Monday, May 27, 2013

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Exploratory Data Analysis: John William Wehrly (1870-1954)

John William Wehrly (1870-1954) 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

          John was born May 17, 1870 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 John'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 John, nor the church affiliation of the Wehrly's.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that John was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          John married Esther L. White on August 15, 1891 in Jay County, Indiana2.  I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items to obtain on my next trip to Jay County.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of John and Esther's nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               John and Esther's 25th wedding anniversary would have been August 15, 1915 and their 50th anniversary would have been August 15, 1941.  Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if any mention was made of anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication that John and Esther were ever divorced, but a search of Jay County, Indiana court records needs to be done.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          John died January 24, 19541.  I do not know exactly where he died. Will need to add obtaining this information to my "to-do" list.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Will need to search local newspapers in Jay County, Indiana to see if John's death was mentioned.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Once I've obtained a copy of his 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

               John and Esther's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery in Jay County, Indiana3 has been photographed and was the subject of a previous post.  The tombstone reads "John W. Wehrly 1870-1954" and "Esther L. Wehrly 1869-1958".

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 22, 1940, John was enumerated as head of household in Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana4, as John William Wehrly, age 69, born in Indiana, Farmer.  He owned his own home, valued at $2500 and lived on a farm.  His residence in 1935 was the same place.  He had completed 8th grade.  Living in the household was his wife, Esther L., age 70, born Indiana, and son, Robert C., age 31, born in Indiana.  His address was 119 Fairview Road.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 4, 1930, John was enumerated as head of household in the 1st Ward of Portland, Jay County, Indiana5, as John W. Wehrly, age 59, born in Indiana.  His occupation was listed as Jeweler.  He was aged 21 at his first marriage, his father listed as born in Pennsylvania and mother in Indiana.  His home was valued at $6500 and he owned a radio.  Living in the household was his wife, Esther L., age 60, born Indiana, and son Robert C., age 21, born Indiana.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On February 5, 1920, John was enumerated as head of household in the 1st Ward of Portland, Jay County, Indiana6, as John W. Wehrly, age 50, born in Indiana.  His occupation was listed as Jeweler.  He owned his home free of mortgage.  He could read and write and speak English.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother born in Ohio.  Living in the household was his wife, Esther L., age 50, born Indiana, and son Robert C., age 11, born Indiana.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 1, 1910, John was enumerated as head of household in the 1st Ward of Portland, Jay County, Indiana7, as John W. Wehrly, age 39, born in Indiana.  His occupation was listed as Jeweler.  He was age 19 at his marriage.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother born in Ohio.  Living in the household was his wife, Esther L., age 40, born Indiana, son Robert C., age 8 months born in Indiana, and mother-in-law, Barbara White, age 79, born Indiana.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 11, 1900, John was enumerated as head of household in the 1st Ward of Portland, Jay County, Indiana8, as John W. Wehrly, age 30, born May 1870 in Indiana.  His occupation was listed as Jeweler.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Indiana.  He could read and write and speak English.  Living in the household was his wife, Esther L., age 31, born May 1869 in Indiana, and his mother-in-law, Barbara White, age 69, born September 1830 in Ohio.

          2.1.6. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 3, 1880, John was enumerated in the William Wherhly household in Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana9, as John Wherhly, age 10, born in Indiana.  His father's birthplace was blank, and his mother was born in Michigan.  He had attended school within the year.

     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 Wehrly farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          John 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 have made John eligible to receive pension benefits.  His father did serve in the Civil War, but I don't believe John ever received any minor's benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

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

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps and county maps for Jay 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 John 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 1897, John was listed as a jeweler in the city and business directory of the Portland, Indiana, at the corner of Wayne and Water10.

     In 1907, John was listed as a jeweler in the city directory of Portland, Indiana at 201 N. Meridian11.

Sources:

1. Wehrly, Blaine & Gladys, "Wehrly & Smith Family History." Report to Wehrly Reunion, New Castle, Indiana, 16 August 1970.  Photocopy held by author.
2. Phyllis (Strock) Franklin, Salamonia Cemeteries : Salamonia, Madison Twp., Jay County, Indiana (Portland, Indiana, USA: The Jay County Genealogical Society, 2000), page 1.
3. Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), John W. and Esther L. Wehrly marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.
4. 1940 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, enumeration district 38-23, SD 5, sheet 6B, 119 Fairview Road, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 21 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. John W. Wehrly household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Portland, Jay County, Indiana, ED 38-18, SD 5, sheet 5B, dwelling 73, family 78; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 595, page 154.
6. John W. Wehrly household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Portland, Jay County, Indiana, ED 17, SD 84, sheet 2A, dwelling 76, family 76; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 440, page 196.
7. 1910 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, 1st Ward, Portland, enumeration district 80, SD 8, sheet 5A, 411 E. Walnut, dwelling 118, family 119, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 21 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
8. 1900 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, 1st Ward, Portland, enumeration district 74, SD 8, sheet 12A, dwelling 295, family 295; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 21 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
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. A City and Business Directory of the City of Portland, Indiana (1897) (Defiance, Ohio, USA: The Hubbard Company, 1982 (reprint)), page 87.
11. Complete Directory of Jay County (Portland, Indiana, USA: M. & M. Directory Co., 1907), page 31.

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.

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.