Ruth C. Bishop Family History Volunteer
Posthumous Hall of Honor:

J. Richard Abell
(Ohio, 2003) Nominated by the Hamilton County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society for his outstanding contributions to the genealogical community. He was a board member of the Federation, the National genealogical Society, and Hamilton County Genealogical Society. He headed the History and Genealogy Department of one of the largest genealogical collections in the United States, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Richard loved genealogy and enjoyed serving genealogists.

Malcolm Luther (Mike) Basham
(Texas, 2006) The Dallas Genealogical Society nominated Mike, who was truly a leader and outstanding volunteer in the genealogical community. Mike was the first Dallas County Web Page coordinator. He had a vision for how the Internet could be an invaluable tool for genealogists and decided to do something about it. While he worked as the Texas coordinator for the USGenWeb project, Mike helped to formulate a lookup policy for all USGenWeb pages.

Stanley Beck
(Michigan, 2003) Nominated by the Northeast Michigan Genealogical Society as co-founder of that society in 1976. Stanley was instrumental in the recording and indexing of Alpena county records and census records. He also set an excellent example by documenting his Beck family back to the 1500s in Germany.

Edna Meyer Bentz
(California, 2004) Nominated by the German Research Association, Inc. of San Diego, California. She became a member early in its history and served as the editor of “The German Connection” from 1981 to 1989. The editorial grew in size during her tenure due to her personal efforts and the membership of the organization itself grew from 80 to about 600 members. With her skills in the German language she published her well-known book, If I Can, You Can Decipher Germanic Records. Another valuable contribution by Edna, was the compilation of a database of more than 51,000 people from Ansbach, Bavaria, Germany, which her family plans to donate to the society.

Marcia Bergman
(Illinois, 2003) The Polish Genealogical Society of America, headquartered in Chicago, nominated Marcia Bergman. As a volunteer of that society, Marcia wore many hats. She was the Book Sales Chair, Membership Chair, and Church Tour Guide. Her pleasant and even-tempered disposition made her a joy to work with regardless of the project.

John (Jack) A. Brissee
(Wisconsin, 2007) The Dane County Area Genealogical Society nominated Jack for his leadership and hard work in the Computer Assisted Genealogists of Southern Wisconsin. This group has now merged with Dane County Area Genealogical Society. Jack emphasized high quality genealogical research and advocated for solid documentation. He developed many lectures and demonstrations. Jack was founder and editor of the PAFways newsletter for ten years. His service on the local, state and national levels benefits all people interested in genealogy.

Marjorie "Marge" M. Brown
(Arizona, 2005) The Northern Arizona Genealogical Society nominated Marge, who served as the cemetery chairperson from 1990 to 1994 for the society. During that time she accomplished the monumental task of changing the society’s cemetery project from the typewriter to computer. Researchers using the Yavapai County cemetery records appreciate the information from this database.

Jane Peterson Campbell
(Illinois, 2003) Nominated by the Will/Grundy Genealogical Society of Illinois for being a faithful and active member of the society. She was editor, transcriber, recorder, preservationist, artist and officer for the society. Jane was a private person who did not seek recognition or praise. She did the things that needed to be done and others followed her example.

John Bernard Carney
(Massachusetts, 2003) Nominated by the New England Historic Genealogical Society located in Boston, for forming the Friends of the Library. This group of volunteers helped in every capacity of the library. John was familiar with the collection and worked to make the records known to patrons. He wrote a column in the NEHGS NEXUS that gave brief descriptions of newly processed manuscripts.

Richard Sidney Cheney
(Pennsylvania, 2005) Nominated by the Erie Society for Genealogical Research, of Erie, Pennsylvania, Dick joined as a founding member of the society. He donated his “Cheney” Collection of 275 notebooks to the Erie County Historical Society. These include 240 books on general genealogy, 34 books of marriage records, and a book that contains the records titled the Black Families in Erie County. He also indexed all of the books. His collection is housed in the Erie History Center and is a valuable resource for researchers of Erie County.

Ruth Keys Clark
(Kansas, 2005) Nominated by the Kansas Council of Genealogical Societies, Inc. and the Atchison County Kansas Genealogical Society, Ruth served as president of the Jefferson County Genealogical Society and the Kansas Council of Genealogical Society. She belonged to ten genealogical and historical societies and fourteen lineage societies, including the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and the National Genealogical Society. Her depth of knowledge about research in Kansas, unequaled in the state, she willingly shared as a featured speaker locally and nationally. She conducted genealogical research tours for over six years for the Kansas Council of Genealogical Societies.

Marilyn Close
(Colorado, 2005) The Colorado Genealogical Society nominated Marilyn. She worked as a behind-the-scenes volunteer, who sought neither praise nor recognition. Marilyn served on many committees recording and indexing materials for the benefit of other researchers. When she saw the need, she organized a mailing committee, of which she became the chair. She continued to work and lend support, even after she entered hospice in her final months of life.

Joseph D. Darby
(Massachusetts, 2006) The Cape Cod Genealogical Society nominated Joseph, who contributed numerous hours to recording gravestones in various local towns. He organized a computer special interest group for members of the society. Joseph contributed materials for the publication of the Society Bulletin and produced a CD index of the past Bulletins. His gentle touch and vast store of genealogical information is greatly missed by the society.

Phyllis Brown Miller Delaney
(Ohio, 2004) Nominated by the Ohio Genealogical Society. She was the director of the Federation of Genealogical Societies from 1995-2000. For her efforts at compiling the procedures manual for the organization she received the Distinguished Service Award. On the state level she served on the Board of the Ohio Genealogical Society from 1996-1997 and in various other positions from 1984-1997. On the local level she served as President of: Montgomery County Chapter of OGS in 1982; Miami Valley Genealogical Society 1987-1988; Miami Valley Council of Genealogy and History 1987-1988; Simon Kenton Chapter of the Daughters of the War of 1812, 1987-1989. Of her publications, she was most fond of the Index to the Grave Records of Servicemen of the War of 1812, State of Ohio. Regardless of the capacity in which she served, Phyllis was always a kind and gracious lady. She was an effective leader in the genealogical community.

Shirley Green Dillon
(Kentucky, 2007) The Louisville Genealogical Society nominated Shirley, who was one of the founding members and was the Society’s charter president. Under her direction, the society was formally organized. Shirley was also a retired schoolteacher and member of DAR, U of L Cardinal Dames, Scottish Society of Kentucky, and the Richard III Society. She willingly shared her knowledge of genealogy and research with the Louisville Genealogical Society and other researchers in the area. Shirley was an important asset to the genealogical community.

Margaret Johnson Drake
(Arizona, 2004) Nominated by the Arizona Genealogical Advisory Board. She was a driving force behind the organization of the board in 1988; which is an umbrella organization of Arizona genealogical societies. Peggy was the first historian of the organization, and participated in a variety of positions during the 1992 FGS/AzGAB national conference. She was instrumental in bringing Colin Chapman, of England, to speak at one of the AzGAB conferences in the 1990s. Prior to coming to Arizona, she was active in the Chicago Genealogical Society and the North Suburban Genealogical Society in Illinois. She was a charter member of the Illinois State Genealogical Society. As a member of the DAR, she was their official bugler for several years. She educated herself in genealogical research in the 1950s and was a graduate of the Institute of Genealogical Research held at the American University in Washington, D.C. in 1968. She was well known for her lectures throughout the U.S.

Dythe-Mary Egleston
(California, 2005) Nominated by the Tuolumne County Genealogical Society, Dythe-Mary became a member of the society in 1985 and remained active for almost twenty years. She served as president, regularly taught beginning genealogy at the society’s annual classes, and willingly talked to local groups about her favorite subject – genealogy. A major contribution to local genealogical resources is her work on the burial records of Tuolumne County. She researched more than twenty cemeteries and personally surveyed many of them.

Herbert Dewey Estes
(Kentucky, 2004) Nominated by the Louisville Genealogical Society of Kentucky. He served as seminar chairman, 2nd vice president, publicity chairman and night meeting chairman. Herb believed computers were the future and was active in the local PAF group. He took the time to discuss computer problems with members and he had a way of explaining the complicated so that it was easily understood. Herb participated in many research trips. He was a frequent visitor to Frankfort, and its many genealogical repositories. He would fill his van with researchers and off they would go. Many researchers were assisted by him in preparing their DAR and SAR forms. He was an avid SAR member and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his efforts in successfully raising funds to purchase the complete set of Federal Census microfilm of the state of Kentucky. Herb was a happy, fun loving man, who brought great enthusiasm to his love of genealogical research and readily shared that enthusiasm with others.

David Evans
(Kentucky, 2005) The Southern Kentucky Genealogical Society nominated David, a charter member of the society. He served continuously on the board of directors and as an officer. David, instrumental in the ongoing efforts to increase genealogical educational opportunities throughout southern Kentucky, willingly lent a hand at every society event and served as an ardent supporter of the society. He became a member of the Federation of Genealogical Societies. David never lost sight of the genealogical community’s goals of service and education.

Constance Siverly Ferguson
(Ohio, 2005) The Ohio Genealogical Society nominated Connie, a founding member of the Hudson Genealogical Study Group in 1986. She served as president at the inception and then another term in 1991. In 1990 she helped to obtain a charter for the group from the Ohio Genealogical Society. Connie taught many genealogy classes and personally prepared four of the twenty publications that the group still sells today. She became a Certified Genealogical Records Specialist as granted by the Board for Certification of Genealogists. On March 19, 2005, the Ohio Genealogical Society elected her as a "Fellow," at the OGS Board Meeting.

Robert Fisher
(California, 2004) Nominated by the Monterey County Genealogy Society. He served as a tireless volunteer to the society and to the Monterey Family History Center. Robert served as computer services technician at the Center for five years prior to his death. During this time he set up eight computers, linked them to a local area network, obtained and installed the necessary software for their operation, and maintained the system for over six years. He also taught numerous classes and workshops at the Center and for various family history conferences. Rob made substantial personal donations of computers and equipment to the Center, as well as other computer locations. He would also help other researchers purchase and set up their computer systems in their homes. He was a genealogy enthusiast. In addition to his volunteer work, his church work, his unending assistance to others in need of computer advice and assistance, he held a full-time job in the computer field, was husband to his wife Rhonda, and father to six children.

Simeon Moses Fox
(Kansas, 2003) Nominated by the Riley County (Kansas) Genealogical Society. Simeon was born in 1841 and died in 1938. After serving in the Civil War as a Lieutenant in the 7th Kansas Cavalry, he came to Manhattan, Kansas, where he started his first book store. He was the Kansas Adjutant General around the turn of the century. In the 1930s he was very active in genealogy and he corresponded with noted genealogists, including Donald Lines Jacobus. His family lines were original New England people, which he carried to the 11th generation. His research was recognized as through and authoritative and is filed with the National Genealogical Society.

Alfred N. Freeman, Jr.
(Michigan, 2005) Nominated by the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research, Alfred worked diligently as an active member in the society and in the Fred Hart Genealogy Society. He took an active role in both societies and served as treasurer for the DSGR. At the Detroit Public Library he took charge of members’ genealogy charts on file in the Burton Historical Collection. He entered all the files submitted into a computer database. Alfred is remembered as a friend to all who knew him, always being willing to help.

Virginia H. Wilkins Gardner
(Florida, 2003) Nominated by Kinseekers Genealogical Society in Leesburg, Florida, Virginia was a Certified Genealogist, teacher, and lecturer. However, Virginia was nominated for her act of organizing the "Kinseekers" to copy every record in the local courthouses and cemeteries for the benefit of researchers seeking information about Florida ancestors in the Leesburg area.

E. Eugene Goodbub
(Kentucky, 2006) The Louisville Genealogical Society nominated Eugene, who was particularly interested in finding and saving records and other information from old cemeteries. When a new road was being constructed, he would research records to see if any old graves would be disturbed and took care to assure they were cared for or moved if necessary. Eugene’s genealogical knowledge was a great asset to both the society and to the city of Louisville.

Monette Littleton Grant
(Texas, 2003) Nominated by Dallas (Texas) Genealogical Society because she was the ultimate, dependable volunteer. She "worked the desk" for a number of years, held various offices, and cheerfully supported the society.

Wuanita Groh
(Florida, 2003) Nominated by the Charlotte County (Florida) Genealogical Society because of her two main talents - journalism and work. Nita wrote and edited the society newsletter for many years, indexed all back issues and worked in any capacity needed for the betterment of family history research.

Lotti Louise LeGett Gurly
(Oregon, 2003) Nominated by the Genealogical Forum of Oregon. Her major contribution to the world of genealogy and historical research was Oregon Donation Land Claim. This series of five volumes includes an index volume. Lottie continued gathering information to publish supplements to the series until her death in 2003.

Rozella Hall
(California, 2004) Nominated by the California African-American Genealogical Society of Los Angeles, California. The other volunteers referred her to as "Our Golden Girl." While she was researching her maternal family line she found that the volunteers at the LAFHC were ill prepared to assist African-Americans in their research. The center was in great need of genealogical resources. She loved her history and research, and anyone who wanted to hear a story and learn from her very difficult search, was mesmerized by her abilities to think outside the box. For ten years she worked diligently, providing the much needed assistance. She would stop her own research to help others when asked. Her efforts resulted in an invitation to start a class on African-American genealogy. The class was formatted as a workshop, not a lecture, and in spite of her life long illness, she kept the classes going. The LAFHC has a book section devoted to African-American resources and the workshop is held monthly.

Robert Harsh
(Ohio, 2006) The Palatines to America nominated Robert, who had a passion for genealogy and family history. He was an avid indexer, and created an every-name index for all the published volumes of the Immigrant Ancestor Charts and a five year index for Palatine Immigrant, the society’s scholarly publication. Robert was involved in the Hocking County Ohio Genealogical Society and indexed records for the society as well. He helped many beginners understand the pitfalls they might find in researching their German ancestors.

Anna Mae Hettinger
(Kentucky, 2005) Nominated by the Louisville Genealogical Society, Anna volunteered her time and expertise for many years with the society. Her contributions to the membership regarding research and general genealogical knowledge made her a real asset to the organization and the Louisville area as well. She had a deep commitment to the study, recovery, and preservation of our Germanic- American heritage, and became one of the founding members of the Kentuckiana Germanic Heritage Society in 1991.

Miss Caroline Higley
(Oregon, 2007) The Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Inc. nominated Miss Higley. Miss Higley, along with two other founding members, created the Forum in 1946. The three ladies decided to form a group due to their shared deep interest in genealogy. The meetings were first held in each other’s homes, and Miss Higley was designated as President. Today membership in the group averages 1,000 members a year due to the vision of those three women. The original library collection has grown to over 40,000 books, microfilms/microfiche, and CD-ROMS, making it one of the largest genealogical collections in the Northwest.

Ruth S. Kennedy
(Michigan, 2003) Nominated by the Detroit (Michigan) Society for Genealogical Research for her tireless dedication in transcribing and publishing so many old records. She was a volunteer for two Michigan genealogical societies. She was also longtime editor for both of their newsletters. The second group is the Oakland County Genealogical Society.

Brian Lionel Killoran
(Arizona, 2003) Nominated by the Family History Society of Arizona because he was an important catalyst in the early success of that society. The society memorial fund - used to provide books to the State Genealogy Library - is named for him.

Beverly "Bee" Koons
(California, 2005) The North San Diego County Genealogical Society nominated Bee who served as an active volunteer of the society for many years. She served as registrar for seminars and on various committees. Bee presented many programs for the members on case studies of how she overcame brick walls. Probably her most recognized accomplishment is serving as the chair for the education committee, in which she served for many years. In teaching a junior genealogy class, she developed a teacher’s manual and student’s workbook, both of which she donated to the society.

Ruby Lacy
(Oregon, 2005) Nominated by the Genealogical Council of Oregon, Ruby became a founding member of the society in 1969. She helped to establish the statewide organization dedicated to education and the preservation of family and local history. Ruby held most of the positions on the Board and volunteered willingly to do whatever else the society needed. In addition, she compiled hundreds of Jackson County, Oregon books. Her efforts made censuses, newspaper abstracts, and vital records available to researchers. Most of her books are in the Family History Library. Ruby used her contacts on a statewide level to encourage legislators to maintain access to public records and to keep the genealogical collection in the State Library.

Marguerite N. Lambert
(Michigan, 2004) Nominated by the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research. As a member of the society she abstracted marriage and death newspaper notices from many Michigan counties, which have been and still are being published by the DSGR in the quarterly magazine. Three books have also been published by DSGR on her abstractions: Marshall, Michigan Marriage and Death Newspaper Notices, 1847-1866 (pub. 1997); Wayne County Newspaper Marriage and Death Notices, 1809-1868 (pub. 1998); and Kent County, Michigan Marriage and Death Notices (pub. 2001). Marguerite was also active in many other historical and genealogical societies. She also wrote The Genealogical History of the Garwood Family.

Joseph F. McKeon
(New York, 2006) The Irish Family History Forum nominated Joseph, as he was tireless in his work and devotion to the organization and to the genealogical community. He manned tables at fairs, seminars and events promoting genealogy. Joseph helped the Boy Scouts work on their family history merit badges and was a member of many genealogy organizations. He often spoke of how we need to prepare our family and friends go carry on our genealogical work after we are gone.

Madeline Merrill Mills
(California, 2005) Nominated by the Seeley Genealogical Society, Madeline held the office of Genealogist of the society from 1992 to 1999. Her work included compiling, co-authoring and publishing three books, which contain the information concerning the posterity of Obadiah Seeley and Robert Seeley, both of whom came to New England as early colonists. These books form the basis of the genealogical record of the society and have proven invaluable to many people researching the Seeley surname.

C. Edwin Murray
(Missouri, 2007) The St. Louis Genealogical Society nominated Ed in honor of his work in the extensive educational program for the society. In 2000, he volunteered to become the society’s first Education Director. Ed’s educational and organizational skills were put to use in developing a team of volunteers to develop and teach a wide range of classes. He and his wife, Ilene, taught many classes, organized field trips to local sites of genealogical interest and annual group trips to Salt Lake City. Ed served as the Society’s photographer and contributed numerous articles and book reviews to the society’s quarterly journal.

Bertha Perreand Neff
(Louisiana, 2003) Nominated by the St. Tammany Genealogical Society of Louisiana. The Clerk of Court employed Mrs. Neff in 1962, to assist in organizing the records of the St. Tammany Parish. These records had been dumped in a pile in the basement of the new Courthouse. She spent twenty-five years salvaging these records, assembled them into family groups, and created a card index file for all the old records. She retired in 1986 and passed away three years later at the age of 90. Her index was rediscovered following the tornado in 1997, as they were drying out the old records. The society was then offered the old card file, from which they are now in the process of creating a database. Her efforts went over and beyond her job responsibilities and saved nearly the entire collection of 19th century records for St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana.

Julie Minot van Ginkel Overton
(Ohio, 2003) Nominated by the Ohio Genealogical Society, located in Mansfield, for her 25-plus years of service and leadership to the genealogical community of Ohio. In the summary of her service, Julie is lauded for her enthusiasm, broad genealogical knowledge and vision of the future.

Marlene Plambeck
(Nebraska, 2004) Nominated by the Fort Kearny Genealogical Society in Kearny Nebraska. Through the years her researching skills d eveloped so much that she became Fort Kearny Genealogical Society’s "epitome" of genealogy. She knew all the phrases of research and had encountered many of the problems involved. This knowledge is what she volunteered. Marlene was a charter member of the society in 1975 and she was also instrumental in forming the Nebraska State Genealogical Society in 1977. She never missed a state convention; she served as an area representative for four or more years; and she was part of the team that revised the by-laws, upgrading and reorganizing the NSGS in the 1980s. On the local level she was their mentor in workshops, beginner classes, and many programs. She had the honor of being their Outstanding Genealogist of the Year at NSGS’s annual convention. Marlene was an instructor at the University of Nebraska and incorporated genealogy research into her classes.

Kenneth Eugene Poling
(Ohio, 2006) The Franklin County Genealogical Society nominated Ken, who was business-like and highly professional in his approach. He was a volunteer speaker in the community education efforts throughout the city and the state of Ohio. Ken was a past president and a Trustee of the Franklin County Genealogical Society. He also worked with the Ohio Historical Society and Worthington Senior Citizens. Ken was a mentor to many beginning researchers.

Velda Jenkins Price
(Texas, 2007) The Hopkins County Genealogical Society nominated Velda for her contribution of many hours of service. Velda was on the job in the early organization of the society. She served as librarian in 1982 and permanent librarian from1991until her death in 2006. Her organizing skills and suggestions were evident in her work output. She was a member of the Board of the society for fifteen years and was president of the society in 1989-1990. Through her devotion and caring about her job as a volunteer, Velda contributed many hours to making our research library the success that it is today.

Barbara Dorothy Matthews Reilly-Peterson
(Florida, 2004) Nominated by the Charlotte County Genealogical Society, Inc. of Port Charlotte, Florida. She was a skilled genealogist and an open-minded lover of her fellow man. Through the years Barbara received honors and certificates for meritorious service from many special groups. In 1985 she was presented a certificate from the Florida State Genealogical Society in recognition of her work and interest in its objectives. In 1986, the Florida DAR awarded her a National Society DAR certificate for outstanding service to the DAR lineage research. She was a near charter member of the Charlotte County Genealogical Society in 1975. Barbara was a prolific writer. She completed the compilation of Pedigrees of the First Ladies of the United States Presidents, which has been placed in the National Archives and various libraries throughout the country. Barbara donated many books and made significant monetary contributions to this society.

Robert S. Rudy
(Ohio, 2004) Nominated by the Palatines to America: Researching German-Speaking Ancestry in Columbus, Ohio. He played a major part in founding this group in 1974. They formed the society to support research of German-speaking immigrants. The society now has a library and nearly 3,000 members. He was also a member of Pioneer Families of Franklin County, Ohio, Sons of the American Revolution and Society of Mayflower Descendents. Bob helped to write the bylaws, encouraged incorporation, found meeting places and people to work with him. His personal contact brought in many members, and encouraged them to take an active part. He served as President, Treasurer, and in other numerous appointments on committees. Bob used his professional knowledge to serve as internal auditor on many occasions. Until his death he maintained his interest and activities in Palatines to America.

Elizabeth Simpson
(United Kingdom, 2007) The Federation of Family History Societies nominated Elizabeth, who was one of the pioneers of the Federation. She encouraged societies to work together and share their experiences, in particular by exchanging magazines. In 1974 when the Federation was launched, Elizabeth was elected as secretary. She tackled her new role with relish, setting her sights on the target of a family history society in every county. Elizabeth used every opportunity to speak to the public about the work of the Federation. She contributed articles, reports and book reviews to the Family History News and Digest.

Melvin Sittler
(Nebraska, 2003) Nominated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County (Nebraska) Genealogical Society because he copied cemetery information and extracted vital information from old newspapers in order to compile the Sittler index for use in genealogical research. The rest of the story is that he paid for trucks to haul those old newspapers to his barn where he stored them while he worked.

Frank Smith
(Utah, 2003) Nominated by the Genealogical society of Utah, was a pioneer in the work of microfilming genealogical records. He was an authority in British research where he championed ways to organize record groups and teach accessibility for the use of the common man pedigree. If anyone uses the Family History Library or one of the Centers, they directly benefit from Frank Smith's vision and life work.

Dr. Robert L. Stockton
(Texas, 2005) The Central Texas Genealogical Society nominated Dr. Stockton, who served as a member of the society from 1982 until his death in 2002. He served on numerous committees and in various offices, including Board of Directors and two terms as President. He volunteered weekly in the genealogy section of the Waco-McLennan County Library. Dr. Stockton taught beginning genealogy classes and instructed scouts for the genealogy merit badge. He assisted with workshops and seminars and spent many hours helping to compile data for several CTGS publications.

Mary Ann Collins Stokes
(Kentucky, 2003) Nominated by the Louisville (Kentucky) Genealogical Society was a Certified Genealogist, but volunteered to aid researchers in their applications for a least 14 lineage and heredity organizations. She was a member of the DAR, Society of Boonesborough, Colonial Dames, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of American Colonists, Daughters of 1812, Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, National Huguenot Society, Society of Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge, Magna Charta Dames, and Society of Kentucky Pioneers, among others.

D. Emmert Studebaker
(Ohio, 2005) The Studebaker Family National Association nominated D. Emmert, the founder of the association in 1964. The Studebaker Frontier Homestead, built next to his home and factory, is an indoor museum that he started in 1968. There are several old cabins, other buildings and a collection of ten Studebaker cars. One of the cabins serves as the headquarters of the association. The Homestead is the site for the Studebaker Family Gatherings every five years. He subsidized the publication of the three-volume set of The Studebaker Family in America.

Mary & Margaret Sweasy
(Nebraska, 2005) Nominated by the Seward County Genealogical Society, Mary and Margaret, lifelong residents of this county, knew much of the history of the area first hand. Because of their interest in preserving family history and their willingness to help others, they answered family inquiries for several years before the organization of the society. Mary and Margaret did very thorough work in the research, as well as in doing their own family history. They joined as charter members of both the genealogical and historical societies. They sponsored many fund raising projects, which contributed to the completion of the Seward County Historical Society Museum and collected many artifacts for museum displays. Many of their files and collections have been donated to these societies along with monetary gifts.

Virginia Ada Faulkner Bovo Thompson
(Texas, 2006) The Central Texas Genealogical Society nominated Virginia, who volunteered weekly in the Genealogy Department of the Library since 1984 until her death in 2005. She served as Editor, Treasurer, and on the Board of Directors for the society. Virginia worked tirelessly to raise funds to further genealogy work in the Waco, Texas area. Her contributions included assembling quarterlies and books, helping with seminars, and microfilming records for the society.

Geraldine "Jerry" Timmons
(California, 2003) Nominated by the Conejo Valley (California) Genealogical Society for a variety of reasons, but mainly her ability to work with and teach people. As a founding member of the society she helped with their non-profit status, was the watchdog for the society, its editor, computer teacher, researcher, and often called-upon speaker.

June Treat
(Michigan, 2006) The Van Buren Regional Genealogical Society nominated June, because she was an active member of the society. She spent endless hours volunteering her time for the society’s Southwest Michigan Obituary digitization project. June was the top Local History Room volunteer for the two years before her death. Her fellow members appreciated her bright smile and giving nature.

John M. Usry
(Texas, 2007) The Central Texas Genealogical Society nominated John, who became active in the society in 1971 after retiring from the Navy. He served in most of the offices of the society during the next several years. As a result of his strict, self-imposed schedule and his leadership, he and other members succeeded in publishing eight volumes of cemetery records, two volumes of marriage records and an outstanding quarterly publication. He had completed the research and organization of material for the third book of marriage records, which was later published by the society. Those who use these materials for years to come are in his debt.

Dorothy Rachel Clark Van Pelt
(Oregon, 2005) The Genealogical Forum of Oregon nominated Dorothy, one of the three founders of the Genealogical Forum. At a meeting of the Wheel and Distaff Sewing Circle of Willamette Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, held in her home, members of the group suggested starting a genealogical society. She suggested the name, indicating a round table discussion and mutual assistance, at the meeting held on January 18, 1946. Later that week the group met and formally organized the society. Dorothy served as the first treasurer and librarian.

Dora M. Whiteside
(Arizona, 2004) Nominated by the Northern Arizona Genealogical Society of Prescott, Arizona. She was one of the founding members in 1982 and a pioneer in compiling and publishing records for the Yavapai County, Arizona. Over the years she served in many positions and chaired many projects in the society. She also frequently submitted articles that were published in the Society’s quarterly newsletter. Some of her compilations included the following Yavapai County records: 1900 Census surname index, Arizona territorial deeds 1864-1869, Arizona territorial marriage records index 1895-1912, marriage records index 1865-1895, Northern Arizona death and burial records 1936-1969 and Northern Arizona death and burial records 1870-1910. Dora was a dedicated and vital member of Northern Arizona Genealogical Society and a pioneer in compiling Arizona records.

Eileen Brookhart Willis
(Florida, 2004) Nominated by the Central Florida Genealogical Society, Inc. of Orlando, Florida. She held a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee and a Library Sciences degree from George Peabody College (now part of Vanderbilt University) in Nashville, Tennessee. Eileen became head of the Local History/Genealogy Department in the Orlando Public Library, a position she held for over thirty years, before retiring in 1988. In 1969, she was instrumental in organizing and became a charter member of the Central Florida Genealogical and Historical Society. She was chairman of the FGS conference in Orlando in 1986. Her society memberships also included the DAR, Colonial Dames, and Daughters of the American Colonists. Eileen’s vocation and avocation were a true love that was evident as she shared her knowledge, ideas and new finds with newcomers, Society members and all who passed through the Genealogy Department at the Orlando Public Library.

Doris Elizabeth Wood
(Ohio, 2004) Nominated by the Clermont County Genealogical Society in Batavia, Ohio. Doris attended Grove City College in Pennsylvania and Columbia University in New York City. She taught Latin and French, and then became a librarian, working in the public school systems in New York, West Virginia and Columbus, Ohio. In 1977, the State Library Association named her Librarian of the Year for Ohio. In that same year she retired and helped found the Clermont County Genealogical Society. She served as president, vice president, trustee, and on many project committees. In 1984 she was president of CCGS and was also elected to the board of trustees of the Ohio Genealogical Society, which she served on from 1984-1987. During this time she also served as editor of the newsletter and worked on the first celebration of the First Families of Clermont County. The Batavia Branch of the Clermont County Library has been renamed the "Doris E. Wood" Branch.

Bonnie Lou Yorgason
(Colorado, 2006) The Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies nominated Bonnie, who served the Colorado genealogical community from 1968 to 1998, helping people trace their family lines and often reuniting adopted children with their birth families. She helped to establish the genealogy section in the Penrose Library of the Pikes Peak Library District. That small area grew into a collection that now encompasses the entire floor of the Carnegie Library. Bonnie’s contributions have been significant and have benefited genealogists throughout the region.

Virginia "Ginny" Schwan Zugger
(New York, 2007) The Western New York Genealogical Society, Inc. nominated Ginny, a member of the society since 1984. From the very beginning, she took an active part in the society and held many positions and offices. She was a proofreader for the Society JOURNAL, and was always available to help compile material for it. As Library Chair, she spent many hours updating and reorganizing the Society Library. Ginny was always ready to volunteer for any position that could benefit from her knowledge, organizational skills, and experience. She was willing, reliable and efficient in everything she did for the Society.