Descendants of Luman Walker Lemasters & Mary Keziah Chew Facebook Group

Trying to gather information on more recent generations and helping to share family memories, photos and stay connected - I created a Facebook group page for descendants of my paternal 2nd-great grandparents, Luman Walker Lemasters and Mary Keziah Chew.

Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. (b.19 Oct 1842 Shelby Co., OH; d. 18 Nov 1931 Salamonia, Jay Co., IN) & Mary Keziah Chew (b. 13 Feb 1847 Mt. Holly, Burlington Co., NJ; d. 22 Feb 1927 Madison Twp., Jay Co., IN) were married 2 Oct 1864 at Versailles, Darke Co., OH.  

They were the parents of the following children:

Beulah Sarah (1865-1940) m. Lynn Lumas Rockwell 
Luman Cooper (1867-1933) m. Barbara Isabel Wehrly 
Phillip D. (1869-1869)
William Clifford (1870-1922) m(1). Lella Edith Lewis m(2). Willie Pannill Brown 
Mary Elsie (1873-19420 m. Matthias Jefferson Atkinson 
Bertha Fidelia (1874-1922) m. John Henry Yaeger 
Ord Otterbein (1876-1937) m. Emma W.G. Garmhausen
Edith Mabel (1879-1949) m. Henry Christian Meinholtz 
Una Maude (1884-1968) m. Senator Winfield Phillips 
Arthur Raymond (1885-1971) m. Maude Gertrude McLaughlin 
Vernon Walker (1888-1955) m. Helen Louise Garmhausen 


Spelling variations of the surname sometimes included a final 's' and capital 'M'.  Most common spelling of the surname today is LeMaster.

Descendants of Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. & Mary Keziah Chew Private group · 49 members Join Group For descendants of the various LeMaster families who descend from Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. (1842-1931) & Mary Keziah Chew (1847-1922).

 

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Today in the United States it is Memorial Day, a day to remember and recognize those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while in military service to our country.  

Looking through my RootsMagic database, I found the following individuals who gave the ultimate sacrifice (undoubtably, not a complete list) :

• Daniel Beals (1822-1863), died in Louisville, KY while a member of Company A, 101st Indiana Infantry during the Civil War.  He was the son of Nathan C. & Elizabeth (Chew) Beals, making him my maternal 4th-great granduncle.
• Samuel Chew (c1743-1778), died in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War while serving in the Continental Navy.  He was the son of Thomas & Martha (Taylor) Chew, making him my maternal 7th-great granduncle. The USS Chew was named in his honor.
• Joseph Davis ( -1777), died in New York City after capture by the British on 13 Feb 1777, while serving in the 1st Regiment out of Monmouth, New Jersey.  He was the son of Thomas & Bethia (Maxson) Davis, making him my paternal 1st cousin 8 times removed.
• Johann Jacob Deutsch (1821-1863), died of yellow fever while serving in Company D, 13th Connecticut Infantry during the Civil War.  He was the 4th-great grandfather of my daughter, Corinne.
• John W. Duffey (1845-1863), died at Cumberland Gap while serving in Company G, 118th Indiana Infantry during the Civil War.  He was the son of Daniel L. & Susanna (Freese) Duffey, making him Eileen's 2nd-great granduncle.
• John Wesley King (1837-1865), died at Paducah, Kentucky while serving in Company G, 17th Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.  He was the son of William & Nancy (Owings) King, making him my maternal 3rd-great granduncle.
• John Cooper LeMaster (1934-1953), Marine Pfc., killed in action in Korea.  He was the son of Donald Cooper & Luella (Gibbons) LeMaster, making him my paternal 2nd cousin.
• Gurdon Lord Pierce (1841-1864), died at Cold Harbor while serving as Lt. of Company C, 112th New York Volunteers.  He was the son of Austin & Mary Ann (Sterlin) Pierce, making him my maternal 1st cousin 5 times removed.
• Reuben Sherman (1845-1864), died at Andersonville Prison while serving in 135th Ohio Infantry.  He was the son of Lorenzo & Sophia (Moulton) Sherman, making him my paternal 1st cousin 4 times removed.
• Frederick Charles Wildt (1921-1944), killed in action 20 Jul 1944 in France.  He was the son of Arthur & Anna Magdalena (Damm) Wildt, making him Corinne's great-granduncle.

Looking over this list, I am honored by their sacrifice and proud of their history.  Though I have the service records for some, there are many in this list that I need to document their time in service.

The Doctor's Daughter, Mary Keziah (Chew) Lemasters (1847-1927), 52 Ancestors # 14

Mary Keziah (Chew) Lemasters

The 14th ancestor in my 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks project is my paternal great-great-grandmother, Mary Keziah (Chew) Lemasters (1847-1927).  Mary is number 17 on my Ahnentafel list, and previously I've written about the details of her life in an Exploratory Data post.

I am descended through:

* her son # 8 Luman Cooper LeMasters (1867-1933), married # 9 Barbara Isabel Wehrly (1869-1930) in 1886.  

* their son, # 4 Ord Wehrly LeMaster (1906-1971), married # 5 Ruth Pauline Haley (1911-1990) in 1932 - my grandparents.

Mary was born February 13, 1847 in Mount Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey^1,2, the daughter of Dr. E.C and Caroline B. (Woolston) Chew.  She was the oldest daughter of the family.

Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Ohio, where in 1850 they were living in Jackson Township of Montgomery County³.  By 1860, the family was living in Neave Township of Darke County, Ohio⁴, where her father was a doctor.

At age 17, Mary married Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. on October 2, 1864 at Versailles, Darke County, Ohio⁵. Luman was a Civil War veteran who had been discharged on May 4, 1864 due to injuries he had received in battle.  Luman had enlisted from Jay County, Indiana, which borders Darke County, Ohio to the northwest.  The distance between Versailles, Ohio and Portland, Indiana is about 52 miles.

While it is possible that the families knew each other before the war, my theory is that they met during Luman's convalescence, perhaps when Mary's father, Dr. Ezekiel Cooper Chew, was treating him for his war wounds.   Tax records show that E.C. Chew was listed as a physician on January 25, 1864 in Lancaster, Jay County, Indiana⁶.  Lancaster is the former name of the village of Salamonia, near where the Lemasters family was from.

After their marriage, the family alternated between living in Ohio and Indiana.  Their daughter Beulah was born in Ohio in 1865, but son Luman was born in Jay County, Indiana in 1867.  Mary and Luman lived in Darke County, Ohio, renting land where they were enumerated in 1870 in Allen Township⁷.  By 1876, they were back in Jay County when their son Ord was born, and the family was enumerated in 1880 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁸.

Mary was the mother of 11 children, 10 of whom survived into adulthood.  The family was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church of Salamonia, and led to its organization in 1876.  As mentioned in the biography in the 1922 county history, Mary was a Sunday school teacher for several years.



When Mary died in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana on February 22, 1927², she was 80 years old.  She and her husband are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery.

Sources:

1. Mary K. Lemaster obituary, Commerial-Review, Portland, Indiana, February 22, 1927, page 1.

2. Mary K. LeMaster, death certificate Book H-8, page 144 (1927), Jay County Health Department, Portland, Indiana.

3. Ezekiel Chew household, 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, dwelling 901, family 901; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 714.

4. Ezekiel Chew household, 1860 U.S. census, population schedule, Neave Township, Darke County, Ohio, dwelling 1166, family 1128, page 164.

5. Milton T. Jay, History of Jay County, Indiana: including its World War Record and Incorporating the Montgomery History (Indianapolis, Indiana : Historical Publishing Company, 1922), page 196.

6. Ancestry.com. U.S. IRS Tax Assessment Lists, 1862-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008. Original data:National Archives (NARA) microfilm series: M603, M754-M771, M773-M777, M779-M780, M782, M784, M787-M789, M791-M793, M795, M1631, M1775-M1776, T227, T1208-T1209; Chew, E.C., District 11, Monthly Tax Lists, January 1864.
7. Luman Lemasters household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, Allen Township, Darke County, Ohio, North Star P.O., sheet 21, page 12, dwelling 79, family 79; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 1194
8. Walker Lemasters household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 161, SD 6, page 4, dwelling 47, family 48; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 287.
9. 

The 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge was created by Amy Johnson Crow of No Story Too Small blog.  The premise is to write once a week about a specific ancestor - whether it be a story, a biography, a photograph or a research problem.

The Young Soldier, Luman Walker Lemasters, Jr. (1842-1931), 52 Ancestors # 13

Luman Walker Lemasters, Jr. (1842-1931)

The 13th ancestor in my 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks project is my paternal great-great grandfather, Luman Walker Lemasters, Jr. (1842-1931).  Luman is number 16 on my Ahnentafel list, and previously I've written about the details of his life in an Exploratory Analysis post.

I am descended through:

* his son # 8 Luman Cooper LeMasters (1867-1933), married # 9 Barbara Isabel Wehrly (1869-1930) in 1886.

* their son # 4 Ord Wehrly LeMaster (1906-1971), married # 5 Ruth Pauline Haley (1911-1990) in 1932 - my grandparents.

Luman was born October 19, 1842 in Shelby County, Ohio^1,2.  The Lemasters family lived in Salem Township near Port Jefferson until 1854 when the family moved to Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana near Salamonia³.

In the 1860 census of Madison Township, he was listed as Walker Lemaster, aged 17, born in Ohio, and had attended school within the year⁴.

On April 14, 1861, President Lincoln issued a call for troops to aid in putting down the Rebellion, and Luman was one of many from Jay County to answer the call.  The county history gives the details of the formation of Company C, 39th Regiment Indiana Infantry, in which Luman enlisted on July 21, 1861^2,5.

Luman's unit participated in some hard fought battles in the Western Theatre of the war, including Shiloh and Stone's River.

In May of 1863, the 39th Regiment was mounted and armed with Spencer rifles and renamed as the 8th Indiana Cavalry.  On July 3, 1863 at Decker's Forge, near Winchester, Tennessee, Luman was severely wounded when he was shot through the left breast⁶.

I have often thought about how fortunate that Luman survived this injury.  If he hadn't, I might not be here today.  The bullet passed through the first and second ribs (left side) and lodged within the thorax.

After recuperating in the field hospitals, Luman was discharged on May 4, 1864 at Tyner's Station, Tennessee.

Discharge of Luman Walker Lemasters, 1864

Within a few months of his discharge, Luman was married on October 2, 1864 at Versailles, Darke County, Ohio to Mary Keziah Chew^6,7.  Mary's father was a physician, Dr. Ezekiel Cooper Chew, and I've often wondered if Luman met her during his rehabilitation period.

I have records of Luman's military service during the war and his pension records afterwards.  I intend to share these records in future posts.  One thing that I found interesting was the physical description given for my great-great grandfather. 

At the time of his enlistment, Luman was described as standing 5 feet 3 inches tall with black hair and blue eyes with a dark complexion.  He enlisted at Portland, Indiana for a term of 3 years.  Certainly not a tall man, but a brave one.

Company Descriptive Book
Luman W. LeMaster

8th Indiana Cavalry

Sources:

1. Young, L.I.C. Biography of the Young Family 1759-1904, Fremont, Ohio: Fremont Printing Co., 1904, p. 51.
2. Milton T. Jay, History of Jay County, Indiana: including its World War Record and Incorporating the Montgomery History (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA: Historical Publishing Company, 1922), p. 195.
3. Jay County Indiana Deed Records, Book I page 116, Jay County Recorders Office, Portland, Indiana.
4. Luman W. Lemaster household, 1860 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, Salamonia P.O., page 2, dwelling 10, family 10; National Archives micropublication M563, roll 269.
5. L.W. Lemaster obituary, Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, November 18, 1931, p. 1.
6. Milton T. Jay, History of Jay County, Indiana : including its World War Record and Incorporating the Montgomery History (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA: Historical Publishing Company, 1922), p. 196.
7. Lemaster, Howard M, & Margaret Herberger, Lemasters, U.S.A., 1639-1965, Carlinville, Illinois, 1965, p. 196.

The 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge was created by Amy Johnson Crow of No Story Too Small blog.  The premise is to write once a week about a specific ancestor - whether it be a story, a biography, a photograph or a research problem.

Collecting A Cousin At Work

Growing up in rural Indiana, I lived near close cousins and went to school with many more who lived in the community.  Now that I'm an adult, I live a county north of where I grew up but work about 60 miles away from home.

I happen to work in Hamilton County, Indiana where I have ancestry that goes back to at least the 1840s with a number of Quaker settlers.  However, being next to metropolitan Indianapolis many of my co-workers are transplants to the area.  

Recently, I was surprised to hear a co-worker say that they grew up in the area.  Curious, I asked her what her maiden name was.  When she said "Chew", I quickly said "hello, cousin" and then preceded to ask about her family tree so that I could confirm the connection.

Turns out we are 5th cousins twice removed through our common ancestors Andrew Chew (1770-1827) and Anne Marie Barthus (1777-1860).  My co-worker and my grandmother are 5th cousins.

Andrew Chew (1770-1827) – Anne Marie Barthus (1777-1860)

Elizabeth Chew (1802-1881)                     brother/sister                  Joseph Chew (1798-1845)

John T. Beals (1827-1917)                          1^st cousins                        Thomas F. Chew (1820-1904)

Nathan T. Beals (1856-1915)                     2^nd cousins                        Elwood Chew (1856-1900)

Pearl M. Beals (1878-1970)                       3^rd cousins                        Clifford Chew (1897-1971)

I was quickly able to show my co-worker some records on FamilySearch regarding her grandfather, and promised to see what else I could find.  Prior to this conversation, I did not have her line traced down beyond Joseph Chew, so this has given me the impetus to see what else I can uncover on the line.  My co-worker seemed interested to find out more.

While web surfing, I also uncovered a blog by someone who is doing research on the Chew line.  I need to reach out to him because he questions whether my Elizabeth was a Chew.  And of course, there is always more to document.  His blog is at http://www.mikeoneill.us/raseroneill/articles/andrew-and-anna-chew/

Guy Bowman household, 1940, Wabash County, Indiana

Located the 1940 census record of the Guy Bowman household in Wabash County, Indiana.  Guy was the husband of my maternal 3rd cousin 3 times removed, Geraldine.  Our common ancestors were Nathan C. Beals and Elizabeth Chew.  Guy's parentage is unknown at this time to me.  Geraldine's parents were William Otto Little and Bertha Jane Means.

1940 U.S. census, Wabash County, Indiana, population schedule, Waltz Township, enumeration district (ED) 85-26, SD 5, sheet 5B, Howell Road, household 106, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 21 January 2017); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

At the time of the enumeration, the family was living in Waltz Township.  The census states that Guy owned his home and that the value was $2000.  Guy was 35 years old and born in Indiana.  His wife, Geraldine, was 31 years old and also born in Indiana.  Their residence in 1935 was the same place.

The record shows that Guy had completed 4 years of high school and was a school bus driver and store operator.  His wife, Geraldine, had completed 2 years of college but had no occupation listed.

Also living in the household were daughter Pamela, age 4, born in Indiana, and son Gary H., age 8 months, born in Indiana.

If you have any additional information or are related to this family, I would love to hear from you.

Glenn S. Overholt household, 1940, Wells County, Indiana

Located the 1940 census record of the Glenn S. Overholt household in Wells County, Indiana.  Glenn's wife, Sarah,  was my paternal 1st cousin 3 times removed.  Our common ancestor was Dr. Ezekiel Cooper Chew.  Sarah was the daughter of Edis Playfair Chew and Bertha Caupp.  Glenn was the son of Milward P. Overholt and Mary Rupley.

1940 U.S. census, Wells County, Indiana, population schedule, Union Township, enumeration district (ED) 90-27, SD 4, sheet 3A, household 53, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 January 2017); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

At the time of the enumeration, Glenn and his wife were living in Union Township.  The census states that Glenn owned his home and that it was on a farm. Glenn was 25 years old and was born in Indiana.  His wife, Sarah, was 26 years old and was born in Ohio.  In 1935 their residence was the same place.

The record shows that Glenn had completed 3 years of high school and that Sarah had completed 4 years of high school. Glenn's occupation was listed as a truck driver and Sarah had no occupation listed.

Also listed in the household were son Wilbur E., age 5, born in Indiana; daughter Meba J., age 2, born in Indiana; and daughter Marilyn E., age 2, born in Indiana.

If you have any additional information or are related to this family, I'd love to hear from you.

Forrest Chew household, 1940, Jay County, Indiana

Located the 1940 census record of the Forrest Chew household in Jay County, Indiana.  Forrest was my paternal 1st cousin 3 times removed.  Our common ancestors were Dr. Ezekiel Cooper Chew and Caroline Bishop Woolston.  In addition, he is my 4th cousin 4 times removed through Samuel Woolston & Cyllania Woolston.  Forrest's parents were Dr. William Anderson Chew and Emma Susan Straight.

1940 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Salamonia, enumeration district (ED) 38-7, SD 5, sheet 2B, household 38, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 January 2017); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

At the time of the enumeration, Forrest and his wife were living in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  The census states that Forrest was renting his home for $6 per month and that it was not a farm.  Forrest was 46 years old and born in Ohio.  His wife, Lelia, was 41 years old and born in Indiana.  In 1935 their residence was the same place.

The record shows that Forrest had completed 3 years of high school and that Lelia had completed the 8th grade.  Forrest's occupation was listed as an Inspector at the Sheller Corp., while Lelia had no occupation listed.

Also living in the household were daughter Virginia, age 18, born in Indiana, who had completed 4 years of high school; and daughter Ardith, age 12, born in Indiana, who had completed the 8th grade.

If you have any additional information or are related to this family, I'd love to hear from you.

Carlton Chew household, 1940, Gloucester County, New Jersey

Located the 1940 census record of the Carlton Chew household in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Carlton was my paternal 7th cousin 3 times removed.  Our common ancestors were Richard Chew and Frances Woodward.  Carlton's parents were William Tatem Chew and Lucretta Van Dexter.

1940 U.S. census, Gloucester County, New Jersey, population schedule, Washington Township, enumeration district (ED) 8-49, SD 1, sheet 2A, Hurffville Road, household 23, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 January 2017); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

At the time of the enumeration, Carlton and his wife were living in Washington Township.  The census states that Carlton owned his home and that it was valued at $1200 and he lived on a farm.  Chester was 33 years old and born in New Jersey.  His wife, Gladys, was also 33 years old and born in New Jersey.  In 1935, their residence was the same place.

The record shows that Carlos had completed the 4th grade and that his wife had completed the 8th grade.  Carlos' occupation was listed as a moulder in a foundry, while Gladys had no occupation listed.

Also living in the household were son Carlton, age 14, born in New Jersey who had completed the 7th grade; son Clifford, age 9, born in New Jersey who had completed the 2nd grade; daughter Shirley, age 7, born in New Jersey who had completed the 1st grade; daughter Eleanor, age 5, born in New Jersey; and daughter Helen, age 4, born in New Jersey.

If you have any additional information or are connected to this family, I'd love to hear from you.

Bernard Chew household, 1940, Jay County, Indiana

Located the 1940 census record of the Bernard Chew household in Jay County, Indiana.  Bernard was my paternal first cousin 3 times removed through Ezekiel Cooper Chew and Caroline Bishop Woolston.  He was also my fourth cousin 4 times removed through Samuel Woolston and Cyllania Woolston.  Bernard's first name was Orville, and his parents were William Anderson Chew and Emma Susan Straight.

1940 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Salamonia, enumeration district (ED) 38-7, SD 5, sheet 2B, household 37, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 January 2017); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

At the time of the enumeration, Bernard and his wife were living in the town of Salamonia.  The census states that Bernard owned his home, its value was $800, and was not a farm.  Bernard was 43 years old and born in Indiana.  His wife, Adda, was 38 years old and also born in Indiana.  In 1935, their residence was the same place.

The record shows that Bernard had completed 1 year of high school and Adda had completed the 8th grade.  Bernard's occupation was listed as a pressman for the Sheller Corp. and Adda had no occupation listed.

Also living in the household was daughter Barbara Nell, aged 7, born in Indiana.

If you have any additional information or are connected to this family, I'd love to hear from you.

Aaron Lewis Chew household, 1940, Clarke County, Iowa

Located the 1940 census record of the Aaron Lewis Chew household in Clarke County, Iowa.  Aaron was my paternal 6th cousin 4 times removed.  Our common ancestors were Richard Chew and Frances Woodward.  Aaron's parents were John William Chew and Mary Ann Relea.

1940 U.S. census, Clarke County, Iowa, population schedule, Doyle Township, enumeration district (ED) 20-2, SD 5, sheet 5A, household 97, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 January 2017); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

At the time of the enumeration, Aaron and his wife were living in Doyle Township.  The census states he was renting his home for $10 per month and they lived on a farm.  Aaron was 74 years old and born in Iowa. His wife, Luella, was 72 years old and also born in Iowa.  In 1935 their residence was rural Clarke County Iowa.

The record shows that Aaron had completed the 5th grade and that Luella had completed the 8th grade.  Aaron's occupation was listed as a farmer, and Luella had no occupation listed.

If you have any additional information or are connected to this family, I'd love to hear from you.

Albert Adams household, 1940, St. Joseph County, Indiana

Located the 1940 census record of the Albert Adams household in St. Joseph County, Indiana.  Albert was not a blood relative, but was the step-son of my paternal 3rd-great grandfather, Ezekiel Cooper Chew (1822-1888) and his wife Mary Jane Riddle (1845-1921).  Albert's father was Jonathan Adams (1849-1883).

1940 U.S. Census, St. Joseph County, Indiana, population schedule, North Liberty, enumeration district (ED) 71-10, SD 3, sheet 5B, household 95, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 17 December 2016); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

At the time of the enumeration, Albert and his wife were living in North Liberty, St. Joseph County, Indiana.  He owned his home and the value was $3500.  Albert was 58 years old and born in Ohio.  His wife Mable was 55 years old and born in Indiana.  Their residence in 1935 was the same place.

The record shows that both had completed the 5th grade in education.  Albert was a Contractor, working in Building Construction.

Also living in the household was John C. Chew, listed as Albert's nephew.  John was aged 25, married and had completed 4 years of high school.  He was working as a Carpenter in Building Construction - likely with Albert.

John was my paternal 1st cousin 3 times removed, the son of Wiley Riddle Chew and Dora Belle Lamb.  Our common ancestor was Dr. Ezekiel Cooper Chew.  John was a nephew to Albert Adams by way of John's father Wiley being a half brother to Albert.

If you have additional information or are related to this family, I'd love to hear from you.

Death Notice : Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew, 1879

The Weekly Republican (Plymouth, Indiana), 6 Mar 1879, page 3

Located the death notice of my paternal 3rd-great grandmother, Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew (1826-1879) at Newspapers.com in The Weekly Republican of Plymouth, Indiana March 6, 1879 edition.

The notice reads:

Mrs. Chew, wife of Dr. A.C. Chew, died of lung fever on the 26th of February.  She was teaching school in the township when stricken down with the fever.  At her request her remains were taken to Ohio for interment.  The Dr. accompanied by three of his sons, started on the sad journy Saturday.

The paper has a typographical error, her husband was Dr. E.C. Chew (Ezekiel Cooper), often listed as E.C. Chew in records.  Lung fever is another name for pneumonia.

This notice cleared up a bit of confusion I had regarding her death - I had thought she might have died in Ohio, as she is buried in Darke County, Ohio where the family had previously lived.  This article was entitled "West Township" and listed all of the tidbits of news, so it would appear that she died in West Township, Marshall County, Indiana.  Her death occurred prior to Indiana requiring death certificates.

I had previously written about the cemetery where she is buried.  Her small marker is along a row next to some of her grandchildren.  Perhaps that is why she wanted to be buried there.

Researching Darke County, Ohio

Last Sunday I spent the day in Darke County, Ohio, researching my genealogy and getting a history lesson from my dad.  After our day in Jay County on Saturday, we headed out to Greenville, Ohio on Sunday.  My plan was to visit the Garst Museum and their genealogical library which had been on my "to-do" list for quite some time.

As we crossed over the state line, dad shared a few stories about his high school and college days and 3.2 beer.  Ohio allowed 18 year-olds to drink 3.2 beer, and since Jay County was just a few miles away, it was common for them to come over to Ohio.  When we arrived in Greenville, we drove around a bit and located the Triangle bar, where dad and friends from Ball State came down to dance.  It was closed, being a Sunday, but it was interesting to hear dad open up a little bit about his youth.

The first place we visited in the area was the Webster Cemetery (aka Dutch) in Allen Township.  I had previously visited this cemetery two years ago with Eileen.  We quickly located the graves of Nathaniel Chew (1786-1866), dad's 3rd-great grandfather, and Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew (1826-1879), dad's 2nd-great grandmother and the first wife of Ezekiel Cooper Chew.  These tombstones had definitely weathered since my last visit.  Also in the plot was the infant Phillip D. Lemasters (1869-1869), the younger brother of dad's grandfather.

This cemetery lies on the Lightsville-Rossburg Road, and I later found out that the former Methodist Episcopal Church that sat there was torn down in the 1890s.  

Waiting for the museum to open, we had to make a lunch stop at Maid-Rite, a Greenville tradition.  We were the second and third customer of the day, some local beat us in the door to be the first customer of the day.

After a bit to eat, we stopped by a pioneer cemetery that we noticed as we were driving around looking for the Triangle bar.  The grave markers of several War of 1812 veterans and other pioneer citizens are preserved there as well as a small stockade.

Always the history teacher, dad took me down to the site of Fort Jefferson.  After visiting the site of Fort Recovery on Saturday and learning more about St. Clair's Defeat and the history of military operations in Ohio in the early 1790s.

And then, the researching began.  The museum opened at 1 p.m., and after paying the admission fee, which allows you to tour the museum and use the genealogy library, I was ready to dig in.  The nice volunteer pointed me in the direction of the surname files.  With over 5000 surnames in its files, the library has quite an extension collection.  Planning for the trip, I had printed off a list of individuals who resided in Darke County before 1930.  Some of my paternal ancestry was briefly in the county, but even on my maternal side there were some collateral relatives who lived in the county as well.

I had great success in the surname files on my maternal lines - the Groendykes and the Lambertsons, and found some information on the Hummel collateral line of my paternal side.  In addition, I was able to find some records from the atlas regarding where the land my Chew family held, and likely where my LeMaster family resided.  Because my families were only in the county for a short period of time, I didn't find much on them in the more general interest books.   We only spent about two hours there, as we were getting tired, but it was definitely worth it.  It will definitely be on my list of places to return again to research, as they had so many family files to research.

We also took the time to explore the museum, including the Annie Oakley collection, and I must say it is one of the nicer small museums I have been in.  Their collections on local history, examples of pioneer life, farming, racing, etc. is definitely worth stopping by to see.

I will be sharing more about what I've found in future posts.

Marriage Record : Marie Chew to Glenn Overholt, 1934, Huntington County, Indiana

"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007", database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XXNX-TMX : accessed 4 September 2015), Edes Plafair Chew in entry for Glenn Overholt and Marie Chew, 1934.

While working through my RootsMagic database for people with missing information, I located the marriage record of Marie Chew, daughter of Edis Playfair and Bertha (Caupp) Chew, who was my paternal first cousin 3 times removed.  Marie married Glenn Overholt in Huntington County, Indiana.

According to their license, they applied for a marriage license and were married on the same day, Valentine's Day, February 14, 1934 in Huntington County, Indiana.  Glenn's parents were Milward and Mary (Rupley) Overholt, who both lived in Huntington County.  Glenn had been born June 21, 1914 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Marie's mother, Bertha, was still living in Huntington County, Indiana, but her father was deceased.  Marie was born September 12, 1913 in Darke County, Ohio.

Prior to finding this record, I did not know that Bertha's maiden name was Caupp, or that she and Edis had any children.  There may yet be more children to discover.  

If you have any additional information or are related to this family in any way, I would love to hear from you.

Surname Saturday : Caldwell

The CALDWELL surname is in my maternal line.  The origins of the surname are likely Scottish, and there is much more research needed.

Stories and history :

Ahnentafel # 933 : Mary Caldwell. Mary's birth date is unknown at this time, though likely in the 1740s in Virginia.  She married in 1765 in Virginia to James Chew (1745-c1783).  James was born 1745 in Virginia.  They raised at least 5 children in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.  James died about 1783.  Mary's death date is unknown at this time.

Ahnentafel # 1866 : Andrew Caldwell (c1720-1758).  Andrew was born circa 1720.  He married Jane (c1720-aft1796).  Andrew was executor of the estate of William Caldwell in 1746 in Frederick County, Virginia, and was involved in numerous land transactions there between 1748 and 1755.  Andrew served in the militia in 1755 from Frederick County, Virginia. They had at least three children.  Andrew died July 4, 1758 in Frederick County, Virginia. Jane died after 1796 in Berkeley County, Virginia.

Related blog posts:

• Andrew Caldwell (c1720-1758) Frederick/Berkeley Cos. VA

Census Sunday : Tobias Chew household, 1940, Indiana County Pennsylvania

My paternal first cousin 3 times removed, Tobias Otterbein Chew, was enumerated in the 1940 census in Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania.  He was living in a rented house in Ward 3 of the city.

1940 U.S. Census, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Ward 3, Indiana, enumeration district (ED) 32-46, SD 27, sheet 9B, household 185, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 March 2015); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

The family consisted of Tobias, aged 55, and his wife, Muriel, aged 51, and their son, John, aged 15.  Tobias was born in Ohio, Muriel was born in Wisconsin and John was born in Indiana.  The family had resided in the same place in 1935.  Tobias' occupation was listed as Sociology Instructor at the State Teachers College.

Prior to this find, I did not know that Tobias and Muriel had a son.  I had previously transcribed Tobias' World War II draft registration where his occupation as a teacher at the State Teachers College was listed.  I still need to find the earlier details of his life, including his marriage.

Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt used by many genealogy bloggers to help them post content on their sites.

State & Federal census sheets are filled with information for genealogists. Both the population & non-population schedules give us insights into the lives of our ancestors. What have you found that is Surprising? Reassuring? Bewildering? Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt suggested by Colleen Pasquale of Leaves and Branches.

Census Sunday : Herbert Chew household, 1940, Oakland County, Michigan

My paternal first cousin 3 times removed, Herbert Christian Chew, was enumerated in the 1940 census in Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan.  He was living in Block 410 of the city, in a home he rented with his wife.

1940 U.S. census, Oakland County, Michigan, population schedule, Pontiac, enumeration district (ED) 63-87, SD 17, sheet 5D, household 118, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 1 March 2015); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

The family consisted of Herbert, aged 37 years old and his wife, Magdeline, aged 34.  Both were born in Indiana and had resided in the same place in 1935.  Herbert had completed four years of high school, and Magdeline had completed three years.

Herbert's occupation was listed as a foreman in an auto plant, and Magdeline's occupation was listed as a machinist in an auto plant.

Prior to this find, my latest information on Herbert was the 1920 census, when he was living in his father's household in Adams County, Indiana.  I do not have a record of his marriage, and will search Michigan records for it.  Several members of the Chew family had moved to Michigan.

Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt used by many genealogy bloggers to help them post content on their sites.

State & Federal census sheets are filled with information for genealogists. Both the population & non-population schedules give us insights into the lives of our ancestors. What have you found that is Surprising? Reassuring? Bewildering? Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt suggested by Colleen Pasquale of Leaves and Branches.

Military Monday : Arthur Raymond LeMaster, World War II Draft Registration, 1942

Working my way through the hints in the Ancestry database for World War II Draft Registrations, 1942 and located this registration in Jay County, Indiana for Arthur Raymond LeMaster, my paternal great granduncle.

World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 March 2013); citing Selective Service Registration Cards, World War II: Fourth Registration: Indiana. Arthur Raymond LeMaster, Jay County, Indiana.

This draft record adds to the information I've collected about Arthur, who was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (Chew) Lemasters.  Arthur's draft registration gives his exact date of birth as December 28, 1885 in Jay County, Indiana.

Arthur was 56 years old at the time of the registration, and his nearest living relative was his wife, Maude G. (McLaughlin) LeMaster, of Portland.

Arthur's occupation was listed as self-employed farm manager in Madison Township.  Previous information had indicated that he also had operated a grocery store on North Meridian Street in Portland.

Arthur was described as having a dark complexion, white male with brown eyes and black hair.  He was 5'11" and weighed 240 lbs.

Military Monday – We all have ancestors who have served in the military. Military Monday is a place to post their images, stories and records of their service in various branches of the military. Military Monday is an ongoing series by Cindy at Everything’s Relative – Researching Your Family History.

Military Monday : Tobias Otterbein Chew, World War II Draft Registration, 1942

Working my way through the hints in the Ancestry database for World War II Draft Registrations, 1942 and located this registration in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania for Tobias Otterbein Chew, my paternal first cousin three times removed.

Ancestry.com. U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data : United States, Selective Service System. Selective Service Registration Cards, World War II: Fourth Registration. Records of the Selective Service System, Record Group Number 147. National Archives and Records Administration., Philadelphia, Pennsvylvania.

Before locating this record, I didn't have much in my database on Tobias.  I knew from the 1910 census that he was a public school teacher, at that time in Lenawee County, Michigan.  This record shows that he was employed at the Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, Pennsylvania, possibly as a professor.  This opens up another avenue of research.

Tobias was the son of Nathaniel Durbin Chew and Margaret H. Heistand.  Tobias' draft registration indicates that his exact date of birth as May 28, 1885 in Montpelier, Ohio.  Montpelier is a village in Williams County, Ohio.

Tobias was 54 years old at the time of registration and listed his nearest relative as Muriel Brown Chew, presumably his wife, of Indiana, Pennsylvania.  He listed his address as 401 South 13th St., Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Tobias was described as having a dark brown complexion, negro male, brown eyes, and black hair.  Why was he listed as negro?  He definitely was listed as white in the census records.  Was this a mistake or something else?  He was 5' 5 1/2" tall, weighing 145 lbs.

This draft registration gave me some areas to search, and a quick Google search indicates that Tobias O. Chew wrote a book, Practical High School Speller , when he was the Superintendent of Public Schools in Washburn, Wisconsin.

Military Monday – We all have ancestors who have served in the military. Military Monday is a place to post their images, stories and records of their service in various branches of the military. Military Monday is an ongoing series by Cindy at Everything’s Relative – Researching Your Family History.