Marriage: Thomas Groendyke to Hettie Ballard

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Thomas GROENENDYKE, married his second wife,  Hettie BALLARD on December 20, 1899 in Madison County, Indiana.  The license records the surname as GROENDYKE.  

Thomas was born October 2, 1852 near Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the son of Elias and Nancy (JENKINS) GROENENDYKE.  His first wife, Emily SMITH, had died in 1895.  Hettie BALLARD was born March 1865 in Indiana.  I do not know who her parents were at this time.  She was previously married to J.U. THOMAS.


Thomas died November 25, 1944 in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not know where Hettie died.  The last record I have for her is the 1920 census.  They were living in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: December 10th

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Albert Orlando PIERCE, married on this date in 1863 in Wayne County, Indiana to Elizabeth Williams PIKE.  Albert was the son of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (WILLIAMS) PIKE.  Albert was born June 2, 1839 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Elizabeth was born circa 1844 in Indiana.  They lived in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana and Clay Township, Wayne County, Indiana.  They had 5 children.   Elizabeth died on March 25, 1883 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Albert remarried to Sarah S. WILSON.  Albert died in 1920.

My paternal 4th-great grandfather, Rev. Nathaniel CHEW, married on this date in 1848 in Iowa to Nancy MOSIER.  The marriage probably took place in Mahaska County, Iowa.   I do not have birth and death information for Nancy.  Nathaniel was born November 10, 1786 in Gloucester County, New Jersey, the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (SPRINGER) CHEW.  Nathaniel died January 24, 1866 in Mahaska County, Iowa.

My maternal 7th-great grandparents, Samuel HEATON and Susan HAWES, were married on this date in 1706 in Wrentham, Massachusetts.  Samuel was the son of Nathaniel HEATON.  Susan was the daughter of John and Sarah (DEERING) HAWES.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Susan. They had 9 children.  Samuel was born November 28, 1761 in Wrentham, Massachusetts.  Samuel died between 1735 and 1737.

Marriage: Joseph Wright to Dorothy Palmer

My maternal 3rd-great grandfather, Joseph WRIGHT and his second wife, Dorothy PALMER, were married on April 11, 1891 in Madison County, Indiana.  The marriage license has her name spelled as Dortha PARMER, but other sources, including an obituary, have her surname as PALMER.

Joseph was born April 1838 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (WARDLOW) WRIGHT.  His first wife, Rebecca HEATON, had died in 1890.  Dorothy was born either June 1837 in Pennsylvania (per census) or June 27, 1847 in Parkersburg, WV (per obituary), the daughter of George and Mary (________) PALMER.  Joseph died September 16, 1919 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Dorothy died March 4, 1926 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

According to her obituary, Dorothy had moved to Ohio as a young girl with her parents.  At the time of her death, two sisters lived in Brown County, Ohio, where Joseph was originally from.  It is possible that they may have known each other back in Ohio.

Family Milestones: December 9th

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Cornelius SUTTON, married on this date in 1806 in Warren County, Ohio to Judith BABCOCK.  Cornelius was the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (APPLEGATE) SUTTON, and the younger brother of my Sarah SUTTON.  Cornelius was born June 20, 1780 in New Jersey.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Judith.  Cornelius died August 30, 1859 in Jackson Township, Randolph County, Indiana.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: December 1969

These photographs were in an album owned by my father, and they show members of the extended family in December 1969.  Someone must have had a G.I. Joe Christmas that year, and everyone seems to be getting into the act.

The photo above is of my cousin, Jim Coats, giving the 'victory' sign.  I believe that all of these photographs were taken at Grandma LeMaster's house in Portland, Indiana.  

My cousin, Donna Coats, Jim's sister, was into the act, although not as involved as the others.  This chair must have been the popular spot for photos that year.

 

Cousin Rick Steigerwalt looks decked out and ready for for war, with a smile on his face.  I wonder what is in the package beside him?

Rick's brother, Mark Steigerwalt, is ready to launch a grenade onto the unsuspecting Christmas revelers.

 

Not sure if uncle Vic LeMaster is surrendering or on a suicide mission, but Sgt. York he isn't.

Looking back 40 years at these photographs, I find it interesting the toys that must have been popular, at least in my family, at the time.  This was during the height of the Vietnam War, and I wonder today how many kids will have military items under their tree this year. 

 

Family Milestones: December 8th

My paternal 6th-great grandparents, Thomas William DAVIS and Tacy CRANDALL, were married on this date in 1737 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Thomas was the son of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS.  Tacy was the daughter of John and Mary (________) CRANDALL.  Thomas was born May 15, 1719 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Tacy was born circa 1720 in Westerly.  After their marriage, they moved their family to Monongalia County, Virginia.  Thomas died July 15, 1791 at White Day Creek, Monongalia County, Virginia.  Tacy died June 1, 1795 at White Day Creek, Monongalia County, Virginia.  

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, William F. METZNER, married on this date in 1867 to Mary Ann HALEY in Jay County, Indiana.  William was the son of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER, and the younger brother of my John Adam METZNER.  Mary was the daughter of Sebastian and Lydia (RADER) HALEY.  William was born January 6, 1844 in Licking County, Ohio.  Mary was born in 1846.  They raised a family of 8 children in Bearcreek Township, Jay County, Indiana.  William died in 1929 and Mary in 1926. They are buried in the Gravel Hill Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, John RAINS, was born on this date in 1787.  John was the son of Anthony and Nancy (GRAHAM) RAINS, and the older brother of my Elizabeth RAINS.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Mary Jane KING, was born on this date in 1849 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  Mary was the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (KING) SHAW, and the older sister of my Ellen KING.  Mary married Leroy YOUNG, son of William and Jane (________) YOUNG, on February 8, 1871.  Leroy was born November 14, 1843 in Indiana.  Leroy died March 26, 1893 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana, and Mary remarried to Robert HICKS.  Mary died April 4, 1935 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  They are buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rebecca HAINES, was born on this date in 1776 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rebecca was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Rebecca died March 15, 1816 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (Heaton) Wright

My maternal 3rd-great grandparents, Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, are buried in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

Joseph was born April 1838 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (WARDLOW) WRIGHT.

Rebecca was born 1841 in Brown County, Ohio, the daughter of James R. and Elizabeth (JACOBS) HEATON.

Joseph and Rebecca were married November 1, 1857 in Schuyler County, Missouri. There was a mass migration of several related families out of Brown County, Ohio to Schuyler County, Missouri in the late 1850s. Joseph and Rebecca soon returned to Brown County, as they were enumerated in the 1860 census there.

Joseph and his family moved to Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana in the mid-1860s where they were engaged in farming.

Rebecca died on March 25, 1890 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana. After her death, Joseph remarried to Dorothy PALMER on April 11, 1891 in Madison County, Indiana. Joseph died on September 16, 1919 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Children of Joseph and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT are:

• Mary A. WRIGHT (1858-1910); married William Frank KIRK; 3 children
• John William WRIGHT (1860-1945); married Ellen KING; 4 children
• Elizabeth WRIGHT (1863-1882); married William Alpha JONES; 1 child
• Anna L. WRIGHT (1864-1914); married Albert Morris VINSON; 1 child
• James WRIGHT (1868-1936); married Clara B. HICKS; 4 children
• Charles Riggs WRIGHT (1870-1967); married Bertha C. LEONARD; 4 children
• Daisy L. WRIGHT (1873-aft1930); married Thomas A. FOX: 4 children
• Edward E. WRIGHT (1875-1960); married Martha Jane STARR; 3 children
• Jesse WRIGHT (1878-1919); married Hazel O'BRYANT
  

Family Milestones: December 7th

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, William NESBIT, married on this date in 1824 in Harrison County, Kentucky to Polly ROBERTS.  William was the son of Samuel and Mary (BERRY) NESBIT, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth NESBIT.  William was born circa 1802 and died in 1877 in Kentucky.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rebecca JACOBS, was born on this date in 1793 in Virginia.  Rebecca was the daughter of William and Sibell (LITTEL) JACOBS, and the younger sister of my James Thomas JACOBS.  Rebecca married William HIGHBEE on November 18, 1812 in Adams County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, William Godfrey SHAW, was born on this date in 1843 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  William was the son of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth SHAW.  William married in October 1869 to Mary Jane YOUNG.  Mary was born October 1847 in Indiana.  They raised their family in Orestes, where William was a carpenter and farmer.  I do not have their dates of death in my database.

Marriage: Thompson A. Fox to Daisy L. Wright

The marriage record of Thompson Asbury FOX to Daisy L. WRIGHT occurred September 27, 1890 in Madison County, Indiana.  Daisy L. WRIGHT was my maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, the daughter of Joseph W. and Rebecca (HEATON) WRIGHT. Thompson, or Thomas, as he is shown in most records, was the son of Phillip and Mary (RECTOR) FOX.


Thomas was born September 1869 in Indiana.  Daisy was born June 1873 in Indiana.  After their marriage, they lived in Madison County, Indiana where Thomas was a farmer.  He died February 1, 1926 in Madison County, Indiana and is buried at the Park View Cemetery, according to his obituary.  Daisy was living still in the 1930 census in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.   There is a Daisy L. Fox listed in the obituary database at the Anderson Public Library with an obit date of 3/29/1950, but I don't know yet if this is her.  Neither Daisy or Thomas appears in the cemetery database.

 

Advent Calendar - December 7 - Holiday Parties

It seems like it was easier to get all of the family together when I was a kid than it does now.  I can remember on Christmas Eve gathering at my grandmother WRIGHT's house for dinner and on Christmas day, after opening our presents, we would head over to my grandmother LeMASTER's.

The parties were the main times that we were able to all come together as a family.  At my grandma WRIGHT's it was a smaller crowd because of the family size, but we had cousins on both sides that were about the same age.  There were always someone to play games with.


As an adult, the holiday parties have shifted to my in-laws and my parents.  We don't always get together exactly on Christmas eve or Christmas day, but we manage to try to assemble at some point during the holidays to exchange gifts and catch up.


As I recall, we would open a few gifts on Christmas eve that came from Grandma and relatives.  One particular I remember was the year I opened up a box of rocks.  As the shock was settling in, grandma brought out the real gift, a pogo stick, which was too large to wrap.  I never did figure out quite how to use that thing, but I still remember receiving it.

Family Milestones: December 6th

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, Charles Riggs WRIGHT, married on this date in 1890 in Innisdale, Madison County, Indiana to Bertha Cordelia LEONARD.  Charles was the son of Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my John William WRIGHT.  Bertha was the daughter of Stephen Sylvester and Susan (TODD) LEONARD.  Charles was born November 11, 1870 in Madison County.  Bertha was born March 6, 1873 in Madison County, Indiana.  They raised 4 children in Monroe Township where Charles was a farmer and salesman.  Bertha died February 26, 1950 and Charles remarried to Nellie FETZ.  Charles died November 23, 1967 and is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Maud LAMBERTSON, married on this date in 1896 in Hamilton County, Indiana to Francis F. FISHER.  Maud was the daughter of Carey W. and Clara E. (COOK) LAMBERTSON, and the younger sister of my Charles Wilson LAMBERTSON.  Maud was born June 19, 1878 in Darke County, Ohio.  Francis was born December 7, 1871 in Indiana, the son of Uriah and Elizabeth (HOOVER) FISHER.  After their marriage, they lived in Hamilton County, Indiana and Jefferson County, Illinois.  Francis died between 1920 and 1930, and Maud remarried to Will HAYSE.  Maud died April 9, 1952 in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois and is buried in the Old Shiloh Church Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

My paternal 5th-great grandparents, Deacon John PHILBRICK and Sally JEWETT, were married on this date in 1770 in Hollis, New Hampshire.  John was born February 23, 1748 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire, the son of John and Judith (SANBORN) PHILBRICK.  Sally was born March 7, 1749 in Hollis, Province of New Hampshire, the daughter of Samuel and Sally (________) JEWETT.  After their marriage they raised a family of 8 children in Hollis and Weare, New Hampshire.  John died July 31, 1780 in Weare, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.  I do not have Sally's death date.


My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Seth W. BEALS, married on this date in 1863 to Sarah E. ADAMSON.  Seth was the son of Nathan C. and Elizabeth (CHEW) BEALS, and the younger brother of my John T. BEALS.  After their marriage they resided in Rogers, Benton County, Arkansas where they had at least 3 children.  Seth died August 3, 1909.  Nothing further known at this time.



My maternal 5th-great granduncle, John KIMMER, was born on this date in 1795.  John was the son of Nicholas and Sarah (FAYLER) KIMMER, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth KIMMER.  Nothing further known at this time.


My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Minerva PIERCE, was born on this date in 1846.  Minerva was the daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Minerva married December 31, 1868 in Madison County, Indiana to Daniel SIGLER, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHANK) SIGLER.  Daniel was born May 1844 in Indiana.  They raised a family in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana where Daniel was a physician.  Minerva died August 31, 1902 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana and was buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.


 

Advent Calendar - December 6 - Santa Claus

Today's advent calendar theme from Geneabloggers is Santa Claus.  Did you ever write a letter to Santa?  Did you ever visit Santa and "make a list"? Do you still believe in Santa?

I'm sure that I wrote a letter or two to Santa Claus at some point growing up, though I cannot remember any particular letter.  I believe that one time we left a note for him telling him where we were because we had gone to Tennessee to visit my aunt and uncle.  I do remember an incident with my daughter at my parents house where a note was left for Santa while we went out, and when we returned there were presents.  This even is captured on VHS tape, and reminds me that I need to transfer those tapes to DVD format.

I can remember visiting Santa at the local Elks lodge and sitting on his lap with my list.  I know that my parents probably have a photograph or two when we did this.  Also, there are recordings where dad asked us each what we wanted for Christmas.  One incident with my brother and Santa occurred when he started out his wish list with "First, let me tell you what you forgot to bring me last year...".  You can believe that gift was under the tree that year!   


I believed in Santa long after many of my schoolmates stopped believing, I guess I just couldn't prove that he didn't exist.  I never caught my parents playing Santa, nor did I ever sneak around looking for presents.  I guess I was a good little boy! LOL!  


As an adult, I do not place much emphasis on Santa, and try to keep our household focused on Jesus. Our house doesn't have much in the way of Santas.   But I understand the joy that the little ones who still believe find in anticipating what lies under the tree on Christmas morn.

Grandpa Got A Bobcat - Smile for the Camera, 19th edition

The theme of the 19th edition of Smile for the Camera is "Gift".  This photograph of my grandfather, Ord Wehrly LeMASTER, is in itself a gift, because it gives me some insight into a man who passed away when I was too young to know him.

Grandpa was born in 1906, so this photograph must have been taken sometime in the 1920s, probably in Jay County, Indiana where he grew up.  Bobcats were plentiful in Indiana at one time, though recent reports show they are on the rebound.

Ord Wehrly LeMASTER was the son of Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (WEHRLY) LeMASTER, born September 30, 1906 Jay County, Indiana.  He married Ruth Pauline HALEY on February 28, 1932 in Jay County, Indiana.  He died October 30, 1971 in Bluffton, Wells County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: December 5th

My maternal 3rd-great grandparents, Daniel KING and Elizabeth SHAW, were married on this date in 1847 in Madison County, Indiana.  Daniel was born September 3, 1820 in Ohio, the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING.  Elizabeth was born October 1827 in Ohio, the daughter of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW.  After their marriage they lived in Jackson and Monroe Townships, Madison County, Indiana, where Daniel was a farmer. They raised a family of 10 children.  Daniel died February 24, 1876 in Madison County, Indiana.  Elizabeth remarried to William H. COCHRAN.  Elizabeth died October 10, 1900 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Howard Cemetery, Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Jane MAXSON, married on this date in 1836 in Clark County, Ohio to Peter SMITH.  Jane was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Prudence MAXSON.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Mary DAVIS, was born on this date in 1737.  Mary was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS, and the younger sister of my Thomas William DAVIS.  Mary married on January 3, 1759 to Elisha STILLMAN, son of George and Deborah (CRANDALL) STILLMAN.  They raised a family of 11 children.  Elisha was born April 25, 1722 and died July 26, 1796.  Mary died June 16, 1785.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Origin M. POE, was born on this date in 1862 in Morgan County, Indiana.  Origin was the son of Isaac S. and Hannah (MILLS) POE, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth Caroline POE.  Origin was living in Beaver City, Furnas County, Nebraska in the 1910 census, the last record I have for him.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Surname Saturday: Ivey

The IVEY surname appears in Eileen's paternal line.  The surname has been found to be spelled IVY, IVIE, etc. in the records.  There has been some speculation that Eileen's grandmother, Bessie Lee IVEY, has Indian blood, though nothing has been found to confirm this.

Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 20: George W. IVEY.  George and his wife, Rebecca HARROLD, were listed as the parents of Samuel IVEY on his marriage record.  Rebecca's surname has been also spelled HARRELL in some records.

Ahnentafel # 10: Samuel IVEY (c1868-1953).  Samuel was born circa 1868 in Kentucky.  Samuel married Emma E. CARTER on February 26, 1896 in Massac County, Illinois.  Emma was born circa 1880-1886 in either Alabama, Arkansas or Kentucky (census records disagree).  The family lived in Graves and Marshall Counties, Kentucky and Lawrence and Poinsett Counties, Arkansas in the census records.  Samuel died May 25, 1953 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

Ahnentafel # 5: Bessie Lee IVEY (1900-2003).  Bessie was born July 8, 1900 in Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky.  Bessie married St. Patrick Merlin CUMMINGS on March 16, 1920 in Sedgwick, Lawrence County, Arkansas.  Patrick was born March 17, 1863 in Haleyville, Winston County, Alabama.  Bessie died March 10, 2003 in Marion, Grant County, Indiana and is buried in Grant Memorial Park in Marion.

Related blog posts:

• Samuel Ivey & Emma Carter marriage record  

• Samuel Ivey family - Marshall Co., KY & Lawrence Co., AR  
  

Advent Calendar - December 5 - Outdoor Decorations

Some people really go 'all out' when they do their Christmas decorations, particularly in the realm of outside decorations.  Others prefer the minimalist approach.  I'm somewhere in the middle.


I wonder what my ancestors would think about all of the excessive lights and plastic lawn ornaments.  They probably would think that we were being wasteful of electricity.


Growing up, my parents had quite a collection of outside Christmas ornaments - everything from Santa and the reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Nativity scenes, etc.  My dad would really enjoy setting up the outside displays.  Some of these ornaments have now migrated to my house and my brother and sister's house.  Still today, the grandkids love to come and see all of the decorations that my parents have put outside in their yard.


One lawn ornament, Frosty the Snowman, has migrated to my house.  Apparently, when I was a youngster, I cried and cried when Frosty melted after watching the cartoon TV special.  In an attempt to pacify me, my parents bought a plastic yard ornament of Frosty so they could show my young eyes that Frosty didn't really melt away.  Now, as an adult, Frosty has a home with me.


This year, I only have a minimum of outside decorations - some lights on the bushes, and a Frosty the Snowman.  My neighbor, however, is going for the Clark Griswald award, and lights up the entire neighborhood.  My wife doesn't want me to get involved in a competition, but deep in my heart, I'm plotting how I can do better next year and beat him.

Obituary: John Adam Metzner (1840-1895)

Source: The Daily Commercial, Portland, Indiana, December 5, 1895, page 1.

J. A. METZNER DEAD

A Well Known Farmer

Finally Succumbs to Disease - Has Long Been a Resident and was a Soldier

At 7 o'clock last evening, the news of the death of Adam Metzner, at his home in the north-east corner of Wayne township, reached this city.  Mr. Metzner has been ill for some time, and for the last day or two his death was almost momentarily expected.

Undertaker J.L. Baird was at once summoned to take charge of the remains, but no date for the interment has been fixed.

Mr. Metzner was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1840, and is of German descent, his father being born in that country; his mother was a native of France.  He came to Jay county in 1850.

He was a gallant soldier during the rebellion, enlisting in August 1861 in company G, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, and serving until the close of the war.  He veteranized in 1863, at which time his regiment was consolidated with the Fifty-first Ohio, his command being attached to the Army of the Cumberland.  With his regiment he fought on many a bloody battlefield, including Stone River, Chickamauga and the battles of the Atlanta campaign.  He was severely wounded in the right arm at Burnt Hickory, just before the close of the Atlanta campaign.  He returned to his regiment at Nashville, Tenn., from there went to Texas, and was mustered out at Victoria, November, 1865.

Mr. Metzner has resided on his present farm since returning from the war.

He has always been classed among the best citizens of the county, and his record both as a soldier and citizen is an honorable one.


Comment: John Adam METZNER was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.

Family Milestones: December 4th

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, David KING, was born on this date in 1854 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  David was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, and the older brother of my Ellen KING.  David married Litha Ann Trumilis D'Amsel MAY, daughter of Michael and Julie (CAWTHORN) MAY on July 26, 1876 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Litha was born June 1856 in Indiana.  They lived in Pipe Creek and Monroe Townships of Madison County, Indiana where David farmed and operated a grain elevator.  David died November 1, 1914 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  Litha remarried to John PERCIFUL and died September 1954 in Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Lydia MAXSON, was born on this date in 1799 in Harrison County, Virginia.  Lydia was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Prudence MAXSON.  Lydia married on May 22, 1817 to Jacob BABCOCK, son of Thomas and Martha (DAVIS) BABCOCK.  Jacob was born April 25, 1797 in Salem, Harrison County, Virginia.  They had at least one son.  Jacob died January 2, 1835.  Lydia remarried to Caleb AYERS.  Lydia died September 22, 1871 in Rock County, Wisconsin.

My paternal great-uncle, Vernon Walker LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  Vernon was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS.  Vernon married June 30, 1917 to Helene GARMHAUSEN.  His was a physician and served in World War I.  They had 2 children.  Vernon died March 17, 1955.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Advent Calendar - December 4 - Christmas Cards

The mail begins to trickle in this time of year with Christmas Cards, and already this year we've received a couple.  Our cards will be adding to the postal service economy here shortly.

We always seem to get a variety of cards and letters at Christmas time.  Some folks take the time to write out a long letter, but most are just the traditional greetings with a message of love.  We try to keep our address book up to date, as there is always someone among our friends or family who seems to have moved within the year.

In the past, there have been times where we've displayed the cards in the tree or across the doorway, etc.  Some in my family have made small Christmas gift boxes out of the old cards from previous years.  Others have placed them in the Christmas tree itself.  Personally, I like to see who uses the same cards as others to see who shares a similar taste.

Our Christmas cards typically express a Christian message - one small way to share the gospel.  Some of the cards we receive share this faith, others are filled with snowmen, Santa or other winter scene.  Occasionally, a friend will send one of those picture cards, showing us how much their children or their pets have grown.

I do not have any Christmas cards of my ancestors, nor do I typically save the cards from year to year unless they are being recycled into a giftbox.  Other than saving new addresses for the address books, the cards usually end up in the trash.


Christmas cards are a good way to stay in touch with loved ones that we don't get to see as often as we would like. 

Marriage: William P. Wehrly to Olive Jane Smith

My paternal 2nd-great grandparents, William P. WEHRLY and Olive Jane SMITH were married on August 4, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.  Notice in the record that William is shown with a middle initial of 'S.'; that was the middle initial used by his father.  Also, the spelling of the surname is WHERLEY in this record.

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.

They lived out their lives in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, where William was a farmer, sawmiller and mortician.  They had 13 children.

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

Advent Calendar - December 3 - Christmas Tree Ornaments

Our family likes Christmas ornaments.  We have all types from homemade ones made by the kids to store bought ones with sentimental attachments.  We definitely have the silly ones, like the Indianapolis Colts one I'm holding in the above photo, to the "Our First Christmas", etc.

My folks like to buy ornaments every year for the grandkids that reflect a period in their lives : an instrument, a sports team, etc.  I have my John Deere ornament and Tony Stewart's car for our tree.  


The kids have made ornaments at school and church that we still have in the collection.  We've also gone to the Walkway of Lights in Marion and purchased handcrafted ones as well.  We have a bit of an eclectic mix of ornaments to choose from when we put up the tree.


Sometimes when the ornaments are past their prime, it is hard to say goodbye to them.  Perhaps that is just the pack rat in me.  


 

Family Milestones: December 2nd

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Joseph CHEW, married on this date in 1799 in Frederick County, Virginia to Elizabeth THOMAS.  Joseph was the son of Major James and Mary (CALDWELL) CHEW, and the older brother of my Andrew CHEW.  Joseph was born December 19, 1765 in Virginia.  Elizabeth was born June 9, 1772, probably in Pike County, Virginia, the daughter of Sampson THOMAS. They raised a family of 10 children.  Joseph died March 12, 1848 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio, and Elizabeth died September 11, 1843 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio.

 

Advent Calendar - December 2 - Holiday Foods

I can remember as a kid waking up mom & dad to let them know that Santa had been there.  Once everyone was up, we were tortured into eating breakfast before opening our presents!  Just kidding!  I'm sure the bacon and eggs, and the coffee for mom and dad, helped make the morning go smoother as we ripped into our presents.  Believe me, we ate breakfast at a lightning pace!


Our family pretty much had all of the traditional holiday foods for Christmas dinner - everything from ham to turkey, plenty of pies, even cranberry sauce (yuck!).  Honestly, I probably don't pay enough attention to what is being served - if you fix it, I can eat it.

One particular holiday tradition that I remember growing up involved special "Santa" mugs filled with lime-green holiday punch.  My grandma Wright started this tradition, I believe, and my mom still has this punch every year.  The kids really enjoy it :

Christmas Punch

Makes 36 servings

2 cups sugar                                    6 cups water

3 packages lemon-lime koolaide         2 liters lemon-lime soda

3 cups pineapple-grapefruit juice*       1 quart lime sherbet

1/3 cup lemon juice

About 2 hours before serving, stir half of the lime sherbet in punch bowl to soften.  Mix sugar, koolaide, juices and water together in large pitcher.  Stir until sugar is dissolved.  (This could be done ahead of time and chilled).  Blend into the sherbet that is in the punch bowl.  Scoop remaining sherbet on top.  Carefully pour in 7-Up or any lemon-lime carbonated beverage.

*If pineapple-grapefruit juice is not available, mix 1 1/2 cups of pineapple juice and 1 1/2 cups of grapefruit juice.

** Freeze 7-Up ice cubes with drained marschino cherries in the middle for color.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: LeMaster home - Portland, Indiana

These photos are from the house on West Water Street in Portland, Indiana that my father grew up in and that I remember from a boy visiting my grandmother. The first one is dated 1947.

This photo shows a winter view. From the type of film used, it was probably taken sometime in the late 1970s.

The final photo appears as I remember the house in the 1980s.

Genealogy Research Journal - December 2, 2009

Updated my database today with information I received from a correspondant regarding a collateral COOK family line.  Janet Cook Hart saw my database at Worldconnect and gave me corrections and additions to connect James S. COOK b. 1803 Guilford County, North Carolina into the main branches of the Quaker COOKS already in my database.  Turns out James is a 3rd cousin 6 times removed from me, but a descendant of Peter COOK and Elinor NORMAN.


Looking at the data reminds me that I have far to go to correct and document the correct Quaker dating in my records.  

Family Milestones: December 1st

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Henry WARDLAW, married on this date in 1836 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary L. PURDUM.  Henry was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the older brother of my Anna.  Henry was born May 12, 1812 in Brown County, Ohio.  Mary was born circa 1817 in Ohio.  They lived out their lives in Brown County, Ohio, where Henry was a farmer.  Henry died April 1, 1886 in Brown County, Ohio.  They had a family of 7 children.

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Susannah CHEW, married on this date in 1756 to Savil WILSON.  Susannah was the daughter of Jeffrey and Amy (DRIVER) CHEW, and the older sister of my Jesse CHEW.  Susannah was born in 1735 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  She died in 1789, probably in Gloucester County.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Judith PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1788.  Judith was the daughter of Deacon John and Sally (JEWETT) PHILBRICK, and the younger sister of my Joel PHILBRICK.  Judith died in October 1782.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Sarah Wilson LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1835 in Warren County, New Jersey.  Sarah was the daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older sister of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON.  Sarah married on February 22, 1855 in Butler County, Ohio to John W. LYST.  John was born February 14, 1831 in Fayette County, Ohio, the son of John W. and Nancy Agnes (________) LYST.  They moved their family to Madison County, Indiana and had 10 children.  Sarah died in 1881 in Madison County, Indiana and is buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Indiana.

My maternal grandfather, William Lee WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1919 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  William was the son of Virgil Lee and Edna Muriel (PIERCE) WRIGHT.  William married on June 7, 1941 in Madison County, Indiana to Bonnie Mae LAMBERTSON, the daughter of Clemon Beals and June Kirk (DAVIS) LAMBERTSON.  Bonnie was born February 18, 1924 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  William died July 9, 1973 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

Tombstone Tuesday: John William and Ellen (King) Wright

My maternal 2nd-great grandparents, John William and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT, are buried in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

John William was born February 21, 1860 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of Joseph W. and Rebecca (HEATON) WRIGHT.

Ellen was born August 24, 1888 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING.

John and Ellen were married on May 13, 1888 in Madison County, Indiana. They lived out their lives on the family farm in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Children of John and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT were:

• unnamed WRIGHT; the 1900 census lists Ellen as the mother of 3 children with 2 living
• Virgil Lee WRIGHT (1894-1972); married Edna Muriel PIERCE; 3 children
• Chester Arthur "Mike" WRIGHT (1896-1955); married Erma Violet HAYES: 1 child
• unnamed WRIGHT; the 1910 census lists Ellen as the mother of 4 children with 3 living
  

Advent Calendar - December 1 - Christmas Tree

Growing up, our family usually had an artificial Christmas tree, although I do remember the time when we tried to have a live tree.  I believe that the mess and the cleanup it caused was the reason that we were back to an artificial tree the next year.

As an adult, in my family we've always had the artificial tree at Christmas.  Starting out in my married life, I even used a tree or two that was 'recycled', ie. it had belonged to my grandparents or parents.  Talk about a tree that had seen a better day.  Those trees looked a bit like the old Charlie Brown tree by the time I was done with them.

Traditionally, we would put up our Christmas tree after Thanksgiving, though not necessarily right after the turkey was put away.  Mother's birthday was in early December, and as I recall, the times the tree went up seemed to be closely tied to her birthday.

My brother, sister and I would help mom and dad put up the tree and decorations, and that is a tradition that continues at our house today.  Somehow it seems better to make the tree decorating a family project.

Christmas Tree, 2003 model

Family Milestones: November 30th

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Jeremiah PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1783.  Jeremiah was the son of Deacon John and Sally (JEWETT) PHILBRICK, and the younger brother of my Joel PHILBRICK.  Jeremiah married ________ EVANS.  Jeremiah died October 20, 1842.  Nothing further is known of his family at this time.


My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Sarah KIMMER, was born on this date in 1799. Sarah was the daughter of Nicholas and Sarah (FAYLER) KIMMER, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth KIMMER.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Seth PIERCE, was born on this date in 1716 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  Seth was the son of Samuel and Abigail (JOHNSON) PIERCE.  Seth married on November 10, 1743 to Elizabeth NYE, daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (NEWCOMB) NYE.  Elizabeth was born December 14, 1720 and died May 14, 1749 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Seth died on December 5, 1794.  They had at least 4 children.

Chester Arthur Wright : World War I Draft Registration

Thanks to the folks at Ancestry.com, I now have a copy of the World War I Draft registration cards for my maternal great-granduncle, Chester Arthur WRIGHT.  Known by his nickname of "Mike", he was the brother of my great-grandfather, Virgil Lee WRIGHT.

Mike was born October 18, 1896 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  He was a farmer in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  He was married twice.  His first marriage was March 5, 1920 in Madison County, Indiana to Erma Violet HAYES, daughter of John and Cora (REASON) HAYES.  They had one daughter, Vivian June WRIGHT.  Their marriage ended in divorce.  Mike remarried in 1939 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana to Mayme LAWSON.  Mike died June 20, 1955 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

At the time of World War I, Mike was living with his father, John William WRIGHT.  In the 1920 census, he was still living at home, listed as a 23 year old single farmer.

Family Milestones: November 29th

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Susanna HALEY, married on this date in 1862 in Morrow County, Ohio to Alfred HALDERMAN.  Susanna was the daughter of George J. and Rachel (GARY) HALEY, and the younger sister of my George Washington HALEY.  Susanna was born circa 1843 in Ohio, and Alfred was born circa 1844 in Ohio.  They were living in 1870 in Huron Township, Erie County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known.

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth MAXSON, married on this date to Jonathan WELLS.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Joseph and Tacy (BURDICK) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Joseph MAXSON.  Nothing further is known.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Thomas Hagerman GROENENDYKE, married on this date in 1827 in Fayette County, Indiana to Nancy MOFFETT.  Thomas was the son of James and Johannah (ANTONIDES) GROENENDYKE, and the older brother of my Elias GROENENDYKE.  Thomas was born January 18, 1808 in New Jersey.  Nancy was born July 1, 1811.  After their marriage they lived in Fayette, Delaware and Wayne Counties, Indiana.  Thomas died September 24, 1875.  Nancy died May 7, 1894.  They had 3 children.

 

Genealogy is Like Love

Genealogy is like love - it is nothing until you give it away.

The reason for this blog, for doing genealogy in general, is to share with others.  Whether they are family members, future generations or as of yet unknown cousins, I want to be able to share and learn from my family history.  As a rule, the genealogical community shares my beliefs that family information is best shared and not hoarded.

Which is why I was pleased this Thanksgiving weekend to be able to help, in some small part, in spreading the love of genealogy.  Thanks to Facebook, I was contacted by a gentleman who had found one of my posts on the particular family and contacted me.  While he was not related to this family, he had been helping a friend trace their family and had come up against a brick wall, and wanted to know if I could help.  Sharing my phone number, we soon were chatting over the phone and I was able to fill in some blanks, and later sent emails with the missing information for his friend.

The reason this friend was having so much difficulty in getting beyond her grandfather was due to a change in the family surname.  This slight change in the surname occurred shortly after a family scandal involving a murder/suicide.  As most family scandals go, this one was a pretty big one.  When I was first told of the murder/suicide by another researcher several years ago, that particular researcher advised that the facts of the murder/suicide were unknown in the current generation and unspoken by earlier generations.  Mind you, this event took place in 1896!  Over 100 years later, and there were still those who would want to "hide" the truth in order to "protect" someone.  Just who they would be protecting was not clear.

In all my years of researching my family, I have found several of these "scandals" in the family.  Many that would have been scandalous in their time are simply ho-hum today.  The facts are stubborn things, particularly in a genealogy.  No matter how unpleasant, we have a duty to record the facts as they occurred.  If someone reads my blog and wants to judge me for the supposed failings of my ancestors, there is nothing I can do about it.  Besides, the divorces, suicides, arrests, etc. are what make the newspapers.  Without these sensational stories, what would the genealogist have to report about?

Funny thing is, non-genealogists who gather at family reunions, etc. want to know about the famous and infamous ancestors and the interesting facts about their lives.  The ancestor who always paid his taxes, loved his family and worked hard all his life, yet left few records gets a short shrift to the ne'er-do-well relative who is in and out of jail, married four times and dies in a bar room brawl.  People are people, and our ancestors were no different.  To try to sugar coat the truth and protect the innocent of today from the embarrassing actions of someone you share DNA with that occurred over 100 years ago seems an exercise in futility to me.

I am no more responsible for the actions or lack of actions of my ancestors than I am for my next door neighbor.


Share those family stories and facts so that the truth is not lost to future generations, no matter how unpleasant.  Besides, the dead cannot be embarrassed, only the living.

Marriage: Galen Miller to Mary Annettie Haley

My paternal greataunt, Mary Annettie HALEY and Galen H. MILLER were married on August 23, 1917 in Jay County, Indiana.  


Mary was born August 23, 1895 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY.  Galen was born November 11, 1894 in Jay County, Indiana, the son of George and Marietta (HEARN) MILLER.


Galen was a farmer and grocer in New Corydon, Portland and Muncie.  He died July 6, 1973 in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana.  Mary died December 4, 1987.  Both are buried in the Elm Ridge Cemetery, Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: November 28th

My paternal great-granduncle, Blaine Pearl WEHRLY, married on this date in 1909 to Ermina Gladys ASHCRAFT in Jay County, Indiana.  Blaine was the son of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  Blaine was born August 31, 1884 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Ermina was born March 5, 1889 in Wabash Township, Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of William Stevenson and Blanche Bertha (LEWIS) ASHCRAFT. In 1930 census they were living in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  Need further research after 1930.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Magdalena ERB, married on this date in 1780 to David BRICKER.  Magdalena was the daughter of Jacob and Magdalena (SCHWARTZ) ERB, and the older sister of my Barbara ERB.  I do not know if she was born in Switzerland or in Pennsylvania.  Magdalena and David had at least 5 children, but nothing further is known.

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, John Stevens LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1881 to Sarah I. WILSON in Jay County, Indiana.  John was the son of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr.  John was born April 22, 1855 in Jay County, Indiana.  Sarah was born September 1859 in Indiana.  They raised a family in St. Paul, Howard County, Nebraska.  I have nothing further on them past the 1920 census.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Mary S. LAMBERTSON, married on this date in 1863 to Samuel SNIVELY in Butler County, Ohio.  Mary was the daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older sister of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON.  Mary was born December 25, 1840 in Franklin County, Indiana. Samuel was born August 1842 in Ohio.  After their marriage they resided Butler County, Ohio and Madison County, Indiana.  Further research needs to be done to determine their dates of death.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Samuel HEATON, was born on this date in 1681 in Wrentham, Massachusetts.  Samuel was the son of Nathaniel HEATON.  He married December 10, 1706 in Wrentham, Massachusetts to Susan HAWES.  They had at least 9 children.  Samuel died between 1735 and 1737.

Surname Saturday: Pefley

The PEFLEY surname is Eileen's maternal line.  The surname has Swiss origins and is spelled a number of ways, a common variant is PEFFLEY.

Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 384: Nicholas PEFFLEY (c1700-c1748), the immigrant.  Nicholas was born circa 1700 in Palatine and emigrated to Pennsylvania.  Nicholas was married to Barbara BARN.  They had 5 children together.  Nicholas died circa 1748 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.


Ahnentafel # 192: Jacob PEFLEY (c1724-c1778).  Jacob was born circa 1724 in Germany and emigrated to Pennsylvania.  Jacob was married to Esther ________.  They had 5 children together.  Jacob died circa 1778 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.


Ahnentafel # 96: Henry PEFLEY (c1770-1842).  Henry was born circa 1770 in Bethel Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Henry married Susannah BORNDRAGAR.  Susannah was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Andrew and Susannah (________) BORNDRAGAR.  They had 10 children and lived in Botetourt and Roanoke County, Virginia.  Henry died in 1842 in Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia.


Ahnentafel # 48: Solomon PEFLEY  (1798-1879).  Solomon was born January 10, 1798 in Botetourt County, Virginia.  Solomon married Frances ROOF before 1823 in Botetourt County, Virginia.  They had 7 children.  Frances was born in Botetourt County, Virginia and died 1840 in Preble County, Ohio.  Solomon remarried after 1840 to Hannah HOOVER.  They moved to Wabash County, Indiana, where Solomon died June 9, 1879.


Ahnentafel # 24: Thomas Jefferson PEFLEY (1840-1935).  Thomas was born May 24, 1840 in Eaton, Preble County, Ohio.  Thomas married September 17, 1863 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana to Ruth Anne DUFFEY, daughter of Daniel and Susanna (FREESE) DUFFEY.  Ruth was born November 17, 1847 in Hocking County, Ohio.  They had 3 children.  Thomas was a veteran of the Civil War.  Thomas died February 9, 1935 in Dana, Jackson County, Indiana.  Ruth died January 9, 1942 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.



Ahnentafel # 12: Albert Duffey PEFLEY (1867-1964).  Albert was born January 12, 1867 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Albert married October 9, 1898 in Culver, Marshall County, Indiana to Sarah May PEEPLES, daughter of George and Katherine (McMILLEN) PEEPLES.  Sarah was born May 3, 1870 in Maxinkuckee, Marshall County, Indiana.  They had 4 children.  Albert died April 20, 1964 in Wabash, Wabash County, Indiana.  Sarah died April 3, 1932 in Argos, Marshall County, Indiana.



Related blog posts:

• Pefley Family Lineages 

 

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: Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley (1868-1955)

Source: The Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, April 29, 1955, page 1

Mrs. Cora B. Haley Dies On Thursday; Funeral On Sunday

Mrs. Cora Belle Haley, 86, lifelong resident of Jay County, died Thursday at 6:40 p.m. at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Clarence Stuber, in Madison Twp., following an extended illness.

The body was removed to the Baird Funeral Home, where friends may call until the hour of the service.  Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. from the Mt. Zion EUB Church, in charge of Rev. George Gocker, with interment in Mt. Zion cemetery.

Mrs. Haley was born in Wayne Twp., on Aug. 21, 1868, the daughter of Adam and Clara (Moulton) Metzner.  She was married July 21, 1888, to Eli W. Haley, who survives, with five daughters: Mrs. Clarence Stuber, with whom she made her home for the past six years; Mrs. Galen Miller, of Muncie; Mrs. E.C. Kunce, of Lawrenceville, Illinois; Mrs. Waymon Thornburg, and Mrs. Ord Lemaster, of Portland; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Two children and two brothers are deceased.  Mrs. Haley was a member of the Mt. Zion EUB church for many years.

Comment: Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley was my paternal great-grandmother.

Family Milestones: November 25th

My maternal great aunt and uncle, Harold Wayne LAMBERTSON and Martha Marie PHILLIPS, were married on this date in 1939 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Harold was the son of Clemon Beals and June Kirk (GILLILAND) LAMBERTSON, and the older brother of my grandmother Bonnie Mae LAMBERTSON.  Harold was born on September 14, 1918 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Martha was born on February 22, 1920 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.


My maternal 5th-great aunt, Frances PUTMAN, married James WATSON on this date in 1851 in Brown County, Indiana.  Frances was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (KENDRICK) PUTMAN, and the younger sister to my Mary PUTMAN.  Frances was born circa 1805.    She had previously been married to Benjamin BOTTS and Alexander CLEVELAND.  Nothing further is known.


My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Adam YOUNG, was born on this date in 1798 in Berkeley County, Virginia.  Adam was the son of Charles and Catherine Elizabeth (KINT) YOUNG, and the younger brother of my Phillip YOUNG.  Adam married Sarah CRUM in 1818 and resided in Shelby County, Ohio.  Sarah was born in 1797, the daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth (________) CRUM.  Adam died March 20, 1871 in Shelby County, Ohio and Sarah died March 1865 in Shelby County, Ohio.


My paternal 6th-great grandfather, Rev. Jesse CHEW, was born on this date in 1738 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Jesse was the son of Jeffrey and Amy (DRIVER) CHEW.  Jesse married October 21, 1760 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Mary RICHARDS.  Mary was born December 18, 1738 in New Jersey, the daughter of John and Mary (________) RICHARDS.  Jesse was a Methodist circuit rider, and a loyalist during the Revolutionary War.  Jesse died January 31, 1812 in Gloucester County, New Jersey and Mary died May 7, 1816 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: Outhouse

Here's a reminder from a bygone era - the outhouse. This photograph is from the outhouse at the home in Portland, Indiana where my father grew up at 1107 West Water Street.

Family Milestones: November 24th

My paternal granduncle, Gerald Walker LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1929 to Pearl Lovina SMITH. Gerald was born January 15, 1896 in Jay County, Indiana, and was the older brother to my Ord Wehrly LeMASTER. Pearl was born April 23, 1894 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of Samuel E. and Mary E. (BIBLER) SMITH. They lived in Penn Township, Jay County, Indiana. Gerald died May 1987 and Pearl in 1984. Both are buried at the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Charity MILLS, married on this date in 1810 to John GWIN. The Mills family were Quakers, and this date has not been verified as being in the correct format in my database. Charity birth is recorded as occurring in 1789-11mo-14d, the daughter of Aaron and Charity (MENDENHALL) MILLS. I have no information on John GWIN's parentage. The Mills family were members of the Deep River Monthly Meeting in North Carolina, and further research is needed.

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Nathan CHEW, was born on this date in 1796 in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Nathan was the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (SPRINGER) CHEW. Nathan married Sarah WARD on March 11, 1819. He died July 28, 1890. Nothing further is known.

Tombstone Tuesday: John and Catherine (Young) Metzner

My paternal 3rd-great grandparents, John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER, are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

John was born October 2, 1805 in Saxony, the son of Jasper and Hannah (REISENBURG) METZNER.

Catherine was born July 18, 1819 in France, the daughter of Nicholas and Salome (________) YOUNG.

John and Catherine were married on November 4, 1839 in Newark, Licking County, Ohio. John and his family had emigrated to the United States in 1838. I do not know when the Young family emigrated from Alsace to the United States.

John and Catherine lived out their lives in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana where John farmed. They moved there from Licking County, Ohio circa 1850.

John died on January 10, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana and Catherine followed him on June 22, 1910 in Jay County.

Children of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER are:

• John Adam METZNER (1840-1895); married Clara MOULTON; 4 children
• Henry METZNER (1842-1842)
• William F. METZNER (1844-1929); married Mary Ann HALEY; 8 children
• George W. METZNER (1847-1869); married Elizabeth ________
• Louis Napoleon METZNER (1848-1900); married Henrietta WEAVER; 4 children
• Caroline H. METZNER (1852-aft1880); married James W. HUSTON; 1 child
• Catherine E. METZNER (1853-1943); married George STOLZ; 1 child
• Wesley T. METZNER (1855-aft1930); married Mary Emma ROSER; 4 children
• Samantha E. METZNER (1857-aft1880); married James ORCUTT; 1 child
• Martha J. METZNER (1859-1861)
• Mary A. METZNER (1862-aft1920); married Harvey A. HUEY
  

Family Milestones: November 23rd

My paternal 7th-great grandparents, Jacob STICKEL and Maria SCHWARTZ, were married on this date in 1734 in Egenhausen Wuerttemberg. Jacob was baptised August 9, 1708 in Egenhausen, the son of Christoph and Anna (BRAUN) STICKEL. Maria was born November 23, 1713 in Egenhausen, the illegitimate daughter of Martin ________ and Magdalena SCHWARTZ. They emigrated to York County, Pennsylvania where they lived in Warrington Township. Further research needs to be completed to obtain their dates of death and burial information.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Johannis ANTONIDES, married on this date in 1761 to Sarah VAN DORN. Johannis was baptised June 24, 1733, the son of Johannis and Johanna (KOUWENHOVEN) ANTONIDES. Sarah's parentage is unknown. They had a family of at least 5 children. Johannis died in 1797. Nothing further is known.

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, John SUTTON, married on this date in 1807 in Harrison County, Virginia to Rachel DAVIS. John was born October 20, 1785 in New Jersey, the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (APPLEGATE) SUTTON. Rachel's parentage is unknown. They had at least one son. John died March 3, 1869 near Quincy, Logan County, Ohio. Nothing further is known.

My maternal 5th-great grandfather, Samuel WARDLAW, was born on this date in 1773 in Augusta County, Virginia. Samuel was the son of Robert and Janet (DOWNEY) WARDLAW. Samuel married before 1800 in Rockbridge County, Virginia to Elizabeth NESBIT. Elizabeth was born circa 1776 in Virginia, the daughter of Samuel and Mary (BERRY) NESBIT. They moved thier family into the Northwest Territory, settling in what was Clermont County, Ohio and later became Brown County, Ohio. Samuel died May 6, 1848 in Brown County, Ohio, and Elizabeth died after the 1850 census.