Wake County Genealogical Society Blog

Thursday, March 26, 2026

2026 Wake County Genealogical Society Virtual Meetings - next - April 28, 2026

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 @ 6:30pm – Virtual

Topic: Researching Your Mom: Don't overlook researching your immediate family!

Speaker: Diane L Richard

Think you know your mom? Our research skills aren't just for researching the long-ago deceased; they can be used for 20th-century research into a loved one. By the time one is an adult, we often assume that we know all there is to know about, say a mother, father, or grandparents. How wrong we might be. As genealogists, we sometimes get so focused on researching the long-ago deceased that we kind of skip over the individuals we lived with or frequently visited. Don't wait! This talk shares Diane’s research into her mother after she died relatively young and before grandchildren, and bereft of memorabilia. It yielded some fun surprises about her youth; this research is a work in progress.

Join us! Free and virtual!

*Please register by 4pm day of meeting.

*Please save your passcode and link for ease of entry at start time.

*Presentation starts promptly at 6:30 pm.

Link to register at the Wakecogen website events page.

Registration is now open!

Get the video recording to watch on-demand for 30 days and access to our webinar handout library with your WCGS membership!

** At presenters discretion.

Upcoming Events

View events page for details

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
Preserving Small Family Cemeteries
Presented by Joel Hobby

Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
Fishing in Every Pond: Cousin Baiting
presented by Christine Cohen

Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
Early Migration and Settlement Patterns
presented by J. Mark Lowe

Tuesday, Aug 25, 2026 @ 6:30pm - Virtual
Doing European Research when you don't speak the language
presented by Jessica Conklin

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Wake Wednesday 250 - North Carolina Widows' Pensions

A fitting topic for the last week of Women's History Month is a study of widows' pensions claimed against their husbands service after the end of the Revolutionary War. These pensions contain first-person testimony that often provide clues about location, circumstances, associates and family.

Source

I want to direct your attention to a fantastic collection that has been curated on the MosaicNC website. (Mosaic is a digital dublishing venture of the North Carolina Office of Archives and History.) The series of profiles explores several roles filled by women as the men went to war including farmers, nurses, refugees, and family guardians. There are also special focus sections on Free Women of Color and Pension History.

Read the full story: In Their Own Words: North Carolina's Widows of the American Revolution

I was excited to find that the Free Women of Color section includes two women familiar to me through my recent research. The first is Nelly Taburn, who applied for a pension based on her husband William's service record. Nelly and William were the parents of Judah Tabon Harris, wife of Jesse Harris Rev War Patriot featured at the Shiloh Day in October 2025.

The second is Rachel Locus, who applied based on her husband Valentine Locus' war service. The MosaicNC feature has unearthed some interesting details about the family as well as a tragic story that ultimately had a happy ending. The story also details a common problem of black pension widows of the era. Rachel's agent was pocketing the money she was entitled to, and she needed federal intervention to finally receive what she was owed.

Read about the war experiences of Nelly and Rachel: Free Women of Color

Don't miss the section on Pension History. It not only lists dates of the pension acts, but also offers a good survey of how to read a pension file and what you might find there.

Pension History

I encourage you to explore the full study. Click through and read the first person accounts captured in these pension files. That is well in keeping with the Wake 250 theme and I promise you will find insight and fascinating reading. You may even find one of your own ancestors.

Other Places to Search for Widows' Pensions:

FamilySearch.org Full Text Search where pension files are searchable by names, location and keywords. Free.

FamilySearch Wiki has a wide variety of rolls and applications that are free to search. See online rolls for 1813, 1818, 1820, and 1835.

Revwarapps.org is a free site that offers summaries of pension apps. Search surname and +widow and select “all search terms” as in the example at this page.

Fold3 — a subscription site that you can access for free with your State Library of NC card.

Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website - Homepage | WCGS Events | Join WCGS | Publications | Wake Cemetery Survey Images | Society Surnames | Digital Resources | History Resources | More Links and Resources | Donate | Contact - info(at)wakecogen(dot)org

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Wake Wednesday 250 - Margaret Wake Tryon - Mother of Wake

It is very fitting to include this previous post in the Wake 250 series. Margaret and her husband"s (William Tryon Colonial Governor of NC colony) very presence and actions were pivotal in the events leading up to the Revolution. I am sure sentiment about them was mixed at the time.

March is Womens' History Month!

Let's start it off by recognizing the woman of Wake - Margaret Wake Tryon. She may or may not have been the "Mother of Wake County", but our county was certainly named for her in 1770, by none other than Joel Lane, according to Wikipedia.

source

Margaret was reported to be a "fine accomplish'd lady" in her day, possessed of skills and interests not usually adopted by women of her era. This description at Wikipedia certainly supports that notion.

Wake was described as an "accomplished" and "learned" woman who had a talent for playing the organ and spinet.^[3] She was known to avoid women's company and preferred to engage in men's conversation, particularly on the topics of government and military fortifications, which was considered unconventional at the time.^[3] She was also interested in military strategy and religion, and kept a large library at Tryon Palace.^[12] Wake reportedly insisted on being addressed as Your Excellency, her husband's form of address.^[3]

You may enjoy this story about Margaret at the Norwich Castle Blog.

Hats off to Margaret! Huzzah!

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Upchurch and Allied Families Association Newsletter - March 2026

For those following along, here is the latest Upchurch and Allied Families Association Newsletter.

March 2026

View past UAFA newsletters here

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Wake Genealogy Watch Spring 2026 issue is live now

The Spring 2026 issue (Vol. 9, Issue 3) of the Wake Genealogy Watch newsletter is now available online for reading or download. Visit the WCGS website or click here: Wake Genealogy Watch, Spring 2026.

This issue includes:

News of upcoming in-person Meet-ups
Barbara McGeachy helps you discover and access that family history book you need that is half a continent away using Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
A feature about the WCGS Publications available through Lulu.com
A summary of Saudra Russ Cropps’ presentation to the AAHGS-Triangle Chapter on Jesse Harris, a Black Revolutionary Patriot, including links to the presentation files
Highlights of the presentations from RootsTech2026
Cynthia Gage shares the process of finding records at NARA that may well enrich your WW2 Ancestors service record. There is information available that was not destroyed in a 1973 fire.
A timely feature on an online collection of NC Rev War Widows’ Pensions curated by MosaicNC
A look at Patriot qualifications as described at DAR. It was not only soldiering that earned Patriot status
And more

Photo Note: Please refer to the online edition where you can enlarge the photos to accommodate better viewing.

Click this newsletter page link to view this and all past newsletter content. Visit the searchable Wake Genealogy Watch cumulative index to browse past issues.

Your feedback is valuable and we would love to have your input and submissions for inclusion in future editions. Please contact us at newsletter@wakecogen.org.

Visit the WCGS Blog for more events, late breaking news, tutorials, updates, and other special posts.

Friday, March 13, 2026

Wakecogen Meet-up - Genealogy Book Exchange at Laurel Hills on June 20 10am-Noon

Do you have any genealogy books that you don’t use and would like to go to a good home? Are you looking for genealogy books? Let’s get together and swap books! Afterwards, we’ll go to lunch (Dutch treat). This is a fund-raiser / meet-up / recycling event.

What's in your collection?*

What: Genealogy books only (not history, biography, fiction, etc.).

Also bring genealogy magazines and journals to share on a “free” table
*Note: Books in the image are representative only.

Who: Members and non-members of WCGS

Where: Laurel Hills Community Center large meeting room,
3808 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh (near Crabtree Mall)

When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 10 am to noon (rain or shine)

Followed by lunch (Dutch treat) – location TBD

How does this work?

Check-in: Optionally, bring books and get a voucher listing the number of books you brought.

Shop: Select the books you want.

Journals and magazines are free – please limit yourself to 5.

Check-out: if you brought any books, each book entitles you to take a book. If you want more books than you brought, pay $5 for each additional book

Examples:

Bring 5 books, take 7 – pay $10

Bring 5 books, take 3 – no money back

Bring no books, take 3 – pay $15

Terms

Cash only

No bills over $20

No sales tax (we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity)

All proceeds go to the WCGS

Leftovers books: we’ll donate to the Wake County Public Library

Leftover magazines / journals: we’ll recycle

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Join Wakecogen for "Coffee & Conversation" - April 29 Meet-up

Join Wakecogensoc for "Coffee & Conversation"

What - April Meet-up

When - Wednesday, April 29, at 9:30 am

Where - Panera Bread, 1004 Parkside Main Street, Cary.

Let’s get to know each other! We’ll chat about what genealogical topics we're working on, or a brick wall, or ask other members how to do something.

No RSVP - just show up, order your beverage or food, and look around for Barbara and Sherry at a large table with a sign for WCGS.

Thanks to Sherry Gajewski for suggesting and hosting this event!

We tentatively plan to hold several more “Coffee and Conversation” events on different days and locations throughout 2026. If you are interested in hosting one, email President@WakeCoGen.org and we'll choose a date and location.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Wake Wednesday 250 - NC Was One of the Last Colonies to Publish Newspapers Locally

North Carolina was one of the last colonies to publish local newspapers. The first being established in New Bern in 1751. James Davis of Virginia came to New Bern in 1749 to print currency and official documents. He started the No'th Carolina Gazette (original name) in 1751 from New Bern and published in various forms until his death in 1785.

The magazine version of Davis' North Carolina Gazette c. 1764
View at NCDigital

Mr. Davis' paper was followed shortly by two Wilmington papers. The North Carolina and Weekly Post-boy published by Andrew Steuart from October 1764. Next was the Cape Fear Mercury published by Adam Boyd from October 1769.

Raleigh finally entered the newspaper game in October 1799 when William Boylan relocated his Fayetteville Minerva to the capital city and rechristened it the Raleigh Minerva. It was joined that same year by the Raleigh Register published by Joseph Gales. Both of these local papers started well after the end of the Revolution in 1783. Wake County denizens were still forced to get their Revolutionary news from other places whenever it happened to become available.

Boylan's Raleigh Minerva
View at NC Digital

Gales' Raleigh Register
View at NC Digital

It is interesting to note that the formation of many of the new papers, especially the eastern ones, followed the irritants of new British Declaration and Acts, such as the Currency Act (September 1764) and Stamp Act (March 1765). These measures were imposed by the Crown on already distressed colonists. Britain was eager to recover its war debts incurred during the French and Indian War. The need of the colonists to vent their frustration was great. More harsh measures were on the horizon and the need for a common media close to home was increasing.

The Currency Act prohibited American colonies from issuing new paper money or reissuing existing currency and forced them to use the British pound sterling. This slowed the colonial economy and placed all opportunity in the control of Britain, far removed from day-to-day colony life.

The Stamp act marked the first true tax imposed on the colonists. It required the purchase of a tax stamp on all paper goods—legal documents, newspapers, playing cards, and pamphlets—to fund troop protection. It is easy to see why the early newsmen and other colonists were against this measure. That was true in North Carolina and other colonies as well.

This transcribed excerpt from the North-Carolina Gazette (of New Bern), Nov. 27, 1765 pretty clearly sets out the mood of the colonists on learning of the new tax on all paper goods!

[Extract.]

C O N T I N U A T I O N O F

(November 27.) T H E (Numb. 59.)

NORTH-CAROLINA GAZETTE.

[The following is taken from the SOUTH-CAROLINA GAZETTE, of Oc-

tober 31st; being the last Paper intended to be printed in that Province, till

an Alteration of Affairs in AMERICA.]

CHARLES-TOWN, OCTOBER 30.

FRIDAY the 18th instant, late in the evening arrived, and came to

an anchor under the cannon of Fort Johnson, the ship Planter’s Ad-

venture, Capt. Miles Lowley, from London. It having been some

time before reported, that a Distributor of STAMPS for this province

was coming over in this ship, and it being suspected, from the circumstance of

her not coming up to town that night, that there was on board either a stamp

officer, stamps, or stampt paper,

Early on Saturday morning, (October 19th) in the middle of Broad street

and Church street, near Mr. Dillon’s (being the most central and public part of

the town) appeared suspended on a gallows twenty feet high, an effigy, designed

to represent a distributor of stampt paper, with a figure of the devil on his right

hand, and on his left a Boot, with a head stuck upon it, distinguished by a blue

bonnet; to each of which were affixed labels, expressive of the sense of a peo-

ple, unshaken in their loyalty, but tenacious of just liberty, who had conceived,

“that all internal duties imposed upon them without the consent of their imme-

diate, or even virtual, representatives, was grievous, oppressive, and unconstitu-

tional; and that an extension of the powers and jurisdictions of admiralty courts in

America, tended to subvert one of their most darling legal rights and privileges,

that of trials by juries.”—On the gallows, in very conspicuous characters, was

written, “ LIBERTY, and no STAMP-ACT;” and on the back of the principal

figure these words, viz. “Whoever shall dare attempt to pull down these effigies,

had better been born with a mill-stone about his neck, and cast into the sea.” * ...

*This portion was transcribed by Google Gemini 3. Line breaks of the original printing were preserved. Italics were added (by me) to the quote for emphasis. This discussion goes on for most of this issue of the newspaper. It can be viewed at this link -

https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025835/1765-11-27/ed-1/seq-1/

Do you hear the early murmurings of "taxation without representation" threading its way through this quote?

Monday, March 9, 2026

Raleigh Trolley Tour. Next WCGS Meet-up, March 28, 2026

Source

Looking for a fun way to dive into local history with fellow genealogy enthusiasts? The Wake County Genealogical Society is hosting a special meet-up in downtown Raleigh, and you’re invited!

We’ll be exploring the city via the Historic Raleigh Trolley followed by a social lunch. Space is extremely limited, so grab your seat before they’re gone!

Event Details

When: Saturday, March 28
Time: 11:00 AM (Tour lasts approx. 1 hour)
Where: Mordecai Historic Park (Tour departs from Mimosa Street)
Cost: $10 per Adult

Act Fast: There are only 26 spots total for this time slot. It is open to the general public, so get your tickets ASAP!

Update: as of 10am, Thurs. March 12, there are 18 spots still available.

How to Register

Tickets must be purchased through the City of Raleigh "RecLink" system.

Visit RecLink.raleighnc.gov.

       Select the "Tours" image on the homepage.

       Scroll to find "Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour -
               Mordecai Historic Park -3/28"

           Ensure you select the 11:00 AM time slot.
               *See photo& info at the end of post.

    Note: Make sure you are booking

the "Historic Raleigh Trolley", not the "Great Raleigh Trolley."

Alternate Booking Option - - call the business office for Mordecai Historic Park, Monday thru Friday only, at 919-996-4800 and pay for the trolley tickets over the phone.

**Be sure to get either printed tickets or have your tickets ready to show on your phone when you board the trolley.**

Logistics & Arrival

Departure Point: The tour starts and ends on Mimosa Street, right next to the large green Raleigh Trolley sign.

Parking: Street parking is available on Mimosa Street and surrounding city streets. Do not park in the nearby funeral home lot, as it is private property.

Visitor Center: Located on Cedar Street. Arrive early to check out the gift shop, bathrooms, and free exhibits—including the genealogy of the Mordecai family!

Accessibility & Questions

Accessibility: The standard trolley requires climbing 3 or 4 steps. If you require a wheelchair-accessible trolley, please indicate your needs when purchasing your ticket on RecLink. You will remain on the trolley for the duration of the one-hour tour.

Questions? The helpful staff at the Mordecai Visitor Center can be reached at 919-996-4364 (Tuesday–Sunday).

Optional: Walking Tour Add-on

Want to make a morning of it? Mordecai Park offers a one-hour walking tour of the historic buildings starting at 10:00 AM.

Cost: ~$4 (Seniors).
How to book: You cannot book this online. Pay at the Visitor Center on the morning of the event.
Pro Tip: Show your pre-purchased trolley ticket to the attendant; you may receive a "combo" discount!

Post-Tour Lunch (Dutch Treat)

After the tour, we’ll head over to High Park Bar and Grill (625 E. Whitaker Mill Road) for a casual lunch. They offer an extensive regular menu plus a brunch menu. It's reasonably priced and usually easy to get a table on Saturdays!

*Just a heads up on ticketing, all the trolley tickets for March 28 are listed under March 28, 12AM. Choose the 11 am time slot. When you get your receipt, it will have -3/28/2o26 @ 12A and then 11 AM will show below in the Ticket Numbers field. See below.

(I though I had booked the wrong time, but on closer inspection I found the right time in the Ticket Number. I hope this saves you from my "Oh. No." moment.)

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