Madison County Indiana Locality Guide

 As mentioned previously, one of my projects has been to create locality guides for places where my ancestors lived to aid in finding resources.

On my maternal side, Madison County, Indiana is a place my family has been since its early days.

The United States acquired the land that became Madison County from the Native Americans in the 1809 Treaty of Fort Wayne, and by the 1818 Treaty of St. Marys, considerably more territory became the property of the government.  The county was formed 4 January 1823 from lands governed by the Delaware New Purchase.

Madison County was named for James Madison, 4th President of the United States.

• County Seat : Anderson
• Largest City : Anderson
• Record Loss : 1880

A link to the locality guide that I've been working on is here. Any suggestions or additions to additional resources will be appreciated.

Some of the surnames and when they arrived (approximately) in Madison County:

• Wright (1867)
• Lambertson (1918)
• Pierce (1864)
• King (1840)
• Shaw (1847)
• Groenendyke (1842)
  
• Penisten (1840)

Grantor & Grantee Research in Madison County, Indiana

Deed Records, Madison County, Indiana Recorder's Office

Went last Friday to the courthouse in Anderson to do some research on my Madison County, Indiana families.  Unlike other times when I've spent researching there, this time I had a plan.  I was focusing on four families : Alderman, King, Penisten and Wright and called them my AKPW group.  My goal was to start with the earliest records and see if I could discover when they came into the county and find transactions related to my direct lines.

I met with some success, mainly in getting the book and page numbers for future reference, but did also manage to obtain a couple of copies.  They only charge $1.00 per page, but those big books are hard to copy from.  Currently, they are in the process of imaging their records.  Anything from 1958-on is currently imaged, but of course, the records I am looking for are about 100 years earlier.  Below is a listing of what I did find, have not identified all of these records as my family.  Spelling may be off as well, some of that handwriting was difficult to read.

GRANTOR BOOK 1 1827-1850

ALDERMAN, Richard to SHAUL, William February 22, 1837 Book 4, page 372
ALDERMAN, James to NELSON, Andrew August 26, 1840 Book 6, page 369
ALDERMAN, John to GUSTIN, John November 2, 1844  Book 9, page 165 or 168
ALDERMAN, John to GNASH, Stephen   May 8, 1848  Book 11, page 472
ALDERMAN, J to GNASH, S April 22, 1850 Book 13, page 633

KING, Thomas to KING, David  December 11, 1844 Book 9, page 133
KING, Daniel to BRAY, Edward  February 16, 1849 Book 12, page 111
KING, D to KING, T  August 9, 1848 Book 13 page 65
KING, G S to DAVIS, J February 6, 1850 Book 13 page 104
KING, G S to MANN, A J September 6, 1850 Book 13, page 342
KING, Thomas to RUTH, Jesse January 28, 1850 Book 13, page 362
KING, Daniel to SIGLER, Francis November 23, 1850 Book 13, page 557

PENISTEN, Isaac to PENISTEN, Martha October 29, 1834 Book 2, page 228
PENISTEN, Isaac to PENISTEN, George May 21, 1836 Book 3, page 105 or 106
PENISTEN, Isaac to PENISTEN, George May 25, 1836 Book 3, page 106
PENISTON, John B to OOTON, Jordan March 24, 1838 Book 4, page 305
PENISTO, Washington to WILFONDG, George  September 24, 1838 Book 4, page 460
PENISTEN, George to PENISTEN, George B August 10, 1840 Book 6, page 417
PENISTEN, John B to PURGET, Henry June 11, 1841 Book 6 page 422
PENISTON, John B to SNELSON, Isaac P July 29, 1845 Book 9, page 88
PENISTON, H to WILSON, J.A. et al February 22, 1850 Book 13, page 121

WRIGHT - my Wrights were not in the county until the Civil War era, did not search Book 1

GRANTEE BOOK 1 1827-1850
Book is missing from the Madison County courthouse *

GRANTOR BOOK 2 1850-1858

ALDERMAN - No Aldermans found

KING, W to WHITEHEAD, G November 21, 1853 Book 16, page 205
KING, Wm to KING, J A December 3, 1853 Book 16, page 443
KING, D to KING March 11, 1854 Book 16, page 442
KING, D to DOUGLASS, T.H. March 11, 1854  Book 16, page 446
KING, Jno T to VORE, Jacob October 22, 1853 Book 17, page 160
KING, Danl to BECKWITH, T L January 21, 1856 Book 18, page 359
KING, Naten to SEEMANS, Saml April 7, 1858 Book 20, page 545

PENISTON, J B to PENISTON, Allen April 11, 1855 Book 17, page 396
PENISTON A to PENISTON Jr  April 13, 1855, Book 17, page 397
PENNISTON, Isaac to HUNT, Wm. February 11, 1856 Book 18, page 530
PENISTON, J. W. to PENESTEN, Allen September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 189
PENISTON, J. W. to PENESTEN, Allen September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 190
PENISTON, Allen to PENISTEN, G W September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 192
PENISTON, J. O. to PENISTEN G W September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 198

WRIGHTS - My Wrights were not in the county until the Civil War era, did not search Book 2

GRANTEE BOOK 2 1850-1858

ALDERMAN - No Aldermans found

KING, N from SMILY, R May 26, 1851 Book 14, page 266
KING, W from SIKES, Jesse December 30, 1851 Book 14, page 624
KING, Dnl from Smily, R October 17, 1851 Book 14, page 655
KING, T from KING, D August 9, 1848 Book 13, page 65
KING, D from Auditor M Co August 2, 1853  Book 16, page 197
KING, D from DEBOY, J  December 21, 1853 Book 16, page 441
KING, N from KING, D March 11, 1854 Book 16, page 442
KING, J A from KING, Wm December 3, 1853 Book 16, page 443
KING, J O from DAVIS, A G September 9, 1854 Book 17, page 73
KING, Daniel from RASS, R et al may 22, 1855 Book 17, page 475
KING & NICHOL from SMITH September 15, 1855 Book 17, page 552
KING & NICHOL from SMITH September 15, 1855 Book 17, page 556
KING, JOHN O from SCHALLBERGER January 26, 1856 Book 18, page 286
KING & HOPKINS CO   February 12, 1856 Book 18, page 387
KING, J W from COMER, Wm April 23, 1856 Book 19, page 622-624
KING, Newton from WILSON M H December 27, 1857 Book 20, page 261
KING, John from HADEN PARISh November 27, 1856 BOok 20, page 299

PENISTEN, Allen from PENISTEN J B April 18, 1855 Book 17, page 396
PENISTEN, Isaac from PENISTEN Allen April 18, 1855 Book 17, page 397
PENISTON, A from PENISTEN J W September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 189
PENISTON JW from PENISTON A September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 190
PENISTON JW from PENISTON A September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 192
PENISTON JW from PENISTON JB September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 192
PENNISTON Wash from KELLER, John March 28, 1857 Book 19, page 728
PENNISTON Wash from STANLEY, Thomas January 30, 1854 Book 19, page 730

WRIGHTS - My Wrights were not in the county until the Civil War era, did not search Book 2

GRANTOR BOOK 3 1858-1868

ALDERMAN - No Aldermans found

KING & NICHOL to DAVIS, Rebecca December 17, 1858 Book 21, page 470
KING & NICHOL to WILLIAMS A M December 28, 1858 Book 21, page 531
KING, Thomas to PURRELL E J October 18, 1858 Book 21, page 545
KING, Jno S to HOPKINS E November 27, 1858 Book 21, page 614
KING, Jno S to HOPKINS E November 27, 1858 Book 21, page 615
KING, Thomas to KING, Washington January 14, 1861 Book 24, page 151
KING, Amos to FRASTER R D October 3, 1861 Book 25, page 114
KING & NICHOL to SMITH, Jno April 30, 1862 Book 26, page 62
KING, Henry to DEHORITY, Jas M October 25, 1861 Book 26, page 162
KING, A J et al to GUSTIN December 31, 1860 Book 26, page 187
KING, John R to SHELTON, John August 29, 1863 Book 25, page 370
KING, Daniel to KING, Newton October 10, 1863 Book 25, page 478
KING, Newton to SUMMERS, Sml January 25, 1864 Book 27, page 520
KING, Amos to WALDEN E J June 13, 1864 Book 28, page 122
KING, Sarah E to LEE, Wm H October 5, 1864 Book 29, page 123
KING, Daniel to WILLIAMS Jas B December 21, 1864 Book 29, page 244
KING, Sarah E to HEFLER G December 27, 1846 Book 28 page 461
KING & NICHOL to BROTHERS, Wm February 11, 1865 Book 28, page 495
KING, A J to WILLIAMS, W W August 1, 1865 Book 31, page 228
KING, A J et al to WARD, Thomas December 5, 1864 Book 31, page 581
KING, A J to DOHNER June 5, 1866 Book 32, page 30
KING, A J to WALDEN, E J August 13, 1866 Book 32, page 137
KING, Mary J to CONNELL, J R March 18, 1867 Book 30, page 578
KING, A J et al to CRAIG, John February 17, 1866 Book 33, page 429

PENISTEN, Wm to BRONENBERG, M December 25, 1854 Book 21, page 211
PENISTON, M.J. to PENISTON, B.F. March 11, 1859 Book 23, page 497
PENISTON J W to LAWLER, James January 26, 1861 Book 24, page 53
PENISTON J W to ADAMS, Robert January 26, 1862 Book 24, page 492
PENISTON J W to ADAMS, Robert January 26, 1862 Book 24, page 493
PENNISTEN F D to FOOS, Alex January 1862 Book 26, page 330
PENISTON H M to SLIMMER, William February 24, 1863 Book 25, page 240
PENISTEN Wash to CLARK, S B June 13, 1864, Book 29, page 24
PENISTON H to KIRK, William April 17, 1865 Book 29, page 354
PENISTON John to CROAN, D E March 21, 1866 Book 31, page 609
PENISTON John to PENISTEN Mary July 17, 1866 Book 32, page 267
PENNISTEN W H H to HUNT, Wm A November 18, 1867 Book 33, page 308
PENNISTEN W H H to SHELLY, W H February 13, 1868 Book 33, page 461

WRIGHT - Only searched for Joseph Wright, none found

GRANTEE BOOK 3 1858-1868

ALDERMAN - No Aldermans found

KING, Thomas from DAVIS, George April 16, 1858 Book 21, page 181
KING, Amos J et al from JACKSOn, J H April 5, 1858 Book 21, page 56
KING, Thomas from OBRIEN,Thomas April 22, 1857 Book 21, page 180
KING, Thomas from DAVIS, George April 16, 1858 Book 21, page 181
KING & NICHOL from WILLIAMS A M February 18, 1859 Book 21, page 538
KING, Thomas from KING, Washington January 14, 1861 Book 24, page 151
KING, Amos J from GUTHRIE, William November 20, 1860 Book 25, page 113
KING, Wm M from BUCK, Henry December 27, 1867 Book 26, page 58
KING, Wm M from LAKE, Richard May 30, 1862 Book 26, page 179
KING, H N from WILSON, J W July 11, 1864 Book 25, page 442
KING, Newton from KING, Daniel October 10, 1863 Book 25, page 478
KING, Amos J from WILLIAMS, R N July 18, 1864 Book 28, page 163
KING, Amos J from McKINNEY Jacob July 17, 1864 Book 28, page 164
KING, Amos J from BROW A February 12, 1866 Book 32, page 27
KING, Amos J from SANDERS, Wm May 30, 1866 Book 30, page 73
KING, George W from JARROLL, Joseph May 2, 1866 Book 30, page 75

PENISTON Isaace W from HOLLINGSWORTH James July 29, 1861 Book 24 page 308
PENISTON H M from THOMPSON W A January 18, 1862 Book 24, page 561
PENISTON H M from BREWSTER RD October 18, 1862 Book 26, page 221
PENISTEN Wm B from PAINTER, Geroge March 19, 1863 Book 26, page 550
PENISTON John B from HAZLETT, James July 31, 1865 Book 31, page 211
PENISTON Allen from WRIGHT, Henry D October 23, 1860 Book 30, page 158
PENISTON Allen from HEINE Harris October 17, 1860 Book 30, page 160
PENISTON Allen from JACKSON Margaret October 4, 1860 Book 30, page 162
PENISTON Allen from YOUNG, Margaret February 24, 1863 Book 30, page 163
PENISTON Allen from VINYARD, Henry Aprill 11, 1860 Book 32, page 266
PENISTON Mary J from PENISTON John B July 17, 1866 Book 32, page 267
PENISTON Allen from ADAMS, Robert December 31, 1866 Book 32, page 334
PENISTON Wm H H from THOMPSON W A July 10, 1866 Book 33, page 190
PENISTON Wm H H from THOMPSON W A September 17, 1867 Book 33, page 206
PENISTON Wm H H from MOORE, Barkley Septmeber 28, 1867 Book 33, page 365

WRIGHT, Thomas from WRIGHT, Loretta September 17, 1862 Book 26, page 206
WRIGHT E B from VANCOUN, E J January 1, 1863 Book 26, page 328
WRIGHT John from CALVIN, Robert October 14, 1863 Book 27, page 164
WRIGHT Elijah from COON, Harrison August 22, 1863 Book 27, page 177
WRIGHT, Iradell from HENDRICK, Wm September 15, 1864 Book 28, page 201
WRIGHT, Iradell from Auditor M Co September 15, 1864 Book 1, page 5
WRIGHT, Iradell from Sheriff M Co February 23, 1865 Book 29, page 337
WRIGHT, Iradell from CHEVINGTON, William January 2, 1865 Book 29, page 234
WRIGHT, J from HOPPERWORTH, William October 9, 1865 Book 31, page 470
WRIGHT Iradell from BEESON September 23, 1865 Book 30, page 217
WRIGHT, W O from SUMPTER, James April 12, 1867 Book 30, page 325
WRIGHT, Joseph from WRIGHT, John November 1, 1867 Book 33, 280
WRIGHT, David from PREWITT, John H March 13, 1868 Book 33, page 504

* Though the courthouse no longer has a copy of Grantee Book 1, the State Archives and FHL has a copy in their catalog scanned - something to search at a future date.

Mom's DAR Process - Francis Smalley - Documenting Generation 3

What follows is the documentation that was collected and submitted with mom's application to the DAR through Patriot ancestor Francis Smalley for Generation 3 of her application.

Previously, I had posted about the steps in documenting Generations 1 & 2.

For this generation, the death certificate of Virgil Lee Wright, the birth certificate of Edna Muriel Pierce, the death certificate of Edna Muriel Wright and their marriage application was used as source information.

The death certificate for Virgil Lee Wright was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department as certificate no 1972-C068.  The certificate stated his date of death was March 25, 1972 at Bradford N.H. (Alex) - this was the Bradford Nursing home in Alexandria.  His primary cause of death was listed as hypostatic pneumonia with myocardial infarction and arteriosclerosis - diabetes as contributing factors.  The death certificate states that his place of burial was Parkview Cemetery in Alexandria, Indiana.

Virgil Lee Wright, death certificate no. 1972-C068 (1972), Madison County Health Department, Anderson, Indiana, USA.

The birth certificate for Edna Muriel Pierce was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department as Certificate 97-H664 in Book H-1 page 38, filed on 2/16/1897.  The certificate states she was born February 16, 1897 in Orestes, Indiana, the daughter of William F. Pierce & unknown Penisten.  Both of her parents were listed as born in Indiana.  Previously, I had listed her as being born in Alexandria, as her obituary had stated she was born in Alexandria.

Edna Muriel Pierce, birth certificate 97-H664, Book H-1, page 38 (1897), Madison County, Indiana Health Department, Anderson, Indiana.

The death certificate for Edna Muriel Wright was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department as certificate 1968-0165.  The certificate stated she died March 3, 1968 at Community Hospital, which was in Anderson, Indiana.  Her primary cause of death was listed as pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure.  The death certificate states that her place of burial was Parkview Cemetery in Alexandria, Indiana.

Edna Muriel Wright, death certificate no. 1968-0165 (1968), Madison County Health Department, Anderson, Indiana, USA.

The marriage license for Virgil and Edna was filed in Madison County, Indiana Clerk's Office Book 20, page 187 (1915). Virgil was a farmer and Edna was a doing house work.  Virgil's residence was rural route 20, Alexandria and Edna's was rural route 19.  Virgil's birth date was listed as July 6, 1894 in Madison County and Edna's as February 16, 1897 in Madison County.  Edna's parents were listed as William Pierce, a farmer, and Clara Pennisten, both were born in Madison County, Indiana.  Her father's residence was listed as Alexandria, Indiana; her mother's was blank (she was deceased).  Virgil's parents were listed as John W. Wright, a farmer, and Ellen King.  His father's residence was listed as Alexandria, Indiana; his mother was listed as deceased.  Note that Virgil's mother was listed as deceased, though Edna's had a line through the residence - both mother's were deceased.  This was the first marriage for both of them.  Virgil's father's consent was attached to the application, as he was under 21. The marriage was performed the day the license was issued, June 19, 1915, by Rev. Newton Wilson of Alexandria, Indiana.

Virgil L Wright and Edna M. Pierce marriage, (1915), Madison County Marriage Book 28: page 187; Clerk's Office, Anderson, Indiana.

A birth certificate was not available for Virgil, though one was available for his wife.  Indiana did not require birth certificates until 1907, so filing was rather optional before this time.  When mom was first meeting with the local chapter, it was thought this might be a stumbling block, and they suggested she send off to the state for the long-form death certificate.  In the end, they were able to use the date of birth for Virgil from his marriage license.

If you have any additional information or are connected to these families in any way, I would love to hear from you.

Exploratory Data Analysis : John Penisten (1838-1908)

John Penisten (1838-1908) was my maternal 3rd-great grandfather.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical information I have discovered about him.


1. Vital Records

     John was born December 1838 in Indiana¹, according to census records.

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          The State of Indiana did not require birth certificates at this time.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

                If John's birth was mentioned in a local newspaper, it has been lost to time.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Penisten family that would record the birth of John.  Will continue to reach out to extended family members in hopes that one will be found.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for John, nor do I know the church affiliation of the Penisten family.  Later in life they were associated with the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that John was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          I have been unable to locate a marriage record for John and his wife Jane Alderman.  Based on the birthdates of their children, I have assumed that it took place circa 1868 in Madison County, Indiana.  The courthouse in Madison county suffered a fire in 1880 earlier marriage records were lost.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of John and Jane's nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Until I can locate the specific date of their marriage, I will be unable to search for mention of their anniversary in local newspapers.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication that John and Jane were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          John died March 10, 1908 in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of his death certificate.  Will add that to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               John's obituary appeared in the March 11, 1908 edition of the Alexandria Times-Tribune², stating that he died of paralysis.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Will need to search the local historical society to see if they have records of funeral homes that might shed some light on John's funeral.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               John's tombstone in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Alexandria, Indiana has been photographed³.  A link to his memorial at FindAGrave is located here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 15, 1900, John was enumerated as head of household in Orestes, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁴, as John Penisten, white, male, farmer, born December 1838, age 62.  He was married and had been married for 32 years.  He could read and write and spoke English and rented his home.  He was born in Indiana, both parents were born in Ohio.

          2.1.2. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 15, 1880, John was enumerated as head of household in Fall Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana⁵, as John Penniston, white, male, farmer, age 41.  He was born in Indiana, and both of his parents were born in Ohio.

          2.1.3. 1870 Federal Census

               I have not yet located John in the 1870 census. I would have expected to find him in Madison County, Indiana, either in Richland Township (where his wife's father was) or in Fall Creek Township (where they were in 1880).  Will continue to search in the hopes that they were mis-indexed.

          2.1.4. 1860 Federal Census

               On July 18, 1860, John was enumerated in the Sarah Pennington household in Richland Township, Madison County, Indiana⁶, as John Pennington, age 20, male, farmer, born in Indiana.  The name was clearly spelled Pennington in this record.

          2.1.5. 1850 Federal Census

               On October 1, 1850, John was enumerated in the George Peniston household in Richland Township, Madison County, Indiana⁷, as John Peniston, age 11, male, born in Indiana.  He had attended school within the year.

     2.2. State Census Records

           The State of Indiana conducted census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1931.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

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

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          I have not yet located any military draft records for John during the Civil War period.

     3.2. Pension Records

           I have am not aware of any military service for John that would have made him eligible to receive a pension.

     3.3. Service Records

          I have not yet located any evidence of military service for John.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records will need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention John and wife Jane.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps of Madison County, Indiana will need to be searched to see what information might be gleaned that would be relevant to my search.

5. Supplemental Records

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

Sources:

1. John Penniston household , 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Fall Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana, page 22B, ED 31, SD 3, dwelling 195, family 204; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 293.
2. "Died of Paralysis," obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 11 March 1908; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 17 April 2016), The Alexandria Times-Tribune; page 2.
3. FindAGrave, Inc. FindAGrave.com (www.findagrave.com : accesed 17 April 2016), John Penisten memorial
4. 1900 US census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Township, enumeration district (ED) 96, SD 67, sheet 11B, dwelling 226, family 241, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 20 December 2015); National Archives, Washington, D.C..
5. John Penniston household , 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Fall Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana, page 22B, ED 31, SD 3, dwelling 195, family 204; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 293.
6. 1860 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Richland Township, page 132, dwelling 947, family 947, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 17 April 2016); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
7. 1850 U.S. Census, Madison County, Indiana, Richland Township, dwelling 725, family 725, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 17 April 2016); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.

Exploratory Data Analysis : Jane Ann (Alderman) Penisten (1843-1919)

Jane Ann (Alderman) Penisten (1843-1919) was my maternal 3rd-great grandmother.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical information I have discovered about her.

1. Vital Records

     Jane was born September 1843 in Indiana^{1,2,3,9, according to census records.  Her tombstone lists her year of birth as 18427.}

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          The State of Indiana did not require birth certificates at this time.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Jane's birth was mentioned in a local newspaper, it has been lost to time.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Alderman that would record the birth of Jane.  Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one can be located.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Jane, nor do I know the church affiliation of the Alderman family.  Later in life she was associated with the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Jane was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          I have been unable to locate a marriage record for Jane and John Penisten.  Based on the birthdate of their children, I have assumed that it took place circa 1868 in Madison County, Indiana.  The courthouse in Madison County suffered a fire in 1880 and earlier marriage records were lost.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Jane and John's nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Until I can locate the specific date of their marriage, I will be unable search for mention of their anniversary in local newspapers.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication that John and Jane were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Jane died April 8, 1919 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana⁴.  I need to request a copy of this death record for my files.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Jane's obituary appeared in the April 9, 1919 edition of the Alexandria Times-Tribune in Alexandria, Indiana⁵.  Mention of her funeral appeared in the April 10, 1919 edition⁶.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Will need to search the local historical society to see if they have records of funeral homes that might shed some light on Jane's funeral.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

              Jane's tombstone in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana⁷ has been photographed.  A link to her memorial at FindAGrave is located here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 20, 1910, Jane was enumerated as the head of household in Ward 1, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana⁸, as Jane Pennisten, female, white, age 79, widowed.  She was the mother of 3 children, only 1 of whom was still living.  She was born in Indiana, as were both of her parents.  Her occupation was that of a laundress.  She could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.2. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 15, 1900, Jane was enumerated in the John Penisten household in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana⁹, as Jane A. Penisten, female, white, born September 1843, age 58, married.  She was the mother of 3 children, 2 of whom were living.  She was born Indiana, her father was born in Ohio and her mother was born in Indiana.  She could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.3. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 15, 1880, Jane was enumerated in the John Penniston household in Fall Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana³, as Jane A. Penniston, female, age 37, wife, keeping house.  She was born in Indiana, as were her mother and father.

          2.1.4. 1870 Federal Census

               I have not yet located John or Jane in the 1870 census.  I would have expected to find them in Madison County, Indiana, either in Richland Township (where Jane's father was) or in Fall Creek Township (where they were in 1880).  Will continue to search in the hopes that they were mis-indexed.

          2.1.5. 1860 Federal Census

               On June 5, 1860, Jane was enumerated in the Richard Alderman household in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana² as Jane Alderman, age 17, female, born in Illinois.  This was the only record found listing a birthplace in Illinois.

          2.1.6. 1850 Federal Census

               On October 9, 1850, Jane was enumerated in the Richard Alderman household in Anderson Township, Madison County, Indiana¹ as Jane A. Alderman, age 7, female, born in Indiana.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1931.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

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

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Jane was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service for Jane's husband or father that would have made her eligible to receive pension benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Jane was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

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

     4.2. Plat map / county map

           Plat maps of Madison County, Indiana will need to be searched to see what information can be gleaned that might be relevant to my search.

5. Supplemental Records

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

Sources :

1. Richard Alderman household, 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, Anderson Township, Madison County, Indiana, dwelling 917, family 917; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 158, page 64.
2. Richard Alderman household, 1860 U.S. census, population schedule, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana, Anderson P.O., dwelling 112, family 112; National Archives micropublication M563, roll 277, page 241.
3. John Penniston household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Fall Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana, page 228, ED 31, SD 3, dwelling 195, family 204; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 293.
4. "Indiana Death Index, 1882-1920," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZ7M-KYD : accessed 29 March 2016), Jane A. Penniston, 08 Apr 1919; from "Indiana Deaths, 1882-1920," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2003); citing Alexandria, Indiana, City/County Health Office, Anderson or City Health Office, Elwood/Alexandria, The source of this record is the book 2CH-8 on page 64 within the series produced by the Indiana Works Progress Administration., Indiana Words Projects Administration.
5. Mrs. Jane Ann Pennisten obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, 9 April 1919, page 1.
6. Mrs. Jane Ann Pennisten funeral, Alexandria Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, 10 April 1919, page 1.
7. FindAGrave, Inc., FindAGrave (www.findagrave.com : accessed 29 March 2016), Jane Ann Alderman Penisten tombstone.
8. 1910 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 1, Alexandria, enumeration district 111, SD 8, sheet 4B, 616 South Wayne, dwelling 88, family 88; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 29 March 2016); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
9. 1900 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Township, enumeration district 96, SD 67, sheet 11B, dwelling 226, family 241; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 20 December 2015); National Archives, Washington, D.C.

This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.

Mom's DAR Process - Picking an Ancestor

Met with mom on Monday to discuss the process for DAR membership and talked about which Patriot ancestor to choose from.  

Decided to use Francis Smalley-A105541 as the Patriot ancestor to start the process with for a number of reasons.  One reason is that his line comes through our Pierce line which should allow us to gather the necessary documentation.  Another reason is that Francis' father, Joseph Smalley and Francis' father-in-law Samuel Hutchinson Sr. are both recognized as Patriots by the DAR, so mom could later do supplemental applications for them.  Additionally, it is through the Smalley line that mom has a connection to the Mayflower and Stephen Hopkins, a future project.  So if we can get all of the documentation together on the descent from Francis Smalley we can take care of several things at once.

Mom filled out the contact form on the DAR main website and within a few hours was already contacted by the local chapter.  She has given the registrar a line of descent from Francis Smalley and hopes to meet with her next week for initial discussions on how the application process works.

In the meantime, I'm putting together a list of documents that I'm sure we will need and will work with mom on collecting the birth/death certificates, etc. 

If you have experience with this process and have any advice, I'd appreciate hearing it.

If you are related to any of the families on the line, I'd love to share information and update my database.

Our line of descent from the Patriot ancestor, Francis Smalley :

Francis Smalley & Sarah Hutchinson
Thirsa Smalley & Gurdon Pierce
Francis S. Pierce & Rebecca Page
Edmund G. Pierce & Catherine Groenendyke
William F. Pierce & Clara A. Penisten
Edna M. Pierce & Virgil L. Wright
William L. Wright & Bonnie M. Lambertson
mom

Shaky Leaves : John Penisten household, 1900 census Madison County, Indiana

Found the 1900 census record of my maternal 3rd-great grandparents, John and Jane A. (Alderman) Penisten in the 1900 census of Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana through Ancestry.com's hints on my LeMaster & Allied Family Tree.

1900 US census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Township, enumeration district (ED) 96, SD 67, sheet 11B, dwelling 226, family 241, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 20 December 2015); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

John was listed as a 62 year old farmer, born December 1838 in Indiana, who rented his farm.  He could read and write and spoke English. Both of his parents were born in Ohio.  His wife, Jane, was 58, born September 1843 in Indiana.  She could read and write and spoke English.  Her father was born in Ohio and mother in Indiana.  She was the mother of 3 children, two of whom were living.

Until I looked at this record, I didn't realize that there was a third child of this couple who wasn't alive by 1900.  They had two daughters, Clara born March 1869 and Jessie born September 1870.

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

DNA: Mom's Cousin Jack - Fourth Cousin

Mom's 23andMe cousin Jack matches her on two chromosomes, and matches me as well.  He is predicted to be my 3rd to 6th cousin.

Jack was quick to write back that he took a look at the family tree, and only saw one name, William Henry Summers that matched.  William Henry Summers was the husband of Margaret P. Pierce.  We traded more information, and I was able to view his family tree at Ancestry and confirm that we are fourth cousins, once removed, through the most recent common ancestors of Francis Pierce and Rebecca Page.

Francis Pierce
Rebecca Page

Margaret P. Pierce               Edmund G. Pierce
William H.H. Summers                Catherine Groenendyke

Francis P. Summers               William F. Pierce

Katie ________                     Clara A. Penisten

Glee William Summers               Edna M. Pierce
Mary J. Hunter                          Virgil Lee Wright

his parents                             my grandparents

Jack                            my mom

                               me

This is the second DNA connection through the MRCA Francis Pierce and Rebecca Page I've discovered through 23andme.  Earlier, I had made a connection with cousin Raj through Margaret Pierce and William H.H. Summers.  Raj and Jack would be 3rd cousins once removed.

Note: This post was drafted before the recent changes to the 23andMe site.

Wedding Announcement, Virgil Wright to Muriel Pierce, 1915

"Rural Route 20," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 26 March 1915; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 23 March 2015).

Virgil Wright has joined the "Benedicts," having gone to Anderson and returned with a new wife Saturday. Mrs. Wright was formerly Miss Murrill Pierce, of Alexandria.  A crowd of their friends treated them to an old fashioned charivari Wednesday night.  They will live with Mr. Wright's father for a time at least.

---

Located this announcement of my maternal great-grandparents wedding.  Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972) and Edna Muriel Pierce (1897-1968) were married on June 19, 1915.  Edna was the daughter of William Francis Pierce and Clara A. Penisten.

Apparently, they took up housekeeping for a time with my 2nd-great grandfather, the John William Wright.

My Mayflower Connection

With today being Thanksgiving, several Geneabloggers have been participating in the meme of listing their Mayflower ancestors.  I discovered a couple of years ago that my family has a direct connection to the Mayflower through the Hopkins line.  I'd appreciate any additions/corrections to this line.

1. Stephen Hopkins (1581-1644) and wife Mary (  -1613).
2. Constance Hopkins (1606-1677) and Nicholas Snow (1598-1676)
3. John Snow (1638-1703) and Mary Smalley (1647-1703)
4. Rebecca Snow (1676-1753) and Benjamin Smalley (1664-1721)
5. Joseph Smalley (1712-1783) and Jemima Ordway
6. Francis Smalley (1744-1811) and Sarah Hutchinson (1750-1780)
7. Thirsa Smalley (1771-1861) and Gordon Pierce (1773-1865)
8. Francis S. Pierce (1806-1881) and Rebecca Page (1806-1893)
9. Edmund G. Pierce (1837-1875) and Catherine Groenendyke (1843-1913)
10. William Francis Pierce (1865-1950) and Clara A. Penisten (1869-1906)
11. Edna Muriel Pierce (1897-1968) and Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972)
12. William Lee Wright (1919-1973) and Bonnie Mae Lambertson (1924-1984)
13. My mother
14. Me

Stephen Hopkins has an interesting story, his page at Wikipedia gives more detail.  Apparently, he was previously shipwrecked in Bermuda, and was the inspiration for Shakespeare's The Tempest.  Tried for treason, found guilty and sentenced to hang, sounds like my kind of ancestor.

Gedmatch Cousin : Distant Match but no shared DNA

Cousin Dave reached out to me after seeing a match with the GEDCOM file I had posted at GEDmatch.com.  Though we are not closely related, and shared no DNA, I found it interesting to make another connection.

Dave and I are 9th cousins once removed on the Jewett and Parratt lines. Ezekiel Jewett (1643-1723) and Faith Parrat are my paternal 9th great-grandparents and Dave's 8th great-grandparents.  My line is as follows:

Ezekiel Jewett (1643-1723) and Faith Parrat

Francis Jewett (1665-1751) and Sarah Hardy (1673-????)

Samuel Jewett (1694-????) and Ruth Hardy (1699-1737)

Samuel Jewett (1725-1791) and Sarah ________

Sally Jewett (1749-????) and John Philbrick (1748-1840)

Joel Philbrick (1781-1846) and Sally Fox (1788-1868)

Emeline Philbrick (1817-1881) and Albert Moulton (1819-1864)

Clara Moulton (1843-1899) and John Adam Metzner (1840-1895)

Cora Belle Metzner (1868-1955) and Eli Weldon Haley (1866-1957)

(my paternal great-grandparents)

Dave and I also connect as 9th cousins twice removed. on the Spofford and Burpbee lines.  Samuel Spofford (1653-1744) and Sarah Burpbee (1660-1729) are my maternal 9th great-grandparents and Sarah is the child of Dave's 8th great-grandparents. My line is as follows:

Samuel Spofford (1653-1744) and Sarah Burpbee

Thomas Spofford (1678-????) and Bethiah Hazeltine (1682-????)

 Elizabeth Spofford (1715-1772) and Bennett Field (1709-1770)

Bethiah Field (1746-1807) and Seth Pierce (1744-1835)

Gordon Pierce (1773-1875) and Thirsa Smalley (1775-1861)

Francis S. Pierce (1806-1881) and Rebecca Page (1806-1893)

Edmund G. Pierce (1837-1875) and Catherine Groenendyke (1843-1913)

William Francis Pierce (1865-1950) and Clara A. Penisten (1869-1906)

Edna Muriel Pierce (1897-1968) and Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972)

(my maternal great-grandparents)

Both sets of these families were early settlers of Rowley, Essex County, Massachusetts.