Archive for November, 2010

1840 Census  36 pages  $12.50
1850 Census  246 pages  $25
1897 A City and Business Directory of the City of Portland, Indiana  116 pages $5
Tract Book of Entry (Original Landowners)   79 pages  $15

The 1840 Jay County Census, transcribed by Rex Bertram, has an index of names. To purchase, contact the Jay County Historical Society at 903 East Main Street, Portland, IN 47371. You may call 1-260-726-7168 or e-mail research@jaycountyhistory.org .

Rex Bertram transcribed the 1850 Jay County Census.  It has an index of names.  To purchase materials contact the Jay County Historical Society at 903 East Main Street, Portland, IN 47371. You may call 1-260-726-7168 or e-mail: research@jaycountyhistory.org .

 A City and Business Directory of the City of Portland 1897 

At that time only about one-half of the houses were numbered, so addresses have been given as near as possible. Names of heads of families and all children of school age have been given. City officials are listed. There is a street directory. Churches and their societies, along with secret societies, are given with meeting times. There is a business directory. Several businesses have advertising.

To purchase materials contact the Jay County Historical Society at 903 East Main Street, Portland, IN 47371. You may call 1-260-726-7168 or e-mail research@jaycountyhistory.org .

Tract Book of Entry, transcribed by Janice Stucky and Nadine Miller in 2009, is an index to the names of people who first owned land in Jay County.

They purchased directly from the government.  It is a reference to books in the Recorder’s office at the courthouse.  The index includes the following: township, section, acres, land description, and purchase date.  Patent deeds before 1837 will probably be in Allen County, as that is where the land office was located.  
To purchase materials contact the Jay County Historical Society at 903 East Main Street, Portland, IN 47371. You may call 1-260-726-7168 or e-mail research@jaycountyhistory.org .