Down The Rabbit Hole: Discovering the Backstory of N.T. Beals death

My recent success in locating the death date and the obituary of my 3GGF, Nathan Thomas Beals has left me with more questions and sent me chasing some interesting rabbit trails in my family history search.

Starting with the obituary itself, I'm left with some avenues of research to explore.  For example, why exactly was Nathan T. Beals in Arkansas, where exactly was he at, and for how long?  

The why appears to be answered by the obituary: that he was engaged in the sawmill and lumber business with Ed and Luther Hinshaw.  Who are Ed and Luther Hinshaw?  They were Nathan T.'s nephews, and will be discussed at length later.

Where exactly was Nathan T. Beals at?  The obituary states that the telegram came from Leola, Arkansas.  When John T. Beals, Nathan T.'s father died two years later in 1917, Nathan T. was referred to as being 'late of Leola, Ark.'  Leola is in Grant County, Arkansas.

How long was he there?  The obituary states he went to Arkansas ten years before his death, the funeral notices states it was five years.  Since Nathan T. Beals died February 16, 1915, and I've located him in the 1910 census living in Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana, the funeral notice seems more accurate.  Sometime between 1910 and 1915 he must have gone to Arkansas.

The obituary stated that "for many years he was a resident of Cicero.  At one time, he was interested in a hardware store there, but later spent most of his time traveling for a wholesale hardware firm."  Cicero is located in Jackson Township of Hamilton County, Indiana, where we find Nathan living most of his adult life.  In the 1900 census, his occupation was listed as "dealer in hardware", and in the 1910 census, his occupation was listed as "superintendent of lumber yard."  

I need to research city directories at the Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville to see if I can locate more information and maybe even find out the name of the hardware store and lumber yard that he worked for.  I've contacted the Grant County, Arkansas Museum looking for any information they might have about him or the Hinshaws in Arkansas.  


I searched the Arkansas Death Index, 1914-1950 at Ancestry.com for a record of Nathan Thomas Beals without any success.  According to the database, compliance with statewide record keeping was not complete for about three decades.  


Who were Ed and Luther Hinshaw?  They were Nathan T. Beals' nephews, the sons of his older sister Elizabeth and her husband, Solomon Hinshaw, of Westfield, Indiana.


According to the Chronology of the Beals Family, written in 1912 by Nathan's father, John T. Beals, two sons were born to Solomon and Elizabeth (Beals) Hinshaw: Edwin M. Hinshaw and John Luther Hinshaw.  The book states that Edwin M. "is in the banking business.  He served as State Bank Examiner for six years or more.  He is interested in several other enterprises in this and other states."  


Digging around on the internet, I was able to find quite a bit of information on the Hinshaw brothers, as well as another nephew, Elmer Sturdevant, also mentioned in the obituary.  Apparently, these men were all prominent businessmen of Hamilton County, Indiana at one time, and their paths seem to have crossed a number of ways.  In future days, I hope to be able to piece together all of the puzzle.


In working on this puzzle, I've learned that there is so much more about Nathan Thomas Beals and the other members of his extended family that I need to discover.  For instance, after their marriage, Nathan and his wife, Elizabeth moved to Humboldt, Richardson County, Nebraska where two of their daughters were born.  Why were they living there, and why were they back by 1900?


The decades after Nathan's death will provide more fodder for research, as his widow was back in Indiana, yet she wasn't living with family members in the 1920 census, as I would have suspected.  

The public downfall of his nephews in a bank scandal shortly after his death is a story for another day.

Tombstone Tuesday: Dr. William A. and Emma S. (Straight) Chew

Dr. William Anderson and Emma Susan (STRAIGHT) CHEW are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.  William was my 2nd-great granduncle.

William was born April 4, 1858 in Darke County, Ohio, the son of Dr. Ezekiel Cooper and Caroline Bishop (WOOLSTON) CHEW.

Emma was born June 1866 in Ohio, the daughter of William and Catherine (BIDDINGER) STRAIGHT.

William and Emma were married in 1886 at New Weston, Darke County, Ohio.  After their marriage, they lived in Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana where William was the town physician.

William was a graduate of Columbus Medical College in Columbus, Ohio.


William died January 6, 1914 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Emma died in 1934.


Known children of William A. and Emma S. (STRAIGHT) CHEW:

• Ethel A. CHEW (1888-     )
• Forrest L. CHEW (1894-1948); married Lelia EHRHART
• Orville B. CHEW (1896-1947); married Ada ________
• Opal W. CHEW (1898-1899)
• Lyford L. CHEW (1900-1964); married Hazel ________
• Imo C. CHEW (1902-1971)
• Crystal E. CHEW (c1903-      )
• Kenneth E. CHEW (1905-1910)
• Lea R. CHEW (c1906-     )

Source: Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), William A. and Emma S. Chew marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.

Family Milestones: February 9th

My maternal 4th-great grandparents, Austin DAVIS and Fanny REYNOLDS/RUNNELS, were married on this date in 1850 in Monroe County, Indiana.  Austin was born circa 1824 in Indiana, the son of John and Susannah (________) DAVIS.  Fanny was born circa 1830 in Indiana, the daughter of Jesse and Mary (PUTMAN) REYNOLDS/RUNNELS.   They had 2 children.  Austin died between November 1850 and August 1851 in Monroe County, Indiana.  Fanny died February 2, 1883 in Spencer, Owen County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: February 8th

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Elijah PIERCE, married on this date in 1801 to Patty MOULTON.  Elijah was the son of Seth and Bethiah (FIELD) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my Gordon PIERCE.  Elijah was born April 27, 1781.  Patty was born February 5, 1782.  They had at least 5 children.  Patty died April 17, 1838.  Elijah died April 7, 1832.  

My paternal grandaunt, Dorothy Dot LeMASTER, married on this date in 1962 to Glen LOCK.  Dorothy's first husband, Charles Glendon HUNT, had died February 11, 1956 in Richmond, Wayne County, Indiana.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Glen.  Dorothy was born March 19, 1900 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (WEHRLY) LeMASTERS.  Dorothy died October 1984 in Centerville, Wayne County, Indiana.

My maternal 5th-great grandmother, Mary Ann NOSLER, married on this date in 1855 in Owen County, Indiana to John LAYMAN.  Mary Ann's first husband, David CROCKETT, had died August 1854 in Owen County, Indiana.  I do not have dates of birth or death for John.  Mary Ann was born March 26, 1803 in Virginia, the daughter of Conrad and Sarah (PAINS) NOSLER. Mary Ann died August 7, 1872 in Owen County, Indiana.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Mary Jane KING, married on this date in 1871 in Madison County, Indiana to Leroy YOUNG.  Mary Jane was born December 8, 1849 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, and the older sister of my Ellen KING.  Leroy was born November 14, 1843 in Indiana, the son of William and Jane (________) YOUNG.  They raised at least 3 children in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Leroy died March 26, 1893 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  Mary Jane died April 4, 1935 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Catherine B. SHERRICK, was born on this date in 1847 in Ashland County, Ohio.  Catherine was the daughter of David and Susan (JACOBS) SHERRICK, and the younger sister of my Mary Jane SHERRICK.  Catherine married Eli L. OVERS.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Eli.  Catherine died August 30, 1928 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio.

Family Milestones: February 7th

 My maternal great-grandmother, Edna Muriel PIERCE, was born on this date in 1897 in Madison County, Indiana.  Edna was the daughter of William Francis and Clara (PENNISTEN) PIERCE.  She was known by her nickname of "Peach".  Edna married June 19, 1915 in Madison County, Indiana to Virgil Lee WRIGHT, son of John William and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT.  Virgil was born July 6, 1894 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  They lived in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, and had 3 children.  Virgil died March 25, 1972 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Edna died March 3, 1968 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Jackson Conrad CROCKETT, was born on this date in 1823 in Owen County, Indiana.  Jackson was the son of David and Mary Ann (NOSLER) CROCKETT, and the older brother of my Mary Ann Crockett.  Jackson married January 12, 1843 in Monroe County, Indiana to Clarinda GRIFFITHS.  Clarinda was born October 6, 1819 in North Carolina.  They had 4 children.  Clarinda died May 28, 1888 in Bourbon County, Kansas.  Jackson died November 5, 1860 in Sarcoxie, Jasper County, Missouri.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Mary Ann BYERS, was born on this date in 1765 in York County, Pennsylvania.  Mary was the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (________) BYERS, and the older sister of my Abraham BYERS.  Mary Ann married circa 1786 in York County, Pennsylvania to Jacob REIBER.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Jacob.  Mary Ann died May 10, 1859 in Southampton Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

Surname Saturday: Sills

The SILLS surname is Eileen's maternal line.  The surname has origins in Hesse-Darmstadt area of Germany.

Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 15: Ruth Alice SILLS (1889-1959).  Ruth was born March 29, 1889 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  She married Lawrence Solomon LEWIS on February 24, 1906 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  Lawrence was born March 30, 1885 in Lancaster, Huntington County, Indiana.  They raised 12 children in Dora, Lagro Township, Wabash County, Indiana.  After Lawrence's death, Ruth married Elsworth G. STAFFORD and Owen Earl STEVENS. 

Ahnentafel # 30: Christopher SILLS (1840-1913).  Christopher was born February 15, 1840 in Jackson Township, Champaign County, Ohio.  He married Samantha SHELLY on May 21, 1872 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Samantha was born December 16, 1848 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  They had 5 children.  Christopher died March 19, 1913 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 60: George SILLS (1809-1880).  George was born December 1, 1809 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.  He married Mary GRIMES on February 16, 1832 in Champaign County, Ohio.  Mary was born April 19, 1809 in Middleton, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.  By 1860, they were living in Wabash County, Indiana.  They had 6 children.  George died June 9, 1880 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 120: Michael SILLS (1777-1845).  Michael was born June 4, 1777 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.  He married Rosanna FETTERS on February 1, 1803.  Rosanna was born circa 1784 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.  After the War of 1812, they moved to Champaign County, Ohio.  They had 7 children.  Michael died January 18, 1845 in Jackson Township, Champaign County, Ohio.


Ahnentafel # 240: Michael SILLS (1735-1814).  Michael was born December 19, 1735 in Bingen, Hesse-Darmstadt.  He married Barbara RHOADES before 1767 in Pennsylvania.  Barbara was born circa 1735 in Germantown, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.  They had at least 2 children.  Michael died November 22, 1814 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

Family Milestones: February 6th

My paternal 3rd-great grandmother, Caroline Bishop WOOLSTON, was born on this date in 1826 in Vincentown, Burlington County, New Jersey.  Caroline was the daughter of Abel B. and Rachel (WOOLSTON) WOOLSTON.  Caroline married December 29, 1842 in New Jersey to Dr. Ezekiel Cooper CHEW, son of Rev. Nathaniel and Mary (WEST) CHEW.  Ezekiel was born January 17, 1822 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  They moved to Darke County, Ohio.  Caroline died February 27, 1879 in Rossburg, Darke County, Ohio and is buried in the Webster Cemetery, Darke County, Ohio.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, George Washington KING, was born on this date in 1823 in Hamilton County, Ohio.  George was the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING.  George married March 2, 1845 in Madison County, Indiana to Elizabeth HOWARD.  Elizabeth was born July 18, 1825 in North Carolina.  They raised 13 children in Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Elizabeth died November 15, 1902.  George died August 10, 1892.  Both are buried in the Sigler Cemetery, Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Nathan Thomas Beals Obituary & Funeral Notice (1915)

Thanks to the help of the sexton at the Cicero Cemetery, I had a date to search for the obituary of Nathan Thomas BEALS.  I headed out Tuesday evening after work and visited the Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville.  I was pleased to discover that they had copies of the Noblesville Ledger going back to the time period I needed, February of 1915.

Paydirt was struck with the February 15, 1915 edition of the Noblesville, Ledger.  There on page 1 was the obituary of my 3GGF, Nathan Thomas BEALS, or N.T. as he was apparently known.

N.T. BEALS DIED IN ARKANSAS

Remains Brought To This County And Will Be Buried At Cicero

FORMERLY LIVED AROUND HERE

Fifty-Nine Years of Age and Spent Practically All of His Life in This Locality - Father at Sheridan.

Charles Lambertson, of Cicero, received a telegram, Saturday night, from Leola, Ark., announcing the death of his father-in-law, Nathan T. Beals.  The remains passed through Noblesville, Monday, enroute to Cicero, where the funeral will occur on Tuesday.

His death was a surprise to relatives in this county, although it was known that he had not enjoyed good health for several months.
He was fifty-nine years of age and is survived by a widow and two children - Mrs. Charles Lambertson, of Cicero, and Mrs. Nellie Beals Stober, of Huntington.  He was a son of John Beals, now nearly ninety years of age and who is living with his daughter, Mrs. Joel Hill, at Sheridan.  He was a brother of Mrs. Calvin Sturdevant, an uncle of Dr. J.D., Walter and Elmer Sturdevant, of this city, and a brother of Frank Beals, formerly City Attorney, but now a resident of West Virginia.

He lived in this county all his life until about ten years ago, when he went to Arkansas to engage in the sawmill and lumber business with Ed and Luther Hinshaw.  For many years he was a resident of Cicero.  At one time, he was interested in a hardware store there, but later spent most of his time traveling for a wholesale hardware firm.

Relatives here had known for a few weeks that he had suffered some from malaria fever and nervous trouble and recently had a slight stroke of paralysis.  It is presumed that the latter affliction hastened his death.

Funeral at the M.E. church in Cicero, at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.  Rev. Amos Carson officiating.  Interment in the Cicero cemetery. 

The February 17, 1915 edition of the Ledger had a notice of his funeral, which shed a little more light on when he was in Arkansas.

SERVICES HELD FOR N.T. BEALS

Conducted by Rev. Amos Carson, Assisted by Rev. W.H. Jenkin - Aged Father Present

The funeral services for Nathan T. Beals were held at Cicero, Tuesday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, at the M.E. church.  Rev. Amos Carson, assisted by Rev. W.H. Jenkin, the pastor of the church, conducted the services.  Mr. Beals was a member of the Friends church, of which Rev. Mr. Carson is a minister.

The church was well filled with relatives and friends, and the Masonic and Knights of Pythias orders were well represented at the church and in the procession to the cemetery, where the ceremonies were conducted.

The music was by a quartet composed of Miss Nellie Mendenhall, Mrs. Monte Meek, M.M. Hartley and Clyde Nichols.

The father, Capt. John Beals, although very feeble, was able to be present, and J.F. Beals, a brother, came from his home in West Virginia.  The words of Rev. Mr. Carson were based on the saying of Jesus to His disciples, that it was necessary that He should go away, but that he would send a Comforter.  The speaker had known the family and his words of sympathy were fitting and appropriate.  He drew lessons from the text for the benefit of all.

The obituary as read showed that Mr. Beals had been in business at Westfield and Cicero, before going to Arkansas, about five years ago, and that his birth place was at Grassy Branch, on the Beals farm, near Westfield.  Rev. Mr. Carson spoke of his good qualities, and the concourse of people at his funeral services showed that he was a man who made friends. 

------


I've already contacted the Grant County, Arkansas museum, hoping that they would have information on the business ventures of N.T. Beals and the Hinshaws.  Ed and Luther Hinshaw were first cousins of N.T. Beals.


I will need to seek a copy of his death certificate to verify the exact date and cause of death, but preliminary data from this obituary would place his death on Saturday, February 13, 1915 in Leola, Grant County, Arkansas.  Burial was three days later on February 16, 1915 in Cicero Cemetery, Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana. 

Family Milestones: February 4th

My maternal 3rd-great grandmother, Catherine GROENENDYKE, was born on this date in 1843 in Madison County, Indiana.  Catherine was the daughter of Elias and Nancy (JENKINS) GROENENDYKE.  Catherine married May 5, 1864 in Madison County, Indiana to Edmund G. PIERCE, son of Francis and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE.  Edmund was born April 30, 1837 in Wayne County, Indiana.  They lived in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Edmund died January 8, 1875 in Madison County, Indiana.  Catherine died December 10, 1913 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Wordless Wednesday: December 1969

Source: LeMaster, Travis. Photograph. ca. December 1969.  Digital image.  Privately held by Ord W. LeMaster, Alexandria, Indiana. 2010.

Family Milestones: February 3rd

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, John P. WEHRLY, married on this date in 1861 in Jay County, Indiana to Catherine E. LEMASTERS.  John was the son of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older brother of my William P. WEHRLY.  Catherine was born June 26, 1840 in Shelby County, Ohio, the daughter of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS, and the older sister of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr.  They raised 8 children in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  Catherine died 1911 in Jay County, Indiana.  John died 1910 in Jay County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: February 2nd

My paternal granduncle, Floyd LeMASTERS, was born on this date in 1894 in Jay County, Indiana.  Floyd was the son of Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (WEHRLY) LeMASTERS, and the older brother of my Ord Wehrly LeMASTER.  Floyd married October 9, 1913 in Jay County, Indiana to Shirley Opal GAGLE.  Shirley was born September 12, 1895, the daughter of James and Myrtle (FREEMEYER) GAGLE.  They had 2 children.  Shirley died in 1982.  Floyd died February 12, 1982.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Tombstone Tuesday: John and Mary (Lemasters) Petry

 

John PETRY, son of Charles and Susannah (WEHRLY) PETRY, and his wife, Mary (LEMASTERS) PETRY, daughter of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS, are buried at the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.  John was my 1st cousin 3 times removed, while Mary was my 2nd-great grandaunt.

John was born May 27, 1860 in Jay County, Indiana.  Mary was born February 26, 1849 in Shelby County, Ohio.

John and Mary were married on August 4, 1883 in Jay County, Indiana.

John was a farmer, and census records locate the family in Noble, Penn and Greene Townships of Jay County.

Mary died December 28, 1892 in Jay County, Indiana.  John died February 16, 1942 in Jay County, Indiana.

Known children of John and Mary (LEMASTERS) PETRY:

• Bessie PETRY (c. 1891-     )
• Rachel PETRY (c. 1892-     )

Source: Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), John and Mary Petry marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009. 

Search for the Death Date of Nathan Thomas Beals

My maternal 3GGF, Nathan Thomas BEALS, is buried at the Cicero Cemetery, Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana along with his wife, Elizabeth.  A photograph of the tombstone can be found at the FindAGrave.com website.

The tombstone states he was born in 1857 and died in 1915.  Other sources state that his date of birth was February 17, 1856 in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  The 1900 census lists February 1856 as his date a birth.

When I first started working on genealogy many years ago, I entered his place of death as Hamilton County, Indiana.  After all, he was buried there, right?  That was back when I naively thought that everyone was buried right where they died.

In attempting to document and make corrections to my data, I had run into a problem when I could not locate Nathan's death in Hamilton County, Indiana.  I knew he was living in Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana in the 1910 census, so at least I thought I knew he was in Indiana at the time of his death.

An interesting clue showed up in the obituary of his father, John T. BEALS, in 1917.  In that obituary, my Nathan was referred to as "the late Nathan T. of Leola, Ark."

What in the world was he doing in Arkansas?  There is another mystery to solve.

Last week, I contacted my brother, who works for the Hamilton County, Indiana Health Department, to see if he knew who I should contact at the Cicero Cemetery in hopes that they had records of the exact burial date.  With an exact burial date, I hoped I could locate an obituary in the newspaper.

My brother gave me the name of the sexton of the cemetery, Mr. Wills, and I called him yesterday.  He was very polite, but I was a bit disheartened when he told me they had burial records back to 1927, and only some of it was computerized.  I gave him the dates of Nathan and his wife, who died in 1935, hoping that he would be able to locate something.


A few hours later, I received a phone call with Mr. Wills with great news!  They did have a date for Nathan of February 16, 1915.  Now I have something to go by.  Not sure if this is the death date or the burial date, but the other dates for Beals family members that Mr. Wills gave me match death dates.  


Now when I head to the library, I only have a couple of dates to search for an obituary instead of 365 days in 1915. Stay tuned for the results.

Family Milestones: February 1st

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Sarah JACOBS, was born on this date in 1789 in Virginia.  Sarah was the daughter of William and Sibell (LITTELL) JACOBS, and the younger sister of my James Thomas JACOBS.  Sarah married February 27, 1812 in Adams County, Ohio to Valentine SHELDON.  I do not have dates of birth and death for Valentine.  Sarah died December 26, 1839 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further known at this time.

Clara (Moulton) Metzner (1843-1899)

Clara (MOULTON) METZNER (1843-1899) was my paternal 2nd-great grandmother.  The origin of this MOULTON line have not yet been determined.

The following facts about Clara's life are known:

• Birth: She was born September 1843 in Licking County, Ohio, the daughter of Albert and Emeline (PHILBRICK) MOULTON.
• Census: 1860 - She appears in the Lydia MOULTON household in St. Albans Township, Licking County, Ohio.
• Marriage: She married John Adam METZNER on November 13, 1864 in Jay County, Indiana.
• Death: She died July 2, 1899 in Westchester, Jay County, Indiana.
• Burial: She is buried at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

The following facts need further research and/or documentation to complete my reseach:

• Census: 1850 - need to locate her in the 1850 census, should be in Licking County, Ohio.
• Census: 1870 - need to locate her in the 1870 census, should be in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1880 - need to locate her in the 1880 census, should be in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Death: Need to obtain a copy of her death certificate from the Jay County, Indiana health Department.
• Obituary: Need to obtain a copy of her obituary from the local newspaper.

Ancestry of Clara (MOULTON) METZNER (1843-1899), Ahnentafel # 23 in my ancestry:


Ahnentafel # 46: Albert MOULTON (1819-1864?); Rutland Co., VT>California?


Ahnentafel # 92: Selah MOULTON (1790-1848); Rutland Co., VT>Licking Co., OH


Ahnentafel # 184: John MOULTON (1755-c1808); Hartford Co., CT>Rutland Co., VT


Ahnentafel # 368: Samuel MOULTON (c1730-     ).


Related blog posts:

• Marriage: John Adam METZNER to Clara MOULTON

Family Milestones: January 31st

My paternal 5th-great granduncle, Israel HURLBUT, was born on this date in 1766 in Woodbury, Connecticut.  Israel was the son of Israel and Jerusha (________) HURLBUT, and the younger brother of my Avis HURLBUT.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Sentimental Sunday: Plenty of Girls in Alexandria

I've been fortunate to be able to spend some time visiting with my mother during my lunch hour, and have been sharing my research discoveries and asking her questions about her memories of the family.  After begging her to 'write it all down', I finally realized that I would have to write it down myself.  Now I pack my lunch and a tablet of paper to try to record the stories as she remembers them before they are gone forever.

Today's post on Sentimental Sunday is dedicated to my grandparents, William Lee and Bonnie Mae (LAMBERTSON) WRIGHT.  Married June 7, 1941 in Madison County, Indiana, it wasn't too long before World War II came and grandpa joined the Army Air Corps.

 

Apparently, my great-grandmother, Edna Muriel "Peach" (PIERCE) WRIGHT, was quite a character and possibly fit the stereotype of a meddling mother-in-law.  I asked my mother to retell a tale that she was told about her parents and this time I was sure to write it down.

What was the story you told me about how great-grandma interfered with your dad & mom's relationship?

Grandma "Peach" kept telling dad that he didn't have to go to Elwood to find a girl; that there were plenty of girls in Alexandria.  She had one picked out for him who lived in Summitville, believe her name was Evelyn.

Dad enlisted in the Army Air Corps with uncle Bob Walsh.

Mom went up to the base at Duluth, Minnesota to be with dad.  While she was there, dad received a letter from Grandma "Peach" stating that mom was running around on him.

Did that cause a rift in the relationship between your dad and Grandma Peach?

They [mom & dad] just laughed about it.

Not sure what to make of this story, related to my mother by her mother, but it would appear that Grandma Peach may not have been happy with my grandfather's choice of a wife.  I wonder what the reaction truly was when my grandfather received that letter from his mother, telling him that his wife was out running around while he was in the service - and knowing that she was with him there on the base?

Mom wasn't sure how grandma and grandpa met, but Elwood and Alexandria are small communities with 10 miles of each other.  Apparently, however, Grandma Peach had her own ideas about who her son should marry.

    

Surname Saturday: Peeples

The PEEPLES surname is Eileen's maternal line.  Sometimes the name is spelled as PEOPLES.  The origins of the surname are unknown.

Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 13: Sarah May PEEPLES (1870-1932).  Sarah was born May 3, 1870 in Maxinkuckee, Marshall County, Indiana.  She married Albert Duffey PEFLEY on October 9, 1898 in Culver, Marshall County, Indiana.  Albert was born January 12, 1867 in Wabash County, Indiana.  They had 4 chldren. They lived in Lagro Township, Wabash County, Indiana.  Sarah died April 4, 1932 in Argos, Marshall County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 26: George PEEPLES (1836-1918).  George was born September 24, 1836 in Miami County, Indiana.  He married Katherine McMILLEN on October 22, 1867.  George served in the Civil War.  They had 5 children.  They lived in Union Township, Marshall County, Indiana.  George died January 15, 1918 in Culver, Marshall County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 52: Hugh A.B. PEEPLES.  Hugh married Patsey FISHER.  

Related blog posts:

• Obituary: George Peeples (1836-1918) 

• Obituary: Sarah May (Peoples) Pefley (1870-1932) 

Family Milestones: January 30th

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Thornton JACOBS, was married on this date in 1822 in Brown County, Ohio to Maraba HOWLAND.  Thornton was the son of William and Sibell (LITTELL) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my James Thomas JACOBS.  Thornton was born 1794 in Virginia.  I do not have birth and death dates for Maraba.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Carmon W. LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1828 in New Jersey.  Carmon was the son of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older brother of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON.  Carmon married circa 1851 in Ohio to Mary Jane VANLUE.  Mary was born circa 1835 in Ohio.  Carmon was a farmer and wagon maker in Darke and Montgomery Cos., Ohio.  Carmon died August 17, 1870 in German Township, Montgomery County, Ohio.

Sidney Dewitt Ailes: World War I Draft Registration

 

Sidney Dewitt AILES was born August 22, 1887 in Montra, Shelby County, Ohio, the son of John Forsythe and Rebecca Lovina (DRUMM) AILES.  Sidney was my 2nd cousin 3 times removed, a descendant of Phillip YOUNG.

Sidney married Lina BAKER on January 1, 1913 in Jackson Center, Shelby County, Ohio.  Lina was born January 1, 1866 in Jackson Township, Shelby County, Ohio.  Lina died May 7, 1973 in Pemberton, Ohio.  Sidney died November 27, 1971 in Pemberton, Ohio.

Interesting that at the time of the draft, he was a student at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio.  He was 29 years old, married, with a wife and three children.

The draft registration also reports that his left leg and arm are partially paralyzed.  I wonder what caused that?

Source: Ancestry.com. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Original data: United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls. Imaged from Family History Library microfilm.

 

Family Milestones: January 29th

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Ezra JACOBS, was married on this date in 1852 in Wayne County, Ohio to Elizabeth Margaret FUHRMAN.  Ezra was the son of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my Susan JACOBS.  Ezra was born June 14, 1829 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  I do not have birth and death dates for Elizabeth.  Ezra died July 20, 1913 in West Salem, Ashland County, Ohio.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, William JACOBS, was born on this date in 1832 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  William was the son of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my Susan JACOBS.  William married September 7, 1855 in Ashland County, Ohio to Catherine EICHELBERGER.  Catherine was born March 12, 1836 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Adam and Susannah (WESTHEFFER) EICHELBERGER.  They had 8 children.  Catherine died July 2, 1913 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio.  William died September 18, 1908 in Ashland County, Ohio.

Family Milestones: January 28th

My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Mary HODGKINS, married on this date in 1783 in Baltimore County, Maryland to Ezekiel SLADE.  Mary was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (EVANS) HODGKINS, and the older sister of my Susannah HODGKINS.  Mary was born circa 1754 in Pennsylvania.  Ezekiel was the son of Ezekiel and Ann (WHITAKER) SLADE.  They had 5 children.  Mary died after 1796 in Kentucky.

My maternal great-granduncle, Phillip D. LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1869 in Darke County, Ohio.  Phillip was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Cooper LeMASTERS.  Phillip died May 1, 1869 in Darke County, Ohio.

My maternal 4th-great grandfather, William SHAW, was born on this date in 1800 in Pennsylvania.  William married August 29, 1822 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary HECK.  Mary was born circa 1803 in Kentucky, the daughter of Godfrey and Elizabeth (KIMMER) HECK.  They had 9 children.  Mary died August 12, 1890 in Madison County, Indiana.  William died September 25, 1849 in Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Prewitt Cemetery, Madison County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: January 27th

My maternal 5th-great grandparents, George WRIGHT and Elizabeth ROBINS, were married on this date in 1812 in Adams County, Ohio.  George was born July 31, 1780 in Pennsylvania, the son of John and Sarah (FLEMING) WRIGHT.  Elizabeth was born June 16, 1781 in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Obadiah and Susannah (HODGKINS) ROBINS.  They raised 6 children in Adams and Brown Cos., Ohio.  Elizabeth died November 22, 1857 in Brown County, Ohio.  George died August 5, 1853 in Brown County, Ohio.

My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Ruth MILLS, married on this date in 1780 to James JOHNSON.  Ruth was the daughter of Henry and Hannah (THORNBURG) MILLS, and the younger sister of my Aaron MILLS.  James was born in 1763, the son of Charles and Sarah (CREW) JOHNSON.  They lived in Guilford County, North Carolina and raised 9 children.  Ruth's death was recorded 6th month 25th day of 1801 at Deep River Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Sarah CHEW, was born on this date in 1810.  Sarah was the daughter of Andrew and Anna Marie (BARTHUS) CHEW, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth CHEW.  Sarah married September 2, 1830 to Nathan BAILY.  Nothing further is known at this time.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: Ord Wehlry LeMaster

This is another photograph of my paternal grandfather, Ord Wehrly LeMaster, taken at a family reunion in September 1971.  He passed away one month later.

The elderly gentleman in the back has not been identified.  Asking my aunts and uncles, no one could identify him. 

Source: LeMaster, Ord Wehrly. Photograph. ca. September 1971.  Digital image.  Privately held by Ord W. LeMaster, Alexandria, Indiana, 2010.

Tombstone Tuesday: Jesse C. Petry (1881-1958)

Jesse C. PETRY, son of Levi W. and Susanah (COFFMAN) PETRY, my paternal 2nd cousin twice removed, is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Jesse was born September 1881 in Indiana, according to the 1900 census.  According to his tombstone, he died in 1958. 

Source: Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Jesse C. Petry marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.

Family Milestones: January 26th

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Johanna ANTONIDES, was born on this date in 1756.  Johanna was the daughter of Pieter and Catherine (VANDERVEER) ANTONIDES, and the older sister of my Johannah ANTONIDES.  Johanna died young.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Joseph WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1798 in Kentucky.  Joseph was the son of John and Sarah (FLEMING) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my George WRIGHT.  Joseph married September 27, 1818 in Brown County, Ohio to Clarissa GARDNER.  Clarissa was born circa 1800 in New York.  They had at least 1 child.  Clarissa died January 29, 1882 in Brown County, Ohio.  Joseph died December 13, 1856 in Brown County, Ohio.

Family Milestones: January 25th

My paternal 6th great grandparents, Abel BRIGGS and Lettice WOOLSTON, were married on this date in 1773 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Abel was born circa 1740 in New Jersey, the son of Francis and Rachel (STOCKTON) BRIGGS.  Lettice was born October 15, 1752 in Burlington County, New Jersey, the daughter of Samuel and Cyllania (WOOLSTON) WOOLSTON.  They had at least 1 child.  Abel died before 1839 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Lettice died December 11, 1787 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My maternal 2nd-great grandfather, Charles Wilson LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1872 in Preble County, Ohio.  Charles was the son of Carey W. and Clara E. (COOK) LAMBERTSON.  Charles married April 18, 1897 in Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana to Pearl May BEALS.  Pearl was born May 11, 1878 in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana, the daughter of Nathan Thomas and Caroline Elizabeth (POE) BEALS.  Pearl died August 3, 1970 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Charles died May 24, 1958 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.


My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Minerva P. PIERCE, was born on this date in 1803.  Minerva was the daughter of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE, and the older sister of my Edmund PIERCE.  Minerva married February 10, 1829 to Jethro HATCH.  Jethro was born circa 1791 in New York.  They had 5 children and lived in Kane County, Illinois.  Jethro died February 7, 1875. Minerva died sometime after the 1880 census.

Using the Social Security Death Interactive Index

For some reason, I've overlooked using the Social Security Death Interactive Index in my genealogy searches.  This free database has already yielded me several pieces of information in the last few days, as well as given me clues for further research and provided some conflicting information that needs to be further researched.

Example of data conflict: John Leland LEMASTER - the SSDI shows his date of birth as April 25, 1902, while other sources show April 30, 1902.  Record at FindAGrave website shows his birth as April 23, 1902.  However, there is not a photo of the tombstone to verify.  Will need to search the actual birth records in Jay County, Indiana to straighten this one out.

The best part about this database, besides being free, is that you can quickly search for information on the scattered lines and find death dates and locations of last known residence, which may provide further clues of sources to research.  You can also request a copy of the individuals' original Social Security application (SS-5).  This is something that I intend to do for my direct line ancestors, just to see what other details it may reveal.


Not every one is listed in this index, which roughly starts around 1962.  Some of these reasons could be: if the death was not reported to the Social Security Administration, if the death occurred before the master index was being kept in a computer database, the person did not participate in the Social Security program, or survivor benefits could still be being paid to a spouse or dependents.  Remember, the self-employed, farmers, military personnel, government employees and some professional groups (doctors, lawyers) did not receive coverage until the 1950s and 1960s, so they may not be listed in the index.



I intend to set a reminder to periodically search this database to locate SSNs of those recently added to the database.  You never know what you may find out or when having that SSN may come in handy as a cross-reference.

Family Milestones: January 24th

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, John WRIGHT, married on this date in 1811 in Adams County, Ohio to Ann MORROW.  John was the son of John and Sarah (FLEMING) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my George WRIGHT.  John was born August 8, 1791.  Nothing further known at this time.

My Connection with Dick Cheney

Over the holidays, I was able to meet up with my cousin Jim and his family from Alabama, and the discussion turned to genealogy.  We were discussing this blog and the family tree and the talked turned to who we were related to and what a 1st cousin once removed was, etc.  One of the well-known relatives that we share is former Vice President Richard 'Dick' CHENEY, and I promised Jim that I would let him know just how we were related.

William Addams Reitwiesner's website posts the ancestry of VP Dick Cheney, as well as numerous other politicos.  Our common Cheney ancestor is Thomas CHENEY, of Cambridge, Mass., whose will was dated October 23, 1695.  In the descendancy below, our ancestors are listed first, followed by the VP's.



Thomas CHENEY b. 1633 Roxbury, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, m. January 11, 1655 Roxbury, Suffolk County, Massachusetts to Jane ATKINSON.  Jane died after July 29, 1724.


Generation One:  (Brother/Sister)


Margaret CHENEY b. November 26, 1656, m. January 1, 1674 Cambridge, Massachusetts to Nicholas FESSENDEN.  Nicholas b. 1650 Cantebury, England, d. February 24, 1719 Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Margaret d. December 10, 1717 Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Benjamin CHENEY b. January 29, 1674/5 Roxbury, Massachusetts, m. November 14, 1706 Charlestown, Massachusetts to Mary HARBERT.  Mary d. May 15, 1760 Ashford, Connecticut.  Benjamin d. July 13, 1718 Cambridge, Massachusetts.



Generation Two: (1st cousins)

William FESSENDEN b. 1694 Cambridge, Massachusetts, m(2). January 4, 1728 Cambridge, Massachusetts to Martha BROWN.  Martha b. June 16, 1699, d. February 24, 1773 Cambridge, Massachusetts.  William d. May 26, 1756 Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Joseph CHENEY b. November 2, 1709 Cambridge, Massachusetts, m. Elizabeth TUCKER.  Joseph d. 1776.



Generation Three: (2nd cousins)

Hannah FESSENDEN b. August 15, 1732 Cambridge, Massachusetts, m. February 15, 1753 Cambridge, Massachusetts to John WRIGHT.  John b. February 10, 1727 Freuchie, Fife, Scotland, d. June 1772 Anamaboo, New Guinea.  Hannah d. December 9, 1800.

William CHENEY b. September 8, 1741 Newbury, Massachusetts, m. April 17, 1763 Newbury, Massachusetts to Elizabeth SWEET.  Elizabeth b. November 24, 1745 Newbury, Massachusetts.  William d. April 4, 1803 Grand Menan Island, New Brunswick



Generation Four: (3rd cousins)

John WRIGHT bap. April 13, 1755 Cambridge, Massachusetts, m. bef. 1780 to Sarah FLEMING.  John d. October 15, 1810 Clermont County, Ohio.

Ebenezer CHENEY b. February 24, 1764 Newbury, Massachusetts, m. August 3, 1789 Campton, New Hampshire to Hannah EATON.  Hannah b. December 4, 1761, d. January 14, 1832 Campton, New Hampshire.  Ebenezer d. August 3, 1832 Campton, New Hampshire.



Generation Five: (4th cousins)

George WRIGHT b. July 31, 1780 Pennsylvania, m. January 27, 1812 Adams County, Ohio to Elizabeth ROBINS.  Elizabeth b. June 16, 1781 Pennsylvania, d. November 22, 1857 Brown County, Ohio.  George d. August 5, 1853 Brown County, Ohio.


Elias Eaton CHENEY b. May 30, 1793 Campton, New Hampshire, m. Lucy FLETCHER.  Lucy b. April 21, 1803 Thetford, Vermont.  Elias d. February 2, 1859 Thetford, Vermont.


Generation Six: (5th cousins)

John WRIGHT b. November 4, 1814 Brown County, Ohio, m. September 9, 1834 Brown County, Ohio to Anna WARDLOW.  Anna b. April 23, 1816 Brown County, Ohio, d. October 4, 1893 Brown County, Ohio.  John d. June 10, 1890 Brown County, Ohio.


Samuel Fletcher CHENEY b. December 2, 1829 Boscawen, New Hampshire, m. September 24, 1861 Defiance, Ohio to Ella A. PHILLIPS.  Ella b. February 1840 New York, d. after 1900 census.  Samuel d. after 1900 census.


Generation Seven: (6th cousins)

Joseph W. WRIGHT b. April 1838 Brown County, Ohio, m. November 1, 1857 Schuyler County, Missouri to Rebecca Ann HEATON.  Rebecca b. 1841, d. March 25, 1890 Madison County, Indiana.  Joseph d. September 16, 1919 Madison County, Indiana.

Thomas Herbert CHENEY b. April 10, 1869 Defiance, Ohio, m(2) May 20, 1914 to Margaret Ellen TYLER.  Margaret b. June 16, 1877 Franklin, Indiana, d. April 28, 1961 Casper, Wyoming.  Thomas d. March 29, 1947 Sumner, Nebraska.



Generation Eight (7th cousins)

John William WRIGHT b. February 21, 1860 Brown County, Ohio, m. May 13, 1888 Madison County, Indiana to Ellen KING.  Ellen b. August 24, 1868 Madison County, Indiana, d. December 24, 1913 Madison County, Indiana.  John d. June 5, 1945 Madison County, Indiana.

Richard Herbert CHENEY b. June 16, 1915 Nebraska, m. Marjorie Lorraine DICKEY.  Marjorie b. January 8, 1918 Nebraska, d. December 26, 1993 Casper, Wyoming.  Richard d. May 23, 1999 Casper, Wyoming.



Generation Nine (8th cousins)

Virgil Lee WRIGHT b. July 6, 1894 Orestes, Indiana, m. June 19, 1915 Alexandria, Indiana to Edna Muriel PIERCE.  Edna b. February 7, 1897 Madison County, Indiana, d. March 3, 1968 Anderson, Indiana.  Virgil d. March 25, 1972 Alexandria, Indiana.

Richard Bruce CHENEY b. January 30, 1941 Lincoln, Nebraska, Representative from Wyoming 1979-1989, US Secretary of Defense 1989-1993, US Vice President 2001-2008.


Virgil Lee WRIGHT is our great-grandfather, so cousin Jim and I would be 8th cousins 3 times removed to the former Vice President.

Surname Saturday: Carter

The CARTER surname is Eileen's paternal line.  At this point I don't know much about this Southern Carter line.

Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 11: Emma CARTER (c1879-1973).  Emma was born reportedly in 1879 Alabama, 1880 Arkansas or 1886 Kentucky, depending on the census record.  She married Samuel IVEY on February 26, 1896 in Massac County, Illinois.  Samuel was born January 1, 1870 in Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky. They lived in Graves & Marshall Counties, Kentucky and Lawrence and Poinsett Counties, Arkansas.  She died before July 20, 1973 and is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Ahnentafel # 22: George CARTER.  George was listed on Emma's marriage record as her father.  He married Ellen DUNAWAY.

Related blog posts:

• Samuel Ivey and Emma Carter Marriage Record
  

Family Milestones: January 23rd

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, John SHAW, married on this date in 1868 in Madison County, Indiana to Sarah WEBB.  John was the son of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW, and the older brother of my Elizabeth SHAW.  John was born August 20, 1827 in Ohio.  Sarah was born January 1834 in Indiana.  They had 3 children.  John died September 12, 1897 in Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Alfred JACOBS, was born on this date in 1820 in Brown County, Ohio.  Alfred was the son of James Thomas and Isabelle (FEILY) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth JACOBS.  Alfred married August 14, 1840 in Brown County, Ohio to Rebecca Ann ELLIS.  Alfred died January 3, 1907 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further known at this time.


My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Ann DAVIS, was born on this date in 1728.  Ann was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS, and the younger sister of my Thomas William DAVIS.  Ann married John HAVENS.  John was born circa 1725.  They had at least 2 children.  Nothing further known at this time.


My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Sarah WOOLSTON, was born on this date in 1804.  Sarah was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (HAINES) WOOLSTON, and the younger sister of my Rachel WOOLSTON.  Sarah married William WILLIAMS.  They had at least 1 daughter. Sarah died in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Family Milestones: January 22nd

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Nancy HEATON, was married on this date in 1871 in Lancaster, Schuyler County, Missouri to John Porter WARNER.  Nancy was the daughter of James R. and Elizabeth (JACOBS) HEATON, and the younger sister of my Rebecca Ann HEATON.  Nancy was born in 1854 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth SHIRK, was born on this date in 1740.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Ulrich and Anna (SWARR) SCHERCH, and the sister of my David SHIRK.  Elizabeth married John FUNK.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Hannah JACOBS, was born on this date in 1772 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  Hannah was the daughter of Michael and Margaret (________) JACOBS, and the younger sister of my David JACOBS.  Hannah died November 22, 1834.

Happy 101 Award

Thanks to Missy Corley of Bayside Blog and Mavis Jones of Georgia Black Crackers for this award!


Per the rules of the award, here are 10 things that make me happy:


1) Uncovering a clue to solving a family mystery.


2) Spending time with family and making new memories.


3) A Indianapolis Colts victory!


4) A good book - history or politics


5) A cold, Coca-Cola from a glass bottle.


6) A nice, long nap on Sunday.


7) Working in my garden


8) NASCAR season


9) A phone call from a friend


10) Election night coverage - especially if my guy wins!


Now, I know that I'm supposed to pass this on to 10 bloggers, but I'm limiting it to 3 :

Life From The Roots



Country Life

Think Genealogy

Family Milestones: January 21st

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Anna L. WRIGHT, was married on this date in 1885 in Madison County, Indiana to Albert Morris 'Ab' VINSON.  Anna was the daughter of Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, and the younger sister of my John William WRIGHT.  Albert was born July 31, 1858 in Madison County, Indiana, the son of James and Elizabeth (________) VINSON.  Anna was born March 8, 1864 in Brown County, Ohio.  They had 1 daughter.  Anna died June 6, 1914 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Albert died October 26, 1921 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, James Alfred KING, was married on this date in 1899 to Rosie M. DILL.  James was the son of David and Elizabeth (KING) SHAW, and the older brother of my Ellen KING.  Rosie was born March 28, 1881 in Indiana.  James was born September 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  They had 4 children.  Rosie died June 29, 1940 in Bell, California.  James died June 10, 1933 in Bell, California.

My paternal 6th-great granduncle, Abner PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1708 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire.  Abner was the son of Thomas and Abigail (________) PHILBRICK, and the older brother of my John PHILBRICK.  Abner married on November 10, 1731 to Mehitable STEWART.  Mehitable was born in 1716.  Mehitable died in 1770.  Abner died May 2, 1790.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Charlotte HAINES, was born on this date in 1768 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Charlotte was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the twin sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Charlotte married on February 13, 1798 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Michael WOOLSTON, son of Jacob and Sarah (GOSLING) WOOLSTON.  They had 4 children.  Michael died in 1817.  Charlotte died August 24, 1821 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My paternal 5th-great grandmother, Hannah HAINES, was born on this date in 1768 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Hannah was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES.  Hannah married on February 26, 1795 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Samuel WOOLSTON, son of Samuel and Cyllania (WOOLSTON) WOOLSTON.  Samuel was born August 22, 1768 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They had 10 children.  Samuel died November 3, 1813 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Hannah died February 7, 1813 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Julia MOULTON, was born on this date in 1818 in Rutland County, Vermont.  Julia was the daughter of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON, and the older sister of my Albert MOULTON.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Enjoying the sights in Portland, Ind. (1912)

This humorous postcard from 1912 was sent to my paternal granduncle, Clarence STUBER, by Lottie S., whom I believe was his sister.  Postmarked July 30, 1912 from Portland, Indiana.


This postcard was sent before Clarence was married to my grandaunt, Vera HALEY, daughter of Eli and Cora (METZNER) HALEY.

Transcription of the postcard:

Heloo:- How are you?  I am O.K.  Home after a five wks. bum in O[hio].  I was to the Haleys Sun.  Vera is O.K. And looking fine over her trip Ha! Ha!  Got a long letter from Spencerville the other day.   I am expecting to have a big time during the Jubillee.  Wish you could come.  As ever, Lottie S.

 July 30 1912  "Ans. Soon"  "No Bellfountaine news I guess"

The Vera referenced her is Clarence's future bride.  I do not know what the Jubillee references.  Bellfountaine is a small village in Jay County, Indiana.  I believe that the Haleys lived near there.

Clarence's address was 318 South Superior Street, Angola, Indiana.  Not sure why he was living in Angola.  Could he have been a student at Tri-State (now Trine University) College? 



Update (12/10/11): Yes, Clarence was a student at Tri-State College, per my father, who has some nice photographs and other items from Clarence's college days.

Family Milestones: January 20th

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Mabel HURLBUT, was married on this date in 1763 to Elijah BENEDICT.  Mabel was the daughter of Moses and Rebecca (WARNER) HURLBUT, and the older sister of my Israel HURLBUT.  Mabel was baptisted October 8, 1763 in Woodbury, Connecticut.  I do not know the dates of birth or parentage for Elijah.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Maria SHIRK, was married on this date in 1780 to George FRANTZ.  Maria was the daughter of Ulrich and Anna (SCHWARR) SCHERCH, and the older sister of my David SHIRK.  Nothing further is known at this time.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: Ord Wehrly LeMaster

This photograph of my paternal grandfather, Ord Wehrly LeMaster, was apparently taken at a family reunion held at Haynes Park in Portland, Indiana in September 1966.

Source: LeMaster, Ord Wehrly. Photograph. ca. September 1966.  Digital image.  Privately held by Ord W. LeMaster, Alexandria, Indiana, 2010.

Tombstone Tuesday: Levi W. and Susanah (Coffman) Petry

My paternal 1st cousin 3 times removed, Levi W. PETRY and his wife Susanah (COFFMAN) PETRY, are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.


Levi was born November 2, 1844 in Preble County, Ohio, the son of Charles and Susannah (WEHRLY) PETRY.


Susanah was born December 1846 in Ohio, the daughter of John and Margaret (WEIMER) COFFMAN.


Levi and Susanah were married on January 13, 1867.  They lived in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana where Levi worked as a carpenter.  Much more research is needed to flesh out this family.



Levi died August 18, 1930 in Jay County, Indiana.  Susanah died August 26, 1928 in Jay County, Indiana.


Known children of Levi W. & Susanah (COFFMAN) PETRY are :

• Mary Estella PETRY (1867-1900)
• John Elmer PETRY (1869-1972)
• Lula Belle PETRY (1870-1939); married Daniel CORLE
• Jesse C. PETRY (1881-1958)
• Blanche D. PETRY (1885-     )
• Chauncey Orlo PETRY (1888-     )
• Charles Francis PETRY
• Daisey PETRY
• Gracie Chestina PETRY
• Harriett PETRY
• Sarah Agnes PETRY
• Susannah Getrude PETRY

Source: Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Levi W. and Susannah Petry marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009

Found them in the City Directory

On my lunch hour I ran over to the Elwood Public Library and did some quick checking on my Lambertson line.  I wanted to see if I could find out when they came to the Elwood area.

My 3GGF, Carey W. LAMBERTSON, was enumerated in the 1900 census in Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana.  By the 1910 census he was in the 2nd Ward of the City of Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  So at least I know that sometime between 1900-1910 he moved.

Didn't find exactly what I was looking for, but I did locate the 1916 Directory of Elwood published by the R.L. Polk Co. of Indianapolis, Indiana.  In that directory, both Carey and his son, Bert, are listed as living in Elwood

Lambertson Carey (Clara), h 1906 n F
Lambertson Bert S (Marie), laborer, h 615 n 18th

In a later directory, from 1924, published by Calkin-Kelly Directory Company of Binghampton, New York, I located my GGF, Clermon, and his brother:

Lambertson Clemon B (June K) cabtwkr h 1906 North F
Lambertson Orville E (Mary E) cabtwkr h 809 North 16th

My GGF, Clemon, worked for the Sellers Kitchen Cabinet Company in Elwood for many years until it closed.  Apparently, so did his brother, Orville.  Later in that same year, Orville and his wife were divorced.

This is just a start of some of the early directories that the library had.  I also need to dig into the collections at Ancestry.com to see what else I can find for the missing years.

Family Milestones: January 19th

My paternal 7th-great (and 8th-great) grandparents, John MAXSON and Judith CLARKE, were married on this date in 1687 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  John was the son of Rev. John and Mary (MOSHER) MAXSON.  Judith was the daughter of Joseph and Bethiah (HUBBARD) CLARKE.  John was born October 12, 1666 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Judith was born October 12, 1667 in Newport, Rhode Island.  They had 10 children. John died October 28, 1748.  Judith died July 17, 1747 at Westerly, Rhode Island.

My paternal 3rd-great grandparents, Luman Walker LEMASTERS Sr. and Nancy YOUNG, were married on this date in 1832 in Shelby County, Ohio.  Luman was the son of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS.  Nancy was the daughter of Phillip and Nancy Ann (McLANE) YOUNG.  Luman was born March 11, 1808 in Mason County, Virginia.  Nancy was born June 2, 1812 in Pickaway County, Ohio.  They raised 11 children in Shelby County, Ohio and Jay County, Indiana.  Luman died April 15, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  Nancy died August 26, 1904 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great granduncle, Nathan DAVIS, married on this date in 1761 to Ann GIFFORD.  Nathan was the son of Thomas William and Tacy (CRANDALL) DAVIS, and the younger brother of my Elisabeth DAVIS.  Nathan was born May 9, 1740 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Ann was born January 17, 1742.  They had 14 children.  Ann died in 1820.  Nathan died before October 17, 1814 in Salem, Harrison County, Virginia.

Family Milestones: January 18th

My maternal 7th-great grandparents, Henry MILLS and Hannah THORNBURG, were married on this date in 1740 in Virginia.  Henry was the son of John and Rebecca (________) MILLS.  Hannah's parentage is unknown.  Henry was born 9th month 23rd day in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  Hannah was born in 1725.  They had 11 children.  Hannah died 3rd month 27th day in 1791, recorded at Deep River Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.  Henry died 10th month 10th day in 1810, recorded at Deep River Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Levi JACOBS, married on this date in 1828 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary Lou BEATY.  Levi was the son of  William and Sibell (LITTELL) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my James Thomas JACOBS.  Levi was born June 20, 1807 in Brown County, Ohio.  Mary was the daughter of David BEATY.  Levi died March 21, 1882 in Effingham County, Illinois.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Moses MENDENHALL, married on this date in 1764 at New Garden Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina to Diannah RUDDUCK.  Moses was the son of Mordecai and Charity (BEESON) MENDENHALL, and the older brother of my Charity MENDENHALL.  Moses was born 5th month 13th day in 1743 recorded at New Garden Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina. Diannah was the daughter of John and Jeanne (________) RUDDUCK.  They had 5 children.  Moses died 2nd month 10th day in 1835 recorded at Springfield Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.

Family Milestones: January 17th

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Aaron MENDENHALL, married on this date in 1776 at Center Monthly Meeting in North Carolina to Miriam RICH.  Aaron was the son of Mordecai and Charity (BEESON) MENDENHALL, and the older brother of my Charity MENDENHALL.  Miriam was the daughter of John and Sarah (FRAZIER) RICH.  I do not have her dates of birth and death.  They were the parents of 8 children.  Aaron's death is recorded 12th month 26th day of 1793 at New Garden Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.  

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Nancy CHEW, married on this date in 1830 to Joseph BISHOP.  Nancy was the daughter of Andrew and Anna Marie (BARTHUS) CHEW, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth CHEW.  Nancy was born in 1812.  Joseph was born in 1802.  They had at least 1 child.  Joseph died in 1889.  Nancy died August 23, 1892.  Nothing further is known.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Thomas MENDENHALL, married on this date in 1764 at New Garden Monthly Meeting in Guilford County, North Carolina to Phebe RUDDUCK.  Thomas was born 10th month 3rd day 1741 at New Garden Monthly Meeting,  the son of Mordecai and Charity (BEESON) MENDENHALL, and the older brother of my Charity MENDENHALL.  Phebe was the daughter of John and Jeane (________) RUDDUCK.  They had 9 children.  Thomas' death is recorded on 1st month 5th day of 1783 at Deep River Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.

My paternal 3rd-great grandfather, Ezekiel Cooper CHEW, was born on this date in 1822 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Ezekiel was the son of Rev. Nathaniel and Mary (WEST) CHEW.  Ezekiel married December 29, 1842 in New Jersey to Caroline Bishop WOOLSTON.  Caroline was born February 6, 1826 in Vincentown, Burlington County, New Jersey, the daughter of Abel B. and Rachel (WOOLSTON) WOOLSTON.  They had 14 children.  Caroline died February 27, 1879 in Rossburg, Darke County, Ohio.  Ezekiel married secondly between 1880 and 1882 to Mrs. Laura SKAGGS.  Laura was born circa 1822 in Ohio.  They had 1 son.  Laura died at Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Ezekiel married thirdly between 1883 and 1888 to Mary Jane (RIDDLE) ADAMS, the daughter of Wiley and Miranda M. (PRICE) RIDDLE.  Mary was born December 28, 1845 in St. Joseph County, Indiana.  They had 1 son.  Mary died in 1921.  Ezekiel died August 27, 1888 in St. Joseph County, Indiana.


My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Sarah HAINES, was born on this date in 1782 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Sarah was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Sarah died September 5, 1825 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Sarah Ann KING, was born on this date in 1864 in Madison County, Indiana.  Sarah was the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, and the older sister of my Elizabeth KING.  Sarah is believed to have died before the 1870 census.  Nothing further is known at this time.