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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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, 1870^{1, 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, Indiana^1,2.

          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.

Family Recipe Friday : Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Another recipe from Mom:

Sweet and Sour Meatballs 

After I had eaten sweet and sour meatballs at a Elks style show in the 70s or 80s, I searched for a recipe that called for ingredients that I usually had on hand.   I found this recipe in a  Farm Journal Cookbook.  It became a great recipe for family pitch-ins. I have probably given out this recipe to more people than any recipe that I have.   You can make it ahead of time.  Let meat balls bake or use store-bought meatballs while you fix the unusual sauce--quick and easy .

    3-4 cups bread crumbs                                          
    2 pounds ground beef                                           
    1/2 cup chopped onions                                         
    1/2 teaspoon garlic salt                                       
    1/4 teaspoon pepper                                            
    1 teaspoon salt                                                
    2 eggs slightly beaten     
    Sweet-Sour Sauce for beef     
                                 
Moisten bread crumbs slightly.  Combine with remaining ingredients, except Sweet-Sour Sauce.  Shape in balls the size of walnuts (1 /2"); place in jelly roll pan (15 1/2"x10 1/2"x 1").  (Or brown balls in skillet containing a little hot fat).  Bake in very hot oven (450) 15-18 minutes.

Place balls in Sweet-Sour Sauce for Beef and simmer 10 minutes.  If balls are made ahead, add sauce to them and heat in the overn for 15 minutes. 

 Makes about 36 meat balls, 8-9 servings.

SWEET-SOUR SAUCE FOR BEEF

1 (1lb.12oz.) can tomatoes (about 3 1/2 c.)
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tsp. grated onion
10 ginersnaps, crushed

Combine all ingredients.  Cook to boiling.  Makes enough sauce for 36 (1 1/2") meat balls.



Family Recipe Friday - is an opportunity to share your family recipes with fellow bloggers and foodies alike.  Whether it's an old fashioned recipe passed down through generations, a recipe uncovered through your family history research, or a discovered recipe that embraces your ancestral heritage share them of Family Recipe Friday.  This series was suggested by Lynn Palermo of The Armchair Genealogist.

Happy 7th Blogiversary

Seven years ago, on April 25, 2006 I posted for the first time to this blog.  It has been a lot of fun and I've made some great friends and discoveries.  The Geneablogger community has been a wonderful support.

Thought I would take a look at some of the various highlights of the blog over the years :

• The very first post - Welcome

• Post with the most pageviews - Divorce papers William Clifford LeMaster

• This one is popular due to the keyword search below, apparently people who are searching for divorce paper templates are finding this page.

• Most comments - Building My 2011 Research Template

• Top referring site - Google.com

• Top three keyword searches :
• 1. Blank divorce papers - most be folks looking to divorce
• 2. Freezer slaw - a search for recipes land here
• 3. Harry Pierpont - my cousin, John Dillinger's pal

I appreciate each and every one of you who have stopped by over the years, and I hope to continue to find more information to share.