large learning curve or requires a lot of time to use it isn’t a time saver for me. As a homeschooling, full-time working, pet-owning mother, I need easy-to-use.  This fits the bill nicely.

The Specifics

Sperry directs us to helpful texts and websites to continue our research. This is, in a sense, a road map that will take you through online and on-site research. Be prepared to create quite a list of resources for your wish list. For example, when discussing newspaper research within the state, Sperry includes the following:

• What you can expect to find in Ohio newspapers;
• Titles of popular papers over the years;
• Information on foreign-language newspapers;
• Information on the collection held at the Ohio Historical Society;
• Multiple book titles to help you really explore Ohio’s historical newspapers;
• Websites for specific research needs, including a link to the Cleveland Necrology File;
• More than ten websites such as Ancestry.com and the Internet Public Library with Ohio newspapers in their digitized holdings.

My favorite part? The map collection listed in the back of the book. You’ll find migration routes, maps indicating the various land divisions in Ohio (which can be confusing if you aren’t familiar with who held possession of the territory), major waterways, and county boundary changes. I know that you can find maps online, but for me having a “grab and go” resource with all of these maps sitting on my table or tossed in my research bag is preferred. I love digital resources, but I love books even more.

Do you own Sperry’s Genealogical Research in Ohio?

I’d love to hear what you think. Do you have another Ohio genealogy reference or resource to add to my growing wish list? Let me know!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book myself. I did not receive compensation for this review. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase this book or any other item through the link above I will receive a (very) small commission on the sale. Thanks for supporting Corn and Cotton Genealogy!

© 2012, Stephanie Pitcher Fishman. All rights reserved.