Sunday, March 15, 2009

Matthias Miller family - Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Corinne's maternal great-great grandfather, Matthias MILLER and family appear in the 1900-1920 census of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana in various households and circumstances. Matthias was the son William and Elizabeth (SCHAFER) MILLER.

In the 1900 census, Matthew, as he is listed, was a 38 year old moulder in a stove factory, born October 1861 in Indiana, married for 6 years. Both of his parents were listed as being born in Indiana. He could read and write and spoke English. His wife, Elizabeth, was aged 27, born March 1873 in Indiana, with both parents born in Indiana. She spoke English but could not read or write. She is also listed as the mother of 4 children, with only 1 living. Children living in the household were : Wm. M. aged 7, Carl, aged 5 and Fred, aged 2. Since they were listed as being married for 6 years, Elizabeth should be the mother of at least Carl & Fred, yet the record shows she was the mother of one living child.

In the 1910 census, Matthis, as he is listed, was a 49 year old moulder in a stove foundry, on his second marriage, and married for 16 years. He was born in Indiana, and his father was born in Germany and his mother in Indiana. He was renting his home, and was listed as being out of work for 30 weeks in 1909. His wife, Lizzie, aged 37 years, was on her first marriage, mother of 6 children, with 6 living. She was born in Indiana, as were both of her parents. She could not read or write. Children living in the household were: Willie, aged 16, working in a furniture factory, Carl, aged 14, working in a furniture factory, Fredie, aged 12, Hellen, aged 7 5/12, Eva, aged 5 7/12, and Auther, aged 3 3/12.

In the 1920 census, Matthias was living as a roomer in the household of Oda M. Veach. His aged was listed as 58 years old. He was married, working as a helper in a furniture factory. He was born in Indiana, with both father and mother born in Bavaria.

In the 1920 census, Lizzie was listed as the head of household in a different ward. She was renting her home. She was listed as a 46 year old female with no occupation, born in Indiana, as well as both of her parents. Living with her were children: Eva, aged 15, Arthur, aged 12, Sadie, aged 8, Lorenz, aged 5, and Fred, aged 21 and Fred's wife Bessie, aged 24.

Apparently, Matthias and Lizzie were separated at this time. Other research has located records in the Vanderburgh County were Lilie Miller filed for divorce in 1926 and later in 1931, both cases were dismissed.

Matthias MILLER b. October 1861, Indiana, d. September 15, 1936 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, m. January 20, 1894 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana to Elizabeth SCHAEFFER. Elizabeth b. March 1873 Indiana, d. July 28, 1937 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Known children :
i. Lily Schaefer Miller b. November 26, 1891 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. before 1900 census
ii. William Mathias Miller b. October 1, 1893 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. October 28, 1956 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, m. Thelma McNeal.
iii. Carl Miller b. March 19, 1896 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. September 2, 1927 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana
iv. Fred Miller b. March 1898 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. September 7, 1961 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, m. Bessie ________
v. Mary Miller b. August 23, 1902 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. before 1910 census
vi. Helen Louis Miller b. ca. 1903 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. March 30, 2003 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, m. William Herbert Gregg.
vii. Eva Louise Miller b. August 23, 1904 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. August 5, 1998 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, m. S.E. Dever
viii. Arthur Miller b. January 12, 1907 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. May 20, 1964 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, m. Hallie Marie Chivlare
ix. Sadie Kathryn Miller b. April 20, 1911 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. November 29, 2005 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, m. ________ Hoover
x. Lawrence Sylvester Miller b. June 6, 1914 Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. April 2, 1991 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Adding DNA to your genealogical research?

I'm currently taking a marketing class while working towards my MBA, and our assignment is to write a marketing case plan study about a company of our choice. Recently, I've been fascinated with the expansion of DNA research in genealogy, and have been researching the differences between the services offered by both FamilyTreeDNA and Ancestry.com.

I'll admit that I've been skeptical in the past to the claims of some who've offered these services. The science was above my paygrade, and the "it's too good to be true" factor seemed high. The paper trail genealogy was the way to go for me, even though I've been guilty of not gathering as much documentation as possible.

There are two types of DNA tests available, the Y-chromosome (Y-DNA) and the mitochondrial (mtDNA). The Y-DNA traces the paternal line, the mtDNA traces the maternal line.

My paternal line goes back to a Jacob Lemasters (1770-1852) who first appears in Mason Co., VA (now WV) in 1806. As of yet, no paper documentation has been able to connect him as a descendant of Abraham Lemaster (c1636-1722), the emigrant to Maryland who is the claimed ancestor of approximately 90% of all Lemaster, Lemasters, Lamaster, etc. in the United States. A Y-DNA test would enable me to determine if I am related to other Lemasters who have documented their connections to Abraham.

My maternal great-grandmother was illegitimate, and the likelihood of discovering her true parentage through traditional documented genealogy is low. I wonder if it is her father's heritage that has left me, my mother and grandmother with the dark eyes and complexion. Was her heritage Italian? Who knows? A mitochondrial DNA test might give me some clues as to my ethnic origins. I would imagine that the majority would be European, but who knows what 'surprises' might lie in my DNA.

The tests are not cheap, but they are definitely getting cheaper. Recently, Ancestry has lowered its prices on the tests, and I'm tempted to jump into the DNA research waters.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Claud Francis Miguet obituary

Source: Oelwein Register, Oelwein, Iowa, September 1, 1920, page 4

Frank Miguet

Our departed brother Claude Francis Miguet was born in Lesoul and State of Houtsone, France, April 2, 1831 and departed this life in Hazelton, Buchanan Co., Iowa, August 16, 1920, being 89 years, 4 months and 14 days. In the year of 1847 with his parents he came to the United States and settled in Dubuque, Iowa in November of that year (56 days in sailing). In the year 1852 he made the overland trip to the west coast from Dubuque, Ia., to Sacramento, Calif., driving two yoke of oxen and walking the entire distance of this trip, which can now be made in less than four days, at that time took six months. In 1856 he returned to Dubuque and later settled in Superior township which is now Hazelton township, Buchanan Co. Jan. 2, 1857, he was married to Eliza Netcott and to this union but one child, Henry, of Hazelton, was born. His wife preceded him to the Great Beyond April 8, 1891, since which time he has made his home with his son in this city. To cherish and revere his memory remain his youngest brother N.M. and son Henry, two grandchildren Frank and Myrea Nolan and one great grandchild Bobbie. In the year of 1888 he united with the Presbyterian church of Hazelton. Uncle Frank, as he was familiarly called, was every inch a man among men, a thorough citizen, loved and revered by a host of friends. He was a noble worthy representative of the liberal large hearted class of men that constitute the great body of laymen of the churches of our land. The Lord and Master so appealed to him that he ever found comfort in his service. The Bible meant untold things to him and prayer graced his lips and lifted his heart to God up to the last. He was a Christian in the full sense of the word. Relying upon Him in whom he believed, he fell asleep with full confidence that all was well with him. Honest, capable, unassuring [sic], genial, pleasant in his intercourse with his fellowmen, devoted to his family and friends, he is embalmed in the love and respect of all. Such men never die as far as this world is concerned. His career is closed but his memory will be warmly cherished. May the bereaved ones who so tenderly cared for him think of him as a glorified spirit, happy in the blessings promised to the pure in heart.

Monday, March 09, 2009

Henry Miguet family - Buchanan County, Iowa

Corinne's maternal 3rd great grandfather, Henry MIGUET, appears in the 1920 census of Hazelton Township, Buchanan County, Iowa. Henry was the son of Francis and Eliza (Netcott) MIGUET.

Henry was listed as age 60, born in Iowa, and owned his home free of mortgage. His father was born in France and his mother was born in England. No occupation was listed, though he probably was retired. His wife, Kate, was aged 54, born in Indiana, with her father born in Virginia and her mother born in Ohio. Both of them could read and write.

Also living in the household were daughter, Myra, and son-in-law, Fred E. Nolan. Myra was a 25 year old, born in Iowa, and her husband, was a 39 year old bank cashier, born in Illinois. Fred's age was a bit hard to read, he may have been only 29 years old.

Henry MIGUET b. November 27, 1858 Buchanan County, Iowa, d. January 11, 1944, m. 23 December 1883 Buchanan County, Iowa to Katherine JARRETT, daughter of Judson and Jane (________) JARRETT. Katherine was b. September 1865 Iowa and d. August 4, 1952. Their children:
i. Frank Field Miguet b. November 1885 Iowa, d. January 28, 1954 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, m. Amelia Matilda Sauer.
ii. Ethel Myrea Miguet b. May 1894 Iowa, d. 1962, m. Fred E. Nolan, m(2) ______ Steninger.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Frank Field Miguet family - Buchanan County, Iowa

Corinne's maternal great-great grandfather, Frank Field MIGUET, appears in the 1920 census of Hazelton Township, Buchanan County, Iowa. Frank was the son of Henry and Katherine (Jarrett) MIGUET.

Frank was listed as 34 year old salesman, born in Iowa, who could read and write. Both of Frank's parents were listed as being born in Iowa. His wife, Amelia, was listed as a 29 year old native of Indiana, whose parents were both born in Indiana. Their son, Robert, was born in Indiana, and was only 1 year and six months old.

Frank Field MIGUET b. November 1885 Iowa, d. January 28, 1954 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, m. Amelia Matilda SAUER, daughter of Edward J. and Amelia M. (Ritt) SAUER. Amelia was born August 6, 1890 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, d. September 25, 1974 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Their children:
i. Robert Francis Miguet m. Helen Meyer
ii. Miriam Ruth Miguet m. Edward Ferdinand Wildt

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Francis Miguet family - Buchanan County, Iowa

Corinne's maternal fourth great-grandfather, Francis MIGUET appears in the 1860 and 1870 census of Buchanan County, Iowa. I am still trying to sort out the other Miguet families in that area to determine how they are all related.

In the 1860 census, Francis was listed in Superior Township as a 27 year old Farmer with a personal estate valued at $285 who was born in France. His wife, Eliza, was 26 years old and was born in England. Their son, Henry, aged 2, was born in Iowa. Also listed in the household was a 21 year old Daniel Ashbrook, born in New York, whose occupation was farm laborer.

Living next door to Francis was the John P. and Frances Miguet household, these could be parents or close relatives. Both of them were listed as being born in France.

In the 1870 census, Francis was listed in Hazelton Township as a 39 year old Farmer with real estate valued at $3200 and a personal estate valued at $1372. Again he was listed as being born in France, but was listed as a U.S. citizen. His wife, Eliza, was 37 years old, born in England, and keeping house. Their son Henry was age 12, born in Iowa, and had attended school within the year.

Claud Francis MIGUET, b. ca. 1833 France, d. 1920 Buchanan County, Iowa, m. Eliza ________. Eliza b. ca. 1833 England, d. 1891 Buchanan County, Iowa. Both are buried in the Hazelton Cemetery, Buchanan County, Iowa. Known children :
i. Henry Miguet, b. November 1858 Buchanan County, Iowa, d. after 1920 census, m. December 23, 1883 Buchanan County, Iowa to Katherine JARRETT.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Arthur Augustus Metzner family - Jay County, Indiana

Arthur A. Metzner and family appear in the 1910 census of Bearcreek Township, Jay County, Indiana. Arthur was the son of Louis Napoleon and Henrietta (Weaver) Metzner, and my paternal first cousin three times removed.

In the 1910 census, Arthur was listed as a 31 year old farmer, who could read and write and whose home was mortgaged. He was born in Indiana, and his father was born in Ohio and mother in Indiana as well. Arthur was listed as being married for 9 years. His wife, Laura D. Reid, was listed as Lura D., a 28 year old mother of 3 children with all 3 living. She was born in Kansas, with both parents listed as being born in Indiana.

Three children were listed with the family : Vada E., aged 8; Hazel L., aged 3; and Fern D. age 1 year and 7 months. All of these children were born in Indiana. The names conflict with some other records I had previously found in the WPA indices for Jay County birth records. In those records, I had found a female born August 20, 1901; a female born June 7, 1906 and a Clara L. Metzner born September 12, 1908. While the first two could match Vada and Hazel; how Clara could be mistaken for Fern I do not know. More research in Jay County will have to be done to straighten that out.

Also living with the family in the 1910 was Arthur's mother, Henrietta, although she was listed as Harriet Metzner, aged 57, a widow born in Indiana; with father born in Pennsylvania and mother born in Ohio. Henrietta's husband, Louis, had died shortly after the 1900 census on July 3, 1900 in Bearcreek Township, Jay County, Indiana.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Adney - Rinehart connections

Retracing some steps by cleaning out my inbox led me back to an email from Mary Alice Adney regarding the Adney and Rinehart families from 2005. In the email, she mentioned that Eileen's ancestors, Mary Adney and Jacob Rinehart were married and that both were buried in the Chicago graveyard of Henry County, Indiana. Mary was the daughter of Daniel Adney and Anna (Coger) Adney and Jacob was the son of Peter and Margaret (---) Rinehart.

Daniel Adney was buried in the Woods Chapel Cemetery near Liberty, Indiana in Henry County. Searching the FindAGrave website, I located his memorial here. Jacob and Mary (Adney) Rinehart also have their own memorials here and here.

The FindAGrave memorials stated that Jacob and Mary were married on January 29, 1821 in Preble County, Ohio, and that three of Jacob's brothers, Daniel, Peter and David married Adney sisters : Elizabeth, Sarah and Rebecca. This would indicate a strong relationship between these two families. The location of their families in Preble County at the same timeframe as my Wehrly ancestors makes me curious if they crossed paths.

Daniel Adney's parents were Thomas Adney and Elizabeth Dunn. Thomas came from England, according to Mary's email, but the exact date is not known. Mary mentioned that she wrote a book on the Adney's, and searching the catalog of the Allen County library I found the title : Adney Family Story, published in 1986. I will have to mark this on my to-do list for research on my next return trip to the library.

I've contacted the contributors of the FindAGrave pages for more information as well. One lists Peter Rinehart's wife Margaret's maiden name as Minga, information that I didn't have, giving me another branch to research.