LOCAL Databases
Birth Index
Birth records are considered PRIMARY records and connect one generation to the other. Click the links below to access these records. If you can not find something specific, please call Lorrie Canifijin at 850-522-2132.
Where did this index come from?
The Panama City Pilot was one of the earliest newspapers published in the Florida panhandle. It was published every Thursday in Panama City beginning 30 May 1907, before Bay County became a county, and ceased publication 26 December 1941. Its editor was G. M. West.
In 1995 Barbara Walker Winge compiled an index to birth announcements in the Pilot for the period 1908 through 1916 and donated a loose-leaf notebook copy to the Bay County Library. In 2007, the BCGS began exploring the possibility of transcribing her manuscript, with her permission, with the intent of placing it on the Web. However, it became evident early on that the set of newspapers used to create her index had been missing a significant number of issues.
Fortunately, a series of 25 microfilms, apparently made from a different set of newspapers by the Micro Photo Division of Bell & Howell, containing a more complete set of issues, is in the permanent collection of the Bay County Library. Therefore, a new extraction was indicated using the microfilm copy.
As a rule, first names of children were not reported in the Pilot, but their sex was, so the present extractors chose to add that information, along with a number of comments thought to be a genealogical value, to the new index. Thus, the present index contain considerably more information that the previous one.
The present index, containing about 401 records, was extracted by Mrs. Cindy D’Aurora and Master Joseph D’Aurora from the microfilm collection, beginning in 2007 and ending in September 2008.
Before using this index, please read How to use this index.
After you read the instructions, please click on a letter at the left to view the index to all birth notices for children whose surname begins with that letter.
These pages are copyrighted.
Please do not use any of them on a web page,
CD-ROM, printed, or otherwise published work
without first receiving permission from
The Bay County Genealogical Society.
Thanks.
Please click on a button below to view the index to all married persons who were married in this area. Both brides and grooms are included in the Bay County index.
Bay County was established in 1913 from parts of Washington and Calhoun Counties. Marriages performed before 1913 in what is now Bay County may have been recorded in one of those counties. Early marriage records from Washington County are indexed here for the period from 1877 to 1913. The bride and groom separate them.
Some early marriages were announced in the Panama City Pilot. An index to those announcements for 1907– 1916 is included here. Both brides and grooms have been combined in a single list.
Where did these marriage records originate?
The history of these databases is worth mentioning here, so users will know where the information originated — an essential consideration for every piece of evidence used in compiling family histories and genealogies.
The original Bay County, Florida Marriage Record books were created and are maintained by the Bay County Clerk of Courts at 300 East 4th Street in Panama City, Florida. Each entry in the Bay County Marriage books actually contains three different kinds of records:
• The license authorizing a marriage.
• The certificate of the marriage event itself.
• The official record of the return of the license, indicating when and where the marriage actually took place (if it did).
Microfilm copies of the Marriage books were made at an unknown time by an unknown entity (possibly at the request of the Clerk of Courts), and a set is part of the permanent microfilm collection in the genealogy reference section of the Bay County Public Library, recorded collectively as FL Gen R 929.3759 FLO. The following films cover the period of interest:
| MF781 | 1913 – 1925 | Books 1 and 2 |
| MF770 | 1916 – 1936 | books 3 and 4 |
| MF771 | Feb 7, 1936 – Aug 18, 1942 | books 5 and 6 |
| MF772 | Aug 18, 1942 – Jan 12, 1945 | books 7 and 8 |
| MF773 | Jan 12, 1945 – Oct 19, 1951 | books 9 and 10 |
| MF774 | Jun 2, 1948 – Sep 9, 1954 | books 10-12 |
| MF775 | Sep 1, 1954 – Aug 7, 1959 | books 12 and 13 |
Indexes to some of these records were created between 1992 and 2002 from these microfilms by the Bay County Genealogical Society under the direction of Wallie Waltonen and several other BCGS volunteers, including Judy Bennett, Dr. Clifford Loper, Walter Sherman, and Barbara Walker Winge. The resulting indexes were divided into five-year increments and published in five separate volumes:
Bay County, Florida Marriage Index 1913 through 1920, published in 1999
Bay County, Florida Marriage Index 1921 through 1925, published in 1999
Bay County, Florida Marriage Index, 1926-1930, published in ????
Bay County, Florida Marriage Index 1946 through 1950, published in 1999
Bay County, Florida Marriage Index 1951 through 1955, published in 2001
One of these, the 1946-1950 Index, was also converted into a microfiche by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City in 2005, which was assigned FHL fiche number 60008066.
Indexes for the 1913–1920 and 1946–1955 records, containing approximately 9,200 entries, were the only ones extant in electronic form when the present online merged index was initially created. By June 2007, BCGS member Sally Rinehart had finished extracting the 1936–1940 records, containing approximately 2,100 entries, directly into electronic form. By September 2007, Ruth Preston had completed transcribing the indexes for 1921-1925, which included approximately 1,627 records, and these were subsequently added to the online index. Bobbie Tate and Lanell Matsumura finished transcribing the index volume, containing about 1,472 records, for 1926–1930 in March 2008. By July 2010, Judy Bennett had finished transcribing the index for 1931 – 1935. In February, Janice Cronan indexed the records for 1944. Finally, in 2011, Janice Cronan extracted the missing record indexes for 1943 and 1945. This online Bay County index is a single, comprehensive merged index covering the entire period, containing approximately 24,974 entries. It includes both brides and grooms integrated into a single index.
Early Bay County marriages
Pre-1913 Marriages in the area that is now Bay County may have been recorded in Washington or Calhoun Counties. The earliest Washington County Marriage Records Index, included here, covers the period from 1877 to 1914, containing approximately 4,284 marriages. Both brides and grooms have sorted it. A paper version of this index is available in the Bay County Library as call number FL GEN R929.3759WAS, two, volumes, called [Index to] Washington County Florida Marriages, Books A through G, 1877 to 1914 (Panama City: self-published, 1996), Genealogical Society of Bay County.
A Calhoun County Marriage Records Index transcript for the period 1862-1899, containing about 778 marriages, is linked here, courtesy of the Calhoun County, Florida, GenWeb.
The Panama City Pilot was one of the earliest newspapers published in the Florida panhandle. It was published every Thursday in Panama City, beginning May 30, 1907, before Bay County was established, and ceased publication on December 26, 1941. Its editor was G. M. West.
In 1995, Barbara Walker Winge compiled an index to marriage announcements in the Pilot for the period 1908-1916 and donated a loose-leaf notebook copy to the Bay County Library. In 2007, the BCGS began exploring the possibility of transcribing her manuscript, with her permission, with the intent of placing it on the Web. However, it became evident early on that the set of newspapers used to create her index had been missing a significant number of issues.
Fortunately, a series of 25 microfilms, apparently created from a different set of newspapers by the Micro Photo Division of Bell & Howell, containing a more complete set of issues, is part of the permanent collection of the Bay County Library. Therefore, a new extraction using the microfilm copy was indicated.
The new index includes several comments considered to have genealogical value. Thus, the present index contains considerably more information than the previous one. It contains approximately 578 entries and was compiled by Mrs. Cindy D’Aurora and Master Joseph D’Aurora from the microfilm collection and paper copies.
If you cannot find a record, contact Lorrie Canfijin at the Bay County Public Library at 850-522-2132
Obituary Index
Information found in an obituary can often lead to additional genealogical records, including birth, baptism, marriage, death, and funeral records, as well as the Social Security Death Index and more. Obituaries, especially those from more recent times—possibly even providing a lead on that elusive family Bible —can be among the most revealing of all genealogical records. Ancestors of the deceased are often reported, as well as living and deceased spouses, siblings, and children. Current residences of surviving relatives are often reported, which may help you locate your cousins and maybe even get a lead on that elusive family bible.
As always, family researchers are reminded to seek out all available original records to confirm (or disprove) information provided in obituaries, because much of that information may be secondary, or hearsay, evidence. Factual statements reported in newspaper obituaries may contain errors, and misspellings are common.Please note that the dates in these indexes are publication dates of the newspaper, NOT the date of death.
If you find your ancestor in these indexes, we recommend that you also view the complete obituary itself. Microfilms of these newspapers are available in the Bay County Public Library. If you are unable to come to the Library to obtain a copy of the obituary, you may contact the Bay County Public Library to request a copy. You must provide the name of the deceased and the date and page of the newspaper. You may call the Bay County Public Library at 850-522-2130. Lorrie Canfijn is the Head of Local History and Genealogy. She can assist you with any questions you have.
Where did these indexes to obituaries and death notices originate?
Panama City News Herald
This site contains a partial index to the death notices and obituaries reported in the Panama City News Herald from before 1986 and after 30 October 2013.
Panama City Pilot
Complete Indexes to Obituary and Death Notices Reported in the period times, possibly between 30 May 1907 and 1916. Sponsored by the Bay County Genealogical Society and the Bay County Library.
How to use these records
Please note that the dates in this index are the publication dates of the newspaper and the date of death. Dates after November 2007 are extracted from electronic transcripts provided by the News Herald newspaper, available online at News Herald Obituaries.
If you are unable to download a copy of the announcement, you can contact the Bay County Public Library to ask for a copy. You must provide the surname of the individual and the date of the newspaper. You can call the Bay County Public Library at 850-522-2132 or email lcanfijn@nwrls.com for help.
Abbreviations used in this index
- ( ) parenthesis = Maiden Name
- [ ] brackets = Compilers' Note/Input/Clarification
- aka = also known as
- b/o = brother of
- d/o = daughter of
- f/o = father of
- m/o = mother of
- s/o = son of
- w/o = wife of
- h/o = husband of
News Herald Obituary Lists 1 July 1987-31 May 2013
Cemetery Index
Panama City, Florida has a cemetery board, it meets as needed. The Commission appointed members to this board on September 28, 1999. This board is to meet annually or as needed to address any concerns or suggestions for the 2 city cemeteries. The director of the City's Parks, Culture and Recreation Department acts as the City contact for the board. Cemetery Board | Panama City, FL - Official Website
A Merged Countywide Index to every interred person in all 38 Bay County cemeteries is reported
by the Bay County Genealogy Society surveys completed in 1995.
How to use these records
This index is derived from a database created by the Bay County Genealogical Society during its surveys from 1990 to 1995, as well as from earlier research by others. The database itself contains some additional details from the tombstones that are not included in this index. The database was microfilmed on August 18, 1995, by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, as film number 1307694. The film can be borrowed from any of the 4,000 LDS Family History Centers worldwide, and the Bay County Public Library has two copies in its permanent collection.
If you find your ancestor in this index, we recommend that you also view the FHL microfilm and, if possible, visit the cemetery itself to examine the inscription personally. While those who read the inscriptions were experienced and dedicated volunteers, tombstones can be very difficult to read, and some transcription errors are simply unavoidable. Moreover, this alphabetical index does not reveal the order in which the stones were read. People interred near each other are often related, so proximity information may lead to new family discoveries.
Information found on a tombstone can often lead to additional genealogical records, including birth, baptism, marriage, death, and funeral records; obituaries; the Social Security Death Index; and more.
Researchers should be aware that Bay County was established in 1913. Prior to that time, deaths, funerals, and burials in the area that is now Bay County may have been recorded in Washington or Calhoun Counties.
Refer to the cemetery key below to determine the cemetery name and location.
Abbreviations used in this index:
- ( ) parenthesis = maiden name
- [ ] brackets = compiler's note, input, or clarification
- aka = also known as
- b/o = brother of
- c/o = child of
- d/o = daughter of
- f/o = father of
- h/o = husband of
- m. = married
- md = married
- m/o = mother of
- s/o = son of
- ssw = same stone with
- w/o = wife of
================================
If you cannot find what you need, please call the Bay County Public Library at 850-522-2132 or email lcanfijn@nwrls.com for assistance.
Cemetery Locations in Bay County, Florida
| Cem # | Name | Locality | Address | Lat | Long |
| D/M/S | D/M/S | ||||
| 1 | Baker Bayou | TAFB | 30/01/02N | 85/29/10W | |
| 2 | Bayhead | Bayhead | 30/19/54N | 85/32/18W | |
| 3 | Bayou George | Bayou George | Cemetery Rd. N of SR 231 | 30/15/45N | 85/33/05W |
| 4 | Brown-McQuaggs | Econfina | Blue Springs Rd. N of SR 388 | 30/25/19N | 85/32/08W |
| 5 | Callaway | Callaway | Bob Little Road & Cherry St. | 30/08/45N | 85/35/59W |
| 6 | Catholic | Panama City | Frankford & 14th St. | 30/10/45N | 85/41/05W |
| 7 | Cedar Creek | W side of Deerpoint Lake | 30/18/41N | 85/35/45W | |
| 8 | Evergreen Mem. Gard. | Panama City | SR 231 @ Richardson Ave. | 30/13/10N | 85/36/13W |
| 9 | Farmdale | TAFB | 30/00/28N | 85/28/23W | |
| 10 | Forest Lawn Mem. | Panama City | 2403 Harrison Ave. at 23rd Street | 30/11/24N | 85/39/31W |
| 11 | Fountain Community | Fountain | E end of 4th St. | 30/28/36N | 85/24/54W |
| 12 | Gainer | Econfina | Blue Springs Rd. N of SR 20 | 30/26/07N | 85/32/02W |
| 13 | Gainer (Washington Co.) | Econfina | W of Econfina Creek 2 mi N of SR 20 | 30/27/14N | 85/32/38W |
| 14 | Garden of Memories | Panama City | 5435 E 15th St. | 30/10/27N | 85/35/30W |
| 15 | Gay | Lynn Haven | Panama Country Club | 30/15/09N | 85/37/30W |
| 16 | Grassy Point | Southport | N edge of North Bay, W of Grassy Pt Rd. | 30/15/52N | 85/38/28W |
| 17 | Greenwood | Panama City | Lisenby Ave. & 17th St. | 30/10/45N | 85/41/05W |
| 18 | Gunlock | Pine Log | 1/2 mi W of SR 79 on CR 2296; 1/2 mi N | 30/24/10N | 85/52/48W |
| 19 | Hillside | Panama City | Linsenby Ave. & 23rd St. | 30/11/21N | 85/41/01W |
| 20 | Holy Nativity Episcopal | Panama City | 222 North Bonita Ave. | ?? | |
| Hurricane Creek Church | Holmes Co. | N side of 2A, 0.4 mi E of 81 | 30/58/39N | 85/59/20W | |
| 21 | Lynn Haven | Lynn Haven | SR 389 | 30/14/08N | 85/37/44W |
| 22 | Lynn Haven Community | Lynn Haven | E end of 10 th Court | 30/14/33N | 85/37/42W |
| 23 | Marywood | TAFB | Beacon Beach | 30/05/52N | 85/37/49W |
| 24 | Mashburn | Mashburn | Mashburn Rd. N of SR 388 | 30/23/56N | 85/32/53W |
| 25 | Millville | Millville | Gray Ave. & 2nd St. | 30/09/06N | 85/37/37W |
| 26 | Oakland | Panama City | Balboa Ave. @ 11th St. | 30/10/03N | 85/40/31W |
| 27 | Olivers Creek | Callaway | 0.8 mi. S of SR22; 0.3 mi. E of CR2297 | 30/08/32N | 85/29/05W |
| 28 | Parker | Parker | Aster & West St. | 30/07/50N | 85/36/35W |
| 29 | Porter | Econfina | Blue Springs Rd. N of SR 388 | 30/24/10N | 85/32/03W |
| 30 | Redfish | TAFB | 30/08/08N | 85/40/16W | |
| 31 | Redwood | Panama City | Redwood Ave. & 7th St. | 30/09/39N | 85/38/14W |
| 32 | Royals | Holmes Co. | 0.2 mi N of 2A & 1.4 mi W of 185 at Sweetgum Head | 30/58/57N | 85/57/53W |
| Sandy Mountain | Betts | 0.4 mi N of Scott Rd. | 30/32/47N | 85/24/40W | |
| 33 | Southport (Old) | Southport | 13th St. E of CR 2302 | 30/16/48N | 85/39/11W |
| 34 | Southport Mem. Gard. | Southport | W end of 5th St. | 30/17/22N | 85/39/27W |
| 35 | St. Andrew's Mem. Gard. | Panama City | 1607 Baker Court | 30/08/08N | 85/40/16W |
| Sweet Gum Head | Holmes Co. | intersection 2A and 185 | 30/58/46N | 85/57/33W | |
| 36 | Watts-Gainer | Mashburn | Mashburn Rd. N of SR 388 | 30/24/40N | 85/32/32W |
| 37 | West Bay | West Bay | Memorial Circle, West Bay | 30/17/36N | 85/52/00W |
| 38 | Youngstown | Youngstown | SR 388 .3 mi W of SR 231 | 30/21/57N | 85/26/23W |
Bay County Cemetery Diagrams
Where did these tombstone readings originate?
Between 1990 and 1995, the Bay County Genealogical Society conducted a comprehensive survey and reading of all then-known cemeteries in Bay County, Florida, under the direction of Nancy Roberts. She was assisted by many BCGS volunteers, including Natalie Thompson, Wallie Waltonen, Barbara Winge, and others whose contributions and efforts have gone largely unnoticed due to neglect, vandalism, or lack of recognition.
Even earlier, tombstone surveys were conducted by Bay High School students under the direction of Tommy Smith in the 1960s, and by Marlene Womack in the 1970s. Some of the markers noted in the earlier surveys were not found during the BCGS surveys, most likely a result of neglect, vandalism, or simply the passage of time. The Gunlock cemetery survey has been replaced by a newer one conducted in October 2008 by Suzanne Shay. Section I of the Lynn Haven Cemetery, which was inexplicably omitted from the electronic files, has been replaced in 2010. I have submitted numerous corrections by interested persons, whom we thank very kindly, and they have been incorporated on an ongoing basis.
All of these results are included in the present index, which now contains approximately 22,654 names in 41 cemeteries.
Those who now use these results in the comfort of their air-conditioned homes owe a debt of gratitude to all those who braved the bugs, brambles, broiling sun, and bushwhackers for their dedicated work.
These pages are copyrighted.
Please do not use any of them on a web page, CD-ROM, printed, or otherwise published work.
Without first receiving permission from the Bay County Genealogical Society. If you need additional help, please call the Bay County Public Library, Lorrie Canfijin, at 850-522-2132.
Index to Brake Funeral Home Records 1905-1937.
The Brake Funeral Home was founded in 1905 by Arthur H. Brake. Born in 1863, Mr. Brake came here from Bourneville, Ohio, in 1886. He became the first licensed director in this part of Florida. He turned over the business to his son in 1935 and the business was sold to T. Woody Smith in 1946. The Brake Funeral Home actually operated in several locations in Bay County during its existence. Arthur died in 1948.
This index was created by the Bay County Genealogical Society in 1993. The project leader was probably Nancy Roberts, who donated a printed manuscript to the Bay County Public Library. In November 2009, the paper copy was scanned into an electronic data file, using optical character recognition software, and published on the Bay County Genealogical Society Web site.
These pages are copyrighted. Please do not use any of them on a web page, CD-ROM, printed, or otherwise published work without first receiving permission from the Bay County Genealogical Society.
How to use these records
This index is not a complete transcript of the Funeral Home records. The original records contain additional information, including cause of death, date of burial, and the name of the person who ordered the service. However, the records do not indicate where the burial occurred or whether the death actually occurred in Bay County.
Information you find in funeral records can often lead to additional genealogical records including birth and baptism records, social security death indexes, death certificates, obituaries, cemetery inscriptions, and more.
Bay County was created in 1913. Prior to that time, deaths and burials in the area that is now Bay County may have been recorded in Washington or Calhoun Counties.
if you cannot find what you seek in these records please call the Bay County Public Library at 850-522-2132 or email lcanfijin@nwrls.com for assistance.
Abbreviations used in this index
- Reside. = last residence. Not necessarily where the death occurred
- Res. = last residence. Not necessarily where the death occurred
- sh'd = body shipped elsewhere from the funeral home
- Residence codes (see map and residence-key page)
Voter Index
Bay County, Florida, Voter Registration Indexes
Indexes to various surviving lists of voters in several areas of present-day Bay County, Florida. St. Andrews was incorporated in 1908, and its voter registration list was among the first documents created for the Town. The original document is titled "Registered Voters, Town of St. Andrews, FL. It spans the entire period during which St. Andrews existed as an independent town, ending in 1926 when it merged into greater Panama City.
Where did these come from?
St. Andrews Voters
Incorporated in 1908, the Town of St. Andrews preceded Panama City by one year. Its voter registration list was among the first documents created by the Town. The registration continued until 1926, when St. Andrew merged into Panama City and ceased to exist as a separate entity.
In January 1988, Linda Pazics Kleback published "Extractions from the Original Voters' Registration Book of St. Andrews, FL, 1908-1926." She donated two typed copies to the Bay County Library, where they were cataloged as R 324.64 ORI. Currently, one copy resides in the Local History Room and one in the Genealogy Room. In 2008, the BCGS received permission from the author to convert the document to electronic text format and post it on the Society's website. I became the first “census-type” index to be posted on the BCGS website. In March 2008, it became the first “census-type” index to be posted on the BCGS website.
Bay County Voters
Carved out of portions of Washington and Calhoun Counties, Bay County was created on 24 April 1913. A list of the qualified voters in the county's first primary election, held on 2 June 1914, was published in the Lynn Haven Tribune, vol.. 3, no. 48 of 30 April 1914, p. 2; and again in vol. 3, no. 52, of 28 May 1914, page 2. Voters on this list were required to be residents here by August 1911, one year before the August 1912 registration. Therefore, every one of the 1438 voters on this list meets the residency requirement to become a First Families of Bay County Pioneer.
The lists are quite different. The April list of 911 voters had grown to 1171 by May. However, 267 of the names on the April list do not reappear in the May list. Thus, 1438 different names are contained in the two lists. Generally, the April list provides only initials for first and middle names, whereas the May list typically shows the full first name. There is considerable disparity in name spellings and initials, suggesting that the typesetter was working from handwritten lists that were quite difficult to read. The newspaper article references "copies of the registration list," suggesting that multiple transcripts may have been created. It is not known whether any of these survive.
The lists were rediscovered in November 2010 by Becky Saunders, the genealogy specialist at the Bay County Public Library. These indices were created from those newspapers and uploaded in November. The Library holds original copies of the newspaper in its archives, and electronic images have been made from these newspapers and can be viewed online at FloridaHiddenTreasures.com. As always, researchers are advised to examine the original image because transcription errors do occur.
Extraction efforts of related original documents of historical Bay County are ongoing.
The voter registration book is a bound, preprinted volume typical of the period, approximately nine by 18 inches. It is divided into 26 sections alphabetically by surname, and entries were recorded chronologically within each of the sections, so that, for example, all the surnames beginning with “A” are grouped. Entries were handwritten in ink by various clerks at various times. Some penciled notations are present. The document is in good condition and generally easy to read, except that many of the names have been lined through, probably indicating the death or departure of the individual at some unspecified time after. Information recorded for each voter usually included the name, age, color, occupation, date of registration, and certificate number.
Information recorded for each voter typically included the voter's name, age, color, occupation, date of registration, certificate number, and any relevant remarks. The remarks column often included one or more dates, presumably additional years when the voter re-registered. Also occasionally mentioned are “gone,” “dead,” “qualified,” and “overage.”
This index contains substantially all of the information from the original. Original spellings have been retained even if known to be incorrect. However, it differs from the original in that the listing order is strictly alphabetical by surname.
It is always good practice to examine original documents. The original and two extracts are in the permanent collection of the Bay County Library. They were cataloged as R 324.64 ORI. Currently, one copy is located in the Local History Room and another in the Genealogy Room. If you are unable to come to the Library to examine the document, you may contact the Bay County Public Library to request a photocopy. You must provide the voter's name and the date of their first registration. You may call the Bay County Public Library at 850-522-2132 or email lcanfijin@nwrls.com for assistance.
Abbreviations used in this index
- W = white
- B = black
- C = colored
- Col = colored
- T = unknown
- (?) = the entry is unclear
- (sic) = the extractor wrote what was on the record, but believed it to be in error.
Bay County Voters
| Number | Precinct |
| 1 | Panama City |
| 2 | St. Andrews |
| 3 | Millville |
| 4 | Moore |
| 5 | Parker |
| 6 | Cook |
| 7 | Wetappo |
| 8 | Farmdale |
| 9 | San Blas |
| 10 | Cromanton |
| 11 | Lynn haven |
| 12 | Majette |
| 13 | Bay Head |
| 14 | Youngstown |
| 15 | Fountain |
| 16 | Econfina |
| 17 | Southport |
| 18 | Merial |
| 19 | Murfee |
| 20 | West Bay |
St. Andrews Messenger Index, 1889-1891
The St. Andrews Messenger was probably the first newspaper published in what is now Bay County. It was published on Wednesdays in Panama City beginning 1 January 1887 under proprietor J. H. Hamilton. By 1890 W. H. Emmons apparently became the editor. The paper was later consolidated with the St. Andrews Buoy by W. A. Emmons and his son-in-law Lynch (no first name). For a short while before consolidation both the Messenger and the Buoy were published. The last publication date of the Messenger was probably around 1893. No copies of this newspaper are known to be extant other than those indexed here.
Only a few scattered issues survived long enough to be microfilmed by the University of Florida in 1995. A single microfilm copy survives in the Local History Collection of the Bay County Public Library. That copy has deteriorated so badly that it has been removed from public access. The Bay County Genealogical Society felt that this valuable source of Bay County genealogical history was sufficiently important to warrant extraction of a complete, every-name index to every event. The extraction was completed by Judy Bennett between January and September 2008.
Only six issues were microfilmed, but they contain an amazing quantity of information. As an example, the 6 May 1891 edition contains articles referring to nearly 700 names of early pioneers. The microfilmed issues include:
17 April 1889
27 November 1889
1 January 1890
8 January 1890
31 December 1890
6 May 1891 In total, the index contains about 1501 entries.
An Every-Name Index to Every Event of Local Interest Reported
in scattered issues of the St. Andrews Messenger between 1889 and 1891
Compiled for the Bay County Genealogical Society by Judy Bennett and in cooperation with the Local History Department of the Bay County Public Library.
The dates in this index are publication dates of the newspaper, NOT the date of birth. This index was extracted from scanned images of the
Lynn Haven Tribune
newspaper available online at Florida Hidden Treasures.com.
Newspapers from this era usually provide very little detail about births, marriages, and deaths in their announcements. Even so, it is always good practice to examine sources if possible because you never know what you may find until you look. The images are available free online.
If you are unable to download a copy of an announcement, you may call the Bay County Public Library at 850-522-2132 or email lcanfijin@nwrls.com for assistance. You must provide the surname of the individual and the date, page, and column of the newspaper.
Downloaded Books
New books are coming in every week. Check with the librarian for the newest books. Some books are for reference only.
