Monday, May 20, 2013

Exploratory Data Analysis: Minerva Prudence (Wehrly) Jackson (1867-1948)

Minerva Prudence (Wehrly) Jackson (1867-1948) was my paternal great-grandaunt.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Minerva was born July 25, 1867 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana1.  The State of Indiana did not require state-wide registrations of birth until after 1907.  Jay County, Indiana only has birth records from 1882.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Minerva's birth was announced in the local newspaper, it has been lost to history.  The Jay County Public Library has newspapers from the late 1880s.  The holdings of the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis do not indicate any newspapers of the time period.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Wehrly family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Minerva, nor the church affiliation of the Wehrly's.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

              There is no indication that Minerva was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Minerva married Lawrence Delbert Jackson on October 7, 18851, probably in Jay County, Indiana.  Will need to search at the Jay County courthouse for a copy of this record.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

               Once I have the correct location for their marriage, will search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of their nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

              Minerva and Lawrence's 25th wedding anniversary would have been October 7, 1910.  Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of any anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication that Minerva and Lawrence were ever divorced, but a search of the Jay County, Indiana court records needs to be conducted.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Minerva died March 18, 19481 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California2. I need to verify this fact and try to obtain a copy of her death certificate.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Will need to add searching for Minerva's obituary to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.  Likely it was mentioned in the Jay County, Indiana papers.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Once I have obtained a copy of her obituary, I might be able to identify the funeral home that provided services and then contact them to see if they had any further records.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Minerva and Lawrence's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery in Jay County, Indiana3 has been photographed and was the subject of a previous post.    The tombstone reads "M. Prudence 1867-1948" and "L. Delbert 1865-1929".

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 5, 1940, Minerva was enumerated in the George Ganzmiller household in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio4, as Prudence Jackson, age 69, widowed mother-in-law.  Her residence in 1935 was the same location.  She was born in Indiana.  No occupation was listed.  Living in the same household were George Ganzmiller, age 47, born Ohio and Eva Ganzmiller, age 43, born in Ohio. Eva was Minerva's daughter.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 4, 1930, Minerva was enumerated in the William D. Jackson household in Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana5, as Minerva P. Jackson, age 63, widowed mother.  She was aged 18 at her first marriage.  She was born in Indiana, and her parents were born in Indiana.  She could read and write and spoke English.  No occupation was listed.  Living in the household were William D. Jackson, age 38, optometrist, born Indiana, Iva M. Jackson, age 32, born Illinois, Iva M. Jackson, age 4 1/2, born Indiana, William D. Jackson, age 3 1/2, born Indiana, John L. Jackson, age 1 11/12, born Indiana. William was Minerva's son.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 8, 1920, Minerva was enumerated in the Lawrence D. Jackson household in the 4th Ward of Portland, Jay County, Indiana6, as Minerva P. Jackson, wife, age 53.  She could read and write and speak English.  She was born in Indiana, and both parents were born in Indiana.  No occupation was listed.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 1, 1910, Minerva was enumerated in the Lawrence D. Jackson household in Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana7, as Minerva P. Jackson, wife, age 40.  She was married for 24 years, with 8 children, 7 of whom were living.  She was born in Indiana, with her parents both born in Ohio.  She could read and write and speak English.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 1, 1900, Minerva was enumerated in the Lawrence D. Jackson household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana8, as Minerva P. Jackson, wife, age 33.  She was born July 1866 in Indiana.  She had been married 15 years, and was the mother of 6 children, 5 of whom were living.  Her father and mother were born in Ohio.  She could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.6. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 3, 1880, Minerva was enumerated in the William Wherhly household in Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana9, as Minerva Wherhly, daughter, age 12.  She had attended school within the year. She was born in Indiana, the birthplace of her father was blank, and her mother was born in Michigan.

          2.1.7. 1870 Federal Census

               On August 2, 1870, Minerva was enumerated in the William P. Werly household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana10, as Minerva P. Werly, age 3, born in Indiana.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          I have not yet investigated these types of records to see what light they might shed on the Jackson farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Minerva was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by her husband or father that would have made her eligible for benefits.  Her father did serve in the Civil War, but I don't believe she was ever eligible for minor's benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Minerva was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Jay County and Elkhart County, Indiana to see what records might mention Minerva and her family.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps and county maps for Jay County and Elkhart County, Indiana will need to be searched.  Will contact the local historical society to see what maps they might have in their collection.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available for research on Minerva include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.  Will add these to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

Sources:

1. Wehrly, Blaine & Gladys, "Wehrly & Smith Family History." Report to Wehrly Reunion, New Castle, Indiana, 16 August 1970.  Photocopy held by author.
2. Ancestry.com. California, Death Index, 1940-1997 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, 2000.  Original data: State of California. California Death Index, 1940-1997. Sacramento, CA, USA: State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics.
3. Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), L. Delbert and M. Prudence Jackson marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.
4. 1940 U.S. census, Butler County, Ohio, population schedule, 1st Ward, Hamilton, enumeration district 9-5, SD 3, sheet 1A, 622 Dick Street, household 6; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. 1930 U.S. census, Elkhart County, Indiana, population schedule, 1st Ward, Elkhart, enumeration district 20-9, SD 2, sheet 5B, 631 Prospect Street, dwelling 93, household 95; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
6. Lawrence D. Jackson household, 1920 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Wayne Twp., ED 91, SD 84, sheet 9, dwelling 165, family 167; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 440.
7. Lawrence D. Jackson household, 1910 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Wayne Twp., ED 82, SD 8, sheet 6, dwelling 150, family 153; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 358.
8. Lawrence D. Jackson household, 1900 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison Twp., ED 62, SD 67, sheet 1, dwelling 13, family 13; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 380.
9. William Wherhly household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 169, SD 6, page 28, dwelling 6, family 6; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 287.
10. William P. Werly household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, page 27, Salamonie P.O., dwelling 197, family 200; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 327, page 87.



This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

LeMaster Alumni File at Oberlin

The archives at Oberlin responded about the LeMaster alumni that they had found records for.  I'm going to pay for the copies of the records to see how we might be related.

I was able to locate one small alumni file for Ralph LeMaster, but nothing about Mary. This is pretty common with students who only attended the college for a short time, especially in the earlier days of Oberlin.

Ralph's file contains a few address cards (most of them contain the same address: 213 E. Rush St, Kendalliville) and a nice alumni questionnaire sheet. These sheets would have been sent out by the college for different purposes, mostly to keep records updated about alumni. This was filled out by Ralph in 1922, while he was still a student at De Pauw. 

The archivist's fiancee has a grandmother who was a LeMaster as well.  She's passing on to her future m-i-l about the blog, and I'm still looking for a connection.

Thursday, May 09, 2013

LeMaster Family Ephemera


Dad found these old checks that my grandmother had written to the IRS and the Indiana Dept. of Revenue and gave them to me to scan.  Nice example of her signature to have on file.  Back in the days when the banks would return your cancelled checks to you each month.

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Exploratory Data Analysis: Chester Arthur Wright (1896-1955)

Chester Wright & Virgil Wright, undated photo



Chester Arthur "Mike" Wright (1896-1955) was my maternal great-granduncle.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Chester was born October 18, 1896 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana1.  I do not yet have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add obtaining a copy to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of Chester's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Wright family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Chester, nor am I aware of the church affiliation of the family at the time.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Chester was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Chester married Erma Violet Hayes on March 5, 1920 in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of his marriage license.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

         Chester married in Mamie Lawson in 1939 in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of this marriage license.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Chester's marriages.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Neither of Chester's marriages lasted long enough to reach the 25th anniversary mark.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               Chester and Erma Hayes did divorce, but I do not have a copy of the record.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip. Likely the divorce occurred in Madison County, Indiana.  Erma was remarried circa 1922, so the divorce had to have taken place in the 1920-1922 period.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Chester died June 20, 1955 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio2.  He was a patient at the Ohio University Hospital there for just a few days prior to his death.

          I do not yet have a copy of his death certificate from Ohio. Will add obtaining this to my list of "to-do" items.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Chester's obituary appeared in the June 21, 1955 edition of the Alexandria Times Tribune in Alexandria, Indiana2.  This obituary was the subject of a previous post.

               Chester's obituary appeared in the June 21, 1955 edition of the Anderson Herald in Anderson, Indiana3.

               Chester's obituary appeared in the June 22, 1955 edition of the Alexandria Times Tribune in Alexandria, Indiana4.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               According to his obituary3, the funeral arrangements were handled by the Stricler Funeral Home in Alexandria.  Will check with the local historical society to see if they have any surviving records.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Chester is buried in the Park View Cemetery in Alexandria, Indiana5.  I do not have a photograph of his tombstone.  Will need to add this to my list of "to-do" items.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 18, 1940, Chester was enumerated in the John W. Wright household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana6, as Chester A. Wright, son, age 40, born in Indiana.  He was married, and had completed the 8th grade in education.  His residence in 1935 was the same place.  His occupation was listed as farmer.  His wife, Mamie, age 40, born in Indiana was also living in the household.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 15, 1930, Chester was enumerated in the John Wright household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana7, as Chester A. Wright, son, age 33, born in Indiana.  He was divorced.  He could read and write and spoke English.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother born in Indiana.  His occupation was listed as farmer.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 15, 1920, Chester was enumerated in the John W. Wright household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana8, as Chester A. Wright, son, age 23, single, born in Indiana.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Indiana.  He could read and write and spoke English.  His occupation was listed as farmer.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On May 5, 1910, Chester was enumerated in the John W. Wright household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana9, as Chester Wright, son, age 13, single, born in Indiana.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Indiana.  He could read and write and spoke English, and had attended school within the year.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 27, 1900, Chester was enumerated in the John W. Wright household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana10, as Chester A. Wright, son, age 3, single, born in Indiana.  His father and mother were both listed as being born in Indiana.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          I have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what light they might shed on the Wright family farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          On June 5, 1918, Chester registered with the Selective Service in Madison County, Indiana11.  He listed his date of birth as October 18, 1896 in Madison County, Indiana.  The name of his employer and nearest relative were one and the same, his father, John W. Wright, RR # 20, Alexandria, Indiana.  His eyes were listed as light blue and his hair as black.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by Chester that would make him eligible for pension benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          I am not aware of any military service by Chester.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Chester.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

         Plat map and county maps for Madison County, Indiana will need to be searched.  Will contact the local historical society to see what maps they might have in their collection.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available for research on Chester include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.  Will add these to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

Sources:

1. Sandra Freeman, "John William Wright - Ellen King family group sheet", compiled [n.d.] (Alexandria, Indiana, USA).  Notes say information from Zelma Cooper and Gloria LeMaster.
2. Chester (Mike) Wright obituary, Alexandria Times Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, USA, June 21, 1955, page 1.
3. Mike Wright dies in Ohio article, Anderson Herald, Anderson, Indiana, USA, June 21, 1955, page 2.
4. Chester (Mike) Wright obituary, Alexandria Times Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, USA, June 22, 1955, page 1.
5. Chester (Mike) Wright obituary, Alexandria Times Tribune, Alexandria, Indiana, USA, June 23, 1955, page 1.
6. 1940 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Township, enumeration district 48-59, SD 11, sheet 3A, dwelling 60; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 7 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
7. John Wright household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 48-46, SD 5, sheet 11A, dwelling 246, family 258; National Archives micropublication T626, roll 605, page 231.
8. John W. Wright household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 122, SD 8, sheet 4A, dwelling 81, family 81.
9. John W. Wright household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 17, SD 8, sheet 11B, dwelling 259, family 259; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 364, page 364.
10. John W. Wright household, 1900 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 96, SD 8, sheet 21B, dwelling 398, family 432; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 386, page 38.
11. "U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 May 2013); citing World War I Selective Service Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918: Indiana.


This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.

Friday, May 03, 2013

Exploratory Data Analysis: Beulah Sarah (LeMaster) Rockwell (1866-1940)

Beulah Sarah (LeMaster) Rockwell (1866-1940) is my paternal great-grandaunt.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Beulah was born September 9, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana, according to my database.  Her tombstone lists her birth date as 1865.  Her death certificate lists her birthdate as September 30, 18651. The State of Indiana did not require state-wide registrations of birth until after 1907.  Prior to this date, they were only recorded in the counties where the event occurred.  Jay County, Indiana only has birth records from 1882.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Beulah's birth was announced in the local newspaper, it has been lost to history.  The Jay County Public Library has newspapers from the late 1880s, and there was a book by Rex Betram, "Jay Co., IN Newspaper Clippings, 1871-1877", but I haven't discovered anything earlier.  The holdings  of the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis do not indicate any newspapers of the period.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the LeMaster family. Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Beulah.  The family was  affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Beulah was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Beulah married Lynn Lumas Rockwell on November 27, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana, according to my database.  I do not have a copy of her marriage license.  Need to add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          A preliminary search of the indices at FamilySearch and Ancestry.com did not produce a record of their marriage.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Once I have the correct location for their marriage, will search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of their nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Beulah and Lynn's 25th wedding anniversary would have been on November 27, 1913.  Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of any anniversary celebrations.  

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication that Beulah and Lynn were ever divorced, but a search of the court records in Mercer County, Ohio needs to be conducted.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Beulah died July 16, 1940 in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio2.  A copy of her death certificate was the subject of a previous post.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               Beulah's obituary appeared in the July 17, 1940 edition of the Union City Times-Gazette, Union City, Randolph County, Indiana2.

               Beulah's obituary appeared in the July 18, 1940 editon of the Portland Commercial-Review, Portland, Jay County, Indiana3.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

              According to her obituary2, the May funeral home in Ft. Recovery, Ohio handled the arrangements.  Will add contacting them for more information to my "to-do" list for further research.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               Beulah's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery, Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana has been photographed.  The tombstone reads "Beulah S. 1865-1940" and her husband "Lynn L, 1865-1949".

               Her memorial page at FindAGrave is located here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 16, 1940, Beulah was enumerated in the Lynn Rockwell household in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio4, as Beulah Rockwell, age 74, married.  She had completed school through the eighth grade.  She was born in Indiana, and in 1935 her residence was the same place.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 28, 1930, Beulah was enumerated in the Lynn L. Rockwell household in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio5, as Beulah S. Rockwell, wife, age 64, married at age 23.  She could read and write and spoke English.  She was born in Indiana, her father born in Ohio and her mother born in New Jersey.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 8, 1920, Beulah was enumerated in the L.L. Rockwell household in Ft. Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio6, as Beulah Rockwell, wife, age 54, born in Indiana.  She could read and write and spoke English.  Her father was born in Ohio and her mother in New Jersey. No occupation was listed.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On May 7, 1910, Beulah was enumerated in the Lynn L. Rockwell household in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana7, as Beulah S. Rockwell, wife, age 45, born in Indiana.  She had been married for 22 years and was the mother of 4 children, all living.  Her father was born in Ohio and her mother in New Jersey.  She could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               I have not located Beulah in the 1900 census.  They should be found in Jay County, Indiana.  Will continue to search for them.

          2.1.6. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 5, 1880, Beulah was enumerated in the Walker Lemasters household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, as Beulah Lemasters, age 14, daughter.  She had attended school within the year.  She was born in Indiana, her father born in Ohio and her mother born in New Jersey.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.

          No state census of Ohio are known to exist.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          I have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what light they might shed on the Rockwells.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Beulah was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by her husband or father that would have made Beulah eligible for benefits.  Her father did serve in the Civil War, but I don't believe she was ever eligible for minor's benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Beulah was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Jay County, Indiana and Mercer County, Ohio to see what records might mention Beulah and her family.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps and county maps for Jay County, Indiana and Mercer County, Ohio will need to be searched.  Will contact the local historical society to see what maps they might have in their collection.

5. Supplemental records

     Supplemental records available for research on Beulah include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.  Will add these to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

Sources:

1."Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XZ2H-XVJ : accessed 01 May 2013), Beulah Sarah Rockwell, 1940.
2. Union City Obituaries, Darke County Genealogical Researchers online [http://www.dcoweb.org/randolph/UCobits/1941f.html#486], accessed 11 November 2010.
3. Rockwell Rites Are Tomorrow article, Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, USA, July 18, 1940, page 1.
4. 1940 U.S. census, Mercer County, Ohio, population schedule, Ft. Recovery, enumeration district 54-26, SD 4, sheet 1A, household 4, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 April 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. Lynn L. Rockwell household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Ft. Recovery, Gibson Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ED 54-23, SD 11, sheet 1A, dwelling 15, family 15; National Archives micropublication T626, roll 1850, Washington, D.C.
6. L.L. Rockwell household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Ft. Recovery, Gibson Township, Mercer County, Ohio, ED 132, SD 3, sheet 6A, dwelling 134, family 134; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 1418, Washington, D.C..
7. Lynn L. Rockwell household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 69, SD 8, sheet 9A, dwelling 216, family 220; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 358, Washington, D.C.
8. Walker Lemasters household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 161, SD 6, page 4, dwelling 47, family 48; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 287.


This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Graduating Class of Portland High School, 1903

Portland - The senior class of 1903 posed for the annual high school picture.  They are, first row, left to right, Ollie Fleming, Dessie Kinsey Leonard, Maude LeMaster, Myrtle Suman Keith; second row, Beryl Fleming Sasser, Pearl Wetzel Swartz, Esther Bosworth Rines, Pearl Haines Hotsenpiller, Artie Metz, Don Hall, Margaret Brubaker Milley; third row, Pearl Nichols Jones, Carrie Tate Liffring, Carrie Reber, Ada Cecil Close McLeod, Maude Spade Tormohlen, Ina Holloway Burke, Edna Lawrence Williams; fourth row, Earl Pierce, Harlo Hakes Ferris, Milo Culbert and Philo W. Journey.

Photo of the graduating class of Portland High School, Portland, Jay County, Indiana includes my paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Una Maude (LeMaster) Phillips (1884-1968).  This clipping was found at the Jay County Historical Society in Portland.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Death Certificate: Beulah Sarah Rockwell, 1940 Mercer County, Ohio

While working on updating my information and completing an exploratory analysis of my paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Beulah Sarah (LeMaster) Rockwell, I located her death certificate at FamilySearch's database of Ohio records.

One interesting clue was that her birth date was listed as September 30, 1865 in Ohio.  In my database I previously had her birth in Jay County, Indiana on September 9, 1866 (unsourced).  Her tombstone also reflects the 1865 year of her birth.  Her husband, Lynn Rockwell, was the informant on the death certificate.

The funeral home was a bit hard to read, but appears to be the May funeral home.  An internet search found the Brockman-Boeckman Funeral Home still in existence in Ft. Recovery, having purchased the May funeral home in 1977.  Will need to write to them to see if they have any records.

Beulah's husband had her parents correct, but didn't know their birthplaces.  Mother's maiden name was Chew, mis-indexed as Chen by FamilySearch.  

"Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XZ2H-XVJ : accessed 01 May 2013), Beulah Sarah Rockwell, 1940.



Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Funeral Record of Sarah (Beals) Albright, 1907


Records of Zook Funeral Home, Converse Indiana 1904-1922

Found this book at the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana some time ago and just now getting around to extracting the data.

Under the headings for funerals for 1907, I found the following record:

July 21 - Sarah Albright.
 
 

Sarah was Sarah Beals (1828-1907), daughter of Nathan C. and Elizabeth (Chew) Beals and the wife of Daniel S. Albright.  Sarah was my maternal 4th-great grandaunt.

Oberlin College Archives Response

Received a response from the archives at Oberlin College, where William Clifford LeMaster (1870-1922) graduated, in regards to my request for student information:


I have gone through the alumni registers and student cards for the 1890s time period and I have not been able to find anything about William Clifford LeMaster. The only students that I have been able to find are a Ralph and Mary LeMaster (from Kendalville, IN), both enrolled for the class of 1923.

I am sorry I was not able to find anything about William. Should I check to see if the other LeMasters have any student files for you?

My fiancee's grandmother was a LeMaster. I wonder if they are related!
I've followed up with a request for more information on these LeMasters from Kendallville, to see if we are related.

Monday, April 29, 2013

The Postman Only Rang Once

Apparently the postman only rings once when it comes to my family history quest.  My attempts to cajole my parents, aunts and uncles into providing me with more detail and insight into the family history, particularly of my grandparents, has failed to garner but one response.  Three months ago, I sent SASE with a questionnaire to be answered, and only my parents have responded.

I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised.  Everyone has a busy life, and most are not as interested in family history as I am.  Maybe they feel that they’ve already answered the questions in the past.  I had hoped to have already sent out additional questionnaires, but based on the lack of response, I think I’m going to abandon this project.

The questionnaire asked four questions for my relatives : 1) When and where did you meet your spouse 2) When and where did you get married/Go on your honeymoon 3) What was the most difficult thing about being a newly married couple 4) What advice would you give to someone today who was contemplating a serious relationship.  I had hoped that beyond the facts, their answers would give some insight to flesh out the life stories of my parents, aunts and uncles.

The questionnaire also asked each family to tell me what I should know about both their mother and father.  I was hoping that this would spur some reflection and also provide me with their recollections of their parents, as my grandfathers died when I was young and one grandmother died when I was in high school, the other while I was in college.

Perhaps they feel it’s best to let the past be the past, but I have a curiosity about my grandparents and others that I was hoping to have answered.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Phillip D. LeMaster (1869-1869)

Phillip D. LeMaster (1869-1869) was my paternal great-granduncle.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Phillip was born January 28, 1869 in Darke County, Ohio.  I have been unable to locate a record of his birth in the probate records for Darke County located at FamilySearch.  These records are currently unindexed.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Phillip's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the LeMaster family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Phillip.  The family was associated with the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Phillip was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Not applicable, as Phillip died in infancy.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Not applicable, as Phillip died in infancy.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Not applicable, as Phillip died in infancy.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               Not applicable, as Phillip died in infancy.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Phillip died May 1, 1869 in Darke County, Ohio.  I have not been able to locate a death date from local probate records yet.  Will continue to search.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Phillip's death.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               Will need to search local funeral home records to see if mention was made of Phillip's funeral.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               Phillip's tombstone in the Webster Cemetery in Rossburg, Darke County, Ohio has been photographed and published at FindAGrave.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          Not applicable, as Phillip did not survive into adulthood.

     2.2. State Census Records

          Not applicable, as Phillip did not survive into adulthood.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          Not applicable, as Phillip did not survive into adulthood.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Phillip did not survive into adulthood.

     3.2. Pension Records

          Not applicable, as Phillip did not survive into adulthood.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Phillip did not survive into adulthood.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Not applicable, as Phillip did not survive into adulthood.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Not applicable, as Phillip did not survive into adulthood.

5. Supplemental records

     Not applicable, as Phillip did not survive into adulthood.


This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Jay County, Indiana Marriages 1837-1865


Jay County, Indiana Marriages
1837-1865
(Transcribed by Rex W. Betram)

Located this book in the Allen County Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana several months ago and just now getting around to abstracting the information.

Some of the family members that I located mentioned during this time period:

CUNNINGHAM, William E., to LEMASTER, Rachel, 18 Mar. 1860, married by Wm. A. Hartzell, J.P., Book B, page 375. [Rachel was my paternal 2nd-great grandaunt]

HARTER, Hiram B., to WEHRLY, Elizabeth, 29 May 1860, married by Richard Harter, M.G., Book B, page 378. [Elizabeth was my paternal 2nd-great grandaunt]

METZNER, John A., to MOULTON, Clarice, 13 Nov. 1864, married by Nathan Beck, M.G., Book B, page 536. [They were my paternal 2nd-great grandparents]

WEHRLY, John, to LEMASTER, Catherine, 3 Feb. 1861, married by James Redkey, M.G., Book B, page 408. [Catherine was my paternal 2nd-great grandaunt]


Saturday, April 27, 2013

Exploratory Data Analysis: William Clifford LeMaster (1870-1922)

William C. LeMaster (left) and son Ralph LeMaster


William Clifford LeMaster (1870-1922) was my paternal great-granduncle.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          William was born September 1, 18701, 12 in Darke County, Ohio. 

          The discovery of his correct birth date was the subject of a previous post.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of William's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible records of the LeMaster family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for William.  The family was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that William was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          William married Lella Edith Lewis on August 20, 1892 in Penn Township, Jay County, Indiana1,2.

          A copy of their marriage license and return was the subject of a previous post.

          William married secondly to Parnell Brown on July 21, 1921 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of his nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Neither of his marriage's lasted long enough, due to divorce or death, to reach the 25th anniversary mark.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               William filed for divorce from Lella in Teller County, Colorado on August 21, 1917.  The papers were served to Lella on September 5, 1917 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California3.  

               A copy of their divorce papers was the subject of a previous post.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          William died July 26, 1922 in Sedalia, Douglas County, Colorado4.  I have not yet obtained a copy of his death certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               William's obituary appeared in the July 28, 1922 edition of the Colorado Springs Gazette4.  Mention was also made in the July 29, 1922 edition of the Colorado Springs Gazette
5.
          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               Neither obituary mentioned the funeral home that handled the arrangements.  The funeral was held at the Elks in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               William's tombstone in the Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado6 has been photographed.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 12, 1920, William was enumerated in the Francis P. Hall household in Victor, Teller County, Colorado7, as William C. LeMaster, lodger, age 46, divorced.  He was born in Ohio, father born in Ohio and mother born in New Jersey.  He could read and write and spoke English.  His occupation was listed as the proprietor of a theatre.  Living in the same household was son, Ralph M., age 17, born in Ohio, and express driver.

          2.1.2. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 16, 1910, William was enumerated as the head of household in Ft. Collins, Larimer County, Colorado8, as William C. LeMaster, age 39, bank cashier.  He had been married for 17 years.  He was born in Ohio, father born in Ohio and mother in New Jersey.  He could read and write and spoke English.  Living in the household was his wife, Lella E., age 38, born in Indiana, and children Gladys A., age 16, born Indiana; Lella L., age 13, born in Ohio; Ralph M., age 7, born in Ohio, and William C. Jr., age 5, born in Colorado.

          2.1.3. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 4, 1900, William was enumerated as the head of household in Ward 4, City of Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio9, as William C. LeMaster, age 29, bank clerk.  He had been married for 7 years.  He was born September 1870 in Ohio, his father was born in Ohio and his mother in New Jersey.  He could read and write and spoke English.  Living in the household was his wife, Lella E., age 24, born in Indiana, and children Gladys A., age 6, born in Indiana and Lilla S., age 3, born in Ohio.

          2.1.4. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 5, 1880, William was enumerated in the Walker Lemasters household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana10, as William Lemasters, age 9, son.  He had attended school within the year and could read and write and spoke English.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of legislative apportionment.

          No state census of Ohio are known to exist.

         Colorado conducted state census in 1861, 1866, and 1885.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          I have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what light they might shed on the LeMaster farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          William was too old to meet the draft requirements during World War I.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service that would make William eligible for pension benefits.  His father did serve in the Civil War, but I don't believe he was ever eligible for any minor benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Lorain County, Ohio and Teller and Douglas County, Colorado to see what records might mention William and his family.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for further research.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps and county maps for Lorain County, Ohio and Teller and Douglas Counties, Colorado will need to be searched.  Will contact the local historical societies to see what maps they might have in their collections.

5. Supplemental records

     Supplemental records available for research on William include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.  Will add these to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     In January 1892, William graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio1.

     On April 4, 1900, William was elected fourth ward councilman for the city of Elyria, Ohio11.

Sources:

1. Morgan Milton Lewis, Genealogical and biographical record of the Lewis and Grisell families : from the years 1751 and 1763 to the year 1903 (Battle Creek, Michigan, USA : M.M. Lewis, 1903), page 207.
2. Jay County, Indiana, Original Marriage Return: Clifford W. Lemasters to Lella Lewis, 1892"; County Marriage Returns Collection: Jay County Historical Society, Portland, Indiana.
3. Teller County Colorado, Divorce Records 3359, LeMaster, William C. v. LeMaster, Lella E., 1918; Colorado State Archives, Denver, Colorado, USA.
4. Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, 28 July 1922, page 3:2.
5. Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, 29 July 1922, page 6:6.
6. Evergreen Cemetery (Colorado Springs, Colorado), W.C. LeMaster marker, photographed by Nick Hardy, 23 January 2011.
7. Francis P. Hall household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Victor, Teller County, Colorado, ED 238, SD 3, sheet 9, dwelling 192, family 207; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 172, page 36.
8. William C. Lemaster household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Ft. Collins, Larimer County, Colorado, ED 227, SD 1, sheet 2, dwelling 37, family 37; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 121.
9. 1900 census, Lorain County, Ohio, population schedule, Ward 4, Elyria, ED 81, SD 13, sheet 4B, dwelling 72, family 79; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 April 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
10. Walker Lemasters household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 161, SD 6, page 4, dwelling 47, family 48; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 287.
11. Two Women Were Elected article, The Elyria Republican, Elyria, Ohio, USA, April 5, 1900, page 1.
12. "Ohio, Births and Christenings, 1821-2003." Index and Images. FamilySearch. (https://familysearch.org) accessed 24 April 2013, Darke County, Ohio Birth Registers with index 1863-1878 vol. 1.


This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.