Obituary: Luman Cooper LeMasters (1867-1933)

Source: The Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, February 13, 1933, page 1

WELL KNOWN FARMER DIES

Cooper LeMaster Expires Saturday Night at Home Near Salamonia

In failing health for four years and seriously ill the past four months, Cooper LeMaster, 65, died Saturday night at 8 o'clock at his farm home, one mile southeast of Salamonia.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the Salamonia Methodist church in charge of Rev. Ewart Talley, pastor.  Burial in the Salamonia cemetery.  The body was returned to the home yesterday afternoon from the Williamson Shadow Lawn funeral home where it had been taken for burial preparation.

Mr. LeMaster was born May 27, 1867, in Madison township, the son of Walker and Mary K. (Chew) LeMaster, both deceased.  He was married November 13, 1866, to Barbara Isabelle Wehrly, who died February 7, 1930.  For years he was a rural mail carrier out of the Salamonia postoffice.

Twelve children survive, they being Clarence, Chesley, Gerald and Ord of Salamonia; Bertha, wife of Russell Hercules, of Richmond; Floyd of Portland; Stanley and Freda, wife of Orville LaFollette of Akron, Ohio; Dorothy, wife of Charles Hunt of Richmond; John of Oakville, Ind.; Mary Ollie and Elvin Cooper at home.

The following brothers and sisters survive: Arthur of Portland, Mrs. Elsie Atkinson of Sidney, Ohio, Maude, wife of Senator Phillips of David City, Neb.; Edith, wife of Henry Meinholtz of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Beulah, wife of Lin Rockwell of Ft. Recovery; Dr. Ord O. and Dr. Vern LeMaster of Sidney, Ohio.  There are 29 grandchildren.  One sister and two brothers are deceased.


Comment: Luman was my paternal great-grandfather.  The surname is spelled interchangeably as LeMasters or LeMaster in the records.

Family Milestones: November 27th

My paternal great-grandaunt, Beulah Sarah LEMASTERS, married Lynn Lumas ROCKWELL on this date in 1888 in Jay County, Indiana. Beulah was the daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the older sister of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS.  Beulah was born September 9, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.  Lynn was born September 15, 1865 in Pennsylvania. They lived in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana and had 4 children.  Lynn died December 25, 1949 in Jay County, Indiana and Beulah died July 16, 1940 in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Grand View section of Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Lucinda PIERCE, married Thomas WELCH on this date in 1788.  Lucinda was the daughter of Seth and Bethia (FIELD) PIERCE, and the older sister of my Gordon PIERCE. They raised 11 children. Lucinda was born September 14, 1769.  Thomas was born February 17, 1757.  Lucinda died January 25, 1854 in Enfield, Connecticut. Thomas died March 20, 1832. Nothing further is known.

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth WARDLAW was born on this date in 1818 in Brown County, Ohio.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the younger sister of my Anna WARDLAW.  Elizabeth married John R. BOYD on February 14, 1838 in Brown County, Ohio.  Elizabeth died in Iowa.  Nothing further is known.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Ethel Mabel BEALS was born on this date in 1885 in Humboldt, Richardson County, Nebraska.  Ethel was the daughter of Nathan Thomas and Elizabeth Caroline (POE) BEALS, and the younger sister of my Pearl May BEALS.  Ethel died February 11, 1900 in Hamilton County, Indiana.

Obituary: Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley (1868-1955)

Source: The Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, April 29, 1955, page 1

Mrs. Cora B. Haley Dies On Thursday; Funeral On Sunday

Mrs. Cora Belle Haley, 86, lifelong resident of Jay County, died Thursday at 6:40 p.m. at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Clarence Stuber, in Madison Twp., following an extended illness.

The body was removed to the Baird Funeral Home, where friends may call until the hour of the service.  Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. from the Mt. Zion EUB Church, in charge of Rev. George Gocker, with interment in Mt. Zion cemetery.

Mrs. Haley was born in Wayne Twp., on Aug. 21, 1868, the daughter of Adam and Clara (Moulton) Metzner.  She was married July 21, 1888, to Eli W. Haley, who survives, with five daughters: Mrs. Clarence Stuber, with whom she made her home for the past six years; Mrs. Galen Miller, of Muncie; Mrs. E.C. Kunce, of Lawrenceville, Illinois; Mrs. Waymon Thornburg, and Mrs. Ord Lemaster, of Portland; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Two children and two brothers are deceased.  Mrs. Haley was a member of the Mt. Zion EUB church for many years.

Comment: Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley was my paternal great-grandmother.

Family Milestones: November 25th

My maternal great aunt and uncle, Harold Wayne LAMBERTSON and Martha Marie PHILLIPS, were married on this date in 1939 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Harold was the son of Clemon Beals and June Kirk (GILLILAND) LAMBERTSON, and the older brother of my grandmother Bonnie Mae LAMBERTSON.  Harold was born on September 14, 1918 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Martha was born on February 22, 1920 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.


My maternal 5th-great aunt, Frances PUTMAN, married James WATSON on this date in 1851 in Brown County, Indiana.  Frances was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (KENDRICK) PUTMAN, and the younger sister to my Mary PUTMAN.  Frances was born circa 1805.    She had previously been married to Benjamin BOTTS and Alexander CLEVELAND.  Nothing further is known.


My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Adam YOUNG, was born on this date in 1798 in Berkeley County, Virginia.  Adam was the son of Charles and Catherine Elizabeth (KINT) YOUNG, and the younger brother of my Phillip YOUNG.  Adam married Sarah CRUM in 1818 and resided in Shelby County, Ohio.  Sarah was born in 1797, the daughter of Anthony and Elizabeth (________) CRUM.  Adam died March 20, 1871 in Shelby County, Ohio and Sarah died March 1865 in Shelby County, Ohio.


My paternal 6th-great grandfather, Rev. Jesse CHEW, was born on this date in 1738 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Jesse was the son of Jeffrey and Amy (DRIVER) CHEW.  Jesse married October 21, 1760 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Mary RICHARDS.  Mary was born December 18, 1738 in New Jersey, the daughter of John and Mary (________) RICHARDS.  Jesse was a Methodist circuit rider, and a loyalist during the Revolutionary War.  Jesse died January 31, 1812 in Gloucester County, New Jersey and Mary died May 7, 1816 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: Outhouse

Here's a reminder from a bygone era - the outhouse. This photograph is from the outhouse at the home in Portland, Indiana where my father grew up at 1107 West Water Street.

Family Milestones: November 24th

My paternal granduncle, Gerald Walker LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1929 to Pearl Lovina SMITH. Gerald was born January 15, 1896 in Jay County, Indiana, and was the older brother to my Ord Wehrly LeMASTER. Pearl was born April 23, 1894 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of Samuel E. and Mary E. (BIBLER) SMITH. They lived in Penn Township, Jay County, Indiana. Gerald died May 1987 and Pearl in 1984. Both are buried at the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Charity MILLS, married on this date in 1810 to John GWIN. The Mills family were Quakers, and this date has not been verified as being in the correct format in my database. Charity birth is recorded as occurring in 1789-11mo-14d, the daughter of Aaron and Charity (MENDENHALL) MILLS. I have no information on John GWIN's parentage. The Mills family were members of the Deep River Monthly Meeting in North Carolina, and further research is needed.

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Nathan CHEW, was born on this date in 1796 in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Nathan was the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (SPRINGER) CHEW. Nathan married Sarah WARD on March 11, 1819. He died July 28, 1890. Nothing further is known.

Tombstone Tuesday: John and Catherine (Young) Metzner

My paternal 3rd-great grandparents, John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER, are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

John was born October 2, 1805 in Saxony, the son of Jasper and Hannah (REISENBURG) METZNER.

Catherine was born July 18, 1819 in France, the daughter of Nicholas and Salome (________) YOUNG.

John and Catherine were married on November 4, 1839 in Newark, Licking County, Ohio. John and his family had emigrated to the United States in 1838. I do not know when the Young family emigrated from Alsace to the United States.

John and Catherine lived out their lives in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana where John farmed. They moved there from Licking County, Ohio circa 1850.

John died on January 10, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana and Catherine followed him on June 22, 1910 in Jay County.

Children of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER are:

• John Adam METZNER (1840-1895); married Clara MOULTON; 4 children
• Henry METZNER (1842-1842)
• William F. METZNER (1844-1929); married Mary Ann HALEY; 8 children
• George W. METZNER (1847-1869); married Elizabeth ________
• Louis Napoleon METZNER (1848-1900); married Henrietta WEAVER; 4 children
• Caroline H. METZNER (1852-aft1880); married James W. HUSTON; 1 child
• Catherine E. METZNER (1853-1943); married George STOLZ; 1 child
• Wesley T. METZNER (1855-aft1930); married Mary Emma ROSER; 4 children
• Samantha E. METZNER (1857-aft1880); married James ORCUTT; 1 child
• Martha J. METZNER (1859-1861)
• Mary A. METZNER (1862-aft1920); married Harvey A. HUEY
  

Family Milestones: November 23rd

My paternal 7th-great grandparents, Jacob STICKEL and Maria SCHWARTZ, were married on this date in 1734 in Egenhausen Wuerttemberg. Jacob was baptised August 9, 1708 in Egenhausen, the son of Christoph and Anna (BRAUN) STICKEL. Maria was born November 23, 1713 in Egenhausen, the illegitimate daughter of Martin ________ and Magdalena SCHWARTZ. They emigrated to York County, Pennsylvania where they lived in Warrington Township. Further research needs to be completed to obtain their dates of death and burial information.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Johannis ANTONIDES, married on this date in 1761 to Sarah VAN DORN. Johannis was baptised June 24, 1733, the son of Johannis and Johanna (KOUWENHOVEN) ANTONIDES. Sarah's parentage is unknown. They had a family of at least 5 children. Johannis died in 1797. Nothing further is known.

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, John SUTTON, married on this date in 1807 in Harrison County, Virginia to Rachel DAVIS. John was born October 20, 1785 in New Jersey, the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (APPLEGATE) SUTTON. Rachel's parentage is unknown. They had at least one son. John died March 3, 1869 near Quincy, Logan County, Ohio. Nothing further is known.

My maternal 5th-great grandfather, Samuel WARDLAW, was born on this date in 1773 in Augusta County, Virginia. Samuel was the son of Robert and Janet (DOWNEY) WARDLAW. Samuel married before 1800 in Rockbridge County, Virginia to Elizabeth NESBIT. Elizabeth was born circa 1776 in Virginia, the daughter of Samuel and Mary (BERRY) NESBIT. They moved thier family into the Northwest Territory, settling in what was Clermont County, Ohio and later became Brown County, Ohio. Samuel died May 6, 1848 in Brown County, Ohio, and Elizabeth died after the 1850 census.

Mary Keziah (Chew) Lemasters (1847-1927)

Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS was my paternal 2nd-great grandmother.  The CHEW surname is of English origin.

The following facts about Mary's life are known:

• Birth: She was born February 13, 1847 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey, the daughter of Ezekiel Cooper and Caroline Bishop (WOOLSTON) CHEW.
• Census: 1860 - she appears in the Ezekiel Chew household in Neave Township, Darke County, Ohio.
• Marriage: She married Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr. on October 2, 1864 in Versailles, Darke County, Ohio.
• Census: 1900 - she appears in the Luman LEMASTERS household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1910 - she appears in the Luman LEMASTERS household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1920 - she appears in the Luman LEMASTERS household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana
• Death: She died February 22, 1927 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana
• Burial : She is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana
• Obituary: Her obituary appeared in The Commercial-Review of Portland, Indiana on February 22, 1927.

The following facts need further research and/or documentation to complete my research:

• Census: need to locate her in the 1850 census, should be in the Ezekiel Chew household in New Jersey or Ohio
• Census:  need to locate her in the 1870 census, should be in the Luman Lemasters household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana
• Census: need to locate her in the 1880 census, should be in the Luman Lemasters household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Death: Need to locate a copy of her death certificate from the Jay County, Indiana Health Department

Ancestry of Mary Keziah (Chew) LEMASTERS (1847-1927), Ahnentafel # 17 in my ancestry:

Ahnentafel # 34: Dr. Ezekiel Cooper CHEW (1822-1888); Gloucester Co., NJ>St. Joseph's Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 68: Rev. Nathaniel CHEW (1786-1866); Gloucester Co., NJ>Mahaska Co., IA

Ahnentafel # 136: Nathaniel CHEW (1765-1841); Gloucester Co., NJ

Ahnentafel # 272: Rev. Jesse CHEW (1738-1812); Gloucester Co., NJ

Ahnentafel # 544: Jeffrey CHEW (1714-1774); Gloucester Co., NJ

Ahnentafel # 1088: Nathanel CHEW (c1678-1731); Flushing, NY>Gloucester Co., NJ

Ahnentafel # 2176: Richard CHEW (c1655-1726); Flushing, NY>Gloucester Co., NJ

Ahnentafel # 4352: John CHEW (1616-1672); England>Flushing, NYC

Related blog posts:

• Obituary: Mary Keziah (Chew) LeMasters (1847-1927)

• Mary Keziah Chew (b. February 13, 1847) 

• Tombstone Tuesday: Luman W. & Mary K. (Chew) Lemasters

Marriage: Luman Cooper LeMasters to Barbara Isabel Wehrly

My paternal great-grandparents, Luman Cooper LEMASTERS and Barbara Isabel WEHRLY were married November 13, 1886 in Jay County, Indiana.  Notice in the record that her surname is spelled multiple ways, WEHRLEY and WHERLY.

Luman was born May 27, 1867 in Jay County, Indiana, the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS Jr.  Barbara was born March 14, 1869 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY.

They lived out their lives Salamonia, Madison Township, where Luman was a farmer and mail carrier.

Luman died February 10, 1933 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana and Barbara died February 6, 1930 in Union City, Randolph County, Indiana.  Both are buried at the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: November 22nd

My paternal granduncle, Gerald Walker LEMASTERS, married Mabel Agnes KANTER on this date in 1919 in Jay County, Indiana. Gerald was the son of Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (WEHRLY) LEMASTERS, and the older brother of my Ord Wehrly LEMASTER. Gerald was born January 15, 1896 in Jay County, Indiana. Mabel was born November 9, 1898 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of Henry and Estella (BROWN) KANTNER. Mabel died January 3, 1927 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. Gerald remarried to Pearl Lovina SMITH. Gerald died in March 1987 and is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Dialtha Adaline SWAFFORD, married John R. KING on this date in 1849 in Monroe County, Indiana. Dialtha was the daughter of Larkin and Nancy (________) SWAFFORD, and the younger sister of my Peter Kirkpatrick SWAFFORD. Dialtha was born circa 1830 in Tennesseee. John was born circa 1825 in Kentucky. They lived in Washington Township, Monroe County, Indiana through the 1870 census. Need to do more research to determine when and where they died.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Eliza Margaret KING, was born on this date in 1857 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Eliza was the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, and the older sister of my Ellen KING. Eliza married James H. DWIGGINS on August 16, 1877 in Madison County, Indiana. They had at least 3 children. Eliza died August 18, 1889 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana and is buried in the Sigler Cemetery, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Sarah Ann WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1820 in Brown County, Ohio. Sarah was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (ROBBINS) WRIGHT, and the younger sister of my John WRIGHT. Sarah married Allen HENDRIXSON on October 24, 1839 in Brown County, Ohio. Allen was born on May 4, 1817 in Fleming County, Kentucky, the son of Enoch and Nancy Ann (ROE) HENDIXSON. Sarah died February 9, 1858 in Brown County, Ohio. Allen died April 11, 1885 in Brown County, Ohio.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Hannah LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1832 in Shelby County, Ohio. Hannah was the daughter of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS, and the older sister of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS. Hannah died November 21, 1838 in Shelby County, Ohio.

Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr. (1842-1931)

Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr. was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather. His surname has been found to be spelled both LEMASTER and LEMASTERS.  His signature did not capitalize the 'm'. 

The following facts about Luman's life are known:

• Birth:He was born October 19, 1842 in Shelby County, Ohio, the son of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS Sr.
• Education: His attended the Farmers Academy in Jay County, Indiana.
  
• Military: He enlisted in Company C, 39th Indiana Infantry during the Civil War.  This unit later became the 8th Indiana Mounted Infantry.
  
• Marriage: He married Mary Keziah CHEW on October 2, 1864 at Versailles, Darke County, Ohio. 
• Discharge: He recorded his discharge from the U.S. Army dated February 22, 1864 on September 13, 1867 in Jay County, Indiana Recorder's office.
• Census: 1900 - appears as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation is listed as farmer.
• Census: 1910 - appears as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation is listed as farmer.
• Census: 1920 - appears as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation is listed as farmer.
• Death: He died November 18, 1931 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.
• Burial: He is buried in Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana
• Obituary: His obituary appears in The Commercial-Review of Portland, Indiana on November 18, 1931.
• Church Affiliation: He was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church.

The following facts need further research and/or documentation to complete my research:

• Census: Need to locate him in the 1850 census, should be in the household of Luman Walker LEMASTERS, probably Shelby County, Ohio.
• Census: Need to locate him in the 1860 census, should be in the household of Luman Walker LEMASTERS, probably Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: Need to locate him in the 1870 census, should be head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: Need to locate him in the 1880 census, should be head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: Need to locate him in the 1930 census, should be head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Will: Need to document if he had filed a will in Jay County, Indiana.

Ancestry of Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr. (1842-1931), Ahnentafel # 16 in my ancestry:


Ahnentafel # 32: Luman Walker LEMASTERS Sr. (1808-1888); Mason Co., VA>Jay County, IN


Ahnentafel # 64: Jacob LEMASTERS (1770-1852); Pennsylvania>Shelby Co., OH


Ahnentafel # 128: Jacob LEMASTER (bef1734-aft1775); Charles Co., MD>Frederick Co., MD


Ahnentafel # 256: Isaac LEMASTER (c1695-aft1771); Charles Co., MD>Prince George's Co., MD


Ahnentafel # 512: Richard LEMASTER (c1668-aft1735); St. Mary's Co., MD>Charles Co., MD


Ahnentafel # 1024: Abraham LEMASTER (1636/39-1722); Isle of Jersey>Charles Co., MD


Related blog posts:

•  Obituary: Luman Walker LeMasters Jr. (1842-1931)

•  Photograph of Luman Walker LeMasters Jr. (1842-1931)

• Today in my database: Luman Walker LeMasters Jr.

• Overreaching government restricts access to records

• Tombstone Tuesday: Luman W. & Mary K. (Chew) LeMasters

 

Giving Thanks

November is the month of Thanksgiving, but I'm thankful all year long for those who have helped me this past year with my family history research.  As recently featured in a Saturday Night Genealogy Fun post, the genealogy community has been good to me this year.

As I was going through some older emails in my inbox, I realized that I should have mentioned Sandy Freeman in my post.  Sandy had written and given me updates on my KING family lines in Madison County, Indiana and had shared data on missing branches in the family.  Sandy helped me earn my genealogy merit badge back in the day when I was a Boy Scout, and has continued to correspond with me off and on over the years.   

I continue to be thankful to all who have contributed to my knowledge of family over the years and hope that I can be blessing to others as well.

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun: Who Is Your MRUA?

Randy Seaver over at Genea-Musings has issued another Saturday Night Genealogy Fun challenge: Who is your MRUA - your Most Recent Unknown Ancestor?  Have you looked at your research files recently for this unknown person?  What offline or online sources might you search to help you identify your MRUA?

Here's mine:

Number 15 on my Anhnentafel is June Kirk DAVIS.  I do not know who her father was, but I do know that her mother was Ida DAVIS. Here is a brief outline of what I do know about her parents:

June was born June 11, 1898 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  Her birth certificate lists here parents as Atkinson and Ida Davis.  I have found no record of an Atkinson Davis.  I had been told by my grandmother that her mother (June) was an orphan.  June was orphaned when her mother, Ida died August 2, 1900 in Clay Township, Owen County, Indiana.  June was raised by her maternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Mary (SWAFFORD) GILLILAND and her second husband Robert F. GILLILAND.  Both June and her sister took the GILLILAND surname.  June was using the GILLILAND surname when she married Clemon Beals LAMBERTSON on June 28, 1917 in Monroe County, Indiana.  June and Clemon raised their family in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana, where June died on March 20, 1951.  

Speculation in the family has been that June was illegitimate.  At the time of June's birth, Ida was divorced from her husband, Samuel G. HANCOCK, whom she had married in 1892.  I have found a record in the 1900 census for Ida D. HANCOCK, living at the "Door of Hope", apparently a shelter, in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  June had an older sister, Pansy, who was born December 11, 1894.  I do not know if Pansy and June shared the same father.

June's mother, Ida, remarried on July 19, 1900 in Monroe County, Indiana to Carrie A. MORRIS.  Ida died on August 2, 1900 in Clay Township, Owen County, Indiana of tuberculosis.

A collection of photographs given to me by a cousin showed a mysterious Frank Fletcher, who may be June's father.  The image does bare a resemblance to some of my great-uncles.  I have previously found records of Frank Fletcher in nearby Green County, Indiana in the 1900-1920 census.  Frank Fletcher is mentioned as Pansy's father in her obituary, which states that Pansy was born in Monroe County, Indiana.


I have previously written a post about June Davis here.  I have been unable to locate her in the 1900 census, but did locate her sister Pansy, living with her grandparents in Clay Township, Owen County, Indiana.


If any has any research ideas, I would love to hear them!

Weekly Genealogy Blogging Prompt # 46: Obituaries

Amy Coffin at We Tree has given us another genealogy prompt.  Week # 46: Comment on obituaries in your collection.  Obits come in all shapes and sizes. Share some of the standouts with readers.

I truly enjoy collecting and reading the obituaries of my ancestors and relatives because they add flesh and bones to the places and dates.  Recently, I have focused on trying to be sure that I've collected obits from my direct line of ancestors in as many different papers as possible.  I've found that the small town papers give the best obituaries in terms of character of my ancestors, probably because they have more space and in smaller locales people were more likely to be well-known by their neighbors.

My recent favorite: The obituary of my great-grandmother, Barbara Isabel LeMASTER, which corrected the errors in my database regarding her place of death.  While I had previously believed she had died in Jay County, Indiana, the words leapt out from the page as I read:

"Mrs. Barbara I. Lemaster, wife of L.C. Lemaster, of east of Salamonia, died at 4:25 o'clock Thursday evening at the hospital at Union City." 

Union City was in nearby Randolph County, Indiana, giving me a new avenue to research.

One of the shortest: The obituary of my paternal 3rd-great grandfather,  Dr. Ezekiel Cooper CHEW, in the South Bend Weekly Tribune of September 1, 1888:

 "Mr. Chew, west of town, died on the 27th ins., of dropsy, with which he had suffered for a long time.  The funeral was held at the Christian church on the 29th, Rev. B. McDermott officiating.  The remains were buried in the cemetery north of town."

 Dr. Chew had been married three times, outlived two wives, fathered 16 children, graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and practiced in two states.  Yet he just rated three lines.

One of the saddest:  The obituary of Mildred WRIGHT, in the September 13, 1903 Anderson Daily Herald:

"Alex. Sept.12 - Mildred Wright, aged 2 years and 6 months, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wright, residing two miles north of the city, died this morning at 2 o'clock of diphtheria.  Private funeral services at the home tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock."

 I could not imagine the heartbreak that these parents, and those of any parent who has lost a child, went through.

Misinformation, embellishment, or fabrication?:  The obituary of my maternal 3rd-great grandfather, Carey Wilson LAMBERTSON, in the March 18, 1918 Elwood Call-Leader:

"Mr. Lambertson was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 29, 1846, and was the son of John and Sarah Wilson Lambertson.  He was a first cousin of President Wilson."

I've found no connection between President Woodrow Wilson and our Wilson family.  Was this an embellishment by the paper, or perhaps a story my ancestor told, and/or believed?

Obituaries do come in all shapes and sizes, and some are more truthful than others.  All are clues and pieces to this puzzle that we call genealogy.

 

 

 

Family Milestones: November 21st

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Isaac LEMASTERS, married Hannah Elizabeth COLEMAN on this date in 1821 in Shelby County, Ohio. Isaac was the son of Jacob and Hanna (________) LEMASTERS, and the older brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS. Isaac was born December 18, 1795 in Virginia. Hannah was born April 17, 1807 in Warren County, Ohio, the daughter of Phillip and Ann (KELLY) COLEMAN. Isaac died about January 11, 1841 in Allen County, Ohio, and Hannah later remarried to John B. LOCKHART. Hannah died May 7, 1892 in Union Township, Auglaize County, Ohio.

My paternal great-grandaunt, Rachel Emma Pernina HALEY, was born on this date in 1869 in Medina County, Ohio. Rachel was the daughter of George Washington and Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY, and the younger sister of my Eli Weldon HALEY. Rachel married William Benton HAMLIN on July 11, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana. Nothing further is known.

Surname Saturday: Cummings

The CUMMINGS surname is Eileen's paternal line.  The surname is likely of Irish orgins, although I've not been able to trace it beyond Alabama.  The surname has been found to be spelled any number of ways in the records, including: COMINGS, CUMMINS, CROMEANS, etc.


Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 32: ________ CROMEANS/CUMMINGS  An unknown father whose surname is either spelled CROMEANS or CUMMINGS was the father of: James, Jacob, Abner, Spencer, Josiah, D.R. as well as potential others who settled in Tennessee and Alabama. 

Ahnentafel # 16: Spencer CUMMINGS (c1812-aft1861). Spencer was born circa 1812 in North Carolina and married Gincy ________ before 1832, probably in Walker County, Alabama.  Spencer was enumerated in the 1850 census of Hancock County, Alabama and was a farmer.  Believed to have died sometime during the Civil War, as his widow later moved to Wayne County, Tennessee.  Gincy died after 1880 in Wayne County, Tennessee. They had 10 children.


Ahnentafel # 8: Wyatt CUMMINGS (1841-1890).  Wyatt was born February 13, 1841 in Walker County, Alabama and married Margaret HENSON.  Wyatt was a minister and farmer and served in the Union Army during the Civil War with Company H, 2nd Regiment, Tennessee Mounted Infantry.  After they war they lived in Wayne County, Tennessee.  Wyatt died August 22, 1890 in Colbert County, Alabama.  Margaret died December 28, 1915 in Dyer County, Tennessee.  They had 13 children.

Related blog posts:

•  Cummings Family Lineage 
  

Obituary: William P. Wehrly (1845-1909)

Source: The Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, Wednesday, June 16, 1909, page 1.

PROMINENT MEN CALLED

Death Lays His Icy Hand on Two Well Known Citizens of This County

W.P. WEHRLY AND DANIEL WILT

Progressive and Leading Residents of Salamonia and Redkey Many Years.

W.P. Wehrly, one the oldest residents of Salamonia, and one of the best known men in Jay county, died at his home Wednesday morning at 7:05, of stomach trouble.  For several years, he has been a sufferer, but his condition became critical but a few days ago.  Until but a few days before his death, he was able to be out of the house.  Hemorhages were the immediate cause of his death.

William P. Wehrly was born in Preble county, Ohio, November 3, 1845, being the son of John S. and Barbara Wehrly.  He was a lad of but nine years of age, when his parents moved to Madison township, where practically all his life was spent.  When less than 18 years of age, he enlisted as a member of Company I, 130th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which, in the Army of the Cumberland, he participated in many of the important battles of the Civil War.  He was with Sherman on his march to the sea.  Following the close of the war and the grand review in Washington he returned to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he was assigned to guard duty for a time, before being finally discharged at Indianapolis, in September, 1865.  In 1866, he was married to Miss Olive Smith.  To their union 15 children were born, of whom eleven, 6 boys and 5 girls, are still living, as follows: Martin, now in the U.S. navy, Henry, of Woodburn, Allen county; William H., at Portland; Blaine, Hartford City; Alva, of Salamonia; Harvey, at New Castle; Kate, wife of A.H. Andrews, of Hamilton, Ohio; Prudence, wife of Delbert Jackson, of Portland; Ida, wife of Ed Scholer, of New Castle; Ethel, wife of William Shreeves, four miles east of Portland; Barbara, wife of Cooper LeMasters, of near Salamonia.  Two sons, Benjamin F. and Garfield, are dead.  In 1876, he purchased the sawmill, in Salamonia, which he managed for several years.  To his enterprise and manifestation of public spirit, is due more than one-third of the present buildings of the town, many of them being built under his personal supervision.  For many years he was treasurer of the school board of the town and otherwise took a lively interest in its affairs.  He was a member of the Christian church, where he always attended services whenever his health permitted.

The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church at Salamamonia.  Interment will be in the Salamonia cemetery.


Comment: William P. Wehrly was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.

Family Milestones: November 20th

My paternal 5th-great grandfather, Michael JACOBS, was born on this date in 1772, probably in York County, Pennsylvania. Michael was the son of Johan Michel and Maria Catherine (CHERDRON) JACOBS. Michael married Margaret ________ before 1794, and fathered 8 children. Margaret was born October 23, 1769 and died February 23, 1864. Michael died January 23, 1846 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania and is buried in the Bender Burial Ground.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Barbara Helen HALEY, was born on this date in 1835 in Goshen County, Ohio. Barbara was the daughter of George J. and Rachel (GARY) HALEY, and the older sister of my George Washington HALEY. Barbara married Christian EASTERDAY on April 25, 1853 in Marion County, Ohio. Christian was born February 1831 in Ohio. Barbara died March 28, 1908 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rachel HAINES, was born on this date in 1779 in Burlington County, New Jersey. Rachel was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES. Rachel married Japeth BISHOP on April 12, 1840 in Burlington County, New Jersey. Japeth was born September 18, 1870 in Burlington County, New Jersey and died July 18, 1825 in Burlington County, New Jersey. Rachel died October 31, 1849 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Joel PHILBRICK, married Carrie E. BROWN on this date in 1855. Joel was the son of Joel and Sally (FOX) PHILBRICK, and the older brother of my Emeline PHILBRICK. Joel was born May 29, 1813, probably in Ohio. Carrie was born July 31, 1824. Nothing further is known about the family.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Margaret KIMMER, was born on this date in 1807. Margaret was the daughter of Nicholas and Sarah (FAYLER) KIMMER, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth KIMMER. Nothing further is known about her.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Sarah PIERCE, was born on this date in 1767. Sarah was the daughter of Seth and Bethiah (FIELD) PIERCE, and the older sister of my Gordon PIERCE. Sarah married Royal STORRS. Nothing further is known about the family.

Marriage: John Adam Metzner to Clara Moulton

From my visit to the Jay County, Indiana clerk's office, I obtained this copy of the marriage license of my paternal 2nd-great grandparents, John Adam METZNER and Clara MOULTON.  Their marriage occurred November 13, 1864 in Jay County, although the return is not dated!

John Adam was born August 23, 1840 in Licking County, Ohio, the son of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER.  Clara was born September 1843 in Licking County, Ohio, the daughter of Albert and Emeline (PHILBRICK) MOULTON.

John Adam was a Civil War soldier in Company G, 40th Ohio Infantry and later the 51st Ohio.  He must have been home on furlough when they were married.

John Adam died December 4, 1895 in Westchester, Jay County, Indiana and Clara died July 2, 1899 in Westchester, Jay County.  Both are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.