Research Trip : Court records of Jay County, Indiana

I was able to spend Friday doing some research on my paternal family lines.  Took the day off from work and headed out early for the Jay County, Indiana courthouse in Portland - about an hour away.  Friday was my birthday, and recently I've made it a tradition to spend it doing on-site genealogy research.


My goal was to examine the criminal and civil court records in the time period of the 1920s-1930s to see if there were any mentions of my ancestors, the LeMaster line in particular.  I'm still trying to piece together as much information as possible about my grandfather, Ord Wehrly LeMaster, and his brothers and sisters.


Arriving at the Clerk's office, I was directed to the spot where the "big books" were that contain civil and criminal records from the Jay County Circuit Court.  These are the types of records that are not computer indexed, let alone microfilmed.  If you've never spent time searching court records in person for your ancestors, you could be missing a wealth of information.  


Often when I get to a record repository, such as a courthouse, I get so excited making discoveries that I lose track of my end goal and try to 'shotgun' my approach to genealogy.  On this trip I was determined to stay focused on these family lines: LeMaster(s), Haley, Metzner, Chew and Wehrly.


Searching in the General Index to Civil Papers, Jay County Circuit Court Book 1, which covered the time period of the late 1870s through 1890s, I found the following records of interest: (Plaintiff, Defendant, Type, Date, Box #)


Metzner, Wm. F., Exparte, Ditch, November 12, 1886, Box 264, Record No. 5230


Haley, George, Richard A. Green, Foreclosure, October 1, 1872, Box 184, Record No. 184


Haley, Samuel et al, Lewis Oswalt et al, Partition, September 6, 1875, Box 195, Record No. 1298


Wehrly, William P., Elisha C. Shepherd et al, Foreclosure, September 9, 1890, Box 290, Record No. 6634


Searches for the Lemasters and Chew were negative in this book of records.


The records were indexed by plaintiff only, but in scanning the defendant's side I did come across a few records of my ancestors that jumped out at me wanting to be discovered:


Citizens Bank, John P. Wehrly et al, Note, March 19, 1884, Box 240, Record No. 4091


Citizens Bank, John P. Wehrly et al, Note, December 18, 1884, Box 247, Record No. 4361


I was intrigued by the number of suits filed by Citizens Bank of Portland against so many people during this time period, until I remembered that our country had gone through a series of financial panics.  Perhaps my ancestors were caught up in the one of 1884.


Searching in the General Index to Civil Papers, Jay County Circuit Court Book 2, which covered the time period from the late 1890s through 1930s, I had much more success.


Lemasters, Luman W et al, Joseph W. Polley et al, Injunction, December 12, 1896, Box 339, Record No. 9601


Lemasters, Luman W, Francis M. McLaughlin, Account, February 2, 1901, Box 365, Record No. 11055


LeMaster, Arthur, McKinley Polling, Judgment, July 20, 1925, Box 614, Record No. 772


LeMasters, Floyd et ux, Exparte, Adoption, October 8, 1928, Box 614, Record No. 20263


Lemasters, Arthur, Bert Ropp, Transcript, June 30, 1933, Box 724, Record No. 865


LeMaster, Luman C., James F. Eley, Replevin, June 7, 1930, Box 724, Record No. 20867


LeMasters, Opal C, George Freemyer estate, Claim, April 13, 1933, Box 724, Record No. 21996


LeMaster, Floyd, Freemont Barber, Note, July 15, 1933, Box 728, Record No. 22098


LeMaster, John et al, Ord LeMaster et al, Partition, February 15, 1933, Box 737, Record No. 21928


LeMaster, Floyd, Freemont Barber, Contribution, July 15, 1933, Box 737, Record No. 22097


LeMaster, Mary Marie, Exparte, Riley Hosp., June 12, 1933, Box 746, Record No. 22059


LeMaster, Arthur R, Beulah S. Rockwell et al, Partition, February 27, 1933, Box 760, Record No. 21943


Metzner, John A et al, James Orcutt et al, To Show Suretyship, March 25, 1893, Box 306, Record No. 7841


Metzner, Wm F et al, Board of Commissioners, On Road, April 7, 1894, Box 315, Record No. 8367


Metzner, Wesley et al, Thomas Fields, Ejectment, October 6, 1898, Box 349, Record No. 10545


Metzner, Wesley F, William F Metzner, Affect Title, April 28, 1899, Box 355, Record No. 10545


Metzner, Ervin, Harvey A Meyers et al, Claim, November 21, 1907, Box 416, Record No. 13158


Metzner, Wesley T, Ara Smith, Poss. of Real Estate, December 30, 1909, Box 432, Record No. 13814


Metzner, Wesley F, Exparte, Drainage, April 5, 1911, Box 451, Record No. 14193


Metzner, Wesley T, Homer Teeters, Allotment for Clean Out, November 5, 1917, Box 499, Record No. 14193


Metzner, Wm. F et al, Exparte, Drainage, September 24, 1920, Box 589, Record No. 17179


Metzner, Irvin G, Mary E. Chapman et al, Claim, February 16, 1926, Box 624, Record No. 19404


Metnzer, Irvin G, Mary E. Chapman et al, Claim, February 16, 1926, Box 624, Record No. 19401


Metzner, Irvin G, Sally Barlow estate, Claim, May 20, 1927, Box 674, Record No. 19771


Metzner, Irvin G, B.F. Benge estate, Claim, July 26, 1927, Box 674, Record No. 19812


Metzner, Irvin, Gause estate, Claim, November 24, 1928, Box 687, Record No. 20303


Metzner, Irvin, Grover C. Wheeler estate, Claim, December 18, 1928, Box 687, Record No. 20325


Metzner, Irvin, Estate of Abraham DeHoff, Claim, February 5, 1930, Box 687, Record No. 20745


Metzner, Irvin G, Mary D. Heistand estate, Claim, October 30, 1930, Box 693, Record No. 21015


Metzner, Irvin G, Ernest Wolford, Judgment, June 11, 1931, Box 696, Record No. 830


Metzner, Irvin G, Anderson Pence estate, Claim, November 9, 1931, Box 715, Record No. 21471


Metzner, Irvin G, Jacob Miller estate, Claim, October 28, 1932, Box 715, Record No. 21842


Metzner, Irvin G, Elizabeth Montgomery estate, Claim, September 1, 1932, Box 728, Record No. 21763


Metzner, Irvin, Russell Luttman, Note, December 20, 1933, Box 733, Record No. 22267


Metzner, Irvin G, Barbary E. Hart estate, Claim, May 2, 1933, Box 737, Record No. 22019


Metzner, Irvin G, Addie DeHoff estate, Claim, September 21, 1933, Box 737, Record No. 22176


Metzner, Irvin G, Sarah J. Albertson estate, Claim, November 18, 1930, Box 743, Record No. 21027


Metzner, Irvin G, W.H. Leonard, Note, August 13, 1934, Box 745, Record No. 22490


Metzner, Irvin G, Caroline V. Houser estate, Claim, October 30, 1934, Box 745, Record No. 22567


Metzner, Wesley T, Benjamin Arnold et al, G.T., June 25, 1934, Box 762, Record No. 22454


Metzner, Irvin G, Emily White estate, Claim, December 30, 1935, Box 771, Record No. 23027


Metzner, Irvin G, Mary E. Benge estate, Claim, February 1, 1936, Box 772, Record No. 23059


Metzner, Irvin G, Mary E. Benge estate, Claim, March 20, 1936, Box 772, Record No. 23106


Metzner, Irvin G, Chalmer B. Gross, Note, March 7, 1942, Box 882, Record No. 25549


Haley, Cynthia et al, Samuel S. Straube et al, Injunction, April 25, 1893, Box 311, Record No. 7855


Haley, William et al, Exparte, Adoption, December 30, 1893, Box 311, Record No. 8180


Haley, Samuel, Cynthia A. Haley, Divorce, May 9, 1894, Box 316, Record No. 8396


Haley, Samuel, Jerome Doty, Account, May 21, 1895, Box 324, Record No. 8874


Haley, Mary C, Harvey Haley, Divorce, February 18, 1896, Box 331, Record No. 9205


Haley, Samuel, James G. Van Rerah, Seduction & damages, October 6, 1898, Box 348, Record No. 10339


Haley, Samuel, Carrie Haley, Divorce, November 15, 1898, Box 352, Record No. 10378


Haley, Clara, Andrew Haley, Divorce, March 15, 1900, Box 362, Record No. 10790


Haley, Samuel, Anna Figle, Transcript, September 21, 1912, Box 445, Record No. 583


Haley, Frederick, Anna A. Haley, Divorce, January 2, 1917, Box 488, Record No. 16018


Haley, Lester L, Clyde B. Money, Note, November 17, 1925, Box 634, Record No. 19314


Haley, Harvey, Reafy Haley, Divorce, May 27, 1927, Box 668, Record No. 19777


Chew, C.A.W. et al, Fred Wagner et al, Note, March 8, 1901, Box 367, Record No. 11034


Chew, W.A., Susan Money estate, claim, November 21, 1907, Box 415, Record No. 13166


Chew, Charles A.W. et al, S.B. Fifer, Trustees, Appeal from assessment, September 11, 1916, Box 523, Record No. 15899


Chew, Hazel May, Exparte, Insanity, July 17, 1940, Box 857, Record No. 24650


Wehrly, Lisle E., Assignment, Assignment, November 11, 1926, Box 645, Record No. 19620


Wehrly, Nettie, Amanda Whipple et al, Partition, November 13, 1934, Box 773, Record No. 22575


Wehrly, Blaine, Exparte, Assignment, October 24, 1923, Box 799, Record No. 18514


Again, these were only indexed from the plaintiff side.  However, I did find one ancestors name in the defendant side again while doing a cursory glance:


Weiler, Abe et al, John A. Metzner, Notes, May 21, 1894, Box 314, Record No. 8428


Searching in the General Index to Civil Papers, Jay County Circuit Court Book 3, which covered the time period from the late 1930s through 1950s, I focused only on the LeMaster and Haley surnames.


LeMasters, Opal, Flora M. Snyder estate, Claim, September 10, 1935, Box 766, Record No. 22918


LeMaster, Clarence, Herman Fuelling estate, Claim, September 10, 1938, Box 833, Record No. 23969


LeMasters, John L Auditor Jay Co., Rachel Crane et al, Foreclosure Mortgage, September 30, 1941, Box 879, Record No. 25144


LeMaster, Floyd Deo, Thelma LeMaster, Divorce, July 31, 1942, Box 892, Record No. 25831


LeMaster, Ord Wehrly, Exparte, Establish Birth, January 29, 1942, Box 910, Record No. 25393


LeMaster, Arthur R., Edith Meinholtz et al, Partition Real estate, June 12, 1942, Box 910, Record No. 25755


LeMaster, Floyd, Exparte, Establish Birth, July 6, 1943, Box 910, Record No. 26258


LeMaster, John, Exparte, Establish Birth, December 23, 1944, Box 910, Record No. 26825


LeMasters, Pearl L., Mary E. Smith, Appt. of Gdn, October 25, 1952, Box 1024, Record No. 29669


LeMaster, Pearl L, Samuel E. Smith estate, Claim, April 20, 1953, Box 1032, Record No. 29803


LeMaster, James, Harold Premer, Damages, September 22, 1951, Box 1036, Record No. 29303


LeMaster, Dorothy L, William DeLauter estate, Claim, November 17, 1959, Box 1155, Record No. 31841 [MF notation]


LeMaster, Mary Louise et al, Eva M. Dalrymple, Apt. Gdn., June 7, 1965, Box 1236, Record No. 33423 [MF notation]


LeMaster, Grace, Dale W. LeMaster, Divorce, November 4, 1965, Box 1249, Record No. 33538 [MF notation]


LeMaster, Donald, Luella M. LeMaster, Divorce, September 20, 1967, Box 1288, Record No. 34134 [MF notation]


LeMaster, infant, Dept. Co. Welfare, Child Ward of Court, February 16, 1968, Box 1292, Record No. 34266 [MF notation]


LeMaster, Francis D., Bonnie L. LeMaster, Divorce, July 13, 1966, Box 1293, Record No. 33735 [MF notation]


LeMaster, Mary J., Donald LeMaster, Divorce, February 2, 1968, Box 1293, Record No. 34267 [MF notation]


LeMaster, Mary, Donald LeMaster, Divorce, March 6, 1968, Box 1297, Record No. 34284 [MF notation]


LeMaster, Donald, Mary LeMaster, Divorce, December 2, 1968, Box 1304, Record No. 34559 [MF notation]


LeMaster, Mary, Donald LeMaster, Divorce, June 4, 1968, Box 1304, Record No. 34350 [MF notation]


LeMaster, Larry D., Oscar H. Wiebush, Negligent Operation Motor Vehicle, January 16, 1973, Box 1375, Record No. 36098 [MF notation]


LeMaster, John L, Arthur LeMaster estate, Claim, July 10, 1972, Box 1390, Record No. 35918 [MF notation]


Haley, Phillip C, Lula Haley, Divorce, December 1, 1948, Box 990, Record No. 38347


Haley, Fred, Exparte, Insanity, February 2, 1945, Box I-1, Record No. 26878


Haley, Mildred A., Phillip F Haley, Divorce, September 17, 1958, Box 1136, Record No. 31479 [MF notation]


Haley, Mildred A., Phillip F. Haley, Divorce, January 5, 1956, Box 1139, Record No. 30750 [MF notation]


Haley, Angela Michelle, Wm. Darwin McAbee, Petition for Adoption, May 18, 1967, Box 1320, Record No. 34005 [MF notation]


I did not confirm, but I do believe that the MF notation on this indices means that these records have been micro-filmed.


The clerks were very helpful in obtaining copies of a few of these records.  At $1.00 per page, I would very quickly have been over budget.  When I get my Flip-Pal scanner, I will definitely be heading back.


I spent a good couple of hours going through the civil records, and since it was close to lunch time, I headed out without doing research on the criminal records.  Those will have to wait for another day.


After lunch, I spent a few hours at the Jay County Public Library, where I searched funeral home records, city directories and tried to obtain a couple of obituaries.  Unfortunately, the printer on the microfilm reader was not working, and I was unable to print out the two obituaries I discovered.  Of course, this was discovered after I had deposited $0.30 in the machine for the two copies. The librarian did take my name and address and promised to send me copies as soon as they fix the machine.  


I also made a quick stop at the Jay County Historical Society just before it closed, where I was able to make copies of a couple of school records from the early 1900s.  I will post that information in a later post.


Overall, it was one of the most productive on-site research days I've had, and a good way to spend my birthday to boot.

Surname Saturday: WOOLSTON

The WOOLSTON surname is in my paternal line.  The origins of this surname are English.  The family is of the Quaker faith, and there is much that I need to discover about them.


Stories and history:


Ahnentafel # 35 : Caroline Bishop Woolston (1826-1879). Caroline was born February 6, 1826 in Vincentown, Burlington County, New Jersey. She married December 29, 1842 in New Jersey to Dr. Ezekiel Cooper Chew (1822-1888). Ezekiel was born January 17, 1822 in Gloucester, New Jersey. They lived in Montgomery and Darke Cos. Ohio where they raised a family of 14 children. Caroline died February 27, 1879 in Rossburg, Darke County, Ohio and is buried in the Webster Cemetery, Rossburg, Darke County, Ohio. Ezekiel died August 27, 1888 in St. Joseph County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 70 : Abel B. Woolston (1797-1834). Abel was born in 1797 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  He married September 11, 1819 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Rachel Woolston (1800-1851), his second cousin. 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.


Ahnentafel # 140 : John Woolston (1766-1838).  John was born 1766 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  He married in 1793 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Beulah Briggs (1773-1854).  Beulah was born in 1773 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Beulah died April 29, 1854.  John died April 12, 1838 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey.


Ahnentafel # 280 : Cornwell Woolston (1738-1814).  Cornwell was born in 1738 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  He married April 1762 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Hannah Aaronsen (c1744-1788).  Hannah was born circa 1744 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Hannah died October 28, 1788 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Cornwell died May 22, 1814 in Northampton, Burlington County, New Jersey.


Ahnentafel # 560 : John Woolston (1686-????).  John was born in 1686 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  He married Hannah Tencher (1717-????).  Hannah was born in 1717 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.  John died in Northampton, Burlington County, New Jersey.


Ahnentafel # 1020 : John Woolston (1663-1713).  John was born March 6, 1663 in Northamptonshire, England.  He married December 6, 1683 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Lettice Newbold (1659-bef1709).  Lettice was born October 14, 1659 in Yorkshire, England.  They had at least 2 children.  Lettice died before 1709 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  John died 1713 in Northampton, Burlington County, New Jersey.


Related blog posts:

• Wordless Wednesday: Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew

• John Woolston (b. March 6, 1662/63)

• Caroline Bishop Woolston (b. February 6, 1826)

Wordless Wednesday: Country Cemetery

Tombstone Tuesday: Alva M. and Emma C. (Yaeger) Wehrly

Alva Monroe and Emma C. (YAEGER) WEHRLY are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  Alva is my paternal great granduncle.


Alva was born December 18, 1878 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, the son of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY.


Emma was born April 1, 1882 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.


Alva and Emma were married on October 1, 1901.  They had 7 children.


Alva died March 8, 1952 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  Emma died December 6, 1964 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.


Source: Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Alva M. and Emma C. Wehrly marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.

A Day With Dad

I spent Halloween day with my dad.  I'm not often able to spend a lot of time with him alone, so it was good to be able to "hang out" for a bit.  We spent the day driving around his old stomping grounds in Jay County, Indiana where he showed me the places where our family members lived.


We spent time at the Mt. Zion and Salamonia cemeteries, identifying family members and discussing their relationships.  Most of dad's maternal ancestors were from Noble township and are buried at Mt. Zion.  His paternal ancestors were from neighboring Madison township and are buried at Salamonia.

Salamonia Christian Church (1842-1999) Church Bell

Not being from the area, I was glad that dad was able to show me where his grandparents, Eli & Cora (METZNER) HALEY lived, and stories about where he would go squirrel hunting with his dad.  We didn't stop and take pictures, as the house is no longer there, but it was good for me to get a sense of where the land was in relationship to other members of the family.

It was interesting to find out exactly where the "Lookout Hill" farm that my Civil War veteran 4th-great grandfather, Luman Walker Lemasters, had his farm.  His son, Arthur, lived in the house later, and dad remembered being on this farm.

View Larger Map

We also scooted over into Ohio, since we were so close to the state line.  Dad told me how his aunt Vera and uncle Clarence would go to church over in Fort Recovery, Ohio.  We drove over there and while we were there stopped and took a look at the monument and the fort, something I had never seen before. It definitely looks like a neat place to visit, will have to make a trip over there in the summer when they have displays open.

My dad, the History teacher, Fort Recovery, Ohio

31 October 2010

We came back into Jay County, and drove around the countryside, with dad pointing out where LeMaster relatives lived (and some still do).  We traveled several gravel roads and little villages of the county.  Dad showed me a couple of places where he used to live and told a few good stories.  Overall, it was a good day.

Dad told a few humorous stories about my uncles that I need to write down, but won't publish yet.  One interesting one involved a 'church key'.

Some things I didn't know about my dad:

• that he used to squirrel hunt with his dad; I've never heard him talk about hunting
• some of the jobs he had at the mill in Portland and Fisher Body
• that he could have been an investor in a golf course we drove past on the trip; never knew he had ever hit a golf ball
• where his old girlfriend lived (though I wasn't supposed to tell mom)

I learned a few things about my dad and my family on this trip, and I hope that I continue to discover more.

Amanuensis Monday: Wishes For Your Recovery

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

Wishes for Your Recovery


Until  you're well completely And your health is back to stay, Good wishes will be with you To cheer you on your way!


"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed in Thee..." Is. 26:3


Your brother-in-law


E.C. Kunce
July 10, 1964


[backside]


Bradley, Illinois


Dear Vera, 


Hope this finds you feeling much better in every way.  That you are able to sit and get about and to be eating better.  Suppose you will be going home sometime after Sunday July 12 or not later than Tuesday or Wednesday.  Suppose Clarence will be ready for you to get back home.  Hope Elnora will know how to cook and wait on you when you get home.  I am getting along OK.  Cooking and washing dishes each meal so far.  I may go out today yet I don't have time to go out as I have been busy typing and getting ready for Sunday and the Broadcast taping this Friday P.M.  These pens don't want to work on this paper I have used 4 different pens.  I will write a note to Elnora & put in the save postage.  Ha! Hope you are Better.  Eugene.


This "get well" card was sent to my maternal great-aunt, Vera (HALEY) STUBER, by her brother-in-law, Rev. Eugene C. KUNCE, who was married to Elnora, Vera's younger sister.  Elnora must have been staying with Vera and helping to take care of her.  The broadcast referenced must refer to a religious service that was taped.  Sure would be interested to locate one of those on tape.  Clarence was Vera's husband.


This card was found among some papers that my father located.

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.

Making progress

I updated my GEDCOM today at Rootsweb, as part of an attempt to maintain a backup of my data.  Sometimes I forget to update that database at least once per month.


Yesterday, I spent the evening sorting through a pile of genealogy notes that I had stuffed into a manilla file folder.  The file folder was bursting at the seems because there were so many pages.  A lot of these were print outs of emails, websites, etc. that I had visited as far back as 2007!  As I started reading them and extracting the information into my Rootsmagic database, I was embarrassed to discover that some information I had recently been looking for had already been in my hands for 3 years.  Bad genealogist!  


Making progress is like eating an elephant, you have to do it "one bite at a time".

Surname Saturday: CHEW

The CHEW family is in my paternal family line. The origins of this surname are English.  The surname also appears in my maternal family line, to be discussed later.


Stories and history:


Ahnentafel # 17 : Mary Keziah Chew (1847-1927). Mary was born February 13, 1847 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey.  She married October 2, 1864 in Versailles, Darke County, Ohio to Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. (1842-1931). Luman was born October 19, 1842 in Shelby County, Ohio.  Luman was a Civil War veteran.  They lived in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, where Luman was a farmer.  Luman died November 18, 1931 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Mary died February 22, 1927 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


Anhentafel # 34 : Dr. Ezekiel Cooper Chew (1822-1888).  Ezekiel was born January 17, 1822 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  He married December 29, 1842 in New Jersey to Caroline Bishop Woolston (1826-1879).  He was a physician and they lived in Montgomery and Darke Cos., Ohio and Jay County, Indiana after their marriage and had 14 children.  Caroline died February 27, 1879 in Rossburg, Darke County, Ohio and is buried in the Webster Cemetery, Darke County, Ohio.  Ezekiel married secondly to a widow, Laura (______) Skaggs (c1822-aft1883) and they had one son.  Laura died in Jay County, Indiana.  Ezekiel married thirdly to Mary Jane Riddle (1845-1921) and they had one son.  Mary died in 1921 and is buried in the Lakeville Cemetery, St. Joseph County, Indiana.  Ezekiel was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and practiced both medicine and law in Jay County, Indiana and St. Joseph County, Indiana.  He died August 27, 1888 in St. Joseph County, Indiana and is buried in the Lakeville Cemetery, St. Joseph County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 68 : Rev. Nathaniel Chew (1786-1866).  Nathaniel was born November 10, 1786 in Gloucester County, New Jersey. He married circa 1805 in ew Jersey to Keziah Driver.  He married circa 1812 in Gloucester County, New Jersey to Mary West (1795-1848).  Mary was born June 17, 1795 in New Jersey.  They had 3 children.  Mary died February 27, 1848 in New Jersey. Nathaniel married thirdly on December 10, 1848 in Iowa to Nancy Mosier.  Nathaniel was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church.  He died January 24, 1866 in Mahaska County, Iowa.


Ahnentafel # 136 : Nathaniel Chew (1765-1841). Nathaniel was born in 1765 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  He married circa 1784 in New Jersey to Sarah Springer (1762-1845).  Sarah was born April 24, 1762 in Wilmington, Delaware.  They raised 8 children in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Sarah died in 1845.  Nathaniel died July 16, 1841 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.


Ahnentafel # 272 : Rev. Jesse Chew (1738-1812).  Jesse was born November 25, 1738 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  He married October 21, 1760 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Mary Richards (1738-1816).  Mary was born December 18, 1738 in New Jersey.  They raised 7 children in Gloucester County, New Jersey, where Jesse was a Methodist circuit rider.  Jesse was a known loyalist during the Revolutionary War.  Mary died May 7, 1816 in New Jersey.  Jesse died January 31, 1812.


Ahnentafel # 544 : Jeffrey Chew (1714-1774).  Jeffrey was born January 10, 1714 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  He married August 14, 1732 in Gloucester County, New Jersey to Amy Driver (c1715-1773).  Amy was born circa 1715.  They raised 7 children in Gloucester County, New Jersey, where they were members of the Society of Friends.  Amy died November 3, 1773 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Jeffrey died April 10, 1774 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.


Ahnentafel # 1088 : Nathaniel Chew (c1678-1731).  Nathaniel was born circa 1678 in Flushing, New York.  He married circa 1705 to Mary Clark (c1688-????).  Mary was born circa 1688.  They had 8 children and were members of the Society of Friends.  Nathaniel died September 14, 1731 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.


Ahnentafel # 2176 : Richard Chew (c1655-1726).  Richard was born circa 1655 in Flushing, New York.  He married March 1, 1675 in Flushing, New York to Frances Woodward.  They raised 10 children, moving sometime after 1698 to Gloucester County, New Jersey.  Richard died 1726 in Deptford Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey.


Ahnentafel # 4352 : John Chew (1616-1672).  John was born in 1616 in England.  He married circa 1650 in Hingham, Massachusetts to Ann Gates. John died 1672 in Flushing, New York.


Related blog posts:

• Today in my database : Jeffrey Chew (b. January 10, 1713/14)
• Today in my database : Ezekiel Cooper Chew (b. January 17, 1822)
• Tombstone Tuesday: Luman W. & Mary K. (Chew) Lemasters
• Obiturary : Mary Keziah (Chew) Lemasters (1847-1927)
• Today in my database : Nathaniel Chew (b. November 10, 1786)
• Tax Records : Ezekiel Cooper Chew (1863-1864)
• Mary Keziah Chew (February 13, 1847)
• Tombstone Tuesday : Ezekiel Cooper and Jane (Riddle) Chew
• Wordless Wednesday : Ezekiel Cooper Chew

Tracking Joseph & Mary Ann (Beals) Gilbert family

I've enjoyed tracking down the family records of my maternal cousin, Mary Ann (BEALS) GILBERT and her family through the census records available on Ancestry.com.  Mary was born March 27, 1859 in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  She was enumerated with her parents on June 23, 1880 in Washington Township, Hamilton County, Indiana as a teacher.  According to her obituary, she moved to Humboldt, Richardson County, Nebraska to teach school - and that is where she met her future husband, Joseph E. Gilbert.  Joseph was born December 30, 1862 in Kewanee, Illinois.

According to Mary's obituary, the family lived in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas and finally came back to Nebraska.  Tracking them down in the census records confirms this.  Mary and Joseph were married February 27, 1884 in Humboldt, Richardson County, Nebraska.

In the 1900 census, the family was living in Girard, Crawford County, Kansas, where Joseph was a salesman.  The family consisted of Joseph, 38; Mary, 41; Gertrude, 15; and Clinton B, 9.  Gertrude was listed as being born in Kansas; Clinton was listed as being born in Nebraska.

Source: Joseph E. Gilbert household, 1900 U.S. census, Girard, Crawford County, Kansas, dwelling 118, family 118, Ancestry.com [database on-line], Provo, UT

The state of Kansas conducted their own census on March 1, 1905, and the family was living at that time in Walnut, Crawford County, Kansas.  The family consisted at this time of Joseph, 42; Mary, 44; Clinton, 14; and Constance, 2.    Oldest daughter Getrude had died November 11, 1902, according to Mary's obituary, and probably died in Girard.

Source: J.E. Gilbert household, 1905 Kansas State census, population schedule, Walnut, Crawford County, Kansas, dwelling 26, family 26, Ancestry.com [database on-line], Provo, UT.

In the 1910 census, the family had moved to Hennessey, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, where Joseph was again a retail merchant.  The family consisted of Joseph, 47; Mary, 48; Clinton, 20 ; Hattie, 20 [Clinton's wife]; and Constance, 7.  Mary was listed as working as a clerk in the retail store. This is the only census where she was listed with an occupation since she was married.

Source: Joseph E. Gilbert household, 1910 U.S. census, Ward 4, Hennessey, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, dwelling 284, family 241, Ancestry.com [database on-line], Provo, UT

In the 1920 census, the family was still in Hennessey, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma.  Members listed were Joseph, 57; Mary, 61; and Constance, 17.  Joseph's occupation at this time was listed as a farmer.

Source: Joseph E. Gilbert household, 1920 U.S. census, Hennessey, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, dwelling 17, family 17, Ancestry.com [database on-line], Provo, Utah

Joseph died February 9, 1930 [probably Hennessey] and in the 1930 census Mary was living with Constance and her husband in Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma.

Wordless Wednesday: Old John Deere

Probate information Mary Ann (Beals) Gilbert - 1933

Courtesy of researcher Jean Whiteneck, I have the following information about Mary Ann (BEALS) GILBERT probate record (1933).

Court Clerk office, Kingfisher, Kingfisher Co., OK

Case # 1830  Bok 5 pg. 581

Gilbert, Mary Ann, dec. aka M. A. Gilbert

Died 11- 28-1933 Hennessey, Kingfisher, OK @ home

Real estate Lots 1, 2, 3 in Block 30 Town of Hennessey   value  $1500.00

Shares in Farmers Elevator value $100.00

Children:

Clinton B. Gilbert son age 43 resides Three Sands, OK

Constance F. Jackson daug. age 31 resides 729 Asp Ave. Norman, OK

Petitioner is the daughter.

E. M. Bradley---Attorney for Petitioneer

Apprasial by: James Blye, Orren Anderson, Virgil Cordry  --  residents

Claims against estate:

Dr. F. H. Brinkley dated 2-12-1934 dentist $26.00

Cordry & Young Furniture & Undertaking  (Funeral exp.)

Casket $165.00; Vault $115.00; imbalming (their spelling) $25.00; Hearse & ? (coundn't make out the writing on that part)  $17.50; Funeral notice $3.00;

state tax $2.80 for total of $328.30.

Clinton B. Gilbert son and Constance E. Jackson daughter of deceased each an undivied one half percent in Certificte # 238 the same representing one hare of stock in the Farmers Elevator & Co-op Association of Hennessey

No inheritance tax due or owing from this estate final account 1 Aug. 1935.

Hattie Gilbert (who this is I have no clue)  received from estate the following:

Construction $26.00 for repairs on house in Hennessey

$15.00 for papering the same and

$16.75 for burial clothing for deceased.

Sold real estate to E. B. Harvey for $1000.00  -- forgot to get the date but it was around the time the estate was final I think.

Tombstone Tuesday: William A. and Wanda K. (Peden) LeMaster

William Arden and Wanda Kate (PEDEN) LeMASTER are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  William was my 1st cousin once removed.


William was born September 7, 1924 in Jay County, Indiana, the son of John Leland and Dortha LeEtta (DeLAUTER) LeMASTER.


Wanda was born October 3, 1924 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of Glen and Velma C. (DISHER) PEDEN.


William and Wanda were married October 15, 1944 in Grant County, Indiana.  They had 2 children.


William died October 15, 1978 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  Wanda died November 18, 2008.


Source: Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), William A. and Wanda K. LeMaster marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.

Amanuensis Monday: Fine Canoeing here in Portland, Ind. (1912)

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

This postcard from October 11, 1912 was written to my paternal great-aunt, Vera HALEY by L.S., possibly Lottie STUBER, her future sister-in-law.

"Miss Vera Haley, Portland, Ind., R. # 9"

"How is everything? Hope Ruth [my grandmother, Vera's sister] is better. I am pretty tired again. Was sick with a cold. Hazel has a sore throat & diptheria is thick in town. We are scared. I am going out to Belle - Sun. Write me a letter. L.S."

 "3:30 Fri Heard from John May"

The reference to "going out to Belle - Sun.", I believe is referring to her going to Bellefountaine, Jay County, Indiana on Sunday.  I'm pretty sure the surname mentioned on the side scribble is May, but I'm not sure what the relationship is to these families.


Vera HALEY married Clarence STUBER, son of Henry and Martha STUBER, of Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana on February 14, 1915 in Jay County, Indiana.

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.

Gilbert burials in Hennessey, Oklahoma

From correspondence with Jean Whiteneck, was given the following information on the Gilbert's buried in Hennessey cemetery.  I created memorials at FindAGrave.com website and requested photos:

Old Section

Gilbert, P. M.  1830-1921 father, wonder if they would have an obit on him?? Are you interested in an obit on him???

Gilbert, E. A.  1832 - 1911 mother

Old Sesc. Block 316 Lot 1

Gilbert, Clinton B.  Oct. 5, 1890  - April 12, 1968  do you need an obit on him??

I'm thinking that he is buried close to his parents or maybe in the same plot.  Who knows, his name was 1st in the alpha list & the block & lot on P. M. & E. A. were blank

 According to her obituary, Mary Ann (Beals) Gilbert should be buried there as well.  Hopefully, someone will be kind enough to photograph the cemetery.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Mary Ann Gilbert

Source : The Hennessey Clipper, Hennessey, Oklahoma, December 7, 1933, page 6


FUNERAL SERVICES FOR MRS. MARY ANN GILBERT HELD SATURDAY AFTERNOON


Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Ann Gilbert, who passed away suddenly the evening of November 28th, were held from the M.E. church, Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  The services were conducted by Rev. Grant, pastor, assisted by Rev. H.M. James, of Watonga, a former pastor of the Hennessey church.  Many old friends and neighbors attended to pay their respects to one who had shared the difficulties and privations of a new country and also the pleasures resulting from the firm friendships and the neighborly interests one with another of those early days.


Those from out of town attending the funeral were Mr. Jamison, Post Commander of the American Legion at Three Sands, and Mrs. Jamison; John Jackson, Alex, Okla., Mrs. Alice Mauk, Mrs. Laura Cochran, Mrs. Mildred Ross, Mr. and Mrs. Perry Davis, and Mrs. Verda Weimer, of Kingfisher; Mrs. Dan Nelson of Oklahoma City; Mr. and Mrs. Karl Snider, of Quannah, Texas, and Joe Shearer, of Enid.


Interment was made in the Hennessey cemetery following the services.

Obituary

Mary Ann Beals, daughter of John and Mary Beals, was born March 27, 1859, in Hamilton county, Indiana, and departed this life November 28, 1833. [sic]

When a young woman, she went to Nebraska to teach school, and there met and was married to Joseph E. Gilbert, February 27, 1884, at Humboldt, Nebraska.  To this union was born one son and two daughters.  Gertrude Marie, who was taken to her heavenly home on November 22, 1902; Clinton B. Gilbert, of Three Sands, Oklahoma, and Constance F. Jackson, of Hennessey.

The first years of Mr. and Mrs. Gilberts married life was spent in Nebraska.  From there they moved to Oklahoma and later removed to Kansas.  Then in 1907 they returned to Oklahoma, where their last years were spent together.

Almost four years ago, on February 9, 1930, after a long illness, Mr. Gilbert joined Gertrude Marie, in their home beyond.

By birthright, Mrs. Gilbert was a member of the Quaker church, her mother and father being Quakers.

In later years she moved to Humboldt, Nebraska, and there being no Quaker church, she transferred her membership to the Methodist church.  She always transferred her membership as she moved to different localities and she remained a faithful member of the Methodist church until the day of her death.

While residing in Kansas, Mrs. Gilbert was an active Rebekah.  She became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star soon after returning to Oklahoma, holding the office of Electa for many years.

She leaves to mourn her departure one son, one daughter, two granddaughters, one brother - Frank Beals - and a host of devoted friends.

----

Thanks to Jean Whiteneck for obtaining this obituary for me.  Mary Ann (Beals) Gilbert was my maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, daughter of John T. and Mary (Davis) Beals, and the younger sister of my Nathan T. Beals.

Surname Saturday: YOUNG

The YOUNG family is my paternal line. The origins of this surname are Germanic, so the original spelling was more likely JUNG.


Stories and History:


Ahnentafel # 33: Nancy Young (1812-1904). Nancy was born June 2, 1812 in Pickaway County, Ohio. She married January 19, 1832 in Shelby County, Ohio to Rev. Luman Walker Lemasters Sr. (1808-1888). Luman was born March 11, 1808 in Mason County, Virginia. Luman was an Methodist Episcopal minister and farmer. They moved from Shelby County, Ohio to Jay County, Indiana in 1854, settling in Madison Township.  They raised 11 children. Luman died April 15, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  Nancy died August 26, 1904 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 66: Phillip Young (1787-1850). Phillip was born October 11, 1787 in Berkeley County, Virginia.  He married circa 1806 to Nancy Ann McLane (c1790-1825). Nancy was born circa 1790 in Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Virginia. Nancy died May 1825, probably in Pickaway County, Ohio.  Phillip married secondly July 30, 1826 in Pickaway County, Ohio to Keziah Curtis (1808-1891). Keziah was born April 11, 1808 in Pickaway County, Ohio.  Phillip was a farmer and War of 1812 veteran.  Phillip and Nancy had 11 children, and Phillip and Keziah had 10 children. Keziah died February 16, 1891 in Shelby County, Ohio.  Phillip died May 29, 1850 in Shelby County, Ohio.  Both are buried in the Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Shelby County, Ohio.


Ahnentafel # 122: Charles Young (1757-1848).  Charles was born in April 1757 in Germany, near the border with Holland.  He served in the Revolutionary War in General Sullivan's division, and is recognized as a D.A.R. patriot.  He married before 1787, probably Berkeley County, Virginia to Catherine Elizabeth Kint (1768-1841).  Catherine was born July 29, 1768 in Germany.  Charles and Elizabeth had 10 children.  Sometime after 1812, Charles left his wife and fathered a daughter by a housekeeper.  Charles died in 1848 in Berkeley County, Virginia.  After the war of 1812, Catherine and several of her children moved to Shelby County, Ohio.  Catherine died April 17, 1841 in Auglaize County, Ohio.  She is buried in the Presser Cemetery, St. John's, Ohio.


Related blog posts:

• Today in my database: Phillip Young (b. October 11, 1787)
• Happy Anniversary: Phillip Young & Keziah Curtis

Daniel King (1820-1876)

Daniel KING (1820-1876) was my maternal third great-grandfather. The ethnic origins of the KING line are unknown at this time.


The following facts about Daniel's life are known:

• Birth: In the 1850 census, Daniel is listed as aged 29, born in Tennessee. In the 1860 census, Daniel is listed as aged 39, born in Indiana. In the 1870 census, Daniel is listed as aged 50, born in Ohio.  His tombstone lists his age as 55 years, 5 months and 21 days.  With a death date of February 24, 1876, I've calculated his birth as September 3, 1820.
• Marriage: Daniel married Elizabeth SHAW, daughter of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW on December 5, 1847 in Madison County, Indiana.  Madison County is a burned county, and the state database of marriages prior to 1850 does not list their marriage.
• Census: In 1850, Daniel was head of household in Jackson Township, Madison County, Indiana.  His occupation was listed as farmer, and the value of real estate was $400.
• Census: In 1860, Daniel was head of household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  His occupation was listed as farmer, and the value of real estate was $4000, and his personal estate was valued at $1375.
• Census: In 1870, Daniel was head of household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  His occupation was listed as farmer, and the value of real estate was $14,500, and his personal estate was valued at $6031.
• Death: Daniel died February 24, 1876 and is buried in the Howard Cemetery, Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.  A memorial page is listed at FindAGrave

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

• Birth: Need to be better able to nail down Daniel's place of birth.  Older brother, Thomas (b. 1817) and younger brother, George (b. 1823) both report being born in Ohio, so where did the Tennessee birth come from in the 1850 census record?  The 1850 census also lists his wife as being born in Tennessee, when other records list her birthplace as Ohio as well.
• Obituary: While there may not be an obituary available, I need to search out Anderson, Indiana newspapers to see if one is available.  
• Land Records: There are doubtless land records that need to be explored in Madison County, Indiana that will flesh out the details of Daniel's life.

Ancestry of Daniel KING (1820-1876), Ahnentafel # 50 in my ancestry:

Ahnentafel # 100: William KING (c1790-1869); North Carolina>Wabash Co.,IN

Related blog posts :

• Tombstone Tuesday: Daniel and Elizabeth KING
• Daniel King Family : Madison County, Indiana
• Notice of Final Settlement : Daniel King

Tombstone Tuesday: Charles E. PEEPLES (d. 1876)

Eileen's maternal 1st cousin 3 times removed, Charles C. PEEPLES, is buried in the Washington-Lawson Cemetery, Union Township, Marshall County, Indiana.

Charles was the son of John R. and Electa (McMILLEN) PEEPLES.  His tombstone states that he died May 2, 1876, aged 2 months.

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

Obituary: Mary Ann (Beals) Gilbert (1859-1933)

Source: Hennessey Clipper, November 30, 1933, page 1

Mrs. Gilbert Victim of Heart Attack

Stricken Suddenly While Attending O.E.S. Chapter Tuesday Evening, 

She Passed Away Approximately a Half Hour Later

Mrs. J.E. Gilbert, 74 years of age, a pioneer resident of Kingfisher county, passed away at the family home on East Oklahoma avenue Tuesday evening approximately a half hour after she had been stricken while in attendance at a meeting of the Order of the Eastern Star in Masonic hall.

Complaining of a feeling of nausea during the early evening she was hurriedly taken home and a physician summoned. She expired a few minutes after the doctor had departed.  Mrs. Gilbert had suffered of heart trouble for a number of years.

She is survived by a son and daughter, Mr. Clint Gilbert, of Three Sands, Okla., and Mrs. C.E. Jackson, of Hennessey.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon.

----

Thanks to fellow researcher, Jean Whiteneck, I know have this obituary of my maternal 3rd-great grandaunt.  Mary Ann BEALS was the daughter of John T. and Mary (DAVIS) BEALS, and the younger sister of my Nathan T. BEALS.  Mary was born March 27, 1859 in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  She married on February 27, 1884 to Joseph Edwin GILBERT, son of P.M. and Emily GILBERT.

Schaeffer and Rieber Families: Evansville, Indiana

I was contacted awhile back by Ray Bland, who is doing research on the SCHAEFFER family of Evansville, Indiana and believes that he's found connections with Corinne's paternal 2nd-great grandmother, Elizabeth "Lillie" (SCHAEFFER) MILLER (1873-1937).  Ray believes that Lillie is the daughter of Charles and Mary (RIEBER) SCHAEFFER of Evansville.


I've previously posted Lillie MILLER's obituary, which states that among others, she was survived by a brother, John SCHAEFER.


The Browning Genealogy Obituary database contains the following obituary card for a Peter SCHAEFER.

So, now we have possibly two brothers for "Lillie"; Peter and John.  Even though Peter's obit card refers to her as Lillian, and spells Schaeffer with only one "F", I still believe we have the same family.  In the 1900 census of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, Lillie is listed as Elizabeth MILLER, age 27, white female, born March 1873 born in Indiana.  In the 1910 and 1920 census, she is listed as Lizzie MILLER.  Her obit card in the Browning Genealogy Obituary database lists here as Mrs. Lillie MILLER:

Looking for Lillie in the 1880 census, we find the family of Charles and Mary (RIEBER) SCHAEFFER in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana. 

Charley SCHAEFFER, a 27 year old varnisher, was living at 812 Second Avenue in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.  He was born in Louisiana and both parents were from Germany.  His wife, Mary, was also 27, born in Indiana with both parents born in Germany.  Children were listed as : Lilly, aged 7; Peter, aged 5; John, aged 3; and Katie, aged 9 months; all born in Indiana.

According to Ray Bland, he's found evidence that Charles shot and killed his wife, Mary, on September 16, 1883.  There is a memorial for Maria Eva (RIEBER) SCHAEFFER on the Find A Grave website, buried in St. Joseph Catholic  Cemetery in Evansville. Maria was the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (SCHUHMACHER) RIEBER.

More research needs to be done, and it looks like I have a few new leads to check out.

Church Record Sunday: Mt. Zion Church has served Noble area since 1852

The following is an article that appeared in the Portland, Indiana Commercial Review on March 19, 1977, page 19.  Mt. Zion church was the spiritual home of my HALEY and allied families for many years. I've added my comments in red.

The Mt. Zion Church in Noble Township was organized in 1852, just a few years before the beginning of the Civil War.

This was about the same time Muncie celebrated the completion of the Bellefountain and Indianapolis railroad to Muncie and the same year of the first state fair held at Indianapolis.

A. Nicolai and Frederick Schumerman of St. Mary’s, Ohio circuit conducted the organizational meeting the Mt. Zion (Evangelical Association) at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian Haley.[maternal 3rd-great granduncle, brother of George J.]  The Haleys were married Feb. 25, 1846 and came to Jay County in 1850 from Ohio, where he purchased 120 acres of land.

Charter members of the church were: Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian Haley, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Houdeschell, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Wentz, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Ferner, and Catherine Young.

Daniel Ferner started a tile factory and pottery, in 1861, one of the first industries in the township.  They came to Jay County from Fairfield County, Ohio, and located on a 92-acre farm.  They lived in an old log cabin for two years, then built a hewed log house for a pottery and brought clay from Ohio to make the pottery.  This didn’t prove to be successful, so he made tile from local clay.  In 1879, he moved into a better home.  He and his wife had 11 children.

These charter members worshipped in homes and barns from about 1852 to 1855 when they built a log church.  The 20 or 25 feet square structure seated about 100.  The land was donated by C. Young.  The pews were homemade.

In 1881, the log church was replaced with a brick building 30 by 50 feet at a cost of $2,000.  Most of the labor was donated.

The bricks for the new building were made and burned by Fred Haley [son of Sebastian] in Noble township.  Henry Miller donated the sand and the lime was purchased from the Wagner Lime Kiln, near Fort Recovery, Ohio.  The church was dedicated Dec. 11, 1881 by William Yost from Cleveland, Ohio.

In the early days of the church, people often walked two or three miles to meetings.  At night, they carried lanterns.  Years later, a light plant furnished lights, and when electricity was available, the church was wired for electric lights.

In 1887, the Mt. Zion Church of the Evangelical Association had a membership of 88.  Class leaders were George W. Haley [2nd-great grandfather] and A.[August] Geggenheimer [2nd-great granduncle - husband of Sarah C. Haley] ; exhorters were William Haley [son of Sebastian] and Albert Graves.  Pastor was Rev. H.E. Meyers of Fort Recovery.

Among the preceding pastors were: L.S. Fisher, G.W. Holderman, B.F. Dill, J.D. Pontius.

Sunday school attendance during the 1880’s averaged 60. Adams Metzner [2nd-great grandfather John Adam Metzner] was superintendent.

The church later changed to part of the Portland Circuit.  J.E. Young served from 1910 to 1911 and W.I. Weyant of the Pittsburgh Conference filled the vacancy for two years.

In 1933, the church was re-roofed at a cost of $180.  Mt. Zion became an Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1946, following a merger of the two denominations.

This church was then assigned to the Albright Circuit in 1951.

On Sept. 7, 1952, a centennial celebration was held.  Guest speakers were Rev. Reuben H. Mueller, Rev. C.W. Walmer, a former pastor, and Rev. Hugh Cobb.

In 1958, the church was remodeled by digging a basement, bracing the walls with cement pillars, and raising the floor of the sanctuary three feet.  Cost of the project was $4,000 besides the donated labor.

Later a furnace, well, water system, restrooms, and a kitchen were installed.  A tile ceiling was installed in 1960.  Since then, new carpeting and wallpaper have been added.

The church is now a two-point charge with Westchester United Methodist Church.  Rev. Larry Werbil is pastor and Earl Brumm is superintendent.

Mt. Zion church photographed by author in 2009

John Wright Cemetery Plot: I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Alexandria, IN

Above is a copy of the cemetery plot map of the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana for John W. and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT.  They are buried in Section C, plot 242.

I visited the Monroe Township Trustee's office today, and they were generous enough to provide me with a copy of the plot.  

The trustee added the directional arrows and placed the question mark on grave number 1.  Ella WRIGHT is buried in grave # 2, and John W. WRIGHT is in grave # 3.  Grave # 1 appears that it is much smaller, and that it could be for a child.

Ellen [Ella in the record] was buried in 1913, and John in 1945.  John was listed as having a vault, but not Ellen.  I went back out to the cemetery to double check that there were only two stones.

There are only two stones, one for Ellen, the other for John, with a larger stone that says "WRIGHT" on both sides.  The plot is located just inside the cemetery near the war memorial monument, and is along the edge of the circle drive.


While this is not conclusive proof, it does lend some credence to the fact that an infant or two might be buried with them in this cemetery plot.