Some people really go 'all out' when they do their Christmas decorations, particularly in the realm of outside decorations. Others prefer the minimalist approach. I'm somewhere in the middle.
I wonder what my ancestors would think about all of the excessive lights and plastic lawn ornaments. They probably would think that we were being wasteful of electricity.
Growing up, my parents had quite a collection of outside Christmas ornaments - everything from Santa and the reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Nativity scenes, etc. My dad would really enjoy setting up the outside displays. Some of these ornaments have now migrated to my house and my brother and sister's house. Still today, the grandkids love to come and see all of the decorations that my parents have put outside in their yard.
One lawn ornament, Frosty the Snowman, has migrated to my house. Apparently, when I was a youngster, I cried and cried when Frosty melted after watching the cartoon TV special. In an attempt to pacify me, my parents bought a plastic yard ornament of Frosty so they could show my young eyes that Frosty didn't really melt away. Now, as an adult, Frosty has a home with me.
This year, I only have a minimum of outside decorations - some lights on the bushes, and a Frosty the Snowman. My neighbor, however, is going for the Clark Griswald award, and lights up the entire neighborhood. My wife doesn't want me to get involved in a competition, but deep in my heart, I'm plotting how I can do better next year and beat him.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Obituary: John Adam Metzner (1840-1895)
Source: The Daily Commercial, Portland, Indiana, December 5, 1895, page 1.
J. A. METZNER DEAD
A Well Known Farmer
Finally Succumbs to Disease - Has Long Been a Resident and was a Soldier
At 7 o'clock last evening, the news of the death of Adam Metzner, at his home in the north-east corner of Wayne township, reached this city. Mr. Metzner has been ill for some time, and for the last day or two his death was almost momentarily expected.
Undertaker J.L. Baird was at once summoned to take charge of the remains, but no date for the interment has been fixed.
Mr. Metzner was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1840, and is of German descent, his father being born in that country; his mother was a native of France. He came to Jay county in 1850.
He was a gallant soldier during the rebellion, enlisting in August 1861 in company G, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, and serving until the close of the war. He veteranized in 1863, at which time his regiment was consolidated with the Fifty-first Ohio, his command being attached to the Army of the Cumberland. With his regiment he fought on many a bloody battlefield, including Stone River, Chickamauga and the battles of the Atlanta campaign. He was severely wounded in the right arm at Burnt Hickory, just before the close of the Atlanta campaign. He returned to his regiment at Nashville, Tenn., from there went to Texas, and was mustered out at Victoria, November, 1865.
Mr. Metzner has resided on his present farm since returning from the war.
He has always been classed among the best citizens of the county, and his record both as a soldier and citizen is an honorable one.
Comment: John Adam METZNER was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.
J. A. METZNER DEAD
A Well Known Farmer
Finally Succumbs to Disease - Has Long Been a Resident and was a Soldier
At 7 o'clock last evening, the news of the death of Adam Metzner, at his home in the north-east corner of Wayne township, reached this city. Mr. Metzner has been ill for some time, and for the last day or two his death was almost momentarily expected.
Undertaker J.L. Baird was at once summoned to take charge of the remains, but no date for the interment has been fixed.
Mr. Metzner was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1840, and is of German descent, his father being born in that country; his mother was a native of France. He came to Jay county in 1850.
He was a gallant soldier during the rebellion, enlisting in August 1861 in company G, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, and serving until the close of the war. He veteranized in 1863, at which time his regiment was consolidated with the Fifty-first Ohio, his command being attached to the Army of the Cumberland. With his regiment he fought on many a bloody battlefield, including Stone River, Chickamauga and the battles of the Atlanta campaign. He was severely wounded in the right arm at Burnt Hickory, just before the close of the Atlanta campaign. He returned to his regiment at Nashville, Tenn., from there went to Texas, and was mustered out at Victoria, November, 1865.
Mr. Metzner has resided on his present farm since returning from the war.
He has always been classed among the best citizens of the county, and his record both as a soldier and citizen is an honorable one.
Comment: John Adam METZNER was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Family Milestones: December 4th
My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, David KING, was born on this date in 1854 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. David was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, and the older brother of my Ellen KING. David married Litha Ann Trumilis D'Amsel MAY, daughter of Michael and Julie (CAWTHORN) MAY on July 26, 1876 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Litha was born June 1856 in Indiana. They lived in Pipe Creek and Monroe Townships of Madison County, Indiana where David farmed and operated a grain elevator. David died November 1, 1914 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Litha remarried to John PERCIFUL and died September 1954 in Madison County, Indiana.
My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Lydia MAXSON, was born on this date in 1799 in Harrison County, Virginia. Lydia was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Prudence MAXSON. Lydia married on May 22, 1817 to Jacob BABCOCK, son of Thomas and Martha (DAVIS) BABCOCK. Jacob was born April 25, 1797 in Salem, Harrison County, Virginia. They had at least one son. Jacob died January 2, 1835. Lydia remarried to Caleb AYERS. Lydia died September 22, 1871 in Rock County, Wisconsin.
My paternal great-uncle, Vernon Walker LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1888 in Jay County, Indiana. Vernon was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS. Vernon married June 30, 1917 to Helene GARMHAUSEN. His was a physician and served in World War I. They had 2 children. Vernon died March 17, 1955. Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.
My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Lydia MAXSON, was born on this date in 1799 in Harrison County, Virginia. Lydia was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Prudence MAXSON. Lydia married on May 22, 1817 to Jacob BABCOCK, son of Thomas and Martha (DAVIS) BABCOCK. Jacob was born April 25, 1797 in Salem, Harrison County, Virginia. They had at least one son. Jacob died January 2, 1835. Lydia remarried to Caleb AYERS. Lydia died September 22, 1871 in Rock County, Wisconsin.
My paternal great-uncle, Vernon Walker LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1888 in Jay County, Indiana. Vernon was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS. Vernon married June 30, 1917 to Helene GARMHAUSEN. His was a physician and served in World War I. They had 2 children. Vernon died March 17, 1955. Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.
Advent Calendar - December 4 - Christmas Cards
The mail begins to trickle in this time of year with Christmas Cards, and already this year we've received a couple. Our cards will be adding to the postal service economy here shortly.
We always seem to get a variety of cards and letters at Christmas time. Some folks take the time to write out a long letter, but most are just the traditional greetings with a message of love. We try to keep our address book up to date, as there is always someone among our friends or family who seems to have moved within the year.
In the past, there have been times where we've displayed the cards in the tree or across the doorway, etc. Some in my family have made small Christmas gift boxes out of the old cards from previous years. Others have placed them in the Christmas tree itself. Personally, I like to see who uses the same cards as others to see who shares a similar taste.
Our Christmas cards typically express a Christian message - one small way to share the gospel. Some of the cards we receive share this faith, others are filled with snowmen, Santa or other winter scene. Occasionally, a friend will send one of those picture cards, showing us how much their children or their pets have grown.
I do not have any Christmas cards of my ancestors, nor do I typically save the cards from year to year unless they are being recycled into a giftbox. Other than saving new addresses for the address books, the cards usually end up in the trash.
Christmas cards are a good way to stay in touch with loved ones that we don't get to see as often as we would like.
We always seem to get a variety of cards and letters at Christmas time. Some folks take the time to write out a long letter, but most are just the traditional greetings with a message of love. We try to keep our address book up to date, as there is always someone among our friends or family who seems to have moved within the year.
In the past, there have been times where we've displayed the cards in the tree or across the doorway, etc. Some in my family have made small Christmas gift boxes out of the old cards from previous years. Others have placed them in the Christmas tree itself. Personally, I like to see who uses the same cards as others to see who shares a similar taste.
Our Christmas cards typically express a Christian message - one small way to share the gospel. Some of the cards we receive share this faith, others are filled with snowmen, Santa or other winter scene. Occasionally, a friend will send one of those picture cards, showing us how much their children or their pets have grown.
I do not have any Christmas cards of my ancestors, nor do I typically save the cards from year to year unless they are being recycled into a giftbox. Other than saving new addresses for the address books, the cards usually end up in the trash.
Christmas cards are a good way to stay in touch with loved ones that we don't get to see as often as we would like.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Marriage: William P. Wehrly to Olive Jane Smith
My paternal 2nd-great grandparents, William P. WEHRLY and Olive Jane SMITH were married on August 4, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana. Notice in the record that William is shown with a middle initial of 'S.'; that was the middle initial used by his father. Also, the spelling of the surname is WHERLEY in this record.
William was born November 2, 1845 in Preble County, Ohio, the son of Johannes "John S." and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY. Olive was born June 23, 1846 in Cass County, Michigan, the daughter of William P. and Prudence (MAXSON) SMITH.
They lived out their lives in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, where William was a farmer, sawmiller and mortician. They had 13 children.
William died June 16, 1909 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana. Olive died January 6, 1913 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.
Advent Calendar - December 3 - Christmas Tree Ornaments
Our family likes Christmas ornaments. We have all types from homemade ones made by the kids to store bought ones with sentimental attachments. We definitely have the silly ones, like the Indianapolis Colts one I'm holding in the above photo, to the "Our First Christmas", etc.
My folks like to buy ornaments every year for the grandkids that reflect a period in their lives : an instrument, a sports team, etc. I have my John Deere ornament and Tony Stewart's car for our tree.
The kids have made ornaments at school and church that we still have in the collection. We've also gone to the Walkway of Lights in Marion and purchased handcrafted ones as well. We have a bit of an eclectic mix of ornaments to choose from when we put up the tree.
Sometimes when the ornaments are past their prime, it is hard to say goodbye to them. Perhaps that is just the pack rat in me.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Family Milestones: December 2nd
My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Joseph CHEW, married on this date in 1799 in Frederick County, Virginia to Elizabeth THOMAS. Joseph was the son of Major James and Mary (CALDWELL) CHEW, and the older brother of my Andrew CHEW. Joseph was born December 19, 1765 in Virginia. Elizabeth was born June 9, 1772, probably in Pike County, Virginia, the daughter of Sampson THOMAS. They raised a family of 10 children. Joseph died March 12, 1848 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio, and Elizabeth died September 11, 1843 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio.
Advent Calendar - December 2 - Holiday Foods
I can remember as a kid waking up mom & dad to let them know that Santa had been there. Once everyone was up, we were tortured into eating breakfast before opening our presents! Just kidding! I'm sure the bacon and eggs, and the coffee for mom and dad, helped make the morning go smoother as we ripped into our presents. Believe me, we ate breakfast at a lightning pace!
Our family pretty much had all of the traditional holiday foods for Christmas dinner - everything from ham to turkey, plenty of pies, even cranberry sauce (yuck!). Honestly, I probably don't pay enough attention to what is being served - if you fix it, I can eat it.
One particular holiday tradition that I remember growing up involved special "Santa" mugs filled with lime-green holiday punch. My grandma Wright started this tradition, I believe, and my mom still has this punch every year. The kids really enjoy it :
Our family pretty much had all of the traditional holiday foods for Christmas dinner - everything from ham to turkey, plenty of pies, even cranberry sauce (yuck!). Honestly, I probably don't pay enough attention to what is being served - if you fix it, I can eat it.
One particular holiday tradition that I remember growing up involved special "Santa" mugs filled with lime-green holiday punch. My grandma Wright started this tradition, I believe, and my mom still has this punch every year. The kids really enjoy it :
Christmas Punch
Makes 36 servings
2 cups sugar 6 cups water
3 packages lemon-lime koolaide 2 liters lemon-lime soda
3 cups pineapple-grapefruit juice* 1 quart lime sherbet
1/3 cup lemon juice
About 2 hours before serving, stir half of the lime sherbet in punch bowl to soften. Mix sugar, koolaide, juices and water together in large pitcher. Stir until sugar is dissolved. (This could be done ahead of time and chilled). Blend into the sherbet that is in the punch bowl. Scoop remaining sherbet on top. Carefully pour in 7-Up or any lemon-lime carbonated beverage.
*If pineapple-grapefruit juice is not available, mix 1 1/2 cups of pineapple juice and 1 1/2 cups of grapefruit juice.
** Freeze 7-Up ice cubes with drained marschino cherries in the middle for color.
(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: LeMaster home - Portland, Indiana
These photos are from the house on West Water Street in Portland, Indiana that my father grew up in and that I remember from a boy visiting my grandmother. The first one is dated 1947.
This photo shows a winter view. From the type of film used, it was probably taken sometime in the late 1970s.
The final photo appears as I remember the house in the 1980s.
Genealogy Research Journal - December 2, 2009
Updated my database today with information I received from a correspondant regarding a collateral COOK family line. Janet Cook Hart saw my database at Worldconnect and gave me corrections and additions to connect James S. COOK b. 1803 Guilford County, North Carolina into the main branches of the Quaker COOKS already in my database. Turns out James is a 3rd cousin 6 times removed from me, but a descendant of Peter COOK and Elinor NORMAN.
Looking at the data reminds me that I have far to go to correct and document the correct Quaker dating in my records.
Looking at the data reminds me that I have far to go to correct and document the correct Quaker dating in my records.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Family Milestones: December 1st
My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Henry WARDLAW, married on this date in 1836 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary L. PURDUM. Henry was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the older brother of my Anna. Henry was born May 12, 1812 in Brown County, Ohio. Mary was born circa 1817 in Ohio. They lived out their lives in Brown County, Ohio, where Henry was a farmer. Henry died April 1, 1886 in Brown County, Ohio. They had a family of 7 children.
My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Susannah CHEW, married on this date in 1756 to Savil WILSON. Susannah was the daughter of Jeffrey and Amy (DRIVER) CHEW, and the older sister of my Jesse CHEW. Susannah was born in 1735 in Gloucester County, New Jersey. She died in 1789, probably in Gloucester County. Nothing further is known at this time.
My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Judith PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1788. Judith was the daughter of Deacon John and Sally (JEWETT) PHILBRICK, and the younger sister of my Joel PHILBRICK. Judith died in October 1782. Nothing further is known at this time.
My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Sarah Wilson LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1835 in Warren County, New Jersey. Sarah was the daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older sister of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON. Sarah married on February 22, 1855 in Butler County, Ohio to John W. LYST. John was born February 14, 1831 in Fayette County, Ohio, the son of John W. and Nancy Agnes (________) LYST. They moved their family to Madison County, Indiana and had 10 children. Sarah died in 1881 in Madison County, Indiana and is buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Indiana.
My maternal grandfather, William Lee WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1919 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana. William was the son of Virgil Lee and Edna Muriel (PIERCE) WRIGHT. William married on June 7, 1941 in Madison County, Indiana to Bonnie Mae LAMBERTSON, the daughter of Clemon Beals and June Kirk (DAVIS) LAMBERTSON. Bonnie was born February 18, 1924 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana. William died July 9, 1973 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.
My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Susannah CHEW, married on this date in 1756 to Savil WILSON. Susannah was the daughter of Jeffrey and Amy (DRIVER) CHEW, and the older sister of my Jesse CHEW. Susannah was born in 1735 in Gloucester County, New Jersey. She died in 1789, probably in Gloucester County. Nothing further is known at this time.
My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Judith PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1788. Judith was the daughter of Deacon John and Sally (JEWETT) PHILBRICK, and the younger sister of my Joel PHILBRICK. Judith died in October 1782. Nothing further is known at this time.
My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Sarah Wilson LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1835 in Warren County, New Jersey. Sarah was the daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older sister of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON. Sarah married on February 22, 1855 in Butler County, Ohio to John W. LYST. John was born February 14, 1831 in Fayette County, Ohio, the son of John W. and Nancy Agnes (________) LYST. They moved their family to Madison County, Indiana and had 10 children. Sarah died in 1881 in Madison County, Indiana and is buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Indiana.
My maternal grandfather, William Lee WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1919 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana. William was the son of Virgil Lee and Edna Muriel (PIERCE) WRIGHT. William married on June 7, 1941 in Madison County, Indiana to Bonnie Mae LAMBERTSON, the daughter of Clemon Beals and June Kirk (DAVIS) LAMBERTSON. Bonnie was born February 18, 1924 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana. William died July 9, 1973 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.
Tombstone Tuesday: John William and Ellen (King) Wright
My maternal 2nd-great grandparents, John William and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT, are buried in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.
John William was born February 21, 1860 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of Joseph W. and Rebecca (HEATON) WRIGHT.
Ellen was born August 24, 1888 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING.
John and Ellen were married on May 13, 1888 in Madison County, Indiana. They lived out their lives on the family farm in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.
Children of John and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT were:
- unnamed WRIGHT; the 1900 census lists Ellen as the mother of 3 children with 2 living
- Virgil Lee WRIGHT (1894-1972); married Edna Muriel PIERCE; 3 children
- Chester Arthur "Mike" WRIGHT (1896-1955); married Erma Violet HAYES: 1 child
- unnamed WRIGHT; the 1910 census lists Ellen as the mother of 4 children with 3 living
Advent Calendar - December 1 - Christmas Tree
Growing up, our family usually had an artificial Christmas tree, although I do remember the time when we tried to have a live tree. I believe that the mess and the cleanup it caused was the reason that we were back to an artificial tree the next year.
As an adult, in my family we've always had the artificial tree at Christmas. Starting out in my married life, I even used a tree or two that was 'recycled', ie. it had belonged to my grandparents or parents. Talk about a tree that had seen a better day. Those trees looked a bit like the old Charlie Brown tree by the time I was done with them.
Traditionally, we would put up our Christmas tree after Thanksgiving, though not necessarily right after the turkey was put away. Mother's birthday was in early December, and as I recall, the times the tree went up seemed to be closely tied to her birthday.
My brother, sister and I would help mom and dad put up the tree and decorations, and that is a tradition that continues at our house today. Somehow it seems better to make the tree decorating a family project.
As an adult, in my family we've always had the artificial tree at Christmas. Starting out in my married life, I even used a tree or two that was 'recycled', ie. it had belonged to my grandparents or parents. Talk about a tree that had seen a better day. Those trees looked a bit like the old Charlie Brown tree by the time I was done with them.
Traditionally, we would put up our Christmas tree after Thanksgiving, though not necessarily right after the turkey was put away. Mother's birthday was in early December, and as I recall, the times the tree went up seemed to be closely tied to her birthday.
My brother, sister and I would help mom and dad put up the tree and decorations, and that is a tradition that continues at our house today. Somehow it seems better to make the tree decorating a family project.
Christmas Tree, 2003 model
Monday, November 30, 2009
Family Milestones: November 30th
My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Jeremiah PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1783. Jeremiah was the son of Deacon John and Sally (JEWETT) PHILBRICK, and the younger brother of my Joel PHILBRICK. Jeremiah married ________ EVANS. Jeremiah died October 20, 1842. Nothing further is known of his family at this time.
My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Sarah KIMMER, was born on this date in 1799. Sarah was the daughter of Nicholas and Sarah (FAYLER) KIMMER, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth KIMMER. Nothing further is known at this time.
My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Seth PIERCE, was born on this date in 1716 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Seth was the son of Samuel and Abigail (JOHNSON) PIERCE. Seth married on November 10, 1743 to Elizabeth NYE, daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (NEWCOMB) NYE. Elizabeth was born December 14, 1720 and died May 14, 1749 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut. Seth died on December 5, 1794. They had at least 4 children.
My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Sarah KIMMER, was born on this date in 1799. Sarah was the daughter of Nicholas and Sarah (FAYLER) KIMMER, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth KIMMER. Nothing further is known at this time.
My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Seth PIERCE, was born on this date in 1716 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Seth was the son of Samuel and Abigail (JOHNSON) PIERCE. Seth married on November 10, 1743 to Elizabeth NYE, daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (NEWCOMB) NYE. Elizabeth was born December 14, 1720 and died May 14, 1749 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut. Seth died on December 5, 1794. They had at least 4 children.
Chester Arthur Wright : World War I Draft Registration
Thanks to the folks at Ancestry.com, I now have a copy of the World War I Draft registration cards for my maternal great-granduncle, Chester Arthur WRIGHT. Known by his nickname of "Mike", he was the brother of my great-grandfather, Virgil Lee WRIGHT.
Mike was born October 18, 1896 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana. He was a farmer in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana. He was married twice. His first marriage was March 5, 1920 in Madison County, Indiana to Erma Violet HAYES, daughter of John and Cora (REASON) HAYES. They had one daughter, Vivian June WRIGHT. Their marriage ended in divorce. Mike remarried in 1939 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana to Mayme LAWSON. Mike died June 20, 1955 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.
At the time of World War I, Mike was living with his father, John William WRIGHT. In the 1920 census, he was still living at home, listed as a 23 year old single farmer.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Family Milestones: November 29th
My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Susanna HALEY, married on this date in 1862 in Morrow County, Ohio to Alfred HALDERMAN. Susanna was the daughter of George J. and Rachel (GARY) HALEY, and the younger sister of my George Washington HALEY. Susanna was born circa 1843 in Ohio, and Alfred was born circa 1844 in Ohio. They were living in 1870 in Huron Township, Erie County, Ohio. Nothing further is known.
My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth MAXSON, married on this date to Jonathan WELLS. Elizabeth was the daughter of Joseph and Tacy (BURDICK) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Joseph MAXSON. Nothing further is known.
My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Thomas Hagerman GROENENDYKE, married on this date in 1827 in Fayette County, Indiana to Nancy MOFFETT. Thomas was the son of James and Johannah (ANTONIDES) GROENENDYKE, and the older brother of my Elias GROENENDYKE. Thomas was born January 18, 1808 in New Jersey. Nancy was born July 1, 1811. After their marriage they lived in Fayette, Delaware and Wayne Counties, Indiana. Thomas died September 24, 1875. Nancy died May 7, 1894. They had 3 children.
My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth MAXSON, married on this date to Jonathan WELLS. Elizabeth was the daughter of Joseph and Tacy (BURDICK) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Joseph MAXSON. Nothing further is known.
My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Thomas Hagerman GROENENDYKE, married on this date in 1827 in Fayette County, Indiana to Nancy MOFFETT. Thomas was the son of James and Johannah (ANTONIDES) GROENENDYKE, and the older brother of my Elias GROENENDYKE. Thomas was born January 18, 1808 in New Jersey. Nancy was born July 1, 1811. After their marriage they lived in Fayette, Delaware and Wayne Counties, Indiana. Thomas died September 24, 1875. Nancy died May 7, 1894. They had 3 children.
Genealogy is Like Love
Genealogy is like love - it is nothing until you give it away.
The reason for this blog, for doing genealogy in general, is to share with others. Whether they are family members, future generations or as of yet unknown cousins, I want to be able to share and learn from my family history. As a rule, the genealogical community shares my beliefs that family information is best shared and not hoarded.
Which is why I was pleased this Thanksgiving weekend to be able to help, in some small part, in spreading the love of genealogy. Thanks to Facebook, I was contacted by a gentleman who had found one of my posts on the particular family and contacted me. While he was not related to this family, he had been helping a friend trace their family and had come up against a brick wall, and wanted to know if I could help. Sharing my phone number, we soon were chatting over the phone and I was able to fill in some blanks, and later sent emails with the missing information for his friend.
The reason this friend was having so much difficulty in getting beyond her grandfather was due to a change in the family surname. This slight change in the surname occurred shortly after a family scandal involving a murder/suicide. As most family scandals go, this one was a pretty big one. When I was first told of the murder/suicide by another researcher several years ago, that particular researcher advised that the facts of the murder/suicide were unknown in the current generation and unspoken by earlier generations. Mind you, this event took place in 1896! Over 100 years later, and there were still those who would want to "hide" the truth in order to "protect" someone. Just who they would be protecting was not clear.
In all my years of researching my family, I have found several of these "scandals" in the family. Many that would have been scandalous in their time are simply ho-hum today. The facts are stubborn things, particularly in a genealogy. No matter how unpleasant, we have a duty to record the facts as they occurred. If someone reads my blog and wants to judge me for the supposed failings of my ancestors, there is nothing I can do about it. Besides, the divorces, suicides, arrests, etc. are what make the newspapers. Without these sensational stories, what would the genealogist have to report about?
Funny thing is, non-genealogists who gather at family reunions, etc. want to know about the famous and infamous ancestors and the interesting facts about their lives. The ancestor who always paid his taxes, loved his family and worked hard all his life, yet left few records gets a short shrift to the ne'er-do-well relative who is in and out of jail, married four times and dies in a bar room brawl. People are people, and our ancestors were no different. To try to sugar coat the truth and protect the innocent of today from the embarrassing actions of someone you share DNA with that occurred over 100 years ago seems an exercise in futility to me.
I am no more responsible for the actions or lack of actions of my ancestors than I am for my next door neighbor.
Share those family stories and facts so that the truth is not lost to future generations, no matter how unpleasant. Besides, the dead cannot be embarrassed, only the living.
The reason for this blog, for doing genealogy in general, is to share with others. Whether they are family members, future generations or as of yet unknown cousins, I want to be able to share and learn from my family history. As a rule, the genealogical community shares my beliefs that family information is best shared and not hoarded.
Which is why I was pleased this Thanksgiving weekend to be able to help, in some small part, in spreading the love of genealogy. Thanks to Facebook, I was contacted by a gentleman who had found one of my posts on the particular family and contacted me. While he was not related to this family, he had been helping a friend trace their family and had come up against a brick wall, and wanted to know if I could help. Sharing my phone number, we soon were chatting over the phone and I was able to fill in some blanks, and later sent emails with the missing information for his friend.
The reason this friend was having so much difficulty in getting beyond her grandfather was due to a change in the family surname. This slight change in the surname occurred shortly after a family scandal involving a murder/suicide. As most family scandals go, this one was a pretty big one. When I was first told of the murder/suicide by another researcher several years ago, that particular researcher advised that the facts of the murder/suicide were unknown in the current generation and unspoken by earlier generations. Mind you, this event took place in 1896! Over 100 years later, and there were still those who would want to "hide" the truth in order to "protect" someone. Just who they would be protecting was not clear.
In all my years of researching my family, I have found several of these "scandals" in the family. Many that would have been scandalous in their time are simply ho-hum today. The facts are stubborn things, particularly in a genealogy. No matter how unpleasant, we have a duty to record the facts as they occurred. If someone reads my blog and wants to judge me for the supposed failings of my ancestors, there is nothing I can do about it. Besides, the divorces, suicides, arrests, etc. are what make the newspapers. Without these sensational stories, what would the genealogist have to report about?
Funny thing is, non-genealogists who gather at family reunions, etc. want to know about the famous and infamous ancestors and the interesting facts about their lives. The ancestor who always paid his taxes, loved his family and worked hard all his life, yet left few records gets a short shrift to the ne'er-do-well relative who is in and out of jail, married four times and dies in a bar room brawl. People are people, and our ancestors were no different. To try to sugar coat the truth and protect the innocent of today from the embarrassing actions of someone you share DNA with that occurred over 100 years ago seems an exercise in futility to me.
I am no more responsible for the actions or lack of actions of my ancestors than I am for my next door neighbor.
Share those family stories and facts so that the truth is not lost to future generations, no matter how unpleasant. Besides, the dead cannot be embarrassed, only the living.
Marriage: Galen Miller to Mary Annettie Haley
My paternal greataunt, Mary Annettie HALEY and Galen H. MILLER were married on August 23, 1917 in Jay County, Indiana.
Mary was born August 23, 1895 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY. Galen was born November 11, 1894 in Jay County, Indiana, the son of George and Marietta (HEARN) MILLER.
Galen was a farmer and grocer in New Corydon, Portland and Muncie. He died July 6, 1973 in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana. Mary died December 4, 1987. Both are buried in the Elm Ridge Cemetery, Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Family Milestones: November 28th
My paternal great-granduncle, Blaine Pearl WEHRLY, married on this date in 1909 to Ermina Gladys ASHCRAFT in Jay County, Indiana. Blaine was the son of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY. Blaine was born August 31, 1884 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana. Ermina was born March 5, 1889 in Wabash Township, Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of William Stevenson and Blanche Bertha (LEWIS) ASHCRAFT. In 1930 census they were living in Portland, Jay County, Indiana. Need further research after 1930.
My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Magdalena ERB, married on this date in 1780 to David BRICKER. Magdalena was the daughter of Jacob and Magdalena (SCHWARTZ) ERB, and the older sister of my Barbara ERB. I do not know if she was born in Switzerland or in Pennsylvania. Magdalena and David had at least 5 children, but nothing further is known.
My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, John Stevens LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1881 to Sarah I. WILSON in Jay County, Indiana. John was the son of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr. John was born April 22, 1855 in Jay County, Indiana. Sarah was born September 1859 in Indiana. They raised a family in St. Paul, Howard County, Nebraska. I have nothing further on them past the 1920 census.
My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Mary S. LAMBERTSON, married on this date in 1863 to Samuel SNIVELY in Butler County, Ohio. Mary was the daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older sister of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON. Mary was born December 25, 1840 in Franklin County, Indiana. Samuel was born August 1842 in Ohio. After their marriage they resided Butler County, Ohio and Madison County, Indiana. Further research needs to be done to determine their dates of death.
My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Samuel HEATON, was born on this date in 1681 in Wrentham, Massachusetts. Samuel was the son of Nathaniel HEATON. He married December 10, 1706 in Wrentham, Massachusetts to Susan HAWES. They had at least 9 children. Samuel died between 1735 and 1737.
My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Magdalena ERB, married on this date in 1780 to David BRICKER. Magdalena was the daughter of Jacob and Magdalena (SCHWARTZ) ERB, and the older sister of my Barbara ERB. I do not know if she was born in Switzerland or in Pennsylvania. Magdalena and David had at least 5 children, but nothing further is known.
My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, John Stevens LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1881 to Sarah I. WILSON in Jay County, Indiana. John was the son of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr. John was born April 22, 1855 in Jay County, Indiana. Sarah was born September 1859 in Indiana. They raised a family in St. Paul, Howard County, Nebraska. I have nothing further on them past the 1920 census.
My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Mary S. LAMBERTSON, married on this date in 1863 to Samuel SNIVELY in Butler County, Ohio. Mary was the daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older sister of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON. Mary was born December 25, 1840 in Franklin County, Indiana. Samuel was born August 1842 in Ohio. After their marriage they resided Butler County, Ohio and Madison County, Indiana. Further research needs to be done to determine their dates of death.
My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Samuel HEATON, was born on this date in 1681 in Wrentham, Massachusetts. Samuel was the son of Nathaniel HEATON. He married December 10, 1706 in Wrentham, Massachusetts to Susan HAWES. They had at least 9 children. Samuel died between 1735 and 1737.
Surname Saturday: Pefley
The PEFLEY surname is Eileen's maternal line. The surname has Swiss origins and is spelled a number of ways, a common variant is PEFFLEY.
Stories and History:
Ahnentafel # 384: Nicholas PEFFLEY (c1700-c1748), the immigrant. Nicholas was born circa 1700 in Palatine and emigrated to Pennsylvania. Nicholas was married to Barbara BARN. They had 5 children together. Nicholas died circa 1748 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Ahnentafel # 192: Jacob PEFLEY (c1724-c1778). Jacob was born circa 1724 in Germany and emigrated to Pennsylvania. Jacob was married to Esther ________. They had 5 children together. Jacob died circa 1778 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Ahnentafel # 96: Henry PEFLEY (c1770-1842). Henry was born circa 1770 in Bethel Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Henry married Susannah BORNDRAGAR. Susannah was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Andrew and Susannah (________) BORNDRAGAR. They had 10 children and lived in Botetourt and Roanoke County, Virginia. Henry died in 1842 in Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia.
Ahnentafel # 48: Solomon PEFLEY (1798-1879). Solomon was born January 10, 1798 in Botetourt County, Virginia. Solomon married Frances ROOF before 1823 in Botetourt County, Virginia. They had 7 children. Frances was born in Botetourt County, Virginia and died 1840 in Preble County, Ohio. Solomon remarried after 1840 to Hannah HOOVER. They moved to Wabash County, Indiana, where Solomon died June 9, 1879.
Ahnentafel # 24: Thomas Jefferson PEFLEY (1840-1935). Thomas was born May 24, 1840 in Eaton, Preble County, Ohio. Thomas married September 17, 1863 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana to Ruth Anne DUFFEY, daughter of Daniel and Susanna (FREESE) DUFFEY. Ruth was born November 17, 1847 in Hocking County, Ohio. They had 3 children. Thomas was a veteran of the Civil War. Thomas died February 9, 1935 in Dana, Jackson County, Indiana. Ruth died January 9, 1942 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.
Ahnentafel # 12: Albert Duffey PEFLEY (1867-1964). Albert was born January 12, 1867 in Wabash County, Indiana. Albert married October 9, 1898 in Culver, Marshall County, Indiana to Sarah May PEEPLES, daughter of George and Katherine (McMILLEN) PEEPLES. Sarah was born May 3, 1870 in Maxinkuckee, Marshall County, Indiana. They had 4 children. Albert died April 20, 1964 in Wabash, Wabash County, Indiana. Sarah died April 3, 1932 in Argos, Marshall County, Indiana.
Related blog posts:
Stories and History:
Ahnentafel # 384: Nicholas PEFFLEY (c1700-c1748), the immigrant. Nicholas was born circa 1700 in Palatine and emigrated to Pennsylvania. Nicholas was married to Barbara BARN. They had 5 children together. Nicholas died circa 1748 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Ahnentafel # 192: Jacob PEFLEY (c1724-c1778). Jacob was born circa 1724 in Germany and emigrated to Pennsylvania. Jacob was married to Esther ________. They had 5 children together. Jacob died circa 1778 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Ahnentafel # 96: Henry PEFLEY (c1770-1842). Henry was born circa 1770 in Bethel Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Henry married Susannah BORNDRAGAR. Susannah was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Andrew and Susannah (________) BORNDRAGAR. They had 10 children and lived in Botetourt and Roanoke County, Virginia. Henry died in 1842 in Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia.
Ahnentafel # 48: Solomon PEFLEY (1798-1879). Solomon was born January 10, 1798 in Botetourt County, Virginia. Solomon married Frances ROOF before 1823 in Botetourt County, Virginia. They had 7 children. Frances was born in Botetourt County, Virginia and died 1840 in Preble County, Ohio. Solomon remarried after 1840 to Hannah HOOVER. They moved to Wabash County, Indiana, where Solomon died June 9, 1879.
Ahnentafel # 24: Thomas Jefferson PEFLEY (1840-1935). Thomas was born May 24, 1840 in Eaton, Preble County, Ohio. Thomas married September 17, 1863 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana to Ruth Anne DUFFEY, daughter of Daniel and Susanna (FREESE) DUFFEY. Ruth was born November 17, 1847 in Hocking County, Ohio. They had 3 children. Thomas was a veteran of the Civil War. Thomas died February 9, 1935 in Dana, Jackson County, Indiana. Ruth died January 9, 1942 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.
Ahnentafel # 12: Albert Duffey PEFLEY (1867-1964). Albert was born January 12, 1867 in Wabash County, Indiana. Albert married October 9, 1898 in Culver, Marshall County, Indiana to Sarah May PEEPLES, daughter of George and Katherine (McMILLEN) PEEPLES. Sarah was born May 3, 1870 in Maxinkuckee, Marshall County, Indiana. They had 4 children. Albert died April 20, 1964 in Wabash, Wabash County, Indiana. Sarah died April 3, 1932 in Argos, Marshall County, Indiana.
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