Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society

06/01/2026

The Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, June 9, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the Program Center located in the Jackson-Madison County Library, 433 East Lafayette Street, Jackson.

Lorri Skelton will present “16 Kids and on the Farm” — the story of the family of William Herschel and Bessie Lee Vaughn Montgomery of Middle Tennessee and their sixteen children.

From big family stories to surprising twists in the research, this program explores family history, life on the farm, and some unexpected genealogical discoveries along the way.

All those interested in genealogy are encouraged to attend. Annual membership dues for the Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society are $25, which includes quarterly issues of “Family Findings” featuring West Tennessee genealogical stories and valuable research tips. Questions should be emailed to [email protected].

05/18/2026

Come to the library on June 1st, and support one of our very own!

"Know Hope Chronicles"

The Life and Times of Bro. Jacob T. Rastus

Book Release Event/Signing on Monday, June 1st, 3:30 - 6:00, Jackson-Madison County Library, come and go.

There will be a 10-15 minute presentation and Q/A with the Author (GeorgeB) at 4:00 and repeated at 5:15.

05/11/2026

The Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, May 12, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the Program Center located in the Jackson-Madison County Library, 433 East Lafayette Street, Jackson.

Matthew R. West, Attorney at Law, will present: “Where Law Meets History: The 1872 Tennessee Will Case.” The program will feature a discussion of an 1872 Tennessee Supreme Court case involving an alleged handwritten will that centered on the authenticity of a handwritten Will and the legal questions surrounding it. The case not only reveals the social and legal climate of post–Civil War Tennessee but also demonstrates how court rulings from more than 150 years ago continue to influence probate law, handwriting evidence, and genealogical research today.

Please note that this meeting will not be recorded. All those interested in genealogy are encouraged to attend. Annual membership dues for the Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society are $25, which includes quarterly issues of “Family Findings” featuring West Tennessee genealogical stories and valuable research tips. Questions should be emailed to [email protected].

04/27/2026

04/25/2026

April 25 is DNA Day. Consider taking a DNA test to help find relatives and share genealogical research.

04/06/2026

The Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, April 14, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the Program Center located in the Jackson-Madison County Library, 433 East Lafayette Street, Jackson. All are welcome to attend.

Mary Sue Hubbard will be sharing her story, “How DNA Changed My Life.” Following decades of extensive genealogical research proving nine generations of her paternal ancestors, a DNA test destroyed it all. The test was ordered to help locate maternal cousins; however, none were found through DNA. Instead, her world was turned completely upside. As a child and young adult, Mary Sue had experienced years of emotional trauma, which she ultimately overcame through significant personal effort and with the help of her husband. Now, DNA results opened a truly horrific Pandora’s Box. When she thought all the skeletons were out of the proverbial family closet, a real monster emerged. Can one reconcile their identity with an unconscionable act from long ago? Even as Mary Sue dealt with these thoughts, she searched for a box of her mother’s things, seeking specific old newspaper clippings, a letter written by her maternal grandmother, and what appeared as rambling notes written by her mother on the back of an envelope from 1949. As Mary Sue searched, she cried.... Then what? That is the rest of her story.

Please note that this meeting will not be recorded. All those interested in genealogy are encouraged to attend in person to hear the remainder of Mary Sue’s compelling story. Annual membership dues for the Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society are $25, which includes quarterly issues of “Family Findings” featuring West Tennessee genealogical stories and valuable research tips. Questions should be emailed to [email protected].

03/11/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqDrmfigEu8

Diane Lassiter Harris presents her family story that ties her to Wells-Lassiter Dairy and Sadie Lou Grocery in Madison Hall, TN.

03/11/2026

Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society met on Tuesday, March 10, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the not the Program Center in the Jackson-Madison County Library at 433 East Lafayette Street in Jackson.

Diane Lassiter Harris presented a wonderful presentation spotlighting the Lassiter and Matthews family lineage alongside the rich history of the Wells & Lassiter Dairy, and the iconic Sadie Lou Grocery. She shared many family stories with her ties to the Madison Hall Community.

Diane Lassiter Harris presents her family story that ties her to Wells-Lassiter Dairy and Sadie Lou Grocery in Madison Hall, TN.

03/09/2026

Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society met on Tuesday, February 10, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the Board Room in the Jackson-Madison County Library at 433 East Lafayette Street in Jackson.

Leanne Bruce Braddock presented: "Searching for Josephine: The Quest to Find Answers About My Great-Grandmother" where she unravels the unsolved mystery of Josephine.

Leanne Bruce Braddock will be presents: "Searching for Josephine"

03/03/2026

Mid-West Tennessee Genealogical Society will meet Tuesday, March 10, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm in the Board Room (not the Program Center) in the Jackson-Madison County Library at 433 East Lafayette Street in Jackson.

Diane Lassiter Harris will be presenting a captivating presentation spotlighting the Lassiter and Matthews family lineage alongside the rich history of the Wells & Lassiter Dairy. Brace yourself for an array of fascinating family anecdotes woven into this enriching narrative. Don't miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable presentation!

Anyone interested in genealogy is invited to attend the meeting. MWTGS annual membership dues are $25 and include quarterly issues of “Family Findings” with West Tennessee genealogical stories and research tips. Questions should be sent to [email protected].