Family Milestones: February 22nd

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Alexander S. HEATON, married on this date in 1827 in Brown County, Ohio to Jemima SHAW.  Alexander was the son of Thomas and Susan (TAYLOR) HEATON, and the older brother of my James R. HEATON.  Alexander was born September 18, 1803 in Bracken County, Kentucky.  Jemima was born in 1810 in New York, the daughter of Anthony and Sarah (NILES) SHAW.  They had 12 children.  Alexander died in 1892 in Pratt, Kansas.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Sarah Wilson LAMBERTSON, married on this date in 1855 in Butler County, Ohio to John LYST.  Sarah was the daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older sister of my Carey LAMBERTSON.  Sarah was born December 1, 1835 in Warren County, New Jersey.  John was born February 14, 1831 in Fayette County, Ohio, the son of John W. and Nancy Agnes (________) LYST.  They had 10 children and resided in Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.  John died after the 1880 census.  Sarah died 1881 in Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.


My paternal 6th-great grandparents, Noah WORCESTER and Lydia TAYLOR, were married on this date in 1757.  Noah was born October 4, 1735 in Sandwich, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, the son of Francis and Abigail (CARLTON) WORCESTER.  Lydia was born October 11, 1733, the daughter of Abraham TAYLOR.  They had at least 1 child.  Noah died in Hollis, New Hampshire.  Lydia died July 6, 1772.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, William R. POE, was married on this date in 1838 in Morgan County, Indiana to Susannah BRAY.  William was the son of John W. and Elizabeth (RAINS) POE.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Susannah.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 5th-great granduncle, James WARDLAW, was born on this date in 1788 in Virginia.  James was the son of Robert and Janet (DOWNEY) WARDLAW, and the younger brother of my Samuel WARDLAW.   James married February 24, 1814 in Clermont County, Ohio to Eleanor IRWIN.  They had 5 children.  James died September 5, 1858.

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Margaretta WOOLSTON, was born on this date in 1809 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Margaretta was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (HAINES) WOOLSTON, and the younger sister of my Rachel WOOLSTON.  Margaretta married Charles HAINES.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Mary WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1785.  Mary was the daughter of John and Sarah (FLEMING) WRIGHT, and the younger sister of my George WRIGHT.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Family Milestones: February 21st

My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Rachel BEALS, was married on this date in 1789 to William THORNBURGH.  Rachel was the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (ANTRIM) BEALS, and the younger sister of my John BEALS.  Rachel's birth was recorded in 1763, 3rd month, 9th day at New Garden MM, Guilford County, North Carolina.  I do not have dates of birth or death for William.  Rachel died circa 1798.  Nothing further is known.

My paternal 5th-great grandfather, John Peter SAUBEL, was born on this date in 1758 in the Saar Basin, Germany.  John was the son of Leonard SAUBEL.  John married before 1775 to Barbara ________.  Barbara was born circa 1758.  They had 8 children.  John died August 15, 1831 in York County, Pennsylvnia.

My maternal 2nd-great grandfather, John William WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1860 in Brown County, Ohio.  John was the son of Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT.  John married May 13, 1888 in Madison County, Indiana to Ellen KING, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING.  Ellen was born August 24, 1868 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  They had 4 children, 2 whom survived.  Ellen died December 24, 1913 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  John died June 5, 1945 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 4th-great grandmother, Lydia FENNEL, was born on this date in 1796 in Rutland County, Vermont.  Lydia married circa 1815 in Rutland County, Vermont to Selah MOULTON, son of John and Avis (HURLBUT) MOULTON.  Selah was born October 28, 1790 in Rutland County, Vermont.  They had 9 children.  They moved to St. Albans Township, Licking County, Ohio.  Selah died February 1848 in St. Albans Township, Licking County, Ohio.  Lydia died December 1869 in Licking County, Ohio.

Why Post Content To Ancestry.com If You Don't Want To Be Contacted?

Allow me to do the anti-Happy Dance, genealogically speaking....tonight I logged onto Ancestry.com and on a whim, did a search for Bert LAMBERTSON, a brother of my maternal 2nd-great grandfather, Charles W. LAMBERTSON.

Besides the usual census records and the Social Security Death Index records, I found highlighted a private member story, that looked interesting, as it mentioned other members of the LAMBERTSON family.  I eagerly clicked on the link, only to receive the message that "This member has chosen not to be contacted". 

How frustrating!  Why would you add content to a pay site such as Ancestry, knowing that others may be searching the same lines, and then choose to be anonymous?  It makes no sense to me....

Thanks for allowing me to vent...

Family Milestones: February 20th

My paternal great-grandaunt, Ora Amanda HALEY, married on this date in 1904 in Jay County, Indiana to Franklin Oliver BITTIKOFER.  Ora was born August 25, 1884 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of George Washington and Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY.  Frank was born circa 1883 in Indiana.  They lived in Mercer and Miami Counties, Ohio.  They had 6 children. The last record I have for them is the 1930 census.  Nothing further is known.


My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Emma P. PIERCE, was born on this date in 1851.  Emma was the daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Emma died August 15, 1853.

Family Milestones: February 17th

My maternal 3rd-great grandfather, Nathan Thomas BEALS, was born on this date in 1856 in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  Nathan was the son of John T. and Mary (DAVIS) BEALS.  Nathan married September 26, 1876 in Hamilton County, Indiana to Elizabeth Caroline POE.  Elizabeth was born September 26, 1856 in Morgan County, Indiana, the daughter of Isaac S. and Hannah (MILLS) POE.  Nathan was a hardware dealer and lumber yard superintendent.  They had 3 children.  Nathan died February 16, 1915 in Leola, Grant County, Arkansas.  Elizabeth died September 27, 1935 near Greentown, Howard County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Cicero Cemetery, Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Seth PIERCE, was born on this date in 1784, probably in Worchester, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  Seth was the son of Seth and Bethiah (FIELD) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my Gordon PIERCE.  Nothing further is known.

Family Milestones: Februarty 16th

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Joseph CROCKETT, was born on this date in 1816.  Joseph was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (WATKINS) CROCKETT, and the younger brother of my David CROCKETT.  Joseph married Elizabeth JAMES.  Elizabeth was born February 27, 1820.  They had 8 children.  Elizabeth died May 3, 1914.  Joseph died June 27, 1863.

My paternal 6th-great grandmother, Maria Catherine CHERDRON, was baptized on this date in 1730 in Otterberg, Bayern.  Maria was the daughter of Hans Heinrich and Anna Maria (HERBACH) CHERDRON.  Maria married July 18, 1771 in Dover Township, York County, Pennsylvania to Johan Michael JACOBS.  Johan was born circa 1742 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  They had 3 children.  Johan died before 1790 in Dover Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Maria died after 1790 in Dover Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Tombstone Tuesday: Kenneth E. Chew

 

Kenneth E. CHEW, son of William Anderson and Emma Susan (STRAIGHT) CHEW, is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.  Kenneth would be my 1st cousin 3 times removed.

According to his tombstone, Kenneth was born November 29, 1905 and died March 24, 1910, probably in Jay County, Indiana. 

Source: Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Kenneth E. Chew marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009. 

Family Milestones: February 15th

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Mary C. JACOBS, married on this date in 1849 in Ohio to Benjamin Franklin MARKLEY.  Mary was the daughter of James Thomas and Isabella (FEILY) JACOBS, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth JACOBS.  Mary was born October 28, 1831 in Brown County, Ohio.  I do not have birth and death dates for Benjamin.  Mary died March 15, 1898 in Brown County, Ohio.

My maternal 7th-great grandparents, Deacon John WRIGHT and Hannah FESSENDEN, were married on this date in 1753 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  John was born February 10, 1727 in Freuchie, Falkland Parish, Fife, Scotland, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (HENDERSON) WRIGHT.  Hannah was born August 15, 1732 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, the daughter of William and Martha (BROWN) FESSENDEN.  They had 5 children.  John died June 1772 off the coast of Anamaboo, New Guinea.  Hannah died December 9, 1800 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Joseph HEATON, married on this date in 1821 to Mary Ann EVANS.  Joseph was the son of Thomas and Susan (TAYLOR) HEATON, and the older brother of my James R. HEATON.  Mary was the daughter of Abraham and Mary (________) EVANS.  Joseph was born January 11, 1795 in Loudon County, Virginia.  Mary was born August 22, 1800 in Viriginia.  They had 10 children.  Joseph died in 1865/66 in Brown County, Ohio.  Mary died September 28, 1870.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Peter ANTONIDES, was born on this date in 1765.  Peter was the son of Pieter and Catherine (VANDERVEER), and the older brother of my Johannah ANTONIDES.  Nothing further is known.

Obituary: Gerald and Geraldine Lambertson

 

From: Noblesville, Indiana Ledger, October 5, 1906, page 5.

Twin children of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lambertson, living in the vicinity of West Grove church in Jackson township, died Wednesday, aged three months.  The funeral occurred Thursday, Amos Carson officiating, and the interment took place at Cicero, both babes being buried in the same casket. 

----

Gerald and Geraldine LAMBERTSON, twins of Charles Wilson and Pearl May (BEALS) LAMBERTSON, were born June 28, 1906 in Hamilton County, Indiana.  According to family tradition, they died of milk sickness from drinking Wilson's canned milk.   

Family Milestones: February 14th

My paternal grandaunt, Vera Delphene HALEY, was married on this date in 1915 to Clarence Leroy STUBER.  Vera was the daughter of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY, and the older sister of my Ruth Pauline HALEY.  Vera was born March 10, 1890 in Jay County, Indiana.  Clarence was born February 4, 1891 in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, the son of Henry and Martha (________) STUBER.  They had 1 stillborn child.  They lived in Spencerville, Allen County, Ohio and Jay County, Indiana.  Clarence was a farmer.  Clarence died May 20, 1981 in Jay County, Indiana.  Vera died June 1987 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  Both are buried at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Henry Eldred PIERCE, was married on this date in 1855 to Simeathy SMELSOR.  Henry was the son of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the older brother of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Henry was born October 10, 1833 in Piqua, Miami County, Ohio.  Simeathy was born circa 1839 in Indiana.  They had at least 6 children and lived in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Simeathy died in 1918.  Henry died in 1901.  Both are buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth WARDLAW, was married on this date in 1838 in Brown County, Ohio.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the younger sister of my Anna WARDLOW.  Elizabeth was born November 27, 1818 in Brown County, Ohio.  I do not know the dates of birth or death for John.  Elizabeth died in Iowa.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, Elias A. PIERCE, was born on this date in 1867 in Madison County, Indiana.  Elias was the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my William Francis PIERCE.  Elias married December 25, 1895 in Madison County, Indiana to Flora J. CURTIS.  Flora was born November 1871 in Indiana and died between 1920-1930 in Madison County, Indiana.  Elias married secondly to Kate ________.  Elias was a farmer and stock buyer, living in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Elias died March 1963.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Joshua MILLS, was born on this date in 1761.  Joshua was the son of Henry and Hannah (THORNBURG) MILLS.  Joshua's death is recorded at New Garden MM, Guilford County, North Carolina in 1762, 8th month.

Banking Scandal of Hamilton County, Indiana circa 1915-16

While I don't yet have all of the details, thanks to some newspaper articles and Google books, I've managed to piece together some information regarding Ed and Luther HINSHAW, nephews of my 3GGF, Nathan Thomas BEALS.  Nathan died in Arkansas before the scandal broke, and I have no evidence that any of his dealings with the HINSHAWS were questionable, but I found it a fascinating story that close family members were involved in a scandal.  Another nephew, Elmer L. STURDEVANT was also involved.


Apparently, the following banks were involved in the crash: Hamilton Trust Company of Noblesville, Indiana; Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Cicero, Indiana; People's State Bank of Arcadia, Indiana; and the Fidelity Trust Company of Indianapolis, Indiana.  I've yet to research using the contemporary newspapers from Hamilton County area, but the following articles found on Ancestry.com will highlight some of the details:

From: Indianapolis, Indiana Star, Sunday, March 5, 1916, page 8.

DENIES HINSHAW CHANGE OF VENUE

Noblesville Judge Overrules Motion Alleging People Have Conspired to Mob or Lynch Defendant in Bank Case

BITTER CHARGES FLY THICK

State Accused of "Packing" Court to Influence Jury in Bowen Trial - Prosecutor Suggests Perjury Indictment

[Special to the Indianapolis Star]


NOBLESVILLE, Ind., March 4. - Late this afternoon Judge Cloe overruled the motion for a change of venue from the county in the case of E.M. Hinshaw, charged with conspiracy in connection with the failure of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Cicero.  The case is set for hearing March 14.


When the motion for change was presented it was accompanied by the affidavits of forty-two citizens, who said under oath that the defendant could not obtain a fair and impartial trial in this county.  Ninety-five counter affidavits were presented by the state.  


Arguments on the motion brought out some sharp exchanges of opinion between J.F. Neal, one of the special prosecutors, and E.V. Fitzpatrick of Indianapolis, representing the defendant.

Charges Sharp Practice

 Fitzpatrick insisted that the state had called spectators to the court room by telephone to influence the jury in the trial of George Bowen, who was convicted recently of embezzlement in connection with the failure of the Hamilton Trust Company, of which he had been president.

"Is there an affidavit on file to that effect?" quickly inquired Neal, implying that some one might be charged with a false accusation.

Fitzpatrick also asserted that Neal had indicated to him that a special session of the grand jury might be called to indict Hinshaw for alleged perjury growing out of the statement in the defendant's motion that there were persons in Hamilton County who would perjure themselves in order to get on a jury so they could convict Hinshaw.

Suggests Indictment

In arguing the motion Neal indicated with a great deal of emphasis that Hinshaw should be indicted for this assertion in his motion and also because he alleged the people of Hamilton County had combined and confederated to mob or lynch him.

In passing on the motion Judge Cloe paid a high tribute to the citizenship of Hamilton County and said he could not believe such threats were well founded.

Jointly indicted with E.M. Hinshaw are J.L. Hinshaw, R.H. Metcalf and Lee Tescher.  The latter was cashier in the Cicero bank.  Metcalf was president and J.L. Hinshaw was a director.  Tescher and Metcalf have asked for separate trials and J.L. Hinshaw will probably be tried at another time.  

From: Indianapolis, Indiana Star, Sunday, March 28, 1915, page 10.


AUDITOR CAUSES BANK TO SUSPEND

Crittenberg's Warning to Replace Notes With Cash Results in Closing of Arcadia State Bank.

FOURTH FAILURE IN COUNTY

Indorsers of Paper in Question Are Men Connected With Other Hamilton County Institutions - Officers Expect to Avoid Loss.

[Special to the Indianapolis Star.]


NOBLESVILLE, Ind., March 27. - The People's State Bank of Arcadia did not open its doors today, being locked up by Cashier J.S. Hinesley when Auditor of State Crittenberger demanded that he take out of the institution three notes of $5,000 each and replace them with cash.


Hinesley was notified yesterday by the auditor that he must take up this paper before the bank opened this morning, and realizing that he could not do so in such short time, he refused to open the bank today.  The bank is not yet in the hands of the auditor, but he probably will take charge of it on Monday.

Result of Other Failures

The three notes in question bear the signatures of John W. Jessup, Thomas Hussey, Kenton C. Hershey, Francis T. Hinshaw, A.H. Bowen, Elmer Sturdevant, George Bowen and the estate of John H. Harvey, by George Bowen through power of attorney.  All these persons were directly connected with the Hamilton Trust Company of this city, which was closed by the auditor of state in January and is now in the hands of a receiver.

Jessup and Hussey have made assignments of them properly to Samuel M. Smith of Indianapolis.  Hershey and Hinshaw filed bankruptcy proceedings in the Federal Court at Indianapolis last Thursday.

George Bowen served as president of the Hamilton Trust Company from its organization ten years ago until last December, when Sturdevant was chosen to succeed him.  A.H. Bowen, another endorser on the three notes, is a brother of George Bowen, and has been secretary and treasurer of the Hamilton Trust Company for several years.

Hinesley asserts with the exception of these three note the bank is in good condition and he expects this paper to be eventually paid in full.

 Depends on Court Action

He admits that whether the notes are good depends entirely on two suits pending in court in this city, in which Thomas Hussey and John W. Jessup are suing the officers and other directors of the Hamilton Trust Company to be released from notes aggregating $117,000, now in the possession on John Dulin, receiver for the Hamilton Trust Company.  It is alleged by Jessup and Hussey that their signatures to the $117,000 in notes were procured by George Bowen and Elmer L. Sturdevant through fraud.  In the event the court holds these notes are not legal the action will be equivalent to saying that Hussey and Jessup are not bankrupt, and it is possible Hinesley will be able to collect his three notes of $5,000 each even though the other sureties are not financially responsible.

Hinesley went into court this afternoon and obtained judgment on default against three of the indorsers on the three notes, George and A.H. Bowen and Elmer L. Sturdevant.  Attorney for each of the other indorsers asked that action as to their clients be delayed a few days.  Hinesley said the three notes came to his bank in 1912 through J.L. Hinshaw, then president of the Farmers and Merchants' Bank at Cicero, now in the hands of a receiver.  At that time the sureties were rated high in financial circles.

 Receiver Files Suits

John Dulin, receiver for the Hamilton Trust Company, has made E.M. Hinshaw, the East Tenth Street Bank of Indianapolis and the Farmers and Traders' Bank of Lafayette, defendants in a suit to foreclose a mortgage on property in Cicero, belonging to Hinshaw, which was given to secure a note for $5,400, executed Jan. 7, 1913.  It is said in the complaint that the Indianapolis bank is made a defendant because it has a judgment for $414 against Hinshaw.  The Lafayette bank is brought into the case that it may present whatever interest it may have in the real estate.

In the same complaint Mr. Dulin asks for the foreclosure of another mortgage, which Hinshaw executed last July to secure a note of $900. 

The Wainwright Trust Company, as administrator, with will annexed of the estate of the late John H. Harvey, a former county commissioner, and the First National Bank of this city have filed a replevin suit against John L. Dulin, receiver for the Hamilton Trust Company, to obtain the property of the Hamilton Abstract Company.  Damages in the sum of $10,000 are demanded.  The abstract company and the Hamilton Trust Company were conducted jointly and owned by the same persons.  It is alleged the stockholders turned over their holdings in the company to the First National Bank and the Wainwright Trust Company and these two plaintiffs are demanding possession of the property, which is under the control of Mr. Dulin. 

From: Indianapolis, Indiana Star, Saturday, November 13, 1915, page 4.


COURT REFUSES TO QUASH BANK CASE INDICTMENTS

Noblesville, Ind. Nov. 12. - In the Circuit Court today Judge Cloe overruled motions to quash thirteen grand jury indictments alleging felonies growing out of the failure of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Cicero and the Hamilton Trust Company of this city.  The defendants are A.H. and George Bowen and Elmer Sturdevant of the trust company, and Lee Tescher, Ed and Luther Hinshaw and R.H. Metcalf, who were connected with the Cicero bank.  On a motion filed by the Special Prosecutor, J.F. Neal, the court quashed seven indictments against the same defendants and at the same time new affidavits were filed to take the place of the indictments.  The dismissal of these indictments and the filing of new ones was the result of a desire on the part of the state to correct some clerical and technical errors.  No material changes were made in any of the charges, which include embezzlement, larceny, grand larceny and conspiracy.  Bench warrants were issued for the rearrest of the defendants, who will appear in court tomorrow and provide new bonds.


From: Fort Wayne, Indiana Daily News, Monday, July 24, 1916


JURORS DISAGREED IN METCALF CASE

Young Man Believes Now He Will Never Be Convicted

Noblesville, Ind. July 24. - After being out 30 hours the jury in the case against R.H. Metcalf, charged with having accepted a check for $6,700 while president of the Farmers' and Merchants' bank at Cicero, and when, it is alleged, he knew the institution was insolvent, reported to Judge Cloe yesterday afternoon that it could not agree and was discharged.  Nearly 50 ballots were taken.  The last one stood nine for conviction and three for acquittal.  Most of the ballots were two for acquittal and ten for conviction.


Metcalf and his friends consider the disagreement a victory.  It is generally believed that Metcalf, who has been in jail here for nearly ten months, will be able to give bond and return to his home at Paint Lick, Ky.  There are several other charges against him, but the opinion prevails that he may never be tried again.


The disagreement in the Metcalf case was the first in the four trials here resulting from the three bank failures in Hamilton county about a year ago.  George Bowen, who was president of the Hamilton Trust company of this city until a short time before it was closed by the auditor of the state, was the first convicted and sentenced to prison, charged with embezzlement.  Edwin M. Hinshaw and John Luther Hinshaw, brothers, who controlled the Cicero bank until the reorganization by which Metcalf became its president, also were sentenced to prison.  The convicted men are at liberty under bond, pending appeals to the supreme court.


Metcalf, who is less than 30 years old, had been the object of much sympathy.  In his defense he attempted to show that he was led to enter the Cicero through misrepresentations of E.M. Hinshaw and that state examiners gave him reason to believe the bank was sound.

From: Logansport, Indiana Daily Tribune, Wednesday, August 16, 1916, page 1


FORMER BANKER OF NOBLESVILLE UNDER ARREST

[By Associated Press]

Noblesville, Ind., Aug. 15. - Charged with forgery and conspiracy.  John L. Hinshaw, formerly connected with the Hamilton Trust company of this place, was arrested here tonight, and it was announced the arrest of Edwin M. Hinshaw, formerly of Farmers and Merchants Trust company of Cicero, and of George W. Bowes and Elmer Sturdevant of the Hamilton Trust company is expected to be made tomorrow on similar charges.


The charges are said to be the outgrowth of evidence given at the recent trials of the Hinshaws here.  Under the new conspiracy charges it is alleged the former bankers sought to give the public the impression the institutions were solvent when it was known to them, it is alleged, that they were insolvent.


From: Rushville, Indiana Daily Republican, Monday, March 5, 1917, page 8.


TRIAL TO LAST A LONG TIME

Only Few of 75 Witnesses in Noblesville Bank Wrecking Case


[By United Press]


Noblesville, Ind., March 5. - When the trial of Elmer L. Sturdevant on the charge of conspiracy to wreck the Hamilton Trust Company was resumed today, it was evident that the case would extend over several weeks.  The case has been on for nine days and only a few of the seventy-five witnesses which the state has summoned, have been examined.  W.H. Whitson, former state bank examiner, was expected to resume the stand today.  He has already occupied a day and a half in giving testimony.


From: Tipton, Indiana, Daily Tribune, Saturday, June 29, 1918, page 4.


ANOTHER BANK ECHO

Frankfort Court Given Judgment Against Arcadia Concern


Guy Booth, receiver for the defunct People's State Bank of Arcadia, has been given judgment in the Clinton county circuit court against the defendants in his suit, the amount fixed by the court being $4,480.  The judgment is against John Luther Hinshaw and the American Surety Company.


This is another echo of a financial disaster that befell Hamilton county some time ago.


Hinshaw had given bond in the sum of $2,000 during the fiscal year of 1911 and 1912 for the faithful and honest discharge of his duties as the president of the bank.  It is alleged in the complaint that Hinshaw and his brother Ed took from the bank $2,100 and executed their note for that amount at a time when each was alleged to be insolvent.  It was further alleged that in 1912 and 1913, by means of two checks, one for $1,500 and one for $2,500, executed by J.L. Hinshaw and Ed Hinshaw respectively and that they took from the bank $4,000 without having funds on desposit and later executed notes for that amount when, it was charged, each knew they were insolvent.


The Frankfort court found there had been a breach of the bond in the execution of the $2,700 note and also a breach of the bond in drawing two checks.  There was a judgment entered against the defendents to the amount of $4,000 and interest from the date of demand which amounted to $180.  The surety company immediately gave notice of an appeal of the case to the Supreme Court.

-------


Elmer L. STURDEVANT was the son of Calvin and Emma (BEALS) STURDEVANT, and my  maternal 1st cousin 4 times removed.


Edwin M. HINSHAW and John Luther HINSHAW were the sons of Solomon and Elizabeth J. (BEALS) HINSHAW, and my maternal 1st cousins 4 times removed.

Family Milestones: February 13th

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Charlotte HAINES, married on this date in Burlington County, New Jersey to Michael WOOLSTON.  Charlotte was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the older sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Charlotte was born January 21, 1768 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Michael was the 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 4th-great grandaunt, Sarah SHERRICK, married on this date in 1816 to Samuel SAILOR.  Sarah was the daughter of David and Barbara (ERB) SHIRK, and the sister of my David SHERRICK.    Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal great grandaunt, Ida Laura WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1883 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  Ida was the daughter of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger sister of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  Ida married December 30, 1903 to Edward SCHOLER.  Ida died December 15, 1963.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 2nd-great grandmother, Mary Keziah CHEW, was born on this date in 1847 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey.  Mary was the daughter of Dr. Ezekiel Cooper and Caroline Bishop (WOOLSTON) CHEW.  Mary married October 2, 1864 at Versailles, Darke County, Ohio to Luman Walker LeMASTERS.  Luman was born October 19, 1842 in Shelby County, Ohio, the son of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS.  They lived in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana and raised 11 children.  Luman died November 18, 1931 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Mary died February 22, 1927 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

The Hinshaw Brothers: Edwin Michael and John Luther

The HINSHAW brothers, Edwin Michael and John Luther, were the nephews of my 3rd-great grandfather, Nathan Thomas BEALS.  They were the sons of Solomon and Elizabeth J. (BEALS) HINSHAW.  In attempting to obtain the backstory regarding Nathan's death, I found that I needed to find out more about these nephews, as the obituary stated that my 3GGF had gone to Arkansas to be involved with the lumber and sawmill business with Ed and Luther Hinshaw.

Since Nathan died in 1915, I decided to see what I could discover about Ed and Luther in the 1910 and the 1920 census records.



Edwin was living in Indianapolis in the 1910 census, living on College Avenue, listed with wife Frances and son Clark. Ed's occupation is listed as banker.  This fits with the Beals Chronology's account of him being the Indiana State Bank Examiner.

 

John Luther was living in Cicero, Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana in the 1910 census.  Luther's occupation was also listed as a banker.  Note that he was living just down the street from Charles and Pearl LAMBERTSON, my 2nd-great grandparents.

 

 

By the time of the 1920 census, the brothers had left the Indiana area.  The exact nature has not yet been discovered, but what I have discovered involves a major banking scandal in the Hamilton county area during the 1915-1916 time frame.

In the 1920, Ed was a lodger in Wichita County, Texas, working as a manager at an oil company.  His son Clark was a driver for the oil company.

 

By 1920, Luther was living in Stoddard County, Missouri, his occupation was listed as a farmer.

 

Though this is just one slice of the lives of these men, I found it most interesting to find out where they were residing in the period prior to and after the death of their uncle, Nathan Thomas BEALS.  Hopefully, I will be able to find out more about their business relationship and what brought Nathan to Arkansas. 

Family Milestones: February 12th

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Arana WARDLOW, was married on this date in 1852 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary DENNIS.  Mary was his third wife.  Arana, or "Rainey" as he was known, was born December 19, 1806 in Ohio, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW.  Mary was born circa 1815 in Kentucky.  They lived in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.  Arana died July 11, 1884 in Brown County, Ohio.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Susannah WEHRLY, was married on this date in 1844 to Charles PETRY.  Susannah was born December 12, 1824 in Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio, the daughter of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older sister of my William P. WEHRLY.  Charles was born January 27, 1822 in York County, Pennsylvania, the son of Jacob and Magdalena (MILLER) PETRY. They raised 8 children in Wayne and Noble Townships, Jay County, Indiana.  Charles died March 28, 1893 in Jay County, Indiana.  Susannah died June 23, 1910 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Lucinda WARDLAW, was married on this date in 1843 in Brown County, Ohio to Isaac WRIGHT.  Lucinda was born circa 1814 in Ohio, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the older sister of my Anna WARDLOW.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Isaac.  Nothing further is known at this time.



 

Family Milestones: February 11th

My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Charity MILLS, was married on this date in 1779 to Samuel HOGGATT.  Charity's birth was recorded at Deep River MM, Guilord County, North Carolina 1758, 4th month, 6th day, the daughter of Henry and Hannah (THORNBURG) MILLS, and the younger sister of my Aaron MILLS.  Samuel's birth was recorded at New Garden MM, Guilford County, North Carolina 1755, 5th month, 29th day (O.S.), the son of Anthony and Mary (________) HOGGATT.  They had at least one child.  Charity died December 24, 1799.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Mary BYERS, was married on this date in 1869 in Wayne County, Ohio to William HAGEN.  Mary was born in 1816 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Abraham and Mary (STICKEL) BYERS, and the younger sister of my Barbara BYERS.  I do not have dates of birth or death for William.  Mary died sometime after 1884.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Margaret JACOBS, was born on this date in 1839 in Congress Township, Wayne County, Ohio.  Margaret was the daughter of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS, and the younger sister of my Susan JACOBS.  Margaret married March 26, 1863 in Wayne County, Ohio to Benjamin DREIBLEBEIS.  I do not have dates of birth or death for William.  Margaret died October 9, 1913.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Mary ROBINS, was born on this date in 1790.  Mary was the daughter of Obadiah and Susannah (HODGKINS) ROBINS, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth ROBINS.  Mary married August 8, 1810 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to Samuel PANGBURN.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Samuel.  They moved to Brown County, Ohio.  Mary died August 23, 1810 in Brown County, Ohio.

Response from Grant County (AR) Museum

I received the following response from the Grant County Museum regarding my query about Nathan Thomas BEALS and the HINSHAW brothers:

Mr. LeMaster,

I've not located anything thus far regarding N.T. Beals or the Hinshaws.  Grant Lumber and Timber was operating in Leola in 1900.  They operated a sawmille, a planner and a wagon hub factory during that time frame.  I will continue to research this for you and will send anything I find.

I've forwarded copies of Nathan's obituaries as well to the museum.  Hopefully, they may have something in their files that might shed some light on my ancestor's stay in Arkansas.

 

The Widow Beals: Elizabeth (Poe) Beals (1856-1935)

My maternal 3rd-great grandmother,  Elizabeth Caroline (POE) BEALS, was widowed when her husband, Nathan Thomas BEALS died at age 58, on February 16, 1915 in Leola, Grant County, Arkansas.  


Elizabeth and Nathan had married on September 26, 1876 in Hamilton County, Indiana.  Their first child, a daughter, Pearl May BEALS, was born May 11, 1878 in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  Shortly thereafter, they moved to Humboldt, Richardson County, Nebraska, where two more daughters were born: Nellie Myrtle BEALS born August 30, 1880 and Ethel Mabel BEALS born November 27, 1885.


I find it strange that Nathan's obituary and funeral notice in the Noblesville Ledger fail to mention the widow by name at all.  She was simply the widow.


At the time of his death, daughter Pearl was married to Charles LAMBERTSON and living in Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana and daughter Nellie was married to Arthur Edward STOEBER and living in Huntington, Huntington County, Indiana.  Ethel had died February 11, 1900 at age 14 in Hamilton County, and was buried in the Cicero Cemetery.


I do not know where Elizabeth was living after the funeral of her husband until the time of the 1920 census, when I located her living in the Marion BLANTON household in Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana.  She was listed as widowed, age 63, working as a servant in a private home.

 

I'm curious as to why she wasn't living with one of her daughters in the 1920 census.  By 1920, daughter Pearl and family were living in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana and had a full household.  Daughter Nellie and family were living in Huntington, Huntington County, Indiana.  Perhaps Elizabeth was financially able to provide for herself, but then why would the census show her working as a servant.  I will definitely have to see if I can locate any city/county directories during the 1915-1920 time period to see if they will shed some light on this.

By the 1930 census, Elizabeth was living in Indianapolis, Center Township, Marion County, Indiana.  Living with her are her widowed daughter, Nellie, and granddaughter, Ruby.  Elizabeth was renting her home for $23 per month at 1963 Tallman Avenue.

Elizabeth died September 27, 1935 near Greentown, Howard County, Indiana, at the home of her daughter, Pearl LAMBERTSON, according to her obituary.  In her obituary, she was referred to as the widow of the late N.T. Beals of Cicero.  This obituary was in the Tipton, Indiana Tribune - there may be other more detailed obituaries to discover. 


Elizabeth was buried in the Cicero Cemetery beside her husband, and next to her daughter Ethel.  Later, daughter Nellie would be buried in the same cemetery, as well as daughter Pearl and her husband, Charles.


The census records just start to scratch the surface, now I need to locate her in the in-between years.  There are also court records to search in Howard County, Indiana for an estate.

Family Milestones: February 10th

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Minerva P. PIERCE, was married on this date in 1829 to Jethro HATCH.  Minerva was born January 25, 1803, the daughter of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE, and the older sister of my Francis S. PIERCE.  Jethro was born circa 1791 in New York.  They raised 5 children in Kane County, Illinois.  Jethro died February 7, 1875.  Minerva died after the 1880 census of Kane County, Illinois.  Nothing further known at this time.

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Martha Ann CROCKETT, was married on this date in 1850 in Owen County, Indiana to Washington M. ABERNATHY.  Martha was born in 1831 in Owen County, Indiana, the daughter of David and Mary Ann (NOSLER) CROCKETT, and the older sister of my Mary Ann CROCKETT.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Washington.  Nothing further known at this time.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Deacon John WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1717 in Freuchie, Falkland Parish, Fife Scotland..  John was the son of Robert and Elizabeth (HENDERSON) WRIGHT.  John married February 15, 1753 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts to Hannah FESSENDEN, daughter of William and Martha (BROWN) FESSENDEN.  Hannah was born August 15, 1732 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  They had 5 children.  John was a medical missionary, and served in the French & Indiana war as a surgeon's mate.  John died in a shipwreck in June 1772 near Anamaboo, New Guinea.  Hannah died December 9, 1800 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, William B. JACOBS, was born on this date in 1813 in Adams County, Ohio.  William was the son of James Thomas and Isabella (FEILY) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth JACOBS.  William married September 6, 1834 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary Polly EDWARDS.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Mary.  William died February 9, 1898 in Brown County, Ohio.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, William J. JACOBS, was born on this date in 1800 in Fleming County, Kentucky.  William was the son of William and Sibell (LITTELL) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my James Thomas JACOBS.  William married September 27, 1821 in Brown County, Ohio to Zoa WILKS.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Zoa.  William died June 23, 1879 in Brown County, Ohio.

 

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.