Amanda Lewis (1853-1943), Huntington 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.

Amanda Lewis (1853-1943) was the daughter of Solomon and Margaret (Rinehart) Lewis.  Her marriage to Levi Arnold on September 2, 1871 in Huntington County, Indiana was found in the database.  Prior to this find, I had a date for the marriage, but not a location in my database.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XXJM-BJ5 : accessed 06 Aug 2013), Levi Arnold and Amanda Lewis, 1871.

Amanda was Eileen's maternal 2nd-great grandaunt.  They lived most of their lives in Jefferson Township, Huntington County, Indiana.  Right now I only have the names of two of their children in my database, though I believe they had six.

Exploratory Data Analysis : Martin Nimrod Wehrly (1888-1954)

Martin Nimrod Wehrly (1888-1954) 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

          Martin was born April 5, 1888 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana¹.  The State of Indiana did not require state-wide registrations of birth until after 1907.  Jay County, Indiana has birth records from 1882.  Will add obtaining a copy of his birth certificate to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Martin'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 Martin, nor the church affiliation of the Wehrly's.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Martin was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Martin married Cora Burley on January 1, 1914¹, probably in Jay County, 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 Martin and Cora's nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Martin and Cora's 25th wedding anniversary would have been January 1, 1939.  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 Martin and Cora were divorced, but a search of Jay and Henry County, Indianacourt records needs to be done.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Martin died February 5, 1954¹, probably in Henry County, Indiana.  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

               Will need to check local newspapers in Jay and Henry County, Indiana to see if Martin'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 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 records.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Martin's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana² has been photographed.  A link to his FindAGrave memorial page is located here.

               Martin and Cora's tombstone was the subject of a previous post.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 1, 1940, Martin was enumerated as the head of household in Ward 4 of New Castle, Henry County, Indiana³, as Martin N. Wehrly, age 52, married, born in Indiana.  His residence in 1935 was the same place.  He had completed the 8th grade in education.  His occupation was Assistant Foreman at an Automobile Factory.  He was born in Indiana and his home was valued at $3000.  The residence was at 1212 South 17th Street.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 8, 1930, Martin was enumerated as the head of household in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana⁴, as Martin Wehrly, age 41, married, born in Indiana.  His home was valued at $3500.  He was 25 years old when married.  He could read and write and spoke English.  He was a laborer in an auto factory.  His father and mother were both born in Indiana. 

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 8, 1920, Martin was enumerated as the head of household in Ward 7 of New Castle, Henry County, Indiana⁵, as Martin Wehrly, age 32, married, born in Indiana.  He could read and write and spoke English.  His occupation was Automatic in auto factory.  Both his father and mother were born in Ohio.  His residence was at 1212 17th Street.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               I have not yet been able to locate Martin in the 1910 U.S. Census.  His military service (see below) may have something to do with this.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

                On June 2, 1900, Martin was enumerated in the William P. Wehrly household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁶, as Martin N. Wehrly, son, age 11.  He was born April 1889 in Indiana.  His father and mother were born in Ohio.  He 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.

     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

          On June 5, 1917, Martin registered with the Selective Service in Henry County, Indiana during World War I⁷.  He was 29 years old and living at 1212 South 17th Street in New Castle, Indiana.  His birthdate was listed as April 5, 1888.  He was an Automatic operator at the Maxwell Motor Company in New Castle. He had a wife and one child.  He had 1 1/4 years of prior military service in the Signal Corps.  He was described as short and stout, with brown eyes and black hair.

          On April 27, 1942, Martin registered with the Selective Service in Henry County, Indiana during World Ward II⁸.  He was 54 years old and living at 1212 South 17th Street in New Castle, Indiana.  His birthplace was listed as April 5, 1888 in Salamonia, Indiana.  He was employed at the Chrysler Plant in New Castle, Indiana.  His wife, Cora E. Wehrly, was listed as his closest relative.  He was described as 5' 5" tall, 190 lbs., with brown eyes, grey hair and a light complexion.  He had birth mark on his left shoulder.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I have not yet searched pension records to see if Martin's service in the Signal Corps qualified him for a military pension.  His father did serve during the Civil Ward, but I don't believe that Martin ever received any minor's benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          Martin enlisted in the U.S. Army at Columbus, Ohio on October 20, 1908 for a period of three years⁹.  He was enlisted by Captain Owen.  He was a 20 year old telephone operator from Salamonia, Indiana.  He had brown eyes, dark hair and a muddy complexion.  He stood 5 foot 4 3/4 inches.  He served in Company G of the Signal Corps.  He was discharged January 8, 1910 on the Cable Ship Joseph Henry.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Henry County, Indiana to see what records might mention Martin 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 Henry County, Indiana will need to be researched.  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 Martin include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.  Will add these to my "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. Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Martin N. and Cora E. Wehrly marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.
3. 1940 U.S. census, Henry County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 4, New Castle, enumeration district 32-22A, SD 10, sheet 22B, 1212 South 17th, dwelling 476; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 28 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. Martin Wehrly household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, ED 33-23, SD 9, sheet 6A, dwelling 112, family 115; National Archives micropublication T626.
5. 1920 U.S. census, Henry County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 7, New Castle, enumeration district 74, SD 6, sheet 10B, 1212 17th Street, dwelling 185, family 204; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 28 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
6. William P. Wehrly household, 1900 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 62, SD 67, sheet 2B, dwelling 44, family 45; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 380, page 77.
7. "U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 31 July 2013); citing World War I Selective Service Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 : Indiana.
8. "U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 31 July 2013); citing Selective Service Registration Cards, World War II : Fourth Registration : Indiana.9. "U.S. Army, Register of Enlistments, 1798-1914", digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 30 July 2013); citing Register of Enlistments in the U.S. Army, 1798-1914 (National Archives microfilm publication M233, 81 rolls); Record Group 94; 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.

Family Books in the Jay County, Indiana Historical Society Library, Letters M-N

Received this list of the family books at the Jay County, Indiana Historical Society Library and wanted to share.  The Library is located at 903 East Main Street, Portland, Indiana 47371.  Email : research@jaycountyhistory.org

Mackie
Macklin
Macon
Maloney
Mangas
Mangel
Mangus
Manor
Markus
Markwith
Marshall
Martin
Martz
Matthews
Maxson
May
Mays
McBride
McClintock
McDaniel
McFarland
McKee
McKinley
Mendenhall
Meranda
Metz
Metzner
Meyer
Miles
Miller
Milligan
Mock
Money
Monin
Morehous
Morrical
Morsell
Morton
Moser
Mosher
Mountz
Muller
Myers

Nafzger
Nelson
Newbold
Nixon
Norris

Orilla Catherine Wehrly (1872-1950), Jay 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.

Orilla Catherine Wehrly (1872-1950), was the daughter of William P. and Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly. Her marriage to Arthur B. Andrews on December 25, 1893 in Jay County, Indiana was found in the database.  Prior to this find, I didn't have the exact location of their marriage.  Note the record uses the spelling 'Wehrley'.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V6RP-VQ2 : accessed 05 Aug 2013), Arthur B Andrews and Orilla C Wehrley, 1893.

Catherine was my paternal great-grandaunt.  Her father, William P. Wehrly, was my great-great grandfather.  A previous post details more information about her life and what I have discovered.

FindAGrave Update : James Louis Pierce (1931-2002)

Received updated information from a FindAGrave contributor who happens to be on the Maddox side to my maternal great-granduncle, James Louis Pierce (1931-2002).

He was able to provide details on his death that I didn't have.

Hi Travis,

He died in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC..  His mother Vida and my Grandma Ruby were 1st cousins..

Here is the information from the death certificate...

Name: James Louis Pierce

Gender: Male

Race: White

Marital Status: Divorced

Father's Last Name: Pierce

Age: 70 Years

Date of Birth: 10 Sep 1931

Birth State: Indiana

Residence City: Winston-Salem

Residence County: Forsyth

Residence State: North Carolina

Residence Zip Code: 27106

Education: 4 years of college

Date of Death: 19 Jan 2002

Death City: Winston-Salem

Death County: Forsyth

Death State: North Carolina

Autopsy: Autopsy Not Performed

institution: Hospital Inpatient

Hospital Name: FORSYTH MEMORIAL HOSP

Burial Location: Cremation in-state

Though cremated, James' marker is at the Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Ethel May (Wehrly) Shreeve (1886-1951)

Ethel May (Wehrly) Shreeve (1886-1951) 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

          Ethel was born June 17, 1886 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana¹.  I do not have a copy of her birth certificate.  Will add this to my list of things "to do" for my next research trip.  The State of Indiana did not require statewide registration of births until 1907.  Jay County, Indiana Health Department has birth records from 1882.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

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

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving record of the Werhly 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 Ethel, nor the church affiliation of the Wehrly family.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Ethel was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Ethel married William Shreeve on December 19, 1906¹, probably in Jay County, 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 Ethel and William's nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Ethel and William's 25th wedding anniversary would have been December 19, 1931. 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 Ethel and William were ever divorced, but a search of Jay and Allen County, Indiana court records needs to be done.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Ethel died April 12, 1951¹, probably in Ft. Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of her death certificate.  Will need to 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 Allen County and Jay County, Indiana to see if Ethel's obituary was mentioned.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.

          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 more records.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Ethel's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery in Jay County, Indiana has been photographed².  The stone reads "Ethel M. 1886-1951 Mother".

               Her memorial page at FindAGrave site is here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 15, 1940, Ethel was enumerated in the William A. Shreeve household in Ward 1 of Ft. Wayne, Allen County, Indiana³, as Ethel Shreeve, wife, age 50, born in Indiana.  She resided in the same place in 1935.  She had completed the 8th grade.  No occupation was listed.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 5, 1930, Ethel was enumerated in the William A. Shreeve household in Ward 1 of Ft. Wayne, Allen County, Indiana⁴, as Ethel Shreeve, wife, age 43, born in Indiana.  She was 19 years old at her marriage.  Her father and mother were both born in Indiana.  She could read and write and spoke English.  No occupation was listed.  Their residence was at 1325 Dodge Avenue.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 7, 1920, Ethel was enumerated in the William A. Shreeve household in Ward 3 of Van Wert, Van Wert County, Ohio⁵, as Ethel M. Shreeve, wife, age 33, born in Indiana.  She could read and write and spoke English.  Her father was born in Ohio and her mother born in Indiana.  No occupation was listed.  Their residence was at 419 Euclid.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 15, 1920, Ethel was enumerated in the William A. Shreeves household in Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana⁶, as Ethel M. Shreeves, wife, age 23.  She had been married for 3 years and the mother of 1 child who was living.  Her father and mother were both born in Indiana.  She could read and write and spoke English.  No occupation was listed.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 2, 1900, Ethel was enumerated in the William P. Wehrly household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁷, as Ethel M. Wehrly, daughter, born June 1886 in Indiana.  Her father and mother were born in Ohio.  She 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.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

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

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Ethel was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

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

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Ethel was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Allen and Jay County in Indiana and Van Wert County, Ohio to see what records might mention Ethel 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 and county maps for Allen and Jay County in Indiana and Van Wert County, Ohio will need to 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 Ethel 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. Wehrly, Blaine & Gladys, "Wehrly & Smith Family History." Report to the Wehrly Reunion, New Castle, Indiana, 16 August 1970.  Photocopy held by author.
2. Ethel May Wehrly Shreeve Memorial Page, FindAGrave, Inc. online [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=68874455], accessed 17 July 2013
3. 1940 U.S. census, Allen County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 1, Ft. Wayne, enumeration district 94-54A, SD 4, sheet 63A, household 190; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 28 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. 1930 U.S. census, Allen County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 1, Ft. Wayne, enumeration district 2-4, SD 3, sheet 5B, 1325 Dodge Avenue, dwelling 129, family 129; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 28 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. 1920 U.S. census, Van Wert County, Ohio, population schedule, Ward 3, Van Wert, enumeration district 132, SD 4, sheet 6B, 419 Euclid Avenue, dwelling 150, family 155; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 28 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
6. 1910 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Wayne Township, enumeration district 80, SD 8, sheet 12B, dwelling 16, family 16; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
7. William P. Wehrly household, 1900 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 62, SD 67, sheet 2B, dwelling 44, family 45; National Archives micopublication T623, roll 380, page 77.


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 Books in the Jay County, Indiana Historical Society Library, Letters K-L

Received this list of the family books at the Jay County, Indiana Historical Society Library and wanted to share.  The Library is located at 903 East Main Street, Portland, Indiana 47371.  Email : research@jaycountyhistory.org

Kalsch
Katterjohn
Keene
Kelso
Kendall
Kesler
Ketron
King
Kinley
Kinsey
Kirby
Kizer
Koehen
Koehn
Kopp
Kraft
Krieder
Kunce
Kunkel
Kuntz

Lake
Lamb
Landers
Lanning
Lantz
Lare
Latham
Laudig
Lauff
Lawrence
Leininger
Lemaster
Lewis
Ley
Linder
Lineberry
Locker
Long
Lotz
Loy
Lutes

Webster Cemetery, Darke County, Ohio

Back on July 8th, while on vacation, I managed to slip over into Darke County, Ohio and work in a little genealogy research.  The Darke County Visitors Bureau puts out an excellent map of the county, including townships, and the locations of cemeteries.  While we were driving around, I decided to see if I could locate the Webster Cemetery in Allen Township where some of my relatives were buried.  According to the sign, this cemetery was established in 1842.

Sadly, this cemetery is in need of some repair.  Many of the tombstones were knocked over.   The cemetery is right on the corner of the county road and corn fields.  Unfortunately, I didn't have materials I needed to make a rubbing of some of these tombstones, as it was hard to read the inscriptions regarding "years, months and days" on the children.  

Edward Chew (1870-1870) was the son of Nathaniel Durbin and Margaret H. (Heistand) Chew.  The tombstone reads "Edward, son of N.D. and Maggie Chew died January 27, 1870." It appears that his tombstone says aged 1 day.  Also inscribed is the phrase "blossomed on earth to bloom in heaven."

Phillip D. Lemasters (1869-1869) was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (Chew) Lemasters.   The tombstone reads "Phillip D. son of L.W. and M.K. Lemasters died May 1, 1869."  I cannot make out the number of months and days.

Rev. Nathaniel Chew (1786-1866) was the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Springer) Chew.  He was my 4th-great grandfather.  His tombstone reads "Rev. Nathaniel Chew born in Gloucester Co. N.J. Nov. 10 1786 died Jan. 24 1866 Aged 79 Y 2 M 14 D."  Now for some reason, I have him dying in Mahaska County, Iowa - where several Chews had settled, but I sincerely doubt they would have transported him back to Ohio for burial.  More investigation needs to be done on this.

Mary E. Chew (1868-1869) was the daughter of Abel Woolston and Salome H. (Holdeman) Chew.  Her tombstone reads "Mary E. dau. of A.W. and S.H. Chew died Sept. 3 1869 aged 1 Y 5 M 21 D."

Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew was the daughter of Abel B. and Rachel (Woolston) Woolston.  She was my 3rd-great grandmother.  Her tombstone reads "Caroline B. wife of Dr. E.C. Chew died Feb. 27 1879."  I was unable to read the aged remarks without a rubbing.

All of these tombstones were together in one section, probably a family plot since they were related and all died within a ten year period.  They were all lined up in a neat little row.

FindAGrave Success : Robert E. Kimble (1841-1918)

Thanks to a FindAGrave contributor, I now have a photograph of the tombstone of my paternal step-2nd great-grandfather, Robert E. Kimble (1841-1918).  Robert is buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery, Fort Recovery, Mercer County, Ohio.

This marker shows Robert and his first wife, Catherine.  Robert married secondly to my widowed 2nd-great grandmother, Mary Jane (Sherrick) Haley on May 8, 1897 in Jay County, Indiana.

This record clears up some confusion as to whether or not his middle initial was 'N.' or 'E.'.  Handwriting and other records made it hard to decipher.

It appears that Robert and Catherine's son, John Wesley Kimble is buried in the same cemetery.

Henry Alderman (1800-aft1880), Rush 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.

Henry Alderman (b. June 5, 1800), was the son of James Alderman and Catherine Warner.  His marriage to Mary Clark on September 22, 1823 in Rush County, Indiana was found in the database. Prior to this find, I didn't have the exact location on their marriage.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XXFC-JHW : accessed 13 Jul 2013), Henry Alderman and Mary Clark, 1823.

Henry was my maternal 4th-great granduncle.  His father, James, was my 5th-great grandfather.  Henry ended up in Bond County, Illinois and Cherokee County, Kansas, where the last record I have of him was the 1880 census.  He also served with the abolitionist John Brown in the fall of 1855 in the 5th Regiment, 1st Brigade of Kansas Volunteers in the Wakarusa War.

Leander Lewis (1855-1929), Huntington 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.

Leander Lewis (1855-1929) was the son of Solomon Lewis and Margaret Rinehart.  He married Emley M. Adams on November 18, 1877 in Huntington County, Indiana.  Searching this database allowed me to find a copy of their marriage license.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XXJ9-Q97 : accessed 27 Jun 2013), Leander Lewis and Emley M Adams, 1877.

Leander Lewis was Eileen's maternal second great granduncle.  He spent his life in Jefferson Township, Huntington County, Indiana as a farmer.  They had at least one son, Ernest.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Blaine Pearl Wehrly (1884-1966)

Blaine Pearle Wehrly (1884-1966) 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

          Blaine was born August 31, 1884 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana¹.  The State of Indiana did not require state-wide registrations of birth until after 1907.  Jay County, Indiana has birth records from 1882.  Will add obtaining a copy to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Blaine'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 Blaine, nor the church affiliation of the Wehrly's.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Blaine was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Blaine married Ermina Gladys Ashcraft on November 28, 1909^1,2, probably in Jay County, 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 Blaine and Gladys' nuptials.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Blaine and Gladys' 25th wedding anniversary would have been November 28, 1934 and their 50th anniversary would have been November 28, 1959.  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 Blaine and Gladys were divorced, but a search of Jay County, Indiana court records needs to be done.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Blaine died February 27, 1966¹, probably in Jay 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 Jay County, Indiana to see if Blaine'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 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 records.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Blaine's tombstone in the Green Park Cemetery in Portland, Jay County, Indiana³ 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 April 17, 1940, Blaine was enumerated as head of household in Ward 2 of Portland, Jay County, Indiana⁴, as Blaine P. Wehrly, age 55, Watch repairing, own shop.  He was born in Indiana.  His residence in 1935 was the same place.  The home was valued at $ 2000.  He had completed the 8th grade in education.  The residence was at 936 N. High Street.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 8, 1930, Blaine was enumerated as head of household in Ward 3 of Portland, Jay County, Indiana⁵, as Blaine P. Wehrly, age 45, Manager of a nursery.  He was born in Indiana, his father born in Ohio and mother born in Indiana.  He was age 25 at his marriage, rented his home.  He could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 12, 1920, Blaine was enumerated as head of household in Ward 2 of Portland, Jay County, Indiana⁶, as Blain Wehrly age 35, Manager of jewelry store.  He was born in Indiana, his father born in Ohio and mother born in Indiana.  He owned his home free of mortgage.  He could read and write and spoke English.  The residence was at 522 N. High Street.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 15, 1910, Blaine was enumerated as head of household in Ward 2 of Hartford City, Blackford County, Indiana⁷, as Blaine Wehrly, age 25, Proprietor of Jewelry store. He was married within the year. He was born in Indiana, father born in Ohio and mother born in Indiana.  He could read and write and spoke English.  The residence was at 622 N. High Street.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 2, 1900, Blaine was enumerated in the William P. Wehrly household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁸, as Blaine Wehrly, son, age 15, born Indiana.  He was born August 1894.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in Ohio.  He 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.

     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

          On September 12, 1917, Blaine registered with the Selective Service in Butler County, Ohio⁹ during World War I.  He was 34 years old and living at 102 Ross in Hamilton, Ohio.  His birthdate was listed as August 31, 1884. He was a machinist at the Hooven Owens Rentschler Co.  His wife, Gladys, was listed as his nearest relative.  His physical description was medium height, medium build, brown eyes and black hair.

          On April 27, 1942, Blaine registered with the Selective Service in Jay County, Indiana¹⁰, during World War II.  He was 57 years old and living at 936 North High Street in Portland.  He was born August 31, 1884 at Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  He was self-employed in the Meeker Building in Portland.  He was 5' 8" tall, weighed 185 lbs. and had brown eyes, grey hair and a rudy complexion.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service that would have made Blaine eligible to receive pension benefits.  His father did serve in the Civil Ward, but I don't believe Blaine 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 Blaine 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 researched.  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 Blaine 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 the Wehrly Reunion, New Castle, Indiana, 16 August 1970.  Photocopy held by author.
2. Brown, Walter L., "The Maxson Family. Descendants of John Maxson and Wife, Mary Mosher of Westerly, Rhode Island", 1954, p. 180.
3. Find A Grave, Inc., FindAGrave.com (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 1 July 2013), Blaine Wehrly memorial page.
4. 1940 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 2, Portland, enumeration district 38-20, SD 5, sheet 62B, 936 N. High, dwelling 303; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2003); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. Blaine P. Wehrly household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, 3rd Ward, Portland, Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 38-30, SD 5, sheet 6A, dwelling 153 family 175; National Archives micropublication T626.
6. 1920 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 2, Portland, enumeration district 88, SD 5A, 522 N. High, dwelling 107, family 107; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
7. 1910 U.S. census, Blackford County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 2, Hartford City, enumeration district 10, SD 11, sheet 2B, 622 N. High, dwelling 31, family 31; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 May 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
8. William P. Wehrly household, 1900 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, ED 62, SD 67, sheet 2B, dwelling 44, family 45; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 380, page 77.
9. "U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 July 2013); citing World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 : Ohio.
10. "U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942," digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 July 2013); citing Selective Service Registration Cards, World War II : Fourth Registration.

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 Books in the Jay County, Indiana Historical Society Library, Letters I-J

Received this list of the family books at the Jay County, Indiana Historical Society Library and wanted to share.  The Library is located at 903 East Main Street, Portland, Indiana 47371.  Email : research@jaycountyhistory.org

Imel
Immel
Ingham
Ingram
Inman

Jacoby
Jaqua
Jellison
Jetmore
Johnson
Journay
Journey
Judy

Jonathan Adams (1849-1883), St. Joseph 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.

Jonathan Adams (1849-1883) was the first husband of Mary Jane Riddle (1845-1921), who later married my ancestor, Ezekiel Cooper Chew.  This marriage record at FamilySearch shows her listed as "Jennie Riddle".  Their marriage took place on January 7, 1873 in St. Joseph County, Indiana.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KZC2-W4K : accessed 30 Jun 2013), Jonathan Adams and Jennie Riddle, 1873.

Jonathan died November 30, 1883 in Granville Township, Mercer County, Ohio. Mary Jane 'Jennie' Riddle married Ezekiel Cooper Chew sometime between then and 1888, when their son Wiley Riddle Chew was born in St. Joseph County, Indiana.

LeMaster Picnic, 2013 Invite

Received the invite this week to our annual LeMaster family picnic in September.  For several years all of the Ord & Ruth (Haley) LeMaster descendants have been gathering in Alexandria at my parents house.  Looking forward to seeing my cousins again and their ever-growing families.

Alonzo "Lon" John Wehrly (1880-1960), Jay 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.

Alonzo "Lon" John Wehrly (1880-1960) was the son of John P. Wehrly and Catherine E. Lemasters.  He married Bertha B. Lyons on March 15, 1902 in Jay County, Indiana.  Prior to searching this database, I did not have her maiden name and the exact date of the wedding.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V6RG-WDN : accessed 27 Jun 2013), Lon J Wehrly and Bertha B Lyons, 1902.

Lon was my paternal double first cousin three times removed.  Our common ancestors were Johannes Wehrly and Barbara Petry and Luman Walker Lemasters and Nancy Young.  Lon was the Jay County Sheriff in 1930 census.