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)

Descendants of John William Wright & Ellen King Facebook Group

Trying to gather information on more recent generations and helping to share family memories, photos and stay connected - I created a Facebook group page for descendants of my paternal 2nd-great grandparents, John William Wright and Ellen King.

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

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


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

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

 

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Today in the United States it is Memorial Day, a day to remember and recognize those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while in military service to our country.  

Looking through my RootsMagic database, I found the following individuals who gave the ultimate sacrifice (undoubtably, not a complete list) :

• Daniel Beals (1822-1863), died in Louisville, KY while a member of Company A, 101st Indiana Infantry during the Civil War.  He was the son of Nathan C. & Elizabeth (Chew) Beals, making him my maternal 4th-great granduncle.
• Samuel Chew (c1743-1778), died in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War while serving in the Continental Navy.  He was the son of Thomas & Martha (Taylor) Chew, making him my maternal 7th-great granduncle. The USS Chew was named in his honor.
• Joseph Davis ( -1777), died in New York City after capture by the British on 13 Feb 1777, while serving in the 1st Regiment out of Monmouth, New Jersey.  He was the son of Thomas & Bethia (Maxson) Davis, making him my paternal 1st cousin 8 times removed.
• Johann Jacob Deutsch (1821-1863), died of yellow fever while serving in Company D, 13th Connecticut Infantry during the Civil War.  He was the 4th-great grandfather of my daughter, Corinne.
• John W. Duffey (1845-1863), died at Cumberland Gap while serving in Company G, 118th Indiana Infantry during the Civil War.  He was the son of Daniel L. & Susanna (Freese) Duffey, making him Eileen's 2nd-great granduncle.
• John Wesley King (1837-1865), died at Paducah, Kentucky while serving in Company G, 17th Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.  He was the son of William & Nancy (Owings) King, making him my maternal 3rd-great granduncle.
• John Cooper LeMaster (1934-1953), Marine Pfc., killed in action in Korea.  He was the son of Donald Cooper & Luella (Gibbons) LeMaster, making him my paternal 2nd cousin.
• Gurdon Lord Pierce (1841-1864), died at Cold Harbor while serving as Lt. of Company C, 112th New York Volunteers.  He was the son of Austin & Mary Ann (Sterlin) Pierce, making him my maternal 1st cousin 5 times removed.
• Reuben Sherman (1845-1864), died at Andersonville Prison while serving in 135th Ohio Infantry.  He was the son of Lorenzo & Sophia (Moulton) Sherman, making him my paternal 1st cousin 4 times removed.
• Frederick Charles Wildt (1921-1944), killed in action 20 Jul 1944 in France.  He was the son of Arthur & Anna Magdalena (Damm) Wildt, making him Corinne's great-granduncle.

Looking over this list, I am honored by their sacrifice and proud of their history.  Though I have the service records for some, there are many in this list that I need to document their time in service.

Edna Muriel "Peach" (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968), Diabetic, 52 Ancestors # 6

The sixth ancestor in 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks project is my maternal great-grandmother, Edna Muriel "Peach" (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968).  She was known by her nickname of "Peach", presumably given to her by her father.

As I've researched her life, it's been relatively easy to document the major milestones of her life.  Previously, I've written about the facts of her life in an Exploratory Data post.  The stories that have been passed down have given a picture of a farm wife who was strong-willed and enjoyed everything from gardening to watching wrestling on television.

Peach with huge cabbage

Grandma Peach was also a diabetic. Being a diabetic means a restricted diet, and especially back in the 1950s it must have been interesting to manage.  According to my mother, Peach used to carry her own food when she went anywhere.

Peach's concerns about her health and the health of others in the family caused some strange behavior. 

One story that was passed down from her grandchildren was that she used to test the boy's urine to measure blood sugar levels before allowing them an ice cream treat.

Sweets were limited in the house, but Grandpa Virgil did manage to keep chocolate covered ice cream bars in the freezer, so he could sneak them without Peach finding out.  Being a diabetic himself, this was a no-no.

Some incidents of what might seem like peculiar behavior by Grandma Peach are actually grounded in her life experiences.  While lifestyle and diet can contribute to diabetes, there are also genetic factors.

Peach's mother had died of diabetic coma in 1906 (at age 37) when Peach was just 9 years old.  I'm sure that the loss of her mother to the disease weighed on her mind as she later dealt with her own diabetes and that of her husband, Virgil.

I've tracked some mentions of her being in the hospital at various times, shortly before her death, but treatment reasons were not generally mentioned in the hospital notes.

She died at Community Hospital in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana on March 3, 1968.  The official cause of death was pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure, but a contributing cause listed was diabetes melittus.

Edna Muriel Wright, death certificate, 1968

The 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge was created by Amy Johnson Crow of No Story Too Small blog.  The premise is to write once a week about a specific ancestor - whether it be a story, a biography, a photograph or a research problem.

The Postman

The first ancestor in my 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks project is my maternal grandfather, William Lee "Johnny Bill" Wright (1919-1973). 

Bill was born 1 December 1919 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, just south of Alexandria.  His parents were Virgil Lee & Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright. He was the only son and the middle of three children.

Though his birth certificate clearly states his name was William Lee, he was known as "Johnny Bill" to family and friends.  His first name is shared by his maternal grandfather, and his middle name was shared by his father.  His paternal grandfather was named John William.  In the 1920 census, he was enumerated as "John W.E.".

Bill was raised on the family farm and was active in agricultural pursuits.  Newspaper articles from the Alexandria Times-Tribune indicate he was a member of 4-H and raised gilts.  The family farm was the same one where I was raised, though by then it had ceased to be an active animal-farm.

In 1934, Bill was certified to attend high school after completing schooling in the Monroe Township schools through the eighth grade.  He would attend high school in Alexandria.

While in high school, Bill was a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H, continuing to participate in agricultural activities such as corn shows, visiting stockyards and husking bees.  He became a member of the executive committee of FFA and was awarded prizes at the county fair.

Bill graduated from Alexandria High School in 1938 and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits. At the time of the 1940 census, he was still living with his parents, with his occupation listed as farmer.  I imagine he assumed he would continue in the family farm, but other forces were at work that would soon put him on a different path.

A newspaper story from 1938 mentioned at Halloween party that Bill attended with his future wife, Bonnie Lambertson.  I don't know if that was the first time they met but I do know that Bill's mother didn't approve of the match.  I had previously blogged about how my great-grandmother had already picked out the girl for him.

Bill and Bonnie were married on 7 June 1941 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana at the First Baptist Church where Bonnie's family attended.  I believe that for a short time, they set up house in Elwood, but it wasn't long before they were back in Alexandria.

My uncle Terry was born in the spring of 1942, the same week that Bill's parents  purchased the home at 610 West Broadway in Alexandria that would be Bill and Bonnie's home for the rest of their lives.  Though Bill & Bonnie made the payments on the house, this purchase caused some consternation with Bill's older sister, as she thought her parents had a house bought for Bill and Bonnie.

Bill was working as an armature winder at Delco Remy in Anderson before going into the military.

Even with a young baby at home, there was a war on and Bill was determined to sign up.  He and my-great uncle Bob Walsh enlisted in the U.S. Army together  on 19 January 1944.  Supposedly, Bill's mother was so upset at this that she tried to get enlistment rescinded, even writing Congressmen to get him out.

Bill served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a LORAN mechanic & instructor. LORAN is short for long range navigation. He wanted to be a pilot, but a heart murmur kept him from being one.  The story Bonnie told me was that at each post, they would find the murmur and he would be under observation for a period.  I found a newspaper mention of him being sent from a radio school in Racine, Wisconsin to Chanute Field in Rantoul, Illinois.  Bonnie told me of time in Biloxi, Mississippi as well.  Both Bonnie and my uncle Terry travelled with Bill at each assignment.

Bill was discharged 27 April 1946 from the separation center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  He returned home to Alexandria, Indiana.  According to his separation paperwork, he applied for an Indiana service bonus.  

Shortly after returning, he began working at the Alexandria Post Office, where he worked the rest of his life. Local tidbits mentioned in the Alexandria Times-Tribune mention "Johnny Bill" at the post office and his quips of humor.  He was known for doing crossword puzzles and reading the dictionary.  He was an avid fisherman, who often took the family to Lake Tippecanoe and later Silver Lake.  I didn't pick up the fishing gene, but my brother did, and still has some of Bill's equipment.

During this post-war period, Bill was active in the local Elks and the American Legion.  My mom came along, and Bill was active with the parents of Clarke Elementary and later the high school.  In 1962, he helped host the meeting of the local 3070 of Postal Clerks and was active in community affairs.

By the time I came along, Bill was 49 years old.  I was his second grandson.  However, I don't really have too many memories of him.  One memory I have is of me &  mom walking on the sidewalk in town and grandpa coming down the street in his pickup truck and taking us to his place.  Another memory I have is that he liked to keep Pringle's potato chips at his house hidden in a nail barrel that had been converted into a table.

Bill died of a coronary occlusion on 9 July 1973 at Community Hospital in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.  He was 53 years old. According to his death certificate, he died at 12:44 a.m.  I have a vague memory of that happening, mostly feelings of panic, perhaps I heard the phone calls discussing what happened.  At the time of his death, I was four years old.

I wish I would have been able to know him.  I'm left to reading newspaper tidbits and stories passed on from others in order to get a picture of who he was.

The 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge was created by Amy Johnson Crow of No Story Too Small blog.  The premise is to write once a week about a specific ancestor – whether it be a story, a biography, a photograph or a research problem.

Obituary of Rebecca Pierce, Richmond (Indiana) Item, June 27, 1893

Recently came across the obituary of my maternal 4th-great grandmother, Rebeccca (Page) Pierce, in the Richmond (Indiana) Item.  Rebecca was the widow of Francis Smalley Pierce.

Obituary of Rebecca Pierce
Richmond (Indiana) Item
June 27, 1893, page 1

Mrs. Rebecca Pierce, widow of Francis Pierce and sister of John C. Page of this city, died yesterday at 12 o'clock, at the home of A.O. Pierce, her son, near Greensfork.  Funeral at Sugar Grove on Wednesday, June 28, at 10 a.m. Services at the house by Rev. Colvin.  Her father moved to this city sixty-eight years ago.

The A.O. Pierce listed in the obituary was her son, Albert Orlando Pierce.  This obituary confirms that her maiden name was Page, and helps collaborate a bit of the history previously blogged about of the Pierce family.

I'm still working off and on on the origins of the Page family - who I believe to be Quaker - and that Rebecca's father was also named John.  I'm still trying to tie all of the members of the family together.  The brother, John C. Page, was a noted police detective of Richmond, Indiana and a friend of the governor, Oliver P. Morton.

The burial plot of Francis and Rebecca at the Sugar Grove cemetery was also the subject of a previous post.

Family Photos Found At Alexandria-Monroe Historical Society

Sorting through some pictures I took at a visit to the Alexandria-Monroe Historical Society, I thought I would share them here.  The society has a nice collection of old local photos.  I'm looking forward to its re-opening in the spring so I can get back there and do more research.

This first photo was taken in 1954 and shows my uncle Terry, as a young Boy Scout at the new Marie Thurston Elementary school.

In the society's military room, this photograph of my maternal great-uncle, John M. High, who served on the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor, was found:

Another photo in the military room was of my maternal great-aunt, Clara Ellen (Wright) High, who served with the WAVES during World War II:

Another photo I found while browsing at the museum was of my maternal great grandaunt, Geneva Ruth (Aldridge) Pierce when she was a little girl:

These types of wonderful photos are great finds at local historical societies.  I'm looking forward to returning to see what other gems I can add to my family history.

Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wayne County, Indiana : Pierce Family

Francis S. Pierce (1806-1881) my 4th-great grandfather

Rebecca (Page) Pierce (1806-1893), my 4th-great grandmother

Stone sans aluminum foil

Albert O. Pierce and wife Sarah.  Albert was son of Francis & Rebecca (Page) Pierce

View looking back towards the church

These photos were taken earlier this year on a visit to the Sugar Grove Cemetery in Wayne County, Indiana.  My mom, dad & I headed there and into the courthouse in Richmond while working on documentation for mom's application for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The cemetery was found relatively easily, and is located in a rural area next to the church, which appears to still be in use.  The church was a United Brethren in Christ church.

I have not been able to determine that Francis or Rebecca ever attended this church, but it is possible.  More likely they were living with their son, Albert, at the time of their death and this was the nearest community cemetery.  From what I have found, there are no surviving records of the early church.  

For more on the cemetery, read here.

In order to get a better picture of the tombstones, we used aluminum foil to help bring out the inscriptions.  I feel that this didn't work out too badly.

Weekend Packed With Family Reunions

This past weekend turned out to be packed with family reunions, both on my side and my wife's side of the family.

On Saturday, Eileen and I attended the Pefley-Lewis reunion at Bozarth's Campground in Lagro, Indiana.  It had been several years since we had last attended this reunion of her mom's side of the family.  This is a combined family reunion that has been held for about twelve years or so.  Eileen's mother was a Pefley and her grandmother was a Lewis.  There were two Pefley brothers who married Lewis sisters, so the Pefleys who were there are all Lewis, but not all the Lewis members are Pefleys. 

Their reunion is held inside, with everyone bringing a covered dish.  There was a table set up where pictures and family documents were displayed.  One neat find this year was that a letter written by Eileen's great-grandmother, Sarah (Peeples) Pefley to her children.  Eileen took pictures of it and I hope that I can use it for a future blog post.  This reunion also has a silent auction to raise money to pay for the rental of the facilities, etc. and holds a bingo game. 

Eileen & I at the Pefley-Lewis reunion

This group was pretty large and spread out from across the country, so name tags were used to help identify who was who.  Also, everyone went around the room and identified themselves and how they were related to either the Pefley or Lewis clans.  This was helpful as many were 2nd cousins or so, and it can be hard to keep track of who belongs to which family.  A sign up sheet to track attendance and update contact information was also kept.

On Sunday, my mom and I went to the Pierce family reunion at Beulah Park in Alexandria, Indiana.  I joked that we were crashing the reunion. Mother's grandmother was a Pierce. This reunion has been held for several years, though neither of us had ever attended.  Mom wasn't aware of her dad ever attending, but we do know that her aunt Clara Ellen attended.  Mainly these are the descendants of my 2nd-great grandfather, William Francis Pierce.  Mom and I descend from the first marriage, while most of the attendees are from the second marriage.

Everyone at this reunion also brings a covered dish and since it was held inside on a hot day that worked out well.  After eating, everyone went around the room and introduced themselves and how they were related, etc.  Mom introduced us and we were very welcomed.  It was nice to put faces to the names that I had collected in my family research.  We let them know that mom had recently become a member of the DAR through this particular line, and I shared some of my genealogy research.   There were six Pierce boys from the second marriage, so there are a lot of cousins.  I was struck in particular how one looked a lot like my grandfather, who was his first cousin.   Because of the age differences, my grandfather was the same age as many of his uncles.  Mom didn't remember ever attending this reunion as a child, but thought they were probably at the lakes when it it was held.

A business meeting was held for this reunion as well, and cash prize of $1 was given to the youngest and oldest member there.  Reports were given of any births, deaths or marriages within the year as well.  The winner of the youngest member was the cutest little four-year old boy.  A group picture was taken of all of the attendees as well and they had a sign up sheet to track attendance and update contact information for the record.

2016 Pierce Family Reunion, Alexandria, Indiana

All in all, this weekend was a positive experience on the family front, seeing some faces who were familiar and meeting some "new" family members.  In addition, there were several ideas on how to host a reunion that can be incorporated into our LeMaster reunion.

Charles Pierce, Alexandria High School, 1936

1936 Alexandria High School Spectrum, Alexandria,, Indiana

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

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

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

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

Exploratory Data Analysis : Catharine (Groenendyke) Pierce (1843-1913)

Catharine (Groenendyke) Pierce (1843-1913) was my maternal 3rd-great grandmother.  What follows is an exploratory analyis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.

1. Vital Records

     Catharine was born February 4, 1843 in Madison County, Indiana¹, according to her biography.

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          The State of Indiana did not require birth certificates until 1907, so no birth certificate for Catharine is available.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Catharine'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 for the Groenendyke family that would record the birth of Catharine.  Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one will be found.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Catharine, nor do I know the church affiliation of the Groenendyke family.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Catharine was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          I have been unable to locate a marriage record for Catharine and Edmund G. Pierce.  They were married May 15, 1864 in Madison County, Indiana², according to her biography.  The courthouse in Madison county suffered a fire in 1880 and early 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 Catharine and Edmund's nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Catharine was widowed less than 10 years from the date of her marriage, when Edmund died January 8, 1875 in Madison County, Indiana.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication that Catharine and Edmund were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Catharine died December 10, 1913 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana³.  The cause of death was valvular heart disease. 

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Catharine's obituary appeared in the December 11, 1913 edition of the Alexandria, Indiana Times-Tribune⁴ on page 1. The obituary stated that she passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Jones in Lafayette Township.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Will need to search the local historical society to see if they have funeral home records that might shed some light on Catharine's funeral.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.  According to her death certificate, the Albright funeral home handled the arrangements.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Catharine's tombstone in the Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana⁵, has been photographed.  A link to her memorial page at FindAGrave is located here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 23, 1910, Catharine was enumerated in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁶ in the John W. Jones household as Catherine Pierce, mother in law, female, aged 67, widowed, born in Indiana.  Both of her parents were born in Indiana.  She could read and write and spoke English and had no occupation.

          2.1.2. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 4, 1900, Catharine was enumerated as head of household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁷, as Catharine Pierce, female, born February 1843, age 57.  She was born in Indiana as were both of her parents.  She was listed as widowed, the mother of 2 children, both living.  She was renting her home.  She could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.3. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 3, 1880, Catharine was enumerated as head of household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁸, as Catharine Pierce, female, age 37, widowed, keeping house.  She was born in Indiana, her father was born in Ohio and her mother was born in Ohio.

          2.1.4. 1870 Federal Census

               On July 15, 1870, Catharine was enumerated in the E.G. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁹, as Catherine Pierce, age 27, female, keeping house.  She was born in Indiana, and could not read.

          2.1.5. 1860 Federal Census

               On July 11, 1860, Catharine was enumerated in the Eli Groenendike household in Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana¹⁰, as Catharine Groenendike, female, age 17, born in Indiana.

          2.1.6. 1850 Federal Census

               On September 9, 1850, Catharine was enumerated in the Elias Groanendike household in Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana¹¹, as Catharine Groanendike, age 6, 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 Pierce family.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Catharine was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service for Catharine's father or husband that would have made her eligible for a pension.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Catharine was female.

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 Catharine and husband Edmund.  Will add this to my "to-do" list of 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 that can be gleaned that might be relevant for my search.

5. Supplemental Records

     A biography of Catharine appeared in the 1893 Portrait and Biographical Record Madison and Hamilton Counties, Indiana¹.  It mentions that her parents, Elias and Nancy (Jenkins) Groendyke were pioneer settlers of Madison County, Indiana and settled about one and a half miles southwest of Frankton.  The biography states that she and Edmund Pierce were the parents of five children.

     Supplemental records available for research on Catharine 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. Portrait and Biographical Record of Madison and Hamilton Counties, Indiana: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States (Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1893), p. 124.
2. Portrait and Biographical Record of Madison and Hamilton Counties, Indiana: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States (Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1893), p. 125.
3. Catherine Pierce, death certificate 1913-H218 (1913), Madison County Indiana Health Department, Anderson, Indiana.
4. "Madison County Woman Is Dead," obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 11 December 1913; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 24 April 2016), The Alexandria Times-Tribune; page 1.
5. FindAGrave, Inc. FindAGrave.com (www.findagrave.com : accessed 24 Apr 2016), Catharine Groenendyke Pierce memorial.
6. John W. Jones household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 107, SD 8, sheet 8A, dwelling 162, family 171; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 364., page 145.
7. 1900 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Lafayette Township, enumeration district (ED) 94, SD 67, page 345A, sheet 3, dwelling 46, family 46, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 April 2016); National Archives, Washington, D.C..
8. Catharine Pierce household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, USA, page 1, ED 23, SD 3, dwelling 2, family 2; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 293.
9. E.G. Pierce household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Twp., Madison Co., IN, Page 32, dwelling 235, family 235; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 336., Page 184.
10. Eli Groenendike household, 1860 U.S. census, Pipe Creek Twp., Madison County, Indiana, dwelling 863, family 863; National Archives microfilm publication M653, Roll M653, page 277.
11. 1850 US Census, Madison County, Indiana, Pipe Creek Township, dwelling 549, family 549, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 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.

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.

History of Francis & Rebecca Pierce

The following is a transcription of the handwritten "History of Francis & Rebecca Pierce" located at the Wells County Public Library in Bluffton, Indiana.  The document is located in their genealogy section in the family files under Pierce.

The document was all in the same handwritting, and appears to have been taken from an interview of India (Pierce) Leavell.

History of Francis & Rebecca Pierce

Written 1939 by grand-daughter India Pierce Leavell whose parents were Henry E. Pierce who was born oct 10, 1833 and died July 1, 1901.  He Simeathy Smelser, born April 10, 1834 and died Jan 29, 1918.

"From my earliest recollection until about years of age we lived within about one half mile of their home which was on a farm.  The frame home in which they lived consisted of four large rooms with a front portico, a back porch covering the well.  They must have been in their seventys when I knew them best.  Their seven children were all married and had families of their own.  William Hickey, a foster son resided with them until he married.

Their childrens names were Henry, Frank, Edmond, Albert, Margaret (Burr Simermans grandmother), Minerva and Elmira.  Grandfather Pierce always called the children by their full name.  Grandfather Pierce was a tall slender man and was rather round shouldered, and was never very strong.  He had a smooth face with the exception of side burns.  He was a cabinet maker by trade.  He was a well educated man.  He was born May 9, 1805 in New Jersey and died ____ near Greensfork in Wayne county Ind.  

Grandmother Pierce' name before marriage was Rebecca Page.  She was rather low (short) and not heavy.  She had very black hair that never turned gray.  She was a graduate of a Philadelphia Academy.  She had a wonderful memory and remembered all important dates.  During the Civil War she would read the war news to people who come on horse back for miles to hear the news, as they were the only ones in the neighborhood that received a newspaper.  She was born in Greenbrook Pa. Aug 18, 1806.

Her own father's given name is not known, but her grandfather was Dr. John Page.  She had 2 sisters and 3 brothers, one of them was John, noted detective of Richmond.  She was a Graduate from a college in Philadelphia, and a great reader.  She had the habit of combing her hair afresh, changing to a clean dress, and sitting, each day, down by the window - to read.  She was an expert in yeast rolls and bread, and they were very fond of tea. (May have been of English origin)

Grandfather Pierce was a great reader, well informed.  After their marriage, they resided in Piqua, Ohio where their first son was born Oct 10, 1833.  His name was Henry Aldred Pierce.  Margaret Pierce (Burr's grandmother) was born Oct 17, 1840.  She was married to Wm. Henry Summers Sept 3rd, 1868.  They were the parents of nine children, Lulu (Burr's mother), Park, Edwin, Gurdon, Florence, Chancey, Mina and Ira.  She died Dec. 17th, 1930.

When the foster son, Wm Hickey, left them, they broke up their home and went to live with son, Albert.  Soon after, they all moved to Wayne county, Indiana.  India says that in all the times she was with them, she never saw either of them out of humor or speak a cross word.  Francis died first, of tuberculosis.  She lived a few years longer.

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At the bottom in another handwriting : Burrs Great Grandfather Abraham Summers Home place was the corner of Wells and Allen County line and 750.
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Henry & Simeathy Pierce lot, Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Indiana

Maplewood Cemetery Records, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana

This is a copy of the cemetery records at the office of Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana for Henry & Simeathy (Smelser) Pierce.  The cemetery is split into two sections, and the section the Pierces are buried in is considered West Maplewood.

According to the cemetery office, many of the records were destroyed in a fire.  Isn't that always the case with my Madison County relatives?  But at least in this case we have this log.

The owner of this lot # 437 is S. Pearce (note the spelling).  In the list of the persons buried in this plot are the following :

Henry Pierce - no other identifying information.  This is Henry E. Pierce (1833-1901), the son of Francis S. & Rebecca (Page) Pierce.

Simeathy Pierce - this is Henry's wife, Simeathy (Smelsor) Pierce.

Frank Pierce - this is Henry & Simeathy's son, Franklin T. Pierce (1861-1919)

Eva Pierce - this is Henry & Simeathy's daughter

These records back up what the monuments display at the cemetery.