Descendants of Luman Walker Lemasters & Mary Keziah Chew 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, Luman Walker Lemasters and Mary Keziah Chew.

Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. (b.19 Oct 1842 Shelby Co., OH; d. 18 Nov 1931 Salamonia, Jay Co., IN) & Mary Keziah Chew (b. 13 Feb 1847 Mt. Holly, Burlington Co., NJ; d. 22 Feb 1927 Madison Twp., Jay Co., IN) were married 2 Oct 1864 at Versailles, Darke Co., OH.  

They were the parents of the following children:

Beulah Sarah (1865-1940) m. Lynn Lumas Rockwell 
Luman Cooper (1867-1933) m. Barbara Isabel Wehrly 
Phillip D. (1869-1869)
William Clifford (1870-1922) m(1). Lella Edith Lewis m(2). Willie Pannill Brown 
Mary Elsie (1873-19420 m. Matthias Jefferson Atkinson 
Bertha Fidelia (1874-1922) m. John Henry Yaeger 
Ord Otterbein (1876-1937) m. Emma W.G. Garmhausen
Edith Mabel (1879-1949) m. Henry Christian Meinholtz 
Una Maude (1884-1968) m. Senator Winfield Phillips 
Arthur Raymond (1885-1971) m. Maude Gertrude McLaughlin 
Vernon Walker (1888-1955) m. Helen Louise Garmhausen 


Spelling variations of the surname sometimes included a final 's' and capital 'M'.  Most common spelling of the surname today is LeMaster.

Descendants of Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. & Mary Keziah Chew Private group · 49 members Join Group For descendants of the various LeMaster families who descend from Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. (1842-1931) & Mary Keziah Chew (1847-1922).

 

Obituary : Bertha (LeMaster) Yeager, Brazil Daily Times, 16 March 1922

"Prominent Woman Dies Suddenly," obituary, Brazil Daily Times (Brazil, Indiana), 16 March 1922, page 1; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : 18 Feb 2017 ).

PROMINENT WOMAN DIES SUDDENLY

Mrs. John Yeager Died At A Local Hospital Shortly After Noon Today After A Short Illness

Was Prominent In Church Affairs

Was Also a Leader in Civic and Social Circles - Survived by a Husband and Six Children - Funeral to be Announced Later

Mrs. Bertha Yeager, wife of Prof. John H. Yeager, principal of the Meridian street school, of 604 South Walnut street, died very suddenly at a local hospital at 12:45 o'clock this afternoon.  The deceased underwent a serious operation last Sunday and apparently was improving, but this morning she suffered a relapse and complications of heart trouble resulted in her death.

Mrs. Yeager was 47 years old and was one of ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. LeMaster, of Portland, Ind., and was the first member of the family to die.  She is survived by the husband and six children, Clarence, a student at Purdue University; Mary, Helen, John Vernon, George and Luther Yeager, all of this city.  She is also survived by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. LeMaster, of Portland, and four sisters and five brothers, as follows : Mrs. Beulah Rockwell of Fort Recovery, O.; Mrs. Elsie Atkinson, of Portland; Mrs. Maud Phillips, of Nebraska; Mrs. Edith Meinholtz, of Colorado; Cooper and Clifford LeMaster, of Portland; Dr. O.O. LeMaster and Dr. W.W. LeMaster, of Sidney, O., and Arthur LeMaster, of Decatur.

The deceased had been a prominent worker in church affairs in Brazil for a number of years.  She was also a leader in civic and social circles and in all movements for the benefit of the city and its civic life.  She was a member of the First M.E. Church, a teacher in the Mothers' Cradle Roll class, an industrious worker in the Woman's League, a member of the Evening Choir and of the Home Missionary Society and was also formerly president of the Child Welfare section of the Women's Christian Temperance Union.  She was also a member of the Royal Neighbors.  Mrs. Yeager was a devoted mother and a pleasant and helpful neighbor and her untimely death will be mourned by a large circle of friends. 

The funeral arrangements will be announced later.

------
Bertha was my paternal great grandaunt, sister of my ancestor, Luman Cooper LeMaster.  This was the local obituary in the Brazil newspaper, I had previously written a post about the obituary that was posted in the Portland, Indiana paper.

Exploratory Data Analysis Through 2x-Great Grandaunts & Uncles

Though it took much longer that I had hoped, have finally finished by series of exploratory data analysis through my 2x-great grandaunts and granduncles.  Previously, I had written about my results through my 2x-great grandparents.  My next steps are to move on to my 3x-great grandparents as well as start work on some of Eileen's ancestors and Corinne's ancestors.

Working on this series has allowed me to find out where there are gaps in my research and has added much data.  Now I just need to follow up with my "to-do" lists before my next research trip to make sure I use my time effectively.

Here are the links to posts about the exploratory data analysis posts for my 2x-great grandaunts and granduncles:

• Beulah Sarah (LeMasters) Rockwell (1865-1940)
• Phillip D. LeMasters (1869-1869)
• William Clifford LeMaster (1870-1922)
• Mary Elsie (LeMasters) Atkinson (1873-1942)
• Bertha Fidelia (LeMasters) Yaeger (1874-1922)
• Ord Otterbein LeMaster (1876-1937)
• Edith Mabel (LeMasters) Meinholtz (1879-1949)
• Una Maude (LeMasters) Phillips (1884-1968)
• Arthur Raymond LeMaster (1885-1971)
• Vernon Walker LeMaster (1888-1955)
• Minerva Prudence (Wehrly) Jackson (1867-1948)
• John William Wehrly (1870-1954)
• Orilla Catherine (Wehrly) Andrews (1872-1970)
• Benjamin Franklin Wehrly (1873-1895)
• Henry Leonard Wehrly (1875-1924)
• Harvey Allen Wehrly (1877-1968)
• Alva Monroe Wehrly (1878-1952)
• LeRoy Garfield Wehrly (1880-1883)
• Ida Laura (Wehrly) Scholer (1883-1963)
• Blaine Pearle Wehrly (1884-1964)
• Ethel May (Wehrly) Shreeve (1886-1951)
• Martin Nimrod Wehrly (1888-1954)
• Andrew Frank Haley (1864-1937)
• George David Ellsworth Haley (1868-1941)
• Rachel Emma Pernina (Haley) Hanlin Zorn (1869-1963)
• Charles Wesley Haley (1872-1893)
• Carrie Mae (Haley) Graves Booth Marks (1877-1956)
• Ora Amanda (Haley) Bittikofer (1884-1961)
• William A.L. Metzner (1866-1879)
• Wesley F. Metzner (1872-1953)
• Chester Arthur Wright (1896-1955)
• John Herman Pierce (1895-1959)
• Edward E. Pierce (1900-1900)
• Lillian Pierce (1902-1921)
• Nehersta Edith (Pierce) Miller Roberts (1910-1979)
• William McClellan Pierce (1913-1978)
• Cloyd J. Pierce (1916-1962)
• Charles D. Pierce (1918-1991)
• Robert F. Pierce (1923-2005)
• James Louis Pierce (1931-2002)

Exploratory Data Analysis: Beulah Sarah (LeMaster) Rockwell (1866-1940)

Beulah Sarah (LeMaster) Rockwell (1866-1940) is my paternal great-grandaunt.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Beulah was born September 9, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana, according to my database.  Her tombstone lists her birth date as 1865.  Her death certificate lists her birthdate as September 30, 1865¹. The State of Indiana did not require state-wide registrations of birth until after 1907.  Prior to this date, they were only recorded in the counties where the event occurred.  Jay County, Indiana only has birth records from 1882.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Beulah's birth was announced in the local newspaper, it has been lost to history.  The Jay County Public Library has newspapers from the late 1880s, and there was a book by Rex Betram, "Jay Co., IN Newspaper Clippings, 1871-1877", but I haven't discovered anything earlier.  The holdings  of the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis do not indicate any newspapers of the period.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the LeMaster family. Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Beulah.  The family was  affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Beulah was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Beulah married Lynn Lumas Rockwell on November 27, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana, according to my database.  I do not have a copy of her marriage license.  Need to add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          A preliminary search of the indices at FamilySearch and Ancestry.com did not produce a record of their marriage.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Once I have the correct location for their marriage, will search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of their nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Beulah and Lynn's 25th wedding anniversary would have been on November 27, 1913.  Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of any anniversary celebrations.  

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication that Beulah and Lynn were ever divorced, but a search of the court records in Mercer County, Ohio needs to be conducted.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Beulah died July 16, 1940 in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio².  A copy of her death certificate was the subject of a previous post.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               Beulah's obituary appeared in the July 17, 1940 edition of the Union City Times-Gazette, Union City, Randolph County, Indiana².

               Beulah's obituary appeared in the July 18, 1940 editon of the Portland Commercial-Review, Portland, Jay County, Indiana³.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

              According to her obituary², the May funeral home in Ft. Recovery, Ohio handled the arrangements.  Will add contacting them for more information to my "to-do" list for further research.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               Beulah's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery, Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana has been photographed.  The tombstone reads "Beulah S. 1865-1940" and her husband "Lynn L, 1865-1949".

               Her memorial page at FindAGrave is located here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 16, 1940, Beulah was enumerated in the Lynn Rockwell household in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio⁴, as Beulah Rockwell, age 74, married.  She had completed school through the eighth grade.  She was born in Indiana, and in 1935 her residence was the same place.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 28, 1930, Beulah was enumerated in the Lynn L. Rockwell household in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio⁵, as Beulah S. Rockwell, wife, age 64, married at age 23.  She could read and write and spoke English.  She was born in Indiana, her father born in Ohio and her mother born in New Jersey.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 8, 1920, Beulah was enumerated in the L.L. Rockwell household in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio⁶, as Beulah Rockwell, wife, age 54, born in Indiana.  She could read and write and spoke English.  Her father was born in Ohio and her mother in New Jersey. No occupation was listed.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On May 7, 1910, Beulah was enumerated in the Lynn L. Rockwell household in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana⁷, as Beulah S. Rockwell, wife, age 45, born in Indiana.  She had been married for 22 years and was the mother of 4 children, all living.  Her father was born in Ohio and her mother in New Jersey.  She could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               I have not located Beulah in the 1900 census.  They should be found in Jay County, Indiana.  Will continue to search for them.

          2.1.6. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 5, 1880, Beulah was enumerated in the Walker Lemasters household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana^{, as Beulah Lemasters, age 14, daughter.  She had attended school within the year.  She was born in Indiana, her father born in Ohio and her mother born in New Jersey.}

     2.2. State Census Records

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

          No state census of Ohio are known to exist.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

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

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Beulah was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by her husband or father that would have made Beulah eligible for benefits.  Her father did serve in the Civil War, but I don't believe she was ever eligible for minor's benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Beulah was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Jay County, Indiana and Mercer County, Ohio to see what records might mention Beulah and her family.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps and county maps for Jay County, Indiana and Mercer County, Ohio will need to be searched.  Will contact the local historical society to see what maps they might have in their collection.

5. Supplemental records

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

Sources:

1."Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XZ2H-XVJ : accessed 01 May 2013), Beulah Sarah Rockwell, 1940.
2. Union City Obituaries, Darke County Genealogical Researchers online [http://www.dcoweb.org/randolph/UCobits/1941f.html#486], accessed 11 November 2010.
3. Rockwell Rites Are Tomorrow article, Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, USA, July 18, 1940, page 1.
4. 1940 U.S. census, Mercer County, Ohio, population schedule, Ft. Recovery, enumeration district 54-26, SD 4, sheet 1A, household 4, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 April 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. Lynn L. Rockwell household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Ft. Recovery, Gibson Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ED 54-23, SD 11, sheet 1A, dwelling 15, family 15; National Archives micropublication T626, roll 1850, Washington, D.C.
6. L.L. Rockwell household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Ft. Recovery, Gibson Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ED 132, SD 3, sheet 6A, dwelling 134, family 134; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 1418, Washington, D.C..
7. Lynn L. Rockwell household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 69, SD 8, sheet 9A, dwelling 216, family 220; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 358, Washington, D.C.
8. Walker Lemasters household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 161, SD 6, page 4, dwelling 47, family 48; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 287.


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.

Death Certificate: Beulah Sarah Rockwell, 1940 Mercer County, Ohio

While working on updating my information and completing an exploratory analysis of my paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Beulah Sarah (LeMaster) Rockwell, I located her death certificate at FamilySearch's database of Ohio records.

One interesting clue was that her birth date was listed as September 30, 1865 in Ohio.  In my database I previously had her birth in Jay County, Indiana on September 9, 1866 (unsourced).  Her tombstone also reflects the 1865 year of her birth.  Her husband, Lynn Rockwell, was the informant on the death certificate.

The funeral home was a bit hard to read, but appears to be the May funeral home.  An internet search found the Brockman-Boeckman Funeral Home still in existence in Ft. Recovery, having purchased the May funeral home in 1977.  Will need to write to them to see if they have any records.

Beulah's husband had her parents correct, but didn't know their birthplaces.  Mother's maiden name was Chew, mis-indexed as Chen by FamilySearch.  

"Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XZ2H-XVJ : accessed 01 May 2013), Beulah Sarah Rockwell, 1940.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Mary Elsie (LeMaster) Atkinson (1872-1952)

Mary Elsie (LeMaster) Atkinson (1872-1952) was my paternal great-grandaunt.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Mary was born February 15, 1873 in Darke County, Ohio¹.  Finding her birth record was the subject of a previous post.          

          Mary was born April 26, 1872 in Darke County, Ohio², according to her obituary.  I have not reconciled the discrepancy.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Mary's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible records of the LeMaster family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Mary.  The family was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Mary was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Mary married Matthias Jefferson Atkinson on September 15, 1894 in Jay County, Indiana^{2, 3}.

          Mary's name was listed as Elsie Lemasters on the license, and the grooms name was spelled 'Mathias' rather than 'Matthias'.

          A copy of their marriage license was the subject of a previous post.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of Matthias and Mary's nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Matthias and Mary's 25th wedding anniversary would have been September 15, 1919.  Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of any anniversary celebration.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication that Matthias and Mary were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Mary died on June 5, 1942 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana².  According to her obituary, she suffered a heart attack.

          I do not yet have a copy of her death certificate, will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               Mary's obituary appeared in the June 5, 1942 edition of the Portland, Indiana Commercial-Review².  Her obituary was the subject of a previous post.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               According to her obituary, Mary's funeral arrangements were handled by the Williamson funeral home.  Will add searching for these records to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               Mary is buried at the Salamonia Cemetery in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  I need to obtain a photograph of her tombstone for my records.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 16, 1940, Mary was enumerated in the Lynn Rockwell household in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio⁴, as Mary E. Atkinson, age 67, widow, born in Ohio.  She had completed the 8th grade.  Her residence in 1935 was listed as Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio.  No occupation was listed.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 12, 1930, Mary was enumerated in the Luman W. Leamasters household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁵, as Elsie Atkinson, daughter, age 57, widow.  She was born in Ohio and her father was born in Ohio and mother in New Jersey.  Her occupation was listed as housekeeper.  She could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 12, 1920, Mary was enumerated in the Mathias J. Atkinson household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁶, as Mary E. Atkinson, wife, age 48.  She was born in Ohio and her father was born in Ohio and mother in New Jersey.  She could read and write and spoke English.  No occupation was listed.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 22, 1910, Mary was enumerated in the Mathias J. Atkinson household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁷, as Elsa M. Atkinson, wife, age 39.  She had been married for 15 years, no children.  She was born in Ohio, her father born in Ohio and mother in New Jersey.  No occupation was listed.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 4, 1900, Mary was enumerated in the Mathias J. Atkinson household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁸, as Mary E. Atkinson, born April 1872, wife, age 28.  She was born in Ohio, her father in Ohio and mother born in New Jersey.  She could read and write and spoke English.  No occupation was listed.  She had been married for 5 years, no children.

          2.1.6. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 5, 1880, Mary was enumerated in the Walker Lemasters household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁹, as Elsie Lemasters, daughter, age 8.  She attended school within the year.  She was born in Ohio, her father in Ohio and mother in New Jersey.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913 and 1921.  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 Atkinson farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Mary was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by her husband or father that would have made Mary eligible for military benefits.  Her father did serve in the Civil War, but I don't believe she was ever eligible for any minor's benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Mary was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Jay County, Indiana and Mercer County, Ohio to see what items might mention Mathias and Mary. Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps for Jay County, Indiana and Mercer County, Ohio need to be searched as well.  Will contact the local historical society to see what information they might have on Mary and Mathias.

5. Supplemental records

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

     In 1907, Mary was listed as resident of Section 7, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana¹⁰, living on 98 acres.

     In 1922, Mary was listed as a resident of Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana¹¹, in the biographical sketch of her father.

     In 1922, Mary was listed as a resident of Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana¹², in the obituary of her sister, Bertha.

     In 1923, Mary was listed as a resident of Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana¹³, in the obituary of her husband.

Sources :

1. "Ohio, Births and Christenings, 1821-2003." Index and images. FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org) accessed 18 April 2013, Darke County, Ohio Birth Registers with index 1863-1878 vol. 1.
2. Mary Elsie Atkinson obituary, Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, USA, June 5, 1942, page 1.
3. Jay County, Indiana, Original Marriage License, "Mathias J. Atkinson to Elsie Lemasters, 1894"; County Marriage Returns Collection; Jay County Historical Society, Portland, Indiana.
4. 1940 U.S. census, Mercer County, Ohio, population schedule, Ft. Recovery, enumeration district 54-26, SD 4, sheet 1A, household 4, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 April 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. Luman W. Leamasters household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 38-8, SD 5, sheet 6A, dwelling 127, family 127; National Archives micropublication T626, roll 595.
6. Mathias J. Atkinson household, 1920 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison Township, ED 72, SD 67, sheet 5, dwelling 54, family 54; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 440.
7. 1910 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison Township, enumeration district 67, SD 8, sheet 4B, dwelling 87, family 89; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 April 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
8. Mathias J. Atkinson household, 1900 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison township, ED 62, SD 67, sheet 3, dwelling 63, family 64; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 380.
9. Walker Lemasters household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 161, SD 6, page 4, dwelling 47, family 48; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 287.
10. Complete Directory of Jay County (Portland, Indiana, USA: M. & M. Directory Co., 1907), page 230.
11. Milton T. Jay, History of Jay County, Indiana: including its World War Record and Incorporating the Montgomery History (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA: Historical Publishing Company, 1922), page 197.
12. Mrs. John H. Yeager obituary, Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, USA, March 17, 1922, page 2.
13. M.J. Atkinson obituary, Portland Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, USA, August 25, 1923, page 1.

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.

On This Day : September 13

1640 - Richard CLAYTON born in Boxgrove Parish, Sussex, England.  Richard was the son of William CLAYTON and Joan SMITH.

1685 - James PIERCE died.  James was the son of John PIERCE and Deborah CONYERS.

1687 - J. William CLARK married Mary HERITAGE in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Mary was the daughter of Richard HERITAGE and Mary TIMMS.  They were my 9x-great grandparents.

1707 - Sarah HEATON born.  Sarah was the daughter of Samuel HEATON and Susan HAWES.

1744 - John MAXSON married Martha PROSSER.  John was the son of Joseph MAXSON and Tacy BURDICK.  Martha was the daughter of John PROSSER.

1745 - Rachel OLIPHANT born in Greene County, Tennessee.  Rachel was the daughter of Ephraim OLIPHANT and Sarah Higgins STOUT.

1749 - Judith MAXSON born.  Judith was the daughter of John MAXSON and Tacy ROGERS.

1749 - James MADISON married Eleanor Rose CONWAY.  James MADISON was the son of Ambrose MADISON and Frances TAYLOR.

1762 - Maria Catharina KALTREIDER born.  Maria was the daughter of Duvald KALTREIDER and Elizabeth Catherine ________.  Maria was my 4x-great grandmother.

1778 - Amy ALLEN died.  Amy was my 9x-great grandmother.

1781 - Rachel SMITH died.  Rachel was the daughter of Jacob BEALS and Mary BROOKSBY.

1783 - Hannah WHITE died.  Hannah was the daughter of John WHITE and Rebecca HAINES.

1802 - Jesse BOND married Phebe COMMONS.  Jesse was the son of Edward BOND and Elizabeth Ann MILLS.

1842 - William FAULKNER born.  William was the son of Solomon FAULKNER and Ruth BEALS.

1849 - Joel C. JACKSON married Eunice DAVIS.  Joel was the son of Bowater JACKSON and Jennie MACE.

1871 - John SHIRK died in Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.   John was the son of Michael SHIRK and Barbara FLICKINGER.

1881 - Joseph E. KING born in Wabash County, Indiana.  Joseph was the son of Nathan KING and Anzeletta HOLDREN.

1883 - Lena Leato ORCUTT born in Jay County, Indiana.  Lena was the daughter of James ORCUTT and Samantha E. METZNER.

1886 - Elizabeth RINEHART died in Henry County, Indiana.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Daniel ADNEY and Anna COGER.

1887 - Frank LEE born.  Frank was the son of John Edward LEE and Sarah SWAFFORD.

1890 - Samantha E. ORCUTT died in Jay County, Indiana.  Samantha was the daughter of John METZNER and Catherine YOUNG.

1900 - Nina BOYER born.  Nina was the daughter of Carlos J. BOYER and Cordie Bell WHITE.

1905 - Anna Beulah ROCKWELL born.  Anna was the daughter of Lynn Lumas ROCKWELL and Beulah Sarah LeMASTERS.

1908 - Alonzo Lee LEMASTERS born.  Alonzo was the son of Jacob Lee LEMASTERS and Daisy ELTING.

1908 - James BOTTS died in Clinton, Indiana.  James was the son of Benjamin BOTTS and Frances PUTMAN.

1926 - James Wesley SWAFFORD died in Richmond, Missouri.  James was the son of Jewell SWAFFORD and Maggie SWAFFORD.

1968 - Darius LEE died in Pikeville, Tennessee.  Darius was the son of William M. LEE and Elizabeth BROWN.

1968 - Una Maude PHILLIPS died in David City, Nebraska.  Una was the daughter of Luman Walker LeMASTERS and Mary Keziah CHEW.

Now You Know: The Silver Dollar Came Back

The Bryan (OH) Times, January 15, 1963, p. 3

This snippet from the January 15, 1963 edition of the Bryan, Ohio Times mentions my paternal great-granduncle, Lynn Lumas ROCKWELL (1865-1949).  L.L. was married to Beulah Sarah LeMASTERS (1866-1940), daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LeMASTERS.

In 1902, L.L. Rockwell of Fort Recovery, Ohio, put his initials on a silver dollar and spent it.  It came back to him in January 1937 after being in circulation 35 years.

L.L. operated a garage in Fort Recovery, Ohio for many years, and I assume that is where his silver dollar came back to him.  

I was doing a search on Google to see if I could find mention of the Rockwell garage when I located this article.  Why it was being reprinted as a UPI release in 1963 is a mystery.

Sunday's Obituary : Beulah S. (LeMasters) Rockwell (1866-1940)

Source: Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, July 18, 1940, page 1.

Rockwell Rites Are Tomorrow


Funeral services for Mrs. Beulah S. Rockwell, who died at her home in Ft. Recovery Tuesday evening, will be conducted tomorrow.  Short services will be held at the residence at 2:15 o'clock (EST) and final rites will be conducted from the Salamonia Methodist church at 2 p.m. (CST) in charge of Rev. Dennison, assisted by Rev. O.L. Nichols.



Sunday’s Obituary – if you have obituaries of family members and ancestors, consider posting them along with other information about that person as part of Sunday’s Obituary. This is an ongoing series developed by Leslie Ann at Ancestors Live Here.

Sunday's Obituary: Bertha Fidelia (LeMaster) Yaeger (1874-1922)

Source: Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, March 17, 1922, page 2.

MRS. JOHN H. YEAGER DEAD BRAZIL, IND.

Mrs. Bertha Yaeger, 47, wife of John H. Yaeger of Brazil, Ind., passed away Thursday noon.  She underwent an operation Sunday noon and never recovered.  She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L.W. LeMaster of Salamonia.  Mr. Yaeger was a principal for sixteen years in the schools at Brazil, and also taught in the Madison Township schools.  Mrs. Yaeger was formerly a teacher in the Michigan schools and taught in Portland and Madison Township schools about nineteen years ago.

The deceased is survived by the husband and six children, Clarence, Mary, Helen, John Vernon, George Walker and Luther.  She is also survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. L.L. Rockwell of Fort Recovery; L.C. LeMaster , west of Salamonia; W.C. LeMaster of Denver, Colo.; Mrs. M.J. Atkinson of Salamonia; Mrs. Henry Meinholtz of Alamosa, Colo.; Mrs. S.W. Phillips of David City, Neb.; A.R. LeMaster of Geneva, and Drs. O.O. and V.W. LeMasters, both of Sydney, O.

The body will arrive in this city Saturday and will be taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. L.W. LeMaster at Salamonia, where it will lie in state until the hour of the funeral.  The complete funeral arrangements will be announced later.

----

Note the surname is spelled both Yeager and Yaeger in the same obituary, almost as bad as LeMaster/LeMasters.  The tombstone in Salamonia Cemetery spells the surname Yaeger.

I didn't know that Bertha taught in Michigan, will have to research this as well.

Sunday’s Obituary – if you have obituaries of family members and ancestors, consider posting them along with other information about that person as part of Sunday’s Obituary. This is an ongoing series developed by Leslie Ann at Ancestors Live Here.

Family Milestones: September 9th

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Cornelius KING, married on this date in 1841 in Marion County, Indiana to Mary Ann BARNETT.  Cornelius was the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING, and the older brother of my Daniel KING.  Cornelius was born circa 1815 in Indiana.  Mary Ann was born in 1821 in Ohio.  They raised 7 children in Indianapolis, where Cornelius was a lumber dealer.  Mary Ann died between 1860 and 1865.  Cornelius died April 6, 1887 in Marion County, Indiana.  Both are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  One source states that Mary Ann was originally buried at the Green Lawn cemetery in Indianapolis.


My maternal 4th-great grandparents, John WRIGHT and Anna WARDLOW, were married on this date in 1834 in Brown County, Ohio.  John was the son of George and Elizabeth (ROBINS) WRIGHT.  Anna was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW.  John was born November 4, 1814 in Pleasant Township, Brown County, Ohio.  Anna was born April 23, 1816 in Brown County, Ohio.  They raised 6 children in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.  John was was a farmer and County Commissioner and County Treasurer.  John died June 10, 1890 in Brown County, Ohio.  Anna died October 4, 1893 in Brown County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Wardlow Cemetery # 2, Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.


My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Sara Tira CROCKETT, was married on this date in 1839 in Owen County, Indiana to Peter F. LIVINGSTON.  Sara was the daughter of David and Mary Ann (NOSLER) CROCKETT, and the older sister of my Mary Ann CROCKETT.  Sara was born March 6, 1821 in Tennessee.  Peter's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Sara died March 11, 1882 in Owen County, Indiana.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal great-grandaunt, Beulah Sarah LeMASTERS, was born on this date in 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.  Beulah was the daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LeMASTERS, and the older sister of my Luman Cooper LeMASTERS.  Beulah married on November 27, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana to Lynn Lumas ROCKWELL.  Lynn was born September 15, 1865 in Pennsylvania.  They had 4 children.  Lynn died December 25, 1949 in Jay County, Indiana.  Beulah died July 16, 1940 in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Jessie PENISTEN, was born on this date in 1870 in Madison County, Indiana.  Jessie was the daughter of John and Sarah (ALDERMAN) PENISTEN, and the younger sister of my Clara PENISTEN.  Jessie married September 24, 1920 in Madison County, Indiana to Lawrence SPENCE, son of Thomas and Suzan (BERRY) SPENCE.  Lawrence was born January 18, 1863 in Madison County, Indiana.  They lived in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Lawrence died March 29, 1961 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  Jessie died February 27, 1948 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, John Franklin BEALS, was born on this date in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  John was the son of John T. and Mary (DAVIS) BEALS, and the younger brother of my Nathan Thomas BEALS.  John married Dora FODERA, daughter of Alfred H. and Emily (________) FODERA. before 1890.  Dora was born July 1871 in Indiana.  They had at least one child.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Obituary: Luman Cooper LeMasters (1867-1933)

Source: The Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, February 13, 1933, page 1

WELL KNOWN FARMER DIES

Cooper LeMaster Expires Saturday Night at Home Near Salamonia

In failing health for four years and seriously ill the past four months, Cooper LeMaster, 65, died Saturday night at 8 o'clock at his farm home, one mile southeast of Salamonia.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the Salamonia Methodist church in charge of Rev. Ewart Talley, pastor.  Burial in the Salamonia cemetery.  The body was returned to the home yesterday afternoon from the Williamson Shadow Lawn funeral home where it had been taken for burial preparation.

Mr. LeMaster was born May 27, 1867, in Madison township, the son of Walker and Mary K. (Chew) LeMaster, both deceased.  He was married November 13, 1866, to Barbara Isabelle Wehrly, who died February 7, 1930.  For years he was a rural mail carrier out of the Salamonia postoffice.

Twelve children survive, they being Clarence, Chesley, Gerald and Ord of Salamonia; Bertha, wife of Russell Hercules, of Richmond; Floyd of Portland; Stanley and Freda, wife of Orville LaFollette of Akron, Ohio; Dorothy, wife of Charles Hunt of Richmond; John of Oakville, Ind.; Mary Ollie and Elvin Cooper at home.

The following brothers and sisters survive: Arthur of Portland, Mrs. Elsie Atkinson of Sidney, Ohio, Maude, wife of Senator Phillips of David City, Neb.; Edith, wife of Henry Meinholtz of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Beulah, wife of Lin Rockwell of Ft. Recovery; Dr. Ord O. and Dr. Vern LeMaster of Sidney, Ohio.  There are 29 grandchildren.  One sister and two brothers are deceased.


Comment: Luman was my paternal great-grandfather.  The surname is spelled interchangeably as LeMasters or LeMaster in the records.

Family Milestones: November 27th

My paternal great-grandaunt, Beulah Sarah LEMASTERS, married Lynn Lumas ROCKWELL on this date in 1888 in Jay County, Indiana. Beulah was the daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the older sister of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS.  Beulah was born September 9, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.  Lynn was born September 15, 1865 in Pennsylvania. They lived in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana and had 4 children.  Lynn died December 25, 1949 in Jay County, Indiana and Beulah died July 16, 1940 in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Grand View section of Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Lucinda PIERCE, married Thomas WELCH on this date in 1788.  Lucinda was the daughter of Seth and Bethia (FIELD) PIERCE, and the older sister of my Gordon PIERCE. They raised 11 children. Lucinda was born September 14, 1769.  Thomas was born February 17, 1757.  Lucinda died January 25, 1854 in Enfield, Connecticut. Thomas died March 20, 1832. Nothing further is known.

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth WARDLAW was born on this date in 1818 in Brown County, Ohio.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the younger sister of my Anna WARDLAW.  Elizabeth married John R. BOYD on February 14, 1838 in Brown County, Ohio.  Elizabeth died in Iowa.  Nothing further is known.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Ethel Mabel BEALS was born on this date in 1885 in Humboldt, Richardson County, Nebraska.  Ethel was the daughter of Nathan Thomas and Elizabeth Caroline (POE) BEALS, and the younger sister of my Pearl May BEALS.  Ethel died February 11, 1900 in Hamilton County, Indiana.

Obituary: Luman Walker LeMasters Jr. (1842-1931)

Source: The Commercial Review, Portland, Indiana, Wednesday, November 18, 1931, page 1

CIVIL WAR VET DIES WEDNESDAY

L.W. LeMaster, of Salamonia Succumbs to Infirmities of Age.

L.W. LeMaster, 89, died at his home west of Salamonia, Wednesday morning at 7:40 o'clock, following a week's illness from infirmities of age.

The deceased was the son of L.W. and Nancy (Young) LeMaster and was born in Shelby county, Ohio, October 9, 1842, being aged at the time of death, 89 years and 29 days. He was united in marriage to Mary Chew, October 6, 1864, who preceeded [sic] him in death, February 22, 1927.

He is survived by the following children: Beulah, wife of L.L. Rockwell of Ft. Recovery, Ohio; L.C. LeMaster, of near Salamonia; Mrs. Elsie Atkinson, at home; Dr. O.O. LeMaster of Sidney, Ohio; Edith, wife of Henry Meinholtz of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Maude, wife of Dr. S.W. Phillips of David City, Neb.; Dr. V.W. LeMaster of Sidney, Ohio. One daughter, Bertha, wife of John Yeager, and two sons, Phillip Burbin and W.C. LeMaster, preceded him in death. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Mary Jane Loofborrow of Ord, Neb., and one brother, John W. LeMaster of St. Paul, Neb. Thirty-five grandchildren and forty-six great-grandchildren survive.

He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted with Company C 39th Indiana Infantry, Company C 8th Cavalry, July 21, 1861 and was discharged March 4, 1864. He fought in 21 battles. He was injured once at Dechards Tenn. There are only three others in that company living, William Force of Portland, Peter Stultz of north of Portland, and Joe Miller.

Military funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the M.E. church of Salamonia in charge of Rev. Lewis Fifer. Burial will be made in the Salamonia cemetery.

Comment: Of note is the fact that the name is spelled LEMASTER rather than LEMASTERS, as it is in many records, including his tombstone! Company C of the 39th Indiana Infantry was converted to a mounted infantry unit and reclassified as the 8th Indiana Cavalry. The young son who died was Phillip Durbin, not Burbin. Luman was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.

Tombstone Tuesday : Luman W. & Mary K. (Chew) LeMasters

My paternal great-great grandparents, Luman Walker LeMasters Jr. and his wife Mary Keziah Chew are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.



Luman was born in Shelby County, Ohio on October 19, 1842, the son of Rev. Luman Walker and Nancy (Young) Lemasters Sr.

Mary was born in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey on February 13, 1847, the daughter of Dr. Ezekiel Cooper and Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew.

Luman and Mary were married in Versailles, Darke County, Ohio on October 2, 1864 while Luman was on leave during the Civil War. Luman served as a private in Company C, 39th Indiana Infanty, which was later turned into a mounted unit and renamed the 8th Regiment Indiana Cavalry.

Luman and Mary lived out their lives in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana in the village of Salamonia. Mary died February 22, 1927 in Salamonia, and Luman followed on November 18, 1931.

Luman and Mary were the parents of ten children, most of whom were born in Jay County, Indiana:

• Beulah Sarah LeMasters (1866-1940) married Lynn Lumas Rockwell, had 4 children.
• Luman Cooper LeMasters (1867-1933) married Barbara Isabelle Wehrly, had 13 children. They are my great-grandparents.
• Phillip D. LeMasters (1869-1869) was about four months old when he died.
• William Clifford LeMasters (1871-1922) married Lella Edith Lewis, had 4 children.
• Mary Elsie LeMasters (1872-1942) married Matthias J. Atkinson, had 1 child.
• Bertha Fidelia LeMasters (1874-1922) married John Henry Yaeger, had 6 children.
• Ord Otterbein LeMasters (1876-1937) married Emma W.G. Garmhausen, had 1 child.
• Edith Mabel LeMasters (1879-1949) married Henry Meinholtz, had 4 children.
• Una Maude LeMasters (1884-1968) married Senator Winfield Phillips, had 2 children.
• Arthur Raymond LeMasters (1885-1971) married Maude Gertrude McLaughlin, had 1 child.
• Vernon Walker LeMasters (1888-1955) married Helene Garmhausen, had 2 children.

The tombstone photograph was taken by me on March 26, 2009.

Local Men Active At Assembly: Rock, Bailey Attend: Lambertson To Be Doorkeeper

Source: Anderson Daily Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana, Wednesday, January 7, 1959, page 1.

Local Men Active At Assembly

Rock, Bailey Attend; Lambertson To Be Doorkeeper

Madison County's Democratic members of the Indiana 1959 General Assembly will be sworn into office tomorrow, and most of them reported to the state capitol this forenoon for a preliminary rehearsal arranged for state representatives. A number of local Democrats will attend the Assembly opening Thursday.

State Rep. Robert Rock and State Rep. J.J. Bailey, both of Anderson, reported at the state capitol at 11 a.m. today for a rehearsal session to prepare for tomorrow's opening.

Other Democrat members of the State Legislature from this area who will report for tomorrow's Assembly opening are as follows:

John Kirkpatrick, Fortville, joint representative from Hancock and Madison counties.

Melvin Watson, Greenfield, joint senator from Henry, Madison and Hancock counties.

George McDermott, Alexandria, a Republican, is a holdover member of the state senate.

The only appointment confirmed thus far from Madison county for a post in the General Assembly is that of Robert Lambertson, Alexandria, as doorkeeper. Mr. Lambertson is Democratic chairman in Pct. 5 Monroe Twp. His wife is Mary Lambertson, clerk in the County Planning office.

Reps. Rock and Bailey are making plans for preparing a measure for presentation before the General Assembly that would assure protection for property owners against sale of their property for delinquent taxes unless they have been notified. The bill is designed to assure owners have knowledge of a contemplated sale and to prevent loss of homes through sale for taxes.

A number of prominent local Democrats will attend the Assembly opening, including Mayor Ralph R. Ferguson and others.