Charles Pierce, Alexandria High School, 1936

1936 Alexandria High School Spectrum, Alexandria,, Indiana

This is the yearbook photo of my maternal great-granduncle, Charles D. Pierce (1918-1991), in the 1936 edition of the Spectrum, the yearbook of Alexandria High School in Alexandria, Indiana.

This edition of the yearbook didn't list the activities that the Senior class members participated in.

Charles was the son of William F. & Vida (Maddox) Pierce, the half-brother of my great-grandmother, Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright.

The yearbooks from this high school are available online at Alexandria-Monroe Public Library.

FindAGrave Update : James Louis Pierce (1931-2002)

Received updated information from a FindAGrave contributor who happens to be on the Maddox side to my maternal great-granduncle, James Louis Pierce (1931-2002).

He was able to provide details on his death that I didn't have.

Hi Travis,

He died in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC..  His mother Vida and my Grandma Ruby were 1st cousins..

Here is the information from the death certificate...

Name: James Louis Pierce

Gender: Male

Race: White

Marital Status: Divorced

Father's Last Name: Pierce

Age: 70 Years

Date of Birth: 10 Sep 1931

Birth State: Indiana

Residence City: Winston-Salem

Residence County: Forsyth

Residence State: North Carolina

Residence Zip Code: 27106

Education: 4 years of college

Date of Death: 19 Jan 2002

Death City: Winston-Salem

Death County: Forsyth

Death State: North Carolina

Autopsy: Autopsy Not Performed

institution: Hospital Inpatient

Hospital Name: FORSYTH MEMORIAL HOSP

Burial Location: Cremation in-state

Though cremated, James' marker is at the Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

Exploratory Data Analysis : William Francis Pierce (1865-1950)

William Francis Pierce (1865-1950) was my maternal 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

          William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana¹.

          The State of Indiana did not require birth certificates prior to 1907.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               I have not been able to locate any contemporary accounts of William's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Pierce family.  I will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that such a record does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for William at this time, nor am I aware of the family's church affiliation.  Later in life, they were members of the Methodist church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that William was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage license

          William married on January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana to Clara Penisten².

          William married on March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana to Vida Maddox³.

          Their marriage license was the subject of a previous post.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to search out contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of William's marriages.  Have added this to my research "to-do" list.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               William and Vida's 25th wedding anniversary would have been March 4, 1934.  Need to search local newspapers to see if mention was made.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication of any divorce by William from either wife.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana¹.  The cause of death listed in his obituary was stroke. I need to obtain a copy of his death certificate from the Madison County Health Department.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               William's obituary was published in the September 21, 1950 edition of the Alexandria, Indiana Times-Tribune¹.

               Need to search out other local newspapers to see if his death was also mentioned in their publications.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               According to his obituary, the funeral arrangements were handled by the Davis and Strickler funeral home.  Need to search at the local historical society to see if they have any of the records.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               William's tombstone in the Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Indiana has been photographed.

               The tombstone lists him as "William F. 1865-1950".

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 24, 1930, William was enumerated in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁴, as William Pierce, age 64, married Farmer born in Indiana.  He was aged 25 at the time of his first marriage.  He could read and write and spoke English.  Both of his parents were born in Indiana.  He owned his own home.

          2.1.2. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 23, 1920, William was enumerated in Frankton, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁵, as William F. Pierce, age 53, married, Farmer born in Indiana.  Both of his parents were born in Indiana.  He could read and write and speak English.  He owned his home and it was mortgaged.

          2.1.3. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 22, 1910, William was enumerated in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁶, as W.F. Pierce, age 45, farmer, born in Indiana.  Both of his parents were born in Indiana.  He had been married for 1 year, and it was his second marriage.  He owned his home and it was mortgaged.

          2.1.4. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 15, 1900, William was enumerated in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁷, as William F. Pierce, age 35, born July 1866 in Indiana, farmer.  Both of his parents were born in Indiana. He had been married for 8 years. He could read and write and speak English.

          2.1.5. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 3, 1880, William was enumerated in the Catharine Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁸, as William Pierce, age 14, son, born in Indiana.  He worked on the farm and had attended school within the year.  Both parents were listed as being born in Indiana.

          2.1.6. 1870 Federal Census

               On July 15, 1870, William was enumerated in the E.G. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁹, as W.F. Pierce, age 4, born in Indiana.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of determining legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

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

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          William was too old to be included in the draft for World War I or World War II.  He would have been subject to the draft for the Spanish-American War.

     3.2. Pension Records

          Not applicable, as I have found no evidence that William served in the military.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as I have found no evidence that William served in the military.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana.  Have added this to my "to-do" list on my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Madison County published a plat map in 1880, 1891, 1893, 1901, 1910, 1915, 1921, 1923, 1931 and 1940 that might be relevant to my search for the Pierce family.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available to search for William include county/city directories, court records and will and probate records.  Have added these to my "to-do" list for my next research trip into Madison County.

Sources:
1. William Pierce obituary, Alexandria Times Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, September 21, 1950.
2. Madison County Indiana Marriage Book C4, page 112, Madison County Clerk's Office, Anderson, Indiana.
3. Madison County Indiana Marriage Book 20, page 216, Madison County Clerk's Office, Anderson, Indiana.
4. William Pierce household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 48-45, SD 5, sheet 13B, dwelling 321, family 327; National Archives micropublication T626.
5. William F. Pierce household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 119, SD 8, sheet 6A, dwelling 127; family 129; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449.
6. W.F. Pierce household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 106, SD 8, sheet 5A, dwelling 86, family 86; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 364.
7. William F. Pierce household, 1900 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 90, SD 67, sheet 11B, dwelling 220, family 235; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 386.
8. Catharine Pierce household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, page 1, ED 23, SD 3, dwelling 2, family 2; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 293.
9. E.G. Pierce household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, page 32, dwelling 235; family 235; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 336.


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.

Photo: Robert & Blanche Pierce

This photo of Robert and Blanche PIERCE comes from the 1985 directory of the First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

Robert F. PIERCE was the son of William Francis and Vida (MADDOX) PIERCE, and the half-brother of my maternal great-grandmother.

Photo: Edmund & Bettie Pierce

This photo of Edmund and Bettie PIERCE comes from the 1985 directory of the First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


Powell Edmund PIERCE was the son of William Francis and Vida (MADDOX) PIERCE, and the half-brother of my maternal great-grandmother.

Tombstone Tuesday: James Louis Pierce (1931-2002)

Source: Maplewood Cemetery (Anderson, Madison County, Indiana), James Pierce marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 23 June 2009.

James Louis PIERCE is buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.  James is my maternal great granduncle.

James was born September 10, 1931 in Madison County, Indiana, the son of William Francis and Vida (MADDOX) PIERCE.

James was a Korean War veteran.

James died January 19, 2002.  I do not know where he died.

Tombstone Tuesday – To participate in Tombstone Tuesday simply create a post which includes an image of a gravestone of one or more ancestors and it may also include a brief description of the image or the ancestor. This is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Surname Saturday : PIERCE

The PIERCE surname is in my maternal line.  The origins of the surname are English.


Stories and history:


Ahnentafel # 13: Edna Muriel Pierce (1897-1968).  Edna was born February 7, 1897 in Madison County, Indiana.  She married June 19, 1915 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana to Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972).  Virgil was born July 6, 1894 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  They raised three children in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana where Virgil was a farmer.  Edna's nickname was "Peach".  Virgil died March 25, 1972 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Edna died March 3, 1968 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Park View Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 26: William Francis Pierce (1865-1950).  William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  He married January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana to Clara Penisten (1869-1906).  Clara was born March 1869 in Madison County, Indiana.  They had 7 children, 3 living to adulthood.  Clara died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  William married secondly March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana to Vida Maddox (1886-1968).  Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, Bath County, Kentucky.  They had 7 children.  Vida died November 19, 1968 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  All are buried at the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 52: Edmund G. Pierce (1837-1875).  Edmund was born April 30, 1837 in Wayne County, Indiana.  He married October 17, 1858 in Preble County, Ohio to Lydia Duell (1838-1860).  Lydia was born March 26, 1838 in Pilesgrove, New Jersey.  She died September 14, 1860.  She is buried at the West Grove Monthly Meeting Burial Ground, Wayne County, Indiana.  Edmund married secondly May 5, 1864 in Madison County, Indiana to Catherine Groenendyke (1843-1913).  Catherine was born February 4, 1843 in Madison County, Indiana.  They had 5 children in Richland and Lafayette Townships, Madison County, Indiana.  Catherine died December 10, 1913 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Edmund died January 8, 1875 in Madison County, Indiana.  Edmund and Catherine are buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 104: Francis S. Pierce (1806-1881).  Francis was born June 8, 1806 in Vermont.  He married October 25, 1831 in Wayne County, Indiana to Rebecca Page (1806-1893).  Rebecca was born August 18, 1806 in New Jersey.  They had 13 children in Pickaway County, Ohio and Wayne County, Indiana where Francis was a farmer.  Rebecca died January 26, 1893 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Francis died August 5, 1881 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wayne County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 208: Gordon Pierce (1773-1875).  Gordon was born August 31, 1773 in Hardwick, Worchester County, Massachusetts.  He married in 1796 in Thetford, Orange County, Vermont to Thirza Smalley (c1775-1861).  Thirza was born circa 1775 in Thetford, Worchester County, Massachusetts.  They had 5 children.  Thriza died in 1861 in Pitcher, Chenango County, New York.  Gordon died February 7, 1875 in Pitcher, Chenango County, New York.


Ahnentafel # 416: Seth Pierce (1744-1835).  Seth was born September 12, 1744 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  He married on April 17, 1767 to Bethiah Field (1746-1807).  Bethiah was born April 8, 1746 in Stafford, Windham County, Connecticut.  They had 12 children.  Bethiah died September 18, 1807.  Seth married secondly in 1813 to Patty Rindge (    -1829).  Seth died in 1835 in Homer, Cortland County, New York.


Ahnentafel # 832: Seth Pierce (1716-1794).  Seth was born November 30, 1716 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  He married November 10, 1743 to Elizabeth Nye (1720-1749).  Elizabeth was born December 14, 1720.  They had 4 children.  Elizabeth died May 14, 1749 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Seth died December 5, 1794.


Ahnentafel # 1664: Samuel Pierce (1681-1774).  Samuel was born November 25, 1681 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  He married June 14, 1705 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts to Abigail Johnson (1674-1787).  Abigail was born October 4, 1674 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  They had 6 children.  Abigail died March 16, 1787 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Samuel died January 26, 1774 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.


Ahnentafel # 3328: Samuel Pierce (1656-1721).  Samuel was born April 7, 1656 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  He married December 9, 1680 to Lydia Bacon (1656-1717).  Lydia was born March 6, 1656 in Newton, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.  They had 9 children.  Lydia died December 5, 1717 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  Samuel died July 5, 1721 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.


Ahnentafel # 6656: Thomas Pierce (1608-1683).  Thomas was born in 1608 in England, one source says Norwich.  He married May 6, 1635 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts to Elizabeth Cole (1608-1688).  Elizabeth was born March 5, 1608.  They had 13 children.  Elizabeth died March 5, 1688.  Thomas died November 5, 1683 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.


Ahnentafel # 13312: Thomas Pierce (c1583/4-1666).  Thomas was born between 1583 and 1584 in England. He married Elizabeth ________ (c1586/7-1667).  Elizabeth was born between 1586 and 1587 in England.  They had 8 children.  Elizabeth died in 1667 in Charleston, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  Thomas died October 7, 1666 in Charleston, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.


Related blog posts:

• The First Wife of Edmund G. Pierce (1837-1875)

• William Francis Pierce (1865-1950)

• Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968)

• Marriage: William Pierce to Vida Maddox

• Marriage: William Pierce to Clara Penisten

• Tombstone Tuesday: William Francis & Vida (Maddox) Pierce

• Tombstone Tuesday: Virgil Lee & Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright

• William F. Pierce household : Madison County, IN

• Francis S. Pierce household : Wayne and Madison Counties, IN

• Edmund Pierce household: Madison County, IN

• Today in my database: Gordon Pierce (b. August 31, 1773)

• Today in my database: William Francis Pierce (b. July 10, 1865)

Surname Saturday – create a post in which you discuss a surname and mention its origins, its geographical location(s) and how it fits into your genealogy research. Surname Saturday is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Marriage : Nehersta PIERCE to Howard ROBERTS

While searching in Google Books, I discovered this snippet regarding the marriage of Nehersta PIERCE to Howard Hyde ROBERTS.  Nehersta was my maternal great-grandaunt, the daughter of William Francis and Vida (MADDOX) PIERCE.

Pacific oil world: Volume 42

1949 - Snippet view Popular HH (Bob) Roberts, manager of public relations for Standard of California at Los Angeles, was married to Nehersta (Nina) Pierce Miller of Columbus. Ohio. The bride, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. WF Pierce of Alexandria, Indiana, ...

This is a ‘snippet’ from Google books.  Will have to see if I can locate this publication through inter-library loan.

Bibliographic information

Title	Pacific oil world, Volume 42
Publisher	Petroleum Publishers., 1949

Some interesting bits of information in this article.  Was Nehersta previously married to someone named Miller?  It would appear so.  Apparently, she was living in Columbus, Ohio at the time as well.  More facts to research and mysteries to uncover.


Nehersta Edith PIERCE was born January 4, 1910 in Madison County, Indiana.  She died September 2, 1979 in Los Angeles, California and is buried in Park View Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  She was the half-sister to my great-grandmother, Edna Muriel (PIERCE) WRIGHT.

Family Milestones: July 10th

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, Frederick P. WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1827 in Preble County, Ohio. Frederick was the son of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older brother of my William P. WEHRLY.  Frederick married September 18, 1850 to Lavina OBLINGER.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Mary HAINES, was born on this date in 1784 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Mary was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Mary married May 16, 1822 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey to Benjamin DAVIS, son of David and Martha (COLES) DAVIS.  Benjamin was born November 28, 1776 in Waterford Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Benjamin died March 20, 1843 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Mary died December 14, 1843 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 6th-great grandmother, Nancy GRAHAM, was born on this date in 1760.  Nancy was the daughter of Richard and Asenath (________) GRAHAM.  Nancy married March 2, 1787 in Randolph County, North Carolina to Anthony RAINS.  Anthony was born October 13, 1757 in Caroline County, Virginia.  Anthony served in the Revolutionary War.  They raised 9 children.  Anthony died March 25, 1837 in Randolph County, North Carolina.  I do not have the death date of Nancy.

My maternal 2nd-great grandfather, William Francis PIERCE, was born on this date in 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  William was the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE.  William married January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana to Clara PENISTEN, daughter of John and Jane Ann (ALDERMAN) PENISTEN.  Clara was born March 1869 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  They had 7 children.  Clara died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  William married secondly on March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana to Vida MADDOX, daughter of Charles W. and Sarah (POWELL) MADDOX.  Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, Bath County, Kentucky.  They had 7 children.  Vida died November 19, 1968 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  They are buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

William Francis Pierce (1865-1950)

William Francis PIERCE (1865-1950) was my maternal 2nd-great grandfather.  The PIERCE family has English origins, with the immigrant ancestor, Thomas PIERCE (1608-1683), settling in Woburn, Massachusetts.

The following facts about William's life are known:

• Birth: He was born  July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE.
• Census: 1870 - he appears in the E.G. PIERCE household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.
• Census: 1880 - he appears in the Catherine PIERCE household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.
• Marriage: He married Clara PENNISTEN on January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana.
• Census: 1900 - he appears as head of household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.
• Marriage: He married Vida MADDOX on March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana.
• Census: 1910 - he appears as head of household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana
• Census: 1920 - he appears as head of household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana
• Census: 1930 - he appears as head of household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.
• Death: He died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.
• Obituary: His obituary appeared in the September 21, 1950 Alexandria Times-Tribune
• Burial: He was buried September 25, 1950 in Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

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

• Obituary: Need to seek out obituaries printed in other local papers (Elwood, Anderson, etc.)
• Death: Need to obtain a copy of his death certificate from the Madison County, Indiana Health Department
• Residence: Need to research local directories and telephone books to pinpoint residence from 1930-1950.

Ancestry of William Francis PIERCE (1865-1950), Ahnentafel # 26 in my ancestry:

Ahnentafel # 52: Edmund G. PIERCE (1837-1875); Wayne Co., IN>Madison Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 104: Francis S. PIERCE (1806-1881); Vermont>Wayne Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 208: Gordon PIERCE (1773-1875); Worcester Co., MA>Chenango Co., NY


Ahnentafel # 416: Seth PIERCE (1744-1835); Middlesex Co., MA>Cortland Co., NY


Ahnentafel # 832: Seth PIERCE (1716-1794); Middlesex Co., MA>Windham Co., CT


Ahnentafel #1664: Samuel PIERCE (1681-1774); Middlesex Co., MA>Windham Co., CT


Ahnentafel #3328: Samuel PIERCE (1656-1721); Middlesex Co., MA


Ahnentafel #6656: Thomas PIERCE (1608-1683); England>Middlesex Co., MA


Related blog posts:

•  Marriage: William Pierce to Vida Maddox

• Marriage: William Pierce to Clara Pennisten

• Tombstone Tuesday: William Francis & Vida (Maddox) Pierce

• William F. Pierce household : Madison County, Indiana

• Today in my database: William Francis Pierce (b. July 10, 1865)

Family Milestones: March 4th

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Mary A. METZNER, married on this date in 1888 in Jay County, Indiana to Harvey A. HUEY.  Mary was born March 24, 1862 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER, and the younger sister of my John Adam METZNER.  Harvey was born December 1866 in Indiana.  Harvey was a Baptist minister, and they lived in Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin, Noble County, Indiana and Genesee County, Michigan.  Harvey died in 1947.  Mary died in 1925.  Both are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 2nd-great grandfather, William Francis PIERCE, married on this date in 1909 in Madison County, Indiana to Vida MADDOX, his second wife.  William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE.  Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, Bath County, Kentucky, the daughter of Charles W. and Sarah (POWELL) MADDOX.  They raised 7 children in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Vida died November 19, 1968 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal great granduncle, Andrew Frank HALEY, was born on this date in 1864 in Ashland County, Ohio.  Andrew was the son of George Washington and Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY, and the older brother of my Eli Weldon HALEY.  Andrew married November 3, 1887 in Jay County, Indiana to Emma C. LEONHARD.  Emma was born February 8, 1865 in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of John P. and Christina (________) LEONHARD.  They had 2 children and resided in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have their dates of death.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Ephraim JACOBS, was born on this date in 1802 in Fleming County, Kentucky.  Ephraim was the son of William and Sibell (LITTELL) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my James Thomas JACOBS.  Ephraim married October 7, 1824 in Brown County, Ohio to Elizabeth REEVES.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Elizabeth.  Ephraim died September 20, 1888 in Adams County, Ohio.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Harriet N. MOULTON, was born on this date in 1827 in Rutland County, Vermont.  Harriett was the daughter of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON, and the younger sister of my Albert MOULTON.  Nothing further is known at this time.

 

Family Milestones: January 14th

My maternal 2nd-great grandparents, William PIERCE and Clara PENNISTEN, were married on this date in 1892 in Madison County, Indiana.  William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE.  Clara was born March 1869 in Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of John and Jane Ann (ALDERMAN) PENNISTEN.  William was a farmer in Lafayette and Monroe Townships, Madison County, Indiana.  They had 7 children.  Clara died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  William remarried March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana to Vida MADDOX.  Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, Bath County, Kentucky, daughter of Charles W. and Sarah (POWELL) MADDOX.  William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

Marriage: William Pierce to Vida Maddox

My maternal 2nd-great grandfather, William Francis PIERCE, widower, married secondly to Vida MADDOX on March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana. His first wife, Clara PENNISTEN, had died in 1906. Family tradition states that Vida was the housekeeper, but I haven't verified that fact yet.

Their marriage license application in Madison County, Indiana Book 20, page 216 provides some interesting information. Unfortunately, this copy was very hard to read. Notice how Vida's surname is misspelled as Mattox. In fact, it is spelled both Mattox and Maddox throughout.

APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE - MALE

Application is hereby made for a license for the marriage of William F. Pierce to Vida Mattox upon the following statement of fact relative to said parties.

1. The full christian and surname of the man is William F. Pierce
2. Color White
3. Where born Madison Co. Ind.
4. When born July 10, 1866
5. Present residence Madison Co.
6. Present occupation Farmer
8. Is the male contracting party a nearer blood kin to the female contracting party than second cousin? No
9. Full christian and surname of father E. G. Pierce
10. His color White
11. His birthplace Wayne Co. Ind.
12. His occupation Farmer
13. His residence Deceased
14. Full christian and surname of mother Catherine Gronendyke
15. Her color White
16. Her occupation Housekeeper
17. Her birthplace Madison Co.
18. Her residence Madison Co.
19. Has the male contracting party been an inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent persons within the last five years No
21. Is this his first marriage? No
22. If not, how often has he been married Once
23. Has such prior marriage, or marriages, been dissolved? Yes
24. If so, how? Death
25. When? Two years
26. Is the male contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal, or any other contagious or transmissible disease? No
27. Is he an imbecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is he under guardianship as person of unsound mind? No

STATE OF INDIANA, MADISON COUNTY, SS:
William F. Pierce deposes and says that he has personal knowledge of the facts above stated and that they and each of them are true.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 4 day of March 1909
Arthur E. Harlan, Clerk

APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE - FEMALE

Application is hereby made for a license for the marriage of Vida Mattox to William F. Pierce upon the following statement of fact relative to said parties:

1. The full christian and surname of the woman is Vida Mattox
2. Color White
3. Where born Ky
4. When born Oct 6 1886
5. Present residence Madison Co. Ind
6. Present occupation [blank]
7. Full christian and surname of father Charles Mattox
8. His color White
9. His birthplace Ky
10. His occupation Farmer
11. His residence Madison Co. Ind.
12. Full christian and surname of mother Sarah Powell
13. Her color White
14. Her occupation Housekeeper
15. Her birthplace Ky
16. Her residence Madison Co.
17. Has the female contracting party been an inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent persons within the last five years? No
18. Is this her first marriage? Yes
22. Is the female contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal, or any other contagious or transmissible disease? No
23. Is she an imbecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is she under guardianship as a person of unsound mind? No

STATE OF INDIANA, MADISON COUNTY, SS:
Vida Maddox deposes and says that she has personal knowledge of the facts above stated and that they and each of them are true.
Subscribed and sworn before me, this 4 day of March 1909.
Arthur E. Harlan, Clerk

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the 4 day of March A.D. 1909, the following Marriage License was issued, to wit:

INDIANA, TO WIT, MADISON COUNTY, SS:

To any persons empowered by law to solemnize marriages in the county of Madison, greetings:

You are hereby authorized to join together as HUSBAND and WIFE William F. Pierce and Vida Maddox and of your Certificate of Marriage make due return within three months, according to the laws of the State of Indiana.

Witness, Arthur E. Harlan, Clerk of our Madison Circuit Court, and the seal thereof, affixed at the Clerk's office in Anderson, this 4 day of March 1909.

Arthur E. Harlan

And afterwards, to wit: On the 10 day of March 1909, the following Certificate of Marriage was returned to the Clerk's office, to wit:

I, A. G. Neal, hereby certify that on the 4 day of March A.D. 1909, I duly joined in marriage Wm. F. Pierce and Vida Maddox, by authority of law and of a license from the Clerk of Madison Circuit Court.

Given under my hand, this 4th, day of March A.D. 1909.
A. G. Neal

Marriage: William Pierce to Clara Pennisten

My maternal great-great grandparents, William Francis PIERCE and Clara PENNISTEN were married on January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana. A copy of their marriage record is filed in Book C4, page 112.

William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE. Clara was born March 1869 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of John and Jane (ALDERMAN) PENNISTEN.

Clara's death on September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana ended their marriage. William later remarried to Vida MADDOX.

William and Clara had known children: John Herman, Edna Muriel, Edward E., and Lillian. Edward E. died as a baby and Lillian age age 19. The 1900 census shows Clara as the mother of 5 children with 3 living, so there are two more born between 1892-1900 that I have not discovered their names.

Tombstone Tuesday: William Francis & Vida (Maddox) Pierce

My maternal great-great grandfather, William Francis Pierce and his second wife, Vida (Maddox) Pierce are buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana. William's first wife, Clara (Pennisten) Pierce, is also buried in the cemetery, but I did not find a marker for her.

William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (Groenendyke) Pierce.

Clara was born March 1869 in Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of John and Jane Ann (Alderman) Pennisten.

Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, Bath County, Kentucky, the daughter of Charles W. and Sarah (Powell) Maddox.

William and Clara were married on January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana. After Clara's death, William married Vida on March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana.

William & Clara lived in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana where William was a farmer. His obituary stated that he was ill for three years before his death.

William died on September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana. Clara died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana. Vida died November 19, 1968 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

William and Clara were the parents of the following children, all born in Madison County, Indiana:

• 2 unknown children; the 1900 census lists Clara as the mother of 5 children, with 3 living
• John Herman Pierce (1895-1959) married Charlotte FERGUSON, 1 child
• Edna Muriel Pierce (1897-1968) married Virgil Lee WRIGHT, 3 children
• Edward E. Pierce (1900-1900) lived 2 months
• Lillian Pierce (1902-1921)
• unknown Pierce (1904-bef1910)

William and Vida were the parents of the following children, all born in Madison County, Indiana:

• Nehersta Edith Pierce (1910-1979) married Howard Hyde ROBERTS
• William McClellan Pierce (1913-1978) married Geneva Ruth ALDRIDGE; 3 children
• Cloyd J. Pierce (1916-1962) married Anna ______; 1 child
• Charles D. Pierce (1918-1991) married Nancy L. STEPHENS; 2 children
• Robert F. Pierce (1923- )
• Powell Edmund "Pat" Pierce (1925- ); 1 child
• James Louis Pierce (1931-2002)

William F. Pierce household - Madison Co., IN

The family of William Francis PIERCE appears in the 1900-1920 census of Madison Co., IN. William was my maternal 2nd-great grandfather, the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE.

In the 1900 census of Monroe Twp., William is 35 year old farmer, married for 8 years, who can read and write. He was born in Indiana, as well as both of his parents. Wife Clara is the mother of 5 children, 3 of whom were living, and she was aged 31 years. Children in the household included : John H., age 4; Muriel, age 3; and Edward, aged 3 months.

In the 1910 census of Lafayette Twp., William a 45 year old farmer, married for 1 year to his second wife. Wife Vida, aged 23, born in Kentucky, had been married for 1 year and was the mother of 1 child. Children in the household included : Herman, aged 14; Merle, aged 12; Lillian; aged 8; and Nehersta; aged 4 months.

In the 1920 census of Lafayette Twp., William was a 53 year old farmer, and wife Vida was aged 32 years old. Also living in the household was widowed son J. Herman, aged 24 who worked on the farm; Lillian, aged 17 who worked as a bookkeeper; Nehersta, aged 10; McClellan, aged 6; Cloyd, aged 4 7/12 years; and Charles aged 2 5/12 years.

William Francis PIERCE b. July 10, 1865 Frankton, Madison Co., IN., d. September 21, 1950 Alexandria, Madison Co., IN., m. January 14, 1892 Madison Co., IN to Clara PENNISTEN, daughter of John and Jane (ALDERMAN) PENNISTEN; m(2) March 4, 1909 Madison Co., IN to Vida MADDOX, daughter of Charles W. and Sarah (POWELL) MADDOX. Clara b. March 1869 Madison Co., IN., d. September 26, 1906 Madison Co., IN; Vida b. October 6, 1886 Owingsville, KY, d. November 19, 1968 Alexandria, Madison Co., IN.

Children of William Francis and Clara (PENNISTEN) PIERCE are as follows :
i. [______] PIERCE b. after 1892, d. before 1900 census
ii. [_______] PIERCE b. after 1892, d. before 1900 census
iii. John Herman PIERCE b. July 1895 Madison Co., IN., d. 1959; m. Charlotte Elva HENSLEY, m(2) Charlotte FERGUSON
iv. Edna Muriel PIERCE b. February 7, 1897 Madison Co., IN, d. March 3, 1968 Madison Co., IN., m. Virgil Lee WRIGHT
v. Edward E. PIERCE b. March 1900 Madison Co., IN., d. December 23, 1900 Madison Co., IN.
vi. Lillian PIERCE b. September 12, 1902 Madison Co., IN., d. 1921 Madison Co., IN.
vii. [______] PIERCE b. October 8, 1904 Madison Co., IN., d. before 1910 census

Children of William Francis and Vida (MADDOX) PIERCE are as follows :
i. Nehersta PIERCE b. January 4, 1910 Madison Co., IN., d. September 2, 1979 Los Angeles, CA., m. Howard Hyde ROBERTS
ii. William McClellan PIERCE b. March 17, 1913 Madison Co., IN., d. November 24, 1978 Anderson, Madison Co., IN, m. Geneva Ruth ALDRIDGE
iii. Cloyd J. PIERCE b. May 22, 1916 Madison Co., IN, d. 1962, m. Anna M. [______]
iv. Charles D. PIERCE b. July 2, 1918 Madison Co., IN, d. August 23, 1991 Alexandria, Madison Co., IN., m. Nancy L. STEPHENS
v. Robert F. PIERCE b. April 21, 1923 Madison Co., IN.
vi. Powell Edmund PIERCE b. March 16, 1925 Madison Co., IN
vii. James F. PIERCE b. 1931 Madison Co., IN.

Edmund Pierce household - Madison Co., IN

The E.G. PIERCE household appears in the 1870 census of Lafayette Twp., Madison Co., IN. Edmund G. PIERCE was my maternal 3rd-great grandfather, the son of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE.

In the 1870 census, E.G. is listed as a 33 year-old farmer, born in Indiana, with real estate valued at $3200 and a personal estate valued at $750. His wife, Catherine, was aged 27, born in Indiana, and cannot read. Children listed were a son, W.F., aged 4; son E.A., aged 3; and daughter, Martha, aged 1 year.

Edmund G. PIERCE b. April 30, 1837 Wayne Co., IN, d. January 8, 1875 Madison Co., IN., m(1) October 17, 1858 Preble Co., OH to Lydia DUELL, daughter of Joshua and Abigail (BORTON) DUELL; m(2) May 5, 1864 Madison Co., IN to Catherine GROENENDYKE, daughter of Elias and Nancy (JENKINS) GROENENDYKE. Lydia b. March 26, 1838 Pilesgrove, NJ., d. September 14, 1860; Catherine b. February 4, 1843 Madison Co., IN., d. December 10, 1913 Madison Co., IN.
Children of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE are as follows :
i. William Francis PIERCE b. July 10, 1865 Madison Co., IN., d. September 21, 1950 Madison Co., IN., m(1) Clara PENNISTEN; m(2) Vida MADDOX.
ii. Elias A. PIERCE b. February 14, 1867 Madison Co., IN., d. March 1963 Madison Co., IN., m(1) Flora CURTIS; m(2) Katie ________
iii. Martha PIERCE b. November 16, 1868 Madison Co., IN., d. February 29, 1932 Madison Co., IN., m. John JOHNSON
iv. Lyman PIERCE b. March 1871 Madison Co., IN., d. December 4, 1938 Madison Co., IN., m. Lavina SUNDERLAND.
v. Margaret PIERCE b. April 1873 Madison Co., IN., d. June 11, 1923 Madison Co., IN., m. John W. JONES

Catherine Groenendyke (b. February 4, 1843)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 3rd-great grandmother, Catherine Groenendyke.

Catherine was born February 4, 1843 in Madison Co., IN., the daughter of Elias and Nancy (Jenkins) Groenendyke. Catherine married May 5, 1864 in Madison Co., IN to Edmund G. Pierce, son of Francis S. and Rebecca (Page) Pierce. Edmund was born April 30, 1837 in Wayne Co., IN, and died January 8, 1875 in Madison Co., IN. Catherine died December 10, 1913 in Lafayette Twp., Madison Co., IN.

Children of Edmund G. and Catherine (Groenendyke) Pierce are as follows :
i. William Francis Pierce b. July 10, 1865 Madison Co., IN., d. September 21, 1950 Madison Co., IN., m. Clara Pennisten m(2) Vida Maddox
ii. Elias A. Pierce b. February 14, 1867 Madison Co., IN, d. March 1963, m. Flora J. Curtis
iii. Martha Pierce b. November 16, 1868 Madison Co., IN., d. February 29, 1932 Madison Co., IN., m. John M. Johnson
iv. Lyman Pierce b. March 1871 Madison Co., IN., d. December 4, 1938 Madison Co., IN., m. Lavina Sunderland
v. Margaret Pierce b. April 1873 Madison Co., IN., d. June 11, 1923 Madison Co., IN., m. John W. Jones

I descend from Edmund and Catherine (Groenendyke) Pierce through their son, William, as follows :
Catherine Groenendyke and Edmund G. Pierce
William Francis Pierce and Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce and Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : William Francis Pierce (b. July 10, 1865)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 2nd great-grandfather, William Francis Pierce.

William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison Co., IN, the son of Edmund G. & Catherine (Groenendyke) Pierce. William married January 14, 1892 in Madison Co., IN to Clara Pennisten, daughter of John & Jane Ann (Alderman) Pennisten. Clara was born March 1869 in Madison Co., IN and died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Twp., Madison Co., IN. William married secondly on March 4, 1909 in Madison Co., IN to Vida Maddox, daugther of Charles W. & Sarah (Powell) Maddox. Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, KY and died November 19, 1968 in Alexandria, Madison Co., IN. William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison Co., IN.

I descend from William and Clara through their daughter Edna as follows:

William Francis Pierce m. Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce m. Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)