Monday, September 13, 2010

Amanuensis Monday: Dere Iss No Place Like Portland, Ind. Postcard (1913)

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.






This postcard was sent to my paternal granduncle, Clarence Stuber, by his sister, Lottie.  The date on the postmark is April 3, 1913, mailed from Portland, Indiana to Spencerville, Ohio.


The front of the card reads: Dere Iss No Place Like Portland, Ind. Because I Gets Mine Bread Undt Butter Dere.


Hello - Rec'd letter glad to hear from you. Rec'd card from John today. He is O.K. I am in new P.O.  Have 3 squares to go now.  Will write later.  Lottie


The card is address to: Clarence Stuber, Spencerville, Ohio, Box 54.

John Newmark at TransylvanianDutch started this Monday genealogy meme, which has quickly spread throughout the Geneablogger community. I am excited to be a participant and transcribe the records of my family.

Family Milestones: September 13th

My paternal 6th-great granduncle, John MAXSON, married on this date in 1744 to Martha PROSSER, daughter of John PROSSER.  John was the son of Rev. Joseph and Tacy (BURDICK) MAXSON, and the younger brother of my Joseph MAXSON.  John was born in 1698 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Martha was born circa 1703.  They had at least 2 children.  Martha died November 3, 1804 in Hopkington, Rhode Island.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal 4th-great grandmother, Maria Catharina KALTREIDER, was born on this date in 1762.  Maria was the daughter of Duvald and Elizabeth Catherine (________) KALTREIDER.  Maria married circa 1785 to George PETRY, son of Steffan PETRY.  George was born August 1, 1762 in Strausberg, Germany.  They raised 7 children in York County, Pennsylvania.  George died June 1, 1823 in York County, Pennsylvania.  Maria died April 15, 1815 in York County, Pennsylvania.


My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Sarah HEATON, was born on this date in 1707.  Sarah was the daughter of Samuel and Susan (HAWES) HEATON, and the older sister of my John HEATON.  Sarah married Matthew WILLIAMS on May 9, 1735.  Matthew's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Church Record Sunday: Exploring the archives of The United Methodist Church

Geneabloggers advertised the new daily blogging themes for Sunday, and I saw the Church Record Sunday from Gena's Genealogy Blog regarding searching for records of Methodist ancestors through the General Commission of Archives & History of The United Methodist Church.  Since I have many ancestors who were members of the pre-cursors to the modern church, I decided to check out this database resource.

The database can be searched through this link.  There is a convenient simple search and a more advanced search, which should be used if your surname is more common.

According to their website, "today's United Methodist Church is the descendant of several predecessors. These denominations are: Methodist Episcopal Church (1784-1939), Methodist Episcopal Church, South (1845-1939), Methodist Protestant Church (1828-1939), Methodist Church (1939-1968), United Brethren in Christ (1800-1946), Evangelical Association (1803-1922), United Evangelical Church (1894-1922), Evangelical Church (1922-1946), Evangelical United Brethren (1946-1968), United Methodist Church (1968-present)."

I began searching for some of the names of ancestors and relatives to see who may have been mentioned in their Annual Conference yearbooks. Copies of the full text of these mentions is available for a $5 research fee.

Here are some of the "hits" that I found when searching for my family:

Name: Lemasters, Philip
Birth: June 10, 1836
Death: May 14, 1915
Denomination: Methodist Episcopal Church
Conference Membership or Lay Status: West Ohio
State or place of Death: OH
Journal Reference: West Ohio Conference Journal for 1915; page(s): 681
Record id Number: 35293 
[This was my paternal 2nd-great granduncle. I knew he was a minister in Spencerville, Ohio]

Name:
 Haley, Eli W.
Birth: na
Death: na
Denomination: Evangelical United Brethren Church
Conference Membership or Lay Status: Laity
State or place of Death: na
Journal Reference: Illinois Conference Journal for 1958; page(s): 77
Record id Number: 63998 

[This was my paternal great-grandfather.]

Name:
 Haley, Jacob
Birth: na
Death: May 27, 1920
Denomination: Evangelical Association
Conference Membership or Lay Status: Laity
State or place of Death: na
Journal Reference: Indiana Conference Journal for 1921; page(s): 30
Record id Number: 51513 

[Believe this may be my paternal 3rd-great granduncle.]

Name: Chew, Nathaniel D.
Birth: May 2, 1877
Death: April 28, 1949
Denomination: Methodist Church
Conference Membership or Lay Status: Wisconsin
State or place of Death: WI
Journal Reference: Wisconsin Conference Journal for 1949; page(s): 145
Record id Number: 96841 

Name: Chew, Nathaniel D.
Birth: na
Death: April 21, 1949
Denomination: Methodist Church
Conference Membership or Lay Status: Michigan
State or place of Death: MI
Journal Reference: Michigan Conference Journal for 1949; page(s): 169
Record id Number: 76969

[Paternal cousin]

Name: Metzner, J. W.
Birth: Jan 6, 1869
Death: July 24, 1929
Denomination: Evangelical Church
Conference Membership or Lay Status: Indiana
State or place of Death: na
Journal Reference: Indiana Conference Journal for 1930; page(s): 296
Record id Number: 53169 

[Paternal 1st cousin 3 times removed.]


I'm just getting started in researching this resource, and will be interested to find out what information these memorials will contain.

LeMaster Family Reunion

We held our annual family reunion last night at my parent's place.  It was good to see my aunts, uncles and cousins that I otherwise do not see.  The weather held out as the rain was only in the morning.  This year my nieces helped create some games for the kids.  I believe the pumpkin seed spitting contest was the crowd favorite!


Children of Ord W. & Ruth P. (Haley) LeMaster
Front: Weldon, Paul
Back: Juanita, Idola, Ruth

Not everyone could make it, but those that did had a good time and plenty of food. I was able to get some photographs and make some memories.  The evening wasn't as condusive for genealogy questions as I would have liked.  I will have to make some visits and phone calls to get answers to my questions.

I did hear some discussion as to how long we had been having these reunions, and I believe I heard 1974 or 1976.  So hopefully there are some older pictures out there for me to find.  

I posted more photos of the reunion at Facebook.  A public link is here.

Moulton Research

I answered an email this morning that had been setting in my inbox for a couple months regarding the MOULTON family.  The lady is also a descendant of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON.  Hopefully we can tear down some of the brickwalls together.

She didn't indicate which line was hers, but mine is from their son Albert.  Albert has been somewhat of a mystery man, disappearing during the Gold Rush and heading for California.  I believe I have found him in the 1850 census of El Dorado County, living as a miner.  However, there are other Albert Moulton's in California at the same time, so I don't know for sure.

Albert MOULTON was born May 10, 1819 in Rutland County, Vermont, the son of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON.  He married in 1848 to Emeline PHILBRICK, daughter of Joel and Sally (FOX) PHILBRICK.  They had two daughters: Clara b. September 1843 and Lydia b. January 1849.  Notice that the date of marriage must be off.



Clara married John Adam METZNER and lived in Jay County, Indiana.  Lydia married Charles Sherman HAGAMAN and lived in Livingston County, Missouri.


Family Milestones: September 12th

My paternal 5th-great grandfather, Cornelius SUTTON, married on this date in 1806 in Harrison County, Virginia to Elisabeth DAVIS.  Cornelius was the son of Amos and Jane (CLAWSON) SUTTON.  Elisabeth was the daughter of Thomas William and Tacy (CRANDALL) DAVIS.  Cornelius was born October 29, 1750 in New Jersey.  Elisabeth was born in 1746 in New Jersey.  Elisabeth died 1807 in New Salem, Virginia.  Cornelius died September 30, 1850 in West Union, Doddridge County, Virginia.  


My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Bennett PIERCE, was born on this date in 1771.  Bennett was the son of Seth and Bethiah (FIELD) PIERCE, and the older brother of my Gordon PIERCE.  Bennett died March 17, 1773.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth PIERCE, was born on this date in 1788.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Seth and Bethiah (FIELD) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Gordon PIERCE.  Elizabeth married Chester COLLINS.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal great-grandaunt, Lillian PIERCE, was born on this date in 1902 in Madison County, Indiana.  Lillian was the daughter of William Francis and Clara (PENISTEN) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edna Muriel PIERCE. Lillian died August 11, 1921 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  


My maternal 6th-great grandfather, Seth PIERCE, was born on this date in 1744 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  Seth was the son of Seth and Elizabeth (NYE) PIERCE.  Seth married April 17, 1767 to Bethiah FIELD, daughter of Bennett and Elizabeth (SPOFFORD) FIELD.  Bethiah was born April 8, 1746 in Stafford, Windham County, Connecticut.  They had 12 children.  Bethiah died September 18, 1807.  Seth died in 1835 in Homer, Cortland County, New York.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Family Milestones: September 11th

My paternal 4th-great grandparents, Abel B. WOOLSTON and Rachel WOOLSTON, were married on this date in 1819 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Abel was the son of John and Beulah (BRIGGS) WOOLSTON.  Rachel was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (HAINES) WOOLSTON.  Abel was born 1797 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rachel was born April 19, 1800 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They raised 5 children in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rachel died September 11, 1851 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Abel died January 12, 1834 in Burlington County, New Jersey.



Friday, September 10, 2010

The Second Mrs. Wright


I thought I pretty much knew everything there was to know about my maternal 2nd-great grandfather, John William WRIGHT, after all these years of working on genealogy.  I had his parents, his dates of birth and death, tombstone photos, census records, etc.  I had a pretty good picture of his life and where he was living during his adult life.

John was widowed in 1913 when my 2nd-great grandmother, Ellen (KING) WRIGHT passed away.  John himself lived on until 1945.  I found him living in the same location: Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, exactly where I thought he would be in both the 1920 and the 1930 census as well as various phone books and directories up until his death.

Imagine my surprise when doing a cursory search at the Family Search pilot which seemed to indicate a heretofore unknown second marriage for John in 1922.  I was searching using his parents, Joseph WRIGHT and Rebecca HEATON, hoping that I might find other records on brothers and sisters, etc.  The record that came back showed a marriage between John W. WRIGHT and Margaret L. WILLETTS on May 13, 1922.  This John was the son of Joseph and Rebecca (HEATON) WRIGHT, so it appeared to be the right person.  The county was not given by the record, only a filmstrip number.

I called Central Records at the Madison County courthouse the next day and asked if they had a record of a marriage in 1922 between John W. WRIGHT and Margaret L. WILLETTS.  They were able to locate the record, and I made arrangements to pick it up.  




Application is hereby made for a license for the marriage of John W. Wright to Margaret L. Willetts

Male

1. The full christian and surname of the man is John W. Wright
2. Color White
3. Where born Brown Co., O [Brown County, Ohio]
4. When born Feb 23 - 62 [February 23, 1862]
5. Present residence Alex Ind [Alexandria, Indiana]
6. Present occupation Farmer
8. Is the male contracting party of nearer blood kin to the female contracting party than second cousin? No
9. Full christian name of father Joseph Wright
10. His color White
11. His birthplace Brown Co., O [Brown County, Ohio]
12. His occupation Dead
13. His residence Dead
14. Full christian and maiden name of mother Rebecca Heaton
15. Her color White
16. Her occupation Dead
17. Her birthplace Brown Co., O [Brown County, Ohio]
18. Her residence ditto
19. Has the male contracting party been an inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent persons within the last five years? No
21. Is this his first marriage? No
22. If not, how often has he been married? Once
23. Has such prior marriage, or marriages, been dissolved? Death
25. When? 1913
26. Is the male contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal, or any other contagious or transmissible disease? No
27. Is he an imbecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is he under guardianship as a person of unsound mind? No

Female

1. The full christian and surname of the woman is Margaret L. Willetts
2. Color White
3. Where born Pittsburg, Pa [Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]
4. When born Aug 19 - 72 [August 19, 1872]
5. Present residence Anderson, Ind.
6. Present occupation H Keeper [house keeper]
7. Full christian and surname of father James Lewis
8. His color White
9. His birthplace England
10. His occupation Rld [Railroad?]
11. His residence Pitts Pa [Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]
12. Full christian and maiden name of mother Margaret Powell
13. Her color White
14. Her occupation H Keeper [house keeper]
15. Her birthplace England
16. Her residence Pitts Pa [Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]
17. Has the female contracting party been an inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent persons with the last five years? No
18. Is this her first marriage? No
19. If not, how often has she been marriage? Once
20. Has such prior marriage, or marriages, been dissolved? Death
21. When? 1918
22. Is the female contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal, or any other contagious or transmissible disease? No
23. Is she an imbecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is she under guardianship as a person of unsound mind? No


This is definitely my 2nd-great grandfather, getting remarried on May 13, 1922.  Interestingly, his first marriage also took place on May 13th in 1886.  

By the 1930 census, John was living with his youngest son, and was listed as a widower.  His obituary in 1945 does not mention this marriage at all.  

I've done a quick search in trying to locate Margaret in the 1920 census and in the 1930 census, without success.  Did she die between 1922 and 1930, or did they later divorce?  Will have to check out Madison County records for a divorce.  A quick search of the obituary and cemetery databases at the Anderson library do not show a Margaret WRIGHT dying during that time period in Madison County.

Just when you think you know everything there is to know about someone, a new mystery develops.

Family Milestones: September 10th

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Nathan H. BEALS, married on this date in 1856 to Sarah J. JOHNSON.  Nathan was the son of Nathan C. and Elizabeth (CHEW) BEALS, and the younger brother of my John T. BEALS.  Nathan was born March 14, 1833 in Clinton County, Ohio.  Sarah's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Nathan died May 3, 1909.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, James Alfred KING, was born on this date in 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  James was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, and the older brother of my Ellen KING.  James married October 1, 1887 in Madison County, Indiana to Ella Mae LOWERY.  Ella was born July 18, 1864 in Madison County, Indiana and died May 31, 1897.  They had 3 children.  James married secondly on January 31, 1899 to Rosie M. DILL.  Rosie was born March 28, 1881 in Indiana and died June 29, 1940 in Bell, California. They had 4 children.  James died June 10, 1933 in Bell, California.  They are buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, California.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Family Milestones: September 9th

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Cornelius KING, married on this date in 1841 in Marion County, Indiana to Mary Ann BARNETT.  Cornelius was the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING, and the older brother of my Daniel KING.  Cornelius was born circa 1815 in Indiana.  Mary Ann was born in 1821 in Ohio.  They raised 7 children in Indianapolis, where Cornelius was a lumber dealer.  Mary Ann died between 1860 and 1865.  Cornelius died April 6, 1887 in Marion County, Indiana.  Both are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  One source states that Mary Ann was originally buried at the Green Lawn cemetery in Indianapolis.


My maternal 4th-great grandparents, John WRIGHT and Anna WARDLOW, were married on this date in 1834 in Brown County, Ohio.  John was the son of George and Elizabeth (ROBINS) WRIGHT.  Anna was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW.  John was born November 4, 1814 in Pleasant Township, Brown County, Ohio.  Anna was born April 23, 1816 in Brown County, Ohio.  They raised 6 children in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.  John was was a farmer and County Commissioner and County Treasurer.  John died June 10, 1890 in Brown County, Ohio.  Anna died October 4, 1893 in Brown County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Wardlow Cemetery # 2, Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.


My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Sara Tira CROCKETT, was married on this date in 1839 in Owen County, Indiana to Peter F. LIVINGSTON.  Sara was the daughter of David and Mary Ann (NOSLER) CROCKETT, and the older sister of my Mary Ann CROCKETT.  Sara was born March 6, 1821 in Tennessee.  Peter's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Sara died March 11, 1882 in Owen County, Indiana.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal great-grandaunt, Beulah Sarah LeMASTERS, was born on this date in 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.  Beulah was the daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LeMASTERS, and the older sister of my Luman Cooper LeMASTERS.  Beulah married on November 27, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana to Lynn Lumas ROCKWELL.  Lynn was born September 15, 1865 in Pennsylvania.  They had 4 children.  Lynn died December 25, 1949 in Jay County, Indiana.  Beulah died July 16, 1940 in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Jessie PENISTEN, was born on this date in 1870 in Madison County, Indiana.  Jessie was the daughter of John and Sarah (ALDERMAN) PENISTEN, and the younger sister of my Clara PENISTEN.  Jessie married September 24, 1920 in Madison County, Indiana to Lawrence SPENCE, son of Thomas and Suzan (BERRY) SPENCE.  Lawrence was born January 18, 1863 in Madison County, Indiana.  They lived in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Lawrence died March 29, 1961 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  Jessie died February 27, 1948 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, John Franklin BEALS, was born on this date in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  John was the son of John T. and Mary (DAVIS) BEALS, and the younger brother of my Nathan Thomas BEALS.  John married Dora FODERA, daughter of Alfred H. and Emily (________) FODERA. before 1890.  Dora was born July 1871 in Indiana.  They had at least one child.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Wordless Wednesday: Genealogist at Work

Family Milestones: September 8th

My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Ruth MILLS, was born on this date in 1763.  Ruth was the daughter of Henry and Hannah (THORNBURG) MILLS, and the younger sister of my Aaron MILLS.  Ruth married January 27, 1780 to James JOHNSON, son of Charles and Sarah (CREW) JOHNSON.  James was born in 1763.  They had 9 children and were members of the Society of Friends in Guilford County, North Carolina. Ruth's death is recorded 6th month, 25th day at Deep River MM, Guilford County, North Carolina.

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Tombstone Tuesday: George & Catherine PEEPLES


George and Catherine (McMILLEN) PEEPLES are buried in the Washington-Lawson Cemetery in Union Township, Marshall County, Indiana.  They are Eileen's maternal 2nd-great grandparents.

George was born September 24, 1836 in Miami County, Indiana, the son of Hugh A.B. and Patsey (FISHER) PEEPLES.  Catherine was born circa 1849 in Indiana, daughter of James E. and Julia (________) McMILLEN.   They were married on October 22, 1867 in Marshall County, Indiana.

George served in the Civil War as a Private in Company D, 9th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After the war, he was a farmer in Union Township, Marshall County, Indiana.

George and Catherine had 5 children, but only 3 daughters survived into adulthood.

Catherine died April 26, 1916 in Culver, Marshall County, Indiana.  George followed on January 15, 1918 in Culver.

Source: Washington-Lawson Cemetery (Marshall County, Indiana), George and Catherine Peebles marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 4 September 2010.

Family Milestones: September 7th

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, William JACOBS, married on this date in 1855 in Ashland County, Ohio to Catherine EICHELBERGER, daughter of Adam and Susannah (WESTHEFFER) EICHELBERGER.  William was the son of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my Susan JACOBS.  William was born January 29, 1832 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  Catherine was born March 12, 1836 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.  They raised 8 children.  Catherine died July 2, 1913 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio. William died September 18, 1908 in Ashland County, Ohio.


My maternal 5th-great granduncle, William WARDLAW, married on this date in 1797 in Harrison County, Kentucky to Isabel NESBIT, daughter of Samuel and Mary (BERRY) NESBIT.  William was the son of Robert and Janet (DOWNEY) WARDLAW, and the older brother of my Samuel WARDLAW.  William was born August 31, 1771 in Augusta County, Virginia.  Isabel was born circa 1774.  They had 7 children.  Isabel died September 11, 1861 in Brown County, Ohio.  William died August 6, 1812 in Brownstown, Michigan, while a soldier in the War of 1812.


My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Mary CHEW, was born on this date in 1807.  Mary was the daughter of Andrew and Anna Marie (BARTHUS) CHEW, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth CHEW.  Mary married April 7, 1825 to Joseph MOON.  Joseph's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Mary died March 9, 1859.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Monday, September 06, 2010

Genealogy Juices

There's nothing quite like the thrill of a new discovery to get your genealogy juices flowing again.  This Labor Day weekend has been quite productive for me in this regard.  


On Friday, I placed a call to the Central Records office in Madison County, Indiana, hoping they might have a copy of a marriage record of my 2nd-great grandfather.  During a recent search at the Family Search pilot, I made a possible new discovery of a second wife. The record at Family Search, however, did not indicate which county the marriage occurred, and I was hoping that it was in Madison County. Central Records were able to locate the record, and I'm hoping to pick up a copy of it on Tuesday.  This was the start of my good fortune this weekend. Will be blogging about this as soon as I obtain the copy.


Saturday, Eileen & I headed north to Plymouth for the Blueberry Festival.  It had been 8 years since we had last been able to attend, as my work schedule will not normally allow it.  This year was different, and I had Labor Day free from work. 


After enjoying the sights, sounds, and food of the festival, we headed towards downtown Plymouth, as I wanted to visit the Marshall County Historical Society and see what information they might have on my CHEW family line.  Unfortunately, they were closed so I will have to plan a return trip.  The society has been very helpful in the past by providing a copy of a photograph of my CHEW ancestors.


We grabbed a quick bite to eat just south of Plymouth at the Log House Restaurant, an interesting place, and then continued back towards home. We had time to kill, so we decided we would take a road trip over to Lake Maxinkuckee.


A slight detour of our route of U.S. 31 lead us to Maxinkuckee, where Eileen's maternal PEEBLES line had lived.  I was hoping that we would be able to find the cemetery where her ancestors were buried, and also to see the lake.  It was a most productive drive, as the cemetery we needed to find ended up being right off the highway.  The Washington-Lawson Cemetery is well maintained by the township trustees.  


Her ancestors must have wanted to be discovered, as I stopped the car just inside the cemetery, took two steps and there was the gravestone of my wife's great-grandmother.




As I began walking around, I was able to locate the graves of Eileen's 2nd, 3rd & 4th-great grandmothers - all within a few feet of each other.  Fortunately, I had taken my digital camera with me and was able to snap away.  I will be uploading these pictures later to the FindAGrave website and will write future Tombstone Tuesday posts.  


Right there in one spot all of the data in the family group sheets were coming to life, so to speak, and I was trying to do my best to explain the relationships of everyone to Eileen.  I think she may have caught a little bit of my excitement as well. I tried to photograph as many of the tombstones that were in the same vicinity  and any that appeared to be family. 


Back home, I opened up my Rootsmagic database and began comparing the newly minted photographs with the data I already had.  I was able to identify relationships and discovered that there were other related names at the cemetery that I didn't photograph.  A return trip is in order.


I spent time at Ancestry until late Saturday evening locating more family history for Eileen, and discovered that one of her lines crossed with a collateral line of mine back in Brown County, Ohio in the early 1800s.


Sometimes new discoveries will get my 'genealogy juices' flowing...and this is one of those times.

Family Milestones: September 6th

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, James GROENENDYKE, was married on this date in 1834 in Fayette County, Indiana to Charity DURMAN.  James was the son of James and Joannah (ANTONIDES) GROENENDYKE, and the older brother of my Elias GROENENDYKE.  Charity's parentage is unknown.  James was born August 12, 1812 in New Jersey.  Charity was born February 17, 1815.  They raised 7 children and lived in Mt. Pleasant Township, Delaware County, Indiana.  Charity died April 12, 1878.  James died October 3, 1878 in Delaware County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Sharp Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant Township, Delaware County, Indiana.

My paternal 7th-great grandparents, Jeremiah HAINES and Hannah BONNELL, were married on this date in 1736 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Jeremiah was the son of William and Sarah (PAINE) HAINES.  Hannah was the daughter of Robert and Frances (GOODWIN) BONNELL. Jeremiah was born March 25, 1713 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Hannah's birthdate is unknown.  They raised 7 children.  Hannah died August 15, 1774 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Jeremiah died October 30, 1774 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, William B. JACOBS, was married on this date in 1834 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary Polly EDWARDS.  William was the son of James Thomas and Isabella (FEILY) JACOBS.  Mary's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  William was born February 10, 1813 in Adams County, Ohio.  William died February 9, 1898 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Sunday, September 05, 2010

Family Milestones: September 5th

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Cyrene PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1824 in Johnstown, Licking County, Ohio.  Cyrene was the daughter of Joel and Sally (FOX) PHILBRICK, and the younger sister of my Emeline PHILBRICK.  She married on May 29, 1856 to William Goldsberry COX.  William was born April 14, 1818 in Cumberland, Ohio.  They had 3 children.  William died April 1, 1889 in Rose Lawn, Indiana.  Cyrene died December 15, 1898 in Huntington, Huntington County, Indiana.



Saturday, September 04, 2010

Surname Saturday: LEMASTER

The LEMASTER surname is my paternal line.  The origins of the surname are French, with variations of the surname being either spelled "Le" or "La", with or without a capital "m" and with or without an ending "s".


Stories and History:


Ahnentafel # 8: Luman Cooper LeMASTERS (1867-1933). Luman was born May 27, 1867 in Jay County, Indiana. He married November 11, 1886 in Jay County, Indiana to Barbara Isabel WEHRLY (1869-1930). Barbara was born March 14, 1869 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana. After their marriage they moved to Valley County, Nebraska for a few years before returning to Jay County before 1890 where they remained the rest of their lives. Luman was a farmer and a rural mail carrier in Salamonia, Indiana.  They had 13 children, 12 of whom survived. Barbara died February 6, 1930 in Union City, Randolph County, Indiana. Luman died February 10, 1933 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana. They are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


Anhnentafel # 16: Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. (1842-1931). Luman was born October 19, 1842 in Shelby County, Ohio.  He married October 2, 1864 in Versailles, Darke County, Ohio to Mary Keziah CHEW (1847-1927). Mary was born February 13, 1847 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey. They lived in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana where Luman was a farmer.  Luman served in Company C, 39th Indiana Infantry during the Civil War.  This regiment was later converted to the 8th Indiana Cavalry.  He was severely wounded at Deckards Ford, Tennessee on July 3, 1863 and discharged.  They had 11 children.  Mary died February 22, 1927 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Luman died November 18, 1931 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana. Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 32: Luman Walker Lemasters Sr. (1808-1888). Luman was born March 11, 1808 in Mason County, Virginia (now West Virginia).  He married January 19, 1832 in Shelby County, Ohio to Nancy YOUNG (1812-1904). Nancy was born June 2, 1812 in Pickaway County, Ohio.  Luman was a Methodist Episcopal minister and farmer. They moved from Shelby County, Ohio to Jay County, Indiana in 1854, settling in Madison Township.  They raised 11 children.  Nancy died August 26, 1904 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Luman died April 15, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 64: Jacob Lemasters (1770-1852).  Jacob was born March 21, 1770 in Pennsylvania, according to census and tombstone records.  He married circa 1794 to Hannah ________ (1778-1849).  Hannah was born September 30, 1778 in either Pennsylvania or Maryland.  They had 8 children.  They moved to Champaign County, Ohio circa 1815 and then to Shelby County, Ohio by 1818.  Jacob was a farmer.  Hannah died June 16, 1849 in Shelby County, Ohio.  Jacob died September 21, 1852 in Shelby County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Roberts Cemetery, Shelby County, Ohio.


The remaining lines of this ahnentafel are speculative, and remain to be proven.  The hypothesis put forth by Ralph D. Smith of Port Orange, FL in his books on the Lemasters family is that Jacob (1770-1852) is the son of another Jacob.  This has not been definitively proven, as our Jacob seems to have dropped in Mason County, Virginia in 1804 with no prior history. In the past, I have considered these additional lines valid, but I am re-thinking my position due to lack of evidence.


Ahnentafel # 128: Jacob Lemaster (bef 1734-aft 1775). Jacob was born before 1734 in Charles County, Maryland.  He resided in Frederick County, Maryland in 1766.  He served at Fort Pitt as a member of the Virginia militia just prior to the Revolution.  He had 3 children.  Jacob died sometime after 1775, probably Frederick County, Maryland.


Ahnentafel # 256: Isaac Lemaster (c1695-aft 1771). Isaac was born circa 1695 in St. Mary's County, Maryland.  He married before May 1730 in Charles County, Maryland to Catherine Ward.  They had 7 children.  Isaac died after 1771 in Prince George's County, Maryland.


Ahnentafel # 512: Richard Lemaster (bet. 1668/70-aft. 1735). Richard was born between 1668 and 1670 in St. Mary's County, Maryland.  He married Martha ________ (c1668-bet. 1713/23).  Martha was born circa 1668.  They had 6 children.  Richard was a carpenter. Martha died between 1713 and 1723 in Charles County, Maryland.  Richard died after 1735 in Charles County, Maryland.


Ahnentafel # 1024: Abraham Lemaster (bet. 1636/39-1722).  Abraham was born between 1636 and 1639 in Ste. Marie's Parish, Isle of Jersey.  He immigrated to St. Mary's County, Maryland circa 1661.  The name of his wife is unknown.  He had 6 children.  Abraham died December 6, 1722 in Charles County, Maryland.


The surname is found in records spelled in a variety of ways.  In my immediate lines, the 'm' was capitalized in Luman Cooper LeMasters generation, but many of his children dropped the final 's'.  


Our line is found in Chapter 13 of the Lemasters, U.S.A. 1639-1965 book by Howard M. Lemaster and Margaret Herberger.

Family Milestones: September 4th

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, George G. LAMBERTSON, was married on this date in 1851 in Butler County, Ohio to Harriett JONES.  George was the son of John and Sarah (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older brother of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON.  George was born July 5, 1831 in Warren County, New Jersey.  Harriett was born circa 1834 in Ohio.  They had 2 children and resided in Butler County, Ohio and Mason County, Kentucky where George was a Methodist minister.  George's death is unknown.  Harriett died between 1900 and 1910, probably in Butler County, Ohio.


My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Abigail PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1737 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire.  Abigail was the daughter of John and Judith (SANBORN) PHILBRICK, and the older sister of my John PHILBRICK.  Abigail married ________ PARTRIDGE.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Friday, September 03, 2010

Family Milestones: September 3rd

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Almira P. PIERCE, married on this date in 1868 in Madison County, Indiana to Andrew Jackson SIGLER, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHANK) SIGLER.  Almira was the daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Almira was born March 8, 1849.  Andrew was born March 8, 1846.  They had 4 children and lived in Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Almira died July 24, 1926 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Margaret P. PIERCE, married on this date in 1868 in Madison County, Indiana to William Henry Harrison SOMMERS.  William's parentage is unknown. Margaret was the daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edmund G. PIECE.  Margaret was born October 17, 1840.  They had 8 children.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 3rd-great grandfather, Daniel KING, was born on this date in 1820 in Ohio.  Daniel was the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING.  Daniel married December 5, 1847 in Madison County, Indiana to Elizabeth SHAW, daughter of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW.  Elizabeth was born October 1827 in Ohio.  They lived in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana and had 10 children.  Elizabeth died October 10, 1900 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Daniel died February 24, 1876 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Howard Cemetery, Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Jesse C. CHEW, was born on this date in 1788 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Jesse was the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (SPRINGER) CHEW, and the younger brother of my Nathaniel CHEW.  Jesse married April 7, 1806 to Martha DRIVER.  Martha's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Jesse died April 18, 1846.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, John PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1771.  John was the son of Deacon John and Sally (JEWETT) PHILBRICK, and the older brother of my Joel PHILBRICK.  John married Anna MELVIN.  Anna's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  John died December 8, 1825.  Nothing further is known at this time.


Thursday, September 02, 2010

Family Milestones: September 2nd

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Martha WARDLAW, married on this date in 1838 in Brown County, Ohio to John Wilcox LOWE.  Martha was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the younger sister of my Anna WARDLOW.  John's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Martha was born circa 1820 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Austin PIERCE, was born on this date in 1799 in Thetford, Orange County, Vermont.  Austin was the son of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE, and the older brother of my Francis S. PIERCE.  Austin married March 17, 1826 to Mary Ann STERLING.  Mary's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  They raised 8 children.  Austin died June 17, 1861 in Villenova, New York.



Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Family Milestones: September 1st

My paternal great granduncle, William Clifford LeMASTERS, was born on this date in 1871 in Darke County, Ohio.  William was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LeMASTERS Jr., and the younger brother of my Luman Cooper LeMASTERS.  William married August 20, 1892 in Jay County, Indiana to Lella Edith LEWIS, daughter of Morgan B. and Hattie (HOOVER) LEWIS.  Lella was born April 9, 1877 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  They had 4 children.  William was a banker and worked for banks in Ohio and Colorado.  William and Lella later divorced.  Lella died April 1, 1943 in Martinez, California.  William died July 26, 1922 in Colorado.  He is buried in Colorado Springs, Colorado.


My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Samuel MOULTON, was born on this date in 1792.  Samuel was the son of John and Avis (HURLBUT) MOULTON, and the younger brother of my Selah MOULTON. Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Rebeckah MILLS, was born on this date in 1765.  Rebeckah was the daughter of Henry and Hannah (THORNBURG) MILLS, and the younger sister of my Aaron MILLS.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Wordless Wednesday: The Curved Bar

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Taking A Break

My genealogy blogging has slowed to a snail's pace lately, and I think it's time that I take a break from the blog for awhile.

I'm in the midst of my final research project for my MBA, and the time constraint is just too much to handle at this point.

The good news is that I have a lot of new research and ideas for blog posts, the bad news is that it will have to be until September until I can get back to posting.

 

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Family Milestones: July 24th

My paternal 5th-great grandparents, John MOULTON and Avis HURLBUT, were married on this date in 1781 in Castleton, Rutland County, Vermont.  John was the son of Samuel and Phoebe (________) MOULTON.  Avis was the daughter of Israel and Jerusha (________) HURLBUT.  John was born December 27, 1755 in Windsor, Hartford County, Connecticut.  Avis was born November 11, 1762 in Woodbury, Connecticut.  They had 15 children.  John died circa 1808 in Vermont.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Dorothy MAXSON, married on this date in 1724 in Westerly, Rhode Island to Thomas BURDICK, son of Samuel and Mary (FOSTER) BURDICK.  Dorothy was the daughter of John and Judith (CLARKE) MAXSON, and the younger sister of my Bethia MAXSON.  Dorothy was born October 20, 1703.  Thomas was born 1700 in Rhode Island.  They had 6 children.  Thomas died after 1761.  Dorothy died circa 1745.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Family Milestones: July 23rd

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth BEALS, was married on this date in 1857 to Singleton N. JONES.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Nathan C.and Elizabeth (CHEW) BEALS, and the younger sister of my John T. BEALS.  Elizabeth was born July 24, 1838 in Hamilton County, Indiana.  Singleton was born circa 1822 in Ohio.  They had 2 children.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Service Notes: Clara Ellen WRIGHT

My maternal greataunt, Clara Ellen WRIGHT, was mentioned in the local paper during World War II.  She was a member of the WAVES.

Source: Alexandria Daily Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, August 14, 1944, page 3.

Clara Ellen Wright, of the WAVES, who has completed her recruit training at Hunter College, New York, has been assigned to Great Lakes Naval Training Station near Chicago, and is home for a furlough with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Wright.

Source: Alexandria Daily Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, October 30, 1944, page 3.

Miss Clara Ellen Wright, seaman second class in the WAVES, enjoyed a weekend leave here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Wright.

Source: Alexandria Daily Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, June 11, 1945, page 3.

Miss Clara Ellen Wright has returned to her duties as a member of the WAVES at Great Lakes Naval Training Station after having been called home to attend the funeral of her grandfather, John W. Wright.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Family Milestones: July 22nd

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, Samuel S. LAMBERTSON, married on this date in 1908 in Marion County, Indiana to Nellie H. LEARY.  Samuel was the son of Carey W. and Clara E. (COOK) LAMBERTSON, and the younger brother of my Charles Wilson LAMBERTSON.  Samuel was born January 11, 1875 in Preble County, Ohio.  Nellie was born circa 1872 in Massachusetts.  Samuel died October 15, 1911 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Nellie was still living in the 1920 census in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Samuel is buried in the Elwood Cemetery, Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Family Milestones: July 21st

My paternal grandaunt, Dorothy Dot LeMASTER, was married on this date in 1921 to Charles Glendon HUNT.  Dorothy was the daughter of Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (WEHRLY) LeMASTERS, and the older sister of my Ord Wehrly LeMASTER. Charles was the son of William Allen and Mary Leota (WEBER) HUNT.  Dorothy was born March 19, 1900 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Charles was born July 13, 1900 in Abington, Indiana.  They had 3 children.  Charles died February 11, 1956 in Richmond, Wayne County, Indiana.  Dorothy died October 1984 in Centerville, Wayne County, Indiana.

My paternal great-grandparents, Eli Weldon HALEY and Cora Belle METZNER, were married on this date in 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  Eli was the son of George Washington and Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY.  Cora was the daughter of John Adam and Clara (MOULTON) METZNER.  Eli was born March 24, 1866 in Erie County, Ohio.  Cora was born August 21, 1868 in Jay County, Indiana.  They lived in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.  Eli died June 14, 1957 in Jay County, Indiana.  Cora died April 28, 1955 in Jay County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal grandaunt, Clara Elnora HALEY, married on this date in 1925 to Eugene C. KUNCE.  Clara was the daughter of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY, and the older sister of my Ruth Pauline HALEY.  Eugene was the son of William and Minnie (________) KUNCE.  Clara was born October 31, 1900 in Jay County, Indiana.  Eugene was born January 15, 1901 in Jay County, Indiana.  Eugene was a minister.  They had 1 son.  Eugene died October 1984 in Marshall, Clark County, Illinois.  Clara died June 19, 2001 in Marshall, Clark County, Illinois.

Service Notes: William L. WRIGHT

I recently found mention of my maternal grandfather, William WRIGHT, in the local newspaper during his time of service in World War II.

Source: Alexandria Daily Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, August 14, 1944, page 1

WRIGHT IS TRANSFERRED

Pvt. William Lee Wright, son of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Wright, of this city, has been transferred from a radio school at Madison, Wis. to Chanute Field, at Rantoul, Ill.

Source: Alexandria Daily Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, October 10, 1945, page 3

Cpl. William L. Wright, son of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Wright, arrived home Thursday for a thirty day leave with his wife and son from Columbus, Ga.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Family Milestones: July 19th

My maternal 2nd-great grandmother, Ida DAVIS, married on this date in 1900 in Monroe County, Indiana to Carrie A. MORRIS.  Ida was born July 2, 1874 in Owen County, Indiana, the daughter of James Austin and Mary Ellen (SWAFFORD) DAVIS.  Carrie was born in 1853.  Ida died August 2, 1900 in Clay Township, Owen County, Indiana.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Family Milestones: July 18th

My paternal 6th-great grandparents, Johan Michel JACOBS and Maria Catherine CHERDRON, were married on this date in 1771 in Dover Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  Johan was born circa 1742 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Maria was born before February 16, 1730 in Otterberg, Bayern, daughter of Hans Heinrich and Anna Maria (HERBACH) CHERDRON.  They had 3 children.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 3rd-great grandmother, Catherine YOUNG, was born on this date in 1819 in Elsace.  Catherine was the daughter of Nicholas and Salome (________) YOUNG.  Catherine married November 4, 1839 in Licking County, Ohio to John METZNER, son of Jasper and Hannah (REISENBURG) METZNER.  John was born October 2, 1805 in Saxony.  They raised 11 children in Licking County, Ohio and Jay County, Indiana.  John died January 10, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  Catherine died June 22, 1910 in Jay County, Indiana.  They are buried at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, John NOSLER, married on this date in 1795 in Montgomery County, Virginia to Martha SNAVELL.  John was the son of Bostin and Sophia (________) NOSLER, and the older brother of my Conrad NOSLER.  John was born circa 1768.  I do not have dates of birth or death, nor parentage for Martha.  They had at least 1 son.  John died between 1836 and 1837 in Putnam County, Indiana.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Family Milestones: July 16th

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Nellie Myrtle BEALS, married on this date in 1910 in Hamilton County, Indiana to Albert Edward STOBER.  Nellie was the daughter of Nathan Thomas and Elizabeth Caroline (POE) BEALS, and the younger sister of my Pearl May BEALS.  Albert was the son of Wilson and Susan R. (________) STOBER.  Nellie was born August 30, 1880 in Humboldt, Richardson County, Nebraksa.  Albert was born January 25, 1865 in Wabash, Wabash County, Indiana.  They had 1 daughter.  Nellie died December 3, 1933.  She is buried in the Cicero Cemetery, Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Rachel LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1838 in Shelby County, Ohio.  Rachel was the daughter of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS, and the older sister of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr.  Rachel married March 18, 1860 in Jay County, Indiana to William E. CUNNINGHAM, son of Benjamin and Margaret (CLINE) CUNNINGHAM.  William was born February 1835 in Indiana.  They had 6 children.  William died June 4, 1912.  Rachel died March 12, 1913.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Digging in the Newspaper

Spent my lunch hour today at the Alexandria-Monroe Public Library, searching for mentions of my grandfather and great aunt in the local paper, the Alexandria Times-Tribune.

The library has a card catalog indexing mentions of local individuals - births, deaths and marriages as well as mentions of service personnel during World War II.  I believe that the local historical society compiled the data several years ago. I only wish they had this data online as well, so others would know about it.

Searching for my grandfather, William Lee WRIGHT, and his sister, Clara Ellen WRIGHT, I found mention of the following :

WRIGHT, William  10-10-1945 (furlough)
WRIGHT, Clara Ellen 8-3-1944 (photo)
WRIGHT, Clara Ellen 8-14-1944 (furlough)
WRIGHT, Clara Ellen 10-30-1944 (furlough)
WRIGHT, Clara Ellen 6-11-1945 (furlough)
WRIGHT, Clara Ellen 10-1-1945 (engagement)
WRIGHT, Clara Ellen 12-10-1945 (wedding)


My grandfather was in the Army, and Clara Ellen was a WAVE.
 

I will try to get them transcribed in the next few days.

 

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Family Milestones: July 14th

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, George William McLANE, married on this date in 1818 in Franklin County, Ohio to Margaret A. FLEMMING.  George was the son of Jacob McLANE, and the younger brother of my Nancy Ann McLANE.  Margaret's parentage is unknown.  George was born 1796 in Virginia.  Margaret was born 1796 in Kentucky.  They had 6 children.  Margaret died 1875 in Putnam County, Ohio.  George died 1853 in Putnam County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Ottawa River Cemetery, Rimer, Putnam County, Ohio.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Bennett PIERCE, was born on this date in 1775.  Bennett was the son of Seth and Bethiah (FIELD) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my Gordon PIERCE.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Family Milestones: July 13th

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Hugh WARDLAW, married on this date in 1815 in Clermont County, Ohio to Rebecca HIRONS.  Hugh was the son of Robert and Janet (DOWNEY) WARDLAW, and the younger brother of my Samuel WARDLAW.  Rebecca was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (LEVEL) HIRONS.  Hugh was born April 21, 1794. Rebecca was born December 12, 1793.  They had 11 children.  Rebecca died March 19, 1871.  Hugh died January 24, 1864 in Brown County, Ohio.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Family MIlestones: July 12th

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Ann CHEW, married on this date in 1765 to David PAUL.  Ann was the daughter of Jeffrey and Amy (DRIVER) CHEW, and the younger sister of my Jesse CHEW.  Ann was born circa 1745 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  I do not have dates of birth or death, nor parentage for David.  Ann died January 20, 1800.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, Jacob G. SMITH, was born on this date in 1837 in Jay County, Indiana.  Jacob was the son of William P. and Prudence (MAXSON) SMITH, and the older brother of my Olive Jane SMITH.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Family Milestones: July 11th

My paternal great-grandaunt, Rachel Emma Pernina HALEY, married on this date in 1888 to William Benton HAMLIN. Rachel was the daughter of George Washington and Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY, and the younger sister of my Eli Weldon HALEY.  Rachel was born November 21, 1869 in Medina County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Civil War Pension Index Card: John A. METZNER


This is the Footnote.com image of the Civil War Pension Index card for my paternal 2nd-great grandfather, John Adam METZNER.  He was the older brother of William F. METZNER whose card was featured previously.

This card states that my ancestor was a corporal in Company K, 51st Ohio Infantry.  It also indicated that he served previously in Company G, 40th Ohio Infantry.  

While this card didn't indicate any new facts in terms of service, it is helpful to have the certificate numbers for the invalid pension and the widow's pension.

John was wounded at Altoona, Georgia on May 30, 1864 by a shell fragment in his right arm at the elbow joint, which destroyed the use of the right arm.

John Adam METZNER was born August 23, 1840 in Licking County, Ohio, the son of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER.  He married November 13, 1864 in Jay County, Indiana to Clara MOULTON, daughter of Albert and Emeline (PHILBRICK) MOULTON.  They had 4 children: Willis A.L; Cora Belle; Wesley F.; and Lewis.  After the war, he was a farmer in Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana. 

SNGF: A Genealogy Clerihew

Randy Seaver of Genea-Musings has issued another fun challenge.  Tonight's challenge is to write a genealogy Clerihew.  Jim Smith's post here explains that a clerihew is an four-line poem that follows an AABB rhyme scheme.


Here's mine:


Looking up the family tree
I thought I caught a glimpse of me
Soon my present will be past
For I will not forever last.

Saturday Shout-Out

Would like to take a moment and say "thank you" to visitors since my last update who left comments on blog posts.  Your encouragement and suggestions are appreciated!  I saw Cindy at Everything's Relative doing this, and thought it was neat.

Shout-outs to the following :

Jenna from Desperately Seeking Surnames

Adam from A Life of Apples

I recommend that you check out their blogs and follow them.  Thanks for stopping by ! 

Family Milestones: July 10th

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, Frederick P. WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1827 in Preble County, Ohio. Frederick was the son of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older brother of my William P. WEHRLY.  Frederick married September 18, 1850 to Lavina OBLINGER.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Mary HAINES, was born on this date in 1784 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Mary was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Mary married May 16, 1822 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey to Benjamin DAVIS, son of David and Martha (COLES) DAVIS.  Benjamin was born November 28, 1776 in Waterford Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Benjamin died March 20, 1843 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Mary died December 14, 1843 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 6th-great grandmother, Nancy GRAHAM, was born on this date in 1760.  Nancy was the daughter of Richard and Asenath (________) GRAHAM.  Nancy married March 2, 1787 in Randolph County, North Carolina to Anthony RAINS.  Anthony was born October 13, 1757 in Caroline County, Virginia.  Anthony served in the Revolutionary War.  They raised 9 children.  Anthony died March 25, 1837 in Randolph County, North Carolina.  I do not have the death date of Nancy.

My maternal 2nd-great grandfather, William Francis PIERCE, was born on this date in 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  William was the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE.  William married January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana to Clara PENISTEN, daughter of John and Jane Ann (ALDERMAN) PENISTEN.  Clara was born March 1869 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  They had 7 children.  Clara died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  William married secondly on March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana to Vida MADDOX, daughter of Charles W. and Sarah (POWELL) MADDOX.  Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, Bath County, Kentucky.  They had 7 children.  Vida died November 19, 1968 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  They are buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

Friday, July 09, 2010

Family Milestones: July 9th

My paternal granduncle, Elvin Cooper LeMASTER, was born on this date in 1912 in Jay County, Indiana.  Elvin was the son of Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (WEHRLY) LeMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Ord Wehrly LeMASTER.  Elvin married May 13, 1933 to Cleo Belle HANKS, daughter of Ezra Stephen and Hazel Rachel (REYNARD) HANKS.  Cleo was born October 5, 1914 in Jay County, Indiana.  They had 4 children.  Elvin died May 16, 2000 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Family Milestones: July 8th

My paternal 7th-great grandfather, Hans Heinrich CHERDRON, was born on this date in 1706 in Erlenbach, Bayern.  Hans was the son of Abraham and Anne Margueritte (VIELLARD) CHERDRON.  Hans married April 22, 1727 in Otterberg, Bayern to Anna Marie HERBACH, daughter of Johann Peter and Anna Maria (________) HERBACH.  Anna was born July 5, 1705 in Otterberg, Bayern.  They had at least 1 daughter.  Emigrated to York County, Pennsylvania where they both died after 1771.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Happy Birthday, Honey

Today was Eileen's birthday, and I was glad we were able to spend it together.  We spent the early morning hours enjoying the pool.

We ended up going out shopping with her mother, who then took us both out to eat for a nice birthday dinner.  I had a good time today, just relaxing and I think Eileen did too.  We exchanged her perfume for the correct one, and the bonus was that I ended up saving a few bucks in the exchange.

Shopping with mother-in-law was a new experience, but I actually enjoyed it. She's full of funny stories.  

Then over dinner we found out that mother-in-law has some old family pictures that she is planning to donate to a local history museum.  These are previously unknown photos - so I urged her to let us look at them and possibly make copies before she donates them.  Will hopefully be able to get them scanned.

When the girls get back from fishing in Minnesota, we'll have a proper cake and ice cream party.