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.

George T. Pennisten

From Samuel Harden's "Those I Have Met, or Boys in Blue", Anderson, Indiana, 1888, page 173:

George T. Pennisten was born December 23, 1842, in Pike county, Ohio, and came to Lafayette township, Madison county, Indiana in 1861, where he settled upon a farm.  In the month of August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, 75th Indiana Volunteers, and in common with the great majority of the soldiers of the late war, encountered many dangers and endured much suffering in defense of the flag.  During his term of service he participated in the battles of Murfreesborough, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Atlanta, Jonesboro and many skirmishes and engagements of less importance.  He was discharged June 16, 1865, and returned home, where he as married to Louisa Bodin, May 15, 1866.  She is the daughter of the late Alexander Bodkin, and a devout member of the United Brethren Church.  I first met Comrade Pennisten in 1874.  He was then living in Lafayette township, and the first impression I received of him was a good one, and has improved ever since.  A good soldier most always makes a good citizen; at least this holds good in Mr. Pennisten's case, and I gladly remember him among my friedns and wish him many years of happiness and prosperity.

Believe that this is the George T. PENISTEN, listed as the brother of Isaac C. PENISTEN, killed in a train accident.

I believe that I've also located the correct George T. in the 1850 census of Pike County, Ohio.  This would make his parents Lewis and Elizabeth PENISTEN.

Source: Lewis Peniston household, 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, District 117, Benton Township, Pike County, Ohio, dwelling 1626, family 1626, Ancestry.com [database on-line].

My database contains a Lewis PENISTEN, son of George and Rebecca (WHEATON) PENISTEN, who married an Elizabeth BAYLS on May 1, 1829.  Perhaps this is the same family.  More data will have to be searched.  I have some other PENISTEN data to input in my Rootsmagic database in order to sort it out.

Obituary Omissions

Sometimes the newspaper makes a mistake, other times perhaps the family is so distraught that incomplete information is given.  


An example is my maternal great-grandmother's obituary in the March 5, 1968 Anderson Herald.

Funeral Services Set For Muriel Wright

ALEXANDRIA - Funeral rites for Mrs. Muriel Wright, 71, wife of Virgil Wright of Rt. 3, have been arranged for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Christian Church.  The Rev. Eugene Lamport will be the minister in charge. Interment will be in the Parkview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Karl M. Kyle Funeral Home after 2 p.m. today, and the Eastern Star Chapter will conduct memorial rites there at 8 p.m. today.

Mrs. Wright died Sunday noon at Community Hospital in Anderson after an extended illness.

A lifelong resident here, she was born in Alexandria, Feb. 16, 1897, to William F. and Clara Penniston Pierce.  She was married to Mr. Wright in 1915.  She was a member of the Christian Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Alexandria Chapter 179 and the Rebekah Lodge.

Surviving are the husband; two daughters, Mrs. Clara Ellen High and Mrs. Barbara Webster, both of Alexandria; a sister, Mrs. Nehersta Roberts of Santa Monica, Calif.; five brothers, McClelland, Charles, Eddie, and Bobby Pierce, all of Alexandria, and Jimmy Pierce of Indianapolis; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

For some reason, my grandfather, William Lee WRIGHT, her only son, was not listed at all in the obituary.  Someone who didn't know better might think that he was deceased at the time.

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

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: February 7th

 My maternal great-grandmother, Edna Muriel PIERCE, was born on this date in 1897 in Madison County, Indiana.  Edna was the daughter of William Francis and Clara (PENNISTEN) PIERCE.  She was known by her nickname of "Peach".  Edna married June 19, 1915 in Madison County, Indiana to Virgil Lee WRIGHT, son of John William and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT.  Virgil was born July 6, 1894 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  They lived in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, and had 3 children.  Virgil died March 25, 1972 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Edna died March 3, 1968 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Jackson Conrad CROCKETT, was born on this date in 1823 in Owen County, Indiana.  Jackson was the son of David and Mary Ann (NOSLER) CROCKETT, and the older brother of my Mary Ann Crockett.  Jackson married January 12, 1843 in Monroe County, Indiana to Clarinda GRIFFITHS.  Clarinda was born October 6, 1819 in North Carolina.  They had 4 children.  Clarinda died May 28, 1888 in Bourbon County, Kansas.  Jackson died November 5, 1860 in Sarcoxie, Jasper County, Missouri.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Mary Ann BYERS, was born on this date in 1765 in York County, Pennsylvania.  Mary was the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (________) BYERS, and the older sister of my Abraham BYERS.  Mary Ann married circa 1786 in York County, Pennsylvania to Jacob REIBER.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Jacob.  Mary Ann died May 10, 1859 in Southampton Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

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.

Family Milestones; December 24th

My maternal great-granduncle, John Herman PIERCE, married on this date in 1918 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana to Charlotte Elva HENSLEY.  John was the son of William Francis and Clara (PENNISTEN) PIERCE, and the older brother of my Edna Muriel PIERCE.  John was born July 1895 in Madison County, Indiana.  Charlotte was born in 1901.  John died in 1959 and is buried in the Park View Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Beulah Haines WOOLSTON, was born on this date in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Beulah was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (HAINES) WOOLSTON, and younger sister of my Rachel WOOLSTON.  Beulah married September 24, 1829 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Daniel DEACON, son of Daniel and Margaret (RIDGWAY) DEACON.  Daniel was born May 20, 1808 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They raised 5 children.  Daniel died June 13, 1866 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  I do not have a death date for Beulah.

Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968)

Edna Muriel "Peach" (PIERCE) WRIGHT was my maternal great-grandmother, the wife of Virgil Lee WRIGHT. So far, I have not been able to uncover exactly why she was known as "Peach".

The following facts about Edna's life are known:

• Birth: She was born February 16, 1897 in Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of William Francis and Clara (PENNISTEN) PIERCE.
• Census: 1900 - she is living in the household of William Pierce in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana
• Census: 1910 - she is living in the household of W.F. Pierce in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana
• Graduation: she graduated June 22, 1913 from Lafayette Township Schools in Madison County, Indiana
• Marriage: She married Virgil Lee WRIGHT on June 19, 1915 in Madison County, Indiana. Will post a copy of her marriage license in a later post.
  
• Census: 1920 - she is living in the household of Virgil Wright in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana
• Census: 1930 - she is living in the household of Virgil Wright in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana
• Death: Edna died March 3, 1968 of a pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure at Community Hospital in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.
  

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

• Birth: Although I have her birthdate from other sources, I've never managed to obtain an official birth certificate from the Madison County Health Department. There also is some confusion as to whether she was born on the 7th or the 16th of February, as I have seen both dates given.
  
• Obituary: I have her obituary from the Alexandria Times-Tribune in my database notes, but didn't extract the date! Also, need to search out mentions in other papers such as Anderson and Elwood.
• Newspaper Research: Cursory research in local newspapers in Anderson and Alexandria show that my great-grandmother was quite active in social and civic affairs, and I need to add these details to my research.

Ancestry of Edna Muriel (PIERCE) WRIGHT, Ahnentafel # 13 in my ancestry:

Ahnentafel # 26: William Francis PIERCE (1865-1950); Madison Co., IN

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); the immigrant; England>Middlesex Co., MA

Related blog posts:

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

• Virgil Lee & Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright: Death certificates

• Edna Muriel Pierce (February 7, 1897)

• Virgil Lee & Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright - 1960

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

• Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright - Kitchen

• Edna Muriel "Peach" (Pierce) Wright

• Virgil & Edna Wright with Barbara

• Virgil Lee & Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright - 1962

• 50th Wedding Anniversary - Virgil & Edna Wright - 1965

• Virgil Lee & Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright - 1960

Marriage: Lawrence Spence to Jessie Pennisten

From my research at the Madison County, Indiana clerk's office, I was able to obtain a copy of the marriage license application for my maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Jessie PENNISTEN and her husband, Lawrence SPENCE. Both were spinsters - he was 55 and she was 50 when they were married - first marriages for both. Lawrence had been a career military man.

APPLICATION IS HEREBY MADE FOR A LICENSE FOR THE MARRIAGE OF Lawrence Spence to Jessie Penniston upon the following statement of facts relative to said parties:

MALE
1. The full christian and surname of the man is Lawrence Spence
2. Color White
3. Where born Monroe Twp., Mad. Co.
4. When born Jan 18 - 65
5. Present residence Anderson, Ind.
6. Present occupation Retired soldier
8. Is the male contracting party of nearer blood kin to the female contracting party than second cousin? No
9. Full christian and surname of father Thomas Spence
10. His color White
11. His birthplace Deleware [sic]
12. His occupation Deceased
13. His residence Deceased
14. Full christian and surname of mother Susan Berry
15. Her color White
16. Her occupation Deceased
17. Her birthplace Don't know
18. Her residence Deceased
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? Yes
26. Is the male contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal, or any other contagious and transmissible disease? No
27. Is he an imbecile, feeble minded, idiotic or insane, or is he under guardianship as a person of unsound mind? No
Signature of application Lawrence Spence

State of Indiana, Madison County, SS:
Lawrence Spence 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 24 day of Sept. 1920.
Geo. Winfrey, Clerk Madison Circuit Court

FEMALE
1. The full christian and surname of the woman is Jessie Penniston
2. Color White
3. Where born Anderson, Mad. Co.
4. When born Sep. 9 - 70.
5. Present residence Alexandria Ind.
6. Present occupation House Keeper
7. Full christian and surname of father John Penniston
8. His color White
9. His birthplace Indiana
10. His occupation Deceased
11. His residence Deceased
12. Full christian and maiden name of mother Jane Ann Alderman
13. Her color White
14. Her occupation Deceased
15. Her birthplace Mad. Co.
16. Her residence Deceased
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
Signature of applicant Jesie Pennisten

State of Indiana, Madison County, SS:
Jessie Penniston depose and says that she has personal knowledge of the facts above stated and that each of them are true.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 24 day of Sept 1920
Geo. W. Winfrey, Clerk Madison Circuit Court

Lawrence Spence to Jessie Penniston;
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the 24 day of Sept A.D. 1920, the following Marriage License was issued, to wit:

INDIANA, TO WIT: MADISON COUNTY, SS:
To Any Person Empowered By Law To Solemnize Marriages In The County Of Madison, Greeting:
You are hereby authorized to join together as HUSBAND AND WIFE, Lawrence Spence and Jessie Penniston and of your Certificate of Marriage make the return withing three months, according to the laws of the State of Indiana.
Witness, Geo. W. Winfrey Clerk of our Madison Circuit Court, and the seal thereof, affixed at the Clerk's office in Anderson, this 24 day of Sept 1920.

Geo. W. Winfrey, Clerk of Madison Circuit Court

And afterwards, to wit: On the 24 day of Sept 1920, the following Certificate of Marriage was returned to the Clerk's office, to wit:
Geo W. Winfrey, hereby certify that on the 24 day of Sept A.D. 1920, duly joined in marriage Lawrence Spence and Jessie Penniston by authority of law and of license from the Clerk of Madison Circuit Court.

Given under my hand, this 24 day of Sept A.D. 1920.
Geo. W. Winfrey.

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.

Research Trip

Yesterday I took a mental health day from work and did some genealogy research. I had planned a trip to the courthouse in Anderson for some time, and was also planning to visit the Alexandria-Monroe Township Historical Society. The society is run by volunteers and currently only has Thursday hours which has made it difficult for me to visit.

When I asked for the day off, I had no idea that Thursday would be Columbus Day. The local paper had a snippet about offices being closed on Columbus Day and that threw me into a mini-panic. I frantically searched the Anderson Herald-Bulletin and the Madison County Government pages to make sure that the offices would be open. Not finding notices of any closing, I was relieved to know that my trip would not be a wash out. Other than the three to five inches of rain we were expected, my trip should be able to commence. Only later did I discover that Columbus Day was on a Monday, not a Thursday! I panicked for naught.

I was antsy, up at my usual time and ready to go to Anderson way too early, according to my wife. With half a pot of coffee in my system, I headed down to Anderson and arrived approximately 8:30 a.m. Parking is a problem in Anderson, so I parked about four blocks away at the Anderson Public Library. It's not a bad walk, although slightly uphill. My first stop was Central Records, where I was prepared to give them a list of marriage records for them to copy. There are many marriage records that I simply had neglected to collect over the years even though I had been to the courthouse many times. Perhaps I was complacent, satisfied merely to have the book and page numbers from the W.P.A. indices. Now that I am on the hunt again for these records, I was prepared with a list of marriages that occurred in Madison County to collect.

The employee at Central Records was a very pleasant lady who was understanding and helpful. I'm glad that she did not stress out because I gave her a list of about ten couples right off the bat. One thing that I didn't have on my list was the book and page numbers! I had this stored in my database, but didn't print that information out before I made my trip. My failure to assemble all of the information necessary added an unnecessary step to the process, but the helper handled it in stride. I left her to pull the records and headed over to the Recorder's office to search out some land records.

The Recorder's office has shelves of deed records and mortgage records tucked away in a side room. Fortunately, they will allow you to search the records for yourselves. Because this was not the main focus of my trip, I was not prepared to do extensive research into the records. I randomly began looking for the ALDERMAN family, which I knew was last in Madison County in the 1870 census. I was hoping to find a land transfer that might indicate either when Richard Alderman died or moved from the county. I have been unable to locate the family in the 1880 census, so I searched the decade of 1870-1880. Unfortunately, I did not find anything. Next I started searching around the date of death for my direct ancestors hoping to find mention of a land transfer or a will. Bingo! I found a land transfer between the widow and heirs of my 3rd great grandfather, Joseph WRIGHT, who died in 1919 in Alexandria. Early on in my research, I had written to the courthouse requesting a copy of his will or estate and was told that there was not one on file. Now right in front of me I had the names of all of his heirs in a land transaction. Genealogical gold! I will write more about this find later.

Heading back to Central Records, I picked up and paid for the copies of the marriage records. At only $1.00 per page, I felt that was a steal considering the information contained in some of the marriage applications. The nice lady there was even able to give me corrections to the book and page numbers that were either in error or hard to read from the W.P.A. index.

My next stop was to walk back down to the Anderson Public Library and visit their Indiana room. I love researching in this library, and often have to stop myself from become too distracted by browsing the shelves for books that aren't relevant to the subject of my search. They have a nice selection of local records in book form, produced over the years by the historical society and others that contain information in one place that would be hard to track down otherwise. I especially love the local obituaries and funeral home records. I made some copies from the indices of deaths in the county from 1921-1940 for future research, and was able to find some obituary records. One in particular gave a clue on my PIERCE family, as I am trying to find mention of the young children of William and Clara (PENNISTEN) PIERCE who died. Another interesting obituary on young Mildred WRIGHT who died at age 2 of diptheria was discovered. While at the library, I researched the marriage indices again to make sure I had the right book and page numbers for the marriage records that Central Records couldn't find. Shortly after noon, I headed back towards the courthouse after a brief stop at Rax for a sandwich.

Central Records laughed when I told them I had just a few more records that I needed copied. To me, eight records is a few! Again, had they not been so understanding and pleasant, it might have been a difficult day. They were able to find six of the records, but apparently two records were misindexed by the W.P.A. I will have to see if I can verify the dates, etc. through alternative sources and try again to obtain copies. Fortunately, the ones that couldn't be found were not my direct line.

Heading back to the car to move on to my next stop, the torrental rain began to let loose. We were expected to receive several inches of rain, and they were right. Making my way back to the car I was glad that I had an umbrella.

My next stop was Alexandria and the Historical Society. I arrived shortly after they opened at 1 p.m. Making my way towards the reading room, I met Larry Maple, the President of the Society and we had a pleasant talk. I also joined the society - the $10 membership is well worth it. It had been a couple of years since I had visited the society, but I am amazed at the amount of material regarding local history they have collected. The organizational style is a bit hard to understand, but I was quickly locating records on my family. My big find was the records of the local funeral home have been copied by the society. What an interesting piece of the genealogical puzzle to find out how much was paid for a funeral and by whom.

If you have relatives in the Alexandria, Indiana area it would be well worth visiting the society. They have converted a house into the museum, and each room of the house holds a separate section of local history - such as the schools, military, agriculture, etc. Amazing what has been donated to the society. One interesting stack of books that Larry Maple showed my was just received - school records dating back to 1895 the school corporation donated. I would love to be able to go through those and see what family information I could find.

I spent a couple of hours there, lost in my own little world, until I received a phone call from home that brought me back to reality. It was time to head back home and bring the research day to a close, but the clues I've discovered will give me more to research there in the future. I know have much more to scan into my files and will have more to blog about. Overall, it was a fun day for genealogy!

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)

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

My maternal great-grandparents, Virgil Lee and Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright are buried in the Park View Cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.



Virgil Lee Wright was born July 6, 1894 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana, the son of John William and Ellen (King) Wright.



Edna Muriel "Peach" Pierce was born February 7, 1897 in Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of William Francis and Clara (Pennisten) Pierce.



Virgil and Edna were married on June 19, 1915 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana. Virgil and Edna lived out their lives in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Edna died March 3, 1968 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana and Virgil followed on March 25, 1972 in Alexandria, Indiana.

Virgil and Edna were the parents of three children, all of whom were born in Madison County, Indiana:

• Clara Ellen Wright (1916-2005) married John M. High, had 2 children.
• William Lee Wright (1919-1973) married Bonnie Mae Lambertson, had 2 children. These are my grandparents.
• Barbara Lou Wright (1932-2008) married Robert L. Webster, had 2 children.

Lafayette Twp. School Graduation - June 22, 1913

This is a June 22, 1913 photograph of the graduating class of the Lafayette Township school in Madison Co., IN. My maternal great-grandmother, Edna Muriel Pierce, is the third from the left.

Edna was the daughter of William Francis and Clara (Pennisten) Pierce.

Virgil Wright and Lawrence Spence

This undated photograph shows my maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright with uncle Lawrence Spence. Lawrence was an uncle by marriage, being married to Jessie (Pennisten) Spence, the aunt of Virgil's wife, Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright

Lawrence & Jessie Spence with Charles High - 1947

This January 1947 photograph is of Jessie (Pennisten) Spence and husband Lawrence Spence, with great-grandnephew Charles High.

On the back of the photo is written "Aunt Jessie died Feb. 27 1948. Uncle Lawrence died Mar. 28 1961. This was 14 yrs. after this picture taken."

Jessie Pennisten was the daughter of John and Jane Ann (Alderman) Pennisten. Lawrence Spence was the son of Thomas and Suzan (Berry) Spence. Charles was the son of John and Clara Ellen (Wright) High.

Edna Muriel "Peach" (Pierce) Wright

This undated photograph is of my maternal great-grandmother, Edna Muriel "Peach" (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968).

Edna was the daughter of William Francis and Clara (Pennisten) Pierce.

Lawrence Spence household - Madison Co., IN

The Lawrence SPENCE household appears in the 1930 census of Alexandria, Madison Co., IN. Lawrence was my maternal 2nd-great granduncle, husband of Jessie PENNISTEN, and the son of Thomas and Suzan (BERRY) SPENCE.

In 1930, Lawrenece was aged 67 with no occupation, and owned his home that was valued at $2200. He was married at age 56, was born in Indiana, and both of his parents were born in Delaware. His wife, Jessie, was aged 59, born in Indiana, with both parents born in Indiana. She was married at age 49.

Lawrence was retired from a long career in the military. They had no children.

Lawrence SPENCE b. January 18, 1863 Madison Co., IN., d. March 29, 1961 Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN., m. September 24, 1920 Anderson, Madison Co., IN., to Jessie PENNISTEN, daughter of John and Jane Ann (ALDERMAN) PENNISTEN. Jessie b. September 9, 1870 Madison Co., IN., d. February 27, 1948 Alexandria, Madison Co., IN.

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.