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.

Family Milestones: November 19th

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Anne HAINES, was born on this date in 1769 in Burlington County, New Jersey. Anne was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES. Anne died February 23, 1854 in Burlington County, New Jersey and is buried at the Friends Burial Ground in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey.

My paternal 5th-great granduncle, Jeremiah HAINES, was born on this date in 1771 in Burlington County, New Jersey. Jeremiah was the sister to Anne HAINES, above. I do not have any further information on him, and he may have died young.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Abraham B. JACOBS, married Harriette RIFE on this date in 1857 in Wayne County, Ohio. Abraham was the son of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my Susan JACOBS. Abraham was born June 22, 1834 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania. I do not know when or where Harriett was born. Abraham died May 30, 1903.

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Anna PHILBRICK, married Ebenezer SHAW on this date in 1738. Anna was the daughter of Thomas and Abigail (________) PHILBRICK, and the younger sister of my John PHILBRICK. They had at least 3 children, but I do not know anything else about their family. More research definitely needed.

Obituary: Mary Jane (Sherrick) (Haley) Kimble (1844-1916)

Source: The Commercial Review, Portland, Indiana, January 15, 1916, page 1.

MRS. KIMBALL DIED SATURDAY

DEATH OCCURRED AT HER HOME IN NOBLE TOWNSHIP FOLLOWING ILLNESS

PAST 72 YEARS OF AGE

Funeral Will Be Held Tuesday Morning At The Mt. Zion Church

Mrs. Mary Haley Kimball, wife of Robert Kimball, died at her home in Noble township, Saturday morning, after a lingering illness. She was born in Ashland County, Ohio, January 13, 1844, having passed her 72nd birthday anniversary Friday. Her husband and the following children survive her: A.F. Haley, Rosston, Ohio; Eli Haley, Nina, wife of George Zorn, both of Noble township; Carrie, wife of Arthur Graves, of Midland, Mich.; Rev. E.D. Haley, of Celina, Ohio, Oral wife of Frank Bittikoffer, Bradford, Ohio. Her step-children are: Minnie wife of William Wells , of Ft. Recovery, Alberta and Wesley Kimball of Noble township. Three sisters and two brothers also remain.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10:30 o'clock at Mt. Zion church, Rev. Kauffman and Rev. Baumgartner officiating. Burial will be made in Mt. Zion cemetery.

Comment: The correct spelling of the surname is KIMBLE, as evidence by her marriage license and other records. Mary Jane SHERRICK was my paternal 2nd-great grandmother. Her first husband, George Washington HALEY, passed away in 1892 and she remarried in 1897 to Robert E. KIMBLE. This obituary gives some new data for me, including places of residence of her children during this time period.

Family Milestones: November 18th

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rebecca JACOBS, married William HIGBEE on this date in 1812 in Adams County, Ohio. Rebecca was the daughter of William and Sibell (LITTELL) JACOBS, and the younger sister of my James Thomas JACOBS. Rebecca was born December 7, 1793 in Virginia. I do not have any further information on William HIGBEE. Rebecca died 1873 in Brown County, Ohio.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Samuel HEATON, was born on this date in 1711 in Wrentham, Massachusetts. Samuel was the son of Samuel and Susan (HAWES) HEATON, and the older brother of my John HEATON. Samuel was married twice, his first wife's name is unknown, the second was Abby TUTTLE. Samuel died on September 26, 1777 in Cumberland County, New Jersey.

Marriage: Robert E. Kimble to Mary Jane (Sherrick) Haley

.
From my visit to the Jay County Indiana Clerk's office, I was able to obtain this copy of the marriage record of Robert E. KIMBLE to my paternal 2nd-great grandmother, Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY.  Their marriage occurred May 8, 1897 in Jay County.  

Robert was born in August 1841 in Ohio, of unknown parentage.  Mary was born January 13, 1844 in Ashland County, Ohio, the daughter of David and Susan (JACOBS) SHERRICK.  Her first husband, George Washington HALEY, had died December 16, 1892.

Interesting notation on the record written in pencil is the phrase "Don't Pub.", which I assume meant not to publish in the local newspaper. 


Mary died January 15, 1916 in Jay County and is buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.  I do not yet know when and where Robert died.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: Haley-Kimble homes

Sometimes you wonder why certain photographs were taken by the family, or better yet, why they were saved. The back of this photograph states "Grandpa & Grandma Haley's house". However, I don't know which Haley this would be - could it be the home of Eli Weldon & Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY; or the home of his parents, George Washington & Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY. The photograph is undated, but appears to have been taken in the 1960s.


The back of the photo above states "Grandma (Haley) Kimble's home" and is in a different handwriting than the other one. This one is dated October 1960. Obviously, at this time the home had fallen into major disrepair. Grandma (Haley) Kimble was Mary Jane (SHERRICK) (HALEY) KIMBLE, my paternal great-great grandmother. She had remarried to Robert KIMBLE after the death of my great-great grandfather, George Washington HALEY.

Both of these photos were taken in Jay County, Indiana and were part of a collection that my father inherited from his mother, Ruth (HALEY) LeMASTER.

My Kreativ Blogger Awards

I just want to say thank you to two of my fellow Geneabloggers, Thomas MacEntee of Destination Austin Family and Hummer of Branching Out Through the Ye for their gift of the Kreativ Blogger award recently.  It is nice to receive the encouragement and compliments of my fellow geneabloggers.  If you haven't already, you should really check out their blogs and add them to your daily reading.


As part of the challenge of the award, I must reveal seven things about myself that I have not previously revealed either in a blog post or on Twitter.  Here goes:

• In high school, I was a co-captain of the wrestling team.  Though not a great wrestler, I did really enjoy the sport, and wish I was still in as good of shape as I was back then.
• I really enjoy living history events, and if I could afford it and had the time, would be a Civil War re-enactor.
• Though I've been to Europe, I would really love to visit England.
• Genealogy is in my blood, my maternal 4th-great grandfather, John Beals, authored the "Chronology of the Beals family", which started me on a quest for my roots.
• I would love to travel to New England and also see the Rockies.
• Majored in political science and minored in German and history at college, ended up in finance - go figure!
• I would love to retire to a warmer climate, perhaps the Carolinas or Tennessee.

And now I need to pass this award on to another seven of my fellow bloggers:

• Genwritting

• You Are Where You Came From 

• Ancestral Notes  

• Family Matters 

• Ancestor Soup 

• Kick-Ass Genealogy

• Ron's Genealogy Blog
  

Tag!  You're it!

Family Milestones: November 17th

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Catherine JACOBS, married Josiah Jeremiah KANAGY, on this date in 1836 in Wayne County, Ohio. Catherine was the daughter of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS, and the older sister of my Susan JACOBS. Catherine was born January 13, 1818 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania. She died March 19, 1892, according to unsourced data in my file.

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Piety MAXSON, married Jonathan DAVIS on this date in 1796. Piety was the daughter of Ephraim and Elisabeth (DAVIS) MAXSON, and the younger sister to my Jesse MAXSON. I do not know how Jonathan DAVIS is related to the other Davis family lines. Need to go back and locate my sources for this data and revise.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Cornelius ANTONIDES, was born on this date in 1763. Cornelius was the son of Pieter and Catherine (VANDERVEER) ANTONIDES, and the older brother of my Joannah ANTONIDES. Cornelius married Marie VAN SICKLEN and had at least 4 children. Cornelius died on August 8, 1832.

Tombstone Tuesday: George J. and Rachel H. (Gary) Haley

My paternal 3rd-great grandparents, George J. and Rachel H. (GARY) HALEY, are buried in the Scotts Cemetery, Huron, Erie County, Ohio. FindAGrave volunteer Karen Breslin took this photograph for me.

George J. was born December 14, 1814 in Caton Basel, Switzerland. He emigrated with his parents to the United States when a young boy and the family settled in Fairfield County, Ohio.

Rachel H. was born March 25, 1816 in Fairfield County, Ohio of unknown parents. Her father was supposedly of Irish heritage.

George and Rachel were married on January 1, 1835 in Hardin County, Ohio. George was a minister of the Evangelical Association, and the family lived variously in Fairfield, Marion, Morrow and Erie Cos., Ohio.

George died on February 27, 1888 in Huron Township, Erie County, Ohio. Rachel followed him on November 25, 1897 in Erie County, Ohio.

Children of Rev. George J. and Rachel H. (Gary) Haley are:

• Barbara Helen HALEY (1835-1908); married Christian EASTERDAY
• William W. HALEY (1838-aft1910); married Jane E. OWEN; 5 children
• George Washington HALEY (1840-1892); married Mary Jane SHERRICK; 7 children
• Susanna HALEY (c1843- ); married Alfred HALDERMAN; 2 children
• Sarah C. HALEY (1845-1926); married August GEGENHEIMER; 10 children
• Mary Elizabeth HALEY (c1849- )
• Hannah A. HALEY (c1853- )
• John Jacob HALEY (1855-1927); married Barbara E. ________; 6 children
• Benjamin H. HALEY (1858-1939); married Louisa HUTTENBOCKER; 5 children
• Franklin Andrew HALEY (1861-1942); married Anna KUHL; 4 children
  

Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley (1868-1955)

Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY was my paternal great-grandmother. The METZNER surname has Germanic origins.

The following facts about Cora's life are known:

• Birth: She was born August 21, 1868 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of John Adam and Clara (MOULTON) METZNER.
• Marriage: She married Eli Weldon HALEY on July 21, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1900 - she appears in the Eli W. HALEY household in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1910 - she appears in the Eli W. HALEY household in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1920 - she appears in the Eli W. HALEY household in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Death: She died April 28, 1955 in Jay County, Indiana.
• Burial: She is buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Jay County, Indiana.

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

• Birth: Need to find contemporary sources that help to verify her exact date of birth
• Census: Need to locate her in the 1870 census, should be in the household of John Adam METZNER in Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana
• Census: Need to locate her in the 1880 census, should be in the household of John Adam METZNER in Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: Need to locate her in the 1930 census, should be in the Eli W. HALEY household
• Death: Need to obtain a copy of her death certificate from the Jay County Health Department

Ancestry of Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY, Ahnentafel # 11 in my ancestry:

Ahnentafel # 22: John Adam METZNER (1840-1895); Licking Co., OH>Jay Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 44: John METZNER (1805-1888); Saxony>Jay Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 88: Jasper METZNER (c1780-1838); Saxony>at sea

Related blog posts:

• Tombstone Tuesday: Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley

• Today in my database: Cora Belle Metzner (b. August 21, 1868)

• Happy Anniversary: Eli Weldon Haley and Cora Belle Metzner

• (Not so) Wordless Wednesday: Metzner cabin

Family Milestones: November 16

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Charlotte SWAFFORD, married on this date in 1845 to William WILLIAMS in Monroe County, Indiana. Charlotte was born circa 1827 in Tennessee, the daugther of Larkin and Nancy (________) SWAFFORD, and the older sister to my Peter Kirkpatrick SWAFFORD. William was born circa 1824 in Kentucky. They lived in Bean Blossom Township, Monroe County, Indiana, at least through 1870 census and had at least 4 children. Need to follow up on where they both died and are buried.

My maternal 3rd-great grandmother, Clara E. COOK, was born on this date in 1848 in Ohio, probably Butler County. Her death certificate lists her as the daughter of William and ________ (HIRHARGER) COOK. She married Carey W. LAMBERTSON on October 1, 1869 in Butler County, Ohio. Carey was born April 29, 1847 in Butler County, Ohio, the son of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON. Clara and Carey lived in Butler County, Ohio, Hamilton County, Indiana and Madison County, Indiana. Clara died January 23, 1943 in Atlanta, Hamilton County, Indiana and is buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Martha PIERCE, was born on this date in 1868 in Richland Township, Madison County, Indiana. She was the daughter of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my William Francis PIERCE. The Pierce Genealogy lists her birthdate as November 6th. Martha married John M. JOHNSON on August 4, 1869 in Madison County, Indiana. Martha died February 29, 1932 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

Marriage: Eli W. Haley to Cora B. Metzner

From my visit to the Jay County Clerk's office, I was able to obtain this marriage record of my maternal great-grandparents, Eli Weldon HALEY and Cora Belle METZNER.  Their marriage occurred July 21, 1888.


Eli was born March 24, 1866 in Erie County, Ohio, the son of George Washington and Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY.  Cora was born August 21, 1868 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of John Adam and Clara (MOULTON) METZNER.

Together they had seven children, only five of whom survived into adulthood.  They resided in Noble Township and were members of the Mt. Zion church. 


Eli died June 14, 1957 in Jay County, Indiana and Cora died April 28, 1955.  Both are buried at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Jay County.

Family Milestones: November 15th

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rebecca NESBIT, married Aaron LEWIS on this date in 1815 in Harrison County, Kentucky. Rebecca was the daughter of Samuel and Mary (BERRY) NESBIT, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth NESBIT. Rebecca was born 1801 in Kentucky and died in 1824. I have no other information on her family or that of her husband at this time.

My maternal 3rd-great grandmother, Mary Ellen (SWAFFORD) DAVIS, married Robert Farrell GILLILAND on this date in 1884 in Monroe County, Indiana. She had divorced my 3rd-great grandfather, James Austin DAVIS. Mary was born August 30, 1854 in Monroe County, Indiana, the daughter of Peter Kirkpatrick and Mary Ann (CROCKETT) SWAFFORD. Robert was born November 27, 1849 in Pulaski County, Kentucky, the son of William John and Margaret Ann (WILSON) GILLILAND. He had been previously married to Sarah KELLAR. Robert died August 4, 1916 in Whitehall, Monroe County, Indiana. Mary died January 28, 1932 near Dolan, Monroe County, Indiana.

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, Wesley T. METZNER, married Mary Emma ROSER on this date in 1885 in Jay County, Indiana. Wesley was born November 9, 1855 in Jay County, Indiana, the son of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER, and the younger brother of my John Adam METZNER. Mary Emma was born March 1863 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of Evan and Catherine (SPRECHER) ROSER. They lived in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.

Eli Weldon Haley (1866-1957)

Eli Weldon HALEY was my paternal great-grandfather. The HALEY family has Swiss origins, though I've not discovered the original spelling of the surname.

The following facts about Eli's life are known:

• Birth: He was born March 24, 1866 in Erie County, Ohio, the son of George Washington and Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY.
• Marriage: He married Cora Belle METZNER on July 21, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: 1900 - he appears as the head of household in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana. His occupation was listed as farmer.
• Census: 1910 - he appears as the head of household in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana. His occupation was listed as farmer.
• Census: 1920 - he appears as the head of household in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana. His occupation was listed as farmer.
• Death: He died June 14, 1957 in Jay County, Indiana.
• Burial: He is buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Jay County, Indiana.

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

• Birth: The 1900 census states his birth was March 1866, but I need to find other contemporary sources that can collaborate the exact date of March 24.
• Census: Need to document him in the 1870 census, could be in Ohio or Jay County, Indiana with his parents.
• Census: Need to document him in the 1880 census, should be listed with his father, probably in Jay County, Indiana.
• Census: Need to document him in the 1930 census, should be listed in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.
  
• Death: Need to obtain a copy of his death certificate from the Jay County Health Department

Ancestry of Eli Weldon HALEY (1866-1957), Ahnentafel # 10 in my ancestry:

Ahnentafel # 20: George Washington HALEY (1840-1892); Hardin Co., OH>Jay Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 40: George J. HALEY (1814-1888); Basel, Switzerland>Erie Co., OH

Related blog posts:

• Tombstone Tuesday: Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley

• Happy Anniversary: Eli Weldon Haley and Cora Belle Metzner

• Eli W. Haley family Jay County Indiana

• Haley family lineage

Jay County Journal - November 2009

Received my copy of the November 2009 Jay County Journal on Friday, just now getting around to taking a look at it. I joined the Jay County Historical Society on my recent research trip to their museum. If you have roots in Jay County (the only Jay County in the world!), it would be well worth your time to stop by the museum.

The society seems to be quite active, just holding their Annual Dinner meeting with 90 in attendance. It looks like I missed an interesting presentation, as William Fentress, a member of the 36th Indiana Regiment during the Civil War shared his experiences in the Union Army. William was portrayed by Kevin Stonerock. I always enjoy living history displays and events.

One interesting note about the society mentioned in the newsletter is that membership has grown from about 620 a year ago to over 845. As the newsletter states, this is due in large part to their merger with the Jay County Genealogy Society. The merger between the two societies has been completed, eliminating a duplication of records and uniting two groups with similar goals.

The society has published two books during the year. Through My Camera Lens, a tribute to Jay County photographer, Frank Kenyon, and When There Were 8, which honors the former high schools of the county.

Articles in the newsletter include a focus on the ongoing Memories of Redkey project, a biography of pioneer midwife Mariah (Bowersock) Mendenhall, and an article on how to research your Jay County Civil War ancestors.

Family Milestones: November 14th

My paternal 5th-great granduncle, George BYERS, was born on this date in 1783 in York County, Pennsylvania. George was the son of Charles and Elizabeth (________) BYERS, and the younger brother of my Abraham BYERS. George married circa 1812 to Elizabeth ________. He died August 28, 1866 in Franklin Township, York County, Pennsylvania.

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun: A Nice Thing

Randy Seaver over at Genea-Musings host Saturday Night Genealogy Fun, a blogging topic each week and he invites everyone to play along. Tonight's topic was "A Nice Thing" and our question is: "What is the nicest thing a genealogist did for you, or to you, in the last week or so?"

The genealogy community is made up of so many skilled researchers with different backgrounds, but they always seem ready to lend a hand. There have been so many good things happening with my research lately, but here are just a few:

1. My new found cousin at the Jay County Health Department not only offered to send me a write up of a family genealogy that her mother had, she also made several phone calls to help me locate information about the death location of my great-grandmother. Because of that, I now have paperwork in hand to request her death certificate.

2. Several fellow genealogists on Twitter have offered encouragement and compliments through RT or ##ff - including @geneabloggers, @toniasroots, @familystories, @baysideresearch, @tapgenie, @kidmiff, @matfam42, @footnotemaven - hope I didn't forget anyone!

3. I've made a connection through Ancestry.com with a distant cousin who has offered to share research on the JACOBS and HEATON families in Ohio.

Genealogists are some of the nicest people and I appreciate all of their help.

Surname Saturday: Miguet

The MIGUET family is Corinne's maternal line. The surname is of French origin, with Corinne's 4th-great grandfather coming from Lesoul, Houtsone, France.

Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 240: John Peter MIGUET (c1797-1880). John was born c1797 France, died March 10, 1880 in Buchanan County, Iowa. His wife was Frances (______) (1799-1888). According to son's obituary, immigrated in November 1847 and settled in Dubuque. Buried in Fontana Cemetery, Hazelton, Buchanan County, Iowa. Had at least 2 sons.

Ahnentafel # 120: Claud Francis "Frank" MIGUET (1831-1920). Frank was born April 2, 1831 in Lesoul, Houtsone, France. His wife was Eliza NETCOTT (c1834-1891). Farmed in Superior and Hazelton Townships of Buchanan County, Iowa. Frank died August 20, 1920 in Hazelton and is buried in the Fontana Cemetery. Had 1 son.

Ahnentafel # 60: Henry MIGUET (1858-1944). Henry was born November 1858 in Iowa. His wife was Katherine JARRETT (1865-1952). Henry died January 11, 1944 and is buried in Fontana Cemetery. Had 2 children.

Ahnentafel # 30: Frank Field MIGUET (1885-1954). Frank was born November 1885 in Iowa. His wife was Amelia Matilda SAUER (1890-1974). Frank died January 28, 1954 in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana and is buried in the Johann Lutheran Cemetery in Evansville. Had 2 children.

Ahnentafel # 15: Miriam Ruth MIGUET (1922-2004). Miriam was born July 1, 1922 in Hazelton, Buchanan County, Iowa. Her husband was Edward Ferdinand WILDT (1918-1985). Miriam died December 18, 2004 in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana. Had 9 children.

Related blog posts:

• Claud Francis Miguet obituary

• Henry Miguet family - Buchanan County, Iowa

• Frank Field Miguet family - Buchanan County, Iowa

• Francis Miguet family - Buchanan County, Iowa
  

Family Milestones: November 13th

My paternal great-great grandparents, John Adam METZNER and Clara MOULTON were married on this date in 1864 in Jay County, Indiana. 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. They lived out their lives in Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana where Adam was a farmer. Adam was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in Company G, 40th Ohio Infantry and later in the 51st Ohio Infantry. Adam died December 4, 1895 in Westchester, Jay County, Indiana and Clara died July 2, 1899 in Westchester, Jay County, Indiana. Both are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Catherine HECK, married John BYARS on this date in 1801 in Bracken County, Kentucky. Catherine was the daughter of Daniel and Catherine (________) HECK, and the older sister to my Godfrey HECK. Catherine was born circa 1779 in Maryland. I have not located much on this family, but do know that they had at least 2 children.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Phebe Jane LEMASTERS, married William R. WILSON on this date in 1873 in Jay County, Indiana. Phebe Jane was the daughter of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS, and the younger sister to my Luman Walker LEMASTERS Jr. Phebe Jane was born April 16, 1847 in Shelby County, Ohio. William was born circa 1847. I have not followed their family after their marriage in Jay County, Indiana.

Follow Friday: Kinexxions

One of the first genealogy blogs that I stumbled upon, and one that has inspired me to keep blogging is Becky Wiseman's Kinexxions blog.

Though I haven't found a connection yet to any of her lines in Indiana, Becky has managed to pack her blog with meaningful and interesting posts about her ancestors. Most recently, she has been blogging from the road, posting pictures of the places where her ancestors lived and making history come to life.

Because of Becky, I've started posting Tombstone Tuesday and other geneablogging meme posts. In fact, it was through her blog that I discovered the Geneabloggers group.

In my opinion, her blog is one that everyone should check out as an example of how to make genealogy more than just a collection of names and dates.

Family Milestones: November 12th

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Charles MOULTON, was born on this date in 1832 in Rutland County, Vermont. Charles was the son of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON, and the younger brother of my Albert MOULTON. Charles married Charlotte Cordelia PHILLIPS, daughter of David and Charlotte (GILBERT) PHILLIPS, on September 23, 1853 in Newark, Licking County, Ohio. Charles was a farmer, carpenter and wagon maker. He resided in Marion and Warren Counties, Iowa and Holt County, Nebraska. The last record I have for him currently is the 1910 census of Holt County, Nebraska.

My paternal 5th-great granduncle, Jesse CHEW, was born on this date in 1773 in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Jesse was the son of Rev. Jesse and Mary (RICHARDS) CHEW, and the younger brother of my Nathaniel CHEW. Jesse married circa 1796 to Keziah KINSEY. Jesse died March 8, 1812, probably in Gloucester County, New Jersey.

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

Source: The Commercial Review, Portland, Indiana, February 22, 1927, page 1.

OCTOGENARIAN DIES THIS MORN NEAR SALAMONIA

MRS. L.W. LEMASTER, 80, EXPIRES AT 4:20 O'CLOCK TUESDAY A.M.

HAD BEEN ILL FOR FOUR WEEKS

Resided on Same Farm Where She Died for Period of Fifty-two Years.

Mrs. Mary K. Lemaster, 80, well-known resident of Jay county, died at 4:20 o'clock this morning at her home one mile west of Salamonia, following an illness of the past four weeks of hardening of the arteries and heart trouble.

The deceased was born in Mount Holly, N.J., February 23, 1847, the daughter of Dr. C.E. and Caroline (Woolston) Chew, being eighty years and nine days of age at the time of her demise.

Besides the husband, Layman W. Lemaster, the following children survive: Beulah, wife of L.L. Rockwell of Fort Recovery, Ohio; L.C. Lemaster, of Salamonia; Mrs. Elsie Atkinson, at home; Dr. O.O. Lemaster, of Sidney, Ohio; Edith, wife of Henry Meinholtz, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Mabel, wife of S.W. Phillips, of David City, Neb.; Arthur Lemaster, of Portland, and Dr. V.W. Lemaster, of Sidney, Ohio. Two sons and one daughter preceded her in death. The following brothers and sisters also survive: Donovan Chew, of Petoskey, Mich.; N.D. Chew, of Adrian, Mich.; and Mrs. Sarah Peele, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Five brothers and one sister are deceased. Thirty-five grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren also survive.

The deceased had resided on the same farm where she died for a period of fifty-two years. She was married on October 2, 1865 to L.W. Lemaster, having celebrated her sixty-second wedding anniversary last October.

Funeral services wil be held at the M.E. church at Salamonia, in charge of Rev. W.P. Thorn, and burial will be in the Salamonia cemetery. However, the time of the funeral has not been arranged as yet, pending word from relatives living at some distance.

Source: The Commercial Review, Portland, Indiana, February 23, 1927, page 4.

FUNERAL FOR MRS. LEMASTER FRIDAY 1:30

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary K. Lemaster, 80, wife of Layman W. Lemaster, who died yesterday morning at her home, one mile west of Salamonia, will be held Friday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the M.E. church at Salamonia, Rev. W.P. Thorn in charge. Interment will be made in the Salamonia cemetery.

Comment: Mary was my paternal 2nd-great grandmother. Her husband's name was Luman Walker LeMasters Jr. Her marriage took place in 1864, not 1865. Her father was Dr. Ezekiel Cooper Chew, so his initials were E.C., not C.E.

Obituary: Barbara Isabel (Wehrly) LeMasters (1869-1930)

Source: The Commercial Review, Portland, Indiana, February 7, 1930, page 1.

MRS. LEMASTER DIES THURSDAY FROM OPERATION

FUNERAL WILL BE HELD MONDAY MORNING FROM SALAMONIA METHODIST CHURCH

Mrs. Barbara I. Lemaster, wife of L.C. Lemaster, of east of Salamonia, died at 4:25 o'clock Thursday evening at the hospital in Union City. She underwent an operation for gall stones on January 29, and it was thought that she was recovering until she suffered a sudden relapse.

The deceased was a daughter of William P. and Olive (Smith) Wehrly, and was born in Jay county, March 14, 1869, being aged at the time of her death, 60 years, 10 months and 23 days.

She was united in marriage to L.C. Lemaster, November 13, 1886, who survives with the following children: Clarence H. Lemaster, south of Brice; Chester W. Lemaster, west of Salamonia; Floyd Lemaster, of near New Pittsburg; Bertha, wife of Russell Hercules of Akron, Ohio; Gerald Lemaster of Ft. Wayne; Dorothy, wife of Charles Hunt, of Cincinnati; Stanley Lemaster; Freda, wife of Orville Lafollette, and Miss Mary Lemaster, all of Akron, Ohio; John Lemaster of Cowan, Indiana and Ord and Elvin Lemaster at home. One son preceded her in death.

She is also survived by the following sisters and brothers: Kate, wife of Arthur Andrews of Hamilton, Ohio; Mrs. Delbert Jackson, William Wehrly and Blaine Wehrly of this city; Harry Wehrly, Ida, wife of Ed Scholer, and Martin Wehrly, all of New Castle; Alva Wehrly of near Salamonia, and Ethel, wife of William Shreeve of Fort Wayne.

The body was brought to the Williamson Shadow Lawn funeral home in this city and prepared for interment, after which it was taken to the home near Salamonia this afternoon.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday morning at 10:00 o'clock from the Methodist church at Salamonia. Interment will be made in the Salamonia cemetery.

Comment: Barbara was my paternal great-grandmother, wife of Luman Cooper LeMasters. The surname is alternatively spelled LEMASTER or LEMASTERS in the records.

Grandma Didn't Die Where She Was Supposed To

For years, perhaps as many as twenty, I have been reporting in my database and various reports, email lists, etc. the fact that my paternal great-grandmother, Barbara Isabel (WEHRLY) LeMASTERS, died in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.

On the surface, this fact would appear to make sense. She and her husband, Luman, lived near Salamonia in Madison Township for many years, and both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery. The fact of her death in Salamonia was even reported in a compiled genealogy, "Three Sons of Steffan Petry, 1729-1977" by Merle Rummel & Madelaine Olt. I believe that my father may have been the one who contributed that information to the authors, as he has Barbara's place of death as Salamonia as well.

As recounted in an earlier post, I recently was in Jay County, Indiana doing research on the LEMASTER family. One of my first stops was the county library, where I obtained Barbara's obituary along with several others. As my next stop was the Jay County Health Department, I had planned to obtain a copy of Barbara and her husband, Luman's death certificates.

The clerk had no trouble finding Luman's death certificate, but could not locate the record for Barbara. After giving her the death date again, I mentioned that I knew that she did die in Jay County, as I had just obtained her obituary. While the clerk continued to search, I paused to go out to my car and retrieve the obituary. When I came back in to the office, I re-verified that we were searching the correct date, and then I read the first lines of the obituary:

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

She died in Union City, which means I was in the wrong county! If only I had researched her obituary earlier, I would have saved myself some embarrassment and would have been reporting this fact correctly all along. In my naivete, I had accepted as fact what I had seen in print and had not bothered until now to go back and verify the facts in my database. Barbara was not some far distantly removed relative, she was only my great-grandmother and yet I had her dying in the wrong place!

Of course, the fact that she died in the Union City hospital created another dilemma. The newspaper didn't specify whether her death was in Union City, Indiana or Union City, Ohio. Union City is one of those interesting towns that has been split by the state line. In fact, until Indiana went on Daylight Savings Time recently, you could walk across the street and be in a different time zone.

A call to the Randolph County Indiana Health Department a few days later confirmed that the hospital in 1930 was on the Indiana side of the state line. So I will be sending off to Winchester for a copy of her death certificate and will be correcting Barbara's death information in my files right away.

A lesson learned here is the first rule of genealogy is to work from the known to the unknown, working backwards in time and verifying each tidbit of information. Compiled sources are good clues for future research, but each fact should be documented as clearly and accurately as possible.

Family Milestones: November 11th

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth CROCKETT, married Miles BRAY on this date in 1845 in Owen County, Indiana. Elizabeth was the daughter of David and Mary Ann (NOSLER) CROCKETT, and was the older sister of my Mary Ann CROCKETT. Elizabeth was born circa 1827, probably in Owen County, but I haven't followed this line any further. I have no information in my database on Miles BRAY.

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, Abel Woolston CHEW, was born on this date in 1843 in Blackwood, Gloucester County, New Jersey. Abel was the son of Dr. Ezekiel Cooper and Caroline Bishop (WOOLSTON) CHEW, and the older brother of my Mary Keziah CHEW. Abel married September 25, 1862 in Greenville, Darke County, Ohio to Salome H. HOLDEMAN. Abel was a school teacher and farmer and they lived in Darke County, Ohio and Charlevoix County, Michigan where he died on January 9, 1903.

My paternal 5th-great grandmother, Avis HURLBUT, was born on this date in 1762 in Woodbury, Connecticut. Avis was the daughter of Israel and Jerusha (________) HURLBUT. She married John MOULTON, son of Samuel and Phoebe (________) MOULTON, on July 24, 1781 in Castleton, Rutland County, Vermont. I do not have a record of Avis' death, but it was probably in Vermont.

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, Charles Riggs WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1870 in Madison County, Indiana. Charles was the son of Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my John William WRIGHT. Charles married Bertha Cordelia LEONARD, daughter of Stephen Sylvester and Susan (TODD) LEONARD, on December 6, 1890 in Innisdale, Madison County, Indiana. Charles was a salesman and farmer of Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana where he died November 23, 1967.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Jonathan MAXSON, was born on this date in 1810 in Clark County, Ohio. Jonathan was the son of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older brother of my Prudence MAXSON. Jonathan married in 1829 to Christiana DAVIS. He died 1878 in Dearfield, Indiana.

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

Source: The Commercial Review, Portland, Indiana, Wednesday, November 18, 1931, page 1

CIVIL WAR VET DIES WEDNESDAY

L.W. LeMaster, of Salamonia Succumbs to Infirmities of Age.

L.W. LeMaster, 89, died at his home west of Salamonia, Wednesday morning at 7:40 o'clock, following a week's illness from infirmities of age.

The deceased was the son of L.W. and Nancy (Young) LeMaster and was born in Shelby county, Ohio, October 9, 1842, being aged at the time of death, 89 years and 29 days. He was united in marriage to Mary Chew, October 6, 1864, who preceeded [sic] him in death, February 22, 1927.

He is survived by the following children: Beulah, wife of L.L. Rockwell of Ft. Recovery, Ohio; L.C. LeMaster, of near Salamonia; Mrs. Elsie Atkinson, at home; Dr. O.O. LeMaster of Sidney, Ohio; Edith, wife of Henry Meinholtz of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Maude, wife of Dr. S.W. Phillips of David City, Neb.; Dr. V.W. LeMaster of Sidney, Ohio. One daughter, Bertha, wife of John Yeager, and two sons, Phillip Burbin and W.C. LeMaster, preceded him in death. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Mary Jane Loofborrow of Ord, Neb., and one brother, John W. LeMaster of St. Paul, Neb. Thirty-five grandchildren and forty-six great-grandchildren survive.

He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted with Company C 39th Indiana Infantry, Company C 8th Cavalry, July 21, 1861 and was discharged March 4, 1864. He fought in 21 battles. He was injured once at Dechards Tenn. There are only three others in that company living, William Force of Portland, Peter Stultz of north of Portland, and Joe Miller.

Military funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the M.E. church of Salamonia in charge of Rev. Lewis Fifer. Burial will be made in the Salamonia cemetery.

Comment: Of note is the fact that the name is spelled LEMASTER rather than LEMASTERS, as it is in many records, including his tombstone! Company C of the 39th Indiana Infantry was converted to a mounted infantry unit and reclassified as the 8th Indiana Cavalry. The young son who died was Phillip Durbin, not Burbin. Luman was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.

Wordless Wednesday: Veteran's Day

This photo is of my grandfather, William Lee "Johnny Bill" WRIGHT (1919-1973) taken in 1944. He served in the Army Air Corps as a radio instructor.

Happy Veteran's Day to all of our veterans.

Family Milestones: November 10th

My paternal 6th-great granduncle, Abner PHILBRICK, married Mehitable STEWART on this date in 1731. Abner was the son of Thomas and Abigail (________) PHILBRICK, and the older brother of my John PHILBRICK. Abner was born January 21, 1708 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire and died May 2, 1790. Mehitable was born in 1716 and died in 1770. I do not know who her parents were.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Ellen W. LAMBERTSON, married David L. MENGLE on this date in 1870 in Butler County, Ohio. Ellen was the daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILLSON) LAMBERTSON, and the younger sister of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON. Ellen was born June 21, 1850 in Ohio and died September 16, 1933 in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. David was born circa 1851 in Ohio, the son of George and Susan (RUMBARGER) MENGLE, and died July 4, 1938 in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. Both are buried in the Holp Cemetery, Farmersville, Montgomery County, Ohio.

My maternal 6th-great grandfather, Pieter ANTONIDES, married Catherine VANDERVEER on this date in 1750. Pieter was the son of Johannis and Annetje (COUWENHOVEN) ANTONIDES. Pieter was born July 31, 1727 and died April 27, 1796 in Flatbush, Long Island. Catherine was the daughter of Michael and Belitja (SNYDAM) VANDERVEER. She was born August 11, 1732 and died May 8, 1796. My connection to these ANTONIDES needs further research, but for the moment I'm claiming them, through their daughter Joannah.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Seth PIERCE, married Elizabeth NYE on this date in 1743. Seth was the son of Samuel and Abigail (JOHNSON) PIERCE. Seth was born November 30, 1716 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts and died December 5, 1794. Elizabeth was the daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (NEWCOMB) NYE. Elizabeth was born December 14, 1720 and died May 14, 1749 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut. I descend through their son, Seth.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth JACOBS, was born on this date in 1810 in Brown County, Ohio. Elizabeth was the daughter of William and Sibell (LITTELL) JACOBS and the younger sister of my James Thomas JACOBS. Elizabeth married John T. REEVES on October 1, 1829. Elizabeth died July 4, 1888 in Wabash County, Indiana.

My paternal 4th-great grandfather, Rev. Nathaniel CHEW, was born on this date in 1786 in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Nathaniel was the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (SPRINGER) CHEW. Nathaniel married Mary WEST, daughter of Job and Sarah (JACKSON) WEST, circa 1812 in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Mary died February 27, 1848 in New Jersey. Nathaniel lived in Darke County, Ohio and Iowa. Nathaniel died January 24, 1866 in Mahaska County, Iowa.

Tombstone Tuesday: William P. and Prudence (Maxson) Smith

My paternal 3rd-great grandparents, William P. and Prudence (MAXSON) SMITH, are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

William P. was born July 25, 1815 in Clark County, Ohio, the son of Jacob and Jane (ELLIOTT) SMITH.

Prudence was born June 15, 1817 in Greene County, Ohio, the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON.

William and Prudence were married on October 3, 1836. After their marriage, they lived in Jay County, Indiana before moving to Cass County, Michigan between 1844 and 1851. By 1851 they were back in Jay County, Indiana. William served in the Civil War in Company I, 139th Indiana Infantry. After the war, they relocated to Humboldt, Richardson County, Nebraska between 1869 and 1881 when they returned to Jay County. William was a farmer and a minister, and was often referred to as Elder William Smith.

Children of William P. and Prudence (Maxson) Smith are:

• Jacob G. SMITH (1837- )
• John H. SMITH (1842- )
• Olive Jane SMITH (1846-1913); married William P. WEHRLY; 13 children
• Hosea Tilson SMITH (1849-aft1870)
  

Death Certificate: Luman Cooper LeMasters (1867-1933)

One of the successes of my recent genealogy research trip was obtaining this death record of my paternal great-grandfather from the Jay County Indiana Health Department.



Of note is the fact that the record spells the surname as LEMASTER versus LEMASTERS as in many records. The date of birth shown on the certificate matches what I have in my database, and the parents names match, albeit his father is listed by his middle name and they show his mother's maiden name as "Kathrine" as opposed to "Keziah" which is what I have. Will need to look into this.

Transcript of the record follows:

Name: LEMASTER, LUMAN COOPER
Date of Death: 2/11/1933
Time: 20:00
Sex: M
Age: 65
Months: 8
Days: 15
Hours: 0
Minutes: 0
Birthdate: 5/27/1867 Place: JAY COUNTY, IN
Death Address: MADISON TOWNSHIP
Residence: MADISON TOWNSHIP
County: JAY COUNTY
Marital Status: MARRIED Spouse: BARBARA ISABELLE WEHRLY
Race: WHITE Occupation: FARMER
Father: WALKER LEMASTER Birth: OHIO
Mother Maiden Name: MARY KATHRINE CHEW Birth: NEW JERSEY
Burial Place: SALAMONIA CEMETERY, SALAMONIA, IN
Burial Date: 2/14/1933
Funeral Home: NELSON R. WILLIAMSON
Address: PORTLAND, IN
File Date: 3/03/1933 Book No.: H-8 Page No. : 318
Physician: H.H. JONES, M.D., SALAMONIA, IN
Manner of Death: NATURAL
Cause of Death: CARCINOMA BLADDER