In Memoriam: Ann Carter Fleming

We say a heartbreaking farewell this week to our friend and one of the backbones of StLGS, Ann Carter Fleming, who passed away on 22 March 2026. Ann’s accomplishments as a genealogist were legendary, and, perhaps more importantly, she was a patient mentor to a generation of us who were always learning from her skills as a researcher, writer, and editor. Ann was a perfectionist, and she demanded it from others. Her attention to detail and her ability to organize were apparent in everything she did.

More Information About the Veteran Bounty Land Project

Two years ago, the National Genealogical Society (NGS) began a project to raise money to conserve about 360,000 Bounty Land Warrant Application files and Case Files of Bounty Land Applications of Indians based on service between 1812 and 1855. All these files span the nineteenth century, from start to finish, and they are housed in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. They represent thousands of soldiers from America’s earliest conflicts who applied for military bounty land, whether their claims were accepted or rejected. But here’s the problem . . .

May Brings Both Good and Sad News to StLGS

As with life in general, this week brings us some very pleasant, some bittersweet, and some very sad news to report to you. St. Louis Genealogical Society is the recipient of a lovely honor and an award from the National Genealogical Society (NGS). We will be featured in a special segment of the NGS's virtual annual family history conference coming up this month. In addition, we recently celebrated the accomplishments and the retirement of one of our dedicated and hard-working office volunteers, and, sadly, we have to report the deaths of two of our colleagues.

StLGS Genealogy News Roundup

We've got several items to share with you, both on a national and local level. First, this past week at the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) annual conference in Washington, D.C., a major announcement: FGS and the National Genealogical Society (NGS) are merging! They will combine into one bigger and better National Genealogical Society, a move which is now underway and will be ongoing through 2020.

The two groups have followed slightly different paths, as one focused on assisting societies and the other on helping individuals, but they have long had the same goals: ongoing education, preserving records, and working to support excellence in genealogical standards. Now, instead of competing to get speakers and to develop programs, the two groups will work together, supporting both local societies and family historians across the globe.

Each group already has an annual conference scheduled for next year, and those conferences will still take place. NGS is holding its conference in Salt Lake City in May and FGS will meet in Kansas City, Missouri, in September. By 2021, the merger will be complete and the newly reformulated NGS will hold a conference in Richmond, Virginia.

As a society that has been actively involved with both FGS and NGS, we are excited to learn about this merger and look forward to a bright future for the organization.

Locally, we have been busy on Facebook, creating a new page for news and events. Our Facebook group continues to grow, with more than 2,500 members and is a wonderful way for people to ask questions, get help, share photos, and connect with others. However, we have long wanted a place just to post meetings, classes, and special events. In the group, whenever anyone posts anything, everything that came before slides down and it's hard to keep important items at the top where people can see them. On our new Facebook page, we can make announcements and keep information current and visible. You will always be able to see what is happening in the society by looking at that page. Find us now in our group AND on our news and events page.

Currently Available in the StLGS Trading Post

StLGS maintains a used book area in our office lobby that we call the Trading Post. We accept donations of books and a limited number of unique genealogy journals and software. We currently have the following available:

• The Connecticut Nutmegger, from 1980–2019, published by the Connecticut Society of Genealogists
• The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, from 1964–2018, published quarterly by the NEHG
• The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, 1918, 1963, 1994–1999, and 2012–2015, published quarterly by the NYGB Society

These journals contain family histories and articles focusing on solving genealogical problems. While they last, they are just ten cents per journal! Stop by or call the office (314-647-8547) if you are interested. (NOTE: Postage is extra, if journals are mailed.)

In Memoriam: Kent Wilton

We are sad to report that former board member and newsletter editor, Kent Wilton, passed away on 15 August 2019. Kent served as News 'n Notes editor early in the 2000s, when the position was elected, and, as such, it placed him on the board of directors. Kent was a graduate of DePauw University and of Washington University. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and earned a Bronze Star and other honors. He was a systems engineer for IBM and worked in sales for Lexmark.

Kent had a great sense of humor and was easy to work with. After he left StLGS, he joined a company selling fine wines, and he was always eager to share information about the treasures he found. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Marilyn, to his son Gregory and his family, and to Kent's brother, Doug.