Disappointing news from Arkansas: N.T. Beals research

I received a response yesterday to my inquiry of the Grant County, Arkansas library in Sheridan, regarding an obituary for Nathan T. BEALS.  Unfortunately, they have no records that old, but they did suggest that I try the Arkansas History Commission in Little Rock.

According to their website, a newspaper in Grant County published during this time was the Sheridan Headlight.

I'm still hopeful that there is an obituary out there in an Arkansas paper for Nathan T. or N.T. BEALS, who died February 16, 1915 in Leola, Arkansas. 

© 2010, copyright Travis J. LeMaster

John William Wright (1860-1945)

John William WRIGHT (1860-1945) was my maternal 2nd-great grandfather.  The WRIGHT line has Scottish origins, immigrating from Fife before 1752.

The following facts about John's life are known:

• Birth: He was born February 21, 1860 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT.
• Census: 1860 - He appears in the Joseph WRIGHT household in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.
• Census: 1870 - He appears in the Joseph WRIGHT household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.
• Census: 1880 - He appears in the Joseph WRIGHT household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.
• Marriage: He married Ellen KING on May 13, 1888 in Madison County, Indiana.
• Census: 1900 - He appears as head of household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Occupation listed as farmer.
• Census: 1910 - He appears as head of household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Occupation listed as farmer.
• Census: 1920 - He appears as head of household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Occupation listed as farmer.
• Census: 1930 - He appears as head of household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana. Occupation listed as farmer.
• Directory:1931 - He is listed as living at Rural Route 6, Alexandria.
• Directory:1932 - He is listed as living on Wm. Cochran Road, Alexandria.
• Directory:1934 - He is listed as living on Wm. Cochran Road, Alexandria.
• Directory:1935 - He is listed as living on Wm. Cochran Road, Alexandria.
• Directory:1938 - He is listed as living on Wm. Cochran Road, Alexandria.
• Death: He died June 5, 1945 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Cause of death: mitral regurgitation.
• Obituary: His obituary appeared June 6, 1945 in the Alexandria Times-Tribune.

The following facts need further research and/or documentation to complete my research:

• Death: Need to obtain a copy of his death certificate from the Madison County, Indiana Health Department.
• Obituary: Need to seek out obituaries printed in other local newspapers (Anderson, Elwood, etc.)
• Deeds: Need to seek out land records in Madison County, Indiana.

Ancestry of John William WRIGHT (1860-1945), Ahnentafel # 24 in my ancestry:


Ahnentafel # 48: Joseph W. WRIGHT (1838-1919); Brown Co., OH>Madison Co., IN


Ahnentafel # 96: John WRIGHT (1814-1890); Brown Co., OH


Ahnentafel # 192: George WRIGHT (1780-1853); Pennsylvania>Brown Co., OH


Ahnentafel # 384: John WRIGHT (1755-1810); Middlesex Co., MA>Clermont Co., OH


Ahnentafel # 768: John WRIGHT (1727-1772); Fife, SCT>Anamaboo, New Guinea


Ahntentafel # 1536: Robert WRIGHT (1688-1749); Perth, SCT>Fife, SCT


Related blog posts:

• Tombstone Tuesday: John William and Ellen (King) Wright 

• Obituary: John William Wright (1860-1945) 

• John William Wright (b. February 21, 1860)

Family Milestones: March 15th

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Jane LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1831 in Shelby County, Ohio to Thomas McVAY.  Jane was the daughter of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS, and the older sister of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS.  Jane was born 1807 in Mason County, Virginia.  Thomas was born July 25, 1805 in Rockingham County, Virginia, the son of John and Elizabeth (MILLER) McVAY.  They had 4 children. Thomas died December 25, 1884 in Franklin Township, Shelby County, Ohio.  Jane died November 25, 1865 in Shelby County, Ohio.

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Samuel WOOLSTON, was born on this date in 1797 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Samuel was the son of Samuel and Hannah (HAINES) WOOLSTON, and the older brother of my Rachel WOOLSTON.  Samuel died  December 7, 1802 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

Family Milestones: March 14th

My paternal great-grandmother, Barbara Isabel WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1869 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  Barbara was the daughter of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY.  Barbara married November 13, 1886 in Jay County, Indiana to Luman Cooper LeMASTERS.  Luman was born May 27, 1867 in Jay County, Indiana, the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS Jr.  Luman and Barbara had 13 children.  They lived in Valley County, Nebraska and Jay County, Indiana.  Luman died February 10, 1933 in Salamaonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Barbara died February 6, 1930 in Union City, Randolph County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Ephraim MAXSON, was born on this date in 1802 in Harrison County, Virginia.  Ephraim was the son of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older brother of my Prudence MAXSON.  Ephraim married May 22, 1823 in Clark County, Ohio to Mary SMITH.  Mary was born November 28, 1804 in Virginia, the daughter of Peter SMITH.  They had 6 children.  Mary died August 20, 1886 in Clayton County, Iowa.  Ephraim died March 30, 1856 in Clayton County, Iowa.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Thomas BEALS, was born on this date in 1719 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  Thomas was the son of John and Sarah (BOWATER) BEALS.  Thomas married in 1741, 9th month, 12th day at Monocacy, Prince George's County, Maryland to Sarah ANTRIM.  Sarah was born circa 1724.  Thomas was a minister of Society of Friends.  They had 13 children.  Sarah died in 1813, 7th month, 6th day in Highland County, Ohio.  Thomas died in 1801, 8th month, 29th day in Highland County, Ohio.

Family Milestones: March 13th

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Abraham BYERS, was born on this date in 1803 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  Abraham was the son of Abraham and Mary (STICKEL) BYERS, and the younger brother of my Barbara BYERS.  Abraham married Louisa BOWER.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Louisa.  Abraham died December 31, 1867 in York County, Pennsylvania.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Jabesh HEATON, was born on this date in 1714.  Jabesh was the son of Samuel and Susan (HAWES) HEATON, and the older brother of my John HEATON.  Jabesh died in 1802.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Surname Saturday: Duffey

The DUFFEY surname is Eileen's maternal line.  The ethnic origins of the surname are not known at this time.

Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 25: Ruth Anne DUFFEY (1847-1942). Ruth was born November 17, 1847 in Logan, Hocking County, Ohio.  She married Thomas Jefferson PEFLEY on September 17, 1863 at Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  Thomas was born  May 24, 1840 in Eaton, Preble County, Ohio.  They raised 3 children in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  Thomas died February 9, 1935 in Dana, Jackson County, Indiana.  Ruth died January 9, 1942 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 50: Daniel DUFFEY (1815-1879). Daniel was born February 2, 1815 in Virginia.  He married Susanna FREESE before 1843. Susanna was born October 7, 1820.   They raised 8 children in Wabash County, Indiana.  Susanna died Jun 7, 1893.  Daniel died May 17, 1879.

Related blog posts:

• Today in my database: Ruth Anne Duffey (b. November 17, 1847) 

 

Family Milestones: March 12th

My maternal 4th-great grandfather, William KING, married on this date in 1834 in Wayne County, Indiana to Nancy Ann OWENS/OWINGS.  William was born circa 1790 in North Carolina.  Nancy was his second wife.  Nancy was born November 17, 1817 in North Carolina, the daughter of James OWENS.  They raised 8 children in Madison and Wabash Counties, Indiana.  William died May 7, 1869 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Nancy died July 13, 1887 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Both are buried at the Dora Cemetery, Wabash County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great granduncle, William DAVIS, was born on this date in 1758.  William was the son of Thomas William and Tacy (CRANDALL) DAVIS, and the younger brother of my Elisabeth DAVIS.  William married Elizabeth JOHNSON.  Elizabeth was born July 11, 1762.  Elizabeth died January 6, 1845 in Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, New Jersey.  William died January 6, 1845 in Shrewsubry, Monmouth County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, William METZNER, was born on this date in 1807 in Saxony. William was the son of Jasper and Hannah (REISENBURG) METZNER, and the younger brother of my John METZNER.  William married circa 1848 in Ohio to Barbara POWELL.  Barbara was born July 10, 1828 in Baden.  They had 11 children.  William was a farmer and harness maker.  Barbara died January 27, 1908 in Newark, Licking County, Ohio.  William died June 8, 1882 in St. Louisville, Licking County, Ohio.

 

Family Milestones: March 11th

My paternal 3rd-great grandfather, Luman Walker LEMASTERS Sr., was born on this date in 1808 in Mason County, Virginia.  Luman was the son of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS.  Luman married January 19, 1832 in Shelby County, Ohio to Nancy YOUNG.  Nancy was born June 2, 1812 in Pickaway County, Ohio, daughter of Phillip and Nancy Ann (McLANE) YOUNG.  They moved from Shelby County, Ohio to Jay County, Indiana circa 1854 and raised 11 children.  Luman was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Nancy died August 26, 1904 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Luman died April 15, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Adam YOUNG, was married on this date in 1841 to Mary NOLAND.  Adam was born April 20, 1820, the son of Phillip and Nancy Ann (McLANE) YOUNG, and the younger brother of my Nancy YOUNG.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Mary.  They had at least 1 son.  Adam died December 10, 1893.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Nathan CHEW, was married on this date in 1819 to Sarah WARD.  Nathan was born November 24, 1789 in Gloucester County, New Jersey, the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (SPRINGER) CHEW.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Sarah.  Nathan died July 28, 1890.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 5th-great grandparents, Thomas HEATON and Susan TAYLOR, were married on this date in 1789 in Faquier County, Virginia.  Thomas was born in 1761 in Harper's Ferry, Virginia, the son of John and Abigail (PAXTON) HEATON.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Susan.  They had 6 children and lived in Brown County, Ohio.  Thomas died September 17, 1858 in Brown County, Ohio.

Family Milestones: March 10th

My paternal 6th-great grandfather, Joseph MAXSON, was born on this date in 1692 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Joseph was the son of Rev. Joseph and Tacy (BURDICK) MAXSON.  Joseph married circa 1715 to Bethia MAXSON, daughter of John and Judith (CLARKE) MAXSON.  Bethia was born July 31, 1693.  They had 10 children.  Bethia died 1747 in Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, New Jersey.  Joseph died 1747 in Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Thomas SWAFFORD, was born on this date in 1783 in Greenville, South Carolina.  Thomas was the son of Peter James and Rennie (HOWARD) SWAFFORD, and the younger brother of my Jacob SWAFFORD.  Thomas married before 1801 to Nellie HOWARD.  They had 13 children.  Thomas died November 2, 1856 in Bledsoe County, Tennessee.

My paternal grandaunt, Vera Delphene HALEY, was born on this date in 1890 in Jay County, Indiana.  Vera was the daughter of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZER) HALEY, and the older sister of my Ruth Pauline HALEY.  Vera married Clarence Leroy STUBER on February 14, 1915.  Clarence was the son of Henry and Martha (________) STUBER. They had 1 child and lived in Allen County, Ohio and Jay County, Indiana.  Clarence died May 20, 1981 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  Vera died June 1987 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.

 

Biased Juror? Eli Weldon Haley: Mentioned in Indiana Case Law

While doing a Google search on my paternal great-grandfather, Eli Weldon Haley (1866-1957), I came across an interesting link that tied him to Indiana case law.  He was mentioned in the court case of Greer v. State of Indiana (1929) which went to the Indiana Supreme Court.

It seems that grandpa Eli was on the juror during the original trial that resulted in the conviction of Frank GREER.  During the appeal, it was alleged that Eli was guilty of misconduct, because before the trial, it was alleged that Eli had stated to a James MILLER, that GREER was guilty, and that if he (Haley) was on the jury, he "would stay until the last dog was hung that he was guilty".  This statement was supposedly given in the presence of Wesley F. METZNER, Eli's brother-in-law.  It was alleged that grandpa HALEY had been biased and that GREER could not get a fair trial.


This trial took place in Jay County, Indiana and involved the act of receiving stolen goods from another state.  In 1925, Greer received stolen clover seed from Van Wert, Ohio and knowing that it was stolen, tried to sell it in Jay County.  He was convicted and sentenced to the Indiana State Prison.  The Supreme Court did not grant his appeal based on his claim that my ancestor was a biased juror.


This sounds like an interesting case to research.  On my next trip to the library in Portland, I am going to see what I can find out from the local newspaper articles.

Wordless Wednesday:

Family Milestones: March 9th

My paternal 7th-great grandfather, Ulrich SCHURCH, was born on this date in 1663 in Sumiswald, Canton Bern, Switzerland.  Ulrich was the son of Peter and Verina (EGGIMAN) SCHURCH.  Ulrich married about 1695 to Barbara GRUNDBACHER, daughter of Michael and Anna (BRAND) GRUNDBACHER.  They were Mennonites who emigrated to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  They had 8 children.  Ulrich died circa 1739 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Obed WILSON, married on this date in 1822 in Sussex County, New Jersey to Elizabeth O. CARCUFF.  Obed was the son of Mahlon WILSON, and the younger brother of my Samuel WILSON.  Obed was born in 1788.  I do not know when Elizabeth was born or died.   They had 7 children.  Obed died in 1852 in Sussex County, New Jersey.

Tombstone Tuesday: Benjamin Franklin Wehrly

 

Benjamin Franklin WEHRLY, son of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.  Benjamin was my paternal great-granduncle.

Benjamin was born October 28, 1873 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  He died September 9, 1875 in Jay County, Indiana.

Source: Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Benjamin F. Wehrly marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009. 

Family Milestones: March 8th

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Almira P. PIERCE, was born on this date in 1849, probably in Wayne County, Indiana.  Almira was the daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Almira married September 3, 1868 to Andrew Jackson SIGLER, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHANK) SIGLER.  Andrew was a farmer in Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.  They had 4 children.  I do not have his date of death.  Almira died July 24, 1926 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Anna L. WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1864 in Brown County, Ohio.  Anna was the daughter of Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, and the younger sister of my John William WRIGHT.  Anna married January 21, 1885 in Madison County, Indiana to Albert "Ab" Morris VINSON, son of James and Elizabeth (________) VINSON.  They had 1 daughter.  Albert was a policeman and deputy sherriff in Madison County, Indiana.  Albert died October 26, 1921 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Anna died June 6, 1914 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

One Obituary Not Conclusive Enough

It seems like forever since I discovered the obituary for Nathan Thomas BEALS in the Noblesville, Indiana Daily Ledger.  

Now even though the obituary did state word was received from Leola, Arkansas he had died, the obituary didn't exactly state  he died in Leola.  A search of the Arkansas Death Index from Ancestry.com didn't locate him either, so all I really have is a date of death.  

One obituary record on this side of the country is simply not conclusive enough.

Today I finally sent out a letter to the Grant County Library in Sheridan, Arkansas, hoping that they might have a local obituary for Nathan that might shed more light on exactly where and how he died.

I also need to do more local research in Hamilton County, Indiana to find out what he was doing before he moved to Arkansas. 

The search continues....

 

Sentimental Sunday: Clemon Beals Lambertson

 

Clemon & Helen (Duncan) Lambertson, circa 1960

Clemon Beals Lambertson (1898-1994) was my maternal great-grandfather.  I only have a couple of memories of him, but the following tidbits came from an interview with my mother:

Mom always remembered him being married to his second wife, Helen, as mom's grandmother, June, had died when mom was 4 years old.

Clemon apparently didn't like coffee, and was quoted as saying "nothing that black could be good for you".  

Clemon was a painter, and painted the inside of his house one year, and the outside the next.

Clemon didn't have his first cavity until he was well into his 80s.

Another expression of his was "you made your bed, now lie in it".

When my grandmother was sick with cancer, he told me mom "your kids aren't supposed to die before you do". 

Family Milestones: March 7th

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Emma BEALS, was born on this date in 1851 in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  Emma was the daughter of John T. and Mary (DAVIS) BEALS, and the older sister of my Nathan T. BEALS.  Emma married February 23, 1872 in Hamilton County, Indiana to Calvin STURDEVANT.  Calvin was born May 1851 in Indiana, the son of Henry Washington and Mary (BRAY) STURDEVANT.  They lived in Noblesville, Hamilton County, Indiana.  Calvin was County Auditor of Hamilton County. They had 3 children.  Calvin died February 3, 1914 in Noblesville, Hamilton County, Indiana.  Emma died December 17, 1927 in Hamilton County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandmother, Sally JEWETT, was born on this date in 1749 in Hollis, Province of New Hampshire.  Sally was the daughter of Samuel and Sarah (________) JEWETT.  Sally married Deacon John PHILBRICK on December 6, 1770 in Hollis, New Hampshire.  John was born February 23, 1748 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire, the son of John and Judith (SANBORN) PHILBRICK.  They lived in Weare, New Hampshire and had 8 children.   John died July 31, 1840 in Weare, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.  I do not know when or where Sally died.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Lucinda PUTMAN, married on this date in 1827 in Monroe County, Indiana to Joseph HOUSTON.  Lucinda was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (KENDRICK) PUTMAN, and the younger sister of my Mary PUTMAN.  Nothing further is known at this time.

 

Family Milestones: March 6th

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Charles Morton POE, married on this date in Norton, Norton County, Kansas to Minnie Elizabeth SHIMEALL.  Charles was born April 4, 1866 in Morgan County, Indiana, the son of Isaac S. and Hannah (MILLS) POE, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth Caroline POE.  Minnie was born April 18, 1872 in Hopkinton, Delaware County, Iowa, the daughter of Clark Floyd and Salinda Madelien (NEWCOMB) SHIMEALL.  They had 1 daughter and resided in Phillips County, Kansas.  They later divorced.  Minnie died February 5, 1950 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.  Charles died sometime after the 1920 census.

My paternal 5th-great granduncle, Mosher MAXSON, was born on this date in 1730 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Mosher was the son of Joseph and Bethiah (MAXSON) MAXSON, and the older brother of my Ephraim MAXSON.  Mosher married before 1758 to Tacy ________.  They had at least 3 children.  Mosher died December 24, 1787 in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Sarah Tira CROCKETT, was born on this date in 1821 in Tennessee.  Sarah was the daughter of David and Mary Ann (NOSLER) CROCKETT, and the older sister of my Mary Ann CROCKETT.  Sarah married September 9, 1839 in Owen County, Indiana to Peter F. LIVINGSTON.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Peter.  Sarah died March 11, 1882 in Owen County, Indiana.

 

First Thoughts: Who Do You Think You Are?

I loved the first episode of the American "Who Do You Think You Are?" showing how Sarah Jessica Parker discovered her family's connection to America's past.  

The show differed from "Faces of America" on PBS in that it showed the actual research, and SJP was involved in the process from beginning to end, even sharing the discoveries with her mother.  Having her visit the NEGHS was great, and watching her pour over the records about her Salem witch ancestor was priceless.  Makes me want to dig into my Salem ancestors, one of whom I know was an accuser, to see what information remains to be uncovered.

I could relate to the story about the Gold Rush disappearance, as one of my ancestors went west and didn't come back.  In fact, he was in El Dorado County, CA just like her ancestor.  How neat it must have been to be able to walk where her ancestor mined all those years ago.

Will the non-genealogists be into the show?  I don't know.  My wife seemed interested, but then she knows how crazy I am about the subject.  We also enjoyed "Faces of America" together.

My only concern with the show is that folks who aren't into genealogy will think that only the 'celebrities' have interesting genealogy.  Everyone's story deserves to be told, and whether recent or long-time ago immigrant the stories should be explored. 

Anything that can get others interested in genealogy and at the same time show them that not everything is on the internet is a good thing.

Family Milestones: March 5th

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Martha WARDLAW, married on this date in 1816 to Benjamin KIMBALL, as her second husband.  Martha was born October 19, 1776 in Augusta County, Virginia, the daughter of Robert and Janet (DOWNEY) WARDLAW, and the younger sister of my Samuel WARDLAW.  Benjamin was born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire.  They had 1 son.  Martha died February 3, 1855 in Brown County, Ohio.

My maternal great-granduncle, Chester Arthur "Mike" WRIGHT, married on this date in 1920 in Madison County, Indiana to Erma Violet HAYES.  Mike was born October 18, 1896 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana, the son of John William and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT, the younger brother of my Virgil Lee WRIGHT.  Erma was born May 9, 1902 near Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of John and Cora (REASON) HAYES.  They had 1 daughter, and later divorced.  Erma died November 1, 1949 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Mike died June 20, 1955 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.  He is buried in the Park View Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.