Tuesday, December 23, 2014

He Left Town in A Hurry


Looks like I found more details on the alleged embezzler, James Orcutt (1865-1925), my paternal 2nd-great uncle via his marriage to Samantha E. Metzner (1857-1890) in the Farmland Enterprise.  Farmland is in Randolph County, Indiana, just south of Jay County.  Looks like after Samantha's death, James went into a bit of a tailspin.

James Orcutt, timber buyer, who disappeared suddenly from Portland, is said to be a defaulter for a large amount.  Several creditors are regretting his flight.  Among the reported losers are John Ebert, $200; Fred Bimel, $250; William Humphrey, $300, D.L. Adams & Co., $104; Leonard Franks, $100; Shannon Rhoades $950; and Orcutt's mother, $685.  The People's Bank holds $500 of his paper indorsed [sic] by other parties.  Mr. Orcutt is said to have borrowed money from his neighbors, and to have used his individual credit wherever it was good for a dollar.

Farmland Enterprise, Farmland, Indiana
March 24, 1893, page 4


I'll have some interesting court records to dig into in Jay County when I get a chance.  Even his own mother was left holding the bag.

James married in December of 1893 to Nancy Mayo in Delaware County.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Surname Saturday : Bloomfield

The BLOOMFIELD surname is in my paternal line.  The origins are  English, though I've very little information on this line at present.

Stories and history :

Ahnentafel # 2261 : Abigail Bloomfield (1630-bet1714-18). Abigail was born in 1630 in England.  She married Richard Stockton (1635-1707) in 1652 in England.  Richard was born 1635 in Malpas Parish, Cheshire, England.  Richard died September 25, 1707 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Abigail died between 1714 and 1718 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

Surname Saturday – create a post in which you discuss a surname and mention its origins, its geographical location(s) and how it fits into your genealogy research. Surname Saturday is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

A Resolution of Respect : John Preston Metzner (1872-1900)

More newspaper research led me to additional information regarding cousin John Preston Metzner (1872-1900), whom I've written about previously.  Seems that he was well regarded by those in his church, who published the following declaration:

Resolutions of Respect
Resolutions of respect adopted by Emanuel Union Sabbath school.
 We, your committee, appointed to prepare a tribute of respect to the memory of Preston Metzner, our dear beloved brother, who departed this life April 6, 1900, after an illness of nine months of unspeakable suffering, but which he bore with that humble submission of "God's will, not mine, be done"
Whereas, God in his infinite wisdom has seen fit to call from labor to reward, our brother, Preston Metzner, and,
 Whereas, from mutual and personal acquaintance, we mourn the loss of our brother and co-worker of the Emanuel Union Sunday school, in the great harvest of life; therefore be it, 
Resolved, That while we bow in humble submission to the decree of divine providence, we deeply and sincerely mourn our loss and shall endeavor to cherish him in our memory.
Resolved, That we extend to his family and friends our tenderest sympathy, and with them, mingle our tears of sorrow over this sad event which has deprived them of a son, brother and friend, and us of a faithful member.
Resolved that we sorrow not as those who are without hope, for the hand that has broken can bind.
Resolved, That these resolutions be placed in full upon the minutes of our Sunday school.  A copy be presented to the bereaved family, and also a copy be sent to the county papers for publication.
Peace to his ashes! Consolation to his friends and loved ones! And may sweet memories ever linger around the memories of Preston Metzner.
Respectfully submitted : Estella Prillaman, Nora Stoltz, Wm. Prillaman, Isaiah Weisel, committee.


Portland Semi-Weekly Sun,
Portland, Indiana,
May 4, 1900, page 3