Second Place at the Halloween Party, 1915

"Halloween Party," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 1 November 1915; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 29 March 2015).

HALLOWEEN PARTY

A masquerade party was enjoyed by a number of friends Friday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Manring on East Eleventh street.  At 9 o'clock all marks were removed.  Miss Elsie McCord won the first prize.  Virgil Wright second and Kenneth Stoughton third prize.  Games and contents were followed by a Hallowe'en luncheon.  The home was beautifully decorated in black and yellow crepe ribbons, candles, pumpkins and yellow crysanthemums.  Attending were the Misses Elsie McCord, Hazel Foland, Mablel Wright, Mary Manring, Olivia Wright, Sarah Damens, Frances Wright, and Charley Sexton, George Harcastle, William Knopp, Kenneth Stoughton, Kenneth Allen and Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Lawler, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Frazier, Mrs. Mary Danils, Mrs. McDonald, Mrs. Ada Stroughton and Clarence Smith, of Muncie.

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My maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972) and great-grandmother, Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968), attended this Halloween party shortly after their marriage with a number of friends and relatives.  I wonder what customer grandpa Virgil wore to win second prize?

Other relatives include Mabel Wright, daughter of James and  Clara (Hicks) Wright, Virgil's first cousin, as well as her other sisters Olivia and Frances Wright.  Frances Wright's future husband Charles Sexton was also in attendance.

Wedding Announcement, Virgil Wright to Muriel Pierce, 1915

"Rural Route 20," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 26 March 1915; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 23 March 2015).

Virgil Wright has joined the "Benedicts," having gone to Anderson and returned with a new wife Saturday. Mrs. Wright was formerly Miss Murrill Pierce, of Alexandria.  A crowd of their friends treated them to an old fashioned charivari Wednesday night.  They will live with Mr. Wright's father for a time at least.

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Located this announcement of my maternal great-grandparents wedding.  Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972) and Edna Muriel Pierce (1897-1968) were married on June 19, 1915.  Edna was the daughter of William Francis Pierce and Clara A. Penisten.

Apparently, they took up housekeeping for a time with my 2nd-great grandfather, the John William Wright.

Census Sunday : Nancy J. LeMasters household, 1940, Merrick County, Nebraska

My paternal first cousin three times removed, Nancy J. LeMasters, was enumerated in the 1940 census in Palmer, Merrick County, Nebraska.  She was renting a room at the Coolidge Hospital where she worked.

1940 US census, Merrick County, Nebraska, population schedule, Coolidge Hospital, Palmer, enumeration district (ED) 61-8, SD 3, sheet 7B, [no household number], ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 5 April 2015); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

The household consisted of Nancy, aged 55, her mother, Sarah, aged 80, and a hired girl, Ruby Wagner, aged 21.  Nancy was single and born in Nebraska, Sarah was widowed and born in Indiana, and Ruby was single and born in Nebraska.  In 1935, the residence for Nancy and Sarah was St. Paul, Howard County, Nebraska, and for Ruby, her residence was Greeley County, Nebraska.

Nancy's occupation was listed as supervisor of nurses at the hospital.  Nancy had no occupation listed and Ruby's occupation was a housekeeper.  Nancy's previous occupation in the 1910 census was that of a school teacher.

Sarah was the widow of my paternal second great granduncle, John Stevens Lemasters, son of Rev. Luman Walker and Nancy (Young) Lemasters.  John was the youngest of the family.  He married Sarah I. Wilson in 1881 in Jay County, Indiana and moved to Nebraska by at least 1900, where they were living in St. Paul.

Prior to this find, I didn't have any information past the 1910 census on Nancy, nor did I know where Sarah was after her husband's death in 1932.  All are buried in the Elmwood Cemetery, St. Paul, Howard County, Nebraska.  A quick search on the internet shows that Coolidge Hospital was both a hospital and sanitarium, and today may be part of a mental health facility.

Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt used by many genealogy bloggers to help them post content on their sites.

State & Federal census sheets are filled with information for genealogists. Both the population & non-population schedules give us insights into the lives of our ancestors. What have you found that is Surprising? Reassuring? Bewildering? Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt suggested by Colleen Pasquale of Leaves and Branches.

Farewell Party for Miss Pearl Cummins, 1915

"Farewell Party," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 14 May 1915; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 23 March 2015).

FAREWELL PARTY

Miss Pearl Cummins gave a farewell party at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.A. Cummins, Wednesday evening.  Miss Cummins will leave next week for Lafayette, Ind., where she will enter the State Soldiers' Home to take up nurse training.  Among those present were : Ollie Johnson, Lena and Nema Cranfield, Merl Fuller, Mary Moore, Merl Pierce, Cecil Thurber, Ada Miller, Hazel Walker, Pearl Little, Pearl Robbins, Clema Laycock, Edith and Hortense Brown, Bessie Laycock, Sarah Smith, Eva King, Ruth Jones, Iva White, Gladys Davis, Zetta Johnston, Pearl Cummins, Mrs. Charles Finley, Mrs. John Lewis and Mrs. D.A. Cummins and Earl and Joe Mohler, Kenneth Jones, Kenneth Collis, Rex Fuller, Everett Wilson, Chester Seibert, Park Weewee, Joe Draper, Chester and Virgil Wright, Floyd Miller, Oscar Thurber, Lee White, Allen Walker, William Smith, Rodger Brown, Herbert Johnson, Leslie Noble, James Jarret, Jessie Porter, Jessie Reason, Rodney Farr, Henry Young, Roy Jarrett, Clarence Johnson, Dale Cook, Harry Shaw, Robert Zellers, Frank Clevenger, Homer Scott, Cecil Moyer, Herbert Ferguson, Alfred Garner, John Lewis and D.A. Cummins.

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My maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972) attended this farewell party along with his brother, Chester.  Many of those named were friends of the family who appeared often in the social news together.

The Ollie Johnson was my maternal first cousin 3 times removed, daughter of John M. and Martha (Pierce) Johnson.

Farewell Party for Mr. and Mrs. Claude Montgomery, 1915

"A Farewell Party," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 18 February 1915; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 23 March 2015).

A FAREWELL PARTY

A farewell party was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Montgomery who will soon move to a farm near Reed's station.  Games and music were enjoyed and refreshments served to the following guests: Zelda and Hazel Gale, Myrtle Stephenson, Bessie Larmore, Mildred Fuller, Myrtle Lawler, Lottie Schwinn, Marie Smith, Ollie and Cecil Johnson, Ethel Seybert, Ruth Jones, Clara and Beulah Adams, Merle Pierce, Mary Moore, Nellie Mohler, Omah and Apha Miller, Opal Millspaugh, Marie Brannenberg, of Kendallville, Kenneth Jones, Virgil Wright, Sam Thurston, Bernard Millsbaugh, Joe Draper, Delbert Swindell, Rand Farrar, John Johnson, Rex Fuller, Everett Wilson, Lertie Bushong, Clifford Eppard, Elmer Miller, Earl and Joe Mohler, Jesse Peck, Ollie Schaefer, Walter Hurst, Ernest and Esta Quinn, Frank Simms, Jesse Lawson, Chester Seybert, Ray Fuller, Eddie Warren, Ben Jones, Jesse Gaither, Sanford Hicks and Mr. and Mrs. T.M. Martin and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Montgomery.

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My maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972) attended this farewell party that was well attended by neighbors.  I also found several other names in my genealogy database from this party.

The Mr. and Mrs. Claude Montgomery were Claude Benjamin and Ruth E. (Johnson) Montgomery.  Ruth was my maternal first cousin 3 times removed, our common ancestors were Edmund G. Pierce and Catherine Groenendyke.  She was the daughter of John M. Johnson and Martha Pierce.  The Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Montgomery at the end of the list of guests were the parents of Claude.

The Ollie and Cecil Johnson listed were sisters of Mrs. Claude Montgomery, daughters of John M. and Martha (Pierce) Johnson.

I do not place the Merle Pierce in the family at this time.

Census Sunday: Ellsworth D Haley household, 1940, Jay County, Indiana

My paternal great granduncle, George David Ellsworth Haley, was enumerated in the 1940 census in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  He was living in a rented home in Ward 3 of the city.

1940 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 3, Portland, enumeration district (ED) 38-21, SD 5, sheet 2B, 507 E. High St., dwelling 47, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 29 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

The family consisted of Ellsworth, age 71, and his wife, Anneta, age 70.  They were both born in Indiana, and their residence in 1935 was the same place.

Ellsworth's occupation was listed as the proprietor of a retail feed & seed store.  Previous occupations have him as a building contractor, Evangelical minister, factory laborer and photographer.  Both he and his wife had completed the 8th grade in education.

Prior to this find, I had his wife listed as Nettie, though it appears Anneta may be the full name.  Ellsworth may have been how he was known, but my files show his full name as George David Ellsworth Haley, likely named for both of his grandfathers.

Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt used by many genealogy bloggers to help them post content on their sites.

State & Federal census sheets are filled with information for genealogists. Both the population & non-population schedules give us insights into the lives of our ancestors. What have you found that is Surprising? Reassuring? Bewildering? Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt suggested by Colleen Pasquale of Leaves and Branches.

Surprise Party for Mrs. George Allen, 1914

"A Surprise Party," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 22 October 1914; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 21 March 2015).

A SURPRISE PARTY

Mrs. George Allen, who resides south-west of the city was very pleasantly surprised Tuesday night when a large company of friends gathered at the home to spend the evening.  The time was spent in enteretaining music and games.  Pop-corn, apples, candy and melons were served to the guests.  Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. Walter Manring, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thurston and daughter, Lolaa, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. Grover Gaither and son, George.  Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Bowers and Son, Herbert, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Davis and son, Ralph, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Peet, Mr. and Mrs. Webster and family, Mr. and Mrs. Horace McCord and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wid Carver, Mrs. Clyde Clevenger and daughters, Misses Hazel Nichols, Nellie Smith, Frances Wright, Hazel Folden, Elsie McCord, Marie Etsler, Louise Auler, Gladys Cox, Katherine Brown, Mary Moore, Elizabeth Auler, Olivia Wright, Katherine Cox, Nellie Scott and Messrs. Will Nichols, James Ferguson, Will Smith, Robert Gaither, Charles Sexton, George Hardcastle, Joseph Gaither, Kenneth Allen, Byford Brown, Virgil Wright, Jesse and Lawrence Gaither, Will Baxter, David Bowers, Clifton Jones, Virgil Wright, Thurel Markle and Wid Nickols.

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Another social gathering attended by my maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972) was covered by the society pages in the paper.  Many of these listed were family friends and neighbors who have appeared in other gatherings.

Virgil was listed twice in the list of names, I wonder if the second time should have been mention of his brother, Chester.

The Frances Wright and Olivia Wright mentioned in attendance were Virgil's cousins, daughters of James and Clara (Hicks) Wright.

Sometimes the paper gets it wrong

"Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wright and children," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 27 July 1914; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 14 March 2015).

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wright and children, John and Virgil Wright, motored to Anderson yesterday and spent the day with Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Wright.

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Oftentimes, the newspapers just don't get it right.  If you've ever been misquoted during an interview, you know what I mean.  Or maybe even witnessed and event and then read the paper the next day to see that it was mangled by the press in the reporting.  Happens all the time, even with the gossip columns of old, apparently.  At least it appears that way in this item.

Charles Wright was a brother to Jesse Wright, so it makes sense that he might have motored to Anderson to visit him.  However, his children were not named John and Virgil Wright.  Charles' children were Fred, Edna, Erma and Paul.  

Now Charles and Jesse did have a brother John Wright, who had a son, Virgil.  John was my maternal 3rd-great grandfather.  At first I thought this story might have meant that Mr. and Mrs. John Wright instead of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wright, but the Mrs. John Wright, my 3rd-great grandmother, Ellen, had passed away in December 1913 so there was no Mrs. John Wright at the time.

What I think happened, was that Charles Wright and his wife went to Anderson and visited his brother, Jesse, and took along his other brother John and John's son, Virgil.  Somehow in the telling of the story to the press, the names and relationships became mangled.

Census Sunday: Eugene Kunce household, 1940, Cass County, Indiana

My paternal grandaunt, Clara Elnora (Haley) Kunce, was enumerated in the 1940 census in Logansport, Cass County, Indiana, in her husband, Eugene's household.  They were living in the 1st Ward of the city at 12 Columbia Street.

1940 US Census, Cass County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 1, Logansport, enumeration district (ED) 9-9, SD 2, sheet 3A, household 57, 12 Columbia Street, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 22 March 2015); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

The family consisted of Eugene C, aged 38, and Elenora, age 39, and son Lowell, aged 12.  All of them were born in Indiana, and their residence in 1935 was listed as Van Wert, Ohio.  They were renting their home, and the monthly rent was $10.  Eugene had completed 3 years of college, Elenora had completed the 8th grade, and son Lowell had completed the 5th grade. Eugene's occupation was listed as an Evangelical Minister.

Prior to this find, I didn't realize that they had a pastorate at this location.  In 1930 they were in Huntington County, Indiana and must have had a pastorate in Van Wert, Ohio in between then. 



Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt used by many genealogy bloggers to help them post content on their sites.

State & Federal census sheets are filled with information for genealogists. Both the population & non-population schedules give us insights into the lives of our ancestors. What have you found that is Surprising? Reassuring? Bewildering? Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt suggested by Colleen Pasquale of Leaves and Branches.

Birthday Surprise for Mrs. Peet, 1914

"Birthday Surprise," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 13 July 1914; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 14 March 2015).

BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

A pleasant surprise was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Peet yesterday in honor of Mrs. Peet's birthday.  All the guests arrived with well-filled baskets and at the dinner hour, all the good things were spread and piled high on tables out-of-doors for all to enjoy the feast.  Among those in the party were Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Bowers and son, Herbert, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brown and daughters, Kathryn and Dorothy, Mr. and Mrs. George Allen and son, George, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wright and daughters, Helen and Oliva, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Morgan and son, John, Miss Hazel Folden, Erma Wright, Elsie McCord, Lillie, Martha and Vana Allen, Gladys Hall, Nellie Lenard, Mary Moore, Joe Gaither, Virgil Wright, George Hardcastle, Miles Gooding and Fred Wright.

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Another social mention of my maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972) attending a birthday party.  Several other names of family members were also in attendance.

The Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wright are James and Clara (Hicks) Wright, Virgil's aunt and uncle.  Two of their daughters, Helen and Oliva, were also in attendance.

The Fred Wright who attended the party was the son of Charles and Bertha (Leonard) Wright, Virgil's aunt and uncle.

So at this one party were several of my 2nd-great grandfather's neighbors as well as his first cousins.

Surprise Party For Virgil Bowers

"Surprise Party," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 12 September 1913; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 14 March 2015).

SURPRISE PARTY

In honor of the thirtieth birthday of Mr. Virgil Bowers a surprise party was given at the home last evening.  Ice cream and cake were served and a most enjoyable evening reported.  The evening was spent in music and games.  Among those present were : Nellie Free, Bertha Allen, Hazel Foland, Mattie Knopps, Lillian Allen, Alice Smith, Frances Wright, Ruth Free, Martha Allen, Mary Moore and Messrs. Charles Sexton, Virgil Wright, James Jarrett, Walter Knopps, Joseph Gaither, Virgil King, Chester Wright, Jesse Fesler, Roscoe Young, Tom Tobin, Arthur Pete, Glen Free, William Knopps, Miles Gooding, Floyd Miller, Virgil Allen, Jesse Gaither, Russell Allen and Mr. and Mrs. John Wright, Mr. and Mrs. George Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Manrig, Mr. and Mrs. Grover Gaither and Mrs. Fae Leach and daughter, Elizabeth.

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This newspaper announcement of the surprise birthday party thrown in honor of Virgil Bowers was attended by my maternal 2nd-great grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972), as well as his brother, Chester Arthur Wright (1896-1913) and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John (Ellen King) Wright.  Several other recognizable names in my family history research and locals from the Alexandria area are mentioned.

The Charles Sexton was the future husband of Frances Wright, who also attended the party.  Frances was the daughter of James and Clara (Hicks) Wright, and a first cousin of Virgil Wright.

I'm sure there are some other relatives in this as well, the Virgil King name keeps showing up, and as of yet, I haven't placed him in the family tree.

Military Monday : Jay Metzner, World War II Draft Registration, 1942

Working my way through the hints in the Ancestry database for World War II Draft Registrations, 1942 and located this registration in Delaware County, Indiana for Jay Emerson Metzner, my paternal first cousin three times removed.

"World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 29 March 2015); citing Selective Service Registration Cards: World War II : Fourth Registration : Indiana, National Archives, Washington, D.C..

This draft registration adds to the information I've collected about Jay, who was the son of Wesley T. Metzner and Mary Emma Roser.  Jay's draft registration gives his exact date of birth as February 4, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  This is confirmed through Jay County, Indiana birth records.  Prior to this find, I did not know that Emerson was his middle name.

The person listed who would always know where he would be was listed as Janet Metzner, living at the same address at 311 Winthrop Road in Muncie.  Through other census research, I've found out that this was Jay's daughter.  His wife was alive in 1940, but two years later she was not listed.  Will need to find out what happened to her.  Jay's employer was listed as Ball Brothers in Muncie.

Physically, Jay was described as having a light complexion with brown hair and blue eyes.  He stood 5'11" and weighed 190 lbs.

Military Monday – We all have ancestors who have served in the military. Military Monday is a place to post their images, stories and records of their service in various branches of the military. Military Monday is an ongoing series by Cindy at Everything’s Relative – Researching Your Family History.

Census Sunday : Ralph Fisher household, 1940, Madison County, Indiana

My maternal first cousin three times removed, Ralph Fisher, was enumerated in the 1940 census in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.  He was living in a rented home in Ward 2 of the city.

1940 US Census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 2, Anderson, enumeration district (ED) 48-14, SD 11, sheet 7B, household 159, 130 West North Street, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 22 March 2015); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

The family consisted of Ralph, aged 34, his wife, Helen, aged 29, and two children, Clara, aged 15, and Betty, aged 7.  Ralph, Helen and Betty were born in Indiana, and Clara was born in Illinois.  The residence in 1935 for Ralph and Helen were listed in the same place, but for Clara it was listed as Mt. Vernon, Illinois.  Perhaps in 1935, Clara was living with another relative, as Ralph and Helen were married in 1931 in Madison County, Indiana.  Mt. Vernon, Illinois was where Ralph had lived with his first wife, Nellie.

Ralph's occupation was listed as a fender mechanic at an auto parts manufacturer, and Helen's was listed as a billing clerk for the Assessor's office.  Ralph had only completed the 6th grade in education, and Helen had completed one year of college.

Prior to this find, I was not aware of the existence of Clara, daughter of Ralph from his first marriage.  I will have additional research to do to find out more about her and her mother. Cousin Helen eventually became the second wife of my maternal great-grandfather, Clemon Lambertson as well.  


Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt used by many genealogy bloggers to help them post content on their sites.

State & Federal census sheets are filled with information for genealogists. Both the population & non-population schedules give us insights into the lives of our ancestors. What have you found that is Surprising? Reassuring? Bewildering? Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt suggested by Colleen Pasquale of Leaves and Branches.

Birthday Party With An Unnamed Guest Of Honor

"Orestes News Notes," announcement, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 22 August 1913; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 14 March 2015).

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Young entertained at their home in honor of the birthday of their son.  Games were played and refreshments served.  Among those present were : Maude Youngs, Iva White, Clara Snethen, Mary Judd, Mary Youngs, Ruth Etchison, Josie Steward, Hazel King, Pearl Little, Mary Moore, Isabel Pyle, Helen Etchison, Nettie Athan, Mary Carver, Bertha Allen, Mary Whitten, Allean Etchison, Pearl Cummins, Bessie Laycock, Messrs. Emmet Moyer, Everett Judd, Chas. Cummins, Chas. Bicknell, Chester King, Virgil Wright, Arthur Peet, Troy Fox, Lee White, John Cook, Jay Noble, Floyd Miller, Edward Blake, Jim Jarret, Jesse Porter, Virgil King, Mr. and Mrs. George Judd, and Mr. and Mrs. E. Moyer.

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This interesting announcement about a birthday party that was attended by my maternal 2nd-great grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972), contains references to several people who were related to him.  The party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Young for their son, but the name of the son is not given. 

I believe that the birthday party was held in honor of Samuel Roscoe Young (1895-1934), son of Daniel R. and Gertrude (Johnson) Young.  He was born August 27th, and was Virgil Wright's first cousin once removed.  Their common ancestors were Daniel King and Elizabeth Shaw.

I also believe that the newspaper made a few errors : the Chester King mentioned right before Virgil Wright was likely Chester Wright, brother of Virgil. 

The rest of the names are locals and cousins of the family, some of whom I have yet to place.

Virgil Wright Obtains Diploma, 1912

"Diplomas For Students," notice, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 15 April 1912; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 14 March 2015).

Searching the archives of the Alexandria-Times Tribune, I found mention of my maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972), listed among the graduates of the eighth grade in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Some of the names of listed graduates are very familiar to me in the area.  One name, Ruby King, maybe a relative.  

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DIPLOMAS FOR STUDENTS

Twenty-two In Monroe Township Passed First Eighth Grade Examination.

Of the 59 Monroe township students who took the examination for graduation from the eighth grade on March 18, 22 were successful, according to the figures given by the County Superintendent, J.W. Frazier.  In the whole county there were 389 applicants, of whom 140 passed.  The highest grade was obtained by Harry Leonard of Jackson township, 95 2-5.  Wesley Canup, of Van Buren township, was second, with 94 1-9.  In Monroe township Frank Swindell, of the Spiceland school, had the highest grade, 92 2-5 with Marie Thurston, of the Olive Branch school a close second.

The successful students in Monroe township were Virgil Wright, Marie Thurston, Delbert Smith, Earl Blake, Delbert and Frank Swindell, George Hall, Maggie Morton, Esther Baxter, Frank Wyatt, Verta Tomlinson, Mary Sanders, Letha Hughes, Clarence Clock, Everett Janney, Marie Blake, Ruby King, Kenneth Rogers, Hellen Henshaw, Leon Hook, Robert Grizzle and Marion Marquess.

In Van Buren township the successful students were Forest Riday, Leslie Canup, Wesley Canup, Oren Collier, Madge Ellsworth, Walter Hiatt, Kenneth Tomlinson, Wilifred Harris, Chester Hiatt, Herbert Carey, Mary Brook, Herbert Winn, Garnet Martin, Harry Spitzmesser, Clyde Morris, Hazel Kirkpatrick, Willie Inglis, Florence Peele, Veda Knight, Hazel Browne, and Marie Kirkpatrick.

The Successful ones in Boone township were Charles Austin, Clyde Cartwright, Gladys Cunningham, Ward Jones, Anna Vison, Clarence Overshiner, Paul Swain, Claire Metcalf, Donald Achor and Clarence Tutlow.

Another examination will be held next Saturday, when those who failed in the first examination will have an opportunity to try again for a diploma.

Military Monday : Irvin Metzner, World War II Draft Registration, 1942

Working my way through the hints in the Ancestry database for World War II Draft Registrations, 1942 and located this registration in Jay County, Indiana for Irvin George Metzner, my paternal first cousin three times removed.

"World War II Draft Registation Cards, 1942," digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 March 2015); citing Selective Service Registration Cards, World War II: Fourth Registration: Indiana, National Archives, Washington, D.C..

This draft registration adds to the information I've collected about Irvin, who was the son of William F. Metzner and Mary Ann Haley.  Irvin's draft registration gives his exact date of birth as January 16, 1879 in Jay County, Indiana.  Previously, I only had the month and year from census information.

It's hard to make out the name of the person who would always know where Irvin was, it appears to be Edward Bauifus of Bryant, Indiana.  Irvin was listed as self employed.  His wife must have been deceased by this time.  In the 1900 census, he was a school teacher, but I have a lot of gaps in his history.

Physically, Irvin was described as being light complexion, with blue eyes and black hair.  He stood 5'11" and weighed 150 lbs.

Military Monday – We all have ancestors who have served in the military. Military Monday is a place to post their images, stories and records of their service in various branches of the military. Military Monday is an ongoing series by Cindy at Everything’s Relative – Researching Your Family History.

Census Sunday : Clarence Stuber household, 1940, Allen County, Ohio

My paternal grandaunt Vera D. (Haley) Stuber, was enumerated in the 1940 census in Spencer Township, Allen County, Ohio in her husband, Clarence Stuber's household.  They were living in Route 81 section 36 road.

1940 US Census, Allen County, Ohio, population schedule, Spencer Township, enumeration district (ED) 2-66, SD 6, sheet 6B, dwelling 123, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 22 March 2015); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

The family consisted of Clarence, aged 49, and Vera D., aged 50.  Both of them were born in Indiana, and lived in the same house in 1935.  They were renting their home, and it was valued at $1200.  Clarence had completed the 6th grade, and Vera had completed the 8th grade. Clarence's occupation was listed as a farmer.  



Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt used by many genealogy bloggers to help them post content on their sites.

State & Federal census sheets are filled with information for genealogists. Both the population & non-population schedules give us insights into the lives of our ancestors. What have you found that is Surprising? Reassuring? Bewildering? Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt suggested by Colleen Pasquale of Leaves and Branches.

Surname Saturday : Burdick

The BURDICK surname is in my paternal line.  The origins of the surname are English.  I descend twice from Robert Burdick through two of his daughters.

Stories and history :

Ahnentafel # 625 : Tacy Burdick (1670-1747).  Tacy was born 1670 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  She married Rev. Joseph Maxson (1672-1750) in 1691.  Joseph was born in 1672 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  They had seven children.  Joseph died September 1750 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Tacy died in 1747 in Westerly, Rhode Island.

Ahnentafel # 1250 : Same as # 2522.

Ahnentafel # 1261 : Deborah Burdick (1662-1692).  Deborah was born 1662 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  She married Rev. Joseph Crandall (1661-1737).  Joseph was born 1661 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  They had eight children.  Joseph died September 12, 1737 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Deborah died in 1692 at Westerly, Rhode Island.

Ahnentafel # 2522 : Robert Burdick (1630-1692).  Robert was born in 1630 in Devonshire, England.  He married Ruth Hubbard (1641-1691) on November 2, 1655 at Newport, Rhode Island.  Ruth was born September 10, 1641 at Agawam, Massachusetts.  They had 11 children.  Ruth died in 1691 at Westerly, Rhode Island.  Robert died October 25, 1692 at Westerly, Rhode Island.

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.

Grandpa Was Shot By A Chicken Thief !

My uncle and dad had both told me about the fact that my paternal grandfather, Ord LeMaster, had a scar around his heart and that it was supposed that he had been shot when he was younger, perhaps when he had served in the National Guard. Thanks to newspaper research, now I have proof of when he was shot.

Grandpa LeMaster was shot by a chicken thief, and fortunately survived.  Had he not, I would not have been here.

"Ord Lemaster of Salamonia," announcement, Huntington Herald, 9 April 1928; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 16 March 2015).

PORTLAND, April 8 - (INS) - Ord Lemaster, of Salamonia, southeast of here, is recovering from a gunshot wound near the heart, inflicted upon him by an unidentified chicken thief.

Young Lemaster returned home late at night and noticed the door of the chicken house standing open.  He stepped toward it to shut it when out of the dark coop came the shot that laid him low.

A sack containing one chicken, evidently dropped by the thief, was found near the scene of the shooting. 

Ord LeMaster would have been 21 years old at the time of the shooting.  Now that I have the exact date of the incident, I will search the local Portland, Indiana newspaper on my next visit to the library there to see what else I can find out.

Military Monday : Vernon Walker LeMaster, World War II Draft Registration, 1942

Working my way through the hints in the Ancestry database for World War II Draft Registrations, 1942 and located this registration in Shelby County, Ohio for Vernon Walker LeMaster, my paternal great granduncle.

"World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 March 2013); citing Selective Service Registration Cards, World War II, Fourth Registration: Ohio, National Archives, Washington, D.C..

The draft record adds to the information I've collected about Vernon, who was the son of Luman Walker Lemasters and Mary Keziah Chew.  Vernon's draft registration gives his date of birth as December 4, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana, which is consistent with what was reported on his World War I Draft Registration.

Vernon was 53 years old at the time of the registration, and his nearest living relative was his wife, Helen (Garmhausen) LeMaster.  There place of residence was listed as Bon Air Drive in Sidney, Ohio.  His mailing address was the Ohio Building, which was where his office was located - his occupation was listed as a self-employed physician.

Physically, Vernon was described as having a light complexion, white male, 5'11" with brown eyes and grey hair.  He weighed 200 lbs.

Military Monday – We all have ancestors who have served in the military. Military Monday is a place to post their images, stories and records of their service in various branches of the military. Military Monday is an ongoing series by Cindy at Everything’s Relative – Researching Your Family History.

Research Notes : March 16, 2015

Just a few updates on the research front over the last few weeks.  Work commitments and planning a move have kept me busy.

• Found out that Newspapers.com has the online editions of the Alexandria Times-Tribune, where many of my maternal lines are covered, and I've begun searching for information.  Have also located information on some paternal lines as well.  Will post updates soon.

• Sent off to the National Archives for the service records of my maternal grandfather, William Wright, from World War II.  Already have his discharge papers, but hoping there might be more information gleaned about his activities in the Army Air Corp.

• Checked in at 23andMe and found that I had over 60 new DNA Relative matches.  Sent out introductions, but need to get cracking on updating my spreadsheet of matches.  

Census Sunday : Tobias Chew household, 1940, Indiana County Pennsylvania

My paternal first cousin 3 times removed, Tobias Otterbein Chew, was enumerated in the 1940 census in Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania.  He was living in a rented house in Ward 3 of the city.

1940 U.S. Census, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Ward 3, Indiana, enumeration district (ED) 32-46, SD 27, sheet 9B, household 185, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 March 2015); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

The family consisted of Tobias, aged 55, and his wife, Muriel, aged 51, and their son, John, aged 15.  Tobias was born in Ohio, Muriel was born in Wisconsin and John was born in Indiana.  The family had resided in the same place in 1935.  Tobias' occupation was listed as Sociology Instructor at the State Teachers College.

Prior to this find, I did not know that Tobias and Muriel had a son.  I had previously transcribed Tobias' World War II draft registration where his occupation as a teacher at the State Teachers College was listed.  I still need to find the earlier details of his life, including his marriage.

Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt used by many genealogy bloggers to help them post content on their sites.

State & Federal census sheets are filled with information for genealogists. Both the population & non-population schedules give us insights into the lives of our ancestors. What have you found that is Surprising? Reassuring? Bewildering? Census Sunday is a daily blogging prompt suggested by Colleen Pasquale of Leaves and Branches.

Surname Saturday : Budd

The BUDD surname is in my paternal line.  The origins of the surname are English, and were members of the Society of Friends.

Stories and history :

Ahnentafel # 569 : Susanna Budd (1691-     ).  Susanna was born in 1691.  She married Samuel Woolston (1687-1761).  Samuel was born 1687 in Burlington County, New Jersey.   They had eight children.  Samuel died before June 13, 1761 in Northampton, Burlington County, New Jersey.

Ahnentafel # 1138 : William Budd (1649-1722).  William was born in 1649.  He married Ann Clapgut (1655-1722).  Ann was born in 1655.  They had at least three children.  Ann died September 30, 1722.  William died March 25, 1722.

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.

W.H. Metzner gone to Delphos, Ohio

Portland, Indiana Weekly Sun
January 2, 1900, page 5

W. H. Metzner has gone to Delphos, Ohio.

---

Love finding these snippets of local comings and goings in the newspapers of old.  This is likely William Henry Metzner (1848-1921), son of William and Barbara (Powell) Metzner.  In 1898, he was living at 247 Shanks Street in Portland.  Originally, I thought this news item might mean he went visiting relatives in Delphos, which is a border town of Allen and Van Wert counties in Ohio. He might have been moving there.  I need to search the 1900 census to see where he was living.

Surname Saturday : Brown

The BROWN surname is in my maternal line.  The origins of the surname are English and were members of the Society of Friends.  I descend from two sons of Richard Brown at least three different ways.

Stories and history :

Ahnentafel # 1877: Margery Brown (1691-1737).  Margery was born 1691 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  She married John Piggott (c1680-1738) on January 18, 1713.  John was born circa 1680 in England.  They had at least three children.  John died January 29, 1738 in Cecil County, Maryland.  Margery died December 14, 1737.

Ahnentafel # 1879 : Patience Brown (1712-1783). Patience was born 5mo 24d 1712.  She married Joshua Hadley (1703-c1760) in 1735.  Joshua was born March 6, 1703 in Kings County, Ireland.  They had nine children.  Joshua died circa 1760 at Cane Creek, North Carolina.  Patience died 5mo 23da 1783 at Cane Creek Monthly Meeting, North Carolina.

Ahnentafel # 1887 : Mary Brown (1706-1739).  Mary was born 4mo 29da 1706.  She married William Reynolds (1701-1772).  William was born 7mo 5da 1701.  They had six children and were members of the Cane Creek Monthly Meeting.  William died October 1772 in Rowan County, North Carolina.  Mary died July 1, 1739 in Nottingham Pennsylvania.

Ahnentafel # 3754 : Same as # 7516.

Ahnentafel # 3758 : Jeremiah Brown (1687-1767).  Jeremiah was born 1687 in Marcus Hook, Delaware County, Pennsylvania.  He married Mary Royales (1687-1749) in February 1711 at West Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania.  Mary was born 1687 in Sunderland County, Scotland.  She died July 31, 1749 at Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania.  Jeremiah died March 7, 1767.

Ahnentafel # 3774 : William Brown (1658-1746).  William was born March 29, 1658 in Puddington, Northampton, England.  We married thirdly to Catherine Williams (c1680-     ).  They had at least three children.  William died June 23, 1746 at West Nottingham, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Ahnentafel # 7508 : Same as # 7548.

Ahnentafel # 7516 : James Brown (1655-1716).  James was born March 27, 1655.  He married Honour Clayton (1662-aft1715).  Honour was born 1mo 16da 1662 at Rumboldswyke, Sussex, England.  They had seven children.  She died after 1715.  James died February 1, 1716.

Ahnentafel # 7548 : Richard Brown (1630-1662).  Richard was born in 1630 in Puddington, Northampton, England.  He married Mary _____.  They had at least two children.  Richard died September 28, 1662 in Puddington, Northampton, England.

Ahnentafel # 15032 : Same as # 7548.


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.

John LeMaster, 1929 Ball State Teachers College, Orient (yearbook) photo

1929 Ball State Teachers College, Orient (yearbook)

http://libx.bsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/BSUOrntYrBk/id/2452/rec/11

While searching the Ball State University Digital Archives collection, I came across this yearbook photo of John Leland LeMaster (1902-1980) while he was studying as a graduate student.  John was my paternal granduncle, son of Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (Wehrly) LeMasters.

John LeMaster, B.S.  Salamonia, Ind.

Industrial Arts

Mathematics

As mentioned in a previous blog post, John graduate from Ball State in 1929 after previously teaching at Redkey and Converse and was the principal at Cowan High School.

 

 

DNA : Fishing in a Different Pond

I went fishing recently in a different pond for my DNA genealogy by ordering a kit from FamilyTreeDNA.  I've found the whole experience in DNA genealogy fascinating, and I've heard so many good things about their service.  Plus, I've heard fellow researchers indicate that FTDNA has more folks who test there who are genealogists, and therefore would be more likely to have a paper trail genealogy.  In order to find as many relatives, I'm fishing in as many ponds as possible.

One of the first things I noticed that was different about FTDNA versus 23andMe was that my matches who are listed all have names and links to send emails and contacts.  So many times, matches at 23andMe were anonymous and so you really didn't know who you were reaching out to.  I also like the "in common with" feature, where I can see all the matches who I share with that match.

One difference I noticed was the ethnic makeup.  Below is how my ethnic makeup appears at FTDNA:

My closest match is predicted to be a 2nd to 3rd cousin.  I happen to know who this person is, and she was actually a 1st cousin 3 times removed on my mother's side.  She is part of my Swafford family line.  It was nice to see the confirmation.

This new source of DNA genealogy information will give me even more work to do - enough to keep me busy for years to come.