Who We Are
THE STORY OF MCLEMORE ARCHIVES |
McLemore Archives began in 1975 when I received the genealogy papers of my late father, Col. Ephraim H. McLemore. Reviewing the family history he began in 1938, I began documenting on index cards every McLemore, living and deceased, that I found, in his papers, in my own research and correspondence with other researchers (focusing mainly on those appearing to be descendants for the sake of research boundaries).
Today my index files contain some 40,000 names of McLemore descendants of the two brothers James and Abraham. I also have a surname index card file on women who have married into the family as well as McLemore women who have married outside the family. Another set of index cards chart the counties and states of data received. On the name file (alphabetical by first name), there may be multiple index cards as I find that two people are one and the same. When the front of an index card is complete, I continue typing on the back. I try to note sources wherever possible. Sometimes, I write data on the cards instead of typing. As with everything, there are good days and bad days in family research and I cannot vouch for the accuracy of all the information on the cards. Not only because I may have made an error in typing; but the information I receive may also be in error. Several years ago, I researched every state of the Soundex of the 1900 U.S. census. I have a database list of the heads of households of every McLemore I could find in that census. In addition, I’ve attempted to catalog every McLemore descendant in the available U.S. censuses to date. I am currently entering the McLemores in the just released 1940 census, but have helpful data from 1850, 1860, 1870, 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 censuses. Also, I have a compilation of brief biographies of some notable men and women of the McLemore family throughout history. For me, the McLemore Archives, continues as a personal hobby and not a business. I usually bear reasonable costs of copying and mailing as part of the enjoyment of helping others with their research. This also allows me flexibility in applying my time. Anyone in the field knows that family research is much like riding a roller coaster--there are extremely active times and passive times (in terms of material available, opportunities, and personal energy). This certainly is true for me. Please don’t hesitate to forward me your own family data to be included and/or any questions, corrections, additions, or comments. Thank you. William P. “Bill” McLemore McLemore Archives 711 1st Avenue Sterling, IL 61081-3622 706-957-2447 wmclemore37@gmail.com Note: As of November 2020 Bill has started the process of transferring ownership of the archives to myself, William Patrick McLamore, and I plan on continuing the wonderful work that he has done so far. I will leave his contact info and everything up here as is but will add my email at the bottom of this note. mclemorearchives@gmail.com |