Homer Herschel Beals,(b. 1874) Hamilton County, Indiana

Working today on filling in some gaps in my database by utilizing the "Indiana Marriages, 1811-1959" database at Familysearch.org to see what updates and corrections I could find.

Homer Herschel Beals (b. 1874) was the son of Thomas Elwood Beals and Eliza Matilda Hodgin.  I found the record of his first marriage to Mable Clare Lindley in Hamilton County, Indiana while searching the "Indiana Marriages, 1811-1959" database at FamilySearch.org.  Prior to searching this database, I didn't have Mabel's maiden name.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VXPJ-51N : accessed 23 Jun 2013), Homer Herchel Beals and Mabel Clare Lindley, 1905.

Also located Homer's second marriage, at age 80, on August 16, 1954 in Hamilton County, Indiana to Mary Ruth Atkins, age 47, daughter of Fred Atkins and Kate Fryberger.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VXPL-CZX : accessed 23 Jun 2013), Homer H Beals and Mary Ruth Atkins, 1954.

Not sure on the correct spelling of Homer's middle name, I have from the Beals genealogy as 'Herschel', but these databases have it as 'Herchel'.  Will need to obtain a copy of the original records from Hamilton County and examine.

Homer would be my maternal third cousin four times removed.  Our common ancestors are John and Mary (Carter) Beals.  Have yet to obtain his death information or add any census information to my database.

Family Recipe Friday : Green Pepper Steak

The garden's bounty brings another family recipe from mom's collection:


When the peppers are plentiful in the garden, you make pepper steak.  A good family dish, you can use economy beef, either chuck or round and cook it until tender; then add vegetables.  You can prepare the beef ahead and refrigerate just before adding the vegetables.  Serve with a fruit dessert and breadsticks.

    1 pound beef chuck or round, fat trimmed                       
    1/4 cup soy sauce                                              
    1 clove garlic                                                 
    1/2 teaspoon ground ginger                                     
    1/4 cup salad oil                                              
    1 cup onions,thinly sliced                                     
    1 cup red and green pepper cut into 1-in pieces                
    2 stalks celery, thinly sliced                                 
    1 tablespoon cornstarch                                        
    1 cup water                                                    
    2 tomatoes, cut into wedges (optional)   

    Rice (according to package)                   

With a very sharp knife, cut beef across grain into think strips, 1/8 inch thick.   Combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger.   Add beef.  Toss and set aside while preparing vegetables.  Heat oil in large frying pan or wok.   Add beef and toss over high heat until browned.  Taste meat.   If it is not tender, cover and simmer for 30-to 40 minutes over low heat.  Turn up heat and add vegetables.   Toss until vegetables are crisp, about 10 min.   Mix cornstarch and water.   Add to pan; stir and cook until thickened.   Add tomatoes, if desired and heat through.   Serve over rice if you like or not.

(I don't particular like hot tomatoes and therefore don't add them.   Sliced tomatoes can be served on the side.   Red peppers add color to the pepper steak mix and you can use yellow for even more color.)


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.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Henry Leonard Wehrly (1875-1924)

Henry Leonard Wehrly (1875-1924) 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

          Henry was born April 17, 1875 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 Henry'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 Henry, nor the church affiliation of the Wehrly's.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Henry was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Henry married Mamie Margaret Salisbury on August 23, 1896¹, probably in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of their marriage license.  Will add that 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 Henry and Margaret's nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Henry and Margaret's 25th wedding anniversary would have been August 23, 1921.  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 Henry and Margaret were ever divorced, but a search of Jay, Allen and DeKalb county court records needs to be done.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Henry died July 31, 1924¹ in Garrett, DeKalb County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of his death certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Will need to check local newspapers in DeKalb and Jay County, Indiana to see if mention was made of Henry's death.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Once I've obtained his obituary, I might be able to identify the funeral home that handled the arrangements and then contact them to see if they have any more records.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Henry's tombstone in the Calvary Cemetery, Garrett, DeKalb County, Indiana has been photographed.  His memorial page on FindAGrave is located here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 13, 1920, Henry was enumerated in Garrett, DeKalb County, Indiana², as Henry N. Wehrly, age 45, Jeweler.  He owned his own home and it was mortgaged.  He was born in Indiana, as were his father and mother.  He could read and write and spoke English.  He resided at 507 Randolph Street.

          2.1.2. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 25, 1910, Henry was enumerated in Garett, DeKalb County, Indiana³, as Henry L. Wehrly, age 35, Merchant of Jewelry store.  He had been married for 13 years.  He was born in Indiana, as were his father and mother.  He could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.3. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 23, 1900, Henry was enumerated in Shirley, Maumee Township, Allen County, Indiana⁴, as Henry Wehrly, age 25, Furniture salesman.  He was born April 1875 in Indiana. His father and mother were born in Ohio.  He had been married for 3 years.  He could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.4. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 3, 1880, Henry was enumerated in the William Wherhly household in Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁵, as Henry Wherhly, age 5, single.  He was born in Indiana, the birthplace of his father was blank, and his mother was born in Michigan.

     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

          Henry registred with the Selective Service during World War I on September 12, 1918 in DeKalb County, Indiana⁶.  He was living at 507 South Randolph Street in Garrett, DeKalb County, Indiana.  His birthdate was listed as April 17, 1875. His occupation was listed as a jeweler, and the place of business was located at 105 N. Randolph Street.  His wife, Margaret Wehrly, was listed as his next of kin.  Henry was listed as medium height, stout build with brown eyes and dark hair.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service that would have made Henry eligible to receive pension benefits.  His father did serve in the Civil War, but I don't believe Henry 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, Allen and DeKalb Counties, Indiana to see what records might mention Henry and his 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, Allen and DeKalb Counties, Indiana, will need to be searched.  Will contact the local historical societies to see what maps they might have in their collection.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available for research on Henry 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.

Sources:

1. Wehrly, Blaine & Gladys, "Wehrly & Smith Family History." Report to Wehrly Reunion, New Castle, Indiana, 16 August 1970.  Photocopy held by author.
2. 1920 U.S. census, DeKalb County, Indiana, population schedule, Garrett, enumeration district 103, SD 12, sheet 12A, 507 Randolph Street, dwelling 259, family 260; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
3. 1910 U.S. census, DeKalb County, Indiana, population schedule, Garrett, enumeration district 80, SD 12, sheet 9B, dwelling 199, household 210; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. 1900 U.S. census, Allen County, Indiana, population schedule, Shirley, Maumee Township, enumeration district 12, SD 12, sheet 12A, dwelling 215, family 215; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. William Wherhly household, 1800 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.
6. "U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 June 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.

Family Histories at Jay County Indiana Public Library

Received this list of family histories housed at the Jay County, Indiana Public Library and wanted to share.  I see many names that have connections with my family to check out on my next visit.  I'm listing these as found on the sheet, not all in alphabetical order as some names are connected.

Abbott
Adams
Addington, Chalfant
Arbaugh
Arnold
Arthur
Auker, Walters
Avy, McKee, Alexander, Milligan, McClintock, Dray
Badders
Bailey
Bailey, Johnson, Kendle
Barenbrugge
Bash, Miller, Hearn, Wennett, Schmidt, Ryan, Morehouse
Bears
Beekman
Bellis
Bergman
Booher
Bost
Bosworth
Bradley, Pelham
Brenner
Burgess
Burkes
Butcher, Totty
Cartwright
Chenoweth
Cline
Cook
Cope
Curry
Davidson
Detamore
Druschel
Ehrhard, Erhard, Ehrhart, Earhart, Ehrhard
Edmundson
Eley, Porter
Ferguson
Fortineux, Fortinet, Forney, Fortna, Fordney, Furtney
Fowler
Fruits
Fuller
Gantz
Garrett
Garringer
Geringer
Glendening, Mason, Watson
Godfrey
Graber
Gray
Gullett
Hall
Hardy
Harford, Toland
Harter
Hartley, Smith
Haynes
Hearn
Hoover
Imel
Immel, Imel
Jaqua
Jay
Johnson
Jordan
Keeling
Ketchum
Kidder
Knox
Lemaster, Halfhill
Linder
Lotz, Wolf
Loy
Loyons
Mallers
Mangas, Casper, Hay
Mann
McCarty
McDaniel
Meeker
Mechling
Mendenhall
Miles
Milligan
Mills
Mitchell
Montgomery, Marcus, Whitman
Moran
Morrical
Morrical, Mendenhall
Mossler
Naas
Nash, Stiers
Nixon
Orr
Paddock
Palmer
Peters
Petry
Ponder
Puterbaugh, Butterbaugh
Ridgway, Luzadder, Sutton
Ricker, Hanlin, Judy
Rodabough, Bennet, Andrews
Samuels, Hathaway
Saxton
Schisler
Scmidt
Shanks
Shreeve, Freemeyer
Sims
Smith
Smith, Woods, Sanders, Spencer
Spahr
Stammbaum
Starbuck
Starbuck, Corbett
Starr
Steed
Steen
Steen, Landers, Armantrout, Turner, Michael
Stoltz
Stone, Planter
Strait
Straley
Theurer
Thorpe
Van Deusen
Walters, Strait, Beymer, Haens, Keely, Level, Burk, McKee
Wehrly
Weiler
Whitman
Williams
Wilson
Wood
Woten
Wright
Young

The Jay County Public Library is located at 315 North Ship Street, Portland, Indiana 47371.  Email : sdollar@jaypl.lib.in.us

1944 Tax Return : Ord Wehrly LeMaster

My grandfather's federal tax return from 1944 sheds a bit of light on some family history. This interesting piece of family ephemera was found by my parents while cleaning out some files.

At the time of the filing, the family was living at 808 West Main Street in Portland, Indiana.  This would have been just before they moved to Water Street.  

View Larger Map

In the 1941 city directory, my grandfather was working for the Sheller Manufacturing Corporation in Portland.  But by this tax return, he was working for Delco Remy of Anderson.  His salary income for 1944 was only $ 2573.  Wow.

At the time, my grandparents were married with three children and one on the way.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Benjamin Franklin Wehrly (1873-1895)

Benjamin Franklin Wehrly (1873-1895) 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

          Benjamin was born October 28, 1873 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 Benjamin'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 Benjamin, nor the church affiliation of the Wehrly's.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Benjamin was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          I have found no record of marriage for Benjamin in the likely locale, Jay County, Indiana.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

               Not applicable.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Not applicable.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               Not applicable.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Benjamin died September 9, 1895 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana² of typhoid fever.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Benjamin's obituary appeared in the October 10, 1895 edition of the Portland Daily-Commercial in Portland, Indiana².

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               According to his obituary, J.S. Hines was the undertaker for Benjamin's funeral².  The funeral was conducted by the Williamson Funeral home.  His father paid the account by supplying lumber.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Benjamin's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana has been photographed³.

               His tombstone was the subject of a previous post.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 3, 1880, Benjamin was enumerated in the William Wherhly household in Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁴, as Franklin Wherhly, age 8, son.  He had attended school within the year.  He was born in Indiana, his father's birthplace was blank, and his mother was born in Michigan.

     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 Wehrly farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable.

     3.2. Pension Records

          Not applicable.

     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 Benjamin.  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 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 Benjamin 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.

Sources:

1. Wehrly, Blaine & Gladys "Wehrly & Smith Family History." Report to Wehrly Reunion, New Castle, Indiana, 16 August 1970.  Photocopy held by author.
2. Jane Ann Spencer, Williamson & Spencer Funeral Homes, Inc. Portland and Pennville, Indiana Burial Records Book One 1892-1899 (Portland, Indiana: Williamson & Spencer Funeral Homes, Inc., 2008), page 152.
3. Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Benjamin F. Wehrly marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.
4. 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.

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: Orilla Catherine (Wehrly) Andrews (1872-1970)

Orilla Catherine (Wehrly) Andrews (1872-1970) 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

          Catherine was born April 6, 1872 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana¹.  The State of Indiana did not require state-wide registrations of births until after 1907.  Jay County, Indiana only has birth records from 1882.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Catherine'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 members in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

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

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Catherine was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Catherine married Arthur B. Andrews on December 25, 1893¹, probably in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of their marriage license.  Will add that 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 Catherine and Andrew's nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Catherine and Andrew's 25th wedding anniversary would have been December 25, 1918 and their 50th anniversary would have been December 25, 1943.  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 Catherine and Andrew were ever divorced, but a search of Jay County, Indiana court records needs to be done.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Catherine died December 26, 1970 in Grant County, Indiana².  I do not have a copy of her death certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Will need to check local newspapers in Grant and Jay Counties, Indiana to see if Catherine's obituary was mentioned.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Once I've obtained her obituary, I might be able to identify the funeral home that handled the arrangements and then contact them to see if they have any more records.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Catherine's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery in Jay County, Indiana² has not been photographed.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 9, 1940, Catherine was enumerated in the Arthur Andrews household in the 6th Ward of Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio³, as Orilla Andrews, age 68, wife.  She was born in Indiana and in 1935 resided at the same place. She had completed 8th grade.  An occupation of electrician, city of Hamilton was listed for her, but this was also copied from the record of neighbor L. Howard Burtis, the next line down on the census.  Their address was 653 Belle Avenue in Hamilton.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 17, 1930, Catherine was enumerated in the Arthur B. Andrews household in the 6th Ward of Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio⁴, as Catherine Andrews, wife, age 58.  She was married at age 21.  She could read and write and spoke English.  She was born in Indiana, her father and mother both born in Indiana.  No occupation was listed.  Their address was 653 Belle Avenue in Hamilton.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 6, 1920, Catherine was enumerated in the Arthur Andrews household in Ross Township, Butler County, Ohio⁵, as Orilla Andrews, wife, age 47.  She could read and write and spoke English.  She was born in Indiana, her father was born in Ohio and her mother born in Indiana.  No occupation was listed.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 16, 1910, Catherine was enumerated in the Arthur B. Andrews household in the 4th Ward of Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio⁶, as Orilla C. Andrews, wife, age 38.  She had been married 16 years and was the mother of 2 children, both living.  She was born in Indiana, her father born in Ohio and her mother in Michigan.  She could read and write and spoke English.  No occupation was listed.  Their address was 944 Campbell Avenue.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 6, 1900, Catherine was enumerated in the Arthur V. Andrews household in the 5th Ward of Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio⁷, as Catherine Andrews, wife, age 28.  She had been married 6 years and was the mother of 1 child, living. She was born in Indiana, her father born in Indiana and her mother born in Indiana.  She could read and write and spoke English.  No occupation was listed. Their address was 913 Campbell Avenue.

          2.1.6. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 3, 1880, Catherine was enumerated in the William Wherhly household in Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁸, as Catharine Wherhly, age 9, daughter.  She had attended school within the year.  She was born in Indiana, her father's birthplace was blank, and her mother was born in Michigan.

     2.2. State Census Records

          No state census of Ohio are known to exist.

     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

          Not applicable, as Catherine was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

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

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Catherine was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Butler County, Ohio to see what records might mention Catherine 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 Butler 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 Catherine 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.

Sources :

1. Wehrly, Blaine & Gladys, "Wehrly & Smith Family History." Report to Wehrly Reunion, New Castle, Indiana, 16 August 1970.  Photocopy held by author.
2. Grant County Indiana Vital Records, Grant County Indiana Health Department online [http://www.grantcounty.net/web/user/permit.do?table=DEATH], accessed 22 January 2010.
3. 1940 U.S. census, Butler County, Ohio, population schedule, 6th Ward, Hamilton, enumeration district (ED) 9-41, SD 3, sheet 4A, 653 Belle Avenue, household 69; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. 1930 U.S. census, Butler County, Ohio, population schedule, 6th Ward, Hamilton, enumeration district (ED) 9-22, SD 22, sheet 32A, 653 Belle Avenue, dwelling 778, family 832; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. 1920 U.S. census, Butler County, Ohio, population schedule, Ross Township, enumeration district (ED) 73, SD 249, sheet 2A, dwelling 27, family 28, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
6. 1910 U.S. census, Butler County, Ohio, population schedule, 4th Ward, Hamilton, enumeration district (ED) 15, SD 2, sheet 3A, 944 Campbell Ave., dwelling 47, family 56, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 25 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
7. 1900 U.S. census, Butler County, Ohio, population schedule, 5th Ward, Hamilton, enumeration district (ED) 14, SD 2, sheet 11B, 913 Campbell Ave., dwelling 225, family 235; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 25 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
8. 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.

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.

Marriage: Carrie Graves to Elam Booth

Doing further research on my paternal great-grandaunt, Carrie Mae (Haley) Graves, I located a second marriage by her to Elam Gifford Booth (b. 1865) in Midland, Midland County, Michigan on September 25, 1924 at Familysearch.org.

They were married by the Rev. George Hoggard and Molly and Hattie Hoggard were witnesses.  The Hoggard family and Elam were officers in a church known as the "Church of Daniel's Band" in Michigan.  This church was founded in 1893 in Marine City, Michigan and was somewhat of the Methodist tradition.  The church still exists today.

"Michigan, Marriages, 1868-1925," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/NQQK-Y64 : accessed 03 Jun 2013), Elam Gilford Booth and Carrie May Graves, 25 Sep 1924.

Death Certificate : Arthur E. Graves (1871-1920) Midland County, Michigan

Michigan Department of State, death certificate no. 1469 (1920), Arthur E. Graves; digital image, State of Michigan, Seeking Michigan (http://www.seekingmichigan.org : accessed 30 May 2013).

While searching for information on my paternal great-grandaunt, Carrie May (Haley) Graves, I located at the Seeking Michigan website her husband, Arthur E. Graves',  death certificate.  I had just located the family in the 1920 census of Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan, and knew I had located the right family by his occupation, age, and wife's name.

In the 1920 census, Arthur was working as a carpenter at the Hotel Lee at 12 Perry Street in Pontiac, and his wife, Carrie, was working as a cook.  The address given on the death certificate lists 12 Perry Street.  The cause of death was interstitial nephritis.

Facts I didn't have were his exact date of birth: August 31, 1871 and his parents.  A.J. Graves, the informant, was Arthur's father.

Arthur is buried in the Midland Cemetery, Midland County, Michigan.

Postcard : Riding the Surf at Hollywood Beach, Florida

Hollywood, Florida

January 27, 1941

Mrs. Virgil Wright

Alexandria, Ind.

# 2

This is Mon. Jan. 27th we are here in a trailer camp at Hollywood Fla.  This card shows the picture of a lovely hotel on the ocean.  We are near or behind it to the beach.  We took the car and went to Miami and Coral Gables yesterday.  If you think pictures flatter you are wrong.  Wonder if your dad ever came here.  It was lovely yesterday we want to spend to-day in the sunshine.  We are near an airport you know they guard the ocean bank here.  Large boats and a dog race track. Ha!  Takes until about nine for the sun to get out some days.  The water and sun in warm.   Intend to put on Toots bathing suit to-day.  Hope every one is as usual.  Seems bad to think of the miles between.  Think we will be home at least by Sun. or soon. (We are staying another day here)  Love. Eva.

---

This postcard was address to my maternal great-grandmother, Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968).  I do not know who the sender was.  Interestingly, she mentions my 2g-grandfather going to Florida.

Memorial Day

Arlington National Cemetery

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.