Nehersta Edith (Pierce) Roberts (1910-1979) was my maternal great-grandaunt. What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.
1. Vital Records
1.1. Birth Certificate
Nehersta was born January 4, 1910 in Madison County, Indiana, according to my database. I do not yet have a copy of her 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 for mention of Nehersta's birth. The Alexandria-Monroe Public Library has newspapers from the early 1900s. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Pierce 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 Nehersta. The Pierce family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no indication that Nehersta was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
Nehersta married in 19491, to Howard Hyde Roberts, although the location is not yet know. The snippet of the news item I was able to see stated that her name was Nehersta Pierce Miller, of Columbus, Ohio. This suggests that there might have been a previous marriage. This notice was the subject of a previous post. Later findings in the 1940 census indicate her first husband was named James A. Miller.
1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper
Will need to search out contemporary newspaper accounts in Columbus, Ohio and Alexandria, Indiana area to see if mention was made of Nehersta's marraige.
1.2.2. Anniversary Notice
Once I'm able to determine the exact date of their marriage, I can also search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of any anniversary celebrations.
1.2.3. Divorce Decree
The wedding mention with Nehersta having the surname of Miller indicates a possible first marriage. Will need to search for records of a marriage and divorce in Madison County, Indiana or Franklin County, Ohio. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.
1.3. Death Certificate
Nehersta died September 2, 1979 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California2. I do not yet have a copy of her death certificate. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Nehersta's obituary appeared in the September 3, 1979 edition of the Anderson, Indiana Herald-Bulletin2.
Will need to search other contemporary newspaper editions to see if additional obituaries can be obtained.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
According to her obituary, her funeral arrangements were handled by the Noffze Funeral home in Alexandria, Indiana. Need to contact them to see if they have any additional records of the funeral. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
Nehersta's tombstone in the Park View Cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana3, has been photographed. A link to her memorial page at FindAGrave site is located here.
2. Census Records
2.1. Federal Census Records
2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census
On April 3, 1940, Nehersta was enumerated in the James A. Miller household in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio4, as Nehersta Miller, wife, age 30. She had completed four years of college. Her residence in 1935 was Marion County, Indiana. She was born in Indiana. No occupation was listed.
2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census
On April 21, 1930, Nehersta was enumerated in the B. Louise Whiteside household in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana5, as Nehersta Pierce, age 20, single, lodger. She had attended school within the year and could read and write. She was born in Indiana, as were both of her parents. She could speak English. No occupation was listed.
On April 24, 1930, Nehersta was enumerated in the William Pierce household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana6, as Edith Pierce, age 20, single, daughter. She had attended school within the year and could read and write. She was born in Indiana, her father born in Indiana and mother in Kentucky. She could speak English. No occupation was listed.
2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census
On January 23, 1920, Nehersta was enumerated in the William F. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana7, as Nehersta Pierce, age 10, single, daughter. She had attended school within the year. She could read and write and spoke English. She was born in Indiana, her father was born in Indiana and mother born in Kentucky.
2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census
On April 22, 1910, Nehersta was enumerated in the W.F. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana8, as Nehersta Pierce, age 4 months, daughter. She was born in Indiana, her father born in Indiana and mother born in Kentucky.
2.2. State Census Records
The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 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 Pierce family farm.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
Not applicable, as Nehersta was female.
3.2. Pension Records
I am not aware of any military service by her father or husband that would have made Nehersta eligible for this benefit.
3.3. Service Records
Not applicable, as Nehersta was female.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Franklin County, Ohio and Los Angeles County, California to see what records might mention Nehersta and her family.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Madison County, Indiana published a plat map in 1880, 1891, 1893, 1901, 1910, 1915, 1921, 1923, 1931 and 1940 that might be relevant for my search on the Pierce family.
5. Supplemental Records
Supplemental records available to search for Nehersta include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records. Will add these to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
1. Pacific Oil World (Petroleum Publishers, 1949), Volume 42.
2. Anderson Indiana, Herald-Bulletin, September 3, 1979, Obituary of Nehersta Roberts.
3. FindAGrave Inc., FindAGrave.com (www.findagrave.com : accessed 19 November 2013).
4. 1940 U.S. census, Franklin County, Ohio, population schedule, Ward 17, Columbus, enumeration district 98-265, SD 12, sheet 2B, 1436 Kenmore Road, dwelling 22, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 November 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. 1930 U.S. census, Marion County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 2, Indianapolis, enumeration district 49-311, SD 8, sheet 1A, 321 Fall Creek, dwelling 5, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 November 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
6. William Pierce household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 48-45, SD 5, sheet 13B, dwelling 321, family 327; National Archives micropublication T626.
7. William F. Pierce household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 119, SD 8, sheet 6A, dwelling 127, household 129; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449, page 6B.
8. W.F. Pierce household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 106, SD 8, sheet 5A, dwelling 86, family 86; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 364, page 131.
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.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Research Trip to Ft. Wayne
Last Monday I took a day off and completed a research trip to the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne. I always enjoy researching in this library, and manage to find something new every time.
Though I didn't prepare fully for the trip, and ended up using a 'shotgun' approach to research, jumping from family to family, I did manage to find some gems, a synopsis of which follows:
- Cummings family : Found plat maps of Winston County, Alabama locating the land where Eileen's ancestors bought land just before the Civil War. These maps show the location of neighbors as well, many of whom married into the family, which may lead to making more connections.
- Wardlaw/Wardlow family : Found estate and guardianship records indicies in Clermont County, Ohio with references to original records for me to contact the court and obtain copies. Also located records of deeds and mortgages in early Clermont County, Ohio and early tax records
- Wright family : Found estate and guardianship records referenced in Clermont County, Ohio with references to original records for me to contact the court and obtain copies. Also located records of deeds and mortgages in early Clermont County, Ohio and early tax records.
- Stuber family : Located cemetery records in Spencerville, Allen County, Ohio that mark the resting place of two Stuber infants.
- Orcutt/Pierpont family : Located a family genealogy on the Orcutt ancestry that included the family of Harry Pierpont, through his mother, Lena (Orcutt) Pierpont.
- Fessenden/Wright family : Located the family genealogy on the Fessendean family and the section detailing the Hannah (Fessenden) Wright family.
- Freeze Family : Located mention of the family in early newspaper records of Wabash County, Indiana.
- Jarrett Family : Located court records of Corinne's line in Koscuisko County, Indiana.
- Chew Family : Located mention of the family in early newspaper records of Jay County, Indiana.
- Wehrly Family : Located mention of the family in early newspaper records of Jay County, Indiana.
- LeMaster Family : Located mention of the family in early newspaper records of Jay County, Indiana.
- Haley Family : Located mention of the family in early newspaper records of Jay County, Indiana.
Will follow up with more detailed posts as I input this information into my database.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Exploratory Data Analysis: Lillian Pierce (1902-1921)
Lillian Pierce (1902-1921) was my maternal great-grandaunt. What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.
1. Vital Records
1.1. Birth Certificate
Lillian was born September 12, 1902 in Madison County, Indiana, according to my database. The State of Indiana did not require state-wide registrations of births until 1907.
1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper
If Lillian's birth was mentioned in the newspaper, it has been lost to history. The Alexandria-Monroe Library has newspaper holdings from the early 1900s. The holdings of the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis do not indicate any newspapers of the time period.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Pierce 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 Lillian. The Pierce family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no indication that Lillian was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
There is no indication that Lillian 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
Lillian died on August 11, 1921 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana1. The cause of death was tuberculosis. I do not yet have a copy of her death certificate. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Lillian's obituary appeared in the August 12, 1921 edition of the Alexandria Times-Tribune in Alexandria, Indiana1. Her obituary was the subject of a previous post. According to the obituary, she died at her home from tuberculosis, which she had suffered from for nearly two years.
Additional obituaries appeared in the August 12, 1921 edition of the Anderson Herald2, the August 13, 1921 edition of the Alexandria Times-Tribune3 and the Anderson Daily Bulletin4, and the August 15, 1921 edition of the Alexandria Times-Tribune5.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
According to her obituary, the funeral home who handled the arrangements was not mentioned. Will check with the local historical society to see if they have any records. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
Lillian's tombstone in the Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Indiana has not been photographed. 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. 1920 Federal Census
On January 23, 1920, Lillian was enumerated in the William F. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana6, as Lillian Pierce, age 17, daughter. She did not attend school within the year. She could read and write and spoke English. She was working as a bookkeeper at an office. She was born in Indiana, as were both of her parents.
2.1.2. 1910 Federal Census
On April 23, 1910, Lillian was enumerated in the W.F. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana7, as Lillian Pierce, age 8, daughter. She had attended school within the year. She was born in Indiana, as were both of her parents.
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 records to see what light they might shed on the Pierce family farm.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
Not applicable, as Lillian was female.
3.2. Pension Records
I am not aware of any military service by her father that would make Lillian eligible for pension benefits.
3.3. Service Records
Not applicable, as Lillian was female.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Lillian. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Madison County published a plat map in 1880, 1891, 1893, 1901, 1910, 1915, 1921, 1923, 1931 and 1940 that might be relevant to my search for the Pierce family.
5. Supplemental Records
Supplemental records available to search for Lillian include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
Sources :
1. Lillian Pierce obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, 12 August 1921, page 1.
2. Lillian Pierce obituary, Anderson Herald, Anderson, Indiana, 12 August 1921, page 1.
3. Lillian Pierce obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, 13 August 1921, page 1.
4. Lillian Pierce obituary, Anderson Daily Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana, 13 August 1921, page 1.
5. Lillian Pierce obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, 15 August 1921, page 1.
6. William F. Pierce household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 119, SD 8, sheet 6A, dwelling 127, household 129; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449, page 6B.
7. W.F. Pierce household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 106, SD 8, sheet 5A, dwelling 86, family 86; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 364, page 131.
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.
1. Vital Records
1.1. Birth Certificate
Lillian was born September 12, 1902 in Madison County, Indiana, according to my database. The State of Indiana did not require state-wide registrations of births until 1907.
1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper
If Lillian's birth was mentioned in the newspaper, it has been lost to history. The Alexandria-Monroe Library has newspaper holdings from the early 1900s. The holdings of the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis do not indicate any newspapers of the time period.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Pierce 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 Lillian. The Pierce family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no indication that Lillian was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
There is no indication that Lillian 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
Lillian died on August 11, 1921 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana1. The cause of death was tuberculosis. I do not yet have a copy of her death certificate. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Lillian's obituary appeared in the August 12, 1921 edition of the Alexandria Times-Tribune in Alexandria, Indiana1. Her obituary was the subject of a previous post. According to the obituary, she died at her home from tuberculosis, which she had suffered from for nearly two years.
Additional obituaries appeared in the August 12, 1921 edition of the Anderson Herald2, the August 13, 1921 edition of the Alexandria Times-Tribune3 and the Anderson Daily Bulletin4, and the August 15, 1921 edition of the Alexandria Times-Tribune5.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
According to her obituary, the funeral home who handled the arrangements was not mentioned. Will check with the local historical society to see if they have any records. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
Lillian's tombstone in the Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Indiana has not been photographed. 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. 1920 Federal Census
On January 23, 1920, Lillian was enumerated in the William F. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana6, as Lillian Pierce, age 17, daughter. She did not attend school within the year. She could read and write and spoke English. She was working as a bookkeeper at an office. She was born in Indiana, as were both of her parents.
2.1.2. 1910 Federal Census
On April 23, 1910, Lillian was enumerated in the W.F. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana7, as Lillian Pierce, age 8, daughter. She had attended school within the year. She was born in Indiana, as were both of her parents.
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 records to see what light they might shed on the Pierce family farm.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
Not applicable, as Lillian was female.
3.2. Pension Records
I am not aware of any military service by her father that would make Lillian eligible for pension benefits.
3.3. Service Records
Not applicable, as Lillian was female.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Lillian. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Madison County published a plat map in 1880, 1891, 1893, 1901, 1910, 1915, 1921, 1923, 1931 and 1940 that might be relevant to my search for the Pierce family.
5. Supplemental Records
Supplemental records available to search for Lillian include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
Sources :
1. Lillian Pierce obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, 12 August 1921, page 1.
2. Lillian Pierce obituary, Anderson Herald, Anderson, Indiana, 12 August 1921, page 1.
3. Lillian Pierce obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, 13 August 1921, page 1.
4. Lillian Pierce obituary, Anderson Daily Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana, 13 August 1921, page 1.
5. Lillian Pierce obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, 15 August 1921, page 1.
6. William F. Pierce household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 119, SD 8, sheet 6A, dwelling 127, household 129; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449, page 6B.
7. W.F. Pierce household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 106, SD 8, sheet 5A, dwelling 86, family 86; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 364, page 131.
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.
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