Whenever I hear of someone complaining about the high prize of subscription genealogy websites such as Ancestry.com, I have to wonder about where their priorities lie. Genealogy as a hobby or passion is no different than anything else one might do with your free time - you willingly pay for what you want to get out it in the way of enjoyment. For me, I would never spend money playing golf or attending concerts, but if that is what you want to spend your money on, who am I to tell you you are wrong.
Recently, Ancestry added three databases relating to Indiana genealogy that has made the annual subscription price worth its weight in gold, so to speak. Because so much of my ancestry has Indiana ties, I was ecstatic when I found out that birth, death and marriage records from the state level were being imaged and would be available in 2016 at Ancestry.
The publication of these databases has kept me busy updating and adding to the information in my database for my direct and collateral lines with Indiana ties. Right now, I working through the death certificates database and finding information regarding spouses, causes of death and residences that I didn't already have.
Having all of these records in one place makes research cheaper because the costs of these long form certificates from the state are $8.00 each. If I went to each county, I could be paying even more for a certificate. Just recently, I paid $10 per certificate for county level death records. It only takes a few of these online images for me to reach the break-even point on the cost of a certificate. In addition, having the long form from the state will give you information not found at the county level, such as who the informant was for the information.
Knowing who the informant was for the information provided can be extremely valuable in evaluating the accuracy of the information given. On the death certificates, information given regarding birth date and names of parents are suspect as clues only - as oftentimes the informant was a son or grandchild who didn't know the maiden names or exact dates of birth. I've recorded the information as I've found it - using as a clue with a bit of skepticism. Informants were under a lot of stress and grief, and it is easy to make errors. I've seen grandmother's maiden names given instead of the deceased's mother's maiden name and I've also seen the birth date of the informant instead of the deceased. In those cases, I'm assuming that the informant simply was too distraught to understand the question they were being asked.
The long form death certificates also give the manner of disposal and the funeral home and cemetery where they were buried, providing additional avenues of research. Far-flung relatives could die in one part of the state and be buried "back home" or next to a first spouse.
The most frustrating piece of information is when you are looking for the names of the parents and the informant states "don't know". Sad to think that they didn't know the names of their grandparents, but with extended families and lots of years between them it is easy to see how a granddaughter or grandson whose elderly grandparent died at their home wouldn't know where they were born or who their parents were when answering the questions of the physician.
The saddest thing I'm finding while researching these Indiana death records are the number of young children dying from measles and pneumonia. We are blessed these days to have antibiotics and access to healthcare. Tragedies do still occur, but they are more rare and shocking today than they were 75 to 100 years ago when it was common for families to lose a child or two.
I look forward to being able to knock down some brick walls and expand my knowledge of extended families through the information gleaned in these databases. I'm only part way through my database on the death certificate database, I can only imagine how many more discoveries I'll make when I begin with the birth and marriage records from Indiana.
Monday, August 08, 2016
Wednesday, August 03, 2016
Wordless Wednesday: Bonnie Lambertson & William Wright, 1941
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| Bonnie Lambertson & William Wright, 1941 |
Monday, August 01, 2016
DNA: More Testing in a Different Pond
Activated three AncestryDNA kits this weekend - one for my wife and one for each of my parents. This will be the second test for them, as they have already tested at 23andMe. Hoping that by fishing for relatives in another pond, we will discover more clues and relatives.
I was able to show mom & dad this weekend the different number of matches that I had received through AncestryDNA, including many on my paternal side. I've already reached out to some 2nd and 3rd cousins and have encouraged them to upload their results to GEDMatch so we can compare on a chromosome browser.
I've not done much recently with my DNA results, but hope to get back into it now that my new job situation has settled down a bit.
I was able to show mom & dad this weekend the different number of matches that I had received through AncestryDNA, including many on my paternal side. I've already reached out to some 2nd and 3rd cousins and have encouraged them to upload their results to GEDMatch so we can compare on a chromosome browser.
I've not done much recently with my DNA results, but hope to get back into it now that my new job situation has settled down a bit.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Wordless Wednesday: Clemon and Helen (Fisher) Lambertson, 1961
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| Clemon and Helen (Fisher) Lambertson, 1961 |
Colorful Family Stories
The Monday before last, a gathering was held at my parent's house because my uncle & aunt were up from Tennessee and mom wanted to gather all of the cousins together for a cookout. It was a gathering of first cousins on both my Lambertson and Wright side.
It was nice to see everyone again, a few of whom I hadn't seen in quite some time. The best part of the evening for me was the chance to share some stories on the Wright side with my mom's 1st cousins.
Since the house I grew up in used to be the farm house where my great-grandparents, Virgil and Muriel (Pierce) Wright lived, the cousins had memories to share of the farm when it was a working farm as well as tales of my great-grandparents. I have no direct memory of my great-grandparents, and the stories I've received from my mother were not the same memories that her cousins shared - partly because they grew up next door and were at the farm more.
It was interesting to hear that my great-grandfather Virgil told my great-grandmother that he had quit smoking, yet was hiding cigarette cartons out in the grain so he could smoke in the barn, to the stories of great-grandmother testing the cousins urine for blood sugar levels (diabetes runs in the family), before allowing them an ice cream treat. Those type of stories make them a bit more colorful than just names and dates.
It was nice to see everyone again, a few of whom I hadn't seen in quite some time. The best part of the evening for me was the chance to share some stories on the Wright side with my mom's 1st cousins.
Since the house I grew up in used to be the farm house where my great-grandparents, Virgil and Muriel (Pierce) Wright lived, the cousins had memories to share of the farm when it was a working farm as well as tales of my great-grandparents. I have no direct memory of my great-grandparents, and the stories I've received from my mother were not the same memories that her cousins shared - partly because they grew up next door and were at the farm more.
It was interesting to hear that my great-grandfather Virgil told my great-grandmother that he had quit smoking, yet was hiding cigarette cartons out in the grain so he could smoke in the barn, to the stories of great-grandmother testing the cousins urine for blood sugar levels (diabetes runs in the family), before allowing them an ice cream treat. Those type of stories make them a bit more colorful than just names and dates.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Wordless Wednesday : Tiny Dancer
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| Michelle LeMaster, Alexandria, Indiana, 1978 |
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wayne County, Indiana : Pierce Family
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| Francis S. Pierce (1806-1881) my 4th-great grandfather |
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| Rebecca (Page) Pierce (1806-1893), my 4th-great grandmother |
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| Stone sans aluminum foil |
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| Albert O. Pierce and wife Sarah. Albert was son of Francis & Rebecca (Page) Pierce |
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| View looking back towards the church |
These photos were taken earlier this year on a visit to the Sugar Grove Cemetery in Wayne County, Indiana. My mom, dad & I headed there and into the courthouse in Richmond while working on documentation for mom's application for the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The cemetery was found relatively easily, and is located in a rural area next to the church, which appears to still be in use. The church was a United Brethren in Christ church.
I have not been able to determine that Francis or Rebecca ever attended this church, but it is possible. More likely they were living with their son, Albert, at the time of their death and this was the nearest community cemetery. From what I have found, there are no surviving records of the early church.
For more on the cemetery, read here.
In order to get a better picture of the tombstones, we used aluminum foil to help bring out the inscriptions. I feel that this didn't work out too badly.
Friday, July 15, 2016
DNA : First Cousin Match at AncestryDNA
Unfortunately, AncestryDNA doesn't offer a chromosome browser to show me exactly where we match and use that to compare against other matches.
My cousin's husband and I have been corresponding, they did they DNA test for the ethnicity results, and have a tree at the site. My cousin's results were updated to GEDMATCH, and below are the results.
GEDMatch predicts the estimated number of generations to a MRCA (Most Recent Common Ancestor) to be 2 generations - which is correct, we share common grandparents.
We share DNA on 24 matching segments as detailed in the chart. I will use this data to begin mapping other matches against me and my cousin. I can check my other known paternal line matches and see where we all match and segment out the various lines to determine if the additional matches are through the LeMaster side or the Haley side.
Now I have DNA results from my paternal side at AncestryDNA and my maternal side at FamilyTreeDNA and both are uploaded to GEDMatch.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Wordless Wednesday: Shrine Circus
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| Evansville Press, Evansville, Indiana, November 25, 1998, page 1 |
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Exploratory Data Analysis : Elizabeth (Shaw) King Cochran (1827-1900)
Elizabeth (Shaw) (King) Cochran (1827-1900) was my maternal 3rd-great grandmother. What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.
1. Vital Records
Elizabeth was born October 29, 1829 in Fayette County, Indiana
1,2,3,4,5,6,7.
1.1. Birth Certificate
The State of Indiana did not require birth certificates until 1907, so no birth certificate for Elizabeth is available.
1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper
If a Elizabeth's birth was mentioned in a local newspaper, it has been lost to time.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not aware of any surviving Bible record for the Shaw family that would record the birth of Elizabeth. Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one will be found.
1.1.3. Baptismal Record
I am not aware of any baptismal record for Elizabeth, nor do I know the church affiliation of the Shaw family.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no indication that Elizabeth was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
I have not been able to locate a marriage record for Elizabeth and Daniel King. They were married December 5, 1847 in Madison County, Indiana1. After Daniel's death, Elizabeth married William H. Cochran, circa 1876, in Madison County, Indiana. Likewise, I have not been able to locate a marriage record for them. The courthouse in Madison County, Indiana suffered a fire in 1880 and early marriage records were lost.
1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper
Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Elizabeth and Daniel's nuptials or Elizabeth and William's nuptials.
1.2.2. Anniversary Notice
Elizabeth and Daniel's 25th wedding anniversary would have been December 5, 1872. Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of their anniversary.
Elizabeth passed away prior to being married for 25 years to William.
1.2.3. Divorce Decree
There is no indication that Elizabeth and Daniel or Elizabeth and William were ever divorced. Will need to search court records in Madison County, Indiana in order to complete an exhaustive search.
1.3. Death Certificate
Elizabeth died October 10, 1900 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana2. Her cause of death was typhoid fever.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if I can locate a copy of Elizabeth's obituary or death record.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
Will need to search the local historical society to see if they have funeral home records that might shed some light on Elizabeth's funeral. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
Elizabeth was buried in the Howard Cemetery, Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana. There was no marker found for her in a search of the cemetery.
2. Census Records
2.1. Federal Census Records
2.1.1. 1900 Federal Census
On June 13, 1900, Elizabeth was enumerated in the William Cochran household in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana7, as Elizabeth Cochran, wife, born October 1827, age 70, married 20 years. She was the mother of 10 children, 6 of whom were living. She was born in Ohio and her father was born in Pennsylvania and mother in Kentucky. She could read.
2.1.2. 1880 Federal Census
On June 28, 1880, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Wm. H. Cochran household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana4, as Elizabeth Cochran, wife, age 50, keeping house. She was born in Indiana and her father was born in Ohio and mother born in Kentucky.
2.1.3. 1870 Federal Census
On September 12, 1870, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Daniel King household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana6, as Elizabeth King, age 39, keeping house, born in Indiana.
2.1.4. 1860 Federal Census
On July 31, 1860, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Daniel King household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana5, as Elizabeth King, age 31, born in Indiana, cannot read and write.
2.1.5. 1850 Federal Census
On August 21, 1850, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Daniel King household in Jackson Township, Madison County, Indiana3, as Elizabeth King, age 20, born in Tennessee.
2.2. State Census Records
The State of Indiana conducted 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 Shaw or King families.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
Not applicable, as Elizabeth was female.
3.2. Pension Records
I am not aware of any military service for Elizabeth's father or husbands that would have made her eligible for a pension.
3.3. Service Records
Not applicable, as Elizabeth was female.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records will need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Elizabeth and husbands Daniel and William. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Plat maps of Madison County, Indiana will need to be searched to see what information that can be gleaned that might be relevant for my search.
5. Supplemental Records
Supplemental records available for research on Elizabeth 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. Sandra Freeman, "John William Wright - Ellen King family group sheet,", compiled [n.d.] (Alexandria, Indiana).
2. Ancestry.com. Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Indiana State Board of Health. Death Certificates, 1900-2011. Microfilm. Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indianapolis, Indiana.
3. Daniel King household, 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, Jackson Township, Madison County, Indiana, dwelling 274, family 274; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 158, page 97.
4. Wm. H. Cochran household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, USA, page 58, ED 21, SD 3, dwelling 451, family 453; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 293.
5. Daniel King household, 1860 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Twp., page 145, dwelling 1025, family 1023; National Archives micropublication M653, roll 277.
6. Daniel King household, 1870 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Twp., page 35, dwelling 255, family 249; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 336.
7. William Cochran household, 1900 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Frankton, ED 102, SD 67, sheet 10, dwelling 313, family 324; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 386.
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.
1. Vital Records
Elizabeth was born October 29, 1829 in Fayette County, Indiana
1,2,3,4,5,6,7.
1.1. Birth Certificate
The State of Indiana did not require birth certificates until 1907, so no birth certificate for Elizabeth is available.
1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper
If a Elizabeth's birth was mentioned in a local newspaper, it has been lost to time.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not aware of any surviving Bible record for the Shaw family that would record the birth of Elizabeth. Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one will be found.
1.1.3. Baptismal Record
I am not aware of any baptismal record for Elizabeth, nor do I know the church affiliation of the Shaw family.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no indication that Elizabeth was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
I have not been able to locate a marriage record for Elizabeth and Daniel King. They were married December 5, 1847 in Madison County, Indiana1. After Daniel's death, Elizabeth married William H. Cochran, circa 1876, in Madison County, Indiana. Likewise, I have not been able to locate a marriage record for them. The courthouse in Madison County, Indiana suffered a fire in 1880 and early marriage records were lost.
1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper
Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Elizabeth and Daniel's nuptials or Elizabeth and William's nuptials.
1.2.2. Anniversary Notice
Elizabeth and Daniel's 25th wedding anniversary would have been December 5, 1872. Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of their anniversary.
Elizabeth passed away prior to being married for 25 years to William.
1.2.3. Divorce Decree
There is no indication that Elizabeth and Daniel or Elizabeth and William were ever divorced. Will need to search court records in Madison County, Indiana in order to complete an exhaustive search.
1.3. Death Certificate
Elizabeth died October 10, 1900 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana2. Her cause of death was typhoid fever.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if I can locate a copy of Elizabeth's obituary or death record.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
Will need to search the local historical society to see if they have funeral home records that might shed some light on Elizabeth's funeral. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
Elizabeth was buried in the Howard Cemetery, Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana. There was no marker found for her in a search of the cemetery.
2. Census Records
2.1. Federal Census Records
2.1.1. 1900 Federal Census
On June 13, 1900, Elizabeth was enumerated in the William Cochran household in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana7, as Elizabeth Cochran, wife, born October 1827, age 70, married 20 years. She was the mother of 10 children, 6 of whom were living. She was born in Ohio and her father was born in Pennsylvania and mother in Kentucky. She could read.
2.1.2. 1880 Federal Census
On June 28, 1880, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Wm. H. Cochran household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana4, as Elizabeth Cochran, wife, age 50, keeping house. She was born in Indiana and her father was born in Ohio and mother born in Kentucky.
2.1.3. 1870 Federal Census
On September 12, 1870, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Daniel King household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana6, as Elizabeth King, age 39, keeping house, born in Indiana.
2.1.4. 1860 Federal Census
On July 31, 1860, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Daniel King household in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana5, as Elizabeth King, age 31, born in Indiana, cannot read and write.
2.1.5. 1850 Federal Census
On August 21, 1850, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Daniel King household in Jackson Township, Madison County, Indiana3, as Elizabeth King, age 20, born in Tennessee.
2.2. State Census Records
The State of Indiana conducted 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 Shaw or King families.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
Not applicable, as Elizabeth was female.
3.2. Pension Records
I am not aware of any military service for Elizabeth's father or husbands that would have made her eligible for a pension.
3.3. Service Records
Not applicable, as Elizabeth was female.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records will need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Elizabeth and husbands Daniel and William. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Plat maps of Madison County, Indiana will need to be searched to see what information that can be gleaned that might be relevant for my search.
5. Supplemental Records
Supplemental records available for research on Elizabeth 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. Sandra Freeman, "John William Wright - Ellen King family group sheet,", compiled [n.d.] (Alexandria, Indiana).
2. Ancestry.com. Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Indiana State Board of Health. Death Certificates, 1900-2011. Microfilm. Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indianapolis, Indiana.
3. Daniel King household, 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, Jackson Township, Madison County, Indiana, dwelling 274, family 274; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 158, page 97.
4. Wm. H. Cochran household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana, USA, page 58, ED 21, SD 3, dwelling 451, family 453; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 293.
5. Daniel King household, 1860 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Twp., page 145, dwelling 1025, family 1023; National Archives micropublication M653, roll 277.
6. Daniel King household, 1870 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Monroe Twp., page 35, dwelling 255, family 249; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 336.
7. William Cochran household, 1900 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Frankton, ED 102, SD 67, sheet 10, dwelling 313, family 324; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 386.
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.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
90th Birthday
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| Ruby Walsh 90th Birthday |
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Weekend Packed With Family Reunions
This past weekend turned out to be packed with family reunions, both on my side and my wife's side of the family.
On Saturday, Eileen and I attended the Pefley-Lewis reunion at Bozarth's Campground in Lagro, Indiana. It had been several years since we had last attended this reunion of her mom's side of the family. This is a combined family reunion that has been held for about twelve years or so. Eileen's mother was a Pefley and her grandmother was a Lewis. There were two Pefley brothers who married Lewis sisters, so the Pefleys who were there are all Lewis, but not all the Lewis members are Pefleys.
Their reunion is held inside, with everyone bringing a covered dish. There was a table set up where pictures and family documents were displayed. One neat find this year was that a letter written by Eileen's great-grandmother, Sarah (Peeples) Pefley to her children. Eileen took pictures of it and I hope that I can use it for a future blog post. This reunion also has a silent auction to raise money to pay for the rental of the facilities, etc. and holds a bingo game.
This group was pretty large and spread out from across the country, so name tags were used to help identify who was who. Also, everyone went around the room and identified themselves and how they were related to either the Pefley or Lewis clans. This was helpful as many were 2nd cousins or so, and it can be hard to keep track of who belongs to which family. A sign up sheet to track attendance and update contact information was also kept.
On Sunday, my mom and I went to the Pierce family reunion at Beulah Park in Alexandria, Indiana. I joked that we were crashing the reunion. Mother's grandmother was a Pierce. This reunion has been held for several years, though neither of us had ever attended. Mom wasn't aware of her dad ever attending, but we do know that her aunt Clara Ellen attended. Mainly these are the descendants of my 2nd-great grandfather, William Francis Pierce. Mom and I descend from the first marriage, while most of the attendees are from the second marriage.
Everyone at this reunion also brings a covered dish and since it was held inside on a hot day that worked out well. After eating, everyone went around the room and introduced themselves and how they were related, etc. Mom introduced us and we were very welcomed. It was nice to put faces to the names that I had collected in my family research. We let them know that mom had recently become a member of the DAR through this particular line, and I shared some of my genealogy research. There were six Pierce boys from the second marriage, so there are a lot of cousins. I was struck in particular how one looked a lot like my grandfather, who was his first cousin. Because of the age differences, my grandfather was the same age as many of his uncles. Mom didn't remember ever attending this reunion as a child, but thought they were probably at the lakes when it it was held.
A business meeting was held for this reunion as well, and cash prize of $1 was given to the youngest and oldest member there. Reports were given of any births, deaths or marriages within the year as well. The winner of the youngest member was the cutest little four-year old boy. A group picture was taken of all of the attendees as well and they had a sign up sheet to track attendance and update contact information for the record.
All in all, this weekend was a positive experience on the family front, seeing some faces who were familiar and meeting some "new" family members. In addition, there were several ideas on how to host a reunion that can be incorporated into our LeMaster reunion.
On Saturday, Eileen and I attended the Pefley-Lewis reunion at Bozarth's Campground in Lagro, Indiana. It had been several years since we had last attended this reunion of her mom's side of the family. This is a combined family reunion that has been held for about twelve years or so. Eileen's mother was a Pefley and her grandmother was a Lewis. There were two Pefley brothers who married Lewis sisters, so the Pefleys who were there are all Lewis, but not all the Lewis members are Pefleys.
Their reunion is held inside, with everyone bringing a covered dish. There was a table set up where pictures and family documents were displayed. One neat find this year was that a letter written by Eileen's great-grandmother, Sarah (Peeples) Pefley to her children. Eileen took pictures of it and I hope that I can use it for a future blog post. This reunion also has a silent auction to raise money to pay for the rental of the facilities, etc. and holds a bingo game.
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| Eileen & I at the Pefley-Lewis reunion |
On Sunday, my mom and I went to the Pierce family reunion at Beulah Park in Alexandria, Indiana. I joked that we were crashing the reunion. Mother's grandmother was a Pierce. This reunion has been held for several years, though neither of us had ever attended. Mom wasn't aware of her dad ever attending, but we do know that her aunt Clara Ellen attended. Mainly these are the descendants of my 2nd-great grandfather, William Francis Pierce. Mom and I descend from the first marriage, while most of the attendees are from the second marriage.
Everyone at this reunion also brings a covered dish and since it was held inside on a hot day that worked out well. After eating, everyone went around the room and introduced themselves and how they were related, etc. Mom introduced us and we were very welcomed. It was nice to put faces to the names that I had collected in my family research. We let them know that mom had recently become a member of the DAR through this particular line, and I shared some of my genealogy research. There were six Pierce boys from the second marriage, so there are a lot of cousins. I was struck in particular how one looked a lot like my grandfather, who was his first cousin. Because of the age differences, my grandfather was the same age as many of his uncles. Mom didn't remember ever attending this reunion as a child, but thought they were probably at the lakes when it it was held.
A business meeting was held for this reunion as well, and cash prize of $1 was given to the youngest and oldest member there. Reports were given of any births, deaths or marriages within the year as well. The winner of the youngest member was the cutest little four-year old boy. A group picture was taken of all of the attendees as well and they had a sign up sheet to track attendance and update contact information for the record.
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| 2016 Pierce Family Reunion, Alexandria, Indiana |
All in all, this weekend was a positive experience on the family front, seeing some faces who were familiar and meeting some "new" family members. In addition, there were several ideas on how to host a reunion that can be incorporated into our LeMaster reunion.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Joseph Wright's land : Madison County, Indiana
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| Atlas and Directory of Madison County, Indiana, American Atlas Co., Cleveland, Ohio, 1901, |
Here is a section of the plat map of Madison County, Indiana showing Section 25 where Joseph Wright had his land. You can see by this representation that his land was located on both sides of the railroad tracks.
You can see that he had 79 acres on one side and a 39 acre piece on the other. This atlas was from 1901 and the land that he bought from his dad in 1867 was only 80 acres, so the section to the west had been added on to by later purchases.
Notice that there was also a 40 acre parcel next to this owned by Jas. & Joseph Wright - this was Joseph's son, James. Next door you will also find land owned by William Hicks, who was James' father-in-law.
The homestead that stood there was torn down in the late 1980s.
The farmhouse that I grew up in was located on this map in Section 36 on the parcel that was owned by Margaret Starr. The land in Section 36 didn't come into Wright hands until approx. 1915 or so. Will have more on that later.
Friday, May 06, 2016
John Wright to Joseph Wright, Deed Book 33, page 280, Madison County, Indiana
Located the following deed at the Madison County, Indiana Recorder's Office that concerns my maternal 3rd-great grandfather, Joseph Wright, and pinpoints when he came to be in Madison County. As a bonus, the document shows that the land was owned by his father, my 4th-great grandfather.
THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH, That John Wright of Brown County, in the State of Ohio, CONVEY AND WARRANT TO Joseph Wright of Madison County, in the State of Indiana for the sum of Five Hundred Dollars the receipt of whereof is hereby acknowledged, the following Real Estate, in Madison County, in the State of Indiana: to wit The South West quarter of the South East quarter, and the South East quarter of the South West quarter of Section Twenty Five (25) in Township Twenty One (21) North of Range Seven (7) East, containing Eighty Acres more or less.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The Said John Wright has hereunto set his hand and seal this 1st day of November, 1867.
John Wright
Anna (her mark) Wright
Attest Jacob Hubbard, R.M.C.
STATE OF INDIANA, Madison County, Sct: Before me, James Mohan Recorder in and for said County, this 1st day of November, 1867, personally appeared John Wright and acknowledged the execution of the annexed Deed.
WITNESS my hand and official seal. James Mohan R.M.C.
I certify that the deed of which the above and foregoing is a true copy, was stamped with $ 0.50 Revenue, and recorded this 4th day of November, 1867 at 1 o'clock P.M.
James Mohan, Recorder of Madison County.
In the margin: State of Indiana, Madison County, SS : Personally appeared Anna Wright, on this 29" day of Nov. 1870 and acknowledged before me the signing of the within Deed to be her free and voluntary act. Witness my name and seal as Recorder date aforesaid - Jacob Hubbard R.M.C.
----
This was a good find for me, pinpointing land purchase by Joseph in Madison County. The first record I have for him in Madison County prior was the 1870 census. I knew that he had come to Madison County sometime just after the Civil War, as his son James was born 1868 in Madison County. Now I have a definitive date.
Interesting to me that Anna (Wardlow) Wright, wife of John, had to come to Madison County from Ohio in 1870 to acknowledge the deed signing.
THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH, That John Wright of Brown County, in the State of Ohio, CONVEY AND WARRANT TO Joseph Wright of Madison County, in the State of Indiana for the sum of Five Hundred Dollars the receipt of whereof is hereby acknowledged, the following Real Estate, in Madison County, in the State of Indiana: to wit The South West quarter of the South East quarter, and the South East quarter of the South West quarter of Section Twenty Five (25) in Township Twenty One (21) North of Range Seven (7) East, containing Eighty Acres more or less.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The Said John Wright has hereunto set his hand and seal this 1st day of November, 1867.
John Wright
Anna (her mark) Wright
Attest Jacob Hubbard, R.M.C.
STATE OF INDIANA, Madison County, Sct: Before me, James Mohan Recorder in and for said County, this 1st day of November, 1867, personally appeared John Wright and acknowledged the execution of the annexed Deed.
WITNESS my hand and official seal. James Mohan R.M.C.
I certify that the deed of which the above and foregoing is a true copy, was stamped with $ 0.50 Revenue, and recorded this 4th day of November, 1867 at 1 o'clock P.M.
James Mohan, Recorder of Madison County.
In the margin: State of Indiana, Madison County, SS : Personally appeared Anna Wright, on this 29" day of Nov. 1870 and acknowledged before me the signing of the within Deed to be her free and voluntary act. Witness my name and seal as Recorder date aforesaid - Jacob Hubbard R.M.C.
----
This was a good find for me, pinpointing land purchase by Joseph in Madison County. The first record I have for him in Madison County prior was the 1870 census. I knew that he had come to Madison County sometime just after the Civil War, as his son James was born 1868 in Madison County. Now I have a definitive date.
Interesting to me that Anna (Wardlow) Wright, wife of John, had to come to Madison County from Ohio in 1870 to acknowledge the deed signing.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Grantor & Grantee Research in Madison County, Indiana
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| Deed Records, Madison County, Indiana Recorder's Office |
I met with some success, mainly in getting the book and page numbers for future reference, but did also manage to obtain a couple of copies. They only charge $1.00 per page, but those big books are hard to copy from. Currently, they are in the process of imaging their records. Anything from 1958-on is currently imaged, but of course, the records I am looking for are about 100 years earlier. Below is a listing of what I did find, have not identified all of these records as my family. Spelling may be off as well, some of that handwriting was difficult to read.
GRANTOR BOOK 1 1827-1850
ALDERMAN, Richard to SHAUL, William February 22, 1837 Book 4, page 372
ALDERMAN, James to NELSON, Andrew August 26, 1840 Book 6, page 369
ALDERMAN, John to GUSTIN, John November 2, 1844 Book 9, page 165 or 168
ALDERMAN, John to GNASH, Stephen May 8, 1848 Book 11, page 472
ALDERMAN, J to GNASH, S April 22, 1850 Book 13, page 633
KING, Thomas to KING, David December 11, 1844 Book 9, page 133
KING, Daniel to BRAY, Edward February 16, 1849 Book 12, page 111
KING, D to KING, T August 9, 1848 Book 13 page 65
KING, G S to DAVIS, J February 6, 1850 Book 13 page 104
KING, G S to MANN, A J September 6, 1850 Book 13, page 342
KING, Thomas to RUTH, Jesse January 28, 1850 Book 13, page 362
KING, Daniel to SIGLER, Francis November 23, 1850 Book 13, page 557
PENISTEN, Isaac to PENISTEN, Martha October 29, 1834 Book 2, page 228
PENISTEN, Isaac to PENISTEN, George May 21, 1836 Book 3, page 105 or 106
PENISTEN, Isaac to PENISTEN, George May 25, 1836 Book 3, page 106
PENISTON, John B to OOTON, Jordan March 24, 1838 Book 4, page 305
PENISTO, Washington to WILFONDG, George September 24, 1838 Book 4, page 460
PENISTEN, George to PENISTEN, George B August 10, 1840 Book 6, page 417
PENISTEN, John B to PURGET, Henry June 11, 1841 Book 6 page 422
PENISTON, John B to SNELSON, Isaac P July 29, 1845 Book 9, page 88
PENISTON, H to WILSON, J.A. et al February 22, 1850 Book 13, page 121
WRIGHT - my Wrights were not in the county until the Civil War era, did not search Book 1
GRANTEE BOOK 1 1827-1850
Book is missing from the Madison County courthouse *
GRANTOR BOOK 2 1850-1858
ALDERMAN - No Aldermans found
KING, W to WHITEHEAD, G November 21, 1853 Book 16, page 205
KING, Wm to KING, J A December 3, 1853 Book 16, page 443
KING, D to KING March 11, 1854 Book 16, page 442
KING, D to DOUGLASS, T.H. March 11, 1854 Book 16, page 446
KING, Jno T to VORE, Jacob October 22, 1853 Book 17, page 160
KING, Danl to BECKWITH, T L January 21, 1856 Book 18, page 359
KING, Naten to SEEMANS, Saml April 7, 1858 Book 20, page 545
PENISTON, J B to PENISTON, Allen April 11, 1855 Book 17, page 396
PENISTON A to PENISTON Jr April 13, 1855, Book 17, page 397
PENNISTON, Isaac to HUNT, Wm. February 11, 1856 Book 18, page 530
PENISTON, J. W. to PENESTEN, Allen September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 189
PENISTON, J. W. to PENESTEN, Allen September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 190
PENISTON, Allen to PENISTEN, G W September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 192
PENISTON, J. O. to PENISTEN G W September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 198
WRIGHTS - My Wrights were not in the county until the Civil War era, did not search Book 2
GRANTEE BOOK 2 1850-1858
ALDERMAN - No Aldermans found
KING, N from SMILY, R May 26, 1851 Book 14, page 266
KING, W from SIKES, Jesse December 30, 1851 Book 14, page 624
KING, Dnl from Smily, R October 17, 1851 Book 14, page 655
KING, T from KING, D August 9, 1848 Book 13, page 65
KING, D from Auditor M Co August 2, 1853 Book 16, page 197
KING, D from DEBOY, J December 21, 1853 Book 16, page 441
KING, N from KING, D March 11, 1854 Book 16, page 442
KING, J A from KING, Wm December 3, 1853 Book 16, page 443
KING, J O from DAVIS, A G September 9, 1854 Book 17, page 73
KING, Daniel from RASS, R et al may 22, 1855 Book 17, page 475
KING & NICHOL from SMITH September 15, 1855 Book 17, page 552
KING & NICHOL from SMITH September 15, 1855 Book 17, page 556
KING, JOHN O from SCHALLBERGER January 26, 1856 Book 18, page 286
KING & HOPKINS CO February 12, 1856 Book 18, page 387
KING, J W from COMER, Wm April 23, 1856 Book 19, page 622-624
KING, Newton from WILSON M H December 27, 1857 Book 20, page 261
KING, John from HADEN PARISh November 27, 1856 BOok 20, page 299
PENISTEN, Allen from PENISTEN J B April 18, 1855 Book 17, page 396
PENISTEN, Isaac from PENISTEN Allen April 18, 1855 Book 17, page 397
PENISTON, A from PENISTEN J W September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 189
PENISTON JW from PENISTON A September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 190
PENISTON JW from PENISTON A September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 192
PENISTON JW from PENISTON JB September 29, 1856 Book 19, page 192
PENNISTON Wash from KELLER, John March 28, 1857 Book 19, page 728
PENNISTON Wash from STANLEY, Thomas January 30, 1854 Book 19, page 730
WRIGHTS - My Wrights were not in the county until the Civil War era, did not search Book 2
GRANTOR BOOK 3 1858-1868
ALDERMAN - No Aldermans found
KING & NICHOL to DAVIS, Rebecca December 17, 1858 Book 21, page 470
KING & NICHOL to WILLIAMS A M December 28, 1858 Book 21, page 531
KING, Thomas to PURRELL E J October 18, 1858 Book 21, page 545
KING, Jno S to HOPKINS E November 27, 1858 Book 21, page 614
KING, Jno S to HOPKINS E November 27, 1858 Book 21, page 615
KING, Thomas to KING, Washington January 14, 1861 Book 24, page 151
KING, Amos to FRASTER R D October 3, 1861 Book 25, page 114
KING & NICHOL to SMITH, Jno April 30, 1862 Book 26, page 62
KING, Henry to DEHORITY, Jas M October 25, 1861 Book 26, page 162
KING, A J et al to GUSTIN December 31, 1860 Book 26, page 187
KING, John R to SHELTON, John August 29, 1863 Book 25, page 370
KING, Daniel to KING, Newton October 10, 1863 Book 25, page 478
KING, Newton to SUMMERS, Sml January 25, 1864 Book 27, page 520
KING, Amos to WALDEN E J June 13, 1864 Book 28, page 122
KING, Sarah E to LEE, Wm H October 5, 1864 Book 29, page 123
KING, Daniel to WILLIAMS Jas B December 21, 1864 Book 29, page 244
KING, Sarah E to HEFLER G December 27, 1846 Book 28 page 461
KING & NICHOL to BROTHERS, Wm February 11, 1865 Book 28, page 495
KING, A J to WILLIAMS, W W August 1, 1865 Book 31, page 228
KING, A J et al to WARD, Thomas December 5, 1864 Book 31, page 581
KING, A J to DOHNER June 5, 1866 Book 32, page 30
KING, A J to WALDEN, E J August 13, 1866 Book 32, page 137
KING, Mary J to CONNELL, J R March 18, 1867 Book 30, page 578
KING, A J et al to CRAIG, John February 17, 1866 Book 33, page 429
PENISTEN, Wm to BRONENBERG, M December 25, 1854 Book 21, page 211
PENISTON, M.J. to PENISTON, B.F. March 11, 1859 Book 23, page 497
PENISTON J W to LAWLER, James January 26, 1861 Book 24, page 53
PENISTON J W to ADAMS, Robert January 26, 1862 Book 24, page 492
PENISTON J W to ADAMS, Robert January 26, 1862 Book 24, page 493
PENNISTEN F D to FOOS, Alex January 1862 Book 26, page 330
PENISTON H M to SLIMMER, William February 24, 1863 Book 25, page 240
PENISTEN Wash to CLARK, S B June 13, 1864, Book 29, page 24
PENISTON H to KIRK, William April 17, 1865 Book 29, page 354
PENISTON John to CROAN, D E March 21, 1866 Book 31, page 609
PENISTON John to PENISTEN Mary July 17, 1866 Book 32, page 267
PENNISTEN W H H to HUNT, Wm A November 18, 1867 Book 33, page 308
PENNISTEN W H H to SHELLY, W H February 13, 1868 Book 33, page 461
WRIGHT - Only searched for Joseph Wright, none found
GRANTEE BOOK 3 1858-1868
ALDERMAN - No Aldermans found
KING, Thomas from DAVIS, George April 16, 1858 Book 21, page 181
KING, Amos J et al from JACKSOn, J H April 5, 1858 Book 21, page 56
KING, Thomas from OBRIEN,Thomas April 22, 1857 Book 21, page 180
KING, Thomas from DAVIS, George April 16, 1858 Book 21, page 181
KING & NICHOL from WILLIAMS A M February 18, 1859 Book 21, page 538
KING, Thomas from KING, Washington January 14, 1861 Book 24, page 151
KING, Amos J from GUTHRIE, William November 20, 1860 Book 25, page 113
KING, Wm M from BUCK, Henry December 27, 1867 Book 26, page 58
KING, Wm M from LAKE, Richard May 30, 1862 Book 26, page 179
KING, H N from WILSON, J W July 11, 1864 Book 25, page 442
KING, Newton from KING, Daniel October 10, 1863 Book 25, page 478
KING, Amos J from WILLIAMS, R N July 18, 1864 Book 28, page 163
KING, Amos J from McKINNEY Jacob July 17, 1864 Book 28, page 164
KING, Amos J from BROW A February 12, 1866 Book 32, page 27
KING, Amos J from SANDERS, Wm May 30, 1866 Book 30, page 73
KING, George W from JARROLL, Joseph May 2, 1866 Book 30, page 75
PENISTON Isaace W from HOLLINGSWORTH James July 29, 1861 Book 24 page 308
PENISTON H M from THOMPSON W A January 18, 1862 Book 24, page 561
PENISTON H M from BREWSTER RD October 18, 1862 Book 26, page 221
PENISTEN Wm B from PAINTER, Geroge March 19, 1863 Book 26, page 550
PENISTON John B from HAZLETT, James July 31, 1865 Book 31, page 211
PENISTON Allen from WRIGHT, Henry D October 23, 1860 Book 30, page 158
PENISTON Allen from HEINE Harris October 17, 1860 Book 30, page 160
PENISTON Allen from JACKSON Margaret October 4, 1860 Book 30, page 162
PENISTON Allen from YOUNG, Margaret February 24, 1863 Book 30, page 163
PENISTON Allen from VINYARD, Henry Aprill 11, 1860 Book 32, page 266
PENISTON Mary J from PENISTON John B July 17, 1866 Book 32, page 267
PENISTON Allen from ADAMS, Robert December 31, 1866 Book 32, page 334
PENISTON Wm H H from THOMPSON W A July 10, 1866 Book 33, page 190
PENISTON Wm H H from THOMPSON W A September 17, 1867 Book 33, page 206
PENISTON Wm H H from MOORE, Barkley Septmeber 28, 1867 Book 33, page 365
WRIGHT, Thomas from WRIGHT, Loretta September 17, 1862 Book 26, page 206
WRIGHT E B from VANCOUN, E J January 1, 1863 Book 26, page 328
WRIGHT John from CALVIN, Robert October 14, 1863 Book 27, page 164
WRIGHT Elijah from COON, Harrison August 22, 1863 Book 27, page 177
WRIGHT, Iradell from HENDRICK, Wm September 15, 1864 Book 28, page 201
WRIGHT, Iradell from Auditor M Co September 15, 1864 Book 1, page 5
WRIGHT, Iradell from Sheriff M Co February 23, 1865 Book 29, page 337
WRIGHT, Iradell from CHEVINGTON, William January 2, 1865 Book 29, page 234
WRIGHT, J from HOPPERWORTH, William October 9, 1865 Book 31, page 470
WRIGHT Iradell from BEESON September 23, 1865 Book 30, page 217
WRIGHT, W O from SUMPTER, James April 12, 1867 Book 30, page 325
WRIGHT, Joseph from WRIGHT, John November 1, 1867 Book 33, 280
WRIGHT, David from PREWITT, John H March 13, 1868 Book 33, page 504
* Though the courthouse no longer has a copy of Grantee Book 1, the State Archives and FHL has a copy in their catalog scanned - something to search at a future date.
Shaky Leaves : Isolina Simpson Death, 1914, Butler County, Ohio
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| Ancestry.com, "Ohio Deaths, 1908-1932, 1938-2007", Ancestry.com Operations, 2010, Provo, UT. |
This record is a death index compiled by the state, and indicates that she died in Butler County and the record is filed in volume 1449 and certificate number 48466.
Issie was the wife of Edward Simpson and the daughter of George G. and Harriett (Jones) Lambertson. Our common ancestors are John and Sarah (Willson) Lambertson.
If you are related to this family or have any additional information, I would love to hear from you.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Charles Pierce, Alexandria High School, 1936
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| 1936 Alexandria High School Spectrum, Alexandria,, Indiana |
This edition of the yearbook didn't list the activities that the Senior class members participated in.
Charles was the son of William F. & Vida (Maddox) Pierce, the half-brother of my great-grandmother, Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright.
The yearbooks from this high school are available online at Alexandria-Monroe Public Library.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Shaky Leaves : Charles M. Trainer household, 1940 census Warren County, Ohio
Working through more of the shaky leaves hints at Ancestry.com for my LeMaster & Allied Families and updated the record of the 1940 census in Morrow, Warren County, Ohio for my maternal 3rd cousin twice removed, Charles M. Trainer and his wife.
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| 1940 US Census, Warren County, Ohio, population schedule, Morrow, Salem Township, enumeration district (ED) 83-21, SD 7, sheet 8A, household 175, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 April 2016); National Archives, Washington D.C..
Charles was working as a truck driver for a creamery, and had lived at the same residence in 1935. He and his wife had both completed 4 years of high school. They were renting their home. Charles was 22 years old and his wife Estalena was 24 years old.
My common ancestors with Charles are John & Sarah A. (Willson) Lambertson. Charles was the son of Charles T. & Bessie N. (Mengle) Trainer.
If you are related to this family or have additional information, I would love to hear from you.
|
Monday, April 25, 2016
Exploratory Data Analysis : Catharine (Groenendyke) Pierce (1843-1913)
Catharine (Groenendyke) Pierce (1843-1913) was my maternal 3rd-great grandmother. What follows is an exploratory analyis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.
1. Vital Records
Catharine was born February 4, 1843 in Madison County, Indiana1, according to her biography.
1.1. Birth Certificate
The State of Indiana did not require birth certificates until 1907, so no birth certificate for Catharine is available.
1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper
If Catharine's birth was mentioned in a local newspaper, it has been lost to time.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not aware of any surviving Bible record for the Groenendyke family that would record the birth of Catharine. Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one will be found.
1.1.3. Baptismal Record
I am not aware of any baptismal record for Catharine, nor do I know the church affiliation of the Groenendyke family.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no indication that Catharine was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
I have been unable to locate a marriage record for Catharine and Edmund G. Pierce. They were married May 15, 1864 in Madison County, Indiana2, according to her biography. The courthouse in Madison county suffered a fire in 1880 and early marriage records were lost.
1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper
Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Catharine and Edmund's nuptials.
1.2.2. Anniversary Notice
Catharine was widowed less than 10 years from the date of her marriage, when Edmund died January 8, 1875 in Madison County, Indiana.
1.2.3. Divorce Decree
There is no indication that Catharine and Edmund were ever divorced.
1.3. Death Certificate
Catharine died December 10, 1913 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana3. The cause of death was valvular heart disease.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Catharine's obituary appeared in the December 11, 1913 edition of the Alexandria, Indiana Times-Tribune4 on page 1. The obituary stated that she passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Jones in Lafayette Township.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
Will need to search the local historical society to see if they have funeral home records that might shed some light on Catharine's funeral. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip. According to her death certificate, the Albright funeral home handled the arrangements.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
Catharine's tombstone in the Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana5, has been photographed. A link to her memorial page at FindAGrave is located here.
2. Census Records
2.1. Federal Census Records
2.1.1. 1910 Federal Census
On April 23, 1910, Catharine was enumerated in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana6 in the John W. Jones household as Catherine Pierce, mother in law, female, aged 67, widowed, born in Indiana. Both of her parents were born in Indiana. She could read and write and spoke English and had no occupation.
2.1.2. 1900 Federal Census
On June 4, 1900, Catharine was enumerated as head of household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana7, as Catharine Pierce, female, born February 1843, age 57. She was born in Indiana as were both of her parents. She was listed as widowed, the mother of 2 children, both living. She was renting her home. She could read and write and spoke English.
2.1.3. 1880 Federal Census
On June 3, 1880, Catharine was enumerated as head of household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana8, as Catharine Pierce, female, age 37, widowed, keeping house. She was born in Indiana, her father was born in Ohio and her mother was born in Ohio.
2.1.4. 1870 Federal Census
On July 15, 1870, Catharine was enumerated in the E.G. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana9, as Catherine Pierce, age 27, female, keeping house. She was born in Indiana, and could not read.
2.1.5. 1860 Federal Census
On July 11, 1860, Catharine was enumerated in the Eli Groenendike household in Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana10, as Catharine Groenendike, female, age 17, born in Indiana.
2.1.6. 1850 Federal Census
On September 9, 1850, Catharine was enumerated in the Elias Groanendike household in Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana11, as Catharine Groanendike, age 6, female, born in Indiana.
2.2. State Census Records
The State of Indiana conducted 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.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
Not applicable, as Catharine was female.
3.2. Pension Records
I am not aware of any military service for Catharine's father or husband that would have made her eligible for a pension.
3.3. Service Records
Not applicable, as Catharine was female.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records will need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Catharine and husband Edmund. Will add this to my "to-do" list of items for my next research trip.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Plat maps of Madison County, Indiana will need to be searched to see what information that can be gleaned that might be relevant for my search.
5. Supplemental Records
A biography of Catharine appeared in the 1893 Portrait and Biographical Record Madison and Hamilton Counties, Indiana1. It mentions that her parents, Elias and Nancy (Jenkins) Groendyke were pioneer settlers of Madison County, Indiana and settled about one and a half miles southwest of Frankton. The biography states that she and Edmund Pierce were the parents of five children.
Supplemental records available for research on Catharine 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. Portrait and Biographical Record of Madison and Hamilton Counties, Indiana: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States (Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1893), p. 124.
2. Portrait and Biographical Record of Madison and Hamilton Counties, Indiana: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States (Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1893), p. 125.
3. Catherine Pierce, death certificate 1913-H218 (1913), Madison County Indiana Health Department, Anderson, Indiana.
4. "Madison County Woman Is Dead," obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 11 December 1913; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 24 April 2016), The Alexandria Times-Tribune; page 1.
5. FindAGrave, Inc. FindAGrave.com (www.findagrave.com : accessed 24 Apr 2016), Catharine Groenendyke Pierce memorial.
6. John W. Jones household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 107, SD 8, sheet 8A, dwelling 162, family 171; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 364., page 145.
7. 1900 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Lafayette Township, enumeration district (ED) 94, SD 67, page 345A, sheet 3, dwelling 46, family 46, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 April 2016); National Archives, Washington, D.C..
8. Catharine Pierce household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, USA, page 1, ED 23, SD 3, dwelling 2, family 2; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 293.
9. E.G. Pierce household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Twp., Madison Co., IN, Page 32, dwelling 235, family 235; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 336., Page 184.
10. Eli Groenendike household, 1860 U.S. census, Pipe Creek Twp., Madison County, Indiana, dwelling 863, family 863; National Archives microfilm publication M653, Roll M653, page 277.
11. 1850 US Census, Madison County, Indiana, Pipe Creek Township, dwelling 549, family 549, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 April 2016); 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.
1. Vital Records
Catharine was born February 4, 1843 in Madison County, Indiana1, according to her biography.
1.1. Birth Certificate
The State of Indiana did not require birth certificates until 1907, so no birth certificate for Catharine is available.
1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper
If Catharine's birth was mentioned in a local newspaper, it has been lost to time.
1.1.2. Bible Record
I am not aware of any surviving Bible record for the Groenendyke family that would record the birth of Catharine. Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one will be found.
1.1.3. Baptismal Record
I am not aware of any baptismal record for Catharine, nor do I know the church affiliation of the Groenendyke family.
1.1.4. Adoption Record
There is no indication that Catharine was adopted.
1.2. Marriage License
I have been unable to locate a marriage record for Catharine and Edmund G. Pierce. They were married May 15, 1864 in Madison County, Indiana2, according to her biography. The courthouse in Madison county suffered a fire in 1880 and early marriage records were lost.
1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper
Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Catharine and Edmund's nuptials.
1.2.2. Anniversary Notice
Catharine was widowed less than 10 years from the date of her marriage, when Edmund died January 8, 1875 in Madison County, Indiana.
1.2.3. Divorce Decree
There is no indication that Catharine and Edmund were ever divorced.
1.3. Death Certificate
Catharine died December 10, 1913 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana3. The cause of death was valvular heart disease.
1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper
Catharine's obituary appeared in the December 11, 1913 edition of the Alexandria, Indiana Times-Tribune4 on page 1. The obituary stated that she passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Jones in Lafayette Township.
1.3.2. Funeral Home Records
Will need to search the local historical society to see if they have funeral home records that might shed some light on Catharine's funeral. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip. According to her death certificate, the Albright funeral home handled the arrangements.
1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph
Catharine's tombstone in the Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana5, has been photographed. A link to her memorial page at FindAGrave is located here.
2. Census Records
2.1. Federal Census Records
2.1.1. 1910 Federal Census
On April 23, 1910, Catharine was enumerated in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana6 in the John W. Jones household as Catherine Pierce, mother in law, female, aged 67, widowed, born in Indiana. Both of her parents were born in Indiana. She could read and write and spoke English and had no occupation.
2.1.2. 1900 Federal Census
On June 4, 1900, Catharine was enumerated as head of household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana7, as Catharine Pierce, female, born February 1843, age 57. She was born in Indiana as were both of her parents. She was listed as widowed, the mother of 2 children, both living. She was renting her home. She could read and write and spoke English.
2.1.3. 1880 Federal Census
On June 3, 1880, Catharine was enumerated as head of household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana8, as Catharine Pierce, female, age 37, widowed, keeping house. She was born in Indiana, her father was born in Ohio and her mother was born in Ohio.
2.1.4. 1870 Federal Census
On July 15, 1870, Catharine was enumerated in the E.G. Pierce household in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana9, as Catherine Pierce, age 27, female, keeping house. She was born in Indiana, and could not read.
2.1.5. 1860 Federal Census
On July 11, 1860, Catharine was enumerated in the Eli Groenendike household in Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana10, as Catharine Groenendike, female, age 17, born in Indiana.
2.1.6. 1850 Federal Census
On September 9, 1850, Catharine was enumerated in the Elias Groanendike household in Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana11, as Catharine Groanendike, age 6, female, born in Indiana.
2.2. State Census Records
The State of Indiana conducted 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.
3. Military Records
3.1. Draft Registration
Not applicable, as Catharine was female.
3.2. Pension Records
I am not aware of any military service for Catharine's father or husband that would have made her eligible for a pension.
3.3. Service Records
Not applicable, as Catharine was female.
4. Land Records
4.1. Deed Records
Deed records will need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what records might mention Catharine and husband Edmund. Will add this to my "to-do" list of items for my next research trip.
4.2. Plat map / county map
Plat maps of Madison County, Indiana will need to be searched to see what information that can be gleaned that might be relevant for my search.
5. Supplemental Records
A biography of Catharine appeared in the 1893 Portrait and Biographical Record Madison and Hamilton Counties, Indiana1. It mentions that her parents, Elias and Nancy (Jenkins) Groendyke were pioneer settlers of Madison County, Indiana and settled about one and a half miles southwest of Frankton. The biography states that she and Edmund Pierce were the parents of five children.
Supplemental records available for research on Catharine 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. Portrait and Biographical Record of Madison and Hamilton Counties, Indiana: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States (Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1893), p. 124.
2. Portrait and Biographical Record of Madison and Hamilton Counties, Indiana: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States (Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company, 1893), p. 125.
3. Catherine Pierce, death certificate 1913-H218 (1913), Madison County Indiana Health Department, Anderson, Indiana.
4. "Madison County Woman Is Dead," obituary, Alexandria Times-Tribune, 11 December 1913; online images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : accessed 24 April 2016), The Alexandria Times-Tribune; page 1.
5. FindAGrave, Inc. FindAGrave.com (www.findagrave.com : accessed 24 Apr 2016), Catharine Groenendyke Pierce memorial.
6. John W. Jones household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, ED 107, SD 8, sheet 8A, dwelling 162, family 171; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 364., page 145.
7. 1900 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Lafayette Township, enumeration district (ED) 94, SD 67, page 345A, sheet 3, dwelling 46, family 46, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 April 2016); National Archives, Washington, D.C..
8. Catharine Pierce household, 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, USA, page 1, ED 23, SD 3, dwelling 2, family 2; National Archives micropublication T9, roll 293.
9. E.G. Pierce household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, Lafayette Twp., Madison Co., IN, Page 32, dwelling 235, family 235; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 336., Page 184.
10. Eli Groenendike household, 1860 U.S. census, Pipe Creek Twp., Madison County, Indiana, dwelling 863, family 863; National Archives microfilm publication M653, Roll M653, page 277.
11. 1850 US Census, Madison County, Indiana, Pipe Creek Township, dwelling 549, family 549, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 April 2016); 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.
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