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A History of Saar Pioneer Cemetery And Its Inhabitants

Now Available

$40.00 plus $6.00 shipping and handling

In 2005, the South King County Genealogical Society took on the monumental task of restoring the long-neglected and often-vandalized Saar Pioneer Cemetery, located at 91st and 212th Way, Kent, Washington.

The cemetery is the final resting place of nearly 200 early pioneers of Kent and surrounding areas. Their stories are documented in this book of over 400 pages, which was researched and compiled by members of the South King County Genealogical Society. The accounts illustrate the commitment these pioneers made in migrating across this country to build new homes and lives in the early White River Valley.

ISBN: 978-0-692-01423-3

Saar Cemetery Books
South King County Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 3174
Kent, WA 98089-0203

Order Form Adobe.pdf

SKCGS Monthly General Meetings

When: Third Saturday of the month except July, August & December, 9:30 a.m. social time prior to meeting at 10 a.m.

Where: The meetings take place at the First Baptist Church of Kent, 11420 SE 248th St., Kent, WA 98030 (Map).

For information call: 253-631-0630 or 253-277-2102.

February 18, 2012

Podcasts and Webinars and Blogs, Oh My! -- Genealogy in the Digital Age

Presented by Claudia Brelund

Claudia Brelund

Claudia Breland is a librarian, paralegal student, professional genealogist and self-proclaimed computer nerd, who has been doing genealogical research since 1974. She loves learning new things, and has taught genealogy classes at the Renton Public Library and Heritage Quest Research Library. She is a member of the National Genealogical Society, the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Kent Historical Society and the Historical Society of Michigan. She enrolled in the ProGen online study group earlier this year, and has completed the NGS Home Study Course. Additional studies include attendance for the past two years at the Institute for Genealogical and Historic Research at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Her clients come from all over the US and overseas, and she was a 5-star provider for Ancestry Expert Connect. She has written genealogy columns for her local community newspaper and for Archives.com. You can view her website and blog at http://www.ccbreland.com.

Spring Mini-Seminar

March 17, 2011 ~ 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (doors open at 8:00 a.m.)

The First Baptist Church of Kent, 11420 SE 248th St., Kent, WA 98030 (Map).

SKCGS will host a half day seminar featuring Eric Stroschein

Records of the Blue and Grey: Civil War Era Records

Did you have family in the United States during the Civil War years, chances are you have a soldier among them. Learn the value of Military Records in your genealogical search, as well as how to find and procure rich records of both the north and the south.

The Bounty Lands: Early Military Pension and Land Records

Many people have soldiers from the Revolutionary War to the Mexican American War in their lineage and chances are some of them received free land from the US Government as part of their military compensation. Learn where to look and how to procure these genealogically rich application files from the National Archives to add a huge boost to your research.

Eric Stroschein

Eric has been engaged in genealogical research for 25 years. He is a graduate of the National Institute of Genealogical Research (NIGR). He specializes in research at the National Archives and Records Administration. He speaks on subjects that include Military Records (Civil War, Indian Wars, War of 1812, and Revolutionary War), Federal Land Entry Files (Homestead Act 1862, Timber Culture Act, Cash Sales and Military Warrants), Japanese Internment Records, and State Department Records.
Eric is the owner of Generations Detectives, a genealogical research firm.

 

General Admission: $25.00 ~ Cash or Check at the door. (no pre-payment)

  • Register before March 10th to insure you receive the handouts.

  • Email skcgs.seminar@gmail.com to let us know you will attend.

Heritage Quest Research Library ~ Books On the Road

After you register and during the break shop for books, software, and other items to aid your research project.

 

Seminar Volunteers Needed!

SKCGS is in need of several volunteers to help make our mini-seminar a success, if you would like to volunteer please visit the Seminar Volunteers Page, check out the opportunities available and sign up!

Raffle Donations Needed!

SKCGS is in need of raffle donations to help make our mini-seminar a success, if you would like to donate an item please contact Raffle Coordinator Molly Monks, for more information.

April 21, 2012

Overcoming the Boulders on the Way to the Cemetery - DAR Real Daughters

Presented by Jerri McCoy

The DAR Real Daughters Project was tasked with finding and documenting the burial place for each of the 767 DAR Real Daughters (women whose fathers were Revolutionary War Patriots, and who were also members of DAR.) The program takes a look at some of the crazy bumps we ran into, and how we got over them, in searching for those final resting places. Not a look at who the DAR Real Daughters were, but a look at the detective work that was involved in the search. Methods that can be used in everyone's genealogy!

Jerri McCoy

Jerri was born and raised in San Diego, California. She received her Bachelors Degree in Mathematics from San Diego State University, and worked in the computer industry for 30 years before retiring a few years ago.
Jerri has been active in genealogy for over 35 years. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Colonists, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America, the Mayflower Society, the Associated Daughters of Early American Witches, the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the Olympia Genealogical Society, and the Washington State Genealogical Society. Jerri is a past president of two genealogical societies, and has held numerous lineage society offices.
Jerri also puts her computer skills into use on the Internet. She designed and maintains the web sites for a number of genealogical and lineage societies, as well as her own personal genealogy web sites.
Jerri has published a book on one of her family lines, and is working on two more. She wrote an article documenting an elusive Mayflower line ancestor, which was published in the "Mayflower Descendants."
Jerri recently worked on a special project for the National Society, DAR, locating and documenting the burial places for their early "DAR Real Daughters." Her presentation called "Overcoming the Boulders on the Way to the Cemetery" will present some of their "lessons learned" on this project.

May 19, 2012

Using Timelines and Chronologies

Presented by Janet Camarata

Janet (O'Conor) Camarata

As a genealogist, Janet has researched her own family history for almost 20 years. Many of her family were farmers on the move, originating in Virginia and Pennsylvania, moving west through Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Kansas and on into California and Washington state. She now spends her time moving eastward discovering where they came from, why they moved and what they experienced. Janet is active in genealogy societies in both western and central Washington, volunteering in a variety of ways - secretary, newsletter writer, educator and seminar presenter. She has created an 8-week genealogy training course and many seminar topics, include preparing for a reunion, making sense of the census, genealogy and music, and using Google for genealogy searching. She is now working on using timelines and chronologies to better understand our ancestors place in history. Janet retired from The Boeing Company in computing and data management. She also taught within The Boeing Company and at the University of Phoenix. As a result, she tells her family's stories and incorporates genealogical facts using all the benefits of computing, including Legacy software, photos, movies, music and history.

June 16, 2012

Tracing Elusive Female Ancestors

Presented by Sarah Thorson Little

Finding women in traditional records can be difficult in part due to historic legal rights and status. This talk will cover research methodology and strategies to locate and identify elusive female ancestors.

Sarah Thorson Little

Sarah Thorson Little is a professional genealogist and has specialized research expertise in Northwest Native Americans, Norwegian, 19th & 20th Century U.S. research and Washington State. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and has been a Professional Genealogist for 30 years. She has been the lead instructor at the University of Washington Certificate Program in Genealogy & Family History since 1989, and is also an instructor in family history and computer research at North & South Seattle Community Colleges. The past president of the Seattle Genealogical Society, Little is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She has lectured at several national conferences, including the National Genealogical Society, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, as well as for numerous groups in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Nominating Committee Volunteers Needed!

Two general members and two board members are needed to serve on the nominating committee.
If you are interested in this short term volunteer opportunity please contact President Winona Laird.

Article V - Nominations and Elections

1. Nominations for officers shall be made by a nominating committee consisting of three (3) members to be appointed by the President, no later than the February general meeting, one to be selected from the board of Directors, and two from the general membership plus one alternate from the Board. The nominating committee shall be given a list of each officer’s duties, together with names of members in good standing, and accordingly select at least one nominee for each office to be filled. The committee shall report the slate of nominees to the general membership at the March meeting and the slate shall be published in the April “So King Extra” news flyer.

Auburn Library News

Auburn Library Closed for Expansion

During the closure period the major portion of the genealogy collection will be in storage off-site and will not be accessible. A small portion of the most heavily used books in the collection will be available in the temporary location.

The temporary location is in the beige building across the parking lot, behind Big Daddy's.

Please see the Library Holdings page for complete details.

King County Birth Register

Washington State Digital Archives

Transcription & Indexing done by members of the South King County Genealogical Society Extractions Committee.

SKCGS transcription of the King County Birth Register 1891-1907

This database contains the names of 19,668 people who were born in King County from 1891-1907.

The Extraction Committee under the leadership of Martha Richards using microfilm and digital images transcribed the records from the birth register. The index from the transcription made it possible for the Washington State Digital Archives to put these images online, and provide the record search facility.

King County Death Register

Washington State Digital Archives

Transcription & Indexing done by members of the South King County Genealogical Society.

King County Death Register 1891-1907

This database contains the names of 16,998 people who died in King County from 1891-1907.

Seattle Death Register

Washington State Digital Archives

Transcription & Indexing done by members of the South King County Genealogical Society.

Seattle Death Registers Index, 1881-1907

This database contains the names of 13,916 people who died in Seattle, King County, Washington during 1881-1907.

Saar Pioneer Cemetery Restoration Project Needs Your Help

In 2005, the South King County Genealogical Society took on the monumental task of restoring the long-neglected and often-vandalized Saar Pioneer Cemetery, located at 91st and 212th Way, Kent. The final resting place of nearly 200 early residents of Kent and surrounding areas was overgrown with weeds, blackberry briars, unkempt trees and shrubs. There were many toppled, broken and missing headstones, which have been rescued. Many unmarked graves still exist.

A team of volunteer researchers have gathered information on every identified inhabitant of the cemetery. The stories of the pioneer families who settled in the White River Valley, illustrate the commitment it takes to migrate across this country to build a new life in the Pacific Northwest. A book documenting these stories will soon be available.

In July, the second Living History Performance to be held in the cemetery will portray events in the lives of some of the inhabitants of the cemetery. Each November since 2007 a Veterans Day Flag Ceremony has been held at the site.

In the past five years, with the help of hundreds of volunteers and donations from a variety of sources, the Society has accomplished a great deal, but there is more work to be done. We need the help of a multitude of individuals and organizations to continue the task. Can you help with the restoration and preservation of the Saar Pioneer Cemetery?

Donations to the Saar Pioneer Cemetery Restoration Project are tax deductible, as SKCGS is a 501(c)(3) Organization.

Make checks payable to SKCGS, Saar Cemetery Project and mail to:
South King County Genealogical Society, Attention: Saar Cemetery Project, P.O. Box 3174, Kent, WA 98089-0203.

Brochure and contribution form (Adobe.pdf)

Your Contribution Is Greatly Appreciated!

The restoration project led by Karen Bouton.

Project PagePhoto Album

Saar Cemetery

South King County Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 3174, Kent, WA 98089-0203
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