Exploratory Data Analysis: Henry Leonard Wehrly (1875-1924)

Henry Leonard Wehrly (1875-1924) was my paternal great-granduncle.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Henry was born April 17, 1875 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana¹.  The State of Indiana did not require state-wide registrations of birth until after 1907.  Jay County, Indiana only has birth records from 1882.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Henry'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.  The holdings of the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis do not indicate any newspapers of the time period.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Wehrly 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 Henry, nor the church affiliation of the Wehrly's.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Henry was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Henry married Mamie Margaret Salisbury on August 23, 1896¹, probably in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of their marriage license.  Will add that to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

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

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Henry and Margaret's 25th wedding anniversary would have been August 23, 1921.  Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if any mention was made of anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication that Henry and Margaret were ever divorced, but a search of Jay, Allen and DeKalb county court records needs to be done.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Henry died July 31, 1924¹ in Garrett, DeKalb County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of his death certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Will need to check local newspapers in DeKalb and Jay County, Indiana to see if mention was made of Henry's death.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Once I've obtained his obituary, I might be able to identify the funeral home that handled the arrangements and then contact them to see if they have any more records.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Henry's tombstone in the Calvary Cemetery, Garrett, DeKalb County, Indiana has been photographed.  His memorial page on FindAGrave is located here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 13, 1920, Henry was enumerated in Garrett, DeKalb County, Indiana², as Henry N. Wehrly, age 45, Jeweler.  He owned his own home and it was mortgaged.  He was born in Indiana, as were his father and mother.  He could read and write and spoke English.  He resided at 507 Randolph Street.

          2.1.2. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 25, 1910, Henry was enumerated in Garett, DeKalb County, Indiana³, as Henry L. Wehrly, age 35, Merchant of Jewelry store.  He had been married for 13 years.  He was born in Indiana, as were his father and mother.  He could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.3. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 23, 1900, Henry was enumerated in Shirley, Maumee Township, Allen County, Indiana⁴, as Henry Wehrly, age 25, Furniture salesman.  He was born April 1875 in Indiana. His father and mother were born in Ohio.  He had been married for 3 years.  He could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.4. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 3, 1880, Henry was enumerated in the William Wherhly household in Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁵, as Henry Wherhly, age 5, single.  He was born in Indiana, the birthplace of his father was blank, and his mother was born in Michigan.

     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 Wehrly farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Henry registred with the Selective Service during World War I on September 12, 1918 in DeKalb County, Indiana⁶.  He was living at 507 South Randolph Street in Garrett, DeKalb County, Indiana.  His birthdate was listed as April 17, 1875. His occupation was listed as a jeweler, and the place of business was located at 105 N. Randolph Street.  His wife, Margaret Wehrly, was listed as his next of kin.  Henry was listed as medium height, stout build with brown eyes and dark hair.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service that would have made Henry eligible to receive pension benefits.  His father did serve in the Civil War, but I don't believe Henry ever received any minor's benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Jay, Allen and DeKalb Counties, Indiana to see what records might mention Henry and his 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, Allen and DeKalb Counties, Indiana, will need to be searched.  Will contact the local historical societies to see what maps they might have in their collection.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available for research on Henry 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. Wehrly, Blaine & Gladys, "Wehrly & Smith Family History." Report to Wehrly Reunion, New Castle, Indiana, 16 August 1970.  Photocopy held by author.
2. 1920 U.S. census, DeKalb County, Indiana, population schedule, Garrett, enumeration district 103, SD 12, sheet 12A, 507 Randolph Street, dwelling 259, family 260; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
3. 1910 U.S. census, DeKalb County, Indiana, population schedule, Garrett, enumeration district 80, SD 12, sheet 9B, dwelling 199, household 210; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. 1900 U.S. census, Allen County, Indiana, population schedule, Shirley, Maumee Township, enumeration district 12, SD 12, sheet 12A, dwelling 215, family 215; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. William Wherhly household, 1800 U.S. census, population schedule, Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 169, SD 6, page 28, dwelling 6, family 6; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 287.
6. "U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 June 2013); citing World War I Selective Service Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918: Indiana.

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.

Family Milestones: April 17th

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Samuel Pangburn WRIGHT, married on this date in 1845 in Highland County, Ohio to Rebecca Ruth HALL.  Samuel was the son of George and Elizabeth (ROBINS) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my John WRIGHT.  Samuel was born September 22, 1816 in Adams County, Ohio.  Rebecca was born circa 1825 in Ohio.  I do not have her parentage.  They raised a family of 6 children in Brown County, Ohio.  Samuel died February 1860 in Brown County, Ohio.  I do not have Rebecca's date of death.

My maternal 6th-great grandparents, Seth PIERCE and Bethiah FIELD, were married on this date in 1767.  Seth was the son of Seth and Elizabeth (NYE) PIERCE.  Bethiah was the daughter of Bennett and Elizabeth (SPOFFORD) FIELD.  Seth was born September 12, 1744 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  Bethiah was born April 8, 1746 in Stafford, Windham County, Connecticut.  They had 12 children.  Bethiah died September 18, 1807.  Seth died 1835 in Homer, Cortland County, New York.

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth DAVIS, was born on this date in 1717.  Elizabeth was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS, and the older sister of my Thomas William DAVIS.  Elizabeth married to William BRAND.  I do not have dates of birth or death, nor parentage for William.  They had 6 children.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal great-granduncle, Henry Leonard WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1875 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  Henry was the son of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  Henry married August 23, 1896 to Mamie M. SALISBURY.  I do not have dates of birth or death, nor parentage for Mamie.  Henry died July 13, 1924.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, Nathaniel Derby CHEW, was born on this date in 1845 in New Jersey.  Nathaniel was the son of Dr. Ezekiel Cooper and Caroline Bishop (WOOLSTON) CHEW, and the older brother of my Mary Keziah CHEW.  Nathaniel married April 18, 1867 to Margaret H. HEISTAND.  Margaret was born May 1845 in Ohio.  I do not have her parentage.  They had 7 children.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Rebecca West CHEW, was born on this date in 1814.  Rebecca was the daughter of Rev. Nathaniel and Mary (WEST) CHEW, and the older sister of my Ezekiel Cooper CHEW.  Rebecca married December 29, 1831 to Charles LOCK.  I do not have dates of birth or death, nor parentage for Charles.  Rebecca died April 10, 1893.  Nothing further is known at this time. 

© 2010, copyright Travis J. LeMaster http://tjlgenes.blogspot.com

Tombstone Tuesday: William P. and Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly

My parternal great-great grandparents, William P. and Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly, are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.

William was born November 2, 1845 in Preble County, Ohio, the son of Johannes ("John S.") and Barbara (Petry) Wehrly.

Olive was born June 23, 1846 in Cass County, Michigan, the daughter of William P. and Prudence (Maxson) Smith.

William and Olive were married August 4, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana. They lived out their lives in the Salamonia area. William was a mortician, a sawmiller and a farmer. During the Civil War, he served in Company I, 130th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

William died on June 16, 1909 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana and Olive followed on January 6, 1913 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.

William and Olive were the parents of thirteen children, all born in Jay County, Indiana:

• Minerva Prudence Wehrly (1867-1948) married Lawrence Delbert Jackson, 9 children
• Barbara Isabel Wehrly (1869-1930) married Luman Cooper LeMasters, 13 children
• John William Wehrly (1870-1954) married Esther L. White, 2 children
• Orilla Catherine Andrews (1872-1970) married Arthur B. Andrews
• Benjamin Franklin Wehrly (1873-1875)
• Henry Leonard Wehrly (1875-1924) married Mamie M. Salisbury
• Harvey Allen Wehrly (1876-1968) married Nettie Shreeve
• Alva Monroe Wehrly (1878-1952) married Emma C. Yaeger, 1 child
• LeRoy Garfield Wehrly (1880-1883)
• Ida Laura Wehrly (1883-1963) married Edward Scholer
• Blaine Pearle Wehrly (1884-) married Ermina Gladys Ashcraft, 1 child
• Ethel May Wehrly (1886-1951) married William Shreeve
• Martin Nimrod Wehrly (1888-1954) married Cora Burley

Today in my database : William P. Wehrly (b. November 2, 1845)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 2nd-great grandfather, William P. Wehrly.

William was born November 2, 1845 in Preble Co., OH, the son of Johannes and Barbara (Petry) Wehrly. William married August 4, 1866 in Jay Co., IN to Olive Jane Smith, daughter of William P. and Prudence (Maxson) Smith. Olive was born June 23, 1846 in Cass Co., MI and died January 6, 1913 in Portland, Jay Co., IN. William died June 16, 1909 in Salamonia, Jay Co., IN. Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery.

William was a mortician by trade and served during the Civil War in Co. I, 130th Regt., Indiana Volunteer Infantry. William enrolled January 29, 1864 and was honorably discharged at Charlotte, NC on December 2, 1865.

Children of William P. and Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly are :
i. Minerva Prudence Wehrly b. July 25, 1867 Jay Co., IN, d. March 18, 1948 Los Angeles, CA., m. Lawrence Delbert Jackson
ii. Barbara Isabelle Wehrly b. March 14, 1869 Jay Co., IN, d. February 7, 1930 Salamonia, Jay Co. IN., m. Luman Cooper LeMasters
iii. John William Wehrly b. May 17, 1870 Jay Co., IN., d. January 24, 1954 Salamonia, Jay Co., IN., m. Esther L. White
iv. Orilla Catherine Wehrly b. April 6, 1872 Salamonia, Jay Co., IN., d. December 26, 1970, m. Arthur B. Andrews.
v. Benjamin Franklin Wehrly b. October 28, 1873 Jay Co., IN., d. September 9, 1875 Jay Co., IN
vi. Henry Leonard Wehrly b. April 17, 1875 Jay Co., IN., d. July 13, 1924, m. Mamie M. Salisbury
vii. Harvey Allen Wehrly b. December 20, 1876 Salamonia, Jay Co., IN., d. June 9, 1968, m. Nettie Shreeve
viii. Alva Monroe Wehrly b. December 18, 1878 Jay Co., IN., d. March 8, 1952, Portland, Jay Co., IN, m. Emma Yaegar
ix. LeRoy Garfield Wehrly b. August 13, 1880 Jay Co., IN, d. December 23, 1883.
x. Ida Laura Wehrly b. February 13, 1883 Jay Co., IN, d. December 15, 1963, m. Edward Scholer
xi. Blaine Pearle Wehrly b. August 31, 1884 Salamonia, Jay Co., IN, m. Ermina Gladys Ashcraft
xii. Ethel May Wehrly b. June 17, 1886 Jay Co., IN, d. April 12, 1951, m. William Shreeve.
xiii. Martin Nimrod Wehrly b. April 5, 1888 Jay Co., IN, d. February 5, 1954, m. Cora Burley