Jay County Courthouse - Portland, IN (1918)

Pictured on this black and white postcard postmarked September 12, 1918 is the Jay County courthouse in Portland, Indiana.

Transcription of the postcard from Portland, Indiana:

Dear Mother & all - This is Thursday morn.  Rec'd your card yesterday.  We had quite a rain last night.  Mary & Mildred were here yesterday she canned six cans of grapes and made quart of jelly.  I have four cans. Guess I will not can any more untill next week.  They will be more ripe.  I haven't washed ____ it has been rainy.  I will be thinking a lot of Vera to-day.  We're all well, From Nora.

The recipient, Mrs. Clarence STUBER, was my maternal grandaunt, Vera Delphene (HALEY) STUBER.  Vera was the daughter of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY, and the older sister of my grandmother, Ruth Pauline HALEY.  Vera married Clarence Leroy STUBER on February 14, 1915 in Jay County, Indiana. 


The author, Nora, is Vera's sister, Clara Elnora HALEY.  Nora was born October 31, 1900 in Jay County, Indiana.  The Mary mentioned was another sister, Mary Annettie HALEY, born August 23, 1895 in Jay County, Indiana.  Mary was married to Galen H. MILLER on August 23, 1917.  Mildred was their daughter.


This postcard places Vera and Clarence STUBER in Spencerville, Ohio in 1918.  What I do not know is whether or not Vera's parents, Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY were living in Ohio at the time.  From the way the postcard is addressed, it would appear so.  Most records I have show them in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, including the 1920 census.


This post was written for A Festival of Postcards, 6th edition.

Family Milestones: December 19th

My paternal great-grandaunt, Ethel May WEHRLY, was married on this date in 1906 to William SHREEVE.  Ethel was the daughter of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger sister of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  I do not have dates of birth or death for William.   Ethel died April 12, 1951.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Arana "Rainey" WARDLOW, was born on this date in 1806 in Ohio.  Arana was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the older brother of my Anna WARDLOW.  Arana married on February 12, 1852 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary DENNIS.  Mary was born circa 1815 in Kentucky.  Arana was a farmer in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.  Arana died July 11, 1884 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further is know at this time.


My paternal 6th-great granduncle, Johannes SCHERCH, was born on this date in 1706 in Sumiswald, Canton Bern, Switzerland.  Johannes was the son of Ulrich and Barbara (GRUNDBACHER) SCHURCH, and the younger brother of my Ulrich SCHERCH.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Joseph CHEW, was born on this date in 1765 in Virginia.  Joseph was the son of Major James and Mary (CALDWELL) CHEW, and the older brother of my Andrew CHEW.  Joseph married December 2, 1799 in Frederick County, Virginia to Elizabeth THOMAS, the daughter of Sampson THOMAS.  Elizabeth was born June 9, 1772 probably in Pike County, Virginia.  They had 10 children.  Elizabeth died September 11, 1843 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio.  Joseph died March 12, 1848 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio.

Family Milestones: December 18th

My maternal 7th-great grandparents, Bennett FIELD and Elizabeth SPOFFORD, were married on this date in 1734 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.  Bennett was the son of John and Mary (BENNETT) FIELD.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Thomas and Bethiah (HAZELTINE) SPOFFORD.  Bennett was born December 13, 1709 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.  Elizabeth was born April 19, 1715 in Boxford, Essex County, Massachusetts.  They had at least 2 children.  Bennett died April 6, 1770 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Elizabeth died November 20, 1772 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, William C. MILLS, married on this date in 1839 to Rebecca HADLEY.  William was the son of Henry and Hannah (WOODWARD) MILLS, and the older brother of my Hannah MILLS.  William was born 1816-5mo-8d and died July 21, 1899.  Nothing further is known at this date.

My paternal great-granduncle, Alva Monroe WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1878 in Jay County, Indiana.  Alva was the son of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  Alva married October 1, 1901 to Emma C. YAEGER.  Emma was born April 1, 1882 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  They had 4 children.  Emma died December 8, 1964 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  Alva died March 8, 1952 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Isaac LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1795 in Virginia.  Isaac was the son of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS, and the older brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS.  Isaac married on November 21, 1821 in Shelby County, Ohio to Hannah Elizabeth COLEMAN.  Hannah was the daughter of Phillip and Ann (KELLY) COLEMAN.  Hannah was born April 17, 1807 in Warren County, Ohio.  Isaac died about January 11, 1841 in Allen County, Ohio.  Hannah died May 7, 1892 in Auglaize County, Ohio.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Mary JACOBS, was born on this date in 1819 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  Mary was the daughter of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS, and the older sister of my Susan JACOBS.  Mary died August 27, 1820 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.

My paternal 6th-great grandmother, Mary RICHARDS, was born on this date in 1738 in New Jersey.  Mary was the daughter of John and Mary (________) RICHARDS.  Mary married October 21, 1760 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jesse CHEW, son of Jeffrey and Amy (DRIVER) CHEW.  Jesse was born November 25, 1738 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  They had 7 children.  Jesse died January 31, 1812.  Mary died May 7, 1816 in New Jersey.

Family Milestones: December 17th

My paternal 6th-great grandfather, Robert HAINES, was born on this date in 1741 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Robert was the son of Jeremiah and Hannah (BONNELL) HAINES.  Robert married May 17, 1766 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Rachel VENICOMB, daughter of Francis and Rachel (LIPPINCOTT) VENICOMB.  Rachel was born circa 1742.  They had 10 children.  Rachel died March 30, 1817 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Robert died June 21, 1821 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

Tax Records: Ezekiel Cooper CHEW: 1863-1864

I located these interesting tax records at Ancestry.com for Ezekiel Cooper CHEW for the time periods of May & June 1863 and January 1864.   In these, his occupation is listed variously as physician or attorney.  While I knew he was a physician, this was the first source that I've found to document that he also practiced law.  

I had been told that Ezekiel practiced as an attorney before.  His photograph hangs at the Plymouth Historical Society in Plymouth, Indiana, and supposedly there is mention of his work there.  With this source listing him in Jay County as an attorney, I now have another avenue to research on my next visit to their courthouse.

Ezekiel Cooper CHEW used his initials E.C. CHEW in records.  He was born January 17, 1822 in Gloucester County, New Jersey; graduated from Jefferson College of Philadelphia, lived in Montgomery County, Ohio in the 1850 census and Darke County, Ohio in the 1860 census.  By 1870 and the 1880 census he was back in Darke County, Ohio.  He practiced medicine in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  When he retired, his son, William Anderson CHEW, took over the practice.  Ezekiel died August 27, 1888 in St. Joseph's County, Indiana.

 

 

Tombstone Tuesday: Daniel and Elizabeth (Shaw) King

My maternal 3rd-great grandparents, Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, are buried in the Howard Cemetery, Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Daniel was born September 3, 1820 in Ohio, the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING.

Elizabeth was born October 1827 in Ohio, the daughter of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW.

Daniel and Elizabeth were married on December 5, 1847 in Madison County, Indiana. Daniel was a farmer, and they lived out their lives in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Daniel died on February 24, 1876 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Elizabeth remarried to William H. COCHRAN. Elizabeth died on October 10, 1900 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana

Children of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING were:

• Mary Jane KING (1849-1935); married Leroy YOUNG; 3 children
• Henrietta KING (1851-1851)
• Arvilla Samantha KING (1852-aft1860)
• David KING (1854-1914); married Litha Ann MAY; 6 children
• Eliza Margaret KING (1857-1889); married James H. DWIGGINS; 3 children
• Suman Douglas KING (1861-1950); married Amanda FOX; 10 children
• Sarah Ann KING (1864-bef1870)
• James Alfred KING (1865-1933); married Ella LOWERY; 3 children; married Rosie DILL; 4 children
• Ellen KING (1868-1913); married John William WRIGHT: 4 children
• Benjamin Zellen KING (1871-1956); married Elizabeth Ann SCHELL; 6 children
  

Family Milestones: December 14th

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, John LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1828 in Washington County, Pennsylvania to Mary H. BAKER.  John was the son of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS, and the older brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS.  John was born September 24, 1804 in Mason County, Virginia.  Mary was born July 30, 1808 in Pennsylvania.  They had 10 children.  Mary died in Wayne County, Ohio.  John died March 25, 1866 in Starr City, Pulaski County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Elisabeth PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1735 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire.  Elisabeth was the daughter of John and Judith (SANBORN) PHILBRICK, and the older sister of my John PHILBRICK.  Elizabeth married Isaac TOWLE and they had at least 4 children.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 7th-great grandmother, Elizabeth NYE, was born on this date in 1720.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (NEWCOMB) NYE.  Elizabeth married November 10, 1743 to Seth PIERCE, son of Samuel and Abigail (JOHNSON) PIERCE.  Seth was born November 30, 1716 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  They had at least 4 children.  Seth died December 5, 1794.  Elizabeth died May 14, 1749 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.


My paternal 3rd-great grandfather, George J. HALEY, was born on this date in 1814 in Basel, Switzerland.  George emigrated with his parents when a small boy and they settled in Fairfield County, Ohio.  George married January 1, 1835 in Hardin County, Ohio to Rachel H. GARY.  Rachel was born March 25, 1816 in Fairfield County, Ohio.  They had 10 children. George was a minister in the Evangelical Association and he lived in Fairfield, Marion, Morrow and Erie Counties of Ohio. Rachel died November 25, 1897 in Erie County, Ohio.  George died February 27, 1888 in Huron Township, Erie County, Ohio. Both are buried in the Scotts Cemtery, Huron Township, Erie County, Ohio.

Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly (1846-1913)

Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY was my paternal 2nd-great grandmother.  With a surname of SMITH, tracing this line will be interesting, to say the least.

The following facts about Olive's life are known:

• Birth: She was born June 23, 1846 in Cass County, Michigan, the daughter of William P. and Prudence (MAXSON) SMITH.
• Census: 1860 - she appears in the William SMITH household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Marriage: She married William P. WEHRLY on June 9, 1860 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1870 - she appears in the William P. WERLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1900 - she appears in the William P. WEHRLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Death: She died January 6, 1913 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.
• Burial: She is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

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 William SMITH household in Cass County, Michigan
• Census: need to locate her in the 1880 census, should be in the William WEHRLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: need to locate her in the 1910 census, should be in the William WEHRLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.

Ancestry of Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY (1846-1913), Ahnentafel # 19 in my ancestry:

Ahnentafel # 38: William P. SMITH (1815-1894); Clark Co., OH>Jay Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 76: Jacob SMITH (c1792-1866); New Jersey>Hardin Co., IA

Related blog posts:

• Marriage: William P. WEHRLY to Olive Jane SMITH  

• Tombstone Tuesday: William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY 

Family Milestones: December 13th

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Isaac MENDENHALL, married on this date in 1826 in Guilford County, North Carolina to Elizabeth GRIFFITH.  Isaac was the son of Mordecai and Charity (BEESON) MENDENHALL, and the younger brother of my Charity MENDENHALL.  Elizabeth was the daughter of James and Hannah (KENYON) GRIFFITH.  I do not have her birth and death dates.  Isaac was born 1756-8mo-10d in New Garden MM, Guilford County, North Carolina.  Issac died 1833-8mo-1d in Springfield MM, Guilford County, North Carolina.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Catherine WEHRLY, married on this date in 1857 to John B. BUCHER.  Catherine was the daughter of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older sister of my William P. WEHRLY. John was the son of Nicholas and Catherine (PETRY) BUCHER.  John was born May 28, 1836 in Maryland.  Catherine was born October 6, 1836 in Preble County, Ohio.  They lived in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  Catherine died June 21, 1881.

My matneral 4th-great granduncle, John GROENENDYKE, married on this date in 1826 in Fayette County, Indiana to Elizabeth SMELSER.   John was the son of James and Joannah (ANTONIDES) GROENENDYKE, and the older brother of my Elias GROENENDYKE.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (SMELSER) SMELSER.  John was born October 18, 1802 in New Jersey.  Elizabeth was born November 30, 1807 in Kentucky.  They raised 6 children in Fayette County, Indiana.  Elizabeth died December 15, 1888.  John died January 19, 1886.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Bennett FIELD, was born on this date in 1709 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.  Bennett was the son of John and Mary (BENNETT) FIELD.  Bennett married December 18, 1734 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts to Elizabeth SPOFFORD, daughter of Thomas and Bethiah (HAZELTINE) SPOFFORD.  Elizabeth was born April 19, 1775 in Boxford, Essex County, Massachusetts.  They had at least 2 children.  Elizabeth died November 20, 1772 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Bennett died April 6, 1770 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.

My paternal 6th-great grandmother, Cyllania WOOLSTON, was born on this date in 1728.  Cyllania was the daughter of John and Sarah (POWELL) WOOLSTON.  Cyllania married December 25, 1749 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey to Samuel WOOLSTON, son of Samuel and Susanna (BUDD) WOOLSTON.  Samuel was born Aprl 18, 1719 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They had 5 children.  Samuel died August 4, 1773.  Cyllania died December 30, 1772 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Jacob WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1820 in York County, Pennsylvania.  Jacob was the son of Heinrich and Christina (SAUBEL) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Johannes WEHRLY.  Jacob married April 1, 1841 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio to Rebecca HAWK, daughter of John HAWK.  Rebecca was born August 11, 1820 in Carroll County, Ohio.  They had at least 3 children.  Nothing further known at this time.

William P. Wehrly (1845-1909)

William P. WEHRLY was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.  The WEHRLY name is believed to be of Swiss origins, and has been found spelled as WEHRLEY, WHERLEY, WHERLY, etc.

The following facts about William's life are known:

• Birth: He was born November 2, 1845 in Preble County, Ohio, the son of Johannes "John S." and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY.
• Census: 1860 - he appears in the John S. WHORLEY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Military: He served in Company I, 130th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers during the Civil War.
• Marriage: He married Olive Jane SMITH on August 4, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1870 - he appears as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation is listed as farmer.
• Census: 1900 - he appears as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation is listed as sawmiller.
• Death: He died June 16, 1909 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.
• Burial: He is buried in Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.
• Obituary: His obituary appeared in the Portland Commercial-Review on June 16, 1909.

 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 John S. WEHRLY household, either in Preble County, Ohio or Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: need to locate him in the 1880 census, should be head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Death: Need to locate a copy of his death certificate from the Jay County, Indiana Health Department.

Ancestry of William P. WEHRLY (1845-1909), Ahnentafel # 18 in my ancestry:


Ahnentafel # 36: Johannes 'John S.' WEHRLY (1802-1876); York Co., PA>Jay Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 72: Heinrich 'Henry' WEHRLY (c1776-1846); York Co., PA>Tuscarawas Co., OH.


Related blog posts:

• Marriage: William P. Wehrly to Olive Jane Smith  

• Obituary: William P. Wehrly (1845-1909)

• Tombstone Tuesday: William P. and Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly 

• Today in my database: William P. Wehrly (b. November 2, 1845) 

Family Milestones: December 12th

My paternal 7th-great grandmother, Rebecca WARNER, was born on this date in 1715.  Rebecca was the daughter of Ebenezer and Martha (GILPIN) WARNER.  Rebecca married December 23, 1735 to Moses HURLBUT, the son of Joseph and Mary (CASTLE) HURLBUT.  Moses was born August 26, 1714 in Woodbury, Connecticut.  They had at least 5 children.  Moses died August 3, 1763 in Roxbury, Connecticut.  Rebecca died June 5, 1797.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Susannah WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1824 in Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio.  Susannah was the daughter of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older sister of my William P. WEHRLY.  Susannah married February 12, 1844 to Charles PETRY, son of Jacob and Magdalena (MILLER) PETRY.  Charles was born January 27, 1822 in York County, Pennsylvania.  They raised a family of 8 children in Jay County, Indiana.  Charles died March 28, 1893 in Jay County, Indiana.  Susannah died June 23, 1910 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.

Surname Saturday: Lewis

The LEWIS surname appears in Eileen's maternal line. The line stretches back into Canada just after the time of the American Revolution, but it's ultimate origins have not been discovered.  Quite possible that the family was American with Loyalist ties.


Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 48: Nathaniel LEWIS (1791-1830).  Nathaniel was born July 13, 1791 in Canada.  He married Nancy Ann SNYDER. Nancy was born August 31, 1794 in Colchester Township, Essex County, Ontario.  They moved to Montgomery County, Ohio before 1820 and Wayne County, Indiana before 1830.  Nathaniel died October 20, 1830 in Hagerstown, Wayne County, Indiana and Nancy died October 17, 1830 in Hagerstown, Wayne County, Indiana.  Both are buried in Ulrich Baptist Cemetery, Hagerstown, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 24: Solomon LEWIS (1820-1895).  Solomon was born January 9, 1820 in Montgomery County, Ohio.  Solomon married Margaret RINEHART on January 31, 1841 in Henry County, Indiana.  Margaret was born July 6, 1822 in Henry County, Indiana.  Solomon was a farmer and they raised their family in Huntington County, Indiana.  Solomon died December 18, 1895 in Lancaster, Huntington County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 12: Jacob LEWIS (1847-1898).  Jacob was born January 17, 1847 in Huntington County, Indiana.  Jacob married first to Laura GROFF on March 30, 1871 in Huntington County, Indiana.  After her death, Jacob married Marietta COOK on November 28, 1878 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Marietta was born April 6, 1855 in Grant County, Indiana.  Jacob died April 22, 1898 in Lancaster, Huntington County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 6: Lawrence Solomon LEWIS (1885-1947).  Lawrence was born March 30, 1885 in Lancaster, Huntington County, Indiana.  Lawrence married Ruth Alice SILLS on February 24, 1906 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  Ruth was born March 29, 1889 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana. They had 12 children in Wabash County, Indiana.  Lawrence died June 26, 1947 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.


Related blog posts:

• Jacob Lewis Household: Huntington Co., IN 

• Solomon Lewis Household: Huntington Co., IN

• Marietta Lewis Household: Huntington Co., IN 

• Lawrence S. Lewis Household: Wabash Co., IN 

Family Milestones: December 11th

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Martha DAVIS, married on this date in 1740 to Nathan ROGERS.  Martha was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS, and the younger sister of my Thomas William DAVIS.  Nathan was the son of Jonathan ROGERS.  Martha was born August 14, 1761.  Nathan was born May 6, 1718.  They had a family of 7 children.  Nathan died June 30, 1806.  Martha died April 1, 1756.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal great-grandaunt, Pansy GILLILAND, married on this date in 1912 in Monroe County, Indiana to Peter W. DECKER.  Pansy was the daughter of Ida DAVIS, and the older sister to my June GILLILAND.  Peter was the son of William Roscoe and Amanda (ROLLINS) DECKER.  Pansy was born December 11, 1894 in Ellettsville, Monroe County, Indiana.  Peter was born March 13, 1890 in Indiana.  They lived in Monroe and Montgomery Counties, Indiana and had 5 children.   Peter died in 1947.  Pansy remarried to Raymond TIMM.  Pansy died January 26, 1968 in Monticello, White County, Indiana.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Samuel MILLIKAN, was born on this date in 1742 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  This date may not have been correctly entered from the Quaker style.  Samuel was the son of William and Jane (WHITE) MILLIKAN.  Samuel married 6mo-10dy-1767 in New Garden MM, Guilford County, North Carolina to Ann BALDWIN, daughter of William and Elizabeth (SMITH) BALDWIN.  Ann was born May 18, 1750.  They had 10 children.  Samuel died November 3, 1817 in Randolph County, North Carolina.

Marriage: Thomas Groendyke to Hettie Ballard

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Thomas GROENENDYKE, married his second wife,  Hettie BALLARD on December 20, 1899 in Madison County, Indiana.  The license records the surname as GROENDYKE.  

Thomas was born October 2, 1852 near Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the son of Elias and Nancy (JENKINS) GROENENDYKE.  His first wife, Emily SMITH, had died in 1895.  Hettie BALLARD was born March 1865 in Indiana.  I do not know who her parents were at this time.  She was previously married to J.U. THOMAS.


Thomas died November 25, 1944 in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not know where Hettie died.  The last record I have for her is the 1920 census.  They were living in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: December 10th

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Albert Orlando PIERCE, married on this date in 1863 in Wayne County, Indiana to Elizabeth Williams PIKE.  Albert was the son of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (WILLIAMS) PIKE.  Albert was born June 2, 1839 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Elizabeth was born circa 1844 in Indiana.  They lived in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana and Clay Township, Wayne County, Indiana.  They had 5 children.   Elizabeth died on March 25, 1883 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Albert remarried to Sarah S. WILSON.  Albert died in 1920.

My paternal 4th-great grandfather, Rev. Nathaniel CHEW, married on this date in 1848 in Iowa to Nancy MOSIER.  The marriage probably took place in Mahaska County, Iowa.   I do not have birth and death information for Nancy.  Nathaniel was born November 10, 1786 in Gloucester County, New Jersey, the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (SPRINGER) CHEW.  Nathaniel died January 24, 1866 in Mahaska County, Iowa.

My maternal 7th-great grandparents, Samuel HEATON and Susan HAWES, were married on this date in 1706 in Wrentham, Massachusetts.  Samuel was the son of Nathaniel HEATON.  Susan was the daughter of John and Sarah (DEERING) HAWES.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Susan. They had 9 children.  Samuel was born November 28, 1761 in Wrentham, Massachusetts.  Samuel died between 1735 and 1737.

Marriage: Joseph Wright to Dorothy Palmer

My maternal 3rd-great grandfather, Joseph WRIGHT and his second wife, Dorothy PALMER, were married on April 11, 1891 in Madison County, Indiana.  The marriage license has her name spelled as Dortha PARMER, but other sources, including an obituary, have her surname as PALMER.

Joseph was born April 1838 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (WARDLOW) WRIGHT.  His first wife, Rebecca HEATON, had died in 1890.  Dorothy was born either June 1837 in Pennsylvania (per census) or June 27, 1847 in Parkersburg, WV (per obituary), the daughter of George and Mary (________) PALMER.  Joseph died September 16, 1919 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Dorothy died March 4, 1926 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

According to her obituary, Dorothy had moved to Ohio as a young girl with her parents.  At the time of her death, two sisters lived in Brown County, Ohio, where Joseph was originally from.  It is possible that they may have known each other back in Ohio.

Family Milestones: December 9th

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Cornelius SUTTON, married on this date in 1806 in Warren County, Ohio to Judith BABCOCK.  Cornelius was the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (APPLEGATE) SUTTON, and the younger brother of my Sarah SUTTON.  Cornelius was born June 20, 1780 in New Jersey.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Judith.  Cornelius died August 30, 1859 in Jackson Township, Randolph County, Indiana.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: December 1969

These photographs were in an album owned by my father, and they show members of the extended family in December 1969.  Someone must have had a G.I. Joe Christmas that year, and everyone seems to be getting into the act.

The photo above is of my cousin, Jim Coats, giving the 'victory' sign.  I believe that all of these photographs were taken at Grandma LeMaster's house in Portland, Indiana.  

My cousin, Donna Coats, Jim's sister, was into the act, although not as involved as the others.  This chair must have been the popular spot for photos that year.

 

Cousin Rick Steigerwalt looks decked out and ready for for war, with a smile on his face.  I wonder what is in the package beside him?

Rick's brother, Mark Steigerwalt, is ready to launch a grenade onto the unsuspecting Christmas revelers.

 

Not sure if uncle Vic LeMaster is surrendering or on a suicide mission, but Sgt. York he isn't.

Looking back 40 years at these photographs, I find it interesting the toys that must have been popular, at least in my family, at the time.  This was during the height of the Vietnam War, and I wonder today how many kids will have military items under their tree this year. 

 

Family Milestones: December 8th

My paternal 6th-great grandparents, Thomas William DAVIS and Tacy CRANDALL, were married on this date in 1737 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Thomas was the son of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS.  Tacy was the daughter of John and Mary (________) CRANDALL.  Thomas was born May 15, 1719 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Tacy was born circa 1720 in Westerly.  After their marriage, they moved their family to Monongalia County, Virginia.  Thomas died July 15, 1791 at White Day Creek, Monongalia County, Virginia.  Tacy died June 1, 1795 at White Day Creek, Monongalia County, Virginia.  

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, William F. METZNER, married on this date in 1867 to Mary Ann HALEY in Jay County, Indiana.  William was the son of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER, and the younger brother of my John Adam METZNER.  Mary was the daughter of Sebastian and Lydia (RADER) HALEY.  William was born January 6, 1844 in Licking County, Ohio.  Mary was born in 1846.  They raised a family of 8 children in Bearcreek Township, Jay County, Indiana.  William died in 1929 and Mary in 1926. They are buried in the Gravel Hill Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, John RAINS, was born on this date in 1787.  John was the son of Anthony and Nancy (GRAHAM) RAINS, and the older brother of my Elizabeth RAINS.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Mary Jane KING, was born on this date in 1849 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  Mary was the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (KING) SHAW, and the older sister of my Ellen KING.  Mary married Leroy YOUNG, son of William and Jane (________) YOUNG, on February 8, 1871.  Leroy was born November 14, 1843 in Indiana.  Leroy died March 26, 1893 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana, and Mary remarried to Robert HICKS.  Mary died April 4, 1935 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  They are buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rebecca HAINES, was born on this date in 1776 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rebecca was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Rebecca died March 15, 1816 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (Heaton) Wright

My maternal 3rd-great grandparents, Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, are buried in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

Joseph was born April 1838 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (WARDLOW) WRIGHT.

Rebecca was born 1841 in Brown County, Ohio, the daughter of James R. and Elizabeth (JACOBS) HEATON.

Joseph and Rebecca were married November 1, 1857 in Schuyler County, Missouri. There was a mass migration of several related families out of Brown County, Ohio to Schuyler County, Missouri in the late 1850s. Joseph and Rebecca soon returned to Brown County, as they were enumerated in the 1860 census there.

Joseph and his family moved to Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana in the mid-1860s where they were engaged in farming.

Rebecca died on March 25, 1890 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana. After her death, Joseph remarried to Dorothy PALMER on April 11, 1891 in Madison County, Indiana. Joseph died on September 16, 1919 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Children of Joseph and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT are:

• Mary A. WRIGHT (1858-1910); married William Frank KIRK; 3 children
• John William WRIGHT (1860-1945); married Ellen KING; 4 children
• Elizabeth WRIGHT (1863-1882); married William Alpha JONES; 1 child
• Anna L. WRIGHT (1864-1914); married Albert Morris VINSON; 1 child
• James WRIGHT (1868-1936); married Clara B. HICKS; 4 children
• Charles Riggs WRIGHT (1870-1967); married Bertha C. LEONARD; 4 children
• Daisy L. WRIGHT (1873-aft1930); married Thomas A. FOX: 4 children
• Edward E. WRIGHT (1875-1960); married Martha Jane STARR; 3 children
• Jesse WRIGHT (1878-1919); married Hazel O'BRYANT