Spencer Cromeans / Cummings (c1812-1861) was Eileen's paternal 2nd-great grandfather. What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.
1. Vital Records
1.1. Birth Certificate
Spencer was born circa 1812 in North Carolina1, according to the 1850 census. The family surname was listed as Cromeans in 1850 records, then became Cummings in later generations.
1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper
Until I have an exact date and location, will not be able to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of Spencer's birth. With a birth date this early, I'm skeptical that any such mention exists.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not currently aware of any family Bible records of the Cromeans/Cummings family. Will continue to reach out to extended family members in hopes that one does exist.
1.1.3. Baptismal Record
I am not aware of any baptismal record for Spencer, nor do I know what denomination, if any, he was a member of at this time.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no indication that Spencer was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
Spencer married Gincy _________ before 1832, probably in Walker County, Alabama. I have not yet been able to locate a copy of their marriage license. Their first child was born in September 1832 in Walker County. Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.
1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper
Once I have an exact date of their nuptials, will be able to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of Spencer and Gincy's wedding.
1.2.2. Anniversary Notice
Once I have an exact date of their anniversary, will be able to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of wedding anniversary celebrations.
1.2.3. Divorce Decree
While there is no indication that Spencer and Gincy were ever divorced, a thorough search of the court records in Walker and Winston Counties, Alabama needs to be completed. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for a future research trip.
1.3. Death Certificate
I have not been able to find an exact date of death for Spencer. Land records in Winston County, Alabama have him alive in 1860, but have not located him in the census. There is a strong possibility that he died early in the 1860s.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Without an exact date of death, I am unable to search any contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of Spencer's death.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
Once I'm able to determine Spencer's exact date of death, I will attempt to locate funeral home records for any additional information they might be able to provide.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
Once I'm able to determine where Spencer is buried, will obtain a photograph of his tombstone. Have been unable to locate him in any listing of local cemetery records.
2. Census Records
2.1. Federal Census Records
2.1.1. 1860 Federal Census
I have not been able to locate Spencer in the 1860 U.S. census. There are still several other Cummings families in Winston County, Alabama, but I have yet to locate the family. After the Civil War, members of the family are in Tennessee, particularly Wayne and Dyer Counties.
2.1.2. 1850 Federal Census
Spencer was enumerated as head of household on October 25, 1850 in Northern District 38 of Hancock County, Alabama1, as Spencer Cromeans, age 38, born in North Carolina, Farmer. Hancock county later became Winston County, Alabama. Living in the household were Gincy, age 34, born South Carolina; Patrick, age 18, born Alabama; Elena, age 14, born Alabama; Wyatt, age 12, born Alabama; Willis, age 10, born Alabama; Jasper, age 8, born Alabama; Houston, age 6, born Alabama; Absolem, age 4, born Alabama; and Mary, age 2, born Alabama.
2.1.3. 1840 Federal Census
Spencer was enumerated as head of household on June 1, 1840 in Walker County, Alabama2. Living in the household were two white males under 5 years old; 1 white male between 5 and 10 years old; 1 white male between 10 and 15 years old; and one white male between 30 and 40 years old. Females in the household were 1 female under 5 years; and 1 female between 20 and 30 years old.
2.1.4. 1830 Federal Census
Spencer was enumerated as head of household on June 1, 1830 in Walker County, Alabama3. Living in the household were one white male under 5 years old; 1 white male between 20 and 30 years old; and 1 white female between 20 and 30 years old.
2.2. State Census Records
Alabama conducted state census in 1850, 1855 and 1866 that might be relevant in my search for Spencer.
2.3. Agricultural Census Records
I have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what light they might shed on the Cummings family.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
I have not located any records of military draft that included Spencer.
3.2. Pension Records
I am not aware of any military service that would have allowed Spencer pension benefits.
3.3. Service Records
I am not aware of any military service records for Spencer.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Winston and Walker Counties, Alabama to see what records might mention Spencer. Federal land records need to be searched as well. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Plat maps in Winston County, Alabama will have to be researched to see what information might be relevant in my search for Spencer.
5. Supplemental Records
Supplemental records available to research for Spencer include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records. Will add these to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
Sources :
1. Spencer Cromeans household, 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, Northern District 38, Hancock County, Alabama, dwelling 5, family 5; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 6, page 357.
2. 1840 U.S. census, Walker County, Alabama, population schedule, page 299, Spencer Cromeans; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 16 January 2014); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
3. 1830 U.S. census, Walker County, Alabama, population schedule, page 258, Spencer Cromeans; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 January 2014): National Archives, Washington, D.C.
This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Burial Record of Washington Alderman, Civil War Veteran, Madison County, Indiana
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| Atlas of Cemeteries and Records of Deceased Veterans of Madison County, Indiana by Haroldyne S. Zook, 1989, Published by Selby Publishing & Printing, Kokomo, Indiana |
Washington was the son of Richard and Eliza Alderman. He served in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry during the Civil War. I've traced him no further than the 1860 census, when he was a dairyman in Madison County, Indiana. I do not know if he survived the war.
I've visited the cemetery, but was unable to locate his grave. The cemetery has not been well maintained, and many of the tombstones were faded.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
John Wright Family Group Sheet, Brown County, Ohio
This family group sheet of John Wright was obtained from the Brown County, Ohio Genealogical Society. The chart is for the family of my maternal 6th-great grandparents.
The chart was created by Margaret Burbage of Bethel, Ohio - right in the backyard of where my Brown County Wrights settled. Interesting to me are the sources that are cited, though sadly each fact itself is not documented. Sources such as the Bible record of George and Elizabeth Wright.
John's wife is named as Sarah Fleming - a surname I have from other researchers, though I've yet find an actual marriage record that gives her maiden name. This family group sheet lists no biographical data for Sarah.
The family group sheet didn't list John's birth, which occurred before April 13, 1755, when he was baptized in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It does, however, list his date of death as October 15, 1801, without reference to place. My database shows the date as October 15, 1810 in Clermont County, Ohio, without a source. Another researcher gave me information that stated John died October 15, 1801 in Brown County, Ohio. Brown County didn't exist at that time, it would have been Clermont County, Northwest Territory.
The children listed on this family group sheet match up with what I have in my database. Quite likely that the early information I input into my database came from someone who had seen this family group sheet or the original Bible record, which is where I am assuming the lists of birthdates for the children is coming from.
While not a definitive source, this family group sheet will give me a source starting point, something to document some facts in my database, so I don't spend time trying to figure out why I have so-and-so listed with a certain birthdate, etc.
I have additional Wright information from the Brown County Genealogical Society to work through and more research on site to be done in the future.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Exploratory Data Analysis : William Miller (1826-1901)
William Miller (1826-1901) was Corinne's maternal 3rd-great grandfather. What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.
1. Vital Records
William was born October 1826 in Germany1, according to the 1900 census. The 1870 census shows him born circa 1829 in Hesse-Darmstadt2.
1.1. Birth Certificate
Since I do not have an exact date of birth for William, it will be difficult to locate his birth record. His parents were listed on his marriage license as Jacob Miller and Elizabeth Speck.
A search at Familysearch for records of a William Miller born in 1826 with parents Jacob Miller and Elizabeth Speck did turn up one interesting possibility. A record for Wilhelm Mueller, born to Jacob Mueller and Elisabetha Speck, was born October 20, 1826 in Alsenborn, Pfalz, Bavaria. ("Deutschland, Geburten und Taufen 1558-1898," index, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/NP8N-MBL : accessed 12 Jan 2014), Wilhelm Mueller, ; citing ALSENBORN,PFALZ,BAVARIA; FHL microfilm 488864.)
1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper
Without an exact location or date of birth, it will be impossible to locate mention in a newspaper.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not aware of any surviving Bible record for this Miller family. Will continue to reach out to extended family members in hopes that one can be located.
1.1.3. Baptismal Record
Without an exact date to search and location of birth, will not be able to locate a baptismal record for William.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no indication that William was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
William married January 31, 1856 in Posey County, Indiana to Elizabeth Schafer. I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
William married secondly on May 5, 1887 in Vanderburgh County, Indiana to Margaret Kullman. I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper
Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of William's nuptials. Will add this to my research "to-do" list.
1.2.2. Anniversary Notice
Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of any anniversary celebrations. Will add this to my research "to-do" list.
1.2.3. Divorce Decree
While there is no indication that William was divorced, a thorough search of the court records in Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, Indiana will need to be completed.
1.3. Death Certificate
William died July 24, 1901 in Kasson, Vanderburgh County, Indiana. I do not yet have a copy of his death certificate. Will add that to my list of research "to-do" items.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Will need to search contemporary newspapers for mention of William's obituary. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
Once I've obtained a copy of William's obituary, I can contact the funeral home that handled the arrangements and see if they have any additional information.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
I do not yet know what cemetery William is buried in, assuming that he is buried in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
2. Census Records
2.1. Federal Census Records
2.1.1. 1900 Federal Census
On June 1, 1900, William was enumerated as the head of household in German Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana1, as William Miller, age 73, born October 1826 in Germany. He had been married for 12 years. His father and mother were both born in Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1848, had been living 52 years in the U.S. and was a naturalized citizen. His occupation was that of a saloon keeper. He could read and write and speak English. He owned his own home, free of mortgage.
2.1.2. 1880 Federal Census
On June 1, 1880, William was enumerated as head of household in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana3, as William Miller, age 52, born in Germany. His occupation was listed as a commission broker. He was married and both his father and mother were born in Germany.
2.1.3. 1870 Federal Census
On July 22, 1870, William was enumerated as head of household in the 3rd Ward, Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana2, as William Miller, age 41, born in Hesse-Darmstadt. He was a saloon keeper. The value of his real estate was $15,000 and the value of his personal estate was $1000. His father and mother were both of foreign birth. He was a U.S. citizen.
2.1.4. 1860 Federal Census
On June 18, 1870, William was enumerated as head of household in Robinson Township, Posey County, Indiana4, as William Miller, age 33, born in Germany. His occupation was listed as a farmer. The value of his real estate was $3500 and the value of his personal estate was $500.
2.1.5. 1850 Federal Census
I have not yet located William in the 1850 census. He should be there, as he immigrated in 1848, but I do not know yet where he first lived before coming to Indiana.
2.2. State Census Records
The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1931. These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.
2.3. Agricultural Census Records
I have not yet investigated these types of records to see what light they might shed on the Miller farm.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
I have not located any draft registration records for William.
3.2. Pension Records
I am not aware of any military service for William that would make him eligible to receive pension benefits.
3.3. Service Records
I am not aware of any military service for William, though he would have been of the right age to have served during the Civil War. Will add checking into this to my list of "to-do" research items.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, Indiana to see what records might mention William. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Plat maps in Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, Indiana will need to be searched to see what might be relevant to my search for William.
5. Supplemental
Supplemental records available for research on William include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records. Will add these to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
Sources:
1. William Miller household, 1900 U.S. census, population schedule, German Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, ED 133, SD 1, sheet 1A, dwelling 10, family 10; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 408, page 43.
2. William Miller household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, 3rd Ward, Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, dwelling 265, family 263; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 364, page 218.
3. 1880 U.S. census, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, population schedule, Evansville, enumeration district 83, SD 1, page 2, dwelling 10, family 13; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2014); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. William Miller household, 1860 U.S. census, population schedule, Robinson Township, Posey County, Indiana, Stewartsville P.O., page 511, dwelling 417, family 362; National Archives micropublication M653, roll 290, page 576.
This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.
1. Vital Records
William was born October 1826 in Germany1, according to the 1900 census. The 1870 census shows him born circa 1829 in Hesse-Darmstadt2.
1.1. Birth Certificate
Since I do not have an exact date of birth for William, it will be difficult to locate his birth record. His parents were listed on his marriage license as Jacob Miller and Elizabeth Speck.
A search at Familysearch for records of a William Miller born in 1826 with parents Jacob Miller and Elizabeth Speck did turn up one interesting possibility. A record for Wilhelm Mueller, born to Jacob Mueller and Elisabetha Speck, was born October 20, 1826 in Alsenborn, Pfalz, Bavaria. ("Deutschland, Geburten und Taufen 1558-1898," index, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/NP8N-MBL : accessed 12 Jan 2014), Wilhelm Mueller, ; citing ALSENBORN,PFALZ,BAVARIA; FHL microfilm 488864.)
1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper
Without an exact location or date of birth, it will be impossible to locate mention in a newspaper.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not aware of any surviving Bible record for this Miller family. Will continue to reach out to extended family members in hopes that one can be located.
1.1.3. Baptismal Record
Without an exact date to search and location of birth, will not be able to locate a baptismal record for William.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no indication that William was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
William married January 31, 1856 in Posey County, Indiana to Elizabeth Schafer. I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
William married secondly on May 5, 1887 in Vanderburgh County, Indiana to Margaret Kullman. I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper
Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of William's nuptials. Will add this to my research "to-do" list.
1.2.2. Anniversary Notice
Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of any anniversary celebrations. Will add this to my research "to-do" list.
1.2.3. Divorce Decree
While there is no indication that William was divorced, a thorough search of the court records in Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, Indiana will need to be completed.
1.3. Death Certificate
William died July 24, 1901 in Kasson, Vanderburgh County, Indiana. I do not yet have a copy of his death certificate. Will add that to my list of research "to-do" items.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Will need to search contemporary newspapers for mention of William's obituary. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
Once I've obtained a copy of William's obituary, I can contact the funeral home that handled the arrangements and see if they have any additional information.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
I do not yet know what cemetery William is buried in, assuming that he is buried in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
2. Census Records
2.1. Federal Census Records
2.1.1. 1900 Federal Census
On June 1, 1900, William was enumerated as the head of household in German Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana1, as William Miller, age 73, born October 1826 in Germany. He had been married for 12 years. His father and mother were both born in Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1848, had been living 52 years in the U.S. and was a naturalized citizen. His occupation was that of a saloon keeper. He could read and write and speak English. He owned his own home, free of mortgage.
2.1.2. 1880 Federal Census
On June 1, 1880, William was enumerated as head of household in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana3, as William Miller, age 52, born in Germany. His occupation was listed as a commission broker. He was married and both his father and mother were born in Germany.
2.1.3. 1870 Federal Census
On July 22, 1870, William was enumerated as head of household in the 3rd Ward, Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana2, as William Miller, age 41, born in Hesse-Darmstadt. He was a saloon keeper. The value of his real estate was $15,000 and the value of his personal estate was $1000. His father and mother were both of foreign birth. He was a U.S. citizen.
2.1.4. 1860 Federal Census
On June 18, 1870, William was enumerated as head of household in Robinson Township, Posey County, Indiana4, as William Miller, age 33, born in Germany. His occupation was listed as a farmer. The value of his real estate was $3500 and the value of his personal estate was $500.
2.1.5. 1850 Federal Census
I have not yet located William in the 1850 census. He should be there, as he immigrated in 1848, but I do not know yet where he first lived before coming to Indiana.
2.2. State Census Records
The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1931. These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.
2.3. Agricultural Census Records
I have not yet investigated these types of records to see what light they might shed on the Miller farm.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
I have not located any draft registration records for William.
3.2. Pension Records
I am not aware of any military service for William that would make him eligible to receive pension benefits.
3.3. Service Records
I am not aware of any military service for William, though he would have been of the right age to have served during the Civil War. Will add checking into this to my list of "to-do" research items.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, Indiana to see what records might mention William. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Plat maps in Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, Indiana will need to be searched to see what might be relevant to my search for William.
5. Supplemental
Supplemental records available for research on William include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records. Will add these to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
Sources:
1. William Miller household, 1900 U.S. census, population schedule, German Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, ED 133, SD 1, sheet 1A, dwelling 10, family 10; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 408, page 43.
2. William Miller household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, 3rd Ward, Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, dwelling 265, family 263; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 364, page 218.
3. 1880 U.S. census, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, population schedule, Evansville, enumeration district 83, SD 1, page 2, dwelling 10, family 13; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2014); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. William Miller household, 1860 U.S. census, population schedule, Robinson Township, Posey County, Indiana, Stewartsville P.O., page 511, dwelling 417, family 362; National Archives micropublication M653, roll 290, page 576.
This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.
Obituary : Rachel (Gary) Haley (1816-1897)
Evangelical Messenger, December 8, 1897, page 179
Located the obituary of my paternal 3rd-great grandmother, Rachel (Gary) Haley (1816-1897) in the Evangelical Messenger, a publication of the Evangelical Association.SISTER RACHEL HALEY
Rachel Haley, nee Gary, widow of Rev. G. Haley, was born in Liberty, Fairfield Co., O., March 22, 1816.
She was united in holy matrimony with George J. Haley, January 1, 1835. This union was blessed with 10 children, 5 sons and 5 daughters. Her husband and 1 son preceded her. She leaves 9 children, 50 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
Mother Haley was converted in early life and joined the Evangelical Association, of which she remained a true and devoted member until death.
About the year 1841 her husband yielded to his call to the ministry, and for 23 years she experienced the trials and hardships of pioneer missionary life. For 8 years her husband was away from home much of the time, so the care of the large family was left to her supervision almost exclusively.
For 40 years she was deprived of hearing the precious Word of God and the sweet songs of Zion which she loved so much, nevertheless she was always a regular attendant at church services.
In her last illness, caused by old age, she stated that she had always found great comfort in reading the Word of God.
Through the kindness of Brother and Sister Haley, the Erie Conference had a pleasant camp-ground on their farm for many years.
The deceased fell asleep in Jesus at the home of her son, Frank Haley, near Huron, Ohio, November 25, 1897, aged 81 years, 8 months and 3 days.
The German services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. A.H. Wendt, and the English by the undersigned. - J.G. Ziegler
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Interesting to note that she was deaf for the last 40 years of her life. Services were performed both in English and German.
Comparing the numbers given for the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I have the names of all 10 children at the time of her death as well as the 50 grandchildren, but only 9 of the great-grandchildren.
Would like to find her origins, the biography in the Jay County History states her origins were Irish, but I'm wondering if they weren't German.
Marriage of John Metzner and Catherine Young, Licking County, Ohio, 1839
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| "Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XZHL-F6J : accessed 12 Jan 2014), John Metzner and Catherine Young, 16 Nov 1839; citing Licking, Ohio, United States, reference v.1,p.331,L.271; FHL microfilm 384300.
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I do hereby certify that the marriage of John Metzner and Catherine Young of said County was solemnized by me in due form of law on the 16" Nov. 1839
Augustus Grosskards
Pastor
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Located the image of the marriage record for my paternal 3rd-great grandparents, John Metzner and Catherine Young in Licking County, Ohio. Previously, I had the date of their marriage as November 4, 1839 from county history and November 3, 1839 from John's obituary. This record, however, clearly notes that the wedding occurred on November 16, 1839.
Tried to Google the pastor's name to see if I could find out more about him, but was unsuccessful. It looks like Grosskards to me, but perhaps I'm reading it incorrectly.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Obituary : John Metzner (1805-1888)
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| Evangelical Messenger, January 24, 1888, page 59 |
METZNER - John Metzner was born in Germany, October 21, 1805, came to America in 1837, located in Licking Co., O., where he continued to live until 1850, when he with his family came to Jay Co. He was married to Catherine Young, Nov. 3, 1839, and to them were born six sons and five daughters, of whom 2 sons and one daughter have gone before him over the river of death. He embraced the Christian religion in 1840, in which he continued to live until his death, and died in the triumphs of a living Redeemer, Jan. 10, 1888. Father Metzner was a member of the Ev. Association, and in his death we lose a brother and a father, but that which is our loss is his gain. Funeral services by the write, assisted by Bro. H.E. Moser. - J.B. Fisher.
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There are just a few anomalies in this obituary from data I already have about John. I had his birthdate as October 2, 1805, as calculated from his tombstone, and his marriage date as November 4, 1839, but my sources were family group sheets, so are suspect. Should be able to confirm the marriage date from Ohio marriage records. While this obituary doesn't give a cause of death, it does state his migration pattern.
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Exploratory Data Analysis Through 2x-Great Grandaunts & Uncles
Though it took much longer that I had hoped, have finally finished by series of exploratory data analysis through my 2x-great grandaunts and granduncles. Previously, I had written about my results through my 2x-great grandparents. My next steps are to move on to my 3x-great grandparents as well as start work on some of Eileen's ancestors and Corinne's ancestors.
Working on this series has allowed me to find out where there are gaps in my research and has added much data. Now I just need to follow up with my "to-do" lists before my next research trip to make sure I use my time effectively.
Here are the links to posts about the exploratory data analysis posts for my 2x-great grandaunts and granduncles:
Working on this series has allowed me to find out where there are gaps in my research and has added much data. Now I just need to follow up with my "to-do" lists before my next research trip to make sure I use my time effectively.
Here are the links to posts about the exploratory data analysis posts for my 2x-great grandaunts and granduncles:
- Beulah Sarah (LeMasters) Rockwell (1865-1940)
- Phillip D. LeMasters (1869-1869)
- William Clifford LeMaster (1870-1922)
- Mary Elsie (LeMasters) Atkinson (1873-1942)
- Bertha Fidelia (LeMasters) Yaeger (1874-1922)
- Ord Otterbein LeMaster (1876-1937)
- Edith Mabel (LeMasters) Meinholtz (1879-1949)
- Una Maude (LeMasters) Phillips (1884-1968)
- Arthur Raymond LeMaster (1885-1971)
- Vernon Walker LeMaster (1888-1955)
- Minerva Prudence (Wehrly) Jackson (1867-1948)
- John William Wehrly (1870-1954)
- Orilla Catherine (Wehrly) Andrews (1872-1970)
- Benjamin Franklin Wehrly (1873-1895)
- Henry Leonard Wehrly (1875-1924)
- Harvey Allen Wehrly (1877-1968)
- Alva Monroe Wehrly (1878-1952)
- LeRoy Garfield Wehrly (1880-1883)
- Ida Laura (Wehrly) Scholer (1883-1963)
- Blaine Pearle Wehrly (1884-1964)
- Ethel May (Wehrly) Shreeve (1886-1951)
- Martin Nimrod Wehrly (1888-1954)
- Andrew Frank Haley (1864-1937)
- George David Ellsworth Haley (1868-1941)
- Rachel Emma Pernina (Haley) Hanlin Zorn (1869-1963)
- Charles Wesley Haley (1872-1893)
- Carrie Mae (Haley) Graves Booth Marks (1877-1956)
- Ora Amanda (Haley) Bittikofer (1884-1961)
- William A.L. Metzner (1866-1879)
- Wesley F. Metzner (1872-1953)
- Chester Arthur Wright (1896-1955)
- John Herman Pierce (1895-1959)
- Edward E. Pierce (1900-1900)
- Lillian Pierce (1902-1921)
- Nehersta Edith (Pierce) Miller Roberts (1910-1979)
- William McClellan Pierce (1913-1978)
- Cloyd J. Pierce (1916-1962)
- Charles D. Pierce (1918-1991)
- Robert F. Pierce (1923-2005)
- James Louis Pierce (1931-2002)
King Burials in Frankton K. of P. I.O.O.F. Cemetery
Located the following burials in the Knights of Pythias International Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana from the book K of P I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana by Haroldine Zook, typed by Nancy Horn, 1995. Some of these I know are definitely related to my King family, others will need to be researched. These papers were part of my paper monster I've been trying to conquer. Believe that I found the book in the Elwood Indiana Public Library.
page 14 -
King, Dollie A. 1889-1961
King, Clarence 1884-1971
page 24 -
King, Calvin 1840-1923
King, Jane 1858-1937
Calvin was the husband of Orinda J. King (1849-1879), my first cousin 4 times removed, daughter of George Washington King and Elizabeth Howard. After her death, he married Jane. Calvin is not a known relation.
page 26 -
King, Essie 1888-1979
King, Raymond 1884-1970
King, Gerald 6/27/1906 - 2/24/1913
page 30 -
King, Cleo F. 1894-19__ md. 6/18/1913
King, Hoy H. 1891-1970
Hoy Hubert King (1891-1970) was my first cousin 3 times removed, the son of David King and Litha May (see below).
King, Rosa M. 1886-1976
King, D. Victor 1882-1944
King, Litha A. 1857-1934
King, David 1854-1914
David King (1854-1914) was my 2nd-great granduncle, the son of Daniel King and Elizabeth Shaw. His wife was Litha Ann May (1857-1934). Their son David Victor King (1882-1944) and his wife Rosa M. Etchison are buried with them.
page 59
King, Lenna J. 1901-12/20/1990 md. 12/10/1921
King, Cecil P. 1900-1976
page 14 -
King, Dollie A. 1889-1961
King, Clarence 1884-1971
page 24 -
King, Calvin 1840-1923
King, Jane 1858-1937
Calvin was the husband of Orinda J. King (1849-1879), my first cousin 4 times removed, daughter of George Washington King and Elizabeth Howard. After her death, he married Jane. Calvin is not a known relation.
page 26 -
King, Essie 1888-1979
King, Raymond 1884-1970
King, Gerald 6/27/1906 - 2/24/1913
page 30 -
King, Cleo F. 1894-19__ md. 6/18/1913
King, Hoy H. 1891-1970
Hoy Hubert King (1891-1970) was my first cousin 3 times removed, the son of David King and Litha May (see below).
King, Rosa M. 1886-1976
King, D. Victor 1882-1944
King, Litha A. 1857-1934
King, David 1854-1914
David King (1854-1914) was my 2nd-great granduncle, the son of Daniel King and Elizabeth Shaw. His wife was Litha Ann May (1857-1934). Their son David Victor King (1882-1944) and his wife Rosa M. Etchison are buried with them.
page 59
King, Lenna J. 1901-12/20/1990 md. 12/10/1921
King, Cecil P. 1900-1976
Snowed In : Tackling The Paper Pile
I have a bad habit of making photocopies at libraries, courthouses, etc. and then letting them sit around and not getting them digitized or the data input into my genealogy database. Because of this, I'm sure I've paid twice for information that I already had or perhaps have worked on a problem that the solution was available in the stacks of paper.
I also want to try to get this family information organized between my Rootsmagic database and my online Ancestry.com tree. I would hate for some of this information to not be shared with others. I'm at the age where I'm starting to realize my own mortality, and don't want to not pass on what I've found.
I spent most of yesterday and today scanning the files, working through the piles that had been previously sorted by maternal, paternal and other lines. Slowly, but surely, my intention is to post the information to my blog, add it to the Ancestry tree, and then dispose of the paper. I'm getting tired of being a packrat for paper. Unless the document is an official copy of a birth certificate, I don't see the need to keep a copy.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
Grandpa John Metzner was shot
Found an interesting tidbit while searching through old newspapers, the fact that in 1872 my grandpa John Metzner was shot.
Question is, which grandpa John? Was it my 2nd-great grandfather John Adam Metzner (1840-1895), or his father John Metzner (1805-1888)? Will have to go to the Jay County courthouse to sort this out, though I am leaning on the victim being the younger John, a Civil War veteran. However, there is the fact that he was often referred to by his middle name "Adam", and the article clearly states the victim was John.
Unfortunately, I've been unable to find any other mention of the incident in the local newspapers that have survived.
Who was John A. Bergman? I believe he was the husband of Caroline H. Metzner, daughter of John (b. 1805). This would mean that Mr. Bergman shot either his brother-in-law or his father-in-law. Either way, this must have made for an interesting family dynamic
Caroline Metzner (b. 1852) and John A. Burgman were married March 11, 1869 in Jay County, Indiana. The image of their marriage license was located at Familysearch. Indexed as Burgman, his surname is spelled both Bergman and Burgman in the same document.
In the 1870 census, I've located John and Caroline (Metzner) Bergman living in Bearcreek Township, Jay County, Indiana, with their 5 month old son, George W. John A. Bergman was working in a saw mill. Bearcreek Township is where several Metzner families lived.
I know that Caroline married again in Jay County, Indiana on January 1, 1874 to James W. Huston, and that they had a daughter, Della. So John and Caroline must have divorced sometime between 1870 and 1874 in Jay County, another avenue for me to research. A good guess would be that the divorce occurred shortly after he shot John Metzner.
By the 1880 census, John A. Bergman was listed as a 38 year old divorced male living in the village of Bellfountaine, Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, still listed as a sawmill worker. I've found no other record other than the 1870 census for son George W. Bergman. A search of Mt. Zion cemetery records at FindAGrave did not locate a memorial.
Once the weather improves and I can get up to Jay County, will definitely be researching this court case to see what all of the particulars were. Sounds like an interesting family feud.
 |
| Portland Commercial, Portland, Indiana, May 2, 1872, page 2 |
The case of the State vs. John A. Bergman for shooting John Metzner was tried last week. The Jury returned a verdict of guilty of an assault and battery, and accordingly fined him $26.
Question is, which grandpa John? Was it my 2nd-great grandfather John Adam Metzner (1840-1895), or his father John Metzner (1805-1888)? Will have to go to the Jay County courthouse to sort this out, though I am leaning on the victim being the younger John, a Civil War veteran. However, there is the fact that he was often referred to by his middle name "Adam", and the article clearly states the victim was John.
Unfortunately, I've been unable to find any other mention of the incident in the local newspapers that have survived.
Who was John A. Bergman? I believe he was the husband of Caroline H. Metzner, daughter of John (b. 1805). This would mean that Mr. Bergman shot either his brother-in-law or his father-in-law. Either way, this must have made for an interesting family dynamic
Caroline Metzner (b. 1852) and John A. Burgman were married March 11, 1869 in Jay County, Indiana. The image of their marriage license was located at Familysearch. Indexed as Burgman, his surname is spelled both Bergman and Burgman in the same document.
 |
| "Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V6RG-H1P : accessed 04 Jan 2014), John A Burgman and Caroline Metzner, 1869. |
I know that Caroline married again in Jay County, Indiana on January 1, 1874 to James W. Huston, and that they had a daughter, Della. So John and Caroline must have divorced sometime between 1870 and 1874 in Jay County, another avenue for me to research. A good guess would be that the divorce occurred shortly after he shot John Metzner.
By the 1880 census, John A. Bergman was listed as a 38 year old divorced male living in the village of Bellfountaine, Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, still listed as a sawmill worker. I've found no other record other than the 1870 census for son George W. Bergman. A search of Mt. Zion cemetery records at FindAGrave did not locate a memorial.
Once the weather improves and I can get up to Jay County, will definitely be researching this court case to see what all of the particulars were. Sounds like an interesting family feud.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
The search for John Metzner's (1805-1888) cause of death
A message from cousin Paula at Linnea's Legacy prompted me to search my files to see if I had any information regarding the cause of death of our common relative, John Metzner (1805-1888) of Jay County, Indiana. John was a brother of Paula's ancestor, William Metzner.
John was my paternal 3rd great-grandfather, an immigrant from Saxony who showed up in Licking County, Ohio in 1839 where he married another immigrant from Alsace, Catherine Young (1819-1910). They moved between 1848-1850 to Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana where they raised their 11 children.
Eventually, I fully intend to do a working analysis of John's information, but right now I have his date of death as January 10, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana, aged 82. My Rootsmagic database shows two sources cited for his death, one a family group sheet from Paula, the other is Jay County, Indiana Death Records, Book H-1, page 67.
I have searched through my digital files and cannot locate where I have ever requested a copy of his death certificate from the Jay County Health Department. So there is one avenue of research that will be on my "to-do" list for 2014.
Using my subscription to Newspaperarchive.com, I decided to see what newspapers they might have for this time period. Early Jay County, Indiana newspapers are not always extant. I was able to find some editions of the early Portland Commercial, but none for the month of January 1888, when John died.
I did find mention of grandpa John in the December 22, 1887 edition of the Portland Commercial. On page one, under the social happenings of the Fair Haven area, is stated :
So while this doesn't give an exact cause of death, it does at least put him on the sick roll at the time shortly before his demise. Now I will need to follow up with a trek to the Jay County Health Department for a copy of the official record.
I'm also not familiar with the neighborhood of Fair Haven, so am unsure what the connection to the Metzner clan. I had always known them to be around the Westchester area of Jay County.
Wondering also if John might have been suffering from the flu, though that may just be because in 2014 I'm stuck at home doing the same.
John was my paternal 3rd great-grandfather, an immigrant from Saxony who showed up in Licking County, Ohio in 1839 where he married another immigrant from Alsace, Catherine Young (1819-1910). They moved between 1848-1850 to Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana where they raised their 11 children.
Eventually, I fully intend to do a working analysis of John's information, but right now I have his date of death as January 10, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana, aged 82. My Rootsmagic database shows two sources cited for his death, one a family group sheet from Paula, the other is Jay County, Indiana Death Records, Book H-1, page 67.
I have searched through my digital files and cannot locate where I have ever requested a copy of his death certificate from the Jay County Health Department. So there is one avenue of research that will be on my "to-do" list for 2014.
Using my subscription to Newspaperarchive.com, I decided to see what newspapers they might have for this time period. Early Jay County, Indiana newspapers are not always extant. I was able to find some editions of the early Portland Commercial, but none for the month of January 1888, when John died.
I did find mention of grandpa John in the December 22, 1887 edition of the Portland Commercial. On page one, under the social happenings of the Fair Haven area, is stated :
Mr. John Metzner, who lives north east from this place is seriously sick.
So while this doesn't give an exact cause of death, it does at least put him on the sick roll at the time shortly before his demise. Now I will need to follow up with a trek to the Jay County Health Department for a copy of the official record.
I'm also not familiar with the neighborhood of Fair Haven, so am unsure what the connection to the Metzner clan. I had always known them to be around the Westchester area of Jay County.
Wondering also if John might have been suffering from the flu, though that may just be because in 2014 I'm stuck at home doing the same.
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