Novice genealogists often mistakenly believe that they can find all necessary information online. This is a misconception, as many valuable resources remain unavailable in digital format. One such resource is town century books, which can be instrumental in researching families that resided in specific towns, as well as in surrounding rural areas.
Although ancestors might have lived on farms, they frequently had relatives in nearby towns. Town century books are typically compiled by large committees and provide detailed accounts of the town”s early years, including information about schools, churches, hospitals, industries, and civic organizations.
Additionally, these books often feature sections dedicated to early families, along with special segments highlighting the contributions of early educators, medical professionals, and military personnel. They also serve as repositories of maps and photographs, enriching the understanding of local history.
