By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Aril 25, 2002
Rubye Harrison would be proud.
Harrison, a volunteer who helped many people research their family at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library, was honored this week with a fund-raising project in her memory.
The library's Genealogical Committee hopes to raise $18,000 to buy the 1930 Mississippi and Alabama federal census records on microfilm along with an index for the information and cases to store the film.
While the U.S. Census Bureau releases census statistics each decade, respondents' personal information remains confidential for 70 years. Personal information from the 1930 census was released earlier this month.
The 1930 records include the names and birth dates of family members as well as occupations, ethnic background, religious information, racial information, family origins, changes of residence and the value of personal property.
James said the information can either be purchased through the National Archives or through a private vendor. She said the purchase will be made through the most economical source.
James said that Harrison, who died Jan. 12, 2001, taught several people how to investigate their ancestry over the years by holding genealogical workshops and classes.
Two of Harrison's sons, Roger Harrison of Brandon and Bobby Harrison of Meridian, were at the library on Tuesday. They and their brother, Charles Harrison Jr. of Madison, made a contribution to the project.