Family stories live on at OCPL

OCPL Genealogist Shannon Neff

Tucked inside the Owen County Public Library's genealogy vault are seven filing cabinets overflowing with local family history. From Aarnink to Zulauf, more than 2,000 Owen County families are represented. Some files hold only a few papers, while others are packed to the brim. So, what treasures await you discover inside?

Many files contain Family Group Sheets, the foundation of genealogical research. These organized records list names, birth and death dates, places of residence and burial locations—often connecting multiple branches of a family tree.

You'll also find obituaries, which since the 18th century have served as miniature biographies. Obituaries provide valuable details about a person's life and often include lists of surviving relatives, making them an essential tool for expanding family connections.

Beyond that, the files preserve the beatings of life's milestones—marriages, new babies, school achievements, career advancements, even sports victories. In earlier days, nearly every happening in Owen County made its way into the newspaper, and many of those stories live on here.

Perhaps most captivating are the family stories, both handwritten and published. These personal accounts bring the past to life, offering perspectives that statistics alone cannot capture.

We invite you to step into the genealogy vault and explore this wealth of history for yourself. The collection is always growing, and we welcome donations of organized family history. Owen County veterans and other records of lasting value.