Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Tombstone Tuesday: Jesse C. Petry (1881-1958)



Jesse C. PETRY, son of Levi W. and Susanah (COFFMAN) PETRY, my paternal 2nd cousin twice removed, is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


Jesse was born September 1881 in Indiana, according to the 1900 census.  According to his tombstone, he died in 1958. 


Source: Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Jesse C. Petry marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.

Family Milestones: January 26th

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Johanna ANTONIDES, was born on this date in 1756.  Johanna was the daughter of Pieter and Catherine (VANDERVEER) ANTONIDES, and the older sister of my Johannah ANTONIDES.  Johanna died young.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Joseph WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1798 in Kentucky.  Joseph was the son of John and Sarah (FLEMING) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my George WRIGHT.  Joseph married September 27, 1818 in Brown County, Ohio to Clarissa GARDNER.  Clarissa was born circa 1800 in New York.  They had at least 1 child.  Clarissa died January 29, 1882 in Brown County, Ohio.  Joseph died December 13, 1856 in Brown County, Ohio.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Family Milestones: January 25th

My paternal 6th great grandparents, Abel BRIGGS and Lettice WOOLSTON, were married on this date in 1773 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Abel was born circa 1740 in New Jersey, the son of Francis and Rachel (STOCKTON) BRIGGS.  Lettice was born October 15, 1752 in Burlington County, New Jersey, the daughter of Samuel and Cyllania (WOOLSTON) WOOLSTON.  They had at least 1 child.  Abel died before 1839 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Lettice died December 11, 1787 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My maternal 2nd-great grandfather, Charles Wilson LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1872 in Preble County, Ohio.  Charles was the son of Carey W. and Clara E. (COOK) LAMBERTSON.  Charles married April 18, 1897 in Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana to Pearl May BEALS.  Pearl was born May 11, 1878 in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana, the daughter of Nathan Thomas and Caroline Elizabeth (POE) BEALS.  Pearl died August 3, 1970 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Charles died May 24, 1958 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.


My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Minerva P. PIERCE, was born on this date in 1803.  Minerva was the daughter of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE, and the older sister of my Edmund PIERCE.  Minerva married February 10, 1829 to Jethro HATCH.  Jethro was born circa 1791 in New York.  They had 5 children and lived in Kane County, Illinois.  Jethro died February 7, 1875. Minerva died sometime after the 1880 census.

Using the Social Security Death Interactive Index

For some reason, I've overlooked using the Social Security Death Interactive Index in my genealogy searches.  This free database has already yielded me several pieces of information in the last few days, as well as given me clues for further research and provided some conflicting information that needs to be further researched.

Example of data conflict: John Leland LEMASTER - the SSDI shows his date of birth as April 25, 1902, while other sources show April 30, 1902.  Record at FindAGrave website shows his birth as April 23, 1902.  However, there is not a photo of the tombstone to verify.  Will need to search the actual birth records in Jay County, Indiana to straighten this one out.

The best part about this database, besides being free, is that you can quickly search for information on the scattered lines and find death dates and locations of last known residence, which may provide further clues of sources to research.  You can also request a copy of the individuals' original Social Security application (SS-5).  This is something that I intend to do for my direct line ancestors, just to see what other details it may reveal.


Not every one is listed in this index, which roughly starts around 1962.  Some of these reasons could be: if the death was not reported to the Social Security Administration, if the death occurred before the master index was being kept in a computer database, the person did not participate in the Social Security program, or survivor benefits could still be being paid to a spouse or dependents.  Remember, the self-employed, farmers, military personnel, government employees and some professional groups (doctors, lawyers) did not receive coverage until the 1950s and 1960s, so they may not be listed in the index.



I intend to set a reminder to periodically search this database to locate SSNs of those recently added to the database.  You never know what you may find out or when having that SSN may come in handy as a cross-reference.


Sunday, January 24, 2010

Family Milestones: January 24th

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, John WRIGHT, married on this date in 1811 in Adams County, Ohio to Ann MORROW.  John was the son of John and Sarah (FLEMING) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my George WRIGHT.  John was born August 8, 1791.  Nothing further known at this time.

My Connection with Dick Cheney

Over the holidays, I was able to meet up with my cousin Jim and his family from Alabama, and the discussion turned to genealogy.  We were discussing this blog and the family tree and the talked turned to who we were related to and what a 1st cousin once removed was, etc.  One of the well-known relatives that we share is former Vice President Richard 'Dick' CHENEY, and I promised Jim that I would let him know just how we were related.

William Addams Reitwiesner's website posts the ancestry of VP Dick Cheney, as well as numerous other politicos.  Our common Cheney ancestor is Thomas CHENEY, of Cambridge, Mass., whose will was dated October 23, 1695.  In the descendancy below, our ancestors are listed first, followed by the VP's.



Thomas CHENEY b. 1633 Roxbury, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, m. January 11, 1655 Roxbury, Suffolk County, Massachusetts to Jane ATKINSON.  Jane died after July 29, 1724.


Generation One:  (Brother/Sister)


Margaret CHENEY b. November 26, 1656, m. January 1, 1674 Cambridge, Massachusetts to Nicholas FESSENDEN.  Nicholas b. 1650 Cantebury, England, d. February 24, 1719 Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Margaret d. December 10, 1717 Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Benjamin CHENEY b. January 29, 1674/5 Roxbury, Massachusetts, m. November 14, 1706 Charlestown, Massachusetts to Mary HARBERT.  Mary d. May 15, 1760 Ashford, Connecticut.  Benjamin d. July 13, 1718 Cambridge, Massachusetts.



Generation Two: (1st cousins)

William FESSENDEN b. 1694 Cambridge, Massachusetts, m(2). January 4, 1728 Cambridge, Massachusetts to Martha BROWN.  Martha b. June 16, 1699, d. February 24, 1773 Cambridge, Massachusetts.  William d. May 26, 1756 Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Joseph CHENEY b. November 2, 1709 Cambridge, Massachusetts, m. Elizabeth TUCKER.  Joseph d. 1776.



Generation Three: (2nd cousins)

Hannah FESSENDEN b. August 15, 1732 Cambridge, Massachusetts, m. February 15, 1753 Cambridge, Massachusetts to John WRIGHT.  John b. February 10, 1727 Freuchie, Fife, Scotland, d. June 1772 Anamaboo, New Guinea.  Hannah d. December 9, 1800.

William CHENEY b. September 8, 1741 Newbury, Massachusetts, m. April 17, 1763 Newbury, Massachusetts to Elizabeth SWEET.  Elizabeth b. November 24, 1745 Newbury, Massachusetts.  William d. April 4, 1803 Grand Menan Island, New Brunswick



Generation Four: (3rd cousins)

John WRIGHT bap. April 13, 1755 Cambridge, Massachusetts, m. bef. 1780 to Sarah FLEMING.  John d. October 15, 1810 Clermont County, Ohio.

Ebenezer CHENEY b. February 24, 1764 Newbury, Massachusetts, m. August 3, 1789 Campton, New Hampshire to Hannah EATON.  Hannah b. December 4, 1761, d. January 14, 1832 Campton, New Hampshire.  Ebenezer d. August 3, 1832 Campton, New Hampshire.



Generation Five: (4th cousins)

George WRIGHT b. July 31, 1780 Pennsylvania, m. January 27, 1812 Adams County, Ohio to Elizabeth ROBINS.  Elizabeth b. June 16, 1781 Pennsylvania, d. November 22, 1857 Brown County, Ohio.  George d. August 5, 1853 Brown County, Ohio.


Elias Eaton CHENEY b. May 30, 1793 Campton, New Hampshire, m. Lucy FLETCHER.  Lucy b. April 21, 1803 Thetford, Vermont.  Elias d. February 2, 1859 Thetford, Vermont.


Generation Six: (5th cousins)

John WRIGHT b. November 4, 1814 Brown County, Ohio, m. September 9, 1834 Brown County, Ohio to Anna WARDLOW.  Anna b. April 23, 1816 Brown County, Ohio, d. October 4, 1893 Brown County, Ohio.  John d. June 10, 1890 Brown County, Ohio.


Samuel Fletcher CHENEY b. December 2, 1829 Boscawen, New Hampshire, m. September 24, 1861 Defiance, Ohio to Ella A. PHILLIPS.  Ella b. February 1840 New York, d. after 1900 census.  Samuel d. after 1900 census.


Generation Seven: (6th cousins)

Joseph W. WRIGHT b. April 1838 Brown County, Ohio, m. November 1, 1857 Schuyler County, Missouri to Rebecca Ann HEATON.  Rebecca b. 1841, d. March 25, 1890 Madison County, Indiana.  Joseph d. September 16, 1919 Madison County, Indiana.

Thomas Herbert CHENEY b. April 10, 1869 Defiance, Ohio, m(2) May 20, 1914 to Margaret Ellen TYLER.  Margaret b. June 16, 1877 Franklin, Indiana, d. April 28, 1961 Casper, Wyoming.  Thomas d. March 29, 1947 Sumner, Nebraska.



Generation Eight (7th cousins)

John William WRIGHT b. February 21, 1860 Brown County, Ohio, m. May 13, 1888 Madison County, Indiana to Ellen KING.  Ellen b. August 24, 1868 Madison County, Indiana, d. December 24, 1913 Madison County, Indiana.  John d. June 5, 1945 Madison County, Indiana.

Richard Herbert CHENEY b. June 16, 1915 Nebraska, m. Marjorie Lorraine DICKEY.  Marjorie b. January 8, 1918 Nebraska, d. December 26, 1993 Casper, Wyoming.  Richard d. May 23, 1999 Casper, Wyoming.



Generation Nine (8th cousins)

Virgil Lee WRIGHT b. July 6, 1894 Orestes, Indiana, m. June 19, 1915 Alexandria, Indiana to Edna Muriel PIERCE.  Edna b. February 7, 1897 Madison County, Indiana, d. March 3, 1968 Anderson, Indiana.  Virgil d. March 25, 1972 Alexandria, Indiana.

Richard Bruce CHENEY b. January 30, 1941 Lincoln, Nebraska, Representative from Wyoming 1979-1989, US Secretary of Defense 1989-1993, US Vice President 2001-2008.


Virgil Lee WRIGHT is our great-grandfather, so cousin Jim and I would be 8th cousins 3 times removed to the former Vice President.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Surname Saturday: Carter

The CARTER surname is Eileen's paternal line.  At this point I don't know much about this Southern Carter line.

Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 11: Emma CARTER (c1879-1973).  Emma was born reportedly in 1879 Alabama, 1880 Arkansas or 1886 Kentucky, depending on the census record.  She married Samuel IVEY on February 26, 1896 in Massac County, Illinois.  Samuel was born January 1, 1870 in Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky. They lived in Graves & Marshall Counties, Kentucky and Lawrence and Poinsett Counties, Arkansas.  She died before July 20, 1973 and is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Ahnentafel # 22: George CARTER.  George was listed on Emma's marriage record as her father.  He married Ellen DUNAWAY.

Related blog posts:

Family Milestones: January 23rd

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, John SHAW, married on this date in 1868 in Madison County, Indiana to Sarah WEBB.  John was the son of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW, and the older brother of my Elizabeth SHAW.  John was born August 20, 1827 in Ohio.  Sarah was born January 1834 in Indiana.  They had 3 children.  John died September 12, 1897 in Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Alfred JACOBS, was born on this date in 1820 in Brown County, Ohio.  Alfred was the son of James Thomas and Isabelle (FEILY) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth JACOBS.  Alfred married August 14, 1840 in Brown County, Ohio to Rebecca Ann ELLIS.  Alfred died January 3, 1907 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further known at this time.


My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Ann DAVIS, was born on this date in 1728.  Ann was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS, and the younger sister of my Thomas William DAVIS.  Ann married John HAVENS.  John was born circa 1725.  They had at least 2 children.  Nothing further known at this time.


My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Sarah WOOLSTON, was born on this date in 1804.  Sarah was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (HAINES) WOOLSTON, and the younger sister of my Rachel WOOLSTON.  Sarah married William WILLIAMS.  They had at least 1 daughter. Sarah died in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Family Milestones: January 22nd

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Nancy HEATON, was married on this date in 1871 in Lancaster, Schuyler County, Missouri to John Porter WARNER.  Nancy was the daughter of James R. and Elizabeth (JACOBS) HEATON, and the younger sister of my Rebecca Ann HEATON.  Nancy was born in 1854 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth SHIRK, was born on this date in 1740.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Ulrich and Anna (SWARR) SCHERCH, and the sister of my David SHIRK.  Elizabeth married John FUNK.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Hannah JACOBS, was born on this date in 1772 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  Hannah was the daughter of Michael and Margaret (________) JACOBS, and the younger sister of my David JACOBS.  Hannah died November 22, 1834.

Happy 101 Award


Thanks to Missy Corley of Bayside Blog and Mavis Jones of Georgia Black Crackers for this award!


Per the rules of the award, here are 10 things that make me happy:


1) Uncovering a clue to solving a family mystery.


2) Spending time with family and making new memories.


3) A Indianapolis Colts victory!


4) A good book - history or politics


5) A cold, Coca-Cola from a glass bottle.


6) A nice, long nap on Sunday.


7) Working in my garden


8) NASCAR season


9) A phone call from a friend


10) Election night coverage - especially if my guy wins!


Now, I know that I'm supposed to pass this on to 10 bloggers, but I'm limiting it to 3 :

Life From The Roots



Country Life

Think Genealogy

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Family Milestones: January 21st

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Anna L. WRIGHT, was married on this date in 1885 in Madison County, Indiana to Albert Morris 'Ab' VINSON.  Anna was the daughter of Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, and the younger sister of my John William WRIGHT.  Albert was born July 31, 1858 in Madison County, Indiana, the son of James and Elizabeth (________) VINSON.  Anna was born March 8, 1864 in Brown County, Ohio.  They had 1 daughter.  Anna died June 6, 1914 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Albert died October 26, 1921 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, James Alfred KING, was married on this date in 1899 to Rosie M. DILL.  James was the son of David and Elizabeth (KING) SHAW, and the older brother of my Ellen KING.  Rosie was born March 28, 1881 in Indiana.  James was born September 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  They had 4 children.  Rosie died June 29, 1940 in Bell, California.  James died June 10, 1933 in Bell, California.

My paternal 6th-great granduncle, Abner PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1708 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire.  Abner was the son of Thomas and Abigail (________) PHILBRICK, and the older brother of my John PHILBRICK.  Abner married on November 10, 1731 to Mehitable STEWART.  Mehitable was born in 1716.  Mehitable died in 1770.  Abner died May 2, 1790.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Charlotte HAINES, was born on this date in 1768 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Charlotte was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the twin sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Charlotte married on February 13, 1798 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Michael WOOLSTON, son of Jacob and Sarah (GOSLING) WOOLSTON.  They had 4 children.  Michael died in 1817.  Charlotte died August 24, 1821 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My paternal 5th-great grandmother, Hannah HAINES, was born on this date in 1768 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Hannah was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES.  Hannah married on February 26, 1795 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Samuel WOOLSTON, son of Samuel and Cyllania (WOOLSTON) WOOLSTON.  Samuel was born August 22, 1768 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They had 10 children.  Samuel died November 3, 1813 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Hannah died February 7, 1813 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Julia MOULTON, was born on this date in 1818 in Rutland County, Vermont.  Julia was the daughter of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON, and the older sister of my Albert MOULTON.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Enjoying the sights in Portland, Ind. (1912)



This humorous postcard from 1912 was sent to my paternal granduncle, Clarence STUBER, by Lottie S., whom I believe was his sister.  Postmarked July 30, 1912 from Portland, Indiana.


This postcard was sent before Clarence was married to my grandaunt, Vera HALEY, daughter of Eli and Cora (METZNER) HALEY.

Transcription of the postcard:
Heloo:- How are you?  I am O.K.  Home after a five wks. bum in O[hio].  I was to the Haleys Sun.  Vera is O.K. And looking fine over her trip Ha! Ha!  Got a long letter from Spencerville the other day.   I am expecting to have a big time during the Jubillee.  Wish you could come.  As ever, Lottie S.
 July 30 1912  "Ans. Soon"  "No Bellfountaine news I guess"
The Vera referenced her is Clarence's future bride.  I do not know what the Jubillee references.  Bellfountaine is a small village in Jay County, Indiana.  I believe that the Haleys lived near there.

Clarence's address was 318 South Superior Street, Angola, Indiana.  Not sure why he was living in Angola.  Could he have been a student at Tri-State (now Trine University) College? 



Update (12/10/11): Yes, Clarence was a student at Tri-State College, per my father, who has some nice photographs and other items from Clarence's college days.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Family Milestones: January 20th

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Mabel HURLBUT, was married on this date in 1763 to Elijah BENEDICT.  Mabel was the daughter of Moses and Rebecca (WARNER) HURLBUT, and the older sister of my Israel HURLBUT.  Mabel was baptisted October 8, 1763 in Woodbury, Connecticut.  I do not know the dates of birth or parentage for Elijah.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Maria SHIRK, was married on this date in 1780 to George FRANTZ.  Maria was the daughter of Ulrich and Anna (SCHWARR) SCHERCH, and the older sister of my David SHIRK.  Nothing further is known at this time.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: Ord Wehrly LeMaster



This photograph of my paternal grandfather, Ord Wehrly LeMaster, was apparently taken at a family reunion held at Haynes Park in Portland, Indiana in September 1966.

Source: LeMaster, Ord Wehrly. Photograph. ca. September 1966.  Digital image.  Privately held by Ord W. LeMaster, Alexandria, Indiana, 2010.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Tombstone Tuesday: Levi W. and Susanah (Coffman) Petry





My paternal 1st cousin 3 times removed, Levi W. PETRY and his wife Susanah (COFFMAN) PETRY, are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.


Levi was born November 2, 1844 in Preble County, Ohio, the son of Charles and Susannah (WEHRLY) PETRY.


Susanah was born December 1846 in Ohio, the daughter of John and Margaret (WEIMER) COFFMAN.


Levi and Susanah were married on January 13, 1867.  They lived in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana where Levi worked as a carpenter.  Much more research is needed to flesh out this family.



Levi died August 18, 1930 in Jay County, Indiana.  Susanah died August 26, 1928 in Jay County, Indiana.


Known children of Levi W. & Susanah (COFFMAN) PETRY are :
  • Mary Estella PETRY (1867-1900)
  • John Elmer PETRY (1869-1972)
  • Lula Belle PETRY (1870-1939); married Daniel CORLE
  • Jesse C. PETRY (1881-1958)
  • Blanche D. PETRY (1885-     )
  • Chauncey Orlo PETRY (1888-     )
  • Charles Francis PETRY
  • Daisey PETRY
  • Gracie Chestina PETRY
  • Harriett PETRY
  • Sarah Agnes PETRY
  • Susannah Getrude PETRY
Source: Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Levi W. and Susannah Petry marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009

Found them in the City Directory

On my lunch hour I ran over to the Elwood Public Library and did some quick checking on my Lambertson line.  I wanted to see if I could find out when they came to the Elwood area.

My 3GGF, Carey W. LAMBERTSON, was enumerated in the 1900 census in Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana.  By the 1910 census he was in the 2nd Ward of the City of Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  So at least I know that sometime between 1900-1910 he moved.

Didn't find exactly what I was looking for, but I did locate the 1916 Directory of Elwood published by the R.L. Polk Co. of Indianapolis, Indiana.  In that directory, both Carey and his son, Bert, are listed as living in Elwood
Lambertson Carey (Clara), h 1906 n F
Lambertson Bert S (Marie), laborer, h 615 n 18th

In a later directory, from 1924, published by Calkin-Kelly Directory Company of Binghampton, New York, I located my GGF, Clermon, and his brother:
Lambertson Clemon B (June K) cabtwkr h 1906 North F
Lambertson Orville E (Mary E) cabtwkr h 809 North 16th

My GGF, Clemon, worked for the Sellers Kitchen Cabinet Company in Elwood for many years until it closed.  Apparently, so did his brother, Orville.  Later in that same year, Orville and his wife were divorced.

This is just a start of some of the early directories that the library had.  I also need to dig into the collections at Ancestry.com to see what else I can find for the missing years.

Family Milestones: January 19th

My paternal 7th-great (and 8th-great) grandparents, John MAXSON and Judith CLARKE, were married on this date in 1687 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  John was the son of Rev. John and Mary (MOSHER) MAXSON.  Judith was the daughter of Joseph and Bethiah (HUBBARD) CLARKE.  John was born October 12, 1666 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Judith was born October 12, 1667 in Newport, Rhode Island.  They had 10 children. John died October 28, 1748.  Judith died July 17, 1747 at Westerly, Rhode Island.

My paternal 3rd-great grandparents, Luman Walker LEMASTERS Sr. and Nancy YOUNG, were married on this date in 1832 in Shelby County, Ohio.  Luman was the son of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS.  Nancy was the daughter of Phillip and Nancy Ann (McLANE) YOUNG.  Luman was born March 11, 1808 in Mason County, Virginia.  Nancy was born June 2, 1812 in Pickaway County, Ohio.  They raised 11 children in Shelby County, Ohio and Jay County, Indiana.  Luman died April 15, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  Nancy died August 26, 1904 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great granduncle, Nathan DAVIS, married on this date in 1761 to Ann GIFFORD.  Nathan was the son of Thomas William and Tacy (CRANDALL) DAVIS, and the younger brother of my Elisabeth DAVIS.  Nathan was born May 9, 1740 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Ann was born January 17, 1742.  They had 14 children.  Ann died in 1820.  Nathan died before October 17, 1814 in Salem, Harrison County, Virginia.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Family Milestones: January 18th

My maternal 7th-great grandparents, Henry MILLS and Hannah THORNBURG, were married on this date in 1740 in Virginia.  Henry was the son of John and Rebecca (________) MILLS.  Hannah's parentage is unknown.  Henry was born 9th month 23rd day in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  Hannah was born in 1725.  They had 11 children.  Hannah died 3rd month 27th day in 1791, recorded at Deep River Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.  Henry died 10th month 10th day in 1810, recorded at Deep River Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Levi JACOBS, married on this date in 1828 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary Lou BEATY.  Levi was the son of  William and Sibell (LITTELL) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my James Thomas JACOBS.  Levi was born June 20, 1807 in Brown County, Ohio.  Mary was the daughter of David BEATY.  Levi died March 21, 1882 in Effingham County, Illinois.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Moses MENDENHALL, married on this date in 1764 at New Garden Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina to Diannah RUDDUCK.  Moses was the son of Mordecai and Charity (BEESON) MENDENHALL, and the older brother of my Charity MENDENHALL.  Moses was born 5th month 13th day in 1743 recorded at New Garden Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina. Diannah was the daughter of John and Jeanne (________) RUDDUCK.  They had 5 children.  Moses died 2nd month 10th day in 1835 recorded at Springfield Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Family Milestones: January 17th

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Aaron MENDENHALL, married on this date in 1776 at Center Monthly Meeting in North Carolina to Miriam RICH.  Aaron was the son of Mordecai and Charity (BEESON) MENDENHALL, and the older brother of my Charity MENDENHALL.  Miriam was the daughter of John and Sarah (FRAZIER) RICH.  I do not have her dates of birth and death.  They were the parents of 8 children.  Aaron's death is recorded 12th month 26th day of 1793 at New Garden Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.  

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Nancy CHEW, married on this date in 1830 to Joseph BISHOP.  Nancy was the daughter of Andrew and Anna Marie (BARTHUS) CHEW, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth CHEW.  Nancy was born in 1812.  Joseph was born in 1802.  They had at least 1 child.  Joseph died in 1889.  Nancy died August 23, 1892.  Nothing further is known.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Thomas MENDENHALL, married on this date in 1764 at New Garden Monthly Meeting in Guilford County, North Carolina to Phebe RUDDUCK.  Thomas was born 10th month 3rd day 1741 at New Garden Monthly Meeting,  the son of Mordecai and Charity (BEESON) MENDENHALL, and the older brother of my Charity MENDENHALL.  Phebe was the daughter of John and Jeane (________) RUDDUCK.  They had 9 children.  Thomas' death is recorded on 1st month 5th day of 1783 at Deep River Monthly Meeting, Guilford County, North Carolina.

My paternal 3rd-great grandfather, Ezekiel Cooper CHEW, was born on this date in 1822 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Ezekiel was the son of Rev. Nathaniel and Mary (WEST) CHEW.  Ezekiel married December 29, 1842 in New Jersey to Caroline Bishop WOOLSTON.  Caroline was born February 6, 1826 in Vincentown, Burlington County, New Jersey, the daughter of Abel B. and Rachel (WOOLSTON) WOOLSTON.  They had 14 children.  Caroline died February 27, 1879 in Rossburg, Darke County, Ohio.  Ezekiel married secondly between 1880 and 1882 to Mrs. Laura SKAGGS.  Laura was born circa 1822 in Ohio.  They had 1 son.  Laura died at Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Ezekiel married thirdly between 1883 and 1888 to Mary Jane (RIDDLE) ADAMS, the daughter of Wiley and Miranda M. (PRICE) RIDDLE.  Mary was born December 28, 1845 in St. Joseph County, Indiana.  They had 1 son.  Mary died in 1921.  Ezekiel died August 27, 1888 in St. Joseph County, Indiana.


My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Sarah HAINES, was born on this date in 1782 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Sarah was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Sarah died September 5, 1825 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Sarah Ann KING, was born on this date in 1864 in Madison County, Indiana.  Sarah was the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, and the older sister of my Elizabeth KING.  Sarah is believed to have died before the 1870 census.  Nothing further is known at this time.

John Adam Metzner (1840-1895)

John Adam METZNER (1840-1895) was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.  The METZNER line has its origins in Saxony.  He went by his middle name of Adam in many records.


The following facts about Adam's life are known:
  • Birth: He was born August 23, 1840 in Licking County, Ohio, the son of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER.
  • Military: He served in Company G, 40th Ohio Infantry during the Civil War, later veteranized as the 51st Ohio Infantry.
  • Marriage: He married Clara MOULTON on November 13, 1864 in Jay County, Indiana.
  • Census: 1880 - He appears as head of household in Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana
  • Biography: 1887 - He is mentioned in the "Biographical and Historical Record of Jay County, Indiana" by Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago
  • Death: He died December 4, 1895 in Westchester, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Burial: He is buried at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana
  • Obituary: His obituary appeared in the December 5, 1895 edition of the Portland Daily Commercial
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 METZNER household in Jay County, Indiana.
  • Census: Need to locate him in the 1860 census, should be in the John METZNER household in Jay County, Indiana.
  • Census: Need to locate him in the 1870 census, should be head of household in Wayne or Noble Townships, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Death: Need to obtain a copy of his death certificate from the Jay County, Indiana Health Department.
Ancestry of John Adam METZNER (1840-1895), Ahnentafel # 22 in my ancestry:


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

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