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.

Surname Saturday : PENISTEN

The PENISTEN surname is in my maternal line.  Variations include PENNISTEN, PENISTON, etc.  The origins of the surname are unknown.


Ahnentafel # 27: Clara Penisten (1869-1906).  Clara was born March 1869 in Madison County, Indiana.  She married January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana to William Francis Pierce (1865-1950).  William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  They were the parents of 7 children, only 3 of whom survived.  William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Clara died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 54: John Penisten (c1839-1908). John was born circa 1839 in Indiana, probably in Madison County.  He married circa 1868 to Jane Ann Alderman (1843-1919).  Jane was born 1843 in Indiana.  They had 2 children.  Jane died April 8, 1919 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  John died March 10, 1908 in Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 108: George Washington Penisten (1813-     ).  George was born 1813 in Pike County, Ohio. He married Sarah Mustard (c1816-     ).  They came to Madison County, Indiana in the late 1830s and were the parents of 5 children in Richland Township, Madison County, Indiana.  The last census record I have for George is in 1850, the last for Sarah is in 1870.  I do not yet know when and where they died.


Ahnentafel # 216: Isaac Penisten (c1762-     ).  Isaac was born circa 1762 in New Jersey.  He married Sarah Elizabeth ________ (c1773-     ).  Sarah was born circa 1773 in Pennsylvania.  They were the parents of 5 children.  Nothing further is known at this time.  


Ahnentafel # 432: George Penisten (c1740-     ). George married Mary McCully (c1740-     ).  Mary was born circa 1740 in New Jersey.  They were the parents of at least 2 children.  Nothing further is known at this time.


Related blog posts:

• Penisten sketches of Pike County, Ohio

• Clara (Penisten) Pierce (1869-1906)

• Marriage: William Pierce to Clara Pennisten

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.

Clara (Penisten) Pierce (1869-1906)

Clara (PENISTEN) PIERCE (1869-1906), was my maternal 2nd-great grandmother.  The PENISTEN/PENNISTEN/PENISTON line has unknown origins, stretching back in New Jersey before the Revolution.

The following facts about Clara's life are known:

• Birth: She was born March 1869 in Indiana, probably Madison County, the daughter of John and Jane Ann (ALDERMAN) PENISTEN.
• Marriage: She married William Francis PIERCE on January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana.
• Census: 1900 - she appears in the household of William F. PIERCE in the Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  She is listed as the mother of 5 children, with 3 still living.
• Death: She died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana of diabetes.
• Obituary: Her obituary appeared in the Alexandria-Times Tribune, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.
• Burial: She was buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

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

• Census:1870 - need to locate her in the 1870 census, should be in the John PENISTEN household in Madison County, Indiana.
• Census:1880 - need to locate her in the 1880 census, should be in the John PENISTEN household in Madison County, Indiana
• Death: Need to obtain an official copy of her death certificate from the Madison County, Indiana Health Department
• Obituary: Need to obtain exact date of obituary in the Alexandria Times-Tribune, also need to seek out additional obituaries in local newspapers.

Ancestry of Clara (PENISTEN) PIERCE (1869-1906), Ahnentafel # 27 in my ancestry:

Ahnentafel # 54: John PENISTEN (c1839-1908); Indiana>Madison Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 108: George Washington PENISTEN (1813-     ); Pike Co., OH>Madison Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 216: Isaac PENISTEN (c1762-    ); New Jersey>Pike Co., OH

Ahnentafel # 432: George PENISTEN (c1740    )

Related blog posts:

• Marriage: William PIERCE to Clara PENNISTEN

Obituary : Lillian Pierce (1902-1921)

Thanks to the the fine staff at the Anderson, IN Public Library, I now have copies of the obituaries of my maternal great-grandaunt, Lillian PIERCE. Prior to obtaining the obits, I only knew that she died in 1921 from her tombstone. A search of the obituary database from the Anderson Daily Bulletin at their website allowed me to find an obituary and request a copy. The staff sent me more - including other local papers' copy.

From : Alexandria, IN Times-Tribune, Friday, August 12, 1921, p. 1

LILLIAN PIERCE AFTER LONG ILLNESS PASSES AWAY

Death Comes to Lovable Young Woman at Home of Father Thursday Evening

Miss Lillian Pierce, daughter of County Commissioner William Pierce, passed away yesterday evening at 5:30 o'clock at her father's home, 4 miles south of Alexandria at the age of 18 years, 10 months and 29 days, after an illness of 21 months of tuberculosis.

About a year and a half ago Miss Pierce was operated upon at the Home Hospital, and for a time was treated at the Alexandria Hospital. Everything possible was done by her loving father to help the young lady to regain her health, but all to no avail.

Miss Lillian will be greatly missed by her parents and all who knew her on account of her sweet and lovable disposition. To know her was to love her.

Miss Pierce, who knew her end was at hand, was cheerful to the last, and yesterday morning called Rev. Herbert Boase to her bedside and planned all funeral arrangements. She selected the pall bearers, flower carriers, and other details. Rev. E.C. Dunn, who baptised her, will conduct the funeral services at her selection and will be assisted by Rev. Boase.

The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock at the family home, and the interment will be at Maplewood cemetery, Anderson.

Miss Pierce is the daughter of Wm. Pierce by his first wife, who was Clara M. Peniston. The deceased is survived by her father, step-mother, one brother, Herman Pierce; one sister, Mrs. Virgil Wright; one half-sister, Nehesta, and three half-brothers, McClellan, Cloyd and Charles.

The funeral will be carried out just as planned by Miss Pierce yesterday.



From : Anderson, IN Herald, Friday, August 12, 1921, p. 1.

DEATH OF MISS LILLIAN PIERCE

Daughter of County Board Member Outlines Funeral Arrangements

Burial Sunday Afternoon

Special to the Herald.

Alexandria, Ind. Aug. 11 - Miss Lillian Pierce, age 18, daughter of William F. Pierce, county commissioner, four miles south of Alexandria, died of tuberculosis at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Miss Pierce called Rev. Herbert Boaze, pastor of the Alexandria M.E. church, to her bedside today and outlined all of the arrangements for her funeral, which will take place at the home at 3 p.m. Sunday. The services will be conducted by Rev. E.G. Dunn, of Oklahoma, who is in Alexandria on a visit. He baptized her when she united with the church. Rev. Boaze will assist. Burial will be in Maplewood cemetery at Anderson.

Besides her father, Miss Pierce is survived by a step-mother, Mrs. Clara Pierce; a brother, Herman Pierce; one sister, Mrs. Virgil Wright, and a half sister and three half brothers.



From : Anderson, IN Daily Bulletin, Saturday, August 13, 1921, p. 1

DYING WISH OF YOUNG LADY TO BE CARRIED OUT

Alexandria, Aug. 13 - Miss Lillian Pierce, 18 year-old daughter of William F. Pierce, county commissioner, living four miles southwest of Alexandria, died Thursday evening at 5:30 at the family residence. Miss Pierce was employed in the office of the Alexandria creamery until her illness. Rev. Herbert Boase was called to her bedside Thursday and she made all arrangements for the funeral, which will be held at the home on Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, in charge of Rev. E.C. Dunn of Oklahoma, who baptized her and received her into church membership while she was in the Alexandria hospital. Rev. Boase will also assist in the services. Burial will be made in Maplewood cemetery at Anderson. Besides her father she is survived by a stepmother, one brother, Herman Pierce; one sister, Mrs. Virgil Wright, a half sister and three half brothers.



From : Alexandria, IN Times-Tribune, Saturday, August 13, 1921, p. 1.

MISS LILLIAN PIERCE TO BE BURIED SUNDAY AT 3 P.M.

The funeral of Miss Lillian Pierce will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock at the home of her father, Wm. Pierce, 4 miles south of the city. The services will be conducted by Rev. E.C. Dunn, assisted by Rev. Herbert Boase. The funeral will be conducted as planned by Miss Pierce on the morning she died. Interment will follow at the West Maplewood cemetery, Anderson. The funeral will no doubt be largely attended owing to the popularity of the young woman, who was the daughter of County Commissioner William Pierce.



From : Alexandria, IN Times-Tribune, Monday, August 15, 1921, p. 1.

LILLIAN PIERCE IS LAID AWAY IN HER LONG LAST SLEEP

Many Attend Funeral Yesterday Afternoon - Interment at Anderson Cemetery

The funeral of Miss Lillian Pierce was held at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Pierce, four miles south of this city, Sunday afternoon at three o'clock, and was one of the largest funerals ever held in that community. The funeral was conducted just as had been planned by Miss Pierce on the morning of her death.

Rev. E.C. Dunn conducted the services, using for his text the 14th chapter of John, first verse: "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in Me." He spoke of Christ going away, and of His interest in His disciples - how much He loved them, and that His desire was that they still believe in Him as their Saviour and Friend. Jesus was going away to be with His Father. He said : "I will not leave you comfortless." How true it is. He has been with us in spirit and power, to comfort us, and keep us near Him in life. He spoke tenderly of Miss Pierce, and how her face did shine with the glory of God when she was received into the church, and how resigned she has been since that time. He felt if she could only speak, she would say, "Let not your heart be troubled, have faith in Jesus." He will not leave you comfortless, but He will come unto you. We can not always understand, but Jesus said, "What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter."

Rev. Herbert Boase concluded the services at the home with a short sermon and prayer. The remains were then taken to the family burial plot in the West Maplewood cemetery at Anderson, where interment took place. The grave was lined with white and pink gladiolas and surrounding the grave were placed over two dozen beautiful floral designs. The casket, a peach bloom plush, was then placed over the grave, when the commital service was conducted as the body was lowered into its last resting place.

The floral offerings were beautiful and were carried by Gladys Fuller, Ruth Osborn, Floy Johnson, Lena Maddox, Ada Starr, Sarah Pierce, Daisy Whetsel, Pauline Jarrett, Nellie Maddox, Virginia Hollowell, Deva Gritton, Marie Pierce, Ethel Watson and Opal Hensley.

The pallbearers were Ruth Schwinn, Mildred Bristol, Ruby Stephenson, Dess Hollowell, Katherine Martin, Bernice Stephenson, assisted by John Johnson and Lyman Jones. The singing at the home consisted of two duets by Mrs. Harold Day and Miss Mildred Dunn, namely, "Does Jesus Care?" and "Will the Circle be Unbroken." Mrs. Harold Day sang as a solo, "Face to Face." Miss Katherine Keller accompanied the singers on the piano.