Prior to the early 1900s, vital records (birth and death, specifically) were not recorded at the state level. Some cities and counties kept official records before then, however, this early record keeping practice was not common. Private birth, death, and marriage events were most often recorded in family Bibles. In turn, family bibles can be priceless resources for genealogists in search of early vital records.tion
Main Page Transcription: “Ben Jaman” B.J. Thames (typed at top):
First inside page of Bible, Father of Murray Thames, Grandfather of Margaret Thames.
Hand-written birthdates, the time when Bible was purchased, and the price that was paid: B.J. Thames Bible Bought in the year of the Lord 1889 for the Price of $425 Four Dollars and twenty-five ct (cents). Sumter. Ben Thames
Green Hill Norman, Sr. was my great-great-great grandfather. The town his family lived in - Big Flat - was originally located in Searcy County, Arkansas. In 1873, Baxter County was formed and the town of Big Flat was a part of that county. He and his wife (along with a good portion of their children and their families) are all buried in the Big Flat Cemetery.
