The Denton County Genealogical Society (DCGS) organized as a result of a free series of genealogical classes taught by Vic and Marlene Nielson at the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. At the end of the classes, participants decided to organize the DCGS, and Vic Nielson served as the organizing president. Diana White was elected the first president for a term of one year. She was reelected to a second term which set a precedent of many officers serving for two single year terms. In 1997, the Society changed the By-Laws making all terms two years.
For the first several years, the Society met at the North Texas Savings and Loan building at 321 W. Oak, but it was difficult for many people to climb the steep, narrow stairs to the community meeting room. The First Christian Church, 1203 Fulton, became the permanent location for meetings until 1998, when construction made it difficult to meet there. The Society met at the LDS Church, 3000 Old North Road, through the May 2003 meeting. The Society then began meeting at the Denton Public Library’s North Branch in September 2003, and in January 2006 moved the meetings to the Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland.
Charter Members
The original membership list of the society is not extant, but this is a complete list of charter members as can be compiled. If you know of any others, please notify the DCGS president. Some of the charter members still participate today.
Gerald Brenholtz
Virginia Brenholtz (deceased)
Deanna Carrico
Vinita Davis (deceased)
Holly Hervey
Larry Howzer
Betty Johnston
Richard Johnston
June Knox
Elaine Ledlow (deceased)
Marlene Nielson
Vic Nielson
Mattie Frank Pierce
Velma Selby
Mary La Jean Sherrill
Mary Tate
Diana White
Dayonne Work
Past Presidents
Vic Nielson, Interim Organizing President, 1979
Diana White ……………………………………………………………………… 1979-1981
Mary Tate ………………………………………………………………………… 1981-1983
Mattie Frank Pierce ……………………………………………………………… 1983-1985
Gerald and Virginia Brenholtz …………………………………………………… 1985-1987
Russell Bufkins …………………………………………………………………… 1987-1988
Margie Abbe ……………………………………………………………………… 1988-1989
Mary La Jean Sherrill …………………………………………………………….. 1989-1991
Mattie Frank Pierce ……………………………………………………………… 1991-1992
Mary La Jean Sherrill ……………………………………………………………. 1992-1993
Nancy Cantwell …………………………………………………………………. 1993-1994
Holly Hervey ………………………………………………………………………1994-1996
Diana White ……………………………………………………………………… 1976-1998
Willie Malone …………………………………………………………………….. 1998-2000
Diana White ………………………………………………………………………. 2000-2002
Bob McCombs …………………………………………………………………… 2002-2004
Linda Touraine …………………………………………………………………… 2004-2006
Linda Touraine …………………………………………………………………… 2006-2008
Linda Touraine …………………………………………………………………… 2008-2010
E. Richard Thomas ……………………………………………………………… 2010-2012
Wanda Samek …………………………………………………………………… 2012-2014
Terry Brantley …………………………………………………………………… 2014-2016
Terry Brantley …………………………………………………………………… 2016-2018
Joe Spears ……………………………………………………………………… 2018-2020