Genealogy

Genealogy section of library bookstacks

Genealogy Materials and Research

The Shiawassee District Library maintains materials of interest to genealogists, primarily related to Shiawassee County and the State of Michigan. Various reference books are available at both the Durand Memorial and Owosso Branches. A complete catalog of available materials is available online. Microfilm of the Owosso Argus-Press (1862- ) is available in Owosso and the Durand Express (1897-July 21, 2002) in Durand. In addition, incomplete runs of the Shiawassee County Journal (1892-1996) and the Owosso Times (1881-1926) are available in Owosso.

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Shiawassee County Obituary Index

Covers obituaries published in the Owosso Argus-Press. This index covers 1862-the present. Recently published obituaries are being added on a regular basis; full text of some recent obituaries is available on the Argus-Press' web site.

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Shiawassee County Surname File

Contains information from family group sheets from Shiawassee County Genealogical Society members and Shiawassee County cemetery records. This information was provided by the Genealogy Society. Data Source Codes refer to the individual providing the information; limited contact information may be available from the library upon request.

Genealogical Reference Policy

Genealogical questions will not be taken over the phone, but may be researched if requested in writing from people outside Shiawassee County. Shiawassee County residents will generally be expected to come into the library to do their own research. Research done by staff is limited to in-house materials. The library will not provide staff to look for census Information as this is available to local public libraries through various Internet accessible databases. Written requests may be e-mailed to info@mysdl.org or mailed to:

Shiawassee District Library
Owosso Branch
502 W. Main
Owosso, MI 48867

The library does not charge for scanned files sent via e-mail.  There is a charge of $1.00 for the first page and 50 cents for each additional page sent via the mail to cover copy charges and postage.  Copies are available in the library for 10 cents per page.

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SDL Genealogy Resources

BiblioBoard Library

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Discover local content from self-published authors, top indie eBooks, and so much more. Never experience a hold, checkout, or lending limit. Download the BiblioBoard Library app for your Apple, Android, or Kindle device.

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FamilySearch

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FamilySearch.org is a website offering genealogical records, education, and software provided by the Church of the Latter Day Saints.

Resource only available at Owosso Public Library.

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Fold3 Library Edition

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Compilation of military records and memorials to veterans.  Searchable by names, dates, places, publication names, conflict periods, document types, and more.

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Heritage Quest Online

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HeritageQuest provides a keyword searchable collection of genealogical research materials, including:
Census - The complete United States Federal Census 1790-1940 as well as various Canadian census records
eBooks - More than 28,000 family and local history books

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MyHeritage Library Edition

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Family history information from around the world

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Newspapers.com Library Edition

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Find marriage announcements, social pages, birth announcements, obituaries, local sports action, and news in a number of papers from around the world.

Includes the Owosso Times.

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Shiawassee County Obituary Index

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Index to obituaries published in the Owosso Argus-Press & its predecessors, beginning in 1862

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Shiawassee County Surname File

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Information from family group sheets & local cemetery records provided by the Shiawassee County Genealogical Society

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Local History Organizations

Owosso Historical Commission

The purpose of the Historical Commission is to recognize, preserve and bring public attention to the historical treasures of the city and to promote a historical interest in the arts.

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Shiawassee County Historical Society

The Shiawassee County Historical Society is a volunteer-led organization that collects local history documents and supports local history initiatives.

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Michigan Genealogy Resources

Central Michigan University, Clarke Historical Library

Full-text of Michigan Local History Resources.

Michigan County Histories and Atlases

Searchable full-text of Michigan local histories and atlases. 

Chronicling America

A database maintained by the Library of Congress.

Seeking Michigan

Includes material from the State of Michigan Archives.

Michigan Online Historical Newspapers

List of historical Michigan newspapers with information about their years of publication, area covered, and links for finding online copies.

National Genealogy Resources

National Archives

Publication, resource lists, and digital materials compiled by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

Find a Grave

Index of gravesites and cemeteries with name search tool.