Charles Wesley Haley (1872-1893) 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
Charles was born August 19, 1872 in Medina County, Ohio1. The State of Ohio did not require the keeping of birth records until 1867. State law required the probate court to keep these records from 1867 to 1908, according to the Ohio Historical Society webpage.
1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper
If Charles' birth was recorded in a newspaper, I have not yet discovered it. There are editions of the Sandusky Register in existence, and that is one avenue of research in the future.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Haley family. Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.
1.1.3. Baptismal Record
The Haley's were members of the Evangelical Association. I am not aware of any baptismal record for Charles at this time.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no evidence that Charles was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
There are no indications that Charles was ever married.
1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper
Not applicable.
1.2.2. Anniversary Notice
Not applicable.
1.2.3. Divorce Decree
Not applicable.
1.3. Death Certificate
Charles died August 23, 1893 in Jay County, Indiana2. I do not yet have a copy of his death certificate. Will add this to my list of 'to-do' items for my next research trip to Jay County.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Charles' obituary appeared in the Portland, Indiana Weekly Commercial on September 14, 18932. His obituary stated that he was born in Wayne County, Ohio. No cause of death was listed.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
Will need to check with the Williamson & Spencer Funeral Home in Portland, Indiana to see if they have any additional records on Charles' funeral, other than what has been published. Will add this to my list of 'to-do' items for my next research trip.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
I do not yet have a photograph of Charles' tombstone. I would imagine that he would have been buried at the Mt. Zion cemetery in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana with other members of his family. Will add this to my list of 'to-do' items for my next research trip.
2. Census Records
2.1. Federal Census Records
2.1.1. 1880 Federal Census
On June 22, 1880, Charles was enumerated in the George W. Haley household in Liberty Township, Seneca County, Ohio3, as Charles W. Haley, son, age 7. He was born in Ohio, as were his mother and father. He had attended school within the year.
2.2. State Census Records
The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1931. These, however, were merely for the purposes of 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 Haley farm.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
Not applicable.
3.2. Pension Records
Not applicable, as I am not aware of any military service by Charles or his father that would have made him eligible for military benefits.
3.3. Service Records
Not applicable.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Jay County, Indiana to see what records might mention Charles.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Jay County, Indiana published a plat map in 1874, 1881, 1887, 1901, 1910 and 1920 that might be relevant to my search for Charles. I have access to the 1887 map, and need to research them to see what they show.
5. Supplemental Records
Supplemental records to search for Charles 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 Births and Christenings, 1821-1962, digital images, FamilySearch Internet online, [www.familysearch.org], accessed 6 February 2011.
2. Jane Ann Spencer, Williamson & Spencer Funeral Homes, Inc. Portland and Pennville, Indiana Burial Records Book One : 1892-1899, (Portland, Indiana, USA: Williamson & Spencer Funeral Homes, Inc., 2008), page 95.
3. George W. Haley household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Liberty Township, Seneca County, Ohio, ED 193, SD 1, dwelling 401, family 405; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 1065.
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.
