Grandma's Jewelry Box

While doing some almost-spring cleaning, my mother came across this jewelry box that belonged to my grandmother, Bonnie Mae (Lambertson) Wright (1924-1984).  The box measures about 5 1/2" by 6 1/2".  One of the base legs is missing.  The box is inscribed Omega Nu Tau, which is a sorority to which grandma belonged.  I don't know anything about her involvement with the organization or the significance of the jewelry box.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Arthur Raymond LeMaster (1885-1971)

Arthur Raymond LeMaster (1885-1971) was my paternal great-granduncle.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Arthur was born December 28, 1885¹ in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of Arthur's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible records for the LeMaster family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family members in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Arthur.  The family was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church is Salamonia, Indiana.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Arthur was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Arthur married Maude Gertrude McLaughlin on April 22, 1906 in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of their marriage record. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items to obtain on my next research trip.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Arthur and Maude's wedding.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Arthur and Maude's 25th wedding anniversary would have been April 22, 1931.  Their 50th wedding anniversary would have been April 22, 1956.  Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of any anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication that Arthur and Maude were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Arthur died December 16, 1971, probably in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have the date of death sourced in my database.  Will need to add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               Will need to search for mention of Arthur's death in contemporary newspapers.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               When I've obtained a copy of Arthur's obituary, will then need to search out records of the funeral home that handled the arrangements to see what other information might come to light.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               Arthur's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana has been photographed².  The tombstone spells the surname as 'LeMASTERS' and gives information as "Arthur R. 1885-1971"

               The tombstone was the subject of a previous post.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 2, 1940, Arthur was enumerated as head of household in Portland, Jay County, Indiana³, as Arthur LeMaster, age 54, born in Indiana.  His address was 624 Meridian Street. He had completed one year of college.  His residence in 1935 was the same place.  No occupation was listed.  Also living in the same house was wife, Maude, age 52, born in Indiana.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               I have not yet been able to locate a record of Arthur and Maude in the 1930 census.  They should be living in Portland, Jay County, Indiana on North Meridian street.  Will continue to search for them.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On April 17, 1920, Arthur was enumerated as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁴, as Arthur R. LeMaster, age 34, born in Indiana.  He was a married farmer, who could read and write and spoke English.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in New Jersey.  Also living in the household was wife, Maude, age 32, born in Indiana.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On May 3, 1910, Arthur was enumerated as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁵, as Arthur R. LeMaster, age 25, born in Indiana.  He was a married farmer, who could read and write and spoke English.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in New Jersey.  Also living in the household was wife, Maude, age 22, born in Indiana.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 4, 1900, Arthur was enumerated in the Luman C. Lemasters household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁶, as Arthur R. Lemasters, age 14, born in Indiana.  He was listed as a farm laborer and could read and write and spoke English.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in New Jersey.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          I have not yet investigated these types of records to see what light they might shed on the LeMaster farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Arthur registered for the draft for World War I on September 12, 1918⁷ in Jay County, Indiana.  At the time he was living at RR 6 Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  His draft registration card states he was a natural born citizen, born December 28, 1885.  His occupation was that of a farmer.  His wife Maude was listed as his nearest living relative.  He was described as medium height and stout build, with brown eyes and black hair.

           Arthur registered for the draft for World War II on April 27, 1942⁸ in Jay County, Indiana.  At the time he was living at 624 N. Meridian Street in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  He was born December 28, 1885 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation was that of a self-employed farm manager in Madison township.  His wife Maude was listed as his nearest living relative.  His height was 5' 11" and weight was 240 lbs. with brown eyes, black hair and dark complexion. 

     3.2. Pension Records

          I have no indication that Arthur ever qualified for a military pension.

     3.3. Service Records

          I have no indication that Arthur ever served in the military.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Jay County, Indiana to see what items might mention Arthur.  Will add that to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Jay County, Indiana published plat maps that might be relevant to my search for Arthur.  Will contact the local historical society and see what these maps might contain.

5. Supplemental records

     Supplemental records available for research on Arthur include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.  Will add these to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

     In 1907, Arthur was listed in the Jay County, Indiana directory, living at RR 4 Portland with his parents and brother Vernon and sisters Edith and Maude⁸.

     In 1922, Arthur was listed as living in Geneva, Adams County, Indiana, in the obituary of his sister, Bertha⁹.

    In 1927, Arthur was listed as living in Portland, Jay County, Indiana, in the obituary of his mother¹⁰.

    In 1932, Arthur was listed in the Portland, Indiana directory as operating a grocery on North Meridian Street¹¹.

Sources:

1. Arthur Lemaster, no. 315-22-3844, Social Security Death Benefits Index of the U.S. Social Security Administration.
2. Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Arthur R. and Maude G. LeMasters marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.
3. 1940 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 2, Portland, enumeration district 38-19, SD 5, sheet 1A, dwelling 6, 624 Meridian Street; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 March 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. Arthur R. LeMaster household, 1920 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison township, ED 72, SD 84, sheet 4, dwelling 79, family 79; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 440.
5. Arthur R. LeMaster household, 1910 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison township, ED 61, sheet 8, dwelling 176, family 177; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 358.
6. Luman C. Lemasters household, 1900 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison township, ED 62, SD 67, sheet 3, dwelling 59, family 60; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 380.
7. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 March 2013); citing World War I Selective Service Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918: Indiana.
8. Complete Directory of Jay County (Portland, Indiana, USA : M. & M. Directory Co., 1907), page 235.
9. Mrs. John H. Yeager obituary, Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, USA, March 17, 1922, page 2.
10. Mary K. LeMaster obituary, Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, USA, February 22, 1927, page 1.
11. 1932 Telephone Directory, Portland, Indiana, USA (1932).

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 drawn in this article are welcomed.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Vernon Walker LeMaster (1888-1955)

Vernon Walker LeMaster (1888-1955) was my paternal great-granduncle.  What follows is an exploratory data analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Vernon was born December 4, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip. 

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of Vernon's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible records for the LeMaster family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Vernon.  The family was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church in Salamonia, Indiana.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Vernon was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Vernon married Helen Louise Garmhausen on June 30, 1917 in Auglaize County, Ohio¹.

          There marriage record was the subject of a previous post.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers for mention of Vernon and Helen's nuptials, both in Ohio and Indiana.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for further research.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Vernon and Helen's 25th wedding anniversary would have been June 30, 1942.  Will need to search in contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of their anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication that Vernon and Helen were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Vernon died March 17, 1955, according to my database.  I do not have a place of death listed, but he was a resident of Sidney, Ohio for many years. Will need to seek to clarify and obtain a copy of his death certificate.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               Will need to search out contemporary newspapers for mention of Vernon's death.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               Once I've obtained a copy of Vernon's obituary, will seek out records from the funeral home that handled the arrangements to see what other information I might discover.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               I do not have a photograph of Vernon's tombstone.  I believe that he is buried in Sidney, Ohio.  Once I've determined where he is buried, will seek to obtain a photograph.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 1, 1940, Vernon was enumerated as head of household in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio², as Vernon W. LeMaster, aged 50, born in Indiana.  He had completed 4 years of college. He had lived at the same residence in 1935. He owned his home and it was valued at $ 10,000. His occupation was listed as doctor.  Also living in the household were wife Helen, age 46, born in Ohio; son Robert, age 20, born in Ohio; daughter Louise, age 17, born in Ohio; and mother-in-law, Cordelia Garmhausen, age 71, born in Ohio.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 2, 1930, Vernon was enumerated as head of household in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio³, as Vernon W. LeMaster, age 41, born in Indiana.  He owned his home and it was valued at $ 10,000.  The family owned a radio.  He was married, age 28 at time of marriage.  He was born in Indiana, with both parents born in Ohio.  He could read and write and spoke English, and his occupation was a medical doctor.  Also living in the household were wife, Helene L, age 36, born in Ohio; son Robert, age 9, born in Ohio; and daughter Louise, age 7, born in Ohio.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 6, 1920, Vernon was enumerated as head of household in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio⁴, as Vernon W. LeMaster, age 31, born in Indiana.  He owned his home and it was mortgaged.  He was married, could read and write and spoke English.  His parents were both listed as being born in Indiana.  His occupation was a physician.  Also living in the household was wife, Helene M., age 26, born in Ohio.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 25, 1910, Vernon was enumerated in the Norman [sic] W. LeMaster household, Jay County, Indiana⁵, as Vernon W. LeMaster, son, age 21, born in Indiana.  His father was born in Ohio and mother in New Jersey.  He had no listed occupation.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          I have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what light they might shed on the LeMaster farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Vernon registered for the draft during World War I on May 24, 1917⁶.  At the time he was living at 126 Poplar Street in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio.  His registration card states that he was a natural born citizen, born December 4, 1888 in Portland, Indiana.  At the time of registration, he was single, and his occupation was that of a physician.  He was described as being stout, medium build with brown hair and brown eyes.

          Vernon registered for the draft during World War II on April 26, 1942⁷.  At the time he was living at Bon Aire Drive in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio.  His registration card states he was born December 4, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  He was a physician.  His wife, Helene, listed as his closest relative.  His height was 5' 11", weight 200 lbs., with brown eyes, grey hair and light complexion.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I have not yet investigated whether Vernon was awarded a pension for his service during World War I.

     3.3. Service Records

          Vernon served as a 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War I^8,9.

          He served overseas in France, but I need to investigate further his military service.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Shelby County, Ohio to see what items might mention Vernon.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          I need to contact the local historical society to see what types of plat maps were published in Shelby County, Ohio that might aid in my research.

5. Supplemental records

     Supplemental records available for research for Vernon include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.  Will add these to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

Sources:

1. Ohio Marriages, 1800-1958, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints online [http://www.familysearch.org], accessed 17 January 2011.
2. 1940 U.S. census, Shelby County, Ohio, population schedule, Ward 2, Sidney, enumeration district 75-3, SD 4, sheet 11B, dwelling 227 Bon Air Drive; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 March 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
3. 1930 U.S. census, Shelby County, Ohio, population schedule, Ward 2, Sidney, enumeration district 75-2, SD 11, sheet 2A, dwelling 38, household 38; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 March 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. 1920 U.S. census, Shelby County, Ohio, population schedule, Ward 1A, Sidney, enumeration district 195, SD 3, sheet 3B, dwelling 84, family 88, 822 Ohio Ave.; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 March 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. Norman W. LeMaster household, 1910 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison township, ED 67, SD 8, sheet 5, dwelling 95, family 96; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 358.
6. "World War I Draft Registration Cards", digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 March 2013); citing World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918: Registration State: Ohio; Registration County: Shelby, Roll: 1851185.
7. "World War II Draft Registration Cards", 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.
8. Jay, Milton T., History of Jay County, Indiana: including its World War Record and Incorporating the Montgomery History (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA: Historical Publishing Company, 1922), page 197.
9. Hover, John Calvin and Joseph Daniel Barnes. Memoirs of the Miami Valley. Chicago, Illinois, USA: Robert O. Law Company, 1919.

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 drawn in this article are welcomed.