About the Gordy Original Documents
In the process of researching Gordy family history we have collected copies of original documents involving members of the family. We are working to make a selection of these documents available on the web site. Most of our copies were made from microfilm facsimiles and not directly from the originals. (Actual original documents are less accessible and often have restrictions that prevent copying by individuals.) The plus of the microfilm copies is that we have them; the minus is that the quality is not always what we would wish. We have done what we could to assure that the copies presented here are legible, but if anyone should have access to a clearer copy of any document presented and you are willing to share it, please let us know.
The documents are presented in Adobe Acrobat PDF file format. (PDF files are opened by Acrobat Reader, a program included with most computers. We are using files that require Acrobat 5.0 or later. If you do not have an appropriate version of Acrobat Reader, please download it using the link below. Acrobat Reader is a free download.) The PDF format allows all the images comprising a document to be contained as sequential pages within a single file. All documents are preceded by an introductory page that identifies the document, the Gordy participants to the document, and its source. Where we have transcriptions available, a typed transcription will follow the document. Transcribing these documents can be time consuming, so we will post some documents without transcriptions, with plans to include transcriptions as they are completed.
The original documents are primarily grouped by historical period with the documents more recent than 1725 additionally sub-organized by branches of the family. The Original Documents Index includes only those documents that are currently on the site. There are many more that will be added, so check back frequently.
