Ohio Biography

Biographies provide useful genealogical information such as an individual's date of birth and marriage; family members; occupation; education; military service information; family migration; social, political, and religious affiliation.

Examples of sources for biography in Ohio


 * Upton, Harriet Taylor. History of the Western Reserve. Three Volumes. Chicago, Illinois: Lewis Publishing, 1910. (Family History Library book 977.13 H2u; films 934867-68.) It provides extensive biographies and many portraits. Excerpts can be viewed at HWR. The complete text is viewable at Google Books,


 * Galbreath, Charles B. History of Ohio. Five Volumes. Chicago, Illinois: American Historical Society, 1925. (Family History Library book 977.1 H2ga; films 931797-801.) The last three volumes contain biographical sketches of prominent Ohio citizens. (The entire 3,562 page book is viewable at HeritageQuest online, through most public library websites.)

Indexes An every-name card index to about 450,000 persons mentioned in the biographical sections of Ohio county histories is: The Ohio Surname Index. Columbus, Ohio: Ohio Historical Society, 1984. (Family History Library films 398201-64.)

An Every-Name Index to the History of the Western Reserve. Mentor, Ohio: Lake County Chapter, OGS, 1988. (Family History Library book 977.13 H2u index 1988; fiche 6093927.)

Web Sites

 * Ohio Biography is searchable by name, county and occupation.
 * Another great site is Ohio Biographies