The Bethel Journals

April 10, 2009

History

News

People

Places

Events

 

Bethel, Maine Area History:

Other Important  Sources on the Web

 

The Web links on this page have proven to be excellent supplementary sources of information for anyone interested in Bethel area history or the genealogy of Bethel families.

 

1. Maps  The U.S. Geological Survey map “store” is a handy way to get the most recent topographical maps of the Bethel area (Gilead, Greenwood, Bethel, Newry, etc.)  To access the Website click Maps for its link or use this URL:  http://asd.usgs.gov  At the home page go to selection for Map and Map products.  Maps maybe ordered and shipped to you or they can be download for no charge. Digital maps on a computer provides a user more flexibility than the printed paper map. Adobe Reader map program is available for no charge as well.

2. 1850 Oxford County Census Although limited to one year, it has proven a very important research source especially to confirm family histories and locations of families.  One big advantage to this reference is that families and names can be related to the 1858 map of Oxford County towns.  Census reports from 1790 to 1930 are available in paper form at the Bethel Historical Society. 

3. The Grand Trunk in New England.  From 1851 to 1960 this railroad could be rated the Bethel area’s most important manmade utility.  This website contains history, dozens and dozens of photos, track plans, station plans, etc including  Bethel, West Bethel, Gilead and the Skillings Mill.

4. The First Parish York, Maine.  York, Maine and York County was a jumping off point for a number of early Bethel families during the period 1780 to 1850.  This site could be helpful in making family connections—Kilgores, Beans and Chapmans—its size and completeness make it a very valuable source for genealogists.

5. The Vail Genealogy System.  The Vail families in Newry along Bear River contributed much to the development of North Newry and the rest of the valley.  This site has cemetery listings of the three in Bear River, Newry Corner, Powers and Head O’ Tide.  Vital statistics from A to Z.  Check the Gould Academy 1968 alumni list for Mark Vail.