Terry Wright, Gloria Wright & Charlie High photo

This undated photograph is of Terry Wright, holding sister Gloria Wright, along with cousin Charlie High. With the Christmas tree in the background, this photo must be taken around December 1947.

Wright and High Family photo

This undated photograph at a family gathering shows John High, Clara Ellen (Wright) High, Bonnie (Lambertson) Wright, William Wright. Clara Ellen is holding son, Charlie High, and Bonnie is holding daughter Gloria Wright. In the front is Terry Wright.

Virgil Wright and Melissa High

This undated photograph is of my maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright, along with his granddaughter, Melissa Sue High.

Birthday Party : Clara Ellen (Wright) High

This undated photograph appears to be a birthday celebration for Clara Ellen (Wright) High. If you look closely at the cake, you can make out "Happy Birthday Clara Ellen."



In the photo, from back row, left to right, are Virgil Wright, Clara Ellen High, Edna Wright. In the front are Clara Ellen's children, Charlie and Phil High.

Virgil Lee Wright & Barbara Lou Wright photo

This undated photograph is of Virgil Lee Wright and daughter, Barbara Lou Wright, next to the family car.

Clara Ellen Wright & Barbara Lou Wright

This undated photo is of sisters Clara Ellen Wright and Barbara Lou Wright. Just after the tear, you can make out the word "church", and it does appear to be a Sunday morning "going to church"-type of photograph.

Clara Ellen and Barbara Lou were my maternal great-aunts, the daughters of Virgil Lee and Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright.

Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968) Funeral Photos

Funeral photos of my maternal great-grandmother, Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright. The photos are undated, but her she passed away on March 3, 1968, a Sunday, and the funeral was held on Wednesday, according to her obituary in the Alexandria Times-Tribune.

Certificate of Promotion - Virgil Wright (1912)

Above is the certificate of promotion to high school of my maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972) from the Monroe Township Public Schools of Madison County, Indiana.

Virgil was the son of John William and Ellen (King) Wright.

Muriel Wright Photo - Alexandria, IN

My great-grandmother, Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright appears in this undated photograph, along with several other ladies. The photo does not indicate where it was taken or what they were doing. Those identified are from left-to-right : Maude Clevenger, Mrs. Thurston, Muriel Wright, Gert Cooper, and Tillie Hughes.

Computer Crash of 2008

Well, my PC has crashed over the weekend, and I don't know if it was fatal yet as far as genealogy was concerned.

If you've ever had a crash, you understand the sinking feeling in my gut right now. Even with backups, you never can recover everything.

About 5-6 years ago, I had a crash and lost quite a bit of pictures and a couple of months of data that I had input into FamilyTree Maker. After that experience, I became more diligent about backing up my family data.

I love the benefits of technology and computers to organize and disseminate information, but hate the reality that data can be lost. The same could happen to paper files in a flood or a fire. I'm convinced more than ever that I need to share more data, make more copies and send to libraries, etc. so that in the event of a catastrophe, all is not lost.

Update 7/1/08 : My hard drive lost its' partition, so it was a total loss. Fortunately, my database files were backed up at WorldConnect and I had burned CDs of most of the family pictures, etc. You can believe that I will be even more diligent about backing up my data in the future.

Lawrence Spence household - Madison Co., IN

The Lawrence SPENCE household appears in the 1930 census of Alexandria, Madison Co., IN. Lawrence was my maternal 2nd-great granduncle, husband of Jessie PENNISTEN, and the son of Thomas and Suzan (BERRY) SPENCE.

In 1930, Lawrenece was aged 67 with no occupation, and owned his home that was valued at $2200. He was married at age 56, was born in Indiana, and both of his parents were born in Delaware. His wife, Jessie, was aged 59, born in Indiana, with both parents born in Indiana. She was married at age 49.

Lawrence was retired from a long career in the military. They had no children.

Lawrence SPENCE b. January 18, 1863 Madison Co., IN., d. March 29, 1961 Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN., m. September 24, 1920 Anderson, Madison Co., IN., to Jessie PENNISTEN, daughter of John and Jane Ann (ALDERMAN) PENNISTEN. Jessie b. September 9, 1870 Madison Co., IN., d. February 27, 1948 Alexandria, Madison Co., IN.

Samuel Snively household - Butler Co., OH & Madison Co., IN

The Samuel SNIVELY household appears in the 1870 census of Butler Co., OH and the 1900-1910 census of Madison Co., IN. Samuel was my maternal 3rd-great granduncle, the husband of Mary S. LAMBERTSON.

In the 1870 census of Wayne Twp., Butler Co., OH, Samuel is a 27 year old Farmer, born in Ohio, with a personal estate valued at $1500. Wife Mary was 28 years old, keeping house, born in Indiana. Their son Henry, aged 5, was born in Illinois, and daughter Maude, aged 2, was born in Ohio. Mary's sister, Ella LAMBERTSON, aged 19, was also living with them.

In the 1900 census of Duck Creek Twp., Madison Co., IN., Samuel was a 57 year old Farmer, born August 1842 Ohio, with both parents born in Pennsylvania. He owned his home free of mortgage, and had been married for 36 years. Wife Mary S. was aged 59 years, born December 1840 in Indiana, with both parents born in New Jersey. Their son, Darrell, aged 18, born April 1882 in Ohio, was still living at home.

In the 1910 census of Duck Creek Twp., Madison Co., IN., Samuel was a 67 year old Fruit merchant, born in Ohio, with both parents born in Pennsylvania. Wife Mary was 68 years old, the mother of 6 children; 5 of whom were still living. Son Darrell was a 27 year old horseman, living with them as well.

Samuel SNIVELY b. August 1842 Ohio, d. after 1920, m. November 28, 1863 Butler Co., OH to Mary S. LAMBERTSON, daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON. Mary b. December 25, 1840 Franklin Co., IN., d. after 1920.

Known children of Samuel and Mary S. (LAMBERTSON) SNIVELY are as follows :
i. Darling SNIVELY
ii. Henry H. SNIVELY b. November 28, 1864 Peoria, IL, m. 1891 Madison Co., IN to Maggie GEBHART.
iii. Maude SNIVELY b. ca. 1868 Ohio, m. Paul BURNS.
iv. Thomas SNIVELY
v. Zadie SNIVELY
vi. Darrell SNIVELY b. April 1882 Ohio, d. after April 6, 1910

William P. Smith household - Jay Co., IN & Richardson Co., NE

The William P. SMITH household appears in the 1860 census of Madison Twp., Jay Co., IN and the 1870 census of Humboldt, Richardson Co., NE. William was my paternal 3rd great-grandfather, the son of Jacob and Jane (ELLIOTT) SMITH.

In the 1860 census, William is a 44 year-old Campbellite Minister, born in Ohio, with a personal estate valued at $200. His wife, Prudence, was aged 43 and also born in Ohio. Children in the family included : John, aged 17, born in Indiana; Olive, aged 13, born in Michigan; and Tilson, aged 10, born in Michigan.

In the 1870 census, William is listed as a 55 year-old Farmer, born in Ohio, with real estate valued at $800 and a personal estate valued at $150. Wife Prudence was listed as aged 54, and born in Ohio. Son Tillson, aged 20, born in Michigan, was working on the farm.

William P. SMITH b. July 25, 1815 Clark Co., OH, d. April 19, 1894 Salamonia, Jay Co., IN., m. October 3, 1836 to Prudence MAXSON, daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON. Prudence b. June 15, 1817 Greene Co., OH., d. February 22, 1890 Salamonia, Jay Co., IN.

Known children of William P. and Prudence (MAXSON) SMITH are as follows :
i. Jacob G. SMITH b. July 12, 1837 Jay Co., IN
ii. John H. SMITH b. October 3, 1842 Jay Co., IN., d. after 1860 census
iii. Olive Jane SMITH b. June 23, 1846 Cass Co., MI, d. January 6, 1913 Portland, Jay Co., IN., m. William P. WEHRLY.
iv. Hosea Tilson SMITH b. September 25, 1849 Cass Co., MI., d. after 1870 census

Jacob Smith household - Hardin Co., IA

The Jacob SMITH household appears in the 1860 census of Eldora Twp., Hardin Co., IA. Jacob is my paternal 4th great grandfather.

In the 1860 census, he is listed as "J. SMITH", a 68 year-old Farmer, born in New Jersey with a personal estate valued at $300. His wife, "J. SMITH", was a 68 year-old female born in Georgia.

My research notes state that Jacob and Jane (ELLIOTT) SMITH moved to Iowa in the mid 1850's and died in Hardin Co. Their son, William P., was my ancestor, though this line needs more work before I am confident that I have the correct family.

Lester Sigler household - Madison Co., IN

The Lester SIGLER household appears in the 1930 census of Pipecreek Twp., Madison Co., IN. Lester was my maternal 2nd cousin 3 times removed, the son of John H. and Nelia (KIMMERLING) SIGLER.

In 1930, Lester was a 34 year old Farmer, born in Indiana, who owned his home and a radio. He was married at age 21 and both of his parents were born in Indiana. Wife Irene was aged 33 years, married at age 18 and both of her parents were also born in Indiana. They had two children : Jack L., aged 12 and Daniel L., aged 4 11/12 years, both at home attending school.

Lester SIGLER b. January 28, 1895 Madison Co., IN., d. July 6, 1978 Elwood, Madison Co., IN., m. April 22, 1916 Madison Co., IN to Irene WEDELL, daughter of Daniel and Cora (McHARGUE) WEDELL. Irene b. ca. 1897 Indiana, d. before 1978.

Known children of Lester and Irene (WEDELL) SIGLER are as follows :
i. Jack L. SIGLER b. ca. 1918 Madison Co., IN.
ii. Daniel L. SIGLER b. ca. 1925 Madison Co., IN, m. Sarah BANNISTER

Daniel Sigler household - Madison Co., IN

The Daniel SIGLER household appears in the 1870 and 1900 census of Elwood, Madison Co., IN. Daniel was my maternal third-great granduncle, the husband of Minerva PIERCE, and the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHANK) SIGLER.

In the 1870 census, Daniel was a 27 year old Physician, born in Indiana, with a personal estate valued at $250. His wife, Minerva, was aged 22 and born in Indiana. They had a daughter, aged 1, whose name appeared illegible to me. More research needs to be done to determine what her name was.

In the 1900 census, Daniel was a Physician, aged 56, born May 1844, and had been married for 31 years. He was born in Indiana and both of his parents were born in Virginia. Wife Minerva was aged 52, born December 1847, and was the mother of 2 children, 1 who was still living. She was born in Indiana and her father was born in Vermont and mother in New Jersey. Daughter Vivian, aged 11, born April 1889 in Indiana, was at school.

Dr. Daniel SIGLER b. May 1844 Indiana, d. after 1900 census, m. December 31, 1868 Madison Co., IN to Minerva PIERCE, daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE. Minerva b. December 6, 1846 Indiana, d. August 31, 1902 Elwood, Madison Co., IN. Daniel married secondly to Mary.
Known children of Dr. Daniel and Minerva (PIERCE) SIGLER are as follows :
i. [daughter] SIGLER b. ca. 1869 Indiana, d. before 1880
ii. Bert Vernon SIGLER b. September 23, 1872 Elwood, Madison Co., IN., d. December 23, 1892 Elwood, Madison Co., IN.
iii. Vivian SIGLER b. April 1889 Indiana, d. after 1900 census

Andrew J. Sigler household - Madison Co., IN

The Andrew J. SIGLER household appears in the 1910 and 1920 census of Elwood, Pipecreek Twp., Madison Co., IN. Andrew was my third great-granduncle, the husband of Almina P. PIERCE, and the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHANK) SIGLER.

In the 1910 census, Andrew is listed as a 64 year old retired farmer, born in Indiana, with both parents born in Virginia. He had been married for 42 years and could read and write. Wife Minnie was aged 60 years, born in Indiana, with father born in Vermont and mother born in Indiana. She was the mother of three children, two of whom were still living.

In the 1920 census, "Jack" was listed as 73 years old, owned his home free of mortgage, and had no occupation. Wife Mina was listed as 69 years old, born in Indiana, with both parents born in Indiana.

Andrew Jackson SIGLER b. March 8, 1846 Indiana, d. after 1920 census, m. September 3, 1868 Madison Co., IN to Almira P. PIERCE, daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE. Almira b. March 8, 1849 Indiana, d. 1926 Madison Co., IN.
Known children of Andrew Jackson and Almira P. (PIERCE) SIGLER are as follows :
i. John H. SIGLER b. February 8, 1869 Madison Co., IN., d. December 6, 1956 Lakeland, FL, m. Nelia KIMMERLING, m(2) Elizabeth ________
ii. Josephine SIGLER b. 1872 Madison Co., IN, d. after 1957, m. Otis H. WAYMIRE
iii. Jerry A. SIGLER b. July 20, 1872
iv. Charles SIGLER b. December 14, 1874 Madison Co., IN

Hiram Shirk household - St. Joseph Co., IN

The Hiram R. SHIRK household appears in the 1900 census of Liberty Twp., St. Joseph Co., IN. Hiram was the fourth husband of Mary Jane RIDDLE, who was the widow of my maternal 3rd-great grandfather, Ezekiel Cooper CHEW. I have not been able to yet determine Hiram's connection with my other SHIRK/SHERRICK relatives.

Hiram appears as 60 year old farmer, born May 1840 in Pennsylvania, with both parents born in Pennsylvania. He could read and write and had been married for 6 years. Wife Mary was aged 54, born December 1845 in Indiana, with her father born in Tennessee and mother born in Ohio. Hiram's step-son, Wiley CHEW, aged 11, born June 1888 in Indiana, was attending school. There was a servant living in the household, Harry ALBERT, aged 19, born in Indiana.

Hiram R. SHIRK b. May 1840 Pennsylvania, d. after June 16, 1900 St. Joseph Co., IN., m. ca. 1894 to Mary Jane RIDDLE, daughter of Wiley and Miranda M. (PRICE) RIDDLE. Mary b. December 28, 1845 St. Joseph Co., IN., d. 1921.

Weldon J. Sherrick household - Ashland Co., OH

The Weldon J. SHERRICK household appears in the 1900-1920 census of Ashland Co., OH. Weldon was my paternal 2nd-great granduncle, the son of David and Susan (JACOBS) SHERRICK.

In the 1900 census, Weldon is living in the 4th ward of the city of Ashland. His occupation was listed as a veterinary surgeon. He was 41 years of age, born July 1858 in Ohio, with both parents born in Pennsylvania. His home was mortgaged. Wife Pauline B. was aged 38, born September 1861 in Ohio, with her father also born in Ohio and her mother born in Germany. She was the mother of one child who was still living. Their son, Edward, aged 17, was attending school, born in Ohio in December of 1882.

In the 1910 census, Weldon was still living in the 4th ward of Ashland. He was listed as 52 years of age, born in Ohio, married on his 1st marriage, with father born in Pennsylvania and mother born in Ohio. His wife was listed as Ella J., age 49, 1st marriage, married 30 years, mother of 1 child who was still living.born Ohio; her father born Ohio and mother born in Germany.

In the 1920 census, Weldon was again still in the 4th ward of Ashland. He was listed as 61 years of age, born in Ohio with both parents born in Pennsylvania. He was still working as a veterinary surgeon. His wife, Ella, aged 58, was listed as being born in Ohio and both father and mother born in Pennsylvania.

Either Weldon had two wives, or the census taker took down the wrong name for his wife in the 1900 census.

David Sherrick household - Medina Co., OH

The David SHERRICK household appears in the 1870 census of Harrisville Twp., Medina Co., OH. David was my paternal third great-grandfather, the son of David and Eve (________) SHERRICK.

David was listed as a 47 year old farmer, born in Pennsylvania, with real estate valued at $5080 and a personal estate of $1100. His wife, Emma, aged 37, was born in Pennsylvania and keeping house. Children in the household included : Amanda, aged 26; William, aged 17; Abram L., aged 14; Weldon, aged 12; and Margaret, aged 10; all born in Ohio.

David SHERRICK b. October 18, 1823 York Co., PA., d. September 30, 1914 Ashland, Ashland Co., OH., m. March 23, 1843 Wayne Co., OH., to Susan JACOBS, daughter of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS; m(2) after 1864 to Amy BYERS; m(3) after 1883 to Margaret ZIMMERMAN. First wife Susan b. August 18, 1825 York Co., PA., d. February 24, 1864 Ashland Co., OH; second wife Amy b. November 26, 1832 York Co., PA., d. December 30, 1883 Ashland Co., OH; third wife Margaret d. 1911.

Children of David and Susan (JACOBS) SHERRICK are as follows :
i. Mary Jane SHERRICK b. January 13, 1844 Ashland Co., OH., d. January 15, 1916 Jay Co., IN., m. George Washington HALEY m(2) Robert N. KIMBLE.
ii. Amanda Matilda SHERRICK b. 1845 Ohio, m. ________ OVERS
iii. Catherine B. SHERRICK b. 1846 Ohio m. Eli OVERS
iv. Almira SHERRICK b. 1849 Ohio d. ca. 1854 Ohio
v. William W. SHERRICK b. ca. 1853 Ohio
vi. Abraham L. SHERRICK b. June 19, 1856 Ohio, d. 1917 Ashland Co., OH, m. Ruth THOMAS.
vii. Weldon J. SHERRICK b. July 1858 Ohio, d. February 29, 1936 Ashland Co., OH., m. Pauline B. _______
viii. Margaret A. SHERRICK b. ca. 1860 Ohio
ix. Alice SHERRICK m. ________ BOWERS