Exploratory Data Analysis: Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972)

Virgil & Edna Wright, 50th Anniversary photo (1965)

Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972) was my maternal great-grandfather.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical facts I have discovered about him.


1. Vital records


     1.1. Birth certificate


          Virgil was born July 6, 1894 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana¹.  The State of Indiana began requiring births be recorded in 1907, however, many counties have records available going back to 1880.  The W.P.A. index compiled for Madison County, Indiana did not list a birth record for Virgil.


          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper


               If Virgil's birth was recorded in a newspaper, I have not yet discovered it.  The Alexandria-Monroe Public Library has editions of the local newspaper, the Tribune, only as far back as 1905.


          1.1.2. Bible Record


               I'm not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Wright family.  My understanding of family lore was that the John Wright family Bible was purposely destroyed/burned by a daughter-in-law.


          1.1.3. Baptismal Record


               The Wright's were associated with the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), but I do not know if they were members at this time.  I am not aware of any records of baptism for Virgil at this time.


          1.1.4. Adoption Record


               There is no indication that Virgil was adopted.


     1.2. Marriage License


          Virgil was married on June 19, 1915 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana to Edna Muriel Pierce¹.  I didn't realize I didn't have a copy of their marriage license from Madison County, but that's one of the reasons for working out this analysis.  Will have to seek it out soon.


          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper


               Searches of the local newspaper, the Alexandria Times-Tribune, have failed to locate a mention of the nuptials of Virgil and Edna.


          1.2.2. Anniversary notice


               Virgil and Edna's Golden Anniversary (50th) was mentioned in the Anderson, Indiana Daily Bulletin on June 16, 1965². There may be other newspapers that mention this anniversary as well.  


          1.2.3. Divorce decree


               There is no indication that a divorce ever occurred, though a search of court records has not been completed.


     1.3. Death certificate


          Virgil died March 25, 1972 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.³.  He died at the Bradford Nursing home in Alexandria⁴.  The cause of death was listed as hypostatic pneumonia³.


          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper


               Virgil's obituary appeared in the March 27, 1972 edition of the Anderson Daily Bulletin and the Elwood Call-Leader.  I need to obtain the date that his obituary ran in the Alexandria Times-Tribune.


          1.3.2. Funeral home record


               Virgil's funeral was conducted by the Karl M. Kyle Funeral Home.  I need to try and find out if there exists a record of the funeral, which may contain information about cost, who paid for what, etc.


          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph


               Virgil's tombstone in the Park View cemetery in Alexandria has been photographed.  It lists him as Virgil L. 1894-1972 and his wife, Muriel 1897-1968 is also listed; included is their date of marriage "June 19, 1915"⁵.


2. Census Records


     2.1. Federal Census Records


          2.1.1. 1930 Federal Census


               On April 19, 1930, Virgil was enumerated in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana6, as Virgil Wright, married farmer, age 35, born in Indiana.  His father was listed as born in Ohio and his mother born in Indiana.  He could read and write and spoke English.  He was renting his home and owned a radio.


          2.1.2. 1920 Federal Census


               On January 15, 1920, Virgil was enumerated in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁷, as Virgil Wright, married farmer, age 25, born in Indiana.  His father was listed as born in Ohio and his mother born in Indiana.  He could read and write and spoke English.  He was renting his home.


          2.1.3. 1910 Federal Census


               On May 5, 1910, Virgil was enumerated in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁸, in the household of his father,  John W. Wright.  He is listed as Virgil A., age 15, at home, born in Indiana, a farmer, and attended school within the year.  His father is listed as born in Ohio and his mother as born in Indiana.


          2.1.4. 1900 Federal Census


               On June 27, 1900, Virgil was enumerated in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁹, in the household of his father, John W. Wright.  He is listed as Virgil L., age 5, at home, born in Indiana.  Both of his parents are listed as being born in Indiana.


     2.2. State Census Records


          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1931.  These however, were merely for the purposes of determining legislative apportionment.


     2.3. Agricultural Census Records


          I have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what information might be shed on the Wright farm.


3. Military Records


     3.1. Draft Registration


          Virgil registered for the draft during World War I on June 5, 1917¹⁰.  He is listed as medium build with brown hair and grey eyes.  The card has his name listed as "Virgile Wright", born July 6, 1894, residing at Rural Route 19, Alexandria, Indiana.  He was a self-employed farmer.


          Virgil registered for the draft during World War II


     3.2. Pension Records


          Not applicable, as I have found no evidence that Virgil ever served in the military.


     3.3. Service Records


          Not applicable.


4. Land Records


     4.1. Deed Records


          Deed records need to be thoroughly researched in Madison County, Indiana.  All evidence indicates that Virgil's entire adult life was spent in Monroe Township, Madison County.


     4.2. Plat map / county map


          Madison County published a plat map in 1880, 1891, 1893, 1901, 1910, 1915, 1921, 1923, 1931 and 1940 that may be relevant to my search on Virgil and the Wright family.


5. Supplemental records


     Supplemental records available to research for Virgil include county/city directories, court records and will and probate records.  Searching these will be on my next "to-do list" research trip in Madison County at the library.






Sources:


1. Freeman, Sandra, "John William Wright - Ellen King family group sheet." Compiled [n.d.].  Alexandria, Indiana, USA.
2. Golden Wedding article, Anderson Daily-Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana, USA, June 16, 1965, page 2.
3. Virgil Lee Wright, death certificate no. 1972-C068 (1972), Madison County Health Department, Anderson, Indiana.
4. Virgil Wright obituary.  Elwood Call-Leader, Elwood, Indiana, March 27, 1972.
5. Park View Cemetery (Alexandria, Indiana), Virgil L. and Muriel Wright marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster.
6. Virgil Wright household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 48-46, SD 5, sheet 6A, dwelling 112, family 121, National Archives micropublication T626, roll 605.
7. Virgil Wright household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 122, SD 8, sheet 4A, dwelling 81, family 81, National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449, page 43.
8. John W. Wright household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 17, SD 8, sheet 11B, dwelling 259, family 259, National Archives micropublication T624, roll 364.
9. John W. Wright household, 1900 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 96, SD 8, sheet 21B, dwelling 398, family 432, National Archives micropublication T623, roll 386.
10. Ancestry.com. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918[database online]. Provo, Utah.  Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2005.  Original data: United States Selective Service Registration System. World War I Selective Service Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C., National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4582 rolls.  Imaged from Family History Library microfilm.
11. Ancestry.com. U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942[database online]. Provo, Utah. Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2007.  Original data: United States Selective Service System. Selective Registration Cards, World War II: Fourth Registration. National Archives and Records Administration Branch locations: National Archives and Records Administration Region Branches.


This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions draw in this article are welcomed.

Black Sheep Sunday: Identify Three Men As Kokomo Bank Bandits

Kokomo Daily Tribune, Kokomo, Indiana, April 3, 1925, p. 1

IDENTIFY THREE MEN AS KOKOMO BANK BANDITS

All Bonds Amounting To $6,200 Are Recovered From Men Under Arrest

Two of Suspects Expected to Arrive Here in Custody Tonight - Third Held at Detroit in Connection with Murder Case - Local Police, Pinkerton Operative and Ft. Wayne Police Captain Credited with Running Gang to Cover.

Officers Thompson and Rosenbrock of the Kokomo police department are expected to arrive in the city sometime before midnight tonight with two of the  most important prisoners the local bastille has had since the memorable days of John Pullen, Howard county's most notorious desperado.

The two prisoners are Harry Pierpont, 22, alias Frank Mason, and Thaddeus Skeer, 24 years old.

They are charged with being participants in the robbery of the South Kokomo bank on Friday, March 27.  They were arrested at Detroit Thursday on information given through the local police department and an operative of the Pinkerton Detective agency, who in turn got busy after receiving a red hot tip from the Ft. Wayne police department.  It is likely however that the arrests would have been effected within a short time if the tip had not been given.

A third man arrested at Detroit in connection with the robbery is James Roscoe Hayes, alias "Whitey," one member of the bandit gang who is more or less well known in this city.  Hayes was a singer with a company of dance musicians and vocalists, known as Sullivan's entertainers, who appeared for a time at a local theater several months ago.  Hayes was with the company at that time.

Hayes will not be brought back to Kokomo, at this time, as the Detroit authorities notified the Kokomo police that they meant to detain Hayes in the Michigan city where he is wanted as a material witness in a murder case there.

Pierpont, Skeer and Hayes were all positively identified this morning by A.E. Gorton, cashier of the South Kokomo bank; "Chic" Nelson, golf professional at the Country Club, and Vernon Shaw.

Nelson witnessed the bank robbery from the window of the drug store across the street, at the time recognizing in one of the men a person whom he had seen frequently in Kokomo.

Shaw was the man who entered the bank while the robbery was in progress and was struck by one of the bandits, who took from him $18 in money.

The member of the bandit gang identified by Nelson was Hayes, the singer.

Hayes is said to have served time in Leavenworth prison as a deserter from the army.

It was on the clue furnished by Nelson's recognition of Hayes that led Kokomo police to attempt to track him, finally locating him at a Detroit address which was under surveillance.

A ramification enters the local robbery at this point because of a similar robbery that was staged at Marion, Ind. last fall.  Since then, Grant county authorities have been searching for a man believed to be Pierpont, and for this reason the pursuit of the perpetrators of the Kokomo holdup was joined by the sheriff of Grant county and much information regarding the supposed bandits was gained through an interchange of data.

Then still another ramification opened up with the robbery of the bank at Laketon, a village in Wabash county, last Saturday, the day following the holdup here.  On the presumption that both crimes were committed by the same gang, the authorities of Wabash county also joined in the pursuit.

When it comes to tracing bank robbers, all trains run together.  Police officers, in a general way, are on the lookout for bank bandits pretty much all the time, if not for crimes committed in their own cities at least for bank robberies in neighboring cities, and when a bank bandit is caught and identified, at once he links up through various ramifications to the robberies elsewhere.  Usually there are one or more women involved and often it is through the women that the bold bandits come to grief.

The quartet who so successfully staged the holdup of the South Kokomo Bank last Friday have been admired for the masterly manner in which they staged the crime.  As a matter of fact their motions both prior to and since the robbery, as unearthed by the Kokomo police, reveal that they are, in the vernacular of the day, "dutch."  Any four men who are desperate enough and who are criminally bent could have staged the same sort of holdup and got away with it as successfully at any bank in Kokomo.

And it was a woman who led to the undoing of the three men now under arrest, two of whom are being brought to Kokomo.  Her set was unconscious on her part, but effective just the same.

Catching bank bandits is largely a matter of knowing who they are and, if possible, ascertaining who and where their "sweeties" hang out.

Having suspected Hayes and Pierpont as members of the gang, identifying the others was largely a matter of using information already known to deduce the likely identities of other members of the gang.  With this in hand, it was probable that Skeer would show up in Ft. Wayne because he had a girl there.

And so it happened.  Skeer did have a girl in Ft. Wayne, one Louise Brunner, and when he arranged for her to meet him in Detroit Thursday Captain Pappert of the Ft. Wayne police department got wind of the circumstances and the rest was merely a matter of trailing the girl to the "hangout" in the Michigan City.

Here credit must be given, too, to F.C. Huntington, Pinkerton operative, for prompt action in the matter.  Huntington has been in KokomoOmer L. Main and other officers of the Kokomo police department.

In short, the trails of all officers working on the case pointed so positively in the same direction that they were never in doubt as to the identities of the gang.

That at least three and possibly four or more members of the gang were in this city during a period of four and possibly five weeks preceding the robbery of the South Kokomo bank, was positively determined by the police today.

The three under arrest have been identified here as three men who had rooms with Mrs. Pearl Mulendore, [sic] 718 North Main street.  In this connection, Mrs. Mullendore is said to have visited C.T. Brown, justice of the peace and attorney at law, in behalf of Harry Pierpont the night of March 22, when he and Everett Bridgewater of Sellersburg, Ind., were arrested here on suspicion in connection with a missing car.  The men's possession of a Ford roadster in which they were apprehended was discovered to be legitimate and they were released.  The services of an attorney were not needed, but Attorney Brown's contact with Pierpont, one of the men arrested at Detroit, is told in detail further along in this account.

It was not until 3 or 3:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon that the Kokomo police had knowledge of the arrests at Detroit, and then through the sheriff of Wabash county who got his information, apparently, from a news dispatch going over the wires in his city.  Inquiries followed, however, and the facts were quickly ascertained.

This forenoon Charles Jinkerson, president of the South Kokomo bank, received the following telegram from A.E. Gorton, sent from Detroit:

"Hot dog! Bonds all recovered.  Tall guy man who hit Shaw, and maybe backroom man here.  Do not send my car to Peru.  Will come with officers.  Telephone mother news.  Sure feel good over outcome. - Gorton."

That Bridgewater was not captured with the other three men seems to be certain today.  That his apprehension is believed to be only a matter of short time was expressed confidently by the police and C.F. Huntington, Pinkerton operative connected with the Indianapolis branch of that agency.

Miss Brunner is not being held as an accomplice in the robbery here but as a material witness.

Just how much of the booty besides the bonds has been recovered seems uncertain today.  Gorton's telegram is authority for the statement that all the negotiable papers were recovered.  As for the amount of cash the three men had in their possession nothing definite is known.

However, the police learned today that the three carried large "rolls" while here and that they spent money lavishly on at least two different occasions.

They learned of a wild party at a restaurant in Vaile avenue, near the Plate Glass, where women were being entertained by three or four men believed to be members of the gang and three of whom are the ones under arrest.  This was prior to the robbery here.

At this party the proprietor of this restaurant expressed doubt over whether he would be repaid for his liberal entertainment, whereupon one of the men laid a handful of gold coins on the counter and told him to "take his money out of that" and return the change after the party broke up.  This party lasted until 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning.

On another party at Anderson prior to the robbery here the three men being brought back from Detroit showed the women in their company that they were well supplied with money, which they were spending "like a drunken sailor."

That the three prisoners at Detroit waived extradition was a gratification to the police here, though the latter were prepared for this emergency.

A warrant was issued by Judge Joe Cripe of the city court which contained an interesting feature.  One of the charges against the three alleged bandits is petit larceny.  This is explained by the fact that Judge Marshall could not be located when the officers were in a hurry to obtain warrants, and Judge Cripe was resorted to.  His court has no jurisdiction over the larger crime of which the men are accused, but has jurisdiction over petit larceny cases, which are felonies and also extradition.  To meet the emergency and to arm the police who went to Detroit with warrants that would be valid to secure possession of the prisoners, the charge of petit larceny was made, based on the fact that the men who robbed the bank took eighteen dollars from Vernon Shaw.

That C.T. Brown, attorney and justice of the peace has room to congratulate himself would appear from facts elicited by police investigation.  Attorney Brown was visited at his office Sunday night, March 22 by Harry Pierpont, alias Frank Mason, one of the men in custody at Detroit, and who is accused of being one of the bandits robbing the South Kokomo bank March 27.  Attorney Brown has since identified Pierpont by a prison photograph of the man, shown him for that purpose.  It was a side view which convinced Attorney Brown that the man had been to his office on the date in question.


Attorney Brown was awakened shortly past midnight by a rap on the rear door of his office where he has a bed room, and asking who was there listened to a woman's voice who said that she had come to employ him in behalf of two men who had been arrested in front of her residence door.  Attorney Brown said that he would dress and open the door at once which he did.  Thereupon Mrs. Mulendore [sic] entered the office.  She and the attorney were acquainted as he had some months ago performed the marriage ceremony making her Mrs. Mulendore. [sic]  She explained that two men friends of a roomer at her home had been taken into police custody and they desired his services in a legal capacity.  Attorney Brown told the woman to bring them up.  Instead of the men apprehended appearing, the man now known as Harry Pierpont alias Frank Mason put in an appearance along with Dewey Elliott, a local man who was acting the part of a good Samaritan in assisting Mrs. Mulendore [sic] and her roomer Pierpont.


Pierpont took the lead in the conversation and explained that two of his friends were detained at police station and he wished to know if they needed bond and to ascertain the amount required and it would be forthcoming.  Attorney Brown inquired names but was told that these were immaterial as the person talking, afterwards learned to be Pierpont, had no charges against him and the name was of no consequence.  What names the apprehended men had given Pierpont said he did not know but that the police blotter could explain that point to the attorney.  The mystery of the matter impressed Attorney Brown that it was probably a violation of the liquor law.  He then made no special effort to inquire into names and real facts.  When he visited headquarters he was told that the suspects had been released.  He did not even know upon what charge the men had been held, and returned to his office to find Pierpont.  That man was gone.


Pierpont had given Attorney Brown a gold certificate for $100 and the attorney observed that he had a fat roll of bills in his bill fold but of course of what denomination he did not know.  Dewey Elliott alone remained.  Attorney Brown's phone rang and a voice asked what disposition had been made of the cases against the suspects and the attorney was told to deduct his bill for his services from the certificate and return the balance to Mr. Elliott.


Attorney Brown informed Mr. Elliott that he would rather return the certificate to the man who handed it to him as he could not give the change required, $90 in money.  Attorney Brown having fixed his fee at $10.


Elliott volunteered that he would pay the attorney fee and get it off of Pierpont as soon as he went back to the house.  Elliott thereupon paid Attorney Brown his fee, giving him two five dollar bills and left the office.


Attorney Brown thought nothing more of the incident until he heard of the bank robbery when his mind ran back to the mysterious visit.


He learned that the suspects had been picked up by the police for auto theft but as the facts did not justify detention they were released.  Attorney Brown then related the details of the mysterious conduct in his office.


He also drew a breath of relief.  He had in his safe which was unlocked $75 which had been deposited that evening for bond after banking hours.  He did not make a practice of keeping money on hands but happened to have this amount that particular evening.  It was within easy reach of the suspected bank bandit.


---
Cousin Harry PIERPONT (1902-1934) was captured in Detroit and brought back to Kokomo to stand trial for the robbery of the South Kokomo bank, starting a chain of events which I hope to further chronicle.  Pearl Elliott, nee Mullendore, operated a house of prostitution in Kokomo.  Dewey Elliott was her husband.

Black Sheep Sunday – create a post with the main focus being an ancestor with a “shaded past.” Bring out your ne’er-do-wells, your cads, your black widows, your horse thieves and tell their stories. And don’t forget to check out the International Black Sheep Society of Genealogists (IBSSG). This is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Surname Saturday: Harrold

The HARROLD surname is in Eileen's paternal line.  The origins of the surname are unknown at this point, and this is a new line that needs much research.


Stories and history:


Ahnentafel # 21: Rebecca Harrold (c1832-aft1870).  Rebecca was born circa 1832 in Kentucky.  She married prior to 1859 to ________ Price and had issue.  She married secondly June 29, 1863 in Marshall County, Kentucky to George Washington Ivey (c1810-aft1880).  George was born circa 1810 in Virginia.  They had 4 children in Marshall County, Kentucky.  George was last recorded living in the 1880 census of Marshall County, Kentucky.  Rebecca was last recorded living in the 1870 census of Marshall County, Kentucky.


Related blog posts:

• Samuel Ivey and Emma Carter marriage record

Surname Saturday – create a post in which you discuss a surname and mention its origins, its geographical location(s) and how it fits into your genealogy research. Surname Saturday is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Marriage Application : Archibald E. Chew (1909)

APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE - MALE

1. Full christian and surname of the man is Archibald E. Chew

2. Color white

3. Where born Salamonia, Ind.

4. When born 1883 - May 6

5. Present residence Boyne City, Mich.

6. Present occupation Lumberman

8. Is the male contracting party of nearer blood kin to the female contracting party than second cousin?  No

9. Full christian and surname of father C.A.W. Chew

10. His color white

11. His birthplace Marshall Co. Ind.

12. His occupation Farming

13. His residence New Corydon, Ind.

14. Full christian and maiden name of mother Rebecca F. Shoemaker

15. Her color white

16. Her occupation housework

17. Her birthplace Salamonia, Ind. Ohio

18. Her residence New Corydon, Ind.

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? Yes

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

---

This application was signed by Archibald E. CHEW on October 27, 1909.  He was my paternal 1st cousin 3 times removed.  He married Clara I. MARTIN on October 27, 1909 in Jay County, Indiana.

Ancestry.com has record of the marriage license in their database as well.

This application for a marriage license was part of the collection found at the Jay County Historical Society.  The society has made copies of many of the marriage application books, making research easier on days when the courthouse is closed.

FindAGrave Success: Nathan C. Beals

 

So glad to report a success from a FindAGrave volunteer, Richard M.C.P. Mann, who was able to capture the image of the tombstone of my maternal 5th-great grandfather, Nathan C. BEALS (1789-1867) from the Lynchburg Cemetery in Humboldt, Richardson County, Nebraska.

Nathan was born within the confines of Lost Creek Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends in Jefferson County, Tennessee, the son of John and Mary (CARTER) BEALS, on 9th month, 3rd day of 1789.  His middle initial "C." may stand for "Carter", though unconfirmed.  A birthright Quaker, he was said to have been disowned circa 1810-1811 by an Ohio meeting.  This story was reported in the "Chronology of the Beals Family", written by his son John T. BEALS, but has yet to be confirmed through original records.

Nathan later became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, no doubt influenced by his wife, Elizabeth CHEW (1802-1881).  They were married in November 25, 1820 in Clinton County, Ohio and were the parents of ten children: Daniel, Mary Ann Maria, Andrew, John T., Sarah, Amy, Nathan H., Thomas J., Elizabeth, and Seth W.  My ancestor is their third son, John T.

Nathan was elected as County Assessor of Hamilton County, Indiana in the 1840s and lived in both Hamilton and Howard County, Indiana before moving west to Richardson County, Nebraska after the Civil War.  It was there that he died September 5, 1867 and was buried.  His widow, Elizabeth, moved back to Indiana were she died January 26, 1881 in Converse, Miami County, Indiana.

Genealogy Takes You In Some Interesting Directions

Genealogy research can take you in some interesting directions.  Whether it is tromping through neglected cemeteries or researching in musty courthouses, research can quickly take you from facts and names to a study of any number of sidebars that help flesh out the "family history", no matter how inconsequential.


Yesterday, we needed to head to nearby Kokomo to pick up some items at Menard's from their sale ad in preparation for an upcoming graduation party.  Seizing an opportunity, I mentioned to Eileen that I wanted to see if I could locate the exact location of the South Kokomo Bank that my distant cousin Harry PIERPONT robbed in 1925.  Like the trooper she is, she agreed to indulge me in my quest.


To say I've become fascinated with the stories of Harry's early bank robberies and later association with the Dillinger gang would be an understatement.  I've enjoyed transcribing the newspaper articles and hope to share more of them with you over the next few weeks.  Though he was not a nice man, he's definitely a character in terms of family history.  I think that is what draws me to him.  That and the desire to see if it is possible to determine what exactly makes someone cross that line over to the criminal life.  A question that will probably never be answered.


Anyway, after completing our shopping we stopped at the location in Kokomo at the corner of Main and Markland where I believe the bank was located.  Today this area is a bit run down, and the building is empty.  I felt a little nervous leaving Eileen in the van while I stepped outside to investigate.  The building has been split into two businesses. The shop in the front is no longer in use, nor is the strip club in the back.   Though the photo does not show it, at the top of the building were the words "1916 - Plate Block" inscribed in the building.  I was hoping to find the words "bank" or something similar to confirm my suspicions.

Corner of Main & Markland, Kokomo, Indiana, 15 May 2011

The view of the building from the satellite shows the train tracks that dissect the northwest corner of the building.



View Larger Map


Alas, the library was closed on Sunday or I would have dragged Eileen over there to look in the city directories to confirm the location of the bank. The sad thing is that I did locate this information previously, but for some reason must not have photocopied the entry from the city directory.  Fortunately, Kokomo is not that far out of the way for me, and I'll be able to confirm later whether or not this was the sight of the South Kokomo Bank robber.


Until next time...

Black Sheep Sunday: Make Away With Loot From S. Kokomo Bank

Source: Kokomo Dispatch, Kokomo, Indiana, March 28, 1925, pp. 1-2.


MAKE AWAY WITH LOOT FROM S. KOKOMO BANK


Apparently the unmasked bandits who held up and robbed the South Kokomo Bank of $ 4,828.40 in money and $ 4,3000 in Liberty bonds about 1:45 o'clock yesterday afternoon, had made good their escape and had thrown the officers completely off their trail last night, for early in the afternoon the blue Moon touring car which they used to leave the city, was found in a quagmire about a mile south of Melfalfa [sic] park.  The car was concealed behind a clump of trees and a high embankment.


J.E. Fernung, a farmer, saw the bandits change from the conspicuous blue car to two Ford cars, a coupe and a sedan.  Going on towards Kokomo, he met Sheriff Joseph Lindley and a deputy, and the car was found by Bert Clark.  It was in good running condition, and had apparently been deliberately concealed at a point previously determined upon.  From the tracks in the road, the two Fords had departed south.


"Blue Car and Five Men"


Although many reports of a "blue car and five men" continued to come from all parts of the country last night, no account of the two Ford cars had been received.


In addition to the money and negotiable securities, A.E. Gorton, cashier of the bank, said last night that probably $ 2,000 in unnegotiable securities, such as registered bonds, had been stolen.


"Chic" Nelson, Charles Houser and Joseph Sanders, three young men, saw the hold-up as they stood in the window of a drug store across the street from the bank.  They said they did not give the alarm because of the presence of a fourth man, a stranger, who stood in the store and watched their actions closely.  When the robbery was over, he suddenly disappeared in the crowd.


The bandits went about their task with the utmost coolness, and at end of ten or fifteen minutes, had succeeded in cleaning out the bank of all valuables in sight, and in walking to their car, parked half a block east, with the booty in a sack thrown over one of the bandit's arms.


Two Blasts From Horn


According to various accounts pieced together, the blue car drove up in front of the Markland cafe, a few hundred feet east of the bank.  One man alighted, and as he did so, two quick blasts were sounded from the horn.  Where the other men came from, no witness seemed to have noticed, but a man eating in the Markland cafe said that but one man alighted from the blue car.  One man remained at the wheel.


Mr. Gorton, the bank cashier, was in front of the grill when a stranger, well-dressed, entered and asked Miss Winifred Dimitt, assistant cashier, to change a $10 bill.  A second man came in, and leaned at another window, apparently waiting.  A third man came in, with three $10 bills in his hand.  He suddenly wheeled upon Gorton.


"Come on, get back there", he exclaimed roughly, displaying a large gun.  


Gorton, Miss Dimitt and Miss Frances Gorton, the only persons in the bank at the time, were forced into the back room.  One of the bandits seized a shot gun, standing in a corner, broke it, and put the shells in his pocket.  The telephone began ringing, and one of the bandits struck it from the desk, severing the connections.


While one of the bandits guarded the persons in the back room, the other two gathered up all the money in sight.  One of them called Gorton to the saef [sic] door, and forced him to open the inner vault.


With a gun pressed tightly to the back of his head, Gorton found it difficult to concentrate upon the combination.  He purposely failed two times in opening the safe.


Threatens To Shoot


The bandit was cursing and threatening to blow him up if he did not open the vault.


"Blow out his brains," counselled one of the bandits who was engaged in watching the front of the store, "and hurry up.  They are getting wise across the street."


At that moment Gorton succeeded in opening the vault.  He said afterwards that he had actually forgotten the combination.  He asked the bandit, at one time, to work the combination and he would tell the numbers.


It was while the bandits were at work that Vernon Shaw entered with $18 in his pocket.  He was greeted at the door by a bandit, who slapped his face roughly.  Brandishing a revolver, the bandit ordered him to "get back there with the rest of 'em."  Shaw lost his $18.


The entry of Shaw was observed by Charles Houser, clerk in the drug store across the street.  Houser was telephoning at the time, and had a clear view of the slap administered to Shaw and the brandishing of the gun.


"They are holding up the bank," exclaimed Houser to his chum on the other end of the line, and dropped the telephone receiver.


Describes Stranger


The stranger in the store, described as wearing a blue serge suit and a wool shirt with the collar turned up about his throat, followed the three men in the store, as they went to the rear and as they returned, until they feared that he was an outpost of the bandit crew.  The stranger did not speak, and when the bandits had gone and the crowd had gathered he suddenly disappeared.  Houser said that he thought the stranger returned a few minutes later, but said he had changed clothes if it was the same person.


Apparently no others had observed the hold up. In a few minutes one of the bandits emerged, with the sack of booty flung over his arm, and covered with an overcoat.  He walked composedly to the car, the others got in, and the car lurched forward.  It was then that the alarm was turned in to police from the drug store.  About the same time, Gorton escaped from the basement, where he and his assistants had been locked, and turned on the burglar alarm.


Police followed the trail of the blue car on Union street, and picked up the trail later through Highland park.  The trail was lost there again.


Saw Men Here Thursday


Miss Gladys Wilson, waitress of the Markland cafe, said that the same men where in Kokomo last Sunday evening and that they attempted to rent rooms.  Three of them were back in the city Thursday, and ate dinner at the restaurant, she said.  She had opportunity to observe them as they climbed into the car with the loot, but it was not until they had gone that she realized what had happened.


There were reports that a Ford car had been in the vicinity of the bank just previous to the robbery, and that the occupants were women.  No actual connection between any of these cars or the occupants and the robbery, has been discovered.


Mr. Gorton said that the leader of the gang was tall and of dark complexion.  He wore a brown gaberdine [sic] coat and a cap.  One of the others was short and rather stout, with sandy complexion.  He wore a blue sergfie suit, and carried the money away.


Houser said that the man who held the post at the door of the bank was short and rather slight of build.  Houser declared that he had seen him about Kokomo many times before, but was not acquainted with him.  All appeared to be about twenty-four years of age except the leader, who probably was about thirty-two years old.


Throughout the ordeal of the robbery, Miss Gorton and Miss Dimitt preserved extreme coolness, especially Miss Gorton, according to her father.  It was she who advised her father not to attempt to push any buttons or to run any other risk.  She kept up a continual line of chatter to the bandit who stood guard in the back room, also, until that bandit seemed somewhat confused.


Car Stolen at Fort Wayne


The Moon car, it was learned, was stolen Thursday night at Fort Wayne, and belongs to John W. Auguish of that city.  It bore the license plates of the Chrysler phaeton of Harriett M. Woodsmall of Indianapolis, which was stolen in Indianapolis March 11, and found six miles east on the Punkinvine pike Thursday evening with the rear riddled with bullets.  Farmers said that about twenty shots were fired in that vicinity early Thursday morning.


The Moon car was pulled to the B.A.B. garage last evening.  It was so concealed that probably it would not have been found for many days had not Mr. Fernung observed the change begin made.


Detectives from Indianapolis arrived in Kokomo last night and took up the case.  The loss of the South Kokomo Bank is fully covered by insurance, it was said last night by Mr. Gorton.  The bank was established in 1918 and has since shown a good growth.  Its statement at the close of business December 31, 1924, showed resources of $221,508.97.  The deposits were $190,149.60.  Officers of the institution are Charles Jinkerson, president; Kent H. Blacklidge, vice-president; Mr. Gorton, cashier; Miss Dimitt, assistant cashier, and the directors are Mr. Jinkerson, Victor E. Valle, Fred L. Trees, Mr. Blacklidge, D.C. Davies, Dr. S. Roscoe Chancellor, W.J. Critchlow, Ed S. Moore and Mr. Gorton.


---
This was the robbery that sent cousin Harry PIERPONT (1902-1934) to State Prison.  This newspaper article was found in the verticle files at the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library. I'm enjoying tracking his mis-deeds through the lens of the local newspaper accounts.  From what I can tell, the location of the bank now appears to hold a Napa auto parts store.

Black Sheep Sunday – create a post with the main focus being an ancestor with a “shaded past.” Bring out your ne’er-do-wells, your cads, your black widows, your horse thieves and tell their stories. And don’t forget to check out the International Black Sheep Society of Genealogists (IBSSG). This is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Photo: Robert E. Walsh, US Army Air Corps

Robert E. Walsh, WWII

 This is a photo of my maternal great-uncle, Robert Earl WALSH in his U.S. Army Air Corp uniform.  

Funeral Record : Frank Haley (1937)

Source: Frank Haley Funeral Record, Baird Funeral Home, Jay Co., Indiana,  1937, Saxman & Schindler, comp., n.d.

Another good find for me at the Jay County Historical Society library was the funeral record of Andrew Frank HALEY, brother of my paternal 2nd-great grandfather, Eli Weldon HALEY.  Prior to this find, I knew that Frank, as he was known, had died in 1937, and that he was buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery in Fort Recovery, Ohio.  Now that I had the funeral record, I have a few more tidbits.


According to the record, Frank died July 29, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois.  What was he doing there?  His son, Clarence O. HALEY, was a physician there.  Services for Frank were held at Mt. Zion church in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, with burial in Fort Recovery, Ohio.  The funeral record gives his parents as Geo. W. HALEY and Mary Jane SHERICK, as well as he being a widower of Emma LEONARD.


I was unable to locate the death record on Ancestry.com in the Cook County death database.  However, at the FamilySearch.org site, I located his death record.  He didn't die in Chicago, but instead in Oak Park.

Andrew Frank HALEY was born March 4, 1864 in Ashland County, Ohio, the oldest child of George Washington and Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY.  He married November 3, 1887 in Jay County, Indiana to Emma Catherine LEONHARD (1866-1925).


Here is the link to his memorial page at FindAGrave.

Grandma was a Bathing Beauty

Kokomo Tribune, Kokomo, Indiana, July 25, 1939

While searching newspaper collections, I located this advertisement for a "Miss Kokomo" Bathing Beauty contest that listed my maternal grandmother, Bonnie LAMBERTSON as a contestant.

According to the paper, the contest was sponsored by the Sipe theater and this was to be the third elimination round.  The final was to be held on August 2nd.

Marriage Application : Nancie S. Petry (1907)

APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE - FEMALE

1. Full christian and surname of the woman is Nancia S. Petry

2. Color White

3. Where born Brice, Ind.

4. When born Aug 29 - 1887

5. Present residence Salamonia, Ind.

6. Present occupation housework

7. Full christian and surname of father John Petry

8. His color white 

9. His birthplace Jay Co. Ind.

10. His occupation farmer

11. His residence Salamonia

12. Full christian and maiden name of mother Mary LeMaster

13. Her color white

14. Her occupation housework

15. Her birthplace Shelby Co. O.

16. Her residence Salamonia

17. Has the female contracting party been an inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent persons within the last five years? no

18. Is this her first marriage? yes

19. If not, how often has she been married? [blank]

20. Has such prior marriage or marriages been dissolved? [blank]

21. If so, how and when? [blank]

22. Is the female contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal, or any other contagious or transmissable disease? no

23. Is she an embecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is she under guardianship as person of unsound mind? no

---

This application was signed on 12 October 1907 by Nancie Petry.  I had a hard time reading her name, as I didn't have her listed in the family group for John and Mary (LeMASTER) PETRY.  Mary was the daughter of Rev. Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS.

In the 1900 census of Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, the John and Mary PETRY family lists a daughter, Nancy S., born August 1887.

Ancestry.com had her indexed as Nannie S. PETRY, married to Clem L. McKINLEY on 12 Oct 1907 in Jay County, Indiana.  Will need to look up the record on a future trip to the courthouse in Portland.

This marriage application was located on my last visit to the Jay County Historical Society.  The society has made copies of many of the county marriage books, making it easier to research, particularly on days when the courthouse is closed.

Are You Smarter Than a Sixty Year-Old?

DON'T LOOK BELOW FOR THE ANSWERS UNTIL YOU HAVE TRIED IT OUT!

A TEST FOR OLD KIDS

I was picky who I sent this too. It had to be those who might actually remember. So have some fun my sharp-witted friends. This is a test for us 'old kids'! The answers are printed below, but don't cheat.

01. After the Lone Ranger saved the day and rode off into the sunset, the grateful citizens would ask, Who was that masked man? Invariably, someone would answer, I don't know, but he left this behind. What did he leave behind?________________.

02. When the Beatles first came to the U.S. .In early 1964, we all watched them on The _______________ Show.

03 ' Get your kicks, __________________.'

04. 'The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to ___________________.'

05. 'In the jungle, the mighty jungle, ________________.'

06. After the Twist, The Mashed Potato, and the Watusi, we 'danced' under a stick that was lowered as low as we could go in a dance called the '_____________.'

07. Nestle's makes the very best . .. . . _______________.'

08. Satchmo was America 's 'Ambassador of Goodwill.' Our parents shared this great jazz trumpet player with us. His name was _________________.

09. What takes a licking and keeps on ticking? _______________.

10 . Red Skeleton's hobo character was named __________________ and Red always ended his television show by saying, 'Good Night, and '________________. '

11. Some Americans who protested the Vietnam War did so by burning their______________.

12. The cute little car with the engine in the back and the trunk in the front was called the VW. What other names did it go by? ____________ &_______________.

13. In 1971, singer Don MacLean sang a song about, 'the day the music died.' This was a tribute to ___________________.

14. We can remember the first satellite placed into orbit. The Russians did it. It was called ___________________.

15. One of the big fads of the late 50's and 60's was a large plastic ring that we twirled around our waist. It was called the__ ______________.

ANSWERS :

01.. The Lone Ranger left behind a silver bullet.
02. The Ed Sullivan Show
03.. On Route 66
04... To protect the innocent ..
05. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
06. The limbo
07. Chocolate
08.. Louis Armstrong
09. The Timex watch
10. Freddy, The Freeloader and 'Good Night and God Bless.'
11. Draft cards (Bras were also burned. Not flags, as some have guessed)
12. Beetle or Bug
13. Buddy Holly
14. Sputnik
15. Hoola-hoop

Send this to your 'old' friends, (better known as Seniors.) It will drive them crazy ! And keep them busy and let them forget their aches and pains for a few minutes

Sunday's Obituary: Ferry Mae (Bickel) LeMaster (1891-1978)

Source: Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, July 21, 1978, page 10.

F. Mae LeMaster, 86, 539 W. Pearl St., Union City, a former resident of Salamonia, died Thursday evening at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, after an extended illness.


Born Aug. 27, 1891 in Jay County, her parents were Simeon and Mary A. (Gillett) Bickel.  She was married Feb. 28, 1911 to Clarence LeMaster, who died Nov. 28, 1963.


Surviving are two sons, Kenneth LeMaster, RR 6, Portland, and Garth L. LeMaster, Portland; two daughters, Mrs. Glenn (Mary) Hummel, RR 6, Union City and Mrs. Glenn (Jean) Coby, Union City; one sister, Mrs. Elmer (Elma) Seightman, Union City, Ohio; 16 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Services are set for Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home, Portland.  Gene Moser, pastor of the Portland Friends Church, will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Salamonia Cemetery.


Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Saturday.


Sunday’s Obituary – if you have obituaries of family members and ancestors, consider posting them along with other information about that person as part of Sunday’s Obituary. This is an ongoing series developed by Leslie Ann at Ancestors Live Here.

Surname Saturday : SWAFFORD

The SWAFFORD surname is in my maternal line.  The origins of the surname are believed to be Irish.


Stories and history:


Ahnentafel # 63: Mary Ellen Swafford (1854-1932).  Mary Ellen was born August 30, 1854 in Monroe County, Indiana.  She married July 2, 1873 in Monroe County, Indiana to James Austin Davis (c1850-1909).  James was born circa 1850 in Indiana.  They raised two daughters in Monroe and Owen Counties, Indiana.  They divorced and Mary Ellen married secondly on November 15, 1884 in Monroe County, Indiana to Robert Farrell Gilliland (1849-1916).  Robert was born November 27, 1849 in Pulaski County, Kentucky.  They raised two children in Monroe County, Indiana.  Robert died August 4, 1916 in Whitehall, Owen County, Indiana.  Mary died January 28, 1932 near Dolan, Monroe County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 126: Peter Kirkpatrick Swafford (1827-1885).  Peter was born June 12, 1827 in Mississippi.  He married April 3, 1853 in Owen County, Indiana to Mary Ann Crockett (1835-1865).  Mary Ann was born in 1835 in Owen County, Indiana.  They raised three daughters in Monroe County, Indiana.  Mary Ann died circa 1865.  Peter died 1885 in Spencer, Owen County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 252: Larkin Swafford (1790-1839).  Larkin was born in 1790 in Greenville County, South Carolina.  He married before 1817 to Nancy ________ (c1790-bef1850).  Nancy was born circa 1790 in Tennessee.  They raised six children in Tennessee, Mississippi and Monroe County, Indiana.  Larkin came to Monroe County, Indiana before 1839.  Nancy died after 1850 census of Monroe County, Indiana.  Larkin died 1839.


Ahnentafel # 504: Jacob Swafford (1762-1845).  Jacob was born 1762 in Greenville County, South Carolina.  He married in 1790 to Sarah Larkin (c1772-1852).  Sarah was born circa 1772 in Virginia.  They raised 13 children in Greenville County, South Carolina and Bledsoe County, Tennessee.  Sarah died 1852 in McMinn County, Tennessee.  Jacob died 1845 in Bledsoe County, Tennessee.


Ahnentafel # 1008: Peter Swafford (1740-    ).  Peter was born circa 1740 in Ireland.  He married Rennie Howard (c1745-     ).  Rennie was born circa 1745 in Ireland.  They raised 8 children in Greenville County, South Carolina.  Peter died in Greenville, South Carolina.


Related blog posts:

• Today in my database: Mary Ellen Swafford (b. August 30, 1854)

Surname Saturday – create a post in which you discuss a surname and mention its origins, its geographical location(s) and how it fits into your genealogy research. Surname Saturday is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.