Today in my database : William Cheney (b. July 31, 1603)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 11th great-grandfather, William Cheney.

William was born July 31, 1603 in Lambourn, Berkshire, England, the son of William Cheney. William married in 1626 in Roxbury, Suffolk Co., MA to Margaret Cole. Margaret was born ca. 1604 in England and died July 1686 in Roxbury, Suffolk Co., MA. William died January 31, 1666/67 in Roxbury, Suffolk Co., MA.

I descend from William and Margaret's son Thomas as follows:

William Cheney m. Margaret Cole
Thomas Cheney m. Jane Atkinson
Margaret Cheney m. Nicholas Fessenden
William Fessenden m. Martha Brown
Hannah Fessenden m. John Wright
John Wright m. Sarah Fleming
George Wright m. Elizabeth Robins
John Wright m. Anna Wardlaw
Joseph W. Wright m. Rebecca Ann Heaton
John William Wright m. Ellen King
Virgil Lee Wright m. Edna Muriel Pierce (my great grandparents)

Today in my database : George Wright (b. July 31, 1780)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 5th great-grandfather, George Wright.

George was born July 31, 1780 in Pennsylvania (possibly Westmoreland Co.), the son of John and Sarah (Fleming) Wright. George married January 27, 1812 in Adams Co., OH to Elizabeth Robins, the daughter of Obadiah & Susannah (Hodgkins) Robins. Elizabeth was born June 16, 1781 in Pennsylvania and died November 22, 1857 in Brown Co., OH. George died August 5, 1853 in Brown Co., OH.

I descend from George & Elizabeth's son, John, as follows :

George Wright m. Elizabeth Robins
John Wright m. Anna Wardlaw
Joseph W. Wright m. Rebecca Heaton
John William Wright m. Ellen King
Virgil Lee Wright m. Edna Muriel Pierce (my great-grandparents)

Happy Anniversary : Phillip Young & Keziah Curtis

Happy Anniversary to my paternal 4th great-grandfather, Phillip Young, and his second wife, Keziah Curtis, married July 30, 1826 in Pickaway Co., OH.

Known children of Phillip Young and Keziah Curtis :

David Young
Sarah Young m. James Haney
William Robinson Young
Peter Miller Young m. Martha Ann Porter
Melissa Jane Young m. Alfred Ailes
Silas Dunbar Young m. Mary Jane Munch
Washington Carter Young
Angeline Hedge Young
Esther Miller Young m. William J. Betz
Levi Young

Today in my database : Catherine Elizabeth Kint (b. July 29, 1768)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 5th great-grandmother, Catherine Elizabeth Kint.

Catherine was born July 29, 1768 in Germany. She married Charles Young who was born April 1757 in Germany and died 1848 in Berkeley Co., VA (now WVA.) Catherine died April 17, 1841 in Auglaize Co., OH.

I descend from Charles & Catherine's son Phillip, as follows :

Catherine Elizabeth Kint m. Charles Young
Phillip Young m. Nancy Ann McLane
Nancy Young m. Luman Walker Lemasters
Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. m. Mary Keziah Chew
Luman Cooper LeMasters m. Barbara Isabelle Wehrly (my great-grandparents)

Happy Anniversary : Karl Louis Ritt & Anna Marie Kahre

Happy Anniversary to my daughter's maternal 4th great-grandparents, Karl Louis Ritt and Anna Maria Kahre, married July 28, 1864 in Vanderburgh Co., IN.

Known children of Karl Louis Ritt and Anna Maria Kahre:

Amelia M. Ritt m. Edward J. Sauer
John W. Ritt m. Tillie Maasberg
Emma Ritt m. Henry Bishop
Carrie Ritt m. Louis Fischer
Mathilde Ritt
Edwin C. Ritt m. Margaret M. Halbig

Happy Anniversary : Elias Groenendyke & Nancy Jenkins

Happy Anniversary to my maternal 4th great-grandparents, Elias Groenendyke & Nancy Jenkins, married July 28, 1839 in Fayette Co., IN.

Known children of Elias Groenendyke & Nancy Jenkins:

Amanda Groenendyke
Andrew Groenendyke
Catherine Groenendyke m. Edmund G. Pierce
Charity Groenendyke m. Thomas Stapleton
John Thomas Groenendyke
Amos Groenendyke
James Groenendyke
Thomas Groenendyke m. Emily Smith m(2) Hattie Ballard
Cora E. Groenendyke m. Garland Hancock m(2) Jasper Miller

Obituary : Salome Young

Source : undated newspaper clipping

Salome Young was born in France, May 10, 1794. Was married to Nicholas Young in the year of 1813, who whom she came to America in 1840. She became a member of the Evangelical Association 35 years ago. She departed this life September 3, 1887, aged 93 years, 3 months and 23 days. She leaves 1 daughter, 15 grand-children, and 36 great-grand-children to mourn their loss. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. I.B. Fisher at the Mt. Zion Evangelical church...

Notice of Final Settlement : Daniel King

Source : Anderson, IN Democrat, February 16, 1877

Notice is hereby given that Elizabeth King, administrarix of the estate of Daniel King, deceased, late of Madison county, Indiana, has filed in the Clerk's office of the Circuit Court of said county, her final settlement of said estate; and that the same will be heard on the first judicial day of the next term of said court, to be begun and held at the court house in Anderson, on the second Monday in March 1877. Attest: R. H. Hannah, Clerk.

Obituary : David King

Source : Alexandria, IN Times-Tribune, November 2, 1914

DAVID KING DEAD AT FRANKTON HOME

Man Who Underwent Operation Last Tuesday Passed Away Last Night

David King, a well known resident of Frankton, died last night at 11 o'clock after a lingering illness which resulted last Tuesday in an operation for the amputation of the right leg. The deceased man is survived by a wife and four children. The children are : Mrs. Maude Jackley, of Russell, Iowa, who reached Frankton before her father died; Mrs. Mack Gosnell, of Rushville, Ind., who was unable to get to the bedside of her father; Victor King, residing on a farm near Frankton, and Hoy King, residing in Frankton.

Mr. King was known by many people in Madison county and for a number of years he lived on a farm between Alexandria and Frankton. During the harvest this summer Mr. King blistered his foot and gradually gangrene set in. As a last resort to save the right limb an operation was performed last Tuesday. The funeral arrangements have not been completed.

Today in my database : William P. Smith (b. July 25, 1815)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 3rd great-grandfather, William P. Smith.

William was born July 25, 1815 in Clark Co., OH., the son of Jacob and Jane (Elliott) Smith. William was married on October 3, 1836 to Prudence Maxson, daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Sutton) Maxson. Prudence was born June 15, 1817 in Greene Co., OH, and died February 22, 1890 in Salamonia, Jay Co., IN. William died April 19, 1894 in Salamonia, Jay Co., IN.

William was a minister of the Gospel and moved around quite a bit. In 1840 he was in Pike Twp., Jay Co., IN; between 1844-1851 he was in Cass Co., MI; by 1851 he was back in Jay Co., IN; also lived in Randolph Co., IN; between 1869-1881 he was in Richardson Co., NE.

During the Civil War, William served in Co. I, 139th Indiana Infantry as a Sergeant, for which he received a pension.

I descend from William and Prudence's daughter, Olive Jane as follows :

William P. Smith married Prudence Maxson
Olive Jane Smith married William P. Wehrly
Barbara Isabelle Wehrly married Luman Cooper LeMasters (my great-grandparents)

Happy Anniversary : Eli Weldon Haley & Cora Belle Metzner

Happy Anniversary to my paternal great-grandparents, Eli Weldon Haley & Cora Belle Metzner, married July 21, 1888 in Jay Co., IN.

Children of Eli Weldon Haley & Cora Belle Metzner :

Vera Delphene Haley m. Clarence Stuber
Orpha Mable Haley
Mary Annettie Haley m. Galen Miller
Clara Elnora Haley m. Eugene Kunce
Charles L. Haley
Carrie Verle Haley m. Waymon Thornburg
Ruth Pauline Haley m. Ord Wehrly LeMaster

Groendyke child

Source : Anderson, IN Democrat, August 24, 1877

Thomas Groendyke buried a small child on Friday last. He resides in Richland township one mile west of Commissioner Funk's.

Happy Anniversary : Johan Michael Jacobs & Maria Catherine Cherdron

Happy Anniversary to my paternal 6th great-grandparents, Johan Michael Jacobs & Maria Catherine Cherdron, married July 18, 1771 in Dover Twp., York Co., PA.

Known children of Johan Michael Jacobs & Maria Catherine Chredron :

Michael Jacobs m. Margaret [________]
George Jacobs m. Sophia [________]
Abraham Jacobs m. Margaret [________]

Today in my database : Catherine Young (b. July 18, 1819)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 3rd great-grandmother, Catherine Young.

Catherine was born July 18, 1819 in France, the daughter of Nicholas & Salome (______) Young. The Young family emigrated to America shortly before 1839. Catherine married November 4, 1839 in Newark, Licking Co., OH to John Metzner, the son of Jasper & Hannah (Reisenburg) Metzner. John was born October 2, 1805 in Saxony and died January 10, 1888 in Jay Co., IN. Catherine died June 22, 1910 in Jay Co., IN.

I descend from John & Catherine's son John Adam as follows:

Catherine Young m. John Metzner
John Adam Metzner m. Clara Moulton
Cora Belle Metzner m. Eli Weldon Haley (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Martha Whatlock (b. July 18, 1568)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 12th great-grandmother, Martha Whatlock.

Martha was born July 18, 1568 in Rattlesden, Suffolk, England, the daughter of Thomas & Joan (_____) Whatlock/Whotlocke. Martha married July 25, 1594 in Rattlesden, Suffolk, England to Henry Scott, son of Edward & Joan (______) Scott. Henry was born November 1, 1560 and died December 24, 1624 in Rattlesden, Suffolk, England. Martha died March 14, 1610/11.

I descend from Henry & Martha's son Thomas as follows:

Martha Whatlock m. Henry Scott
Thomas Scott m. Elizabeth Strutt
Elizabeth Scott m. John Spofford
Samuel Spofford m. Sarah Burpbee
Thomas Spofford m. Bethiah Hazeltine
Elizabeth Stafford m. Bennett Field
Bethiah Field m. Seth Pierce
Gordon Pierce m. Thirsa Smalley
Francis S. Pierce m. Rebecca Page
Edmund G. Pierce m. Catherine Gronendyke
William Francis Pierce m. Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce m. Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Obituary : Mary Ellen Gilliland

Source : Undated newspaper clipping

Aged Resident of Dolan Dies

Mrs. Mary Ellen Gilliland, 77, died at 11:35 p.m. today at the home of her son, William E. Gilliland, north of Doland [sic]. Death was due to uremic poisoning.

Survivors are the son, and a daughter, Mrs. Dan Stivers, Dolan, and two grand children whom Mrs. Gilliland reared, Mrs. Pete Decker, Crawfordsville, and Mrs. C.D. Lambertson, Elwood; and 13 other grand children and 13 great grand children.

Mrs. Gilliland was the widow of Robert Gilliland, who died 16 years ago.

She was a member of the Dolan Baptist Church, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in charge of the Rev. J.M. Coldweld, of Crawfordsville. Interment will be in the M.E. cemetery at Elletsville.

Pallbearers are Pete Decker, C.B. Lambertson, Albert F. Adams, Freemond Gilliland, Thom Crouch and Edward Gilliland.

Today in my database : Anna Margueritte Viellard (b. July 15, 1672)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 8th great-grandmother, Anna Margueritte Viellard.

Anna was born July 15, 1672 in Otterberg, Bayern, the daughter of Pierre & Catherine (Boye) Viellard. Anna married Abraham Cherdron, son of Jean and Susanne (Censier) Cherdron circa 1701 in Otterberg. Anna died March 20, 1728/29 in Otterberg , Bayern.

I descend from Anna & Abraham's son Hans Heinrich Cherdron as follows:

Anna Margueritte Viellard m. Abraham Cherdron
Hans Heinrich Cherdron m. Anna Maria Herbach
Maria Catherine Cherdron m. Johan Michael Jacobs
Michael Jacobs m. Margaret ________
David Jacobs m. Barbara Byers
Susan Jacobs m. David Sherrick
Mary Jane Sherrick m. George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley m. Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Happy Anniversary : Christopher Strutt & Anne Waller

Happy Anniversary to my maternal 12th great-grandparents, Christopher Strutt & Anne Waller, married July 14, 1560 in Rattlesden, Suffolk, England.

Known children of Christopher Strutt & Anne Waller:

Elizabeth Strutt m. Thomas Scott

Today in my database : William Francis Pierce (b. July 10, 1865)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 2nd great-grandfather, William Francis Pierce.

William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison Co., IN, the son of Edmund G. & Catherine (Groenendyke) Pierce. William married January 14, 1892 in Madison Co., IN to Clara Pennisten, daughter of John & Jane Ann (Alderman) Pennisten. Clara was born March 1869 in Madison Co., IN and died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Twp., Madison Co., IN. William married secondly on March 4, 1909 in Madison Co., IN to Vida Maddox, daugther of Charles W. & Sarah (Powell) Maddox. Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, KY and died November 19, 1968 in Alexandria, Madison Co., IN. William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison Co., IN.

I descend from William and Clara through their daughter Edna as follows:

William Francis Pierce m. Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce m. Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Nancy Graham (b. July 10, 1760)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 6th great-grandmother, Nancy Graham.

Nancy was born July 10, 1760, the daughter of Richard & Asenath (______) Graham. Nancy married on March 2, 1787 in Randolph Co., NC to Anthony Rains. Anthony was born October 13, 1757 in Caroline Co., VA and died March 25, 1837 in Randolph Co., NC. I do not have a death date for Nancy in my database.

I descend from Anthony & Nancy's daugther Elizabeth as follows:

Nancy Graham m. Anthony Rains
Elizabeth Rains m. John W. Poe
Isaac S. Poe m. Hannah Mills
Elizabeth Caroline Poe m. Nathan Thomas Beals
Pearl May Beals m. Charles Wilson Lambertson
Clemon Beals Lambertson m. June Kirk Davis (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Hans Heinrich Cherdron (b. July 8, 1706)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 7th great-grandfather, Hans Heinrich Cherdron.

Hans was born July 8, 1706 in Erlenbach, Bayern, the son of Abraham & Anne Margueritte (Viellard) Cherdron. Hans married on April 22, 1727 in Otterberg, Bayern to Anna Maria Herbach, daughter of Johann Peter & Anna Maria (______) Herbach. I do not have the exact date of hs emigration to America. Hans died after 1771 in York Co., PA.

I descend from Hans & Anna's daughter Maria Catherine as follows :

Hans Heinrich Cherdron m. Anna Maria Herbach
Maria Catherine Cherdron m. Johan Michael Jacobs
Michael Jacobs m. Margaret ________
David Jacobs m. Barbara Byers
Susan Jacobs m. David Sherrick
Mary Jane Sherrick m. George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley m. Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Happy Anniversary : John Lambertson & Sarah A. Willson

Happy Anniversary to my maternal 4th great-grandparents, John Lambertson & Sarah A. Willson, married July 6, 1822 in Belvidere, Sussex Co. (now Warren Co.), NJ.

Known children of John & Sarah A. (Willson) Lambertson :

Elizabeth W. Lambertson m. Carey H. Gilliland
Wilson Jackson Lambertson died young
Carmon W. Lambertson m. Mary Jane Vanlue
George G. Lambertson m(1) Harriet Jones m(2) Adelaide Hall
John Vorhees Lambertson m(1) Hannah Hudson m(2) Annie E. Oliver m(3) Margaret Jane Demonet
Sarah Wilson Lambertson m. John Lyst
Nelson J. Lambertson m. Eliza Jane Johnson
Mary S. Lambertson m. Samuel Snively
Carey W. Lambertson m. Clara E. Cook
Ellen Lambertson m(1) ____ Sockey m(2) David L. Mengle

Today in my database : Barbara Reist (b. July 6, 1606)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 9th great-grandmother, Barbara Reist.

Barbara was born July 6, 1606 in Sumiswald, Canton Bern, Switzerland, the daughter of Hans and Kungold (Zehnder) Reist. Barbara married to Leonard Eggiman in Switzerland, before 1640.
I do not have information on her date of death.

I descend from Barbara & Leonard's daugther Verena as follows:

Barbara Reist m. Leonard Eggiman
Verena Eggiman m. Peter Schurch
Ulrich Schurch m. Barbara Grundbacher
Ulrich Scherch m. Anna Swarr
David Shirk m. Barbara Erb
David Sherrick m. Eve _______
David Sherrick m. Susan Jacobs
Mary Jane Sherrick m. George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley m. Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Virgil Lee Wright (b. July 6, 1894)

Today's relative in my database is my maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright.

Virgil was born July 6, 1894 in Madison Co., Indiana, the son of John William and Ellen (King) Wright. Virgil married June 19, 1915 in Alexandria, Madison Co., Indiana to Edna Muriel Pierce, the daughter of William Francis & Clara (Pennisten) Pierce. Virgil died March 25, 1972 in Monroe Twp., Madison Co., Indiana.

Clemon & June Lambertson

This photograph of my great-grandparents, Clemon & June (Davis) Lambertson was sent to me by my cousin Lloyd Adams in Florida.

Clemon Beals Lambertson married June Kirk Davis (a.k.a. Gilliland) on June 28, 1917 in Monroe Co., Indiana.

Clemon was born October 27, 1898 in Cicero, Hamilton Co., Indiana, the son of Charles Wilson & Pearl May (Beals) Lambertson. June was born June 11, 1898 in Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana, the daughter of Ida Davis. She was raised by her maternal grandmother & step-grandfather, Mary & Robert Gilliland, and used the Gilliland surname.

Today in my database : Anna Maria Herbach (b. July 5, 1705)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 7th-great grandmother, Anna Maria Herbach.

Anna Maria was born July 5, 1705 in Otterberg, Bayern (Bavaria), the daughter of Johann Peter & Anna Maria (________) Herbach. Anna Maria married Hans Heinrich Cherndron on April 22, 1727 in Otterberg. Anna Maria died sometime after 1772 in York Co., PA.

I descend from Hans & Anna Maria Cherndron's daughter Maria Catherine as follows :

Anna Maria Herbach m. Hans Heinrich Cherndron
Maria Catherine Cherndron m. Johan Michael Jacobs
Michael Jacobs m. Margaret ________
David Jacobs m. Barbara Byers
Susan Jacobs m. David Sherrick
Mary Jane Sherrick m. George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley m. Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Ida Davis (b. July 2, 1874)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 2nd great-grandmother, Ida Davis.

Ida was born July 2, 1874 in Owen Co., IN, the daughter of James Austin & Mary Ellen (Swafford) Davis. Ida married August 28, 1892 in Monroe Co., Indiana to Samuel G. Hancock, son of Joseph & Margaret (Vaughn) Hancock. They later divorced, but I have yet to find the exact record. Ida married July 19, 1900 in Monroe Co., Indiana to Carrie A. Morris. Ida died August 2, 1900 in Clay Twp., Owen County, Indiana.

Ida had two daughters out-of-wedlock, Pansy and June. June was my great-grandmother. The search for June's father has been unsuccesful as of yet. Pansy was born December 11, 1894 (where?) and June was born June 11, 1898 in Indianapolis.

I believe I have located Ida in the 1900 census in the 7th Ward, Center Twp., Indianapolis.

Obituary : John M. High

Source : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin

ALEXANDRIA - John M. High, 73, Rt. 4, Alexandria, died Monday at Community Hospital in Anderson following an extended illness.

He was born Sept. 13, 1919, in Rowesburg, W. Va., and lived in Alexandria since 1945.

He was senior purchasing agent for Haynes International in Kokomo for 30 years, retiring in 1984. He was a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and a Pearl Harbor survivor while stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma.

He was a lifetime member of the Alexandria American Legion, member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Masonic Lodge 235, Eastern Star Chapter 179, the Methodist Church in West Virginia and a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Ellen (Wright) High; two sons, Charles L. High of Anderson and John Phillip High of Alexandria; six grandchildren; two step-grandsons and one great-grandchild.

Services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Noffze Funeral Home, 501 N. Harrison St., Alexandria, with the Rev. Jack Wachenschwanz officiating. Burail will be at Park View Cemetery, Alexandria.

Friends may call today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. There will be a Masonic memorial service at the funeral home at 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alexandria Masonic Lodge 235 through the funeral home.

Salem and Greenbrier Seventh Day Baptist Cemetery Association

Received a letter from the Salem and Greenbrier Seventh Day Baptist Cemetery Association in Salem, WV updating on the status of their current projects.

A Medal of Honor cemetery marker has been placed on the gravesite of Walter F. McWhorter in the Greenbrier Cemetery.

Of particular interest was the announcement that the association has reprint copies available of the 1992 work Davis: The Settlers of Salem, West Virginia for $75.00 (plus $4 for shipping) This is the 3rd edition celebrating the bicentennial of Salem. Proceeds go towards the maintenance of the Greenbrier cemetery, where many descendants of William Davis (1664-1745) are buried. Allied families include Ash, Babcok, Bee, Bond, Cox, FitzRandolph, Ford, Hall, Hutson, Maxson, Nicholson, Randolph, Smith, Sutton, Tharp, Williams, et. al.

The Davis book can be ordered at : 171 East Main Street, Salem, WV 26426

Is the DNA-Genealogy Link not all its cracked up to be?

I've been skeptical since I first heard about the rash of DNA testing being done to 'flesh' out and discover family tree links that were previously only speculated about. There is too much emphasis in 'science' as the cure-all for everything, and anyone with a Ph.D. in one discipline is suddenly given credibility in another. While I do not doubt the veracity of the DNA evidence I am leaving as I type on my keyboard, I have trouble believing that DNA can be used to tell me conclusively where my ancestors originated.

I found this excellent blog about the subject of bogus DNA testing which I agree with. Today, Rootsweb is cluttered with DNA mailing lists for about every surname imaginable. I'm sure that these people are sincere about discovering who they are or perhaps linking together two distinct family lines that have not yet been connected by public records. I cannot however, believe that they are not being taken for a ride by companies who are capitalizing on the 'genealogy fever' that is so rampant today. Everyone would like to be related to Charlemagne - it's just not likely. DNA genealogy has created the new 'Indian princess' or '3 brothers from France' legends.

These DNA tests cannot really tell you anything conclusively about your family history, and the article states :

"But the general public doesn't know this, and no one seems to be telling them. More and more of these companies are popping up, the popularity of these tests has soared, and every month or so, a journalist (like this guy today) writes yet another story about how people are using this technology to unlock family secrets and "debunk family tales," even though it simply doesn't work that way. The upshot of so many of these stories is that people are being confused or traumatized by results from these tests. People with dark skin who came from black families and identified themselves as African-American are suddenly being told that they aren't African-American at all. People have sought psychotherapy over these results and questioned their families. But this is all based on a science that can't actually say you're not African American, (and most certainly can't say you're not Caucasian and therefore should qualify for minority scholarships and affirmative action)."

In my case, with a surname such as LeMaster, I'm pretty sure that I'm related to most who have the same name, whether they spell it with an 'a' instead of the 'e', or add the final 's.' In the work Lemasters U.S.A. 1639-1965, 90% of all Lemasters in the United States are descendants of Abraham Lemaster of Charles & St. Marys Cos., Md. There are others who descend from Johann Wilhelm Leymeister of Pennsylvania. How these lines are intertwined back in Europe has not been documented, and may never be. Would DNA testing tie them together? It would all be speculation without documentation.

On The Shelf : Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian by Elizabeth Shown Mills

This book is arguably the best guidebook for genealogists and family historians wanting to be sure that they cite sources in a orderly manner. I know that when I started working with my genealogy, I wasn't always worried about sources. When I did cite a source, more often than not, it was an incomplete source. Consequently, I'm now trying to go back and re-cite my sources. Invariably, I've come across disputed facts in my family tree.

Evidence! has been one of the best-buys in my genealogical library. I've been using its suggested citations as I go forward and update my files. Elizabeth Shown Mills is a well-respected genealogist who has put together an easy-to-read work that anyone can follow. You do not need to have a Master's degree in library science to understand these citation formats. Plus, being a genealogist, Ms. Mills has developed citations for the types of documents that are unique to genealogists. For example, I never had to cite a tombstone on any term paper, but now that I'm working with genealogy, it can come in handy to have a standardized format.

Published in 1997, this book will be a staple of my library for years to come.

Obituary : Bonnie M. Wright

Source : Anderson, IN Herald, Tuesday, April 10, 1984

ALEXANDRIA - Bonnie M. Wright, 60, formerly of 610 W. Broadway, died Monday afternoon at her daughter's residence after a brief illness.

She was a native of Elwood and had lived in Alexandria most of her life. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Alexandria.

Surviving is a son, Terry Wright of Chattanooga, Tenn.; a daughter, Mrs. Ord (Gloria) LeMasters of Alexandria; her father and stepmother, Clemon and Helen Lambertson of Anderson; tow brothers, Harold Lambertson of Elwood and Floyd Lambertson of Silver Lake, Ind.; a sister, Ruby Walsh of Anderson; a stepsister, Betty Barger of Anderson; and five grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Kyle and Owens Funeral Home, Alexandria, with the Rev. Jack Wachenschwanz officiating. Burial will follow in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 215 W. Berry St., Alexandria.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

Thanks, Dad for all that you did & still do for me. Thanks for instilling in me a desire to study history, for without knowing where we came from we do not know where we are going. Your initial work on the family history, and your support in my efforts when I was a young kid, has led me on a 30-year plus journey into not only the family's history, but that of our nation. 

Today in my database : Mary West (b. June 17, 1795)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 4th great-grandmother, Mary West.

Mary was born June 17, 1795 in New Jersey (Gloucester Co. ?), the daughter of Job & Sarah (Jackson) West. Mary married circa 1812 in Gloucester Co., NJ to Nathaniel Chew (b. November 10, 1786 Gloucester Co., NJ, d. January 24, 1866 Mahaska Co., IA). Mary died February 27, 1848 in New Jersey (Gloucester Co.?)

I descend from Mary & Nathaniel Chew's daughter as follows :

Mary West m. Nathaniel Chew
Ezekiel Cooper Chew m. Caroline Bishop Woolston
Mary Keziah Chew m. Luman Walker Lemasters
Luman Cooper LeMasters m. Barbara Isabelle Wehrly [my great-grandparents]

LeMaster Family Reunion

Received my invitation to our family reunion held in Alexandria in the mail yesterday :

LeMaster Picnic

It's time to mark your calendar for our annual reunion!

Tim: Come early....stay late Let's eat around 5 p.m.
Date : Saturday, August 5, 2006

We'll furnish the hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments; baked beans & drinks. We'll have games & water baloons for the kids so bring their suits. Bring old photos to share and family recipes!

We hope you & your family will join us for food, fun & a good time.

R.S.V.P.

[What, no chili? :) ]

Obituary : Goldie R. Lambertson

Source : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, March 29, 1994

Elwood - Goldie R. Lambertson, 84, Route 2, died March 28, 1994, at Dickey's Nursing Home in Elwood.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Lambertson; two daughters, Karen Webb and Mary Reynolds; a brother, Wilford Laycock; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Central Wesleyan Church with the Revs. Matthew Miller and Glen Raney officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park, Elwood.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Dunnichay Funeral Home, Elwood.

Obituary : Frank R. Lambertson

Source : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, February 6, 1988

Plant City, Fla. - Frank R. Lambertson, 79, former Alexandria resident, 1005 Whitehurst Road, died Thursday afternoon at his residence following a brief illness.

He was born in Boxley and had lived in Alexandria most of his life, moving to Plant City, Fla., 18 years ago. He retired from Johns-Manville Corp., formerly of Alexandria, in 1970.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta Lambertson in 1977.

He is survived by two daughters, Darleen Lambertson of Plant City, Fla., and Mrs. Virgil (Shirley) Patz of Alexandria; a son, Frank D. Lambertson of Summitville; a brother, Robert Lambertson of Alexandria; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday in St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rev. Philip S. Haslinger officiating. Burial will be in Park View Cemetery, Alexandria.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Owens Funeral Home where rosary will be said at 5 p.m.

Joannah Antonides (1778-1825)

Seeking more information/correction to my possible ANTONIDES line:

Johannah ANTONIDES b. August 28, 1778 New Jersey, d. 1825 Fayette Co., IN., m. June 4, 1797 to James GROENENDYKE.

Johannah was suppossedly the daughter of Pieter & Catherine (VANDERVEER) ANTONIDES, but this has not been confirmed.

Johannah's maiden name has also appeared as HAGERMAN.

Query : Alderman Line VA>KY>IN>IL

Seeking more information/corrections to my known ALDERMAN line :

James ALDERMAN b. before 1775, d. bet. 1850-1854 Greenville, Bond Co., IL m. Catherine WARNER June 8, 1795 Augusta Co., VA., m(2) Martha CANTELL after 1800.

Richard ALDERMAN b. 1810 Kentucky, d. after 1870 Madison Co., IN., m. Eliza [________] ca. 1840 Indiana.

Jane Ann ALDERMAN b. 1843 Indiana, d. April 8, 1919 Alexandria, Madison Co., IN., m. John PENISTEN ca. 1868 Indiana.

Today in my database : Peter Kirkpatrick Swafford (b. June 12, 1827)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 4th-great grandfather, Peter Kirkpatrick Swafford, born June 12, 1827 in Mississippi.

Peter was the son of Larkin & Nancy [______] Swafford. Peter married on April 3, 1853 in Owen Co., IN to Mary Ann Crockett (b. 1835 Owen Co., IN, d. 1865), daughter of David and Mary Ann (Nosler) Crockett. Peter died August 1854 in Owen Co., IN.

I descend from Peter through his daughter, Mary Ellen Swafford, born August 30, 1854 near Stinesville, Monroe Co., IN.

Today in my database : Isabella Feily (b. June 10, 1793)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 5th-great grandmother, Isabella Feily, born June 10, 1793.

Isabella was born June 10, 1793 in Pennsylvania, of unknown parents. She married August 5, 1808 in Adams Co., OH to James Thomas Jacobs (b. May 20, 1789 Virginia, d. September 1, 1847 Brown Co., OH). Isabella died September 5, 1876 in Ohio, probably Brown Co.

I descend from their daughter, Elizabeth Jacobs, born June 30, 1811 in Adams Co., OH as follows:

Isabella Feily m. James Thomas Jacobs
Elizabeth Jacobs m. James R. Heaton
Rebecca Ann Heaton m. Joseph W. Wright
John William Wright m. Ellen King
Virgil Lee Wright m. Edna Muriel Pierce (my great-grandparents)

Right Under My Nose

Sometimes the best genealogical information is right under my nose. I'm in the middle of finishing up the scanning of several years worth of accumulation of paperwork, and noticing just how many tidbits of family history I've missed along the way.

For instance, today in looking at the Civil War pension papers of Nathaniel Derby Chew, I found that it contained certified transcripts from the family Bible of his father, Ezekiel Cooper Chew. Therein were full names (middle names, too) and birth and death dates that I simply had missed and did not yet have added to my Family Tree Maker database.

There is much for me to add to my database as I go through this information, source it and update my files, and it makes me wonder how many times I've tried to re-invent the wheel. Perhaps that key to unlocking a family mystery was already in my files all along, and I had overlooked it.

Today in my database : Francis S. Pierce (b. June 8, 1806)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 4th-great grandfather, Francis S. Pierce.

Francis was born June 8, 1806 in Vermont, the son of Gordon & Thirsa (Smalley) Pierce. He married October 25, 1831 to Rebecca Page (b. August 18, 1806 New Jersey, d. June 26, 1893 Wayne Co., IN) in Wayne Co., IN. Francis died August 5, 1881 in Wayne Co., IN.

This Pierce line is connected to President Franklin Pierce.

I descend from Francis & Rebecca's son Edmund G. Pierce who married Catherine Groenendyke.

Remembering D-Day

Today is D-Day, the Normandy invasion by Allied troops during World War II. Too many people have forgotten the sacrifices of the 'greatest generation.' Please take a moment to honor the memories of those who gave their all for our freedom.

Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at FindAGrave.com. There are two Lemasters listed there : William H. Lemaster and Stanley L. Lemaster, both from West Virginia. I know of no direct relationship, as of yet, to either of these men.

My daughter has a great-great uncle buried there, PFC Frederick C. Wildt of Evansville, IN.

Query : Adney Family

Seeking more information about the family line of Mary ADNEY (b. December 6, 1800, d. December 7, 1877 Henry Co., IN) who married Jacob RHINEHART (b. December 12, 1797, d. August 4, 1847 Henry Co., IN).

I show Mary as the daughter of Daniel ADNEY (b. January 12, 1777 Botetourt Co., VA, d. May 2, 1862 Union Co., IN) & Anna COGER. Show Daniel ADNEY as the son of Thomas ADNEY & Elizabeth DUNN.

My wife is descended from Mary ADNEY. Any information would be appreciated.

Obituary : Pearl M. Lambertson

From: Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, August 4, 1970

ELWOOD - Mrs. Pearl M. Lambertson, 92, who had resided at Rt. 1, Summitville, died at the Dickey Nursing Home at 10:30 a.m. Monday after after an illness of several months.

Born in Westfield, May 11, 1878, she was the daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth Beals. She was married in 1897 to Charles Lambertson who died in May 1958. She was a member of the Cicero Christain Church.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Copher and Fesler Funeral Home with Rev. Ralph Richardson officiating. Interment will be in the Cicero Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary today.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Leona Carpenter and Mrs. Pauline Vanness both of Elwood and Mrs. Elizabeth Herschberger Rt. 1, Summittville; three sons, Clemon Lambertson, Anderson, Orville (Jack) Lambertson, Oroville, Calif., and Paul Lambertson, Elwood; 17 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Obituary : Cecilia M. Wright

From : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, Tuesday, September 27, 1988

ELWOOD - Cecilia M. "Sissy" (Lambertson) Wright, 45, 1310 S. N St., Elwood, died Monday afternoon at Mercy Hospital following an extended illness.

She was born in Tipton and lived in Elwood most of her life. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Elwood, Beta Sigma Phi sorority and Women's Republican Club. She was formerly employed as the office manager at Elwood City Water Co.

She is survived by her husband, Eddie Joe Wright; a daughter, Lynne M. (Priest) Susaraba of Warsaw; a stepdaughter, Alycia Brown of Warsaw; her parents, Harold and Martha Lambertson of Elwood; a brother, Ronald Lambertson of Middletown; maternal grandmother, Margaret Phillips of Elwood; paternal grandfather, Clemon Lambertson of Anderson; and a granddaughter.

Arrangements are pending at Copher and Fesler Funeral Home.

Obituary : William McClelland Pierce

From : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, Sunday, November 26, 1978

ALEXANDRIA - William "Mac" McClelland Pierce, 65, of Rt. 1, died Friday evening at Community Hospital, Anderson, after a long illness.

A native and lifelong resident of Alexandria, he retired in 1971 from Guide Division.

Funeral rites will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Noffze Funeral Home and burial will be in Park View Cemetery.

Friends may call at the mortuary after 4 p.m. Sunday. Masonic memorial rites will be at 7 p.m. Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Survivors include the wife, Geneva; three sons, Larry R. and Ronald L., both of Anderson, and William C. of Alexandria; four brothers, Charles D., Robert F., and P. Edmund, all of Alexandria, and James L. of Chicago; a sister, Nehersta Roberts of Los Angeles, Calif.; and six grandchildren.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, a past worthy patron of OES 179, a past master of Masonic Lodge 235; a member of the Charter and Council Royal Arch Masons, Commandery 32 of Anderson; Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis and Murat Shrine at Indianapolis.

Obituary : Alberta Lambertson

From : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, Sunday, May 15, 1977

ALEXANDRIA - Mrs. Alberta F. Lambertson, 67, former resident of Alexandria, died early Thursday at her home in Plant City, Fla., after a brief illness.

A native of Madison County, she lived at Plant City for the past seven years.

Surviving with her husband, Frank are two daughters, Miss Darleen Lambertson of Plant City, and Mrs. Virgil (Shirley) Patz of Alexandria; one son, Frank D. Lambertson of Summitville; a sister, Genevive Fettig of Hartford City; and other relatives.

Graveside services will be Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Park View Cemetery, Alexandria.

Friends may call after 7 p.m. today at the Karl M. Kyle Funeral Home, and until the hour of service Saturday.

Memorial Day Reflections

I spent a wonderful, but hot, Memorial Day yesterday placing flowers at my wife's grandparents graves at Center Grove Cemetery in Lincolnville. This cemetery is a well-kept, active cemetery, and I always enjoy wandering around looking at tombstones of my wife's family.

Once again, we ran into Mr. Bob Kendall, an elderly man who shared fascinating stories about the history of Lincolnville and Wabash County in general. He is a professor at IUPUFW, and told us that he is in the process of writing a book. Last year, after meeting him, I tried to locate more information about him and could not find him, joking I told my wife I thought he might have been an angel. But this year, there he was again, this time with his wife.

One thing I noticed this year at the cemetery was that no one had placed the US flag on the veteran's tombstones. How sad. Maybe there is no one to do so?

Today in my database : Barbara Petry (b. May 28, 1802)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 3rd great-grandmother, Barbara Petry.

Barbara was born May 28, 1802 in York Co., PA, the daughter of George and Maria Catharina (Kaltreider) Petry. Barbara married in 1821 in Starke Co., OH to Johannes Wehrly (aka John S. Wehrly), son of Heinrich & Christina (Saubel) Wehrly. Johannes was born June 4, 1802 in York Co., PA, and died November 10, 1876 in Salamonia, Jay Co., IN. Barabara (Petry) Wehrly died August 27, 1880 in Salamonia, Jay Co., IN.

I descend from their youngest child, William P. Wehrly, born November 2, 1845 in Preble Co., OH.

Parkview Cemetery, Alexandria, Indiana

My co-workers think I'm bizarre, but I enjoy spending my lunchtime walking and photographing local cemeteries, and then posting the results at FindAGrave.com.

Yesterday, I spent time at Parkview Cemetery in Alexandria, Indiana, where several members of my family are buried. As I walk row by row, I'm photographing each tombstone I find. It's a slow process, but also a rewarding one, as I have discovered the final resting place for several relatives.

The results of my 'work' (or fun, as I would call it), can be found here. I would encourage everyone to photograph and preserve the tombstone records of our cemeteries before they are all gone.

Cyndi's List for Genealogy Bloggers

Cyndi's List has recently added a new category for genealogical blogging that has some interesting links. I will have to add some links to some of my favorites, right now an early favorite is Family Bibles - I've always wished that my own family's Bibles had been preserved. I know from reading pension records, that they did exist at one time for the Lemaster family, and I came close to obtaining the Chew family Bible a few years ago, but unfortunately, I am without these keepsakes.

Today in my database : Abraham Hazeltine (b. May 23, 1648)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 9th great-grandfather, Abraham Hazeltine.

Abraham was born May 23, 1648 in Rowley, Essex Co., MA, the son of Robert Hazeltine. Abraham married Elizabeth Longhorne (b. September 23, 1649 Rowley, Essex Co., MA, d. March 29, 1704 Bradford, Essex Co., MA) on October 7, 1669 in Bradford, Essex Co., MA. Abraham died April 28, 1711 in Bradford, Essex Co., MA.

I descend from Abraham & Elizabeth's daughter Bethiah Hazeltine as follows :

Abraham Hazeltine & Elizabeth Longhorne
Bethiah Hazeltine & Thomas Spofford
Elizabeth Spofford & Bennett Field
Bethiah Field & Seth Pierce
Gordon Pierce & Thirsa Smalley
Francis S. Piece & Rebecca Page
Edmund G. Pierce & Catherine Groenendyke

Backing up my data

Just yesterday I finished burning backup CDs of my genealogy data & scans, something that I would recommend that everyone do from time to time. I had tried to get into the habit of doing a backup monthly, but have been lax as of late.

A couple of years ago, we started to have computer problems, and my wife tried to back up everything before she formatted the hard drive. Something went wrong, and I lost nearly two or three years of work. It was a tough lesson to learn.

As far as my scanning project goes, I'm partly through another box of paper. It's amazing the amount of material I've collected. Now I need to sit down and enter & source it in my database, while trying not to get sidetracked.

Obituary : Vivian Evans

From: Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, February 4, 1968

Elwood- Mrs. Vivian Evans, 78, of 1126 S. Anderson St., died Sunday at Mercy Hospital after a month's illness.
She was born April 1889 in Elwood to Dr. Daniel Sigler and Minerva Pierce Sigler. She was married in 1910 to William G. Evans who died in 1950.
Mrs. Evans was member of the First Presbyterian Church and belonged to the Westminster Circle of the church. She was a past president of that organization and was serving as secretary.
She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star 71 and had served as its treasurer for 17 years, she also belonged to the Past Matrons Club, of which she was secretary. She received the Award of Gold from the OES in 1964.
Survivors include a son, J. Daniel Evans, Elwood; two daughters, Mrs. Arthur (Rosanne) Stokes, of Elwood; and Mrs. Lawrence (Minerva Jane) Mills, of Munster, Ind., her step-mother, Mrs. Mary Sigler, and a half-brother, Daniel Sigler, both of Elwood; six grand children and four great-grandchildren.
The body was removed to the Dunnichay Funeral Home, where members of the OES will present their memorial ritual at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the First Presbyterian Church by the Rev. James G. Saint, pastor. Burial will be in Elwood City Cemetery.
The body will be taken to the church one hour before the funeral service.

Obituary : William Arden LeMaster

From: Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, October 17, 1978

Portland- William A. LeMaster, 54, Rt. 6, died Sunday afternoon at the Jay County Hospital. A farmer, he had also driven a school bus for the Jay County Corporation for 25 years.
Surviving with the wife, Wanda, are two sons, Charels and Daniel LeMaster, Portland; his father, John LeMaster Sr., Anderson; three sisters including Mrs. Ralph (Ardis) Bickel of Anderson, and four grandchildren.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the United Church of Christ in Salamonia. Burial will be in the Salamonia Cemetery.

Today in my database : Thomas William Davis (b. May 15, 1719)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 6th-great grandfather, Thomas William Davis.

Thomas was born May 15, 1719 in Westerly, Rhode Island, the son of John and Elizabeth (Maxson) Davis. Thomas married Tacy Crandall on December 8, 1737 in Westerly, Rhode Island. Tacy was the daughter of John & Mary (____) Crandall, and was born circa 1720 in Westerly, Rhode Island, died June 1, 1795 in White Day Creek, Monongalia Co., VA. Thomas died July 15, 1791 in White Day Creek, Monongalia, Co., VA.

I descend from Thomas & Tacy's daughter, Elisabeth Davis, who married Ephraim Maxson.
My line of descent is as follows :

Thomas Davis & Tacy Crandall
Elisabeth Davis & Ephraim Maxson
Jesse Maxson & Sarah Sutton
Prudence Maxson & William P. Smith
Olive Jane Smith & William P. Wehrly
Barbara Isabelle Wehrly & Luman Cooper LeMasters

Obituary : Pansy Timm

Source : Crawfordsville, IN Journal-Review, January 27, 1968

Mrs. Pansy Decker Timm, former resident of Crawfordsville, died at 8:40 p.m. Friday at the White County Hospital in Monticello.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond Timm of Monticello.

Other survivors include two sons, Gene Decker of Danville, Ind., and Wilbur R. Decker of Crawfordsville; a daughter, Mrs. Wandalee Purcell of Lynwood, Calif.; seven stepchildren, and several grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Monticello Presbyterian Church. Rev. Wallace McDonald will officiate. Gravesite services will be conducted at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Freedom Baptist Cemetery near Waveland. Friends may call at the Anfenberg Funeral Home in Monticello after 4 p.m. Monday.

Pansy was the sister of my great-grandmother June Davis.

Obituary : Helen B. Lambertson

Source : Anderson (IN) Herald-Bulletin, Sunday, September 1, 1996

Helen B. Lambertson, 85, Anderson, died Aug. 30, 1996 at St. John's Health System after an extended illness.

She was born Jan. 11, 1911, in Linwood and resided in Anderson all of her live[sic]. She graduated from Elwood High School in 1929 and completed Indiana Business College in Anderson. She was married to Ralph E. Fisher in 1931 until his death in 1951, and Clemon B. Lambertson until his death in 1994.

She was a legal secretary for several prominent in Anderson for more than 40 years, retiring in 1973. Some of these attorneys were Ellison and Neff, Judge Harold Achor, Everett McDaniels, Ralph Mattingly and Joan Bashaw Gregg. She also worked in the Madison County Assessor's Office under Dovie A. Canaday.

She was a member of Bethany Christian Church and dearly loved her family and friends. She also enjoyed birds and at one time was a breeder of parakeets.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and John Barger of Anderson; a grandson, Brent and Shirley Barger of Anderson; two granddaughters and spouses, Valerie and Daniel Rodrigue[sic] of Wasila, Alaska, and Lorelei and Neal Maggart of Lapel; and three great-grandchildren, Lor Douglas and Lisa Barger, both of Alexandria, and Allen McCoy of Lapel.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, Levi and Maud Duncan; a sister, Georgia Ruth Duncan; her first husband, Ralph E. Fisher; her second husband, Clemon B. Lambertson; and a great-grandchild, Duncan Alexander McCoy.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Guilkey & Herider Mortuary with Robert Bell officiating. Burial will be at Elwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany Christian Church in her memory.

Alderman : Madison County, Indiana Civil War Vets

Found this listing of Civil War veterans from Madison County, Indiana with the surname Alderman.

Alderman, James, Private, Co. K, 8th Infantry, mustered 9/5/1861, died at Otterville, Mo. 12/14/1861

Alderman, James W., Private, Co. K, 16th Infantry, mustered 8/19/1862, deserted, Indianapolis, 12/14/1861

Alderman, John, Private, Co. C., 110th Infantry, mustered 7/10/1863, mustered out 7/15/1863

Alderman, Washington, Private, Co. E, 8th Infantry, mustered 4/22/1861, mustered out 8/6/1861 term expired.

Still need to work on these individuals to determine which ones are related to me. Washington Alderman for sure, the others are probably cousins/brothers.

Today in my database : Sibell Littell (b. May 5, 1769)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 6th great-grandmother, Sibell Littell.

Sibell was born May 5, 1769 in Virginia, and died September 9, 1853 in Adams Co., OH. Sibell married William Jacobs in 1787 in Morgantown, VA (now WVA). William was born 1765 in Virginia and died 1841 in Brown Co., OH.

I descend from Sibell and William's son James Thomas Jacobs who married Isabella Feily. This is one of two Jacobs lines in my family, who are not connected as of yet. Much more research is needed.

Pefley-Lewis Family Reunion

Received notice in the mail of the next Pefley-Lewis family reunion (wife's side). Previously, these two families have had separate reunions.

When : Saturday, June 24, 2006 12:00 noon (Children's games start at 11 a.m.)
Where : Northfield High School, Wabash, IN. (Corner of Highway 13 and CR 200)

Please bring your appetite, a covered dish, one liter of beverage (non-alcoholic), golf clubs, competetive spirit, enthusiasm, eagerness to reminisce, memories, pictures, stories of the past & present!!!

There will be an auction to help pay for the cost of this year's reunion so be thinking of something that you might share!

A more detailed agenda will be coming in the mail soon !

Today in my database : Sarah May Peoples (b. May 3, 1870)

Today's featured relative in my database is my wife's great-grandmother, Sarah May Peoples.

Sarah was born May 3, 1870 in Culver, Marshall Co., IN and died May 1932. She was the daughter of George and Katherine (McMillen) Peoples.

Sarah married Albert Duffey Pefley in 1897 in Plymouth, Marshall Co., IN. Their children were Lowell, Myra, Homer and Sherman Pefley.

Obituary : Suman Douglas King

Source : Alexandria, IN Times-Tribune, January 9, 1950

Death Claims Douglas King at Orestes

Douglas "Pappy" King, 88, a life-long resident of this community, died at 12:07 a.m. today at his home in Orestes following a four-year illness.

Mr. King suffered a fractured hip in a fall Dec. 22 and his condition had been serious since that time.

Born May 20, 1861 in Madison county near Frankton, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel King.

During his lifetime he had been employed with the old Plate Glass company here and the Indiana railroad. His last employment was with the county highway department as a truck driver.

He was married in 1880 to Amanda Fox, who died in 1944. He was affiliated with the First Baptist church, Orestes. Five children preceded in death.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Edna Danforth and Mrs. Hazel Gross, both of Alexandria; one son, Fred with whom he made his home; one brother, Ben King, Orestes; 44 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren and four great, great-grandchildren.

The body was removed to the Roger C. Gipe funeral home and will be returned to the family home this evening.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Orestes Baptist church with the Rev. Richard Berkey, Christian pastor, in charge. Burial will be in Odd Fellows cemetery.

Family History Rescued from fire

These photographs were rescued from the house fire of my great-aunt Barbara Webster, and were given to me by my mother for safe-keeping. I tend to be the one whose given the family history gems to hold onto.

I have not identified these photographs, but assume that they are from either the Wright or the Pierce family line.

Fire is a destroyer and no respector of persons - please make copies of your photographs, family documents, etc. and pass them around to other members of the family so that in case of a tragedy, all is not lost.

Genealogy Without Documentation is Mythology

How many times have I heard that quote ringing in my head, particularly now as I look over the mountains of paperwork that I am trying to scan and/or organize.

So much of my early research was not documented, or when it was documented, the documentation was incomplete. I would highly recommend Evidence! by Elizabeth Shown Mills, as a guidebook for genealogical citations. As I slowly and painfully go through the process of adding source citations to my 'facts' in my family tree database, I want to kick myself for not doing this as I went along.

When I started out, I assumed that I would always remember where I heard that great-grandpa Wright was born here, or that uncle so-and-so went west and was never heard from again. Now, I struggle with the embarrassment that so much of my database is undocumented. Undocumented, my friends, is practically worthless.

My recommendation to those who are starting out is to document, document, document! When you send a chart to a far-distant cousin, and they want to know where you obtained the birth date for great-aunt Martha, you don't want to have to say "I dunno?!"

Jesus Christ had Matthew, Mark & John to give eyewitness testimony, and Luke, the historian, was able to interview eyewitnesses to the resurrection. Unfortunately, in my database, there is more hearsay than documented facts at the moment.

FindAGrave.com's Virtual Cemeteries

I stumbled onto their website about 6 months ago, while doing a Google search on an ancestor, and now I find myself strolling cemeteries on my lunch hour, photographing tombstones to contribute back to the genealogical community.

You can create a memorial even if you do not know in which cemetery your relatives are buried. You can also leave 'virtual flowers' and upload photographs and biographical information.

Originally designed to be a site where you could locate graves of the rich and famous, many researchers also use FindAGrave to enter internments from smaller, family cemeteries. I've had some success in locating photographs of tombstones in distant cemeteries. When the opportunity presents itself, I reciprocate in kind.

Check out the listings of the virtual cemeteries I've created for my branches of the family tree.

Today in my database : Edmund G. Pierce (b. April 30, 1837)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 3rd great-grandfather, Edmund G. Pierce.

Edmund was born April 30, 1837 in Wayne Co., IN., and died January 8, 1875 in Madison Co., IN. He was the son of Francis S. & Rebecca (Page) Pierce.

Edmund married Lydia P. Duell, daughter of Joshua & Abigail (Borton) Duell, on October 17, 1858 in Preble Co., OH. Lydia was born March 26, 1838 in Pilesgrove, NJ, and died September 14, 1860. There were no known children from this marriage.

Edmund married secondly to Catherine Groenendyke, daughter of Elias & Nancy (Jenkins) Groenendyke, on May 5, 1864 in Madison Co., IN. Catherine was born February 4, 1843 in Madison Co., IN, and died December 10, 1913 in Lafayette Twp., Madison Co., IN.

I descend from Edmund & Catherine (Groenendyke) Pierce, through their son, William Francis Pierce.

My Grandmas & Me

I came across this picture today on my PC and thought I'd upload it.- The photo is of my grandmothers, Ruth (Haley) LeMaster and Bonnie (Lambertson) Wright, celebrating with me when I obtained my Eagle Scout rank. The photo was taken at the First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, IN. I was a member of Troop 381, and one of the youngest, if not the youngest, Eagle Scouts the troop has ever had.

One of my favorite merit badges, was of course, Genealogy!

I remember interviewing my Grandma Wright for my merit badge - her stories about the Lambertson family are some of the oldest files in my family history.

I also remember a trip we took to Dearborn, MI with both grandmas in the car, and being the oldest grandchild, I was able to hear stories from both of them. Grandma LeMaster would tell about milk routes, and living on the farm, and Grandma Wright would tell stories about World War II.

Just missing them today....

Today in my database : Carey W. Lambertson (b. April 29, 1847)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 3rd great-grandfather, Carey W. Lambertson.

Carey was born April 29, 1847 in Butler Co., OH and died March 18, 1918 in Elwood, Madison Co., IN. He was the son of John and Sarah A. (Wilson) Lambertson. Some say that the "W." initial stood for Wilson.

Carey married Clara E. Cook on October 1, 1869 in Butler Co., OH. Clara was born November 16, 1848 in Ohio, and died January 23, 1943 in Atlanta, Hamilton Co., IN. Her death certificate lists her parents as William Cook and mother's maiden name as "Hirhager".

I descend from Carey & Clara's son, Charles Wilson Lambertson, who married Pearl May Beals.

Today in my database : Mary Heritage (b. April 28, 1666)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 9th great-grandmother, Mary Heritage.

Mary was born April 28, 1666 in Sutton, England, according to my database. She was the daughter of Richard and Mary (Timms) Heritage.

Mary married J. William Clark on September 13, 1687 in Gloucester Co., NJ. J. William was born 1656 in Gloucester, England and died in 1733. Mary died 1740 in Gloucester Co., NJ.

I descend from Mary & J. William's daughter, Mary Clark who married Nathaniel Chew.

Looking at this line, it is more than likely Quaker, and I wonder if the dates that I show are correct. Quaker dating did not use the pagan names of the months or days of the week, so this information in the database maybe incorrect.

My line of descent from Mary Heritage is as follows:

Mary Heritage & J. William Clark
Mary Clark & Nathaniel Chew
Jeffrey Chew & Amy Driver
Jesse Chew & Mary Richards
Nathaniel Chew & Sarah Springer
Nathaniel Chew & Mary West
Ezekiel Cooper Chew & Caroline Bishop Woolston
Mary Keziah Chew & Luman Walker Lemasters [my 2nd great-grandparents]

Obituary : Clara (Cook) Lambertson

Source : Noblesville (IN) Daily Ledger, January 25, 1943

MRS. CLARA LAMBERTSON DIES AT AGE OF 94

Atlanta, Ind. Jan. 25. - Word has been received here of the death Saturday of Mrs. Clara Lambertson, age 94, formerly of Elwood, at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Omer Whisler, west of Atlanta. The funeral was held Monday at the Arcadia Dunkard church with burial in the Elwood City cemetery. She is survived by two daughters, two sons, 13 grandchildren, thirty-six great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Clara was my maternal 3rd great-grandmother.

Today in my database : John Waller (b. April 27, 1567)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 13th-great grandfather, John Waller.

John was born in Rattlesden, Suffolk, England on April 27, 1567, according to my database. I have no information on his parentage. John's wife was named Jane (maiden name unknown).

I descend from John & Jane's daughter, Anne Waller, born February 8, 1560/61 in Rattlesden, Suffolk, England.

This gentleman was totally unfamiliar to me, until I pulled him up by date of birth in my database. My line of descent from this individual is as follows:

John Waller & Jane [________]
Anne Waller & Christopher Strutt
Elizabeth Strutt & Thomas Scott
Elizabeth Scott & John Spofford
Samuel Spofford & Sarah Burpbee
Thomas Spofford & Bethiah Hazeltine
Elizabeth Spofford/Stafford & Bennett Field
Bethiah Field & Seth Pierce
Gordon Pierce & Thirsa Smalley
Francis S. Pierce & Rebecca Page
Edmund G. Pierce & Catherine Groenendyke
William Francis Pierce & Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce & Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Still Scanning After All These Years

This morning I'm back to scanning to .PDF files the massive amounts of paper that I've collected over the years in doing genealogy work. When I married, my wife told me that I needed to get rid of the 5-drawer and 3-drawer filing cabinets that I had stuffed full of notes and research. I believe that I ended up with over 20 boxes of paperwork, all of which was not very organized.

To prevent data loss, I've been scanning them into files and burning CDs so that I can preserve the information for my children. Plus, it will make it easier to organize. So much of this information has not been sourced into my Family Tree Maker database, I may even hold the answer to some old family mystery right under my nose.

It is a slow process, but when completed, it will not only save storage space in my garage, but will allow me to organize & update my database. At least, that is what I am telling myself.

Are 20,010 Emails Too Many?

Perhaps. My wife would say so, but she doesn't understand my addiction to genealogy, and consequently, to genealogy mailing lists. After years of having multiple email addresses to sort out my personal email from genealogy email, I've settled on consolidating everything under one email address at Gmail.

Overall, I'm very happy with Gmail, particularly with the fact that I no longer have to worry about space and about deleting old emails. The ability to have 2718 MB of space, and the archive feature have really made this a good choice for me.

My only problem is that because I'm on so many email lists on both Rootsweb and Yahoo groups, that I do not have the time to get through all of the email in a timely manner. But that's a small price to pay to have all of that space, in my book.

Today in my database : Michael Grundbacher (b. April 25, 1642)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 8th great-grandfather, Michael Grundbacher.

Michael was from Sumiswald, Switzerland, and was born April 25, 1642, according to my database. His parents were Ulrich Grundbacher and Christena Graber. Michael's wife was Anna Brand.

I descend from Michael & Anna's daughter, Barbara Grundbacher, born November 5, 1672 Sumiswald, Switzerland.

Welcome

Welcome to my Genealogy Blog! Only time will tell if I keep up with this new phase in the life of my genealogy research, but I'm excited to be able to jot down some thoughts and hopefully meet some new cousins through this medium.

I've been working on genealogy and family history for over 20 years. I started as a young Boy Scout, and my dad had laid the groundwork for my early research. The fact that he was as history teacher inspired me to become interested in not only the history of my family, but the history of the country as well. The U.S. Civil War is probably the most interesting period to me, and I fondly remember visits to battlefields in Tennessee and Georgia as a young boy. Thanks, dad.

I've published a bit of my research on the web