Grandpa John Metzner was shot

Found an interesting tidbit while searching through old newspapers, the fact that in 1872 my grandpa John Metzner was shot. 



Portland Commercial, Portland, Indiana, May 2, 1872, page 2

The case of the State vs. John A. Bergman for shooting John Metzner was tried last week.  The Jury returned a verdict of guilty of an assault and battery, and accordingly fined him $26.

Question is, which grandpa John?  Was it my 2nd-great grandfather John Adam Metzner (1840-1895), or his father John Metzner (1805-1888)?  Will have to go to the Jay County courthouse to sort this out, though I am leaning on the victim being the younger John, a Civil War veteran.  However, there is the fact that he was often referred to by his middle name "Adam", and the article clearly states the victim was John.

Unfortunately, I've been unable to find any other mention of the incident in the local newspapers that have survived.

Who was John A. Bergman?  I believe he was the husband of Caroline H. Metzner, daughter of John (b. 1805).  This would mean that Mr. Bergman shot either his brother-in-law or his father-in-law.  Either way, this must have made for an interesting family dynamic

Caroline Metzner (b. 1852) and John A. Burgman were married March 11, 1869 in Jay County, Indiana.  The image of their marriage license was located at Familysearch.  Indexed as Burgman, his surname is spelled both Bergman and Burgman in the same document.



"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V6RG-H1P : accessed 04 Jan 2014), John A Burgman and Caroline Metzner, 1869.

In the 1870 census, I've located John and Caroline (Metzner) Bergman living in Bearcreek Township, Jay County, Indiana, with their 5 month old son, George W.  John A. Bergman was working in a saw mill.  Bearcreek Township is where several Metzner families lived.

 I know that Caroline married again in Jay County, Indiana on January 1, 1874 to James W. Huston, and that they had a daughter, Della.  So John and Caroline must have divorced sometime between 1870 and 1874 in Jay County, another avenue for me to research.  A good guess would be that the divorce occurred shortly after he shot John Metzner.

By the 1880 census, John A. Bergman was listed as a 38 year old divorced male living in the village of Bellfountaine, Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, still listed as a sawmill worker.  I've found no other record other than the 1870 census for son George W. Bergman.  A search of Mt. Zion cemetery records at FindAGrave did not locate a memorial.

Once the weather improves and I can get up to Jay County, will definitely be researching this court case to see what all of the particulars were.  Sounds like an interesting family feud.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The search for John Metzner's (1805-1888) cause of death

A message from cousin Paula at Linnea's Legacy prompted me to search my files to see if I had any information regarding the cause of death of our common relative, John Metzner (1805-1888) of Jay County, Indiana.  John was a brother of Paula's ancestor, William Metzner.

John was my paternal 3rd great-grandfather, an immigrant from Saxony who showed up in Licking County, Ohio in 1839 where he married another immigrant from Alsace, Catherine Young (1819-1910).  They moved between 1848-1850 to Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana where they raised their 11 children. 

Eventually, I fully intend to do a working analysis of John's information, but right now I have his date of death as January 10, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana, aged 82.  My Rootsmagic database shows two sources cited for his death, one a family group sheet from Paula, the other is Jay County, Indiana Death Records, Book H-1, page 67.

I have searched through my digital files and cannot locate where I have ever requested a copy of his death certificate from the Jay County Health Department.  So there is one avenue of research that will be on my "to-do" list for 2014.

Using my subscription to Newspaperarchive.com, I decided to see what newspapers they might have for this time period.  Early Jay County, Indiana newspapers are not always extant.  I was able to find some editions of the early Portland Commercial, but none for the month of January 1888, when John died.

I did find mention of grandpa John in the December 22, 1887 edition of the Portland Commercial.  On page one, under the social happenings of the Fair Haven area, is stated :

Mr. John Metzner, who lives north east from this place is seriously sick.

So while this doesn't give an exact cause of death, it does at least put him on the sick roll at the time shortly before his demise.  Now I will need to follow up with a trek to the Jay County Health Department for a copy of the official record.

I'm also not familiar with the neighborhood of Fair Haven, so am unsure what the connection to the Metzner clan.  I had always known them to be around the Westchester area of Jay County.

Wondering also if John might have been suffering from the flu, though that may just be because in 2014 I'm stuck at home doing the same.

Exploratory Data Analysis: James Louis Pierce (1931-2002)

James Louis Pierce (1931-2002) 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

          James was born September 10, 1931, probably in Madison County, Indiana, according to my database.  I do not yet have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

                    Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of James' birth.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

                    I am not aware of any Pierce family Bible.  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 James.  The Pierce family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

                    There is no indication that James was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          I do not have any details yet on James' marriage, though I do know that he was divorced from his death record in North Carolina. Will continue to search for record of his marriage.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

                   Once I have a date range to search for James' marriage, will be able to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of it.
            1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

              Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of any anniversary celebrations once I've determined the date of marriage.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

                   Although I know that James was divorced from his death record, I do not know when or where the divorce was granted.  Will need to continue to search for documentation of the event.

       1.3. Death Certificate

          James died January 19, 2002 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.  My source for this data is from email with a correspondent. The cause of death was not listed on the record I was provided.  Will need to request a copy and add this to my "to-do" list.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of James' death.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Once I've obtained the obituary information, will contact the funeral home that handled the arrangements to see if they can provide any additional information.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               James' tombstone in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana¹, has been photographed. 

               A link to his memorial page is here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On May 3, 1940, James was enumerated in the William Pierce household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana², as James Pierce, son, age 8.  He had attended school within the year, his residence in 1935 was the same place. He was born in Indiana.  Note : the line for education indicated "C-3", which according to the instructions would have been 3 years of college, based on his age, assuming that the enumerator meant that James had completed the third grade.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1931.  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 Pierce family farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          I have not been able to locate any draft records for James.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I do not yet know if James received a pension for his service in the U.S. Air Force.

     3.3. Service Records

          According to his tombstone, James served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.  I have not yet investigated his military service.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana and Forsyth County, North Carolina, to see what records might mention James.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Madison County published a plat map in 1880, 1891, 1893, 1901, 1910, 1915, 1921, 1923, 1931 and 1940 that might be relevant for my research for the Pierce family.
          5. Supplemental Records

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

Sources:

1. FindAGrave Inc., FindAGrave  (www.findagrave.com: accessed 31 December 2013), James Pierce tombstone.
2. 1940 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Township, ED 48-58, SD 11, sheet 8B, dwelling 166; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com: accessed 12 December 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.


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: Robert F. Pierce (1923-2005)

Robert F. Pierce (1923-2005) 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

          Robert was born April 21, 1923, probably in Madison County, Indiana, according to my database.  I do not yet have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of Robert's birth.  The Alexandria-Monroe Public Library has newspapers from the early 1900s.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record for the Pierce 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 Robert.  The Pierce family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Robert was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Robert married Blance ________ on August 31, 1946.  Her surname is currently unknown.  

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of Robert and Blanche's wedding.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

                Robert and Blanche's 25th wedding anniversary was August 31, 1971.  Will search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of any anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication of a divorce, but thorough search of Madison County, Indiana court records needs to be completed.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Robert died June 11, 2005 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana¹.  I do not yet 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

               I have not yet located Robert's obituary in the newspaper.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Once I've located Robert's obituary, I can contact the funeral home to see if they have any additional records.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Robert's tombstone in the Park View Cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana² has been photographed.

               A link to his memorial page at FindAGrave is located here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On May 3, 1940, Robert was enumerated in the William Pierce household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana³, as Robert Pierce, son, age 17, born in Indiana.  He had attended school within the year and had completed 3 years of high school.  His residence in 1935 was the same location.  He lived on a farm and was born in Indiana.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 24, 1930, Robert was enumerated in the William Pierce household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana⁴, as Robert F. Pierce, son, age 7, born in Indiana.  He had attended school within the year.  His father was born in Indiana and his mother born in Kentucky.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 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 Pierce family farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          I have not discovered any draft registration records for Robert.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I do not yet know if Robert received a pension for his service during World War II.

     3.3. Service Records

          On January 6, 1943, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army in Indianapolis, Indiana⁵ for the duration of the war plus six months.  According to his memorial page at FindAGrave, Robert served in the Philippines.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Robert.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Madison County, Indiana, published a plat map in 1880, 1891, 1893, 1901, 1910, 1915, 1921, 1923, 1931 and 1940 that might be relevant to my search on the Pierce family.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available to search for Robert 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.


1. "U.S. Social Security Death Index, 1935-current," database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 17 December 2013); citing Social Security Death Index, Master File.
2. FindAGrave Inc., FindAGrave.com (www.findagrave.com : accessed 18 December 2013).

3. 1940 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Township, enumeration district 48-58, SD 11, sheet 8B, dwelling 166, digital images; Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 December 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. William Pierce household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 48-45, SD 5, sheet 13B, dwelling 321, family 327; National Archives micropublication T626.
5. "U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 December 2013); citing National Archives and Records Administration, Electronic Army Number Merged File 1938-1946.


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: Charles D. Pierce (1918-1991)

Charles D. Pierce (1918-1991) 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

          Charles was born July 2, 1918 in Madison County, Indiana, according to my database.  I do not yet have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of Charles' birth.  The Alexandria-Monroe Public Library has newspapers from the early 1900s.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

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

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of any baptismal record for Charles.  The Pierce family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Charles was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Charles married Nancy L. Stephens.  The date of this marriage is currently unknown.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

               Once I obtain the exact date of their marriage, I can search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of their nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Once I obtain the exact date of their marriage, I can search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of any anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication of a divorce, but a thorough search of court records in Madison County, Indiana would need to be completed.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Charles died August 23, 1991 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana¹.  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

               Charles's obituary appeared in the August 24, 1991 edition of the Anderson Herald-Bulletin¹.   Will need to search other contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of his obituary.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               According to his obituary, funeral arrangements were handled by the Noffze funeral home in Alexandria, Indiana.  Will need to check with the funeral home to see if they have any additional records.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Charles' tombstone in the Park View Cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana has been photographed.  

               A link to his memorial page at Find A Grave can be found here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On May 3, 1940, Charles was enumerated in the William Pierce household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana² as Charles Pierce, age 21, son.  He was not married.  He had not attended school within the year and had completed four years of high school.  He was a farm laborer.  He was born in Indiana and his residency in 1935 was the same location.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 24, 1930, Charles was enumerated in the William Pierce household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana³, as Charles D. Pierce, son, age 11, born in Indiana.  He had attended school within the year and could read and write.  His father was born in Indiana and his mother was born in Kentucky.

               On May 6, 1930, Charles was enumerated in the Herman Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁴, as Charles Pierce, half brother, age 12, born in Indiana.  He had attended school within the year and could read and write.  Both of his parents were listed as being born in Indiana.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 23, 1920, Charles was enumerated in the William F. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁵, as Charles D. Pierce, son, age 2 5/12, born in Indiana.  His father was born in Indiana and his mother was born in Kentucky.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 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 Pierce family farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          I have not discovered any draft registration records for Charles.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I do not know if Charles ever applied for a pension based on his service during World War II.

     3.3. Service Records

          Charles enlisted February 5, 1942 as a private at Fort Benjamin Harrison⁶.  He was single, without dependents and had completed four years of high school.

          According to his obituary, Charles served during World War II in the Army Air Corps¹.  I have not yet obtained a copy of his service record.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Charles and his family.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Madison County, Indiana published a plat map in 1880, 1891, 1893, 1901, 1910, 1915, 1921, 1923, 1931 and 1940 that might be relevant to my search for the Pierce family.

5. Supplemental Records

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

1. Charles D. Pierce obituary, Anderson Herald-Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana, 24 August 1991.
2. 1940 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Township, enumeration district 48-58, SD 11, sheet 8B, dwelling 166, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 December 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
3. William Pierce household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 48-45, SD 5, sheet 13B, dwelling 321, family 327; National Archives micropublication T626.
4. Herman Pierce household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 48-39, SD 5, sheet 10B, dwelling 239, family 239; National Archives micropublication T626. 
5. William F. Pierce household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 119, SD 8, sheet 6A, dwelling 127, household 129; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449.
6. "U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 December 2013); citing National Archives and Records Administration.


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.

More Wright Deeds Clermont County Ohio

Researching at the Genealogy Center, I located the following Wright family records in Clermont County Ohio Deeds and Mortgages 1791-1830 an index by Alma Aicholtz Smith, 1991.  Will be writing to the Clermont County Recorder to obtain copies of these:

1808  Wright, George to Wright, Sarah (mother)                Book F-05:397    Acres? Pleas Twp.

1807 Wright, John to Haines, Joseph                                       Book E-04:359    Lot # 120 Wmsburgh

1807 Wright, John to Jamison, Robert B                                 Book F-05:303    4 lots Wmsburgh

1804 Wright, John to Bunting, Ramoth                                    Book C-02:195   # 192, 194 Wmsburgh

1821 Wright, Joseph to Whetstone, John Sr.                        Book V-20:013   60a S-1115

1819 Wright, Joseph to Lewis, William                                     Book U-19:060   Mortgage 60a

1823 Wright, Robert to Hare, Thomas                                     Book V-20:411 Lots Miami Twp

1812 Wright, Sarah to Wright, George (son)                         Book K-09:064  A? Pleasant Twp

1819 Wright, William to Evans, Griffith                                    Book T-18:147    Lot # 88 Mechburgh

Exploratory Data Analysis: Cloyd J. Pierce (1916-1962)

Cloyd J. Pierce (1916-1962) 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

          Cloyd was born May 22, 1916 in Madison County, Indiana, according to my database.  I do not yet have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of Cloyd's birth.  The Alexandria-Monroe Public Library has newspapers from the early 1900s.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record of the Pierce 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 Cloyd.  The Pierce family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Cloyd was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Cloyd married Anna M. Robertson on June 12, 1937 in Libertyville, Indiana.  I do not yet have a copy of their 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 Cloyd and Anna's nuptials.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Cloyd and Anna's 25th wedding anniversary would have been June 12, 1962.  Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of any anniversary celebration.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication of divorce, but a thorough search of Madison County, Indiana court records would need to be completed.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Cloyd died December 30, 1962, in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana¹.  I do not yet 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

                Cloyd's obituary appeared in the December 31, 1962 edition of the Anderson Daily Bulletin¹.

                Will need to search other contemporary newspaper accounts to see if I can locate additional obituaries.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

                According to his obituary, the funeral arrangements were handled by the Karl M. Kyle Funeral home in Alexandria, Indiana.  Will need to check with the funeral home to see if they have any additional records regarding Cloyd's funeral.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Cloyd is buried in the Parkview Cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  I do not have a photograph of his tombstone.  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 24, 1940, Cloyd was enumerated as the head of household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana² as Cloyd Pierce, age 23, Farmer.  He was renting his home.  He had completed four years of high school.  His residence in 1935 was Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 24, 1930, Cloyd was enumerated in the William Pierce household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana³, as Cloyd J. Pierce, son, age 13, born in Indiana.  He had attended school within the year.  He could read and write and speak English.  His father was born in Indiana and his mother was born in Kentucky.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

                On January 23, 1920, Cloyd was enumerated in William F. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana⁴, as Cloyd Pierce, son, age 4 years and 7 months.  He was born in Indiana, his father born in Indiana and mother born in Kentucky.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 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 Pierce family farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          I have not discovered any draft registration records for Cloyd.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by Cloyd or his father that would have made him eligible for this benefit.

     3.3. Service Records

          I have not discovered any military service by Cloyd.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Cloyd and his family.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Madison County, Indiana published a plat map in 1880, 1891, 1893, 1901, 1910, 1915, 1921, 1923, 1931 and 1940 that might be relevant to my search on the Pierce family.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available to search for Cloyd 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. Cloyd Pierce obituary, Anderson Daily Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana, 31 December 1962, page 6.
2. 1940 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Lafayette Township, enumeration district 48-49, SD 11, sheet 8A, dwelling 152, digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 December 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
3. William Pierce household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 48-45, SD 5, sheet 13B, dwelling 321, family 327; National Archives micropublication T 626.
4. William F. Pierce household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 119, SD 8, sheet 6A, dwelling 127, household 129; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449, page 6B.

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.

Robert Canaday (1777-1836), Wayne County, Indiana

Working 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.

Robert Canaday (1777-1836) was the son of John Canaday and Margaret Thornburgh.  His second marriage to Sarah Sumner (1788-1865) on September 15, 1827 in Wayne County, Indiana was found in the database.  Prior to this find, I did not have the date or place of their marriage.  Sarah was the sister of Robert's first wife, Amy.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/27VG-M5R : accessed 08 Dec 2013), Robert Canaday and Sarah Sumner, 1827.

Robert was my maternal 2nd cousin 7 times removed.  Our common ancestors were John Beals and Sarah Bowater.  Robert died August 5, 1836 in Wayne County, Indiana.

Tax Protest : Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana, 1887

Portland Commerical, Portland, Indiana, March 3, 1887, page 1

SALAMONIA

Ed. Comeercial [sic] : -  This day closes February, and it will be long be remembered as one of the most unfavorable for work and business ever experienced in Jay county.  The bad weather and other things that I will mention in this letter, has completely taken possession of the people in this, Madison, and Noble township.  The County Commissioners, on the 3d day of this month, in special session, made a levy of 100 per cent. on the tax payers along the Bellfountain and Salem pike.  This added to the first estimate, making a tax that is ruinous to the farming interests.  The tax on the first quarter mile is five to six dollars per acre, and in proportion as it goes back.  There was a meeting of tax payers held in Brake & Beard's Hall, the 16th, for the purpose of counseling as to the best course to pursue, in order to secure relief from such oppression.

The meeting was largely attended, resulting in the appointing of a committee of five of the tax payers, as follows: Esq. Birkhammer, David Banta, L.W. Lemaster, D.W. Atkinson, and Dr. Morehouse, who were to go to Portland, and examine all records, and take counsel as to the best thing to do, and report at an adjourned meeting, to be held the 24th.  This committee reported at the last named meeting, with an itemized report, which shows beyond a doubt that "there is something rotten in Denmark."  N. McCoy bid this pike off for $ 12,999.  The records show that he has been allowed over $ 18,000.  After allowing him this, and as liberal for everything pertaining to the pike, there are from six to eight thousand dollars they are asking the tax payers to pay into the treasury that the committee could not find out what would be done with it.  The committee finds a contract signed by two commissioners, but not the engineer.  This contract is on file, but not on record; the Auditor stating that it was not a proper document for record, as it was not properly signed.  Following the committee's report, there was another committee appointed to take proper steps to bring it before the courts and see if there is any relief for us.

There is almost a universal uprising.  The feeling here is, that men who hold office must hue to the line, if they want the respect and support of the people.  The acts of our new commissioner will be examined with others, and if he is wabbling, he had better straighten up or get out of the way.  There will be a cyclone overtake some of the boys if they don't look sharp.  The pike has never been completed; it is the poorest excuse for a pike there is in Jay county.  In order to comply with the specifications, it would take 1 1/2 yards to the rod for the entire line.  If there is no relief from such oppresions as this, we will go west and grow up with the country.

TAX PAYER.

----
Apparently, my paternal 2nd-great grandfather, Luman Walker Lemasters (1842-1931), was part of a group of tax protesters in the Salamonia area upset at the high tax levied by the Jay County Commissioners in 1887.  Luman was a farmer, whose taxes were definitely affected by the tax increase.

Margaret Canaday (1797-1871), Wayne County, Indiana

Working 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.

Margaret Canaday (1797-1871) was the daughter of Charles Canaday and Sarah Russell.  Her marriage to James Harvey on October 12, 1820 in Wayne County, Indiana was located in the database.  Prior to this find, I had a different date for their marriage.  

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/27VL-BTR : accessed 08 Dec 2013), James Harvey and Margaret Canaday, 1820.

Margaret was my maternal 3rd cousin 6 times removed.  Our common ancestors were John Beals and Sarah Bowater.  I have not traced any more on their family as of yet.

Wright Deeds Clermont County Ohio

Researching at the Genealogy Center, I located the following Wright family records in Clermont County Ohio Deeds and Mortgages 1791-1830 an index by Alma Aicholtz Smith, 1991.  Will be writing to the Clermont County Recorder to obtain copies of these:

1814       Wright, George from Hicks, Moses                                          Book M-11:135                  Evans Run

1807       Wright, George from Vanmeter, Joseph decd adm          Book F-05:320                    Acres? Pleasant Twp

1812       Wright, George (son) from Wright, Sarah (widow)            Book K-09:064                   A?  Pleasant Twp

This appears to be my ancestor George Wright (1780-1855), son of John and Sarah (Fleming) Wright.

1820       Wright, James B. from Tibbs, William                                       Book T-18:325                    Power of Attorney

I do not know yet how this James B. Wright fits in with my family.

1807       Wright, John from  Corbly, John by TxC                                  Book E-04:366                    Lot # 109 Wmsburgh

1807       Wright, John from Fisher, Maddon by TxC                            Book E-04:370                    Outlot # 9 Wmsburgh

1807       Wright, John from Frazee, Jacob by TxC                                 Book E-04:368                    Lot # 383 Wmsburgh

1804       Wright, John from Lytle, William                                                Book C-02:202                   Lot # 120 Wmsburgh

1807       Wright, John from Montgomery, James by TxC                  Book E-04:364                    Lot # 317 Wmsburgh

1803       Wright, John from Sinks, Nicholas                                             Book C-02:101                   Lot # 192, 194 Wmsburgh

1807       Wright, John from Tax Collector, Wms Twp                          Book E-04:368                    Lot # 383 Wmsburgh

1807       Wright, John from Tax Collector, Wms Twp                          Book E-04:364                    Lot # 317 Wmsburgh

1807       Wright, John from Tax Collector, Wms Twp                          Book E-04:370                    Outlot # 9 Wmsburgh

1807       Wright, John from Tax Collector, Wms Twp                          Book E-04:366                    Lot # 109 Wmsburgh

1804       Wright, John, assignee from Lytle, William                            Book C-02:176                   Lot # 121 Wmsburgh

These records refer to my ancestor, John Wright (1755-1810)

1819       Wright, Joseph from Broadwell, Moses                                 Book S-17:264                    16a         S-3856

1806       Wright, Joseph from Brown, Joel                                              Book E:04-072                    10 lots Wmsburgh

1813       Wright, Joseph from Huber, Jacob                                           Book K-09:033                   Quitclaim lots

1820       Wright, Joseph from Lewis, William                                         Book U-19:119                   Mtg 186a S-1115

1819       Wright, Joseph from Lewis, William                                         Book S-17:262                    66a S-1115

Not sure just yet how this Joseph Wright fits in with my family.

1811       Wright, Robert from Massie, Nathaniel                                  Book H-07:065                   209a  Straight Cr

This record refers to Robert Wright (1757-1840), brother of my ancestor, John Wright.

1808       Wright, Sarah (mother) from Wright, George                      Book F-05:397                    Acres? Pleas Twp

This record refers to my ancestor Sarah (Fleming) Wright and son George Wright (1780-1855)

1818       Wright, William M et al from Bagby, Robert                          Book R-16:204                   Lot #88 Mechburgh

Not sure just yet how this William M. Wright fits into my family.