Family Milestones: December 31st

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Minerva PIERCE, was married on this date in 1868 in Madison County, Indiana to Dr. Daniel SIGLER.  Minerva was the daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Minerva was born December 6, 1846 in Indiana.  Daniel was born May 1844 in Indiana, the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHANK) PIERCE.  Daniel was a physician in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  They had 3 children.  Minerva died August 31, 1902 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana and is buried in the Elwood City Cemetery. I do not have a death date for Daniel.

My paternal 5th-great granduncle, Elisha CHEW, was married on this date in 1794 to Mary SPRINGER.  Elisha was the son of Rev. Jesse and Mary (RICHARDS) CHEW, and the younger brother of my Nathaniel CHEW.  Elisha was born October 5, 1776 in New Jersey.  I do not have dates of birth or parentage of Mary SPRINGER.  Elisha died August 22, 1849.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal grandaunt, Carrie Verle HALEY, was married on this date in 1927 in Jay County, Indiana to Waymon THORNBURG.  Carrie was the daughter of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY.  Carrie was born May 14, 1905 in Jay County, Indiana.  Waymon was born December 26, 1903 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana, the son of Arthur F. and Minnie (WARREN) THORNBURG.  Waymon died July 17, 1973 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  Carrie died August 5, 2003 Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Content MAXSON, was born on this date in 1732.  Content was the daughter of Joseph and Bethia (MAXSON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Ephraim MAXSON.  Content married September 19, 1754 to George POTTER, son of Thomas and Mary (BABCOCK) POTTER.   George was born January 3, 1732 in Westerly, Rhode Island.   They raised a family of 9 children.  George died August 19, 1794 and Content died October 24, 1815.

My paternal 5th-great grandfather, Abraham BYERS, was born on this date in 1771 in Pennsylvania.  Abraham was the son of Charles and Elizabeth (________) BYERS.  Charles married circa 1795 in York County, Pennsylvania to Mary STICKEL, daughter of Jacob and Anna Maria (________) STICKEL.  Mary was born August 28, 1768 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  They raised a family of 9 children.  Abraham died January 21, 1823 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  Mary died September 24, 1842 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.

Family Milestones: December 30th

My paternal great-grandaunt, Ida Laura WEHRLY, was married on this date in 1903 to Edward SCHOLER.  Ida was the daughter of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger sister of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  Ida was born February 13, 1883 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have the dates of birth or parentage of Edward.  They had one child who was stillborn.  Ida died December 15, 1963. 

My paternal 6th-great grandfather, Samuel JEWETT, was born on this date in 1725 in Bradford, Massachusetts.  Samuel was the son of Samuel and Ruth (HARDY) JEWETT.  Samuel married Ruth (________) before 1749.  They lived in Hollis, New Hampshire.  I do not have the dates of birth or parentage of Ruth.  Samuel died December 20, 1791 in Hollis, New Hampshire.

Family Milestones: December 29th

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Rebecca West CHEW, married on this date in 1831 to Charles LOCK.  Rebecca was the daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (WEST) CHEW, and the older sister of my Ezekiel Cooper CHEW.  Rebecca was born April 17, 1814.  Rebecca died April 10, 1893.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Elisha Dunham CHEW, married on this date in 1808 in Gloucester County, New Jersey to Elizabeth HERITAGE, daughter of Richard and Anna (STILES) HERITAGE.  Elisha was the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (SPRINGER) CHEW, and the older brother of my Nathaniel CHEW.  Elisha was born October 25, 1785 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Elizabeth was born November 15, 1784 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  They had 6 children.  Elisha was a farmer in Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa.  Elizabeth died October 2, 1864 in Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa.  Elisha died March 18, 1876 in Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa.

My paternal 3rd-great grandparents, Dr. Ezekiel Cooper CHEW and Caroline Bishop WOOLSTON, married on this date in 1842 in New Jersey, probably Gloucester County.  Ezekiel was the son of Nathaniel and Mary (WEST) CHEW.  Caroline was the daughter of Abel B. and Rachel (WOOLSTON) WOOLSTON.  Ezekiel was born January 17, 1822 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Caroline was born February 6, 1826 in Vincentown, Burlington County, New Jersey.  They had 14 children.  Caroline died February 27, 1869 in Rossburg, Stark County, Ohio.  Ezekiel died August 27, 1888 in St. Joseph's County, Indiana.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Elizabeth MAXSON, was born on this date in 1803 in Harrison County, Virginia.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Prudence MAXSON.  Elizabeth married April 1821 in Clark County, Ohio to William S. FURROW.  They had 12 children.  Elizabeth died March 3, 1892.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Family Milestones: December 28th

My paternal great-granduncle, Arthur Raymond LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1885 in Jay County, Indiana.  Arthur was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS.  Arthur married April 22, 1906 in Jay County, Indiana to Maude Gertrude McLAUGHLIN.  Maude was born September 29, 1888.  Arthur was a farmer in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  Maude died in 1967.  Arthur died December 16, 1971. 

Family Milestones: December 27th

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Avis MAXSON, was born on this date in 1712 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Avis was the daughter of John and Judith (CLARKE) MAXSON, and they younger sister of my Bethia MAXSON and Elizabeth MAXSON.  Avis married Samuel Hubbard BURDICK on November 5, 1731 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Samuel was born in 1712 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Hannah RAINS, was born on this date in 1798.  Hannah was the daughter of Anthony and Nancy (GRAHAM) RAINS, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth RAINS.  Hannah died September 16, 1829.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 5th-great grandfather, John MOULTON, was born on this date in 1755 in Windsor, Hartford County, Connecticut.  John was the son of Samuel and Phoebe (________) MOULTON.  John married July 24, 1781 in Castleton, Rutland County, Vermont to Avis HURLBUT, daughter of Israel and Jerusha (________) HURLBUT.  Avis was born November 11, 1762 in Woodbury, Connecticut.  They had 15 children.  John died circa 1808 in Vermont.

It's St. Joseph, not St. Joseph's

Just spent some time cleaning up my Rootsmagic database.  Seems that even though I'm a native Hoosier, I've managed to manage the name of the county that South Bend lies within.  The correct name of the county is St. Joseph, not St. Joseph's, which is apparently the way I had it spelled in several entries.

One of the features I like about Rootsmagic is the ability to search through all the data using the Rootsmagic Explorer.  Just search for any fact place that contains the search string you need and you're off to the races.

 

Family Milestones: December 26th

My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Hannah BEALS, married on this date in 1792 to Isaac WILLIAMS.  Hannah was the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (ANTRIM) BEALS, and the older sister of my John BEALS.  Hannah was born 1759-12mo-13d in New Garden MM, Guilford County, North Carolina.  Hannah died in 1828.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, Jacob LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1867 in Jay County, Indiana to Sarah Ann HALFHILL.  Jacob was the son of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr.  Jacob was born April 16, 1845 in Port Jefferson, Shelby County, Ohio.  Sarah was born November 26, 1844 in Gallia County, Ohio, the daughter of John and Nancy (DARST) HALFHILL.  They had 10 children and lived in Ord, Valley County, Nebraska where Jacob was a teacher and farmer.  Sarah died June 18, 1920 in Ord, Valley County, Nebraska.  Jacob died December 15, 1922 in Ord, Valley County, Nebraska.

My paternal 6th-great grandparents, John PHILBRICK and Judith SANBORN, were married on this date in 1734 in Hampton Falls, Province of New Hampshire.  John was the son of Thomas and Abigail (________) PHILBRICK.  Judith was the daughter of Enoch and Elizbeth (DENNETT) SANBORN.  John was born May 26, 1712 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire.  Judith was born January 8, 1715 in Hampton Falls, Province of New Hampshire.  They had 7 children.  John died February 16, 1748 in Hampton Falls, Province of New Hampshire.

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, Lyman PIERCE, married on this date in 1901 in Delaware County, Indiana to Lavina SUNDERLAND.  Lyman was the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Lyman was born March 1871 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Lavina was born circa 1873 in Indiana.  Lyman died December 4, 1938 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Christoffel GROENENDYKE, was born on this date in 1753 in Kingston Middlesex County, New Jersey.  Christoffel was the son of Johannes and Sarah Ann (LAKE) GRONENDYKE, and the younger brother of my Nicholas GROENENDYKE.  Christoffel was deceased before 1785.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Jane MAXSON, was born on this date in 1813 in Ohio.  Jane was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Prudence MAXSON.  Jane married Peter SMITH on December 5, 1836 in Clark County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Martha J. METZNER, was born on this date in 1859 in Jay County, Indiana.  Martha was the daughter of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER, and the younger sister of my John Adam METZNER.  Martha died December 3, 1861 in Jay County, Indiana.

Funeral Record: Thomas Groenendyke

This funeral record of Thomas GROENENDYKE was located at the Alexandria-Monroe Historical Society museum.  Thomas was my maternal 3rd-great granduncle, the brother of my Catherine GROENENDYKE.


Thomas was born October 2, 1852 near Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  He married first to Emily SMITH in February 1876, and after her death married Hettie (BALLARD) THOMAS on December 20, 1899 in Madison County, Indiana. His obituary stated that he was a large landowner in Lafayette Township, and that he operated a grain elevator in Linwood.


This funeral record gives the name of his father (Elias); the time of death (5:55 PM) and the person who ordered the funeral (Mrs. Jasper Miller).  Thomas' daughter, Cora, was married to Jasper J. MILLER.

Family Milestones: December 25th

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth Jane JACOBS, was married on this date in 1845 in Ohio to Abraham Duncan ELLIS.  Elizabeth was the daughter of James Thomas and Isabella (FEILY) JACOBS, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth JACOBS.  Elizabeth Jane was born August 13, 1824 in Ripley, Ohio.  I do not know the birth and death dates of Abraham.  Elizabeth died April 29, 1919 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal great-grandaunt, Orilla Catherine WEHRLY, was married on this date in 1893 to Arthur B. ANDREWS.  Orilla was the daughter of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger sister of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  Orilla was born April 6, 1872 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  I do not know the birth and death dates of Arthur.  Orilla died December 26, 1970.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My matneral 2nd-great granduncle, Edward E. WRIGHT, was married on this datein 1899 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana to Martha Jane STARR.  Edward was the son of Joseph W. and Rebecca (HEATON) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my John William WRIGHT.  Edward was born April 18, 1875 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Martha was born May 24, 1878 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of Mark and Mary (CHITWOOD) STARR.  They had 3 children.  Martha died March 29, 1948 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Edward died June 7, 1960 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, Elias A. PIERCE, was married on this date in 1895 in Madison County, Indiana to Flora J. CURTIS.  Elias was the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my William Francis PIERCE.  Elias was born February 14, 1867 in Madison County, Indiana.  Flora was born November 1871 in Indiana.  Flora died between 1920 and 1930.  Elias died March 1963.

My paternal 6th-great grandparents (and 7th-great!), Samuel WOOLSTON and Cyllania WOOLSTON, were married on this date in 1749 at St. Mary's Church, Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey.  Samuel was the son of Samuel and Susanna (BUDD) WOOLSTON.  CYllania was the daughter of John and Sarah (POWELL) WOOLSTON.  They were 1st cousins.  Samuel was born April 18, 1719 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Cyllania was born December 13, 1728.  They had 5 children.  Samuel died August 4, 1773.  Cyllania died December 30, 1772 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Mary S. LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1840 in Franklin County, Indiana.  Mary was the daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older sister of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON.  Mary married November 28, 1863 in Butler County, Ohio to Samuel SNIVELY.  They lived in Butler County, Ohio and Madison County, Indiana.  I do not have the death dates of either Mary or Samuel.  Nothing further known at this time.

Christmas 1982 - Redux

Found these photos from Christmas 1982 taken at my Grandma LeMASTER's house in Portland, Indiana.  The photos were taken by my brother with a Polaroid camera (remember those?).

Grandma Ruth Pauline (Haley) LeMaster (1911-1990)

Great aunt Carrie (Haley) Thornburg (1905-2003) and dad Ord W. LeMaster

Uncle Paul W. LeMaster

Uncle Victor L. LeMaster

Cousin Nancy LeMaster

Cousin Donna Coats

On Christmas day, after opening presents at our house, we would pack up and make the drive to Portland to spend time with my grandma and all of the relatives there.  The house would be packed, and the food was great!

Family Milestones; December 24th

My maternal great-granduncle, John Herman PIERCE, married on this date in 1918 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana to Charlotte Elva HENSLEY.  John was the son of William Francis and Clara (PENNISTEN) PIERCE, and the older brother of my Edna Muriel PIERCE.  John was born July 1895 in Madison County, Indiana.  Charlotte was born in 1901.  John died in 1959 and is buried in the Park View Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Beulah Haines WOOLSTON, was born on this date in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Beulah was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (HAINES) WOOLSTON, and younger sister of my Rachel WOOLSTON.  Beulah married September 24, 1829 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Daniel DEACON, son of Daniel and Margaret (RIDGWAY) DEACON.  Daniel was born May 20, 1808 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They raised 5 children.  Daniel died June 13, 1866 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  I do not have a death date for Beulah.

Jay County Indiana Civil War Veterans

 

The Jay County Historical Society was also able to provide me with a copy of this photo of Civil War veterans from Jay County.  My ancestor, Luman Walker LEMASTERS Sr. is standing in the front row.  The date of the photo is 1896.

If you get a chance, you should take the time to visit their museum located at 903 E. Main St., Portland, Indiana.

Family Milestones: December 23rd

My paternal 7th-great granmother, Rebecca WARNER, married on this date in 1767 in Woodbury, Connectictut to Josiah BRONSON.  Her first husband, Moses HURLBUT, had died in 1763.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Josiah.  Rebecca was the daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (GILPIN) WARNER.  Rebecca was born December 12, 1715.  Rebecca and Moses had 5 children.  Rebecca died June 5, 1797.

My paternal 7th-great grandparents, Moses HURLBUT and Rebecca WARNER, were married on this date in 1735.  Moses was the son of Joseph and Mary (CASTLE) HURLBUT.  Rebecca was the daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (GILPIN) WARNER.  Moses was born August 26, 1714 in Woodbury, Connecticut.  Moses died August 3, 1763 in Roxbury, Connecticut, and Rebecca remarried to Josiah BRONSON, above.

My paternal greatuncle, Stanley Duey LeMASTER, married on this date in 1922 to Anna BEARD.  Stanley was the son of Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (WEHRLY) LeMASTERS.  Anna was the daughter of Sumner and Miriam (HUNNICUTT) BEARD.  Stanley was born February 23, 1898 in Jay County, Indiana.  Anna was born October 27, 1901 in Economy, Wayne County, Indiana.  They had 4 children.  Stanley died April 1982.

Family Milestones: December 22nd

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Martha WARDLAW, married on this date in 1797 in Harrison County, Kentucky to Henry ZUMWALT.  Martha was the daughter of Robert and Janet (DOWNEY) WARDLAW, and the younger sister of my Samuel WARDLAW.  Henry was born in 1771.  Henry was a Colonel of the militia in Ohio and served during the War of 1812.  Henry died March 24, 1814.  Martha remarried to Benjamin KIMBALL on March 5, 1816.  Martha died February 3, 1855 in Brown County, Ohio.

My paternal great grandaunt, Una Maude LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1907 in Jay County, Indiana to Senator Winfield PHILLIPS, son of Winfield S. and Mary Jane (BATES) PHILLIPS.  Una Maude was the daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the younger sister of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS.  S.W. PHILLIPS was a veterinarian in David City, Nebraska.  S.W. died December 1977 in David City, Nebraska.  Una died September 13, 1968 in David City, Nebraska.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Samuel GROENENDYKE, was born on this date in 1745 in Kingston, Middlesex County, New Jersey.  Samuel was the son of Johannes and Sarah Ann (LAKE) GROENENDYKE, and the older brother of my Nicholas GROENENDYKE.  Samuel died in 1802.  Nothing further known at this time. 

Dr. W. A. Chew Family - Salamonia, Indiana

The Jay County Historical Society provided me with the copies of these photos of the Dr. William Anderson CHEW family of Salamonia, Indiana.  The photos are displayed in their museum in Portland.  Dr. Chew was my paternal 2nd-great granduncle, the son of Dr. Ezekiel Cooper and Caroline Bishop (WOOLSTON) CHEW.  Dr. William took over the practice in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana when Dr. Ezekiel retired.

I do not know the date that these photos were taken, and the identifications of the photos provided by the historical society refer to the girls by their married name.  One of the boys is also not identified.

William Anderson CHEW was born April 4, 1858 in Darke County, Ohio.  He married Emma Susan STRAIGHT in 1886 at New Weston, Darke County, Ohio.  Susan was born June 1866 in Ohio, the daughter of William and Catherine (BIDDINGER) STRAIGHT.  William died January 6, 1914 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Susan died in 1934.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Known children: Ethel A., Forest L., Orville Bernard, Opal W., Lyford L., Imo C., Crystal E., Kenneth E., and Lea.

Dr. W.A. CHEW attended Columbus Medical College in Columbus, Ohio. 

Family Milestones: December 20th

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Nancy DAVIS, was married on this date in 1846 in Monroe County, Indiana to James M. CAMPBELL.  Nancy was the daughter of John and Susannah (________) DAVIS, and the older sister of my Austin DAVIS.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Thomas GROENENDYKE, was married on this date in 1899 in Madison County, Indiana to Hettie BALLARD.  Thomas was the son of Elias and Nancy (JENKINS) GROENENDYKE, and the younger brother of my Catherine GROENENDYKE.  Thomas was born October 2, 1852 near Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  Hettie was born March 1865 in Indiana.  Thomas was a farmer in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Thomas died November 25, 1944 in Madison County, Indiana, and is buried in the Park View Cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Amanda P. PIERCE, was born on this date in 1842.  Amanda was the daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Amanda died February 22, 1845.

My paternal great granduncle, Harvey Allen WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1876 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Harvey was the son of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  Harvey married October 9, 1888 to Nettie SHREEVE.  Nettie was born circa 1880 in Indiana.  They had 4 children, and lived in Henry County, Indiana.  Harvey died June 9, 1968.

My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Mayke GROENENDYKE, was born on this date in 1751 in Kingston, Middlesex County, New Jersey.  Mayke was the daughter of Johannes and Sarah Ann (LAKE) GROENENDYKE, and the younger sister of my Nicholas GROENENDYKE.  Mayke was still living at the time of her father's death in 1785.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Jay County Courthouse - Portland, IN (1918)

Pictured on this black and white postcard postmarked September 12, 1918 is the Jay County courthouse in Portland, Indiana.

Transcription of the postcard from Portland, Indiana:

Dear Mother & all - This is Thursday morn.  Rec'd your card yesterday.  We had quite a rain last night.  Mary & Mildred were here yesterday she canned six cans of grapes and made quart of jelly.  I have four cans. Guess I will not can any more untill next week.  They will be more ripe.  I haven't washed ____ it has been rainy.  I will be thinking a lot of Vera to-day.  We're all well, From Nora.

The recipient, Mrs. Clarence STUBER, was my maternal grandaunt, Vera Delphene (HALEY) STUBER.  Vera was the daughter of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY, and the older sister of my grandmother, Ruth Pauline HALEY.  Vera married Clarence Leroy STUBER on February 14, 1915 in Jay County, Indiana. 


The author, Nora, is Vera's sister, Clara Elnora HALEY.  Nora was born October 31, 1900 in Jay County, Indiana.  The Mary mentioned was another sister, Mary Annettie HALEY, born August 23, 1895 in Jay County, Indiana.  Mary was married to Galen H. MILLER on August 23, 1917.  Mildred was their daughter.


This postcard places Vera and Clarence STUBER in Spencerville, Ohio in 1918.  What I do not know is whether or not Vera's parents, Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY were living in Ohio at the time.  From the way the postcard is addressed, it would appear so.  Most records I have show them in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, including the 1920 census.


This post was written for A Festival of Postcards, 6th edition.

Family Milestones: December 19th

My paternal great-grandaunt, Ethel May WEHRLY, was married on this date in 1906 to William SHREEVE.  Ethel was the daughter of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger sister of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  I do not have dates of birth or death for William.   Ethel died April 12, 1951.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Arana "Rainey" WARDLOW, was born on this date in 1806 in Ohio.  Arana was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the older brother of my Anna WARDLOW.  Arana married on February 12, 1852 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary DENNIS.  Mary was born circa 1815 in Kentucky.  Arana was a farmer in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.  Arana died July 11, 1884 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further is know at this time.


My paternal 6th-great granduncle, Johannes SCHERCH, was born on this date in 1706 in Sumiswald, Canton Bern, Switzerland.  Johannes was the son of Ulrich and Barbara (GRUNDBACHER) SCHURCH, and the younger brother of my Ulrich SCHERCH.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Joseph CHEW, was born on this date in 1765 in Virginia.  Joseph was the son of Major James and Mary (CALDWELL) CHEW, and the older brother of my Andrew CHEW.  Joseph married December 2, 1799 in Frederick County, Virginia to Elizabeth THOMAS, the daughter of Sampson THOMAS.  Elizabeth was born June 9, 1772 probably in Pike County, Virginia.  They had 10 children.  Elizabeth died September 11, 1843 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio.  Joseph died March 12, 1848 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio.

Family Milestones: December 18th

My maternal 7th-great grandparents, Bennett FIELD and Elizabeth SPOFFORD, were married on this date in 1734 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.  Bennett was the son of John and Mary (BENNETT) FIELD.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Thomas and Bethiah (HAZELTINE) SPOFFORD.  Bennett was born December 13, 1709 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.  Elizabeth was born April 19, 1715 in Boxford, Essex County, Massachusetts.  They had at least 2 children.  Bennett died April 6, 1770 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Elizabeth died November 20, 1772 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, William C. MILLS, married on this date in 1839 to Rebecca HADLEY.  William was the son of Henry and Hannah (WOODWARD) MILLS, and the older brother of my Hannah MILLS.  William was born 1816-5mo-8d and died July 21, 1899.  Nothing further is known at this date.

My paternal great-granduncle, Alva Monroe WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1878 in Jay County, Indiana.  Alva was the son of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  Alva married October 1, 1901 to Emma C. YAEGER.  Emma was born April 1, 1882 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  They had 4 children.  Emma died December 8, 1964 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  Alva died March 8, 1952 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Isaac LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1795 in Virginia.  Isaac was the son of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS, and the older brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS.  Isaac married on November 21, 1821 in Shelby County, Ohio to Hannah Elizabeth COLEMAN.  Hannah was the daughter of Phillip and Ann (KELLY) COLEMAN.  Hannah was born April 17, 1807 in Warren County, Ohio.  Isaac died about January 11, 1841 in Allen County, Ohio.  Hannah died May 7, 1892 in Auglaize County, Ohio.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Mary JACOBS, was born on this date in 1819 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  Mary was the daughter of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS, and the older sister of my Susan JACOBS.  Mary died August 27, 1820 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.

My paternal 6th-great grandmother, Mary RICHARDS, was born on this date in 1738 in New Jersey.  Mary was the daughter of John and Mary (________) RICHARDS.  Mary married October 21, 1760 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jesse CHEW, son of Jeffrey and Amy (DRIVER) CHEW.  Jesse was born November 25, 1738 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  They had 7 children.  Jesse died January 31, 1812.  Mary died May 7, 1816 in New Jersey.

Family Milestones: December 17th

My paternal 6th-great grandfather, Robert HAINES, was born on this date in 1741 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Robert was the son of Jeremiah and Hannah (BONNELL) HAINES.  Robert married May 17, 1766 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Rachel VENICOMB, daughter of Francis and Rachel (LIPPINCOTT) VENICOMB.  Rachel was born circa 1742.  They had 10 children.  Rachel died March 30, 1817 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Robert died June 21, 1821 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

Tax Records: Ezekiel Cooper CHEW: 1863-1864

I located these interesting tax records at Ancestry.com for Ezekiel Cooper CHEW for the time periods of May & June 1863 and January 1864.   In these, his occupation is listed variously as physician or attorney.  While I knew he was a physician, this was the first source that I've found to document that he also practiced law.  

I had been told that Ezekiel practiced as an attorney before.  His photograph hangs at the Plymouth Historical Society in Plymouth, Indiana, and supposedly there is mention of his work there.  With this source listing him in Jay County as an attorney, I now have another avenue to research on my next visit to their courthouse.

Ezekiel Cooper CHEW used his initials E.C. CHEW in records.  He was born January 17, 1822 in Gloucester County, New Jersey; graduated from Jefferson College of Philadelphia, lived in Montgomery County, Ohio in the 1850 census and Darke County, Ohio in the 1860 census.  By 1870 and the 1880 census he was back in Darke County, Ohio.  He practiced medicine in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  When he retired, his son, William Anderson CHEW, took over the practice.  Ezekiel died August 27, 1888 in St. Joseph's County, Indiana.

 

 

Tombstone Tuesday: Daniel and Elizabeth (Shaw) King

My maternal 3rd-great grandparents, Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, are buried in the Howard Cemetery, Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Daniel was born September 3, 1820 in Ohio, the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING.

Elizabeth was born October 1827 in Ohio, the daughter of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW.

Daniel and Elizabeth were married on December 5, 1847 in Madison County, Indiana. Daniel was a farmer, and they lived out their lives in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Daniel died on February 24, 1876 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Elizabeth remarried to William H. COCHRAN. Elizabeth died on October 10, 1900 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana

Children of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING were:

• Mary Jane KING (1849-1935); married Leroy YOUNG; 3 children
• Henrietta KING (1851-1851)
• Arvilla Samantha KING (1852-aft1860)
• David KING (1854-1914); married Litha Ann MAY; 6 children
• Eliza Margaret KING (1857-1889); married James H. DWIGGINS; 3 children
• Suman Douglas KING (1861-1950); married Amanda FOX; 10 children
• Sarah Ann KING (1864-bef1870)
• James Alfred KING (1865-1933); married Ella LOWERY; 3 children; married Rosie DILL; 4 children
• Ellen KING (1868-1913); married John William WRIGHT: 4 children
• Benjamin Zellen KING (1871-1956); married Elizabeth Ann SCHELL; 6 children
  

Family Milestones: December 14th

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, John LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1828 in Washington County, Pennsylvania to Mary H. BAKER.  John was the son of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS, and the older brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS.  John was born September 24, 1804 in Mason County, Virginia.  Mary was born July 30, 1808 in Pennsylvania.  They had 10 children.  Mary died in Wayne County, Ohio.  John died March 25, 1866 in Starr City, Pulaski County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Elisabeth PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1735 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire.  Elisabeth was the daughter of John and Judith (SANBORN) PHILBRICK, and the older sister of my John PHILBRICK.  Elizabeth married Isaac TOWLE and they had at least 4 children.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 7th-great grandmother, Elizabeth NYE, was born on this date in 1720.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (NEWCOMB) NYE.  Elizabeth married November 10, 1743 to Seth PIERCE, son of Samuel and Abigail (JOHNSON) PIERCE.  Seth was born November 30, 1716 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  They had at least 4 children.  Seth died December 5, 1794.  Elizabeth died May 14, 1749 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.


My paternal 3rd-great grandfather, George J. HALEY, was born on this date in 1814 in Basel, Switzerland.  George emigrated with his parents when a small boy and they settled in Fairfield County, Ohio.  George married January 1, 1835 in Hardin County, Ohio to Rachel H. GARY.  Rachel was born March 25, 1816 in Fairfield County, Ohio.  They had 10 children. George was a minister in the Evangelical Association and he lived in Fairfield, Marion, Morrow and Erie Counties of Ohio. Rachel died November 25, 1897 in Erie County, Ohio.  George died February 27, 1888 in Huron Township, Erie County, Ohio. Both are buried in the Scotts Cemtery, Huron Township, Erie County, Ohio.

Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly (1846-1913)

Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY was my paternal 2nd-great grandmother.  With a surname of SMITH, tracing this line will be interesting, to say the least.

The following facts about Olive's life are known:

• Birth: She was born June 23, 1846 in Cass County, Michigan, the daughter of William P. and Prudence (MAXSON) SMITH.
• Census: 1860 - she appears in the William SMITH household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Marriage: She married William P. WEHRLY on June 9, 1860 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1870 - she appears in the William P. WERLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1900 - she appears in the William P. WEHRLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Death: She died January 6, 1913 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.
• Burial: She is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

The following facts need further research and/or documentation to complete my research:

• Census: need to locate her in the 1850 census, should be in the William SMITH household in Cass County, Michigan
• Census: need to locate her in the 1880 census, should be in the William WEHRLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: need to locate her in the 1910 census, should be in the William WEHRLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.

Ancestry of Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY (1846-1913), Ahnentafel # 19 in my ancestry:

Ahnentafel # 38: William P. SMITH (1815-1894); Clark Co., OH>Jay Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 76: Jacob SMITH (c1792-1866); New Jersey>Hardin Co., IA

Related blog posts:

• Marriage: William P. WEHRLY to Olive Jane SMITH  

• Tombstone Tuesday: William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY 

Family Milestones: December 13th

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Isaac MENDENHALL, married on this date in 1826 in Guilford County, North Carolina to Elizabeth GRIFFITH.  Isaac was the son of Mordecai and Charity (BEESON) MENDENHALL, and the younger brother of my Charity MENDENHALL.  Elizabeth was the daughter of James and Hannah (KENYON) GRIFFITH.  I do not have her birth and death dates.  Isaac was born 1756-8mo-10d in New Garden MM, Guilford County, North Carolina.  Issac died 1833-8mo-1d in Springfield MM, Guilford County, North Carolina.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Catherine WEHRLY, married on this date in 1857 to John B. BUCHER.  Catherine was the daughter of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older sister of my William P. WEHRLY. John was the son of Nicholas and Catherine (PETRY) BUCHER.  John was born May 28, 1836 in Maryland.  Catherine was born October 6, 1836 in Preble County, Ohio.  They lived in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  Catherine died June 21, 1881.

My matneral 4th-great granduncle, John GROENENDYKE, married on this date in 1826 in Fayette County, Indiana to Elizabeth SMELSER.   John was the son of James and Joannah (ANTONIDES) GROENENDYKE, and the older brother of my Elias GROENENDYKE.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (SMELSER) SMELSER.  John was born October 18, 1802 in New Jersey.  Elizabeth was born November 30, 1807 in Kentucky.  They raised 6 children in Fayette County, Indiana.  Elizabeth died December 15, 1888.  John died January 19, 1886.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Bennett FIELD, was born on this date in 1709 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.  Bennett was the son of John and Mary (BENNETT) FIELD.  Bennett married December 18, 1734 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts to Elizabeth SPOFFORD, daughter of Thomas and Bethiah (HAZELTINE) SPOFFORD.  Elizabeth was born April 19, 1775 in Boxford, Essex County, Massachusetts.  They had at least 2 children.  Elizabeth died November 20, 1772 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Bennett died April 6, 1770 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.

My paternal 6th-great grandmother, Cyllania WOOLSTON, was born on this date in 1728.  Cyllania was the daughter of John and Sarah (POWELL) WOOLSTON.  Cyllania married December 25, 1749 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey to Samuel WOOLSTON, son of Samuel and Susanna (BUDD) WOOLSTON.  Samuel was born Aprl 18, 1719 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They had 5 children.  Samuel died August 4, 1773.  Cyllania died December 30, 1772 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Jacob WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1820 in York County, Pennsylvania.  Jacob was the son of Heinrich and Christina (SAUBEL) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Johannes WEHRLY.  Jacob married April 1, 1841 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio to Rebecca HAWK, daughter of John HAWK.  Rebecca was born August 11, 1820 in Carroll County, Ohio.  They had at least 3 children.  Nothing further known at this time.

William P. Wehrly (1845-1909)

William P. WEHRLY was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.  The WEHRLY name is believed to be of Swiss origins, and has been found spelled as WEHRLEY, WHERLEY, WHERLY, etc.

The following facts about William's life are known:

• Birth: He was born November 2, 1845 in Preble County, Ohio, the son of Johannes "John S." and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY.
• Census: 1860 - he appears in the John S. WHORLEY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Military: He served in Company I, 130th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers during the Civil War.
• Marriage: He married Olive Jane SMITH on August 4, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1870 - he appears as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation is listed as farmer.
• Census: 1900 - he appears as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation is listed as sawmiller.
• Death: He died June 16, 1909 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.
• Burial: He is buried in Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.
• Obituary: His obituary appeared in the Portland Commercial-Review on June 16, 1909.

 The following facts need further research and/or documentation to complete my research:

• Census: need to locate him in the 1850 census, should be in the John S. WEHRLY household, either in Preble County, Ohio or Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: need to locate him in the 1880 census, should be head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Death: Need to locate a copy of his death certificate from the Jay County, Indiana Health Department.

Ancestry of William P. WEHRLY (1845-1909), Ahnentafel # 18 in my ancestry:


Ahnentafel # 36: Johannes 'John S.' WEHRLY (1802-1876); York Co., PA>Jay Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 72: Heinrich 'Henry' WEHRLY (c1776-1846); York Co., PA>Tuscarawas Co., OH.


Related blog posts:

• Marriage: William P. Wehrly to Olive Jane Smith  

• Obituary: William P. Wehrly (1845-1909)

• Tombstone Tuesday: William P. and Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly 

• Today in my database: William P. Wehrly (b. November 2, 1845) 

Family Milestones: December 12th

My paternal 7th-great grandmother, Rebecca WARNER, was born on this date in 1715.  Rebecca was the daughter of Ebenezer and Martha (GILPIN) WARNER.  Rebecca married December 23, 1735 to Moses HURLBUT, the son of Joseph and Mary (CASTLE) HURLBUT.  Moses was born August 26, 1714 in Woodbury, Connecticut.  They had at least 5 children.  Moses died August 3, 1763 in Roxbury, Connecticut.  Rebecca died June 5, 1797.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Susannah WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1824 in Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio.  Susannah was the daughter of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older sister of my William P. WEHRLY.  Susannah married February 12, 1844 to Charles PETRY, son of Jacob and Magdalena (MILLER) PETRY.  Charles was born January 27, 1822 in York County, Pennsylvania.  They raised a family of 8 children in Jay County, Indiana.  Charles died March 28, 1893 in Jay County, Indiana.  Susannah died June 23, 1910 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.

Surname Saturday: Lewis

The LEWIS surname appears in Eileen's maternal line. The line stretches back into Canada just after the time of the American Revolution, but it's ultimate origins have not been discovered.  Quite possible that the family was American with Loyalist ties.


Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 48: Nathaniel LEWIS (1791-1830).  Nathaniel was born July 13, 1791 in Canada.  He married Nancy Ann SNYDER. Nancy was born August 31, 1794 in Colchester Township, Essex County, Ontario.  They moved to Montgomery County, Ohio before 1820 and Wayne County, Indiana before 1830.  Nathaniel died October 20, 1830 in Hagerstown, Wayne County, Indiana and Nancy died October 17, 1830 in Hagerstown, Wayne County, Indiana.  Both are buried in Ulrich Baptist Cemetery, Hagerstown, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 24: Solomon LEWIS (1820-1895).  Solomon was born January 9, 1820 in Montgomery County, Ohio.  Solomon married Margaret RINEHART on January 31, 1841 in Henry County, Indiana.  Margaret was born July 6, 1822 in Henry County, Indiana.  Solomon was a farmer and they raised their family in Huntington County, Indiana.  Solomon died December 18, 1895 in Lancaster, Huntington County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 12: Jacob LEWIS (1847-1898).  Jacob was born January 17, 1847 in Huntington County, Indiana.  Jacob married first to Laura GROFF on March 30, 1871 in Huntington County, Indiana.  After her death, Jacob married Marietta COOK on November 28, 1878 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Marietta was born April 6, 1855 in Grant County, Indiana.  Jacob died April 22, 1898 in Lancaster, Huntington County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 6: Lawrence Solomon LEWIS (1885-1947).  Lawrence was born March 30, 1885 in Lancaster, Huntington County, Indiana.  Lawrence married Ruth Alice SILLS on February 24, 1906 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  Ruth was born March 29, 1889 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana. They had 12 children in Wabash County, Indiana.  Lawrence died June 26, 1947 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.


Related blog posts:

• Jacob Lewis Household: Huntington Co., IN 

• Solomon Lewis Household: Huntington Co., IN

• Marietta Lewis Household: Huntington Co., IN 

• Lawrence S. Lewis Household: Wabash Co., IN 

Family Milestones: December 11th

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Martha DAVIS, married on this date in 1740 to Nathan ROGERS.  Martha was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS, and the younger sister of my Thomas William DAVIS.  Nathan was the son of Jonathan ROGERS.  Martha was born August 14, 1761.  Nathan was born May 6, 1718.  They had a family of 7 children.  Nathan died June 30, 1806.  Martha died April 1, 1756.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal great-grandaunt, Pansy GILLILAND, married on this date in 1912 in Monroe County, Indiana to Peter W. DECKER.  Pansy was the daughter of Ida DAVIS, and the older sister to my June GILLILAND.  Peter was the son of William Roscoe and Amanda (ROLLINS) DECKER.  Pansy was born December 11, 1894 in Ellettsville, Monroe County, Indiana.  Peter was born March 13, 1890 in Indiana.  They lived in Monroe and Montgomery Counties, Indiana and had 5 children.   Peter died in 1947.  Pansy remarried to Raymond TIMM.  Pansy died January 26, 1968 in Monticello, White County, Indiana.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Samuel MILLIKAN, was born on this date in 1742 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  This date may not have been correctly entered from the Quaker style.  Samuel was the son of William and Jane (WHITE) MILLIKAN.  Samuel married 6mo-10dy-1767 in New Garden MM, Guilford County, North Carolina to Ann BALDWIN, daughter of William and Elizabeth (SMITH) BALDWIN.  Ann was born May 18, 1750.  They had 10 children.  Samuel died November 3, 1817 in Randolph County, North Carolina.

Marriage: Thomas Groendyke to Hettie Ballard

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Thomas GROENENDYKE, married his second wife,  Hettie BALLARD on December 20, 1899 in Madison County, Indiana.  The license records the surname as GROENDYKE.  

Thomas was born October 2, 1852 near Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the son of Elias and Nancy (JENKINS) GROENENDYKE.  His first wife, Emily SMITH, had died in 1895.  Hettie BALLARD was born March 1865 in Indiana.  I do not know who her parents were at this time.  She was previously married to J.U. THOMAS.


Thomas died November 25, 1944 in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not know where Hettie died.  The last record I have for her is the 1920 census.  They were living in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: December 10th

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Albert Orlando PIERCE, married on this date in 1863 in Wayne County, Indiana to Elizabeth Williams PIKE.  Albert was the son of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (WILLIAMS) PIKE.  Albert was born June 2, 1839 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Elizabeth was born circa 1844 in Indiana.  They lived in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana and Clay Township, Wayne County, Indiana.  They had 5 children.   Elizabeth died on March 25, 1883 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Albert remarried to Sarah S. WILSON.  Albert died in 1920.

My paternal 4th-great grandfather, Rev. Nathaniel CHEW, married on this date in 1848 in Iowa to Nancy MOSIER.  The marriage probably took place in Mahaska County, Iowa.   I do not have birth and death information for Nancy.  Nathaniel was born November 10, 1786 in Gloucester County, New Jersey, the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (SPRINGER) CHEW.  Nathaniel died January 24, 1866 in Mahaska County, Iowa.

My maternal 7th-great grandparents, Samuel HEATON and Susan HAWES, were married on this date in 1706 in Wrentham, Massachusetts.  Samuel was the son of Nathaniel HEATON.  Susan was the daughter of John and Sarah (DEERING) HAWES.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Susan. They had 9 children.  Samuel was born November 28, 1761 in Wrentham, Massachusetts.  Samuel died between 1735 and 1737.

Marriage: Joseph Wright to Dorothy Palmer

My maternal 3rd-great grandfather, Joseph WRIGHT and his second wife, Dorothy PALMER, were married on April 11, 1891 in Madison County, Indiana.  The marriage license has her name spelled as Dortha PARMER, but other sources, including an obituary, have her surname as PALMER.

Joseph was born April 1838 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (WARDLOW) WRIGHT.  His first wife, Rebecca HEATON, had died in 1890.  Dorothy was born either June 1837 in Pennsylvania (per census) or June 27, 1847 in Parkersburg, WV (per obituary), the daughter of George and Mary (________) PALMER.  Joseph died September 16, 1919 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Dorothy died March 4, 1926 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

According to her obituary, Dorothy had moved to Ohio as a young girl with her parents.  At the time of her death, two sisters lived in Brown County, Ohio, where Joseph was originally from.  It is possible that they may have known each other back in Ohio.

Family Milestones: December 9th

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Cornelius SUTTON, married on this date in 1806 in Warren County, Ohio to Judith BABCOCK.  Cornelius was the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (APPLEGATE) SUTTON, and the younger brother of my Sarah SUTTON.  Cornelius was born June 20, 1780 in New Jersey.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Judith.  Cornelius died August 30, 1859 in Jackson Township, Randolph County, Indiana.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: December 1969

These photographs were in an album owned by my father, and they show members of the extended family in December 1969.  Someone must have had a G.I. Joe Christmas that year, and everyone seems to be getting into the act.

The photo above is of my cousin, Jim Coats, giving the 'victory' sign.  I believe that all of these photographs were taken at Grandma LeMaster's house in Portland, Indiana.  

My cousin, Donna Coats, Jim's sister, was into the act, although not as involved as the others.  This chair must have been the popular spot for photos that year.

 

Cousin Rick Steigerwalt looks decked out and ready for for war, with a smile on his face.  I wonder what is in the package beside him?

Rick's brother, Mark Steigerwalt, is ready to launch a grenade onto the unsuspecting Christmas revelers.

 

Not sure if uncle Vic LeMaster is surrendering or on a suicide mission, but Sgt. York he isn't.

Looking back 40 years at these photographs, I find it interesting the toys that must have been popular, at least in my family, at the time.  This was during the height of the Vietnam War, and I wonder today how many kids will have military items under their tree this year. 

 

Family Milestones: December 8th

My paternal 6th-great grandparents, Thomas William DAVIS and Tacy CRANDALL, were married on this date in 1737 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Thomas was the son of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS.  Tacy was the daughter of John and Mary (________) CRANDALL.  Thomas was born May 15, 1719 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Tacy was born circa 1720 in Westerly.  After their marriage, they moved their family to Monongalia County, Virginia.  Thomas died July 15, 1791 at White Day Creek, Monongalia County, Virginia.  Tacy died June 1, 1795 at White Day Creek, Monongalia County, Virginia.  

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, William F. METZNER, married on this date in 1867 to Mary Ann HALEY in Jay County, Indiana.  William was the son of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER, and the younger brother of my John Adam METZNER.  Mary was the daughter of Sebastian and Lydia (RADER) HALEY.  William was born January 6, 1844 in Licking County, Ohio.  Mary was born in 1846.  They raised a family of 8 children in Bearcreek Township, Jay County, Indiana.  William died in 1929 and Mary in 1926. They are buried in the Gravel Hill Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, John RAINS, was born on this date in 1787.  John was the son of Anthony and Nancy (GRAHAM) RAINS, and the older brother of my Elizabeth RAINS.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Mary Jane KING, was born on this date in 1849 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  Mary was the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (KING) SHAW, and the older sister of my Ellen KING.  Mary married Leroy YOUNG, son of William and Jane (________) YOUNG, on February 8, 1871.  Leroy was born November 14, 1843 in Indiana.  Leroy died March 26, 1893 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana, and Mary remarried to Robert HICKS.  Mary died April 4, 1935 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  They are buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rebecca HAINES, was born on this date in 1776 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rebecca was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Rebecca died March 15, 1816 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (Heaton) Wright

My maternal 3rd-great grandparents, Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, are buried in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

Joseph was born April 1838 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (WARDLOW) WRIGHT.

Rebecca was born 1841 in Brown County, Ohio, the daughter of James R. and Elizabeth (JACOBS) HEATON.

Joseph and Rebecca were married November 1, 1857 in Schuyler County, Missouri. There was a mass migration of several related families out of Brown County, Ohio to Schuyler County, Missouri in the late 1850s. Joseph and Rebecca soon returned to Brown County, as they were enumerated in the 1860 census there.

Joseph and his family moved to Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana in the mid-1860s where they were engaged in farming.

Rebecca died on March 25, 1890 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana. After her death, Joseph remarried to Dorothy PALMER on April 11, 1891 in Madison County, Indiana. Joseph died on September 16, 1919 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Children of Joseph and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT are:

• Mary A. WRIGHT (1858-1910); married William Frank KIRK; 3 children
• John William WRIGHT (1860-1945); married Ellen KING; 4 children
• Elizabeth WRIGHT (1863-1882); married William Alpha JONES; 1 child
• Anna L. WRIGHT (1864-1914); married Albert Morris VINSON; 1 child
• James WRIGHT (1868-1936); married Clara B. HICKS; 4 children
• Charles Riggs WRIGHT (1870-1967); married Bertha C. LEONARD; 4 children
• Daisy L. WRIGHT (1873-aft1930); married Thomas A. FOX: 4 children
• Edward E. WRIGHT (1875-1960); married Martha Jane STARR; 3 children
• Jesse WRIGHT (1878-1919); married Hazel O'BRYANT
  

Family Milestones: December 7th

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, William NESBIT, married on this date in 1824 in Harrison County, Kentucky to Polly ROBERTS.  William was the son of Samuel and Mary (BERRY) NESBIT, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth NESBIT.  William was born circa 1802 and died in 1877 in Kentucky.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rebecca JACOBS, was born on this date in 1793 in Virginia.  Rebecca was the daughter of William and Sibell (LITTEL) JACOBS, and the younger sister of my James Thomas JACOBS.  Rebecca married William HIGHBEE on November 18, 1812 in Adams County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, William Godfrey SHAW, was born on this date in 1843 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  William was the son of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth SHAW.  William married in October 1869 to Mary Jane YOUNG.  Mary was born October 1847 in Indiana.  They raised their family in Orestes, where William was a carpenter and farmer.  I do not have their dates of death in my database.

Marriage: Thompson A. Fox to Daisy L. Wright

The marriage record of Thompson Asbury FOX to Daisy L. WRIGHT occurred September 27, 1890 in Madison County, Indiana.  Daisy L. WRIGHT was my maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, the daughter of Joseph W. and Rebecca (HEATON) WRIGHT. Thompson, or Thomas, as he is shown in most records, was the son of Phillip and Mary (RECTOR) FOX.


Thomas was born September 1869 in Indiana.  Daisy was born June 1873 in Indiana.  After their marriage, they lived in Madison County, Indiana where Thomas was a farmer.  He died February 1, 1926 in Madison County, Indiana and is buried at the Park View Cemetery, according to his obituary.  Daisy was living still in the 1930 census in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.   There is a Daisy L. Fox listed in the obituary database at the Anderson Public Library with an obit date of 3/29/1950, but I don't know yet if this is her.  Neither Daisy or Thomas appears in the cemetery database.

 

Advent Calendar - December 7 - Holiday Parties

It seems like it was easier to get all of the family together when I was a kid than it does now.  I can remember on Christmas Eve gathering at my grandmother WRIGHT's house for dinner and on Christmas day, after opening our presents, we would head over to my grandmother LeMASTER's.

The parties were the main times that we were able to all come together as a family.  At my grandma WRIGHT's it was a smaller crowd because of the family size, but we had cousins on both sides that were about the same age.  There were always someone to play games with.


As an adult, the holiday parties have shifted to my in-laws and my parents.  We don't always get together exactly on Christmas eve or Christmas day, but we manage to try to assemble at some point during the holidays to exchange gifts and catch up.


As I recall, we would open a few gifts on Christmas eve that came from Grandma and relatives.  One particular I remember was the year I opened up a box of rocks.  As the shock was settling in, grandma brought out the real gift, a pogo stick, which was too large to wrap.  I never did figure out quite how to use that thing, but I still remember receiving it.

Family Milestones: December 6th

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, Charles Riggs WRIGHT, married on this date in 1890 in Innisdale, Madison County, Indiana to Bertha Cordelia LEONARD.  Charles was the son of Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my John William WRIGHT.  Bertha was the daughter of Stephen Sylvester and Susan (TODD) LEONARD.  Charles was born November 11, 1870 in Madison County.  Bertha was born March 6, 1873 in Madison County, Indiana.  They raised 4 children in Monroe Township where Charles was a farmer and salesman.  Bertha died February 26, 1950 and Charles remarried to Nellie FETZ.  Charles died November 23, 1967 and is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Maud LAMBERTSON, married on this date in 1896 in Hamilton County, Indiana to Francis F. FISHER.  Maud was the daughter of Carey W. and Clara E. (COOK) LAMBERTSON, and the younger sister of my Charles Wilson LAMBERTSON.  Maud was born June 19, 1878 in Darke County, Ohio.  Francis was born December 7, 1871 in Indiana, the son of Uriah and Elizabeth (HOOVER) FISHER.  After their marriage, they lived in Hamilton County, Indiana and Jefferson County, Illinois.  Francis died between 1920 and 1930, and Maud remarried to Will HAYSE.  Maud died April 9, 1952 in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois and is buried in the Old Shiloh Church Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

My paternal 5th-great grandparents, Deacon John PHILBRICK and Sally JEWETT, were married on this date in 1770 in Hollis, New Hampshire.  John was born February 23, 1748 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire, the son of John and Judith (SANBORN) PHILBRICK.  Sally was born March 7, 1749 in Hollis, Province of New Hampshire, the daughter of Samuel and Sally (________) JEWETT.  After their marriage they raised a family of 8 children in Hollis and Weare, New Hampshire.  John died July 31, 1780 in Weare, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.  I do not have Sally's death date.


My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Seth W. BEALS, married on this date in 1863 to Sarah E. ADAMSON.  Seth was the son of Nathan C. and Elizabeth (CHEW) BEALS, and the younger brother of my John T. BEALS.  After their marriage they resided in Rogers, Benton County, Arkansas where they had at least 3 children.  Seth died August 3, 1909.  Nothing further known at this time.



My maternal 5th-great granduncle, John KIMMER, was born on this date in 1795.  John was the son of Nicholas and Sarah (FAYLER) KIMMER, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth KIMMER.  Nothing further known at this time.


My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Minerva PIERCE, was born on this date in 1846.  Minerva was the daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Minerva married December 31, 1868 in Madison County, Indiana to Daniel SIGLER, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHANK) SIGLER.  Daniel was born May 1844 in Indiana.  They raised a family in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana where Daniel was a physician.  Minerva died August 31, 1902 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana and was buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.


 

Advent Calendar - December 6 - Santa Claus

Today's advent calendar theme from Geneabloggers is Santa Claus.  Did you ever write a letter to Santa?  Did you ever visit Santa and "make a list"? Do you still believe in Santa?

I'm sure that I wrote a letter or two to Santa Claus at some point growing up, though I cannot remember any particular letter.  I believe that one time we left a note for him telling him where we were because we had gone to Tennessee to visit my aunt and uncle.  I do remember an incident with my daughter at my parents house where a note was left for Santa while we went out, and when we returned there were presents.  This even is captured on VHS tape, and reminds me that I need to transfer those tapes to DVD format.

I can remember visiting Santa at the local Elks lodge and sitting on his lap with my list.  I know that my parents probably have a photograph or two when we did this.  Also, there are recordings where dad asked us each what we wanted for Christmas.  One incident with my brother and Santa occurred when he started out his wish list with "First, let me tell you what you forgot to bring me last year...".  You can believe that gift was under the tree that year!   


I believed in Santa long after many of my schoolmates stopped believing, I guess I just couldn't prove that he didn't exist.  I never caught my parents playing Santa, nor did I ever sneak around looking for presents.  I guess I was a good little boy! LOL!  


As an adult, I do not place much emphasis on Santa, and try to keep our household focused on Jesus. Our house doesn't have much in the way of Santas.   But I understand the joy that the little ones who still believe find in anticipating what lies under the tree on Christmas morn.