Descendants of John William Wright & Ellen King 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, John William Wright and Ellen King.

John William Wright (b. 21 Feb 1860 Brown Co., OH; d. 5 Jun 1945 Monroe Twp., Madison Co., IN) & Ellen King (b. 24 Aug 1868 Frankton, Madison Co., IN; d. 24 Dec 1913 Monroe Twp., Madison Co., IN) were married 13 May 1888 in Madison Co., IN.
They were the parents of the following children:

Virgil Lee (1894-1972) m. Edna Muriel Pierce 
Chester Arthur "Mike" (1896-1955) m(1) Erma Violet Hayes; m(2) Mayme Lawson 


John married secondly to Margaret Lewis on 13 May 1922 in Madison Co., IN.  No children.

Descendants of John William Wright & Ellen King Private group · 13 members Join Group Descendants of John William Wright (1860-1945) & Ellen King (1868-1913).

 

Exploratory Data Analysis: Chester Arthur Wright (1896-1955)

Chester Wright & Virgil Wright, undated photo

Chester Arthur "Mike" Wright (1896-1955) was my maternal great-granduncle.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Chester was born October 18, 1896 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana¹.  I do not yet have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add obtaining a copy to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of Chester's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Wright family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Chester, nor am I aware of the church affiliation of the family at the time.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Chester was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Chester married Erma Violet Hayes on March 5, 1920 in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of his marriage license.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

         Chester married in Mamie Lawson in 1939 in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of this 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 to see if mention was made of Chester's marriages.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Neither of Chester's marriages lasted long enough to reach the 25th anniversary mark.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               Chester and Erma Hayes did divorce, but I do not have a copy of the record.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip. Likely the divorce occurred in Madison County, Indiana.  Erma was remarried circa 1922, so the divorce had to have taken place in the 1920-1922 period.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Chester died June 20, 1955 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio².  He was a patient at the Ohio University Hospital there for just a few days prior to his death.

          I do not yet have a copy of his death certificate from Ohio. Will add obtaining this to my list of "to-do" items.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Chester's obituary appeared in the June 21, 1955 edition of the Alexandria Times Tribune in Alexandria, Indiana².  This obituary was the subject of a previous post.

               Chester's obituary appeared in the June 21, 1955 edition of the Anderson Herald in Anderson, Indiana³.

               Chester's obituary appeared in the June 22, 1955 edition of the Alexandria Times Tribune in Alexandria, Indiana⁴.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               According to his obituary³, the funeral arrangements were handled by the Stricler Funeral Home in Alexandria.  Will check with the local historical society to see if they have any surviving records.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Chester is buried in the Park View Cemetery in Alexandria, Indiana⁵.  I do not have a photograph of his tombstone.  Will need to add this to my list of "to-do" items.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 18, 1940, Chester was enumerated in the John W. Wright household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁶, as Chester A. Wright, son, age 40, born in Indiana.  He was married, and had completed the 8th grade in education.  His residence in 1935 was the same place.  His occupation was listed as farmer.  His wife, Mamie, age 40, born in Indiana was also living in the household.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 15, 1930, Chester was enumerated in the John Wright household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁷, as Chester A. Wright, son, age 33, born in Indiana.  He was divorced.  He could read and write and spoke English.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother born in Indiana.  His occupation was listed as farmer.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 15, 1920, Chester was enumerated in the John W. Wright household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁸, as Chester A. Wright, son, age 23, single, born in Indiana.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Indiana.  He could read and write and spoke English.  His occupation was listed as farmer.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On May 5, 1910, Chester was enumerated in the John W. Wright household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁹, as Chester Wright, son, age 13, single, born in Indiana.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Indiana.  He could read and write and spoke English, and had attended school within the year.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 27, 1900, Chester was enumerated in the John W. Wright household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana¹⁰, as Chester A. Wright, son, age 3, single, born in Indiana.  His father and mother were both listed as being born in Indiana.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          I have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what light they might shed on the Wright family farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          On June 5, 1918, Chester registered with the Selective Service in Madison County, Indiana¹¹.  He listed his date of birth as October 18, 1896 in Madison County, Indiana.  The name of his employer and nearest relative were one and the same, his father, John W. Wright, RR # 20, Alexandria, Indiana.  His eyes were listed as light blue and his hair as black.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by Chester that would make him eligible for pension benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          I am not aware of any military service by Chester.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Chester.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

         Plat map and county maps for Madison County, Indiana will need to be searched.  Will contact the local historical society to see what maps they might have in their collection.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available for research on Chester include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.  Will add these to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

Sources:

1. Sandra Freeman, "John William Wright - Ellen King family group sheet", compiled [n.d.] (Alexandria, Indiana, USA).  Notes say information from Zelma Cooper and Gloria LeMaster.
2. Chester (Mike) Wright obituary, Alexandria Times Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, USA, June 21, 1955, page 1.
3. Mike Wright dies in Ohio article, Anderson Herald, Anderson, Indiana, USA, June 21, 1955, page 2.
4. Chester (Mike) Wright obituary, Alexandria Times Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, USA, June 22, 1955, page 1.
5. Chester (Mike) Wright obituary, Alexandria Times Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, USA, June 23, 1955, page 1.
6. 1940 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Township, enumeration district 48-59, SD 11, sheet 3A, dwelling 60; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 7 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
7. John Wright household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 48-46, SD 5, sheet 11A, dwelling 246, family 258; National Archives micropublication T626, roll 605, page 231.
8. John W. Wright household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 122, SD 8, sheet 4A, dwelling 81, family 81.
9. John W. Wright household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 17, SD 8, sheet 11B, dwelling 259, family 259; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 364, page 364.
10. John W. Wright household, 1900 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 96, SD 8, sheet 21B, dwelling 398, family 432; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 386, page 38.
11. "U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 May 2013); citing World War I Selective Service Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918: Indiana.


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.

Chester Arthur Wright : World War I Draft Registration

Thanks to the folks at Ancestry.com, I now have a copy of the World War I Draft registration cards for my maternal great-granduncle, Chester Arthur WRIGHT.  Known by his nickname of "Mike", he was the brother of my great-grandfather, Virgil Lee WRIGHT.

Mike was born October 18, 1896 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  He was a farmer in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  He was married twice.  His first marriage was March 5, 1920 in Madison County, Indiana to Erma Violet HAYES, daughter of John and Cora (REASON) HAYES.  They had one daughter, Vivian June WRIGHT.  Their marriage ended in divorce.  Mike remarried in 1939 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana to Mayme LAWSON.  Mike died June 20, 1955 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

At the time of World War I, Mike was living with his father, John William WRIGHT.  In the 1920 census, he was still living at home, listed as a 23 year old single farmer.

Obituary : Chester Arthur "Mike" Wright (1896-1955)

Source : Alexandria Times-Tribune, June 21, 1955, page 1

"Mike" Wright, 58, Dies in Ohio; Rites Thursday

Chester (Mike) Wright, 58, well-known farmer near Alexandria, died at 7:30 p.m. Monday in University hospital, Columbus, Ohio where he was taken a few days ago. He had been ill for five months.

Mr. Wright lived on a farm on rural route 3 about 3 1/2 miles southwest of Alexandria.

He was born on the same farm on October 18, 1896, the son of John W. and Ellen Wright. He lived on this farm his entire life. He married Mamie Lawson in Alexandria in 1939.

Surviving besides the wife are two daughters, Mrs. June Harting of Elwood, and Miss Patricia Wright, at home; one brother, Virgil Wright, rural route 2, Alexandria; three grandchildren; and two uncles living in Alexandria, Charles and Ed Wright.

The body was taken to the Davis and Stricler Funeral Home, where friends will be received after 7 p.m. today.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Orestes Christian Church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Raymond Miller, pastor. The body will be taken to the church at 9 a.m., an hour before the time of service.

Source : Alexandria Times-Tribune, June 22, 1955, page 1

Wright Funeral To Be Thursday

Funeral services for Chester (Mike) Wright will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Orestes Christian Church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Raymond Miller, pastor.

Friends are now being received at the Davis and Stricler Funeral Home. They body will be taken to the church at 9 a.m., one hour before the time of the service.

Mr. Wright, a well-known farmer southwest of Alexandria, died at Columbus, Ohio. He was 58.

Source : Alexandria Times-Tribune, June 23, 1955, page 1.

"Mike" Wright Services Today

Funeral services for Chester (Mike) Wright (above) were held at 10 a.m. today at the Orestes Christian Church, conducted by the Rev. Raymond Miller, pastor.

Pallbearers were Harlon Scott, Gurney Scott, John Bangle, Warren Hicks, Ted Hosier and Lester Farmer.

Burial was in Park View cemetery. Davis and Stricler Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Wright, a well-known farmer southwest of Alexandria, died at Columbus, Ohio, on Monday. He was 58.

What ever happened to Uncle Mike?

Ever since I started working on my family history, there have been certain gaps in the family story that have intrigued me. Usually these mysteries have been compounded by the fact that none of the current generation was around at the time of the event or the stories were simply not handed down. One of those in my family is that of my maternal great-granduncle, Chester Arthur WRIGHT, whose nickname was "Mike".



Chester Arthur WRIGHT was the son of John William and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT, born October 18, 1896 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana. He was the younger brother of my great-grandfather, Virgil Lee WRIGHT. Why his nickname was "Mike", is a mystery, although I can imagine that it sounds better than being named after a U.S. President named Chester.



One mystery is why would he be named after this particular U.S. President. Although many babies are named after war heroes and politicians, in this case, Chester Arthur was no longer President. In fact, he had been deceased for 10 years by the time "Mike" came around. There is no known family connection to the Arthur family. Perhaps his parents were Republicans, or admired him for some other reason, but either way he was named for the 21st President.



A few colorful stories have been handed down to me regarding Uncle Mike - one of them being that his father, John, ran off his first wife. Apparently, there was some bad blood and he didn't care for his son's choice. Mike's first wife suppossedly burnt the Wright family bible in anger, so she receives the heresay blame for the loss of this treasure. Who knows what family jewels may have been in this Bible?



Recently, I began to try and piece together the story of Uncle Mike and his family. I knew that he had a daughter from his first marriage, Vivian, whose granddaughter I went to school with. But other than that, I didn't know where and when he died, the name of his second wife, or any other children.



Searching out the census records, in the 1920 census, Chester A. Wright, aged 23 years, single, Farmer who could read and write was living in his father's household, the John W. Wright household, in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana. The enumeration date of the census was January 15, 1920, and Mike didn't stay single for too long, as he was married March 5, 1920 in Madison County to Erma Violet HAYES, daughter of John and Cora (Reason) HAYES.



By the 1930 census, Chester A. Wright, aged 33 years, divorced, Farmer was again living with in his father's household in Monroe Township. So, sometime between those ten years, he married, had a daughter, and was divorced. The search for the missing years was on - and I still needed to find out how the story would end.



Through newspaper sources, I was able to find the obituary of Mike's daugther, Vivian, in the Elwood, Indiana Call-Leader. In the obituary, it stated that Vivian was the daughter of Marvin and Erma (Hayes) Dailey, and listed her children and grandchildren, some of whom I already knew. One key fact was Erma's remarriage to Marvin Dailey. With this piece of information, I was able to find her obituary as well and learn that she had other children from her second marriage. Erma was born in nearby Frankton, Indiana on May 2, 1902, and would have been only 17 when she married Uncle Mike.



Searching in the Elwood Public Library, I was able to find birth records of the other children of Erma with Marvin Dailey and find out that she and Uncle Mike hadn't been married very long before the were divorced, perhaps only a couple of years. Maybe the story about her being run off by my 2nd-great grandfather was true. I still need to seek out the divorce records in the Madison County courthouse.



After the 1930 census, I didn't have any other records in my database that would shed any light on what had happened to Uncle Mike. I knew that he was still living at the time of his father's death in 1945, as he was mentioned in the obituary. For some reason, I had neglected to retrace my steps, as if I had done that, I would have found that I had his date of death, 1955, right under my nose.



The Alexandria-Monroe Township Public Library has an online database of obituaries from local newspapers, and I was able to find that the obituary for Chester Arthur Wright appeared on June 21, 1955 in the Alexandria Times-Tribune. I was quickly able to locate not only his obituary, but funeral notices over the next few days to piece together the end of the story. Interestingly, though he lived his entire life in the area, he was rushed to a Columbus, Ohio hospital where he died. The State of Ohio has many death certificates online, but they stop in 1953, just shy of the year I need to see this one, so I will have to write to them to obtain more details.



His obituary mentioned a second wife, Mamie, and a daughter Patricia. My mother said she remembers hearing that name, and thinks that Patricia may have been Mamie's daughter that Mike adopted and took the Wright name - but there is a whole new avenue to research.



Chester Arthur Wright, son of John William and Ellen (King) Wright was born October 18, 1896 Orestes, Madison County, Indiana, died June 20, 1955 Columbus, Ohio. He married Mamie Lawson in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana in 1939.