by Gay E. Carter, August 1999
In 1996, Clayton Library Friends purchased the Leonardo Andrea Collection for Clayton Library. This rich collection of genealogical data was amassed by well-respected South Carolina genealogist Leonardo Andrea. Mr. Andrea’s collection focuses on the Southern states and consists of 1,029 file folders covering 825 surnames. Included are materials such as genealogical reports, transcripts of Bible records, pedigree charts, and clippings. His extensive files of genealogical correspondence form another part of the collection.
The microfilm collection held by Clayton Library consists of two series: 1) Genealogical Folders in the Leonardo Andrea Collection (51 reels) and 2) Genealogical Correspondence (21 reels). A finding aid listing the contents of each reel is available in the microprint finding aids on the second floor of the library. Filed in the “Collections” binder, it gives the location of the collection (cabinet 34, drawer 1) and the corresponding reel numbers assigned by Clayton Library.
This finding aid also serves as an index to the collection. The Genealogical Correspondence list shows the alphabetical arrangement of the 21 reels. Similarly, the Genealogical Folders list groups the folders by reel, giving each folder number and associated surnames. While the arrangement is numerical by folder, it is at the same time alphabetical by surname, making it easy to find the folders you need.
The first reel of the Genealogical Folders collection includes a handwritten index to the folders. This is arranged by folder number, then surname, with a brief description of the contents. Example:
543
*McCaskill _ _ _ A 22 Page File _ Includes a 9 Page Ms.
(No original of Ms. _ _ Only a carbon on Yellow Paper in Folder)
The page preceding the index notes: “The asterisk indicates the file was Xeroxed by Mrs. Faunt. Many of these Xeroxed files have pages missing.” The researcher is further cautioned by several disclaimers filmed ahead of the index and folders: “Intermittently Throughout Volume -- Material On Back Shows Through -- Loose Pages -- Many Shades of Paper -- Faded Writing -- Damaged Copy -- Photostat -- Poor Copy -- Numbering Error -- Blue Paper -- May Appear Out of Focus.” In other words, you will find varying qualities of readability in the files!The Genealogical Correspondence folders are in alphabetical order by the names of the correspondents. There will be a general letter folder, such as “F,” on which will be listed each letter-writer and a list of surnames covered by the letters. However, don’t bypass the index at the beginning of reel 1 of the correspondence files. This index lists each general letter folder, followed by the word “also” and a list of more names beginning with that letter. These are correspondents who are not in the general folder but have folders of their own. The individual folders are filmed after the general letter folder. Disappointingly, there is no index to the surnames contained within the letters. Study the surname data in the Genealogical Folders for clues to names of relevant correspondents.
Using the Andrea Collection is straightforward. Consult the finding aid to determine the folder numbers of any surnames of interest and note the reel numbers which contain them. Go to microfilm cabinet #34, and in drawer #1 you should find the reel(s) you need.
Because indexing is minimal, this is not a collection that can be used hurriedly. The amount of material in each folder differs greatly. If the folder you are using only contains eight pages, that may not be a long research session. But if your surname encompasses several folders, some of which can contain over 200 pages, the information can quickly become overwhelming. Be aware that each document varies in content and readability. Plan to take the time to read and study carefully.
For some time I have been searching for my ancestor Joel McClendon’s parentage. Knowing from other research that there were supposed to be McClendon files in the Andrea Collection, I chose that surname as my “test case” to learn how to use the collection. It proved to be a fortuitous decision.
According to the printed guide, there should be seven McClendon folders, numbered 547-553. On the film, the last McClendon folder I found was 552. The handwritten index at the front of reel 1 confirmed that 552 is the last McClendon folder. Folder 553 contains information on the surname McClimon. So, it is a good idea to check both guides before doing your research.
The six McClendon folders contain a total of 455 pages of material, ranging from Andrea’s own research reports to information sent to him by clients. Many of the typescript pages are very faint and hard to read. After awhile, faced with such an abundance of data, I went into information overload. I had found a few promising references to my Joel McClendon and resolved to come back at a future date for in-depth study. But I continued scanning the contents of each folder, just to see what types of documents were there. While reading the sixth folder, labeled “Miscellany and Unclassified Data,” a few pages went by that suddenly caught my eye. I had recognized my great-aunt's handwriting! I stopped the film for a closer look, and sure enough, there in my aunt’s own hand, were not only our McClendon lineage (back to the immigrant!) but also her notes on our Owen lineage. (Joel McClendon’s daughter married an Owen.) A few pages later was my great-aunt’s cover letter dated April 12, 1959, explaining what she had sent. What a treasure!
Now I wondered if there might be more letters from my aunt, Sallie Glasscock Giberson, in the correspondence files. So I headed straight for the “G” reel. I was puzzled not to find her name listed on the ”G” folder. Luckily, this was when I decided to see if there was an index on the first reel and discovered the “also” lists. After the general “G” folder, the "also" list included an entry for “Giberson, Sallie G.” When I returned to the “G” reel, I then found the folder devoted to her correspondence, with dates ranging from 1958 to 1962. I had hit the “mother lode”!
I certainly can’t promise that everyone will have this kind of luck, but I do advise anyone with Southern ancestry to take the time to explore the Leonardo Andrea Collection.