March 31, 2009 by davidf25
From a family history perspective, family names are everything. It is the vehicle in which we use to trace our family heritage through the ages. For some, names invoke a sense of pride, heritage, accomplishments, and legacy. For others, names signify images of fear, shame, and histories we wish to forget. If you examine the history of mankind, you will see that our names have come to symbolize qualities, such as power, strength, courage, innovation, exploration, and wealth. Through it, kingdoms have risen, civilizations established, wars fought, medicine advanced, science & technology flourished, and family lineages created. Even in our spiritual beliefs, names have an affect, and without them genealogy is not possible.
Having said this, it is an important concept to understand especially in the context of searching immigration records and family histories. Family names allow us to pin-point a specific region of the country or world where our ancestors derived, settled and lived. Also, it instills in us an understanding and sense of history on how cities and counties were formed. In addition, our “given” or “first” names may tell us something about our ancestors or the individuals who influenced them. In lineage societies, family names are paramount in establishing family pedigree.
The following are a few of the resources held by the Jacksonville Public Library’s Genealogy Collection regarding family names:
The “Dictionary of American Family Names” This 3 volume set strives to provide information on the origin and history of the most used family names in the U.S. At the time of publication, it referenced 70,000 names. For example, the name FULLER is English in origin. It is the occupational name for a dresser of cloth. “The work of the fuller was to scour and thicken the raw cloth by beating and trampling it in water.” (so much for glamour!) This name is found mainly in the southeastern part of England. The source also notes that in some instances the name could be German in origin with the same description.
“History Through Surnames” This resource gives an introduction to what is a surname. It deals with personal names, occupational surnames, nicknames, and surnames based upon location. It contains an alphabetical index by name at the end of the source along with corresponding section numbers.
“What’s In a Name? Everything You Wanted to Know” This monograph addresses many aspects of a name, such as origin, positive, and negative aspects of names. It also addresses which names have been most popular between generations, and how various cultures used names to show ownership. In addition, it probes how names are used in regards to streets and towns, as well as their various forms and variations.
Other Sources:
• English Surnames: Their Sources and Signification by Charles W. Bardsley
Call Number: GEN 929.4 B247e 1889
• Book of Irish Names: First, Family & Place Names by Ronan Coghlan
Call Number: GEN 929.94 C676b
• The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History by George F. Black
Call Number: GEN 929.409411 B627s 1946a
• Jewish Family Names & Their Origins: An Etymological Dictionary by Heinrich W. Guggenheimer
Call Number: 929.42 G942j
Posted by the Genealogy Department
Monday, April 6, 2009
What Are You Reading?
Some of our customers have asked in the past “Have you read this book?” or “Have you ever read anything by this author?” We thought it would be of interest to list the books the employees at Southeast Library are currently reading. In the list below, included with the title, the employee may have provided a description of the book or why the employee decided to read the book.
Paper Towns by John Green
This is a great book for locals since it is set in Orlando, Florida.
Losers by Mattue Roth
Teen book
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
This is a classic of Steinbeck’s. It is a very raw and moving account of the cannery area of Monterey, California during the great depression.
The 20th Wife by Indu Sundaresan
This book describes the history of the Mughal Empire and the secrets of its past.
The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science by Natalie Angier
This is a description of the basic principles of science that are the foundation upon which all scientific research is based. It was written in an unusually journalistic style.
Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier
by J. Randy Taraborrelli
This book was about Grace Kelly and her life as a princess. It was very interesting and informative.
Uninvited Ghosts and Other Stories by Penelope Lively; illustrated by John Lawrence
This is a “y” or children’s book of short stories about ghosts whom only children can see. One example of is a very funny story entitled, “The Ghost of a Cantankerous Clock.”
The Making of the New Spirituality: the Eclipse of the Western Religious Tradition
by James A. Herrick
This book provides a comparison of world views on religion.
Catastrophe: an Investigation into the Origins of the Modern World by David Keys
This book tells how science can help us to understand the disruptive events that have occurred in world history, such as famines, plagues and civilizations collapsing.
Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from its Cultural Captivity by Nancy Pearcey
This book provides a comparison of world views.
Here's the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding my True Voice
by Maureen McCormick
I enjoy reading about famous peoples lives. Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia Brady on the “Brady Bunch” sitcom, had a very complicated life as revealed in this book.
Cross by James Patterson
This is a murder mystery, just my cup of coffee.
Books: A Memoir by Larry McMurtry
This is an autobiography of sorts by Larry McMurtry who wrote the books The Last Picture Show and Lonesome Dove, to name just two. In this book, McMurtry traces his life though his passion as a book scout, buying and selling books and also owning several book stores. It is a very interesting read.
Think Big and Kick Ass in Business and Life by Donald Trump and Bill Zanker
Posted by Southeast Regional Library at 8:52 AM 0 comments
Labels: Library books, Staff Reads
Posted by Southeast Branch Library
Paper Towns by John Green
This is a great book for locals since it is set in Orlando, Florida.
Losers by Mattue Roth
Teen book
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
This is a classic of Steinbeck’s. It is a very raw and moving account of the cannery area of Monterey, California during the great depression.
The 20th Wife by Indu Sundaresan
This book describes the history of the Mughal Empire and the secrets of its past.
The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science by Natalie Angier
This is a description of the basic principles of science that are the foundation upon which all scientific research is based. It was written in an unusually journalistic style.
Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier
by J. Randy Taraborrelli
This book was about Grace Kelly and her life as a princess. It was very interesting and informative.
Uninvited Ghosts and Other Stories by Penelope Lively; illustrated by John Lawrence
This is a “y” or children’s book of short stories about ghosts whom only children can see. One example of is a very funny story entitled, “The Ghost of a Cantankerous Clock.”
The Making of the New Spirituality: the Eclipse of the Western Religious Tradition
by James A. Herrick
This book provides a comparison of world views on religion.
Catastrophe: an Investigation into the Origins of the Modern World by David Keys
This book tells how science can help us to understand the disruptive events that have occurred in world history, such as famines, plagues and civilizations collapsing.
Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from its Cultural Captivity by Nancy Pearcey
This book provides a comparison of world views.
Here's the Story: Surviving Marcia Brady and Finding my True Voice
by Maureen McCormick
I enjoy reading about famous peoples lives. Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia Brady on the “Brady Bunch” sitcom, had a very complicated life as revealed in this book.
Cross by James Patterson
This is a murder mystery, just my cup of coffee.
Books: A Memoir by Larry McMurtry
This is an autobiography of sorts by Larry McMurtry who wrote the books The Last Picture Show and Lonesome Dove, to name just two. In this book, McMurtry traces his life though his passion as a book scout, buying and selling books and also owning several book stores. It is a very interesting read.
Think Big and Kick Ass in Business and Life by Donald Trump and Bill Zanker
Posted by Southeast Regional Library at 8:52 AM 0 comments
Labels: Library books, Staff Reads
Posted by Southeast Branch Library
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New Civil War Database
This month, the Florida Electronic Library added Sources in U.S. History Online: The Civil War to their online database collection. This database consists of approximately 450 primary source documents selected for their relevance to the study of the Civil War. The collection includes information on:
military history
diplomatic history
cultural history
legal history
area specialties including southern history, African-American history, health care and medical history, and the history of technology
The Florida Electronic Library's databases and services are available free of charge to any Florida resident with a public library card, and can be accessed from any home, workplace, public school, or public library in Florida, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can access the Florida Electronic Library's databases at
Florida Electronic Library
military history
diplomatic history
cultural history
legal history
area specialties including southern history, African-American history, health care and medical history, and the history of technology
The Florida Electronic Library's databases and services are available free of charge to any Florida resident with a public library card, and can be accessed from any home, workplace, public school, or public library in Florida, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can access the Florida Electronic Library's databases at
Florida Electronic Library
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Mu Phi Epsilon Student Recital
University of North Florida students from the Delta Eta Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon Music Honor Fraternity will present a recital featuring pianists, vocalists, and instrumentalists from their chapter. This recital is free and open to the public.
About Mu Phi Epsilon
Mu Phi Epsilon is an International Professional Music Fraternity whose purposes are the recognition of scholarship and musicianship and the promotion of friendship. Its aims are the advancement of music throughout the world, the promotion of musicianship and scholarship, loyalty to the Alma Mater, and the development of a true bond of friendship. The Fraternity is composed of Collegiate Chapters, Alumni Chapters and Allied Members.
The History of Mu Phi Epsilon dates from November 13, 1903. Today, Mu Phi has 136 collegiate chapters including two in the Philippine Islands and one in Canada, 74 alumni chapters and more than 75,000 members.
The Fraternity is governed by a triennial convention of delegates from each collegiate and each alumni chapter and the International Officers. An Executive Office is administered by the International Executive Secretary-Treasurer, appointed by the Executive Board. The governing documents are the International Bylaws and the Handbook. Individual chapters also maintain bylaws which are in agreement with the International document.
Mu Phi Epsilon has several fraternity affiliations and is also a member of the National Interfraternity Music Council, the Professional Fraternity Association and the National Interfraternity Foundation.
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About Mu Phi Epsilon
Mu Phi Epsilon is an International Professional Music Fraternity whose purposes are the recognition of scholarship and musicianship and the promotion of friendship. Its aims are the advancement of music throughout the world, the promotion of musicianship and scholarship, loyalty to the Alma Mater, and the development of a true bond of friendship. The Fraternity is composed of Collegiate Chapters, Alumni Chapters and Allied Members.
The History of Mu Phi Epsilon dates from November 13, 1903. Today, Mu Phi has 136 collegiate chapters including two in the Philippine Islands and one in Canada, 74 alumni chapters and more than 75,000 members.
The Fraternity is governed by a triennial convention of delegates from each collegiate and each alumni chapter and the International Officers. An Executive Office is administered by the International Executive Secretary-Treasurer, appointed by the Executive Board. The governing documents are the International Bylaws and the Handbook. Individual chapters also maintain bylaws which are in agreement with the International document.
Mu Phi Epsilon has several fraternity affiliations and is also a member of the National Interfraternity Music Council, the Professional Fraternity Association and the National Interfraternity Foundation.
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