Svoboda Collection

Summary

Title:  Svoboda Collection

Span Dates: 1570-1997

Bulk Dates: 1750-1982

Accession Number: 2012-45

Creator: Mary Frances (Manchester) Svoboda (1915-2002)

Extent: 75 file folders

Abstract: Genealogical research and correspondence as collected and compiled by Mary Frances Svoboda. The collection contains research notes, correspondence, biographical sketches, and copies of documents from a variety of sources. There are also family group sheets and pedigree charts for many of the families. The primary surnames are Manchester, Smith, Pine, Garr, and Fisher. The main locations were Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, and Nebraska.

The bulk of the correspondence took place in the 1980s and contains many reminiscences that both confirm and conflict with other sources. A few letters also give first-hand accounts of the lives of some of the pioneer ancestors. The families of the Germanna Colony in Virginia were of particular interest to Mrs. Svoboda. She had a connection on the maternal Smith–Montgomery–Crump–Fisher line. However, she included notes and sources for both maternal and paternal ancestors in her research. File 58 contains her pedigree chart and is a good place to get oriented.