Reference Guidelines
The Rowan Public Library Edith M. Clark History Room staff is able to investigate specific research requests, but is limited as to the amount of time spent on each request. We are unable to do extensive or intensive research. We are able to inspect sources that have been cited in other works or check requested titles, if they have been indexed. Please email or call us with your query and we will be happy to explain what information we might have within our collection.
Except for the most cursory research, a charge of $10 will be assessed for up to 30 minutes of time spent on a request. This charge will include up to 20 photocopies if such information is discovered. Research will commence and photocopies will be sent by mail once payment has been received. Research may take several weeks. Checks should be made payable to Rowan Public Library and sent to:
Edith M. Clark History Room
Rowan Public Library
201 West Fisher Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
If more intensive or extensive research is desired, please feel free to contract with a private researcher. RPL does not endorse the researchers included in this link; they are listed only for your convenience. However, we will be pleased to have any comments you would like to share.
Phone: 704-216-8253 or 216-8232
Examples of answerable queries
Please send copies of the will or estate papers for Johann Miller who died in Rowan County ca. 1810.
I would like copies of the 1870 North Carolina census index for all Millers.
I would like copies of pages 50-57 of the book, Carolina Cradle.
Do you have information about the Millers and Caubles in your collection? [We will answer this and try to give an idea of how much there is.]
Do you have a marriage bond for Johann Miller and Elizabeth ? between 1785 and 1800? [We would consult our marriage bonds and send copies.]
Examples of too broad or general queries
We are unable to provide much help for broad or general questions such as:
Give me everything you have on the Cauble family.
My grandfather, J. Smith, was born in Rowan County in the 1870s, can you provide my family history?
I am researching the Dorf line. Please send background information on the Dorf’s of Rowan County.
Examples of too intensive queries
We are equally unable to perform research of an intensive nature, for example:
My ancestor, John Smith, was involved in a court dispute in the fall of 1891. Please check the newspapers for any mention of the case.
My family left Maryland in 1795 and appears in the 1810 census in Rowan. Please check the Rowan Deed books for when they might have purchased land.
Research Contacts
For assistance with more extensive research or copying than the History Room staff can handle, contact one of the following researchers. The appearance of the names on this list does not constitute an endorsement by Rowan Public Library.
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Patricia B. Beck
1224 Glenwood Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28146
pbbeck34@carolina.rr.com
Sheligh Donaldson
204 Confederate Ave
Salisbury, NC 28144
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Confederate Prison Research Only:
Sue Curtis
P.O. Box 5093
Salisbury, NC 28147-0088
704-637-6411
southpaws@salisbury.net
Photocopies Only:
Kathy S. Petrucelli
145 Stanwyck Rd.
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 636-5976
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The following membership organizations will answer and/or publish one query a year per member. Please contact them for more information.
The sources below will respond to brief queries. Your local library will have addresses of libraries, historical and genealogical societies throughout North America.