Exploratory Data Analysis: Pauline (Lambertson) VanNess (1908-1992)

Pauline (Lambertson) Van Ness (1908-1992) was my maternal great-grandaunt.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Pauline was born May 16, 1908 in Hamilton County, Indiana¹. She was a twin to her brother, Paul. I do not yet have a copy of her birth certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.  Her obituary listed her place of birth as Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana²
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          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of Pauline's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible records for the Lambertson 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 a baptismal record for Pauline, though I do not know the church affiliation of the family at this time.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Pauline was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Pauline was married on May 10, 1923 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana to Forrest Van Ness.  I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to search out mention of their wedding in contemporary newspapers on my next research trip.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Will need to search out contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of their wedding anniversary.  Their 25th anniversary would have been May 10, 1948, and their 50th would have been May 10, 1973.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication that Pauline and Forrest were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Pauline died May 26, 1992 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana².  I do not 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

               Pauline's obituary appeared in the Anderson, Indiana Herald Bulletin on May 28, 1992².

               I need to search other local newspapers, particularly in Elwood, to see if her obituary was also published there.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               According to her obituary, arrangements were handled by the Dunnichay Funeral Home in Elwood, Indiana².  Will need to contact the funeral home to see what records they might hold that can add to my research.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               Pauline was buried at the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Indiana.  I do not have a photograph of her tombstone.  Will add this to my "to-do" list of research items.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 26, 1940, Pauline was enumerated in the Forrest Van Ness household in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana³, as Pauline Van Ness, age 31, born in Indiana.  She had attended school through the 8th grade.  Her residence in 1935 was the same location.  No occupation was listed.  Living in the household were husband, Forrest, age 35, born in Indiana; and children Forrest, age 15; Robert, age 13; Joyce, age 11; Patricia, age 9; Eugene, age 8; and Caroline, age 6; all of whom were born in Indiana.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 11, 1930, Pauline was enumerated in the Forrest Van Ness Sr. household in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana⁴, as Pauline Van Ness, age 21, born in Indiana.  She was aged 16 at her first marriage.  She could read and write, spoke English, and listed no occupation.  Both of her parents were born in Indiana.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 14, 1920, Pauline was enumerated in the Charles W. Lambertson household in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana⁵, as Pauline Lambertson, daughter, age 11, born Indiana.  She was attending school and could read and write.  Her father was born in Ohio and her mother was born in Indiana.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 23, 1910, Pauline was enumerated in the Charles Lambertson household in Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana⁶, as Pauline Lambertson, daughter, age 1 1/2, born in Indiana.  Both her parents were listed as being born in Indiana.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purpose of determining legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

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

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Pauline was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by father or husband that would have made Pauline eligible to receive a military pension.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Pauline was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Miami, Howard and Madison Counties, Indiana to see what records might mention Pauline.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Miami County, Indiana published plat maps in 1936 and 1940 that might be relevant to my research.

          Howard County, Indiana published plat maps in 1937 and 1949 that might be relevant to my research.

          Madison County, Indiana published plat maps in 1940, 1949, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1969 and 1970 that might be relevant to my research.

5. Supplemental records

     Supplemental records available for research for Pauline include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.   Will add these to my "to-do" list for future research trips.

Sources:

1. Beals, John, Chronology of the Beals Family, Butler Printing House, Noblesville, Indiana, 1912, page 50.
2. Obituary of Pauline Van Ness, Anderson Herald-Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana, May 28, 1992.
3. 1940 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, 1st Ward, Elwood, enumeration district 48-60, SD 11, sheet 16B, dwelling 500, family 375; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 February 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. Forrest Van Ness Sr. household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison County, Indiana, USA, ED 48-47, SD 5, sheet 15B, dwelling 325, family 380; National Archives micropublication T626.      
5. Charles W. Lambertson household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison County, Indiana, USA, ED 138, SD 84, sheet 6, dwelling 138, family 143; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449.
6. Charles Lambertson household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Hamilton County, Indiana, Jackson Township, ED 104, SD 9, sheet 6, dwelling 156, family 158; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 353.



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 : May 26

1712 - John PHILBRICK born in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire.  John was the son of Thomas PHILBRICK and Abigail ________.  John was my 6x-great grandfather.


1726 - Catherine Maria KAHRE born in Broderhausen, Westphalia.  Catherine was the daughter of Johann Jurgen KAHRE and Anna Katherine STEINMEIER.


1756 - William FESSENDEN died in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  William was the son of Nicholas FESSENDEN and Margaret CHENEY.  William was my 8x-great grandfather.


1758 - Michael SHIRK born.  Michael was the son of Ulrich SCHERCH and Anna SWARR.


1760 - Isaak GROENENDYKE born in Kingston, Middlesex County, New Jersey.  Isaak was the son of Johannes GROENENDYKE and Sarah Ann LAKE.


1828 - William Robinson YOUNG born.  William was the son of Phillip YOUNG and Keziah CURTIS.


1857 - George W. HEATON born in Iowa.  George was the son of Alexander S. HEATON and Jemima SHAW.


1888 - John DAVIS died.  John was the son of Ananias DAVIS and Rebecca CLAYTON.


1891 - Alonzo H. MORRISTON died.  Alonzo was the son of Alonzo T. MORRISTON and Rebecca A. WAMSLEY.


1992 - Pauline VAN NESS died in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Pauline was the daughter of Charles Wilson LAMBERTSON and Pearl May BEALS.

Family Milestones: May 16th

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Mary HAINES, married on this date in 1822 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey to Benjamin DAVIS, son of David and Martha (COLES) DAVIS.  Mary was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Mary was born July 10, 1784 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Benjamin was born November 28, 1776 in Waterford Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Benjamin died March 20, 1843 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Mary died December 14, 1843 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 2nd-great grandfather, George Washington HALEY, was born on this date in 1840 in Hardin County, Ohio.  George was the son of George J. and Rachel (GARY) HALEY.  George married October 14, 1862 in Ashland County, Ohio to Mary Jane SHERRICK, daughter of David and Susan (JACOBS) SHERRICK.  Mary was born January 13, 1844 in Ashland County, Ohio.  They lived in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana and had 7 children.  Mary died January 15, 1916 in Jay County, Indiana.  George died December 16, 1892 in Jay County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal great-granduncle, Paul LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1908 in Hamilton County, Indiana.  Paul was the son of Charles Wilson and Pearl May (BEALS) LAMBERTSON, and the younger brother of my Clemon Beals LAMBERTSON.  Paul married in 1929 in South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana to Goldie R. LAYCOCK, daughter of Joe and Mary (JORDAN) LAYCOCK.  Goldie was born May 5, 1909.  They lived in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana and raised 2 daughters.  Goldie died March 28, 1994 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Paul died May 18, 1994 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana. Both are buried in Sunset Memorial Garden, Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal great-grandaunt, Pauline LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1908 in Hamilton County, Indiana.  Pauline was the daughter of Charles Wilson and Pearl May (BEALS) LAMBERTSON, and the younger brother of my Clemon Beals LAMBERTSON.  Pauline married May 10, 1923 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana to Forrest VAN NESS.  Forrest was born May 4, 1904 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  They lived in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana and raised 6 children.  Forrest died June 3, 1989 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Pauline died May 26, 1992 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great granduncle, Ulrich SHIRK, was born on this date in 1751.  Ulrich was the son of Ulrich and Anna (SWARR) SCHERCH, and the older brother of my David SHIRK.  Ulrich married Maria EBERLY.  Maria was born December 12, 1759 and died June 6, 1831.  Ulrich died May 14, 1842.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Family Milestones: May 10th

My maternal great-grandaunt, Pauline LAMBERTSON and Forrest VAN NESS were married on this date in 1923 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Pauline was the daughter of Charles Wilson and Pearl May (BEALS) LAMBERTSON, and the younger sister of my Clemon LAMBERTSON.  Pauline was born May 16, 1908 in Hamilton County, Indiana.  Forrest was born May 4, 1904 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  They had 6 children and lived in Elwood.  Forrest died June 3, 1989 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Pauline died May 26, 1992 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 3rd-great grandfather, Albert MOULTON, was born on this date in 1819 in Rutland County, Vermont.  Albert was the son of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON.  Albert married in 1848 to Emeline PHILBRICK, daughter of Joel and Sally (FOX) PHILBRICK.  Emeline was born in 1820.  They had 2 daughters.  Albert went west to California during the Gold Rush period, and last known record is believed to be the 1850 census of Placerville, El Dorado County, California.  One source has him dying May 18, 1864.  Emeline died January 16, 1881, probably Newton County, Indiana.


My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Beulah HAINES, was born on this date in 1787 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Beulah was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Beulah married on April 24, 1813 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Joseph DEACON, son of William and Elizabeth (ROGERS) DEACON.  Joseph was born June 1, 1774.  They had 10 children.  Joseph died November 17, 1855 near Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey.  Beulah died January 5, 1832 in Burlington County, New Jersey.