Do Name Collectors Have a Place at the Table?

Are you a Name Collector or a Genealogist?  Can one be both?  A debate seems to be raging in the genea-blogosphere, and the recent post by Karen at Genealogy Frame of Mind has me wondering what place a “name collector” has at the genealogical table. A good definition of the differences between a Name Collector and a Genealogist is presented by Elyse at Elyse's Genealogy Blog.

When I first started out researching my family history, I was around 12-13 years of age.  My dad had done some research on the family, and I decided that I would pick up where he left off.  This was in the early 80s, back when I used a Commodore 64 (remember those?) to organize my genealogy.

At the time, I was entering names and dates into the computer without regard to proper citation of my sources. One of my ancestors had completed a genealogy on the BEALS family in my maternal line; my dad had obtained a genealogy of the LEMASTER line as well.  Names and dates went into the database without a thought of citing where I obtained the information, or more importantly – evaluating the quality of the data in those books.

So in those early days, I was definitely a Name Collector.

These days I would consider myself a Family Genealogist – that is, I do try to document and cite my sources as accurately as possible.  I try to correct gaps in my database as often as I can in order to make my research as complete as possible.  However, there is still quite a residue in my database from my Name Collector days.  Sometimes, even today, I can get carried away by a new discovery and fail to properly document the information, believing that I will “remember” and go back to add the source later.  It is a continuing struggle to not get ahead of myself.

I have an online version of my family tree database stored at WorldConnect.  My database contains a warning to those who would sample the information. There are errors and omissions, as well as undocumented facts presented.  I appreciate it when someone takes the time to correct my data with a post-em or sends me an email.  If I do not have the source of the documentation, I apologize and let them know right away.  Am I part of the problem?  Does my database create too much “white-noise” out there that causes disdain from true genealogists?

When I find information about a family online that I am researching that is un-sourced, I treat the information as a clue and seek to prove/disprove the information presented.  Many times these tidbits of undocumented information can lead to breakthroughs that will tear down a brick wall.  I treat this information much in the same way I treat the published genealogies out there that are nothing more than a collection of names, dates and facts without any sources listed.

As I transition from a Name Collector to a full-fledged Genealogist, I am not bothered by those who are Name Collectors.  Perhaps they are just starting out – or perhaps they haven’t matured beyond this stage.  Either way, I find that I have enough genealogical “sins” of my own to worry about chastising others for their failings. 

Family Milestones: September 24th

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Beulah Haines WOOLSTON, married on this date in 1829 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Daniel DEACON, son of Daniel and Margaret (RIDGWAY) DEACON.  Beulah was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (HAINES) WOOLSTON, and the younger sister of my Rachel WOOLSTON. Beulah was born December 24, 1810 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Daniel was born May 20, 1808 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They had 5 children.  Daniel died June 13, 1866 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Beulah's death date is unknown.


My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Jessie PENISTEN, married on this date in 1920 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana to Lawrence SPENCE, son of Thomas and Suzan (BERRY) SPENCE.  Jessie was the daughter of John and Jane (ALDERMAN) PENISTEN, and the younger sister of my Clara PENISTEN.  Lawrence was born January 18, 1863 in Madison County, Indiana.  Jessie was born September 9, 1870 in Madison County, Indiana.  Lawrence was an Army veteran of the Spanish-American War and the Phillipine Insurrection.  Lawrence died March 29, 1961 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  Jessie died February 27, 1948 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


My paternal great-grandaunt, Edith Mabel LeMASTERS, was born on this date in 1879 in Jay County, Indiana.  Edith was the daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LeMASTERS, and the younger sister of my Luman Cooper LeMASTERS.  Edith married April 20, 1910 in Jay County, Indiana to Henry MEINHOLTZ.  Henry was born July 9, 1875.  They had 4 children.  Henry died January 20, 1948.  Edith died July 29, 1949.  Both are buried in Colorado Springs, Colorado.


My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, John LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1804 in Mason County, Virginia.  John was the son of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS, and the older brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS.  John married December 14, 1828 in Washington County, Pennsylvania to Mary H. BAKER.  Mary was born July 30, 1808 in Pennsylvania. They had 10 children and resided in Ohio and Pulaski County, Indiana.  Mary died in Wayne County, Ohio.  John died March 25, 1866 in Starr City, Pulaski County, Indiana.


My paternal 6th-great granduncle, Joseph DAVIS, was born on this date in 1726.  Joseph was the son of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS, and the younger brother of my Thomas William DAVIS.  Joseph married in 1745 in Stonington, Connecticut to Comfort LANGWORTHY.  He married secondly to Dorcas ________.  Comfort's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Dorcas was born circa 1726.  Joseph and Comfort had 10 children; Joseph and Dorcas had 4 children.  Joseph died in 1798.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Obituary of Marvin Dailey

Thanks to Ancestry user rhondohoyes1950, I was able to locate a copy of the obituary for Marvin DAILEY, second husband of Erma (HAYES) WRIGHT.

Marvin Dailey Passes Away on Thursday


Tipton - Harry Marvin Dailey, 75, of 570 Kentucky avenue, Tipton, died Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock at the Jones convescent home in Marion.


He was born May 10, 1892, in Fayette county, the son of Oliver and Margaret Farr Dailey.  He was married in 1922 to Irma Wright, and she died in 1949.  In 1951 he was married to Ressie Anderson.


He was a former tinplate worker and resided in Elwood prior to moving to Tipton.  He was last employed at the Tipton County memorial hospital.


Survivors include the widow, two daughters, Mrs. Kenneth Harting Jr., of route 2 Elwood and Mrs. Jack French of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; three sons, Merrill of Kokomo, Warren of Goshen, and Marvin of Trinity, N.C.; the following step children, Mrs. Harry Browning of Tipton, Mrs. Harold Porter, Kenneth Anderson and Thomas, all of Elwood and Warren Anderson of Indianapolis; 19 grandchildren.


The body is in the Mitchell funeral home in Tipton where friends may call anytime.


Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Saturday afteroon, at the Mitchell home. Rev. Chester Mitchell will officiate.  Burial will be made in the Fairview cemetery.

This obituary gives me some good information, including a timeframe for his marriage to Erma (HAYES) WRIGHT of 1922, and his full name and birthplace.

Family Milestones: September 23rd

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Charles MOULTON, was married on this date in 1853 in Newark, Licking County, Ohio to Charlotte Cordelia PHILLIPS, daughter of David and Charlotte (GILBERT) PHILLIPS.  Charles was the son of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON, and the younger brother of my Albert MOULTON.  Charles was born November 12, 1832 in Rutland County, Vermont.  Charlotte was born May 1831 in New York. They raised 4 children and resided in Marion County, Iowa and Holt County, Nebraska, where Charles was a farmer, carpenter and wagonmaker.  The last record I have for Charles and Charlotte is the 1910 census of Atkinson Township, Holt County, Nebraska.


My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Judith MAXSON, was born on this date in 1689. Judith was the daughter of John and Judith (CLARKE) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Bethia and Elizabeth MAXSON.  Judith married Samuel BURDICK.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Wright - Dailey family

I decided to do some fishing this evening to fill in some blanks in my WRIGHT family.  Working with my maternal great-granduncle, Chester Arthur "Mike" WRIGHT and his family, I noticed that I didn't have much on his first wife, Erma Violet HAYES, after her divorce from him and her subsequent marriage to Marvin DAILEY.

Checking out Ancestry.com, I found the DAILEY family living in Campbell County, Kentucky in the 1930 census.  They were enumerated on April 21, 1930.

Marvin's occupation was listed as a steelworker in a rolling mill.  He and Erma's children were listed under the WRIGHT surname, after stepdaughter V. June WRIGHT.


Marvin rented his home, didn't own a radio, and was 37 years old.  Erma, his wife, was 27 years old.  Children listed (under the Wright surname) are : V. June, age 9, Merrill, age 6, Warren, aged 4, and Eugene aged 2.  This is a census enumerator error, as only V[ivian] June should have the WRIGHT surname, the others were children of Erma and Marvin DAILEY.


I do not have the divorce record for Erma and Chester Arthur WRIGHT, but it must have taken place sometime before 1924, probably in Madison County, Indiana.  They were married there on March 5, 1920.

Family Milestones: September 22nd

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Samuel Pangburn WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1816 in Adams County, Ohio.  Samuel was the son of George and Elizabeth (ROBINS) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my John WRIGHT.  Samuel married April 17, 1845 to Rebecca Ruth HALL.  Rebecca's parentage is unknown.  Rebecca was born circa 1825 in Ohio.  They raised 6 children in Brown County, Ohio.  Samuel died February 1860 in Brown County, Ohio. Rebecca was still living at the time of the 1860 census in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.

Grandpa LeMaster in the National Guard

I made a new discovery recently about my paternal grandfather, Ord Wehrly LeMASTER, while searching the Indiana State Digitial Archives : he had served in the National Guard.


According to the database, grandpa enrolled on March 30, 1923, making him just 16 years old (he would turn 17 in October).  His city of residence was Salamonia in Jay County.


I talked to my dad about this, and he told me that grandpa had never mentioned serving in the National Guard to him.  Another mystery to be researched!  Could this explain why grandpa didn't graduate high school until 1928?  


I assume from this database that there may be some records at the Indiana State Archives.  I could request service records from the National Personnel Records Center, but I need to obtain a copy of his death certificate first.

Ord W. Lemaster - National Guard 1898-1940

Record Series:	Military Records
Collection:	National Guard 1898-1940
County:	Statewide

Reference Number:	GUA032823
Enrollment_Date:	03/30/1923
City Of Residence:	Salamonia
County Of Residence 2:	Jay
Notes:
Box:	315
Location:	40-F-3
Name:	Ord W. Lemaster
Party Type:	Name

Tombstone Tuesday: Susannah (Reeves) Fisher

Eileen's maternal 4th-great grandmother, Susannah (REEVES) FISHER, is buried in the Washington-Lawson Cemetery, Union Township, Marshall County, Indiana.

Susannah was born November 8, 1789 in Virginia.  She married Daniel FISHER, son of George and Mary (________) FISHER, who died December 7, 1833, probably in Byrd Township, Brown County, Ohio.  They were the parents of 7 children.  Susannah came with her children first to Miami County, Indiana, and finally to Marshall County, Indiana, where she is listed in the 1850 census.  Susannah died October 26, 1855 in Marshall County, Indiana.

Source: Washington-Lawson Cemetery (Marshall County, Indiana), Susannah Fisher marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 4 September 2010.

Family Milestones: September 21st

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, John WARDLAW, married on this date in 1806 in Highland County, Ohio to Elizabeth LANCE.  John was the son of Robert and Janet (DOWNEY) WARDLAW, and the younger brother of my Samuel WARDLAW.  Elizabeth's parentage is unknown.  John was born June 15, 1779 in Rockbridge County, Virginia.  They had at least 1 daughter.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Sarah CHEW, was born on this date in 1761 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Sarah was the daughter of Jesse and Mary (RICHARDS) CHEW, and the older sister of my Nathaniel CHEW.  Sarah married circa 1780 to James EARLY.  James' parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Sarah died February 7, 1845.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Family Milestones: September 20th

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Anne WOOLSTON, married on this date in 1817 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Joshua WOOLSTON.  Anne was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (HAINES) WOOLSTON, and the older sister of my Rachel WOOLSTON.  I do not yet know the parentage of Joshua WOOLSTON.  Joshua was born circa 1797 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Anne was born March 16, 1797 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They had 5 children.  I do not have Anne's date of death. Joshua died in 1860 in Burlington County, New Jersey.


My maternal 5th-great grandmother, Elizabeth RAINS, was born on this date in 1789.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Anthony and Nancy (GRAHAM) RAINS.  Elizabeth married October 15, 1807 in Randolph County, North Carolina to John W. POE.  John's parentage is unknown.  John was born 1781 in North Carolina. They moved to Morgan County, Indiana before 1850.  Elizabeth died in Morgan County, Indiana.  John died after September 17, 1850 in Morgan County, Indiana.


My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Mary NESBIT, was born on this date in 1779 in Virginia.  Mary was the daughter of Samuel and Mary (BERRY) NESBIT, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth NESBIT.  Mary married Alexander MARTIN on April 23, 1805.  Mary died in 1852.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Nancy Ann WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1840 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nancy was the daughter of John and Anna (WARDLOW) WRIGHT, and the younger sister of my Joseph W. WRIGHT.  Nancy married August 12, 1860 in Brown County, Ohio to Levi WARDLOW, son of Arana "Rainey" and Adelina D. (DENNIS) WARDLOW.  Levi was born April 7, 1839 in Ohio.  They had 7 children and lived in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.  Levi died December 29, 1926 in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.  Nancy died July 17, 1912 in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio. Both are buried in the Wardlow Cemetery # 2, Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.

Family Milestones: September 19th

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Content MAXSON, married on this date in 1754 to George POTTER, son of Thomas and Mary (BABCOCK) POTTER.  Content was the daughter of Joseph and Bethia (MAXSON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Ephraim MAXSON.  Content was born December 31, 1732.  George was born January 3, 1732 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  They had 9 children.  George died August 19, 1794.  Content died October 24, 1815.

Family Milestones: September 18th

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, Frederick P. WEHRLY, married on this date in 1850 to Lavina OBLINGER.  Frederick was the son of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older brother of my William P. WEHRLY.  Lavina's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Frederick was born July 10, 1827 in Preble County, Ohio.  Frederick died October 30, 1909.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 5th-great granduncle, William NOSLER, married on this date in 1825 in Owen County, Indiana to Margaret JOHNSON.  William was the son of Conrad and Sarah (PAINS) NOSLER, and the older brother of my Mary Ann NOSLER.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth SCHERCH, was born on this date in 1698.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Ulrich and Barbara (GRUNDBACHER) SCHÜRCH, and the older sister of my Ulrich SCHERCH.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal 6th-great granduncle, John DAVIS, was born on this date in 1723.  John was the son of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS, and the younger brother of my Thomas William DAVIS.  John married Mary SAUNDERS.  John died August 29, 1792 in Bristol, Connecticut. Nothing futher is known at this time.

Rummaging Through The Family

What better way to create family memories than to be a part of a family rummage sale!  Well, maybe there are better ways to create memories, but our family rummages have been memorable lately.


We've made the circuit in the past year with a sale at my house, one at my mom's, and now the third "family" rummage.  With both parents retired and wanting to downsize, and me trying my hand at 'flipping' auction finds - we've managed to have some good sales.


Today, I helped mom & dad with their sale held at my brother's house during the Frankton Heritage Days weekend.  I had quite a bit of merchandise in the sale myself, mostly stuff I've picked up at auction sales as box lots.  So far, I've managed to make my investment many times over.  There is a buyer for nearly everything imaginable.

Ok, so it may have looked a bit like a scene out of Sanford & Son, but we had a pretty good time once the initial stress of setup was over.  You get to meet a lot of interesting people when you hold a rummage sale.  Almost as interesting as the people you discover when tracing your family tree.

Mom holding an LP of The New Christy Minstrels

[anyone wanna buy it?]

Family Milestones: September 17th

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Balaam RAINS, was born on this date in 1801. Balaam was the son of Anthony & Nancy (GRAHAM) RAINS, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth RAINS.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Edward F. MOULTON, was born on this date in 1829 in Rutland County, Vermont.  Edward was the son of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON, and the younger brother of my Albert MOULTON.  Edward married on October 12, 1854 in Putnam County, Ohio to Ziltha WILLIAMS.  Ziltha's parentage is unknown. Ziltha was born circa 1837 in Ohio. They had 6 children.  Edward died February 23, 1876 in Marion County, Iowa.


My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Judith MAXSON, was born on this date in 1720. Judith was the daughter of Joseph and Bethia (MAXSON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Ephraim MAXSON.  Judith married on January 10, 1740 in Westerly, Rhode Island to James DAVIS, son of Willam and Elizabeth (PAVIOR) DAVIS.  James was born in 1720.  They had 7 children.  James died September 11, 1777.  Judith died in 1778.

Family Milestones: September 16th

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Sarah PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1773.  Sarah was the daughter of Deacon John and Sally (JEWETT) PHILBRICK, and the older sister of my Joel PHILBRICK.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 5th-great granduncle, William HEATON, was born on this date in 1764 in New Jersey.  William was the son of John and Abigail (PAXTON) HEATON, and the younger brother of my Thomas HEATON.  William married before 1789 to Abigail ________.  Abigail was born August 28, 1767.  They had 5 children.  Abigail died sometime after 1792.  William died in 1815 in Greene County, Pennsylvania.

Jay County, Indiana Genealogy Library Completes Move

According to the latest addition of the Jay County Journal, the genealogy library, which had been located on Commerce Street in Portland, has been finally consolidated into the East Main Street Museum.


Some materials are now being stored at the Gilpin Annex next to the museum.  Included among these are the seven large file cabinets which hold probates and ledgers holding court documents.  The society requests that you call ahead at least two days in advance if you anticipate using these resources, to ensure that they have the staff available to assist.


The museum is located at 903 E. Main Street in Portland, Indiana.  The website is located at www.jaycountyhistory.org Phone number (260) 726-7168.  Museum hours are Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Looks like I'll be calling ahead, as the probate records are ones that I definitely want to research on my next trip there.

Family Milestones: September 15th

My maternal great-grandaunt, Mary Elsie LeMASTERS, married on this date in 1894 in Jay County, Indiana to Matthias J. ATKINSON.  Mary was the daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LeMASTERS, and the younger sister of my Luman Cooper LeMASTERS.  Mary was born April 26, 1872 in Rose Hill, Darke County, Ohio.  Matthias was born November 23, 1863.  They had 1 child.  Matthias died August 24, 1923.  Mary died June 5, 1942.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: September 14th

My paternal granduncle, Charles L. HALEY, was born on this date in 1902 in Jay County, Indiana.  Charles was the son of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY, and the older brother of my Ruth Pauline HALEY.  Charles died February 27, 1903 in Jay County, Indiana and is buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


My paternal 6th-great granduncle, Jeremiah HAINES, was born on this date in 175 1 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Jeremiah was the son of Jeremiah and Hannah (BONNELL) HAINES, and the younger brother of my Robert HAINES.  Jeremiah married April 26, 1775 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Mary HANN. Mary's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Jeremiah died June 15, 1776.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Lucinda PIERCE, was born on this date in 1769.  Lucinda was the daughter of Seth and Bethiah (FIELD) PIERCE, and the older sister of my Gordon PIERCE.  Lucinda married on November 27, 1788 to Thomas WELCH.  Thomas was born February 17, 1757.  They had 11 children.  Thomas died March 20, 1832.  Lucinda died January 25, 1854 in Enfield, Connecticut.

Groendyk Baptismal Record of New Utrecht

Thanks to Barbara Poole of Life From The Roots blog, I now have good information that places my GROENDYK / GROENENDYKE family firmly in the New Utrecht area and clears up the name of James GROENDYKE's spouse.  


A Google book search had indicated that the family was mentioned in The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record in Volume 114, 1983.  Not having access to this publication, I put out an A.P.B. on Twitter, and Barbara was quick to respond.  She not only graciously copied the page that I needed, but also others that included several Dutch families that I am sure I am distantly connected with.  Now, I just get to sort it all out!

The record shows that Peter GROENDYK, son of James GROENDYK and Johanna ANTONIDES was baptized on May 25, 1800 at the Reformed Church of New Utrecht, Long Island.  Witnesses were Peter ANTONIDES and wife Ida RYDER.

My database had Peter born May 2, 1800 in New Jersey, with the source for this information being a correspondent.  There has always been a question in my mind whether James' wife was an ANTONIDES or not, and this record seems to clear this up.  I had believed that she is the daughter of Peter and Catherine (VANDERVEER) ANTONIDES.  However, Teunis Bergen in his genealogy on the ANTONIDES family states that Peter was deceased in 1796.  So, perhaps the witness is Johanna's brother, Peter?

Tombstone Tuesday: Sarah May (PEEPLES) PEFLEY (1869-1932)

Eileen's maternal great-greatmother, Sarah May (PEEPLES) PEFLEY, is buried in the Washington-Lawson Cemetery, Union Township, Marshall County, Indiana.


Sarah was the daughter of George and Katherine (McMILLEN) PEEPLES.  According to her obituary in the Culver Citizen, she was born on a farm near Maxinkuckee on May 3, 1870, although her tombstone clearly says 1869. Sarah married Albert Duffey PEFLEY, son of Thomas Jefferson and Ruth (DUFFEY) PEFLEY, on October 9, 1898 in Culver, Marshall County, Indiana.  They had 4 children and resided in Lagro Township, Wabash County, Indiana.  Sarah and Albert divorced circa 1924.  Sarah died April 4, 1932 in Argos, Marshall County, Indiana.


Source: Washington-Lawson Cemetery (Marshall County, Indiana), Sarah May Pefley marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 4 September 2010.

Linking Feature at Find A Grave

I have several family memorials at the FindAGrave.com website that I've created over the years.  What started out as a site for the gravesites of the rich and famous has become a genealogical tool for those who would like to have photographs of far-away tombstones of their ancestors.


I have used the "Request A Photo" feature frequently with great success in obtaining photographs, and when possible, I try to help out others looking for their ancestor's tombstones in my area.  It's a great way to give back a little bit to the genealogical community.


One feature that I'm starting to utilize at FindAGrave is the linking feature where you can add family links.  By adding these family links, you can tie together whole families at FindAGrave.  Often times, one spouse will die and the survivor may move on to another area and be buried in a totally different cemetery.  Not to mention how far-flung some families can be.  By linking children with their parents, someone can quickly link to all available tombstone photographs of a particular family.


If you haven't yet used this feature, I would highly recommend it.

Amanuensis Monday: Dere Iss No Place Like Portland, Ind. Postcard (1913)

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

This postcard was sent to my paternal granduncle, Clarence Stuber, by his sister, Lottie.  The date on the postmark is April 3, 1913, mailed from Portland, Indiana to Spencerville, Ohio.


The front of the card reads: Dere Iss No Place Like Portland, Ind. Because I Gets Mine Bread Undt Butter Dere.


Hello - Rec'd letter glad to hear from you. Rec'd card from John today. He is O.K. I am in new P.O.  Have 3 squares to go now.  Will write later.  Lottie


The card is address to: Clarence Stuber, Spencerville, Ohio, Box 54.

John Newmark at TransylvanianDutch started this Monday genealogy meme, which has quickly spread throughout the Geneablogger community. I am excited to be a participant and transcribe the records of my family.

Family Milestones: September 13th

My paternal 6th-great granduncle, John MAXSON, married on this date in 1744 to Martha PROSSER, daughter of John PROSSER.  John was the son of Rev. Joseph and Tacy (BURDICK) MAXSON, and the younger brother of my Joseph MAXSON.  John was born in 1698 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Martha was born circa 1703.  They had at least 2 children.  Martha died November 3, 1804 in Hopkington, Rhode Island.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal 4th-great grandmother, Maria Catharina KALTREIDER, was born on this date in 1762.  Maria was the daughter of Duvald and Elizabeth Catherine (________) KALTREIDER.  Maria married circa 1785 to George PETRY, son of Steffan PETRY.  George was born August 1, 1762 in Strausberg, Germany.  They raised 7 children in York County, Pennsylvania.  George died June 1, 1823 in York County, Pennsylvania.  Maria died April 15, 1815 in York County, Pennsylvania.


My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Sarah HEATON, was born on this date in 1707.  Sarah was the daughter of Samuel and Susan (HAWES) HEATON, and the older sister of my John HEATON.  Sarah married Matthew WILLIAMS on May 9, 1735.  Matthew's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Church Record Sunday: Exploring the archives of The United Methodist Church

Geneabloggers advertised the new daily blogging themes for Sunday, and I saw the Church Record Sunday from Gena's Genealogy Blog regarding searching for records of Methodist ancestors through the General Commission of Archives & History of The United Methodist Church.  Since I have many ancestors who were members of the pre-cursors to the modern church, I decided to check out this database resource.

The database can be searched through this link.  There is a convenient simple search and a more advanced search, which should be used if your surname is more common.

According to their website, "today's United Methodist Church is the descendant of several predecessors. These denominations are: Methodist Episcopal Church (1784-1939), Methodist Episcopal Church, South (1845-1939), Methodist Protestant Church (1828-1939), Methodist Church (1939-1968), United Brethren in Christ (1800-1946), Evangelical Association (1803-1922), United Evangelical Church (1894-1922), Evangelical Church (1922-1946), Evangelical United Brethren (1946-1968), United Methodist Church (1968-present)."

I began searching for some of the names of ancestors and relatives to see who may have been mentioned in their Annual Conference yearbooks. Copies of the full text of these mentions is available for a $5 research fee.

Here are some of the "hits" that I found when searching for my family:

Name: Lemasters, Philip Birth: June 10, 1836 Death: May 14, 1915 Denomination: Methodist Episcopal Church Conference Membership or Lay Status: West Ohio State or place of Death: OH Journal Reference: West Ohio Conference Journal for 1915; page(s): 681 Record id Number: 35293  [This was my paternal 2nd-great granduncle. I knew he was a minister in Spencerville, Ohio] Name: Haley, Eli W. Birth: na Death: na Denomination: Evangelical United Brethren Church Conference Membership or Lay Status: Laity State or place of Death: na Journal Reference: Illinois Conference Journal for 1958; page(s): 77 Record id Number: 63998  [This was my paternal great-grandfather.] Name: Haley, Jacob Birth: na Death: May 27, 1920 Denomination: Evangelical Association Conference Membership or Lay Status: Laity State or place of Death: na Journal Reference: Indiana Conference Journal for 1921; page(s): 30 Record id Number: 51513  [Believe this may be my paternal 3rd-great granduncle.] Name: Chew, Nathaniel D. Birth: May 2, 1877 Death: April 28, 1949 Denomination: Methodist Church Conference Membership or Lay Status: Wisconsin State or place of Death: WI Journal Reference: Wisconsin Conference Journal for 1949; page(s): 145 Record id Number: 96841  Name: Chew, Nathaniel D. Birth: na Death: April 21, 1949 Denomination: Methodist Church Conference Membership or Lay Status: Michigan State or place of Death: MI Journal Reference: Michigan Conference Journal for 1949; page(s): 169 Record id Number: 76969 [Paternal cousin] Name: Metzner, J. W. Birth: Jan 6, 1869 Death: July 24, 1929 Denomination: Evangelical Church Conference Membership or Lay Status: Indiana State or place of Death: na Journal Reference: Indiana Conference Journal for 1930; page(s): 296 Record id Number: 53169  [Paternal 1st cousin 3 times removed.] I'm just getting started in researching this resource, and will be interested to find out what information these memorials will contain.

LeMaster Family Reunion

We held our annual family reunion last night at my parent's place.  It was good to see my aunts, uncles and cousins that I otherwise do not see.  The weather held out as the rain was only in the morning.  This year my nieces helped create some games for the kids.  I believe the pumpkin seed spitting contest was the crowd favorite!

Children of Ord W. & Ruth P. (Haley) LeMaster

Front: Weldon, Paul

Back: Juanita, Idola, Ruth

Not everyone could make it, but those that did had a good time and plenty of food. I was able to get some photographs and make some memories.  The evening wasn't as condusive for genealogy questions as I would have liked.  I will have to make some visits and phone calls to get answers to my questions.

I did hear some discussion as to how long we had been having these reunions, and I believe I heard 1974 or 1976.  So hopefully there are some older pictures out there for me to find.  

I posted more photos of the reunion at Facebook.  A public link is here.

Moulton Research

I answered an email this morning that had been setting in my inbox for a couple months regarding the MOULTON family.  The lady is also a descendant of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON.  Hopefully we can tear down some of the brickwalls together.

She didn't indicate which line was hers, but mine is from their son Albert.  Albert has been somewhat of a mystery man, disappearing during the Gold Rush and heading for California.  I believe I have found him in the 1850 census of El Dorado County, living as a miner.  However, there are other Albert Moulton's in California at the same time, so I don't know for sure.

Albert MOULTON was born May 10, 1819 in Rutland County, Vermont, the son of Selah and Lydia (FENNEL) MOULTON.  He married in 1848 to Emeline PHILBRICK, daughter of Joel and Sally (FOX) PHILBRICK.  They had two daughters: Clara b. September 1843 and Lydia b. January 1849.  Notice that the date of marriage must be off.

The family is briefly mentioned in The Descendants of Rev. William Worcester by Jonathan Fox Worcester.

Clara married John Adam METZNER and lived in Jay County, Indiana.  Lydia married Charles Sherman HAGAMAN and lived in Livingston County, Missouri.

Family Milestones: September 12th

My paternal 5th-great grandfather, Cornelius SUTTON, married on this date in 1806 in Harrison County, Virginia to Elisabeth DAVIS.  Cornelius was the son of Amos and Jane (CLAWSON) SUTTON.  Elisabeth was the daughter of Thomas William and Tacy (CRANDALL) DAVIS.  Cornelius was born October 29, 1750 in New Jersey.  Elisabeth was born in 1746 in New Jersey.  Elisabeth died 1807 in New Salem, Virginia.  Cornelius died September 30, 1850 in West Union, Doddridge County, Virginia.  


My maternal 5th-great granduncle, Bennett PIERCE, was born on this date in 1771.  Bennett was the son of Seth and Bethiah (FIELD) PIERCE, and the older brother of my Gordon PIERCE.  Bennett died March 17, 1773.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Elizabeth PIERCE, was born on this date in 1788.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Seth and Bethiah (FIELD) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Gordon PIERCE.  Elizabeth married Chester COLLINS.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal great-grandaunt, Lillian PIERCE, was born on this date in 1902 in Madison County, Indiana.  Lillian was the daughter of William Francis and Clara (PENISTEN) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edna Muriel PIERCE. Lillian died August 11, 1921 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  


My maternal 6th-great grandfather, Seth PIERCE, was born on this date in 1744 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  Seth was the son of Seth and Elizabeth (NYE) PIERCE.  Seth married April 17, 1767 to Bethiah FIELD, daughter of Bennett and Elizabeth (SPOFFORD) FIELD.  Bethiah was born April 8, 1746 in Stafford, Windham County, Connecticut.  They had 12 children.  Bethiah died September 18, 1807.  Seth died in 1835 in Homer, Cortland County, New York.

Family Milestones: September 11th

My paternal 4th-great grandparents, Abel B. WOOLSTON and Rachel WOOLSTON, were married on this date in 1819 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Abel was the son of John and Beulah (BRIGGS) WOOLSTON.  Rachel was the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (HAINES) WOOLSTON.  Abel was born 1797 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rachel was born April 19, 1800 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They raised 5 children in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rachel died September 11, 1851 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Abel died January 12, 1834 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

The Second Mrs. Wright

I thought I pretty much knew everything there was to know about my maternal 2nd-great grandfather, John William WRIGHT, after all these years of working on genealogy.  I had his parents, his dates of birth and death, tombstone photos, census records, etc.  I had a pretty good picture of his life and where he was living during his adult life.

John was widowed in 1913 when my 2nd-great grandmother, Ellen (KING) WRIGHT passed away.  John himself lived on until 1945.  I found him living in the same location: Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, exactly where I thought he would be in both the 1920 and the 1930 census as well as various phone books and directories up until his death.

Imagine my surprise when doing a cursory search at the Family Search pilot which seemed to indicate a heretofore unknown second marriage for John in 1922.  I was searching using his parents, Joseph WRIGHT and Rebecca HEATON, hoping that I might find other records on brothers and sisters, etc.  The record that came back showed a marriage between John W. WRIGHT and Margaret L. WILLETTS on May 13, 1922.  This John was the son of Joseph and Rebecca (HEATON) WRIGHT, so it appeared to be the right person.  The county was not given by the record, only a filmstrip number.

I called Central Records at the Madison County courthouse the next day and asked if they had a record of a marriage in 1922 between John W. WRIGHT and Margaret L. WILLETTS.  They were able to locate the record, and I made arrangements to pick it up.  

Application is hereby made for a license for the marriage of John W. Wright to Margaret L. Willetts

Male

1. The full christian and surname of the man is John W. Wright

2. Color White

3. Where born Brown Co., O [Brown County, Ohio]

4. When born Feb 23 - 62 [February 23, 1862]

5. Present residence Alex Ind [Alexandria, Indiana]

6. Present occupation Farmer

8. Is the male contracting party of nearer blood kin to the female contracting party than second cousin? No

9. Full christian name of father Joseph Wright

10. His color White

11. His birthplace Brown Co., O [Brown County, Ohio]

12. His occupation Dead

13. His residence Dead

14. Full christian and maiden name of mother Rebecca Heaton

15. Her color White

16. Her occupation Dead

17. Her birthplace Brown Co., O [Brown County, Ohio]

18. Her residence ditto

19. Has the male contracting party been an inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent persons within the last five years? No

21. Is this his first marriage? No

22. If not, how often has he been married? Once

23. Has such prior marriage, or marriages, been dissolved? Death

25. When? 1913

26. Is the male contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal, or any other contagious or transmissible disease? No

27. Is he an imbecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is he under guardianship as a person of unsound mind? No

Female

1. The full christian and surname of the woman is Margaret L. Willetts

2. Color White

3. Where born Pittsburg, Pa [Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]

4. When born Aug 19 - 72 [August 19, 1872]

5. Present residence Anderson, Ind.

6. Present occupation H Keeper [house keeper]

7. Full christian and surname of father James Lewis

8. His color White

9. His birthplace England

10. His occupation Rld [Railroad?]

11. His residence Pitts Pa [Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]

12. Full christian and maiden name of mother Margaret Powell

13. Her color White

14. Her occupation H Keeper [house keeper]

15. Her birthplace England

16. Her residence Pitts Pa [Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]

17. Has the female contracting party been an inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent persons with the last five years? No

18. Is this her first marriage? No

19. If not, how often has she been marriage? Once

20. Has such prior marriage, or marriages, been dissolved? Death

21. When? 1918

22. Is the female contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal, or any other contagious or transmissible disease? No

23. Is she an imbecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is she under guardianship as a person of unsound mind? No

This is definitely my 2nd-great grandfather, getting remarried on May 13, 1922.  Interestingly, his first marriage also took place on May 13th in 1886.  

By the 1930 census, John was living with his youngest son, and was listed as a widower.  His obituary in 1945 does not mention this marriage at all.  

I've done a quick search in trying to locate Margaret in the 1920 census and in the 1930 census, without success.  Did she die between 1922 and 1930, or did they later divorce?  Will have to check out Madison County records for a divorce.  A quick search of the obituary and cemetery databases at the Anderson library do not show a Margaret WRIGHT dying during that time period in Madison County.

Just when you think you know everything there is to know about someone, a new mystery develops.

Family Milestones: September 10th

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Nathan H. BEALS, married on this date in 1856 to Sarah J. JOHNSON.  Nathan was the son of Nathan C. and Elizabeth (CHEW) BEALS, and the younger brother of my John T. BEALS.  Nathan was born March 14, 1833 in Clinton County, Ohio.  Sarah's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Nathan died May 3, 1909.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, James Alfred KING, was born on this date in 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  James was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, and the older brother of my Ellen KING.  James married October 1, 1887 in Madison County, Indiana to Ella Mae LOWERY.  Ella was born July 18, 1864 in Madison County, Indiana and died May 31, 1897.  They had 3 children.  James married secondly on January 31, 1899 to Rosie M. DILL.  Rosie was born March 28, 1881 in Indiana and died June 29, 1940 in Bell, California. They had 4 children.  James died June 10, 1933 in Bell, California.  They are buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, California.

Family Milestones: September 9th

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Cornelius KING, married on this date in 1841 in Marion County, Indiana to Mary Ann BARNETT.  Cornelius was the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING, and the older brother of my Daniel KING.  Cornelius was born circa 1815 in Indiana.  Mary Ann was born in 1821 in Ohio.  They raised 7 children in Indianapolis, where Cornelius was a lumber dealer.  Mary Ann died between 1860 and 1865.  Cornelius died April 6, 1887 in Marion County, Indiana.  Both are buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  One source states that Mary Ann was originally buried at the Green Lawn cemetery in Indianapolis.


My maternal 4th-great grandparents, John WRIGHT and Anna WARDLOW, were married on this date in 1834 in Brown County, Ohio.  John was the son of George and Elizabeth (ROBINS) WRIGHT.  Anna was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW.  John was born November 4, 1814 in Pleasant Township, Brown County, Ohio.  Anna was born April 23, 1816 in Brown County, Ohio.  They raised 6 children in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.  John was was a farmer and County Commissioner and County Treasurer.  John died June 10, 1890 in Brown County, Ohio.  Anna died October 4, 1893 in Brown County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Wardlow Cemetery # 2, Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.


My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Sara Tira CROCKETT, was married on this date in 1839 in Owen County, Indiana to Peter F. LIVINGSTON.  Sara was the daughter of David and Mary Ann (NOSLER) CROCKETT, and the older sister of my Mary Ann CROCKETT.  Sara was born March 6, 1821 in Tennessee.  Peter's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Sara died March 11, 1882 in Owen County, Indiana.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My paternal great-grandaunt, Beulah Sarah LeMASTERS, was born on this date in 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.  Beulah was the daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LeMASTERS, and the older sister of my Luman Cooper LeMASTERS.  Beulah married on November 27, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana to Lynn Lumas ROCKWELL.  Lynn was born September 15, 1865 in Pennsylvania.  They had 4 children.  Lynn died December 25, 1949 in Jay County, Indiana.  Beulah died July 16, 1940 in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Jessie PENISTEN, was born on this date in 1870 in Madison County, Indiana.  Jessie was the daughter of John and Sarah (ALDERMAN) PENISTEN, and the younger sister of my Clara PENISTEN.  Jessie married September 24, 1920 in Madison County, Indiana to Lawrence SPENCE, son of Thomas and Suzan (BERRY) SPENCE.  Lawrence was born January 18, 1863 in Madison County, Indiana.  They lived in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Lawrence died March 29, 1961 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  Jessie died February 27, 1948 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, John Franklin BEALS, was born on this date in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  John was the son of John T. and Mary (DAVIS) BEALS, and the younger brother of my Nathan Thomas BEALS.  John married Dora FODERA, daughter of Alfred H. and Emily (________) FODERA. before 1890.  Dora was born July 1871 in Indiana.  They had at least one child.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Wordless Wednesday: Genealogist at Work

Family Milestones: September 8th

My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Ruth MILLS, was born on this date in 1763.  Ruth was the daughter of Henry and Hannah (THORNBURG) MILLS, and the younger sister of my Aaron MILLS.  Ruth married January 27, 1780 to James JOHNSON, son of Charles and Sarah (CREW) JOHNSON.  James was born in 1763.  They had 9 children and were members of the Society of Friends in Guilford County, North Carolina. Ruth's death is recorded 6th month, 25th day at Deep River MM, Guilford County, North Carolina.

Tombstone Tuesday: George & Catherine PEEPLES

George and Catherine (McMILLEN) PEEPLES are buried in the Washington-Lawson Cemetery in Union Township, Marshall County, Indiana.  They are Eileen's maternal 2nd-great grandparents.

George was born September 24, 1836 in Miami County, Indiana, the son of Hugh A.B. and Patsey (FISHER) PEEPLES.  Catherine was born circa 1849 in Indiana, daughter of James E. and Julia (________) McMILLEN.   They were married on October 22, 1867 in Marshall County, Indiana.

George served in the Civil War as a Private in Company D, 9th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After the war, he was a farmer in Union Township, Marshall County, Indiana.

George and Catherine had 5 children, but only 3 daughters survived into adulthood.

Catherine died April 26, 1916 in Culver, Marshall County, Indiana.  George followed on January 15, 1918 in Culver.

Source: Washington-Lawson Cemetery (Marshall County, Indiana), George and Catherine Peebles marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 4 September 2010.

Family Milestones: September 7th

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, William JACOBS, married on this date in 1855 in Ashland County, Ohio to Catherine EICHELBERGER, daughter of Adam and Susannah (WESTHEFFER) EICHELBERGER.  William was the son of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my Susan JACOBS.  William was born January 29, 1832 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  Catherine was born March 12, 1836 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.  They raised 8 children.  Catherine died July 2, 1913 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio. William died September 18, 1908 in Ashland County, Ohio.


My maternal 5th-great granduncle, William WARDLAW, married on this date in 1797 in Harrison County, Kentucky to Isabel NESBIT, daughter of Samuel and Mary (BERRY) NESBIT.  William was the son of Robert and Janet (DOWNEY) WARDLAW, and the older brother of my Samuel WARDLAW.  William was born August 31, 1771 in Augusta County, Virginia.  Isabel was born circa 1774.  They had 7 children.  Isabel died September 11, 1861 in Brown County, Ohio.  William died August 6, 1812 in Brownstown, Michigan, while a soldier in the War of 1812.


My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Mary CHEW, was born on this date in 1807.  Mary was the daughter of Andrew and Anna Marie (BARTHUS) CHEW, and the younger sister of my Elizabeth CHEW.  Mary married April 7, 1825 to Joseph MOON.  Joseph's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Mary died March 9, 1859.  Nothing further is known at this time.