by Brent H. Holcomb (Author)
Newspapers of Columbia, South Carolina, offered state-wide coverage of marriage and death notices - a treasure trove of genealogical data. Because Columbia was virtually destroyed by fire in 1865, complete files of ante-bellum Columbia newspapers do not exist; however, a remarkable number of newspapers have been preserved. The author transcribed or abstracted notices from the holdings of the South Caroliniana Library, Duke University Library, and the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Since South Carolina did not require marriage licenses prior to 1 July 1911, the marriage notices included in this volume are of prime importance. In addition to names and dates, marriage notices typically include the place of residence of the bride and groom. Death notices frequently give biographical data such as names of parents, date of birth, occupation, business, religious affiliation and/or military service. In the case of duplication of notices, the author has provided the notice which offered the most information. A full-name index adds to the value of this work.