Military Monday : Nathaniel Durbin Chew, World War II Draft Registration, 1942

Working my way through the hints in the Ancestry database for World War II Draft Registrations, 1942 and located this registration in Kent County, Michigan for Nathaniel Durbin Chew, my paternal first cousin three times removed.

Ancestry.com. U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.United States, Selective Service System. Selective Service Registration Cards, World War II: Fourth Registration. Records of the Selective Service System, Record Group Number 147. National Archives and Records Administration.

Before locating this record, I didn't have much information on Nathaniel, who was the son of Nathaniel Durbin Chew and Margaret H. Heistand.  Nathaniel's draft registration card indicates his exact date of birth as May 2, 1877 in Rossburg, Darke County, Ohio, where the Chew family lived before they moved by the 1880 census to Logansport, Cass County, Indiana.

Nathaniel was 64 years old at the time of the registration, and his nearest living relative was listed as Margaret Chew, of Evanston, Illinois, his daughter. 

Nathaniel's occupation in the 1910 census was given as missionary to Korea, and his employer listed on the draft registration card as Rev. Babbitt of the Courtland Circuit of the Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.


Nathaniel was described as having a light complexion, white male, 5'10" with blue eyes and brown hair.

This draft registration provides a few more clues to add to my database.  Nathaniel was married to Nettie Trumbauer and was the father of three chidlren : Nathaniel, Margaret S. and Elizabeth.  

Military Monday – We all have ancestors who have served in the military. Military Monday is a place to post their images, stories and records of their service in various branches of the military. Military Monday is an ongoing series by Cindy at Everything’s Relative – Researching Your Family History.

Exploratory Data Analysis : Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew (1826-1879)

Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew (1826-1879) was my paternal 3rd-great grandmother.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.

1. Vital Records

     Caroline was born February 6, 1826 in Vincentown, Burlington County, New Jersey. The Chew Genealogy gives the date but not the location¹.

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          The State of New Jersey did not require birth certificates at the time of her birth.  The State Archives has birth records from 1848.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Caroline's birth was recorded in a local newspaper, it has been lost to time.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               The family Bible record of her son, Abel, was transcribed in a message board².  That record gives her year of birth as 1824.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I have not located any baptismal record for Caroline. The family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Caroline was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Caroline married December 29, 1842 in New Jersey¹1 (probably Gloucester County) to Ezekiel Cooper Chew.  Ezekiel was born January 17, 1822 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  They raised 14 children in New Jersey and Ohio.  Ezekiel died August 27, 1888 in St. Joseph County, Indiana³.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

                    Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if their nuptials were mentioned.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Ezekiel and Caroline's 25th wedding anniversary would have been December 29, 1867.  Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if there was any mention of anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication that Caroline was ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Caroline died February 27, 1879⁴ in Rossburg, Darke County, Ohio.  I do not yet have a copy of her death certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if Caroline's death was mentioned.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Will need to search the local historical society to see if they have copies of the funeral home records to see if I can learn anything more about the arrangements for Caroline.  Will add this to my "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Caroline's tombstone in the Webster Cemetery in Darke County, Ohio has been photographed⁵.  A link to her memorial page at FindAGrave is located here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1870 Federal Census

               On July 8, 1870, Caroline was enumerated in the Ezekiel Chew household in Twin Township, Darke County, Ohio⁶, as Caroline Chew, age 44, born in New Jersey.  Her occupation was listed as keeping house.

          2.1.2. 1860 Federal Census

               On August 2, 1860, Caroline was enumerated in the Ezekiel Chew household in Neave Township, Darke County, Ohio⁷, as Caroline Chew, age 34, born in New Jersey.

          2.1.3. 1850 Federal Census

              On September 2, 1850, Caroline was enumerated in the Ezekiel Chew household in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio⁸, as Cordelia Chew, age 24, born in New Jersey.

          2.1.4. 1840 Federal Census

               Caroline is likely the white female, aged 15-19, in the Rachel Woolston household of Northampton, Burlington County, New Jersey.  This household fits what I know of their family, as Caroline's father died in 1834.

          2.1.5. 1830 Federal Census

               Caroline is likely one of the three white females, aged 5-9, in the Abel B. Woolston household of Northampton, Burlington County, New Jersey.  This household fits what I know about their family.
2.2. State Census Records

          Ohio state census records are not known to exist.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

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

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Caroline was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by either her husband, Ezekiel, or her father, Abel, that would have entitled Caroline to pension benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Caroline was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Montgomery and Darke Counties, Ohio to see what records might mention Caroline.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps in Montgomery and Darke Counties, Ohio will need to be searched to see what light they can shed on my search for the Chew family.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available for research on Caroline 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. Chew, Robert L., "Genealogy of the Chew Family", Gloucester County (NJ) Historical Society, Woodbury, NJ, 1982, p. 261.
2. Chew Family History & Message Board / Re : Abel Woolston Chew Bible, Ancestry.com online [http://boards.ancestry.com/surnames.chew/6.40.44.78.80/mb.ashx], accessed 19 November 2010.
3. South Bend, Indiana Weekly Tribune, September 1, 1888, Obituary of Mr. Chew.
4. Milton T. Jay, History of Jay County, Indiana: including its World War Record and Incorporating the Montgomery History (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA: Historical Publishing Company, 1922), page 196.
5. FindAGrave Inc., FindAGrave (www.findagrave.com : accessed 4 June 2014), Caroline Chew tombstone.
6. Ezekiel Chew household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, New Madison, Twin Township, Darke County, Ohio, dwelling 128, family 127; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 1194.
7. Ezekiel Chew household, 1860 U.S. census, population schedule, Neave Township, Darke County, Ohio,dwelling 116, family 1128, page 164.
8. Ezekiel Chew household, 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, dwelling 901, family 901; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 714.


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.

Photograph : Luman Walker LeMasters Jr. & Mary Keziah (Chew) LeMasters

Luman Walker LeMasters Jr. & Mary Keziah (Chew) LeMasters

How appropriate that on Memorial Day weekend I would receive a blessing in my email inbox from cousin Jill - a photograph of Civil War veteran Luman Walker LeMasters Jr. (1842-1931) and his wife Mary Keziah (Chew) LeMasters (1847-1927).  They are my 2nd-great grandparents.

I noticed in the photograph that Luman is wearing a medal signifying he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.  Luman served in Company C, 39th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, enlisting in July 1861.  The unit was later reclassified as the 8th Indiana Mounted Infantry.  

It was a part of the mounted infantry on 3 July 1863 that he was wounded at Decherd's Ford, near Winchester, Tennessee.  He was shot through the left breast.  He spent time in the hospital in Nashville and Louisville before being discharged with 1/2 disability on February 27, 1864.  The notes of his injuries state: Gun shot wound of the chest.  The ball entered between the first and second ribs (left side) and lodged within the thorax.

He came home and married Mary Keziah Chew, daughter of Dr. Ezekiel Cooper Chew, on October 2, 1864 in Versailles, Darke County, Ohio.  I've often wondered if Dr. Chew was helping treat his wounds, and that is how he met Mary.  Either way, as the ancestor of the LeMaster families of Jay County, Indiana, had he not survived the war, we wouldn't be here.

Exploratory Data Analysis : Ezekiel Cooper Chew (1822-1888)

Ezekiel Cooper Chew (1822-1888) was my paternal 3rd-great grandfather.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     Ezekiel was born January 17, 1822 in Gloucester County, New Jersey¹. The Abel Chew family Bible listed his birth year as 1823².

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          The State of New Jersey did not require birth certificates at the time of his birth.  The State Archives has birth records from 1848.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Ezekiel's birth was recorded in a local newspaper, it has been lost to time.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               The family Bible record of his son, Abel, was transcribed in a message board²

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

               Ezekiel married December 29, 1842 in New Jersey¹ (probably Gloucester Co.) to Caroline Bishop Woolston.  Caroline was born February 6, 1826 in Vincentown, Burlington County, New Jersey.  They had 14 children in New Jersey and Ohio.  Caroline died February 27, 1879 in Rossburg, Darke County, Ohio.

               Ezekiel married secondly December 23, 1880 in Darke County, Ohio³ to Laura V. (Skeggs) Hubler. They had two children.  Laura was born circa 1853 in Maryland and died in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.

               Ezekiel married thirdly between 1883 and 1888 to Mary Jane (Riddle) Adams Keiser, probably in St. Joseph County, Indiana.  Mary was born December 28, 1845 in St. Joseph County, Indiana.  They had one child.  Mary died in 1921.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Ezekiel and Caroline's 25th wedding anniversary would have been December 29, 1867.  Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if there was any mention of anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication that Ezekiel was ever divorced.  He was twice widowed.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Ezekiel died August 27, 1888 in St. Joseph County, Indiana⁴.  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

               Ezekiel's death was mentioned in the September 1, 1888 edition of the South Bend, Indiana Weekly Tribune⁴.  I will need to search newspaper accounts other mentions of his death.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Will need to search the local historical society to see if they have copies of the funeral home records to see if I can learn anything more about the arrangements for Ezekiel's funeral.  Will add this to my "to-do" list.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Ezekiel's tombstone in the Lakeville Cemetery, St. Joseph County, Indiana has been photographed.  A link to his memorial page at FindAGrave website is located here.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1880 Federal Census

              On June 12, 1880, Ezekiel was enumerated in the Frederic Whitacre household in Mississinewa Township, Darke County, Ohio⁵, as E.C. Chew, age 57, boarder.  His occupation was listed as physician.  He was born in New Jersey, and both of his parents were born in New Jersey.

          2.1.2. 1870 Federal Census

               On July 8, 1870, Ezekiel was enumerated as head of household in New Madison, Twin Township, Darke County, Ohio⁶, as Ezekiel Chew, age 47, born in New Jersey.  His occupation was listed as physician.  The value of his real estate was $1200 and the value of his personal estate was $800.  He was a U.S. citizen.

          2.1.3. 1860 Federal Census

               On August 2, 1860, Ezekiel was enumerated as head of housheold in Neave Township, Darke County, Ohio⁷, as Zechel Chew, age 65, born in New Jersey.  His occupation was listed as doctor.  The value of his personal estate was $100.

          2.1.4. 1850 Federal Census

               On September 2, 1850, Ezekiel was enumerated as head of household in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio⁸, as Ezekiel Chew, age 27, born in New Jersey.  His occupation was listed as doctor.  The value of his personal estate was illegible.

          2.1.5. 1840 Federal Census

               Ezekiel is likely the white male, aged 15-19 in the household of Nathaniel Chew in Haddonfield, Newton Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey.   This household fits with what I know of his family. Note there are 3 Nathaniel Chews in the 1840 census of Gloucester, plus one Nathaniel W Chew and one Nathaniel C Chew.  

          2.1.6. 1830 Federal Census

               Ezekiel is likely the white male, aged 5-10 in the household of Nathaniel Chew Junior in Greenwich Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey.  There were two other Nathaniel Chews in Gloucester County in 1830, one was a Tanner and the other was Esquire, which was likely Ezekiel's grandfather.

     2.2. State Census Records

          Ohio state census records are not known to exist.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

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

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          I have not located an records indicating military service for Ezekiel.

     3.2. Pension Records

          Not applicable.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Montgomery and Darke Counties, Ohio and Jay and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana to see what records might mention Ezekiel.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps in Darke County, Ohio and Jay County, Indiana need to searched to see what information might be relevant to my search for Ezekiel.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available for research on Ezekiel 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.

     On May 1863, Ezekiel was listed in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana as E.C. Chew, lawyer, class B, license $10.00 on the tax assessment list⁹.

     On June 24, 1863, Ezekiel was listed in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana as E.C. Chew, lawyer, class B, license $10.00 on the tax assessment⁹.

     On January 25, 1864, Ezekiel was listed in Lancaster, Madison County, Jay County, Indiana as E.C. Chew, physician, class B, license $10.00 on the tax assessment⁹.

Sources :

1. Chew, Robert L., "Genealogy of the Chew Family", Gloucester County (NJ) Historical Society, Woodbury, NJ, 1982, page 261.
2. Chew Family History & Message Board / Re: Abel Woolston Chew Bible, Ancestry.com online (http:://boards.ancestry.com/surnames.chew/6.40.44.78.80/mb.ashx], accessed 19 November 2010.
3. "Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X8KJ-7BC : accessed 27 Apr 2014), Ezekiel C. Chew and Laura H. Hubler, 23 Dec 1880; citing Darke, Ohio, United States, reference v e p 405 n 1311; FHL microfilm 1030773.
4. South Bend, Indiana Weekly Tribune, September 1, 1888, Obituary of Mr. Chew.
5. 1880 U.S. census, Darke County, Ohio, Mississenawa Township, enumeration district 65, SD 2, page 1D, dwelling 101, family 101; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 7 May 2014); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
6. Ezekiel Chew household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, New Madison, Twin Township, Darke County, Ohio, dwelling 128, family 127; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 1194.
7. Ezekiel Chew household, 1860 U.S. census, Darke County, Ohio, population schedule, Neave Township, page 164, dwelling 1166, family 1128.
8. Ezekiel Chew household, 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, dwelling 901, family 901; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 714.
9. Ancestry.com. U.S. IRS Tax Assessment Lists, 1862-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA : Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2008.  Original data : National Archives (NARA) microfilm series : M603, M754-M771, M773-M777, M779-M780, M782, M784, M787-M789, M791-M793, M795, M1631, M1775-M1776, T227, T1208-T1209.


This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.

Marriage Record : Ezekiel Cooper Chew and Laura V. (Skeggs) Hubler, Darke County, Ohio, 1880

"Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X8KJ-7BC : accessed 27 Apr 2014), Ezekiel C. Chew and Laura H. Hubler, 23 Dec 1880; citing Darke, Ohio, United States, reference v e p 405 n 1311; FHL microfilm 1030773.

Located the marriage record of my paternal 3rd-great grandfather, Ezekiel Cooper Chew (1822-1888) to his second wife, Laura V. (Skeggs) Hubler, on December 23, 1880 in Darke County, Ohio.

Ezekiel's first wife, Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew, had died the previous year. Ezekiel and Caroline had 14 children together.  Laura's first husband was John Hubler.  I do not know if he was deceased or if they were divorced.

Ezekiel and Laura had two children together, Herbert Deacon and Edis Playfair.  One source indicates that Laura died in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Ezekiel was a physician and served a number of years in Jay County, Indiana and Darke County, Ohio.

Ezekiel later married again for a third time, when he moved to St. Joseph County, Indiana.

DNA Relatives : Closest Matches

23andMe's DNA Relatives finder has identified 3 individuals as being between 3rd and 4th cousins.  I've reached out and sent introductions to all of them, so far I'm sharing genomes with two of them.

The first relative, Ed, shares the most DNA with me 1.02% and we connect on two segments.  The locations of his ancestry (Fort Wayne, IN and Jay County, IN) led me to believe I would find a connection to my paternal lines.

Comparison	Chromosome	Start point	End point	Genetic Distance	# SNPs
Ed vs Travis LeMaster	1	3000000	42000000	63.8	7637
Ed vs Travis LeMaster	5	1000000	5000000	11.9	1244

The second relative, Bill, shares DNA with me of .70% but we connect on five segments.  Again, the locations listed for his ancestry (Geneva, IN and Ft. Recovery, OH) led me to believe the connection would be on the paternal side.

Comparison	Chromosome	Start point	End point	Genetic Distance	# SNPs
Bill vs Travis LeMaster	1	201000000	215000000	20.4	3098
Bill vs Travis LeMaster	3	174000000	180000000	7.9	1216
Bill vs Travis LeMaster	13	74000000	85000000	9.1	2047
Bill vs Travis LeMaster	14	43000000	51000000	6	1414
Bill vs Travis LeMaster	19	55000000	59000000	9	844

The third relative has not responded to my request to share genomes, yet.  We share DNA of .58% on four segments.

By comparing Ed's family tree he provided, I quickly discovered a paternal line connection through the Moulton and Finel families. Selah Moulton (b. 1790 Rutland Co., VT d. 1848 Licking Co., OH) and Lydia Finel (b.1796 Rutland Co., VT d. 1869 Licking Co., OH) were my paternal fourth great-grandparents.  Ed and I are fourth cousins once removed.

Looking at Bill's surnames, I recognized a common surname and discovered that we have a paternal line connection through the LeMasters and Chew families.  Luman Walker LeMasters (b. 1842 Shelby Co., OH d. 1931 Jay Co., IN) and Mary Keziah Chew (b. 1847 Burlington Co., NJ d. 1927 Jay Co., IN) were my paternal second great-grandparents.  Bill and I are third cousins. 

This is exciting - I've found a couple of fairly close cousins and have reached out to several more.  In fact, my inbox has been flooded with responses to my invites to share genomes.  Now I have to go through them and see if we can start finding the connections.

This DNA testing has re-energized me and inspired me to dig deeper, share more online with my family trees (Ancestry, WorldConnect, etc) and get more family members tested.

Research Trip to Ft. Wayne

Last Monday I took a day off and completed a research trip to the Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne.  I always enjoy researching in this library, and manage to find something new every time.

Though I didn't prepare fully for the trip, and ended up using a 'shotgun' approach to research, jumping from family to family, I did manage to find some gems, a synopsis of which follows:

• Cummings family : Found plat maps of Winston County, Alabama locating the land where Eileen's ancestors bought land just before the Civil War.  These maps show the location of neighbors as well, many of whom married into the family, which may lead to making more connections.
• Wardlaw/Wardlow family : Found estate and guardianship records indicies in Clermont County, Ohio with references to original records for me to contact the court and obtain copies.  Also located records of deeds and mortgages in early Clermont County, Ohio and early tax records
• Wright family : Found estate and guardianship records referenced in Clermont County, Ohio with references to original records for me to contact the court and obtain copies.  Also located records of deeds and mortgages in early Clermont County, Ohio and early tax records.
• Stuber family : Located cemetery records in Spencerville, Allen County, Ohio that mark the resting place of two Stuber infants.
• Orcutt/Pierpont family : Located a family genealogy on the Orcutt ancestry that included the family of Harry Pierpont, through his mother, Lena (Orcutt) Pierpont.
• Fessenden/Wright family : Located the family genealogy on the Fessendean family and the section detailing the Hannah (Fessenden) Wright family.
• Freeze Family : Located mention of the family in early newspaper records of Wabash County, Indiana.
• Jarrett Family : Located court records of Corinne's line in Koscuisko County, Indiana.
• Chew Family : Located mention of the family in early newspaper records of Jay County, Indiana.
• Wehrly Family : Located mention of the family in early newspaper records of Jay County, Indiana.
• LeMaster Family : Located mention of the family in early newspaper records of Jay County, Indiana.
• Haley Family : Located mention of the family in early newspaper records of Jay County, Indiana.

Will follow up with more detailed posts as I input this information into my database.  

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.

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.

Leo Lyford Chew (1900-1964), 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.

Leo Lyford Chew (1900-1964) was the son of William Anderson Chew and Emma Susan Straight.  Prior to searching this database, I only had him as Lyford L. Chew in my database.  This marriage record to Hazel May Harmon on June 12, 1929 in Jay County, Indiana gave me her maiden name, as well as her parents, Thomas Harmon and Rebecca Huston.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V6RT-D6X : accessed 24 Jun 2013), Leo Lyford Chew and Hazel May Harmon, 1929.

Lyford would be my paternal first cousin three times removed.  Our common ancestors are Ezekiel Cooper Chew and Caroline Bishop Woolston.  Have yet to research him yet past the 1930 census.  Other than his burial in the Salamonia Cemetery, I haven't added any other facts.

Thomas Chew (b. ca. 1816), Hamilton 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.

Thomas Chew (b. ca. 1816 Ohio) was the son of Joseph Chew and Emile Chew.  He married Hannah Waller on November 5, 1848 in Hamilton County, Indiana.  Prior to searching this database, I didn't have Hannah's maiden name.

"Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VXPG-QCM : accessed 24 Jun 2013), Thomas Chew and Hannah Waller, 1848.

Thomas must have been married previously, as he has a son, William (aged 17) living with him in the 1860 census in Adams Township, Hamilton County, Indiana.  Thomas and Hannah had at least three more children. Have yet to add any further information on the family to my database.

Thomas was my maternal first cousin six times removed.  Our common ancestors are Andrew Chew and Anna Marie Barthus.

Death Certificate: Beulah Sarah Rockwell, 1940 Mercer County, Ohio

While working on updating my information and completing an exploratory analysis of my paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Beulah Sarah (LeMaster) Rockwell, I located her death certificate at FamilySearch's database of Ohio records.

One interesting clue was that her birth date was listed as September 30, 1865 in Ohio.  In my database I previously had her birth in Jay County, Indiana on September 9, 1866 (unsourced).  Her tombstone also reflects the 1865 year of her birth.  Her husband, Lynn Rockwell, was the informant on the death certificate.

The funeral home was a bit hard to read, but appears to be the May funeral home.  An internet search found the Brockman-Boeckman Funeral Home still in existence in Ft. Recovery, having purchased the May funeral home in 1977.  Will need to write to them to see if they have any records.

Beulah's husband had her parents correct, but didn't know their birthplaces.  Mother's maiden name was Chew, mis-indexed as Chen by FamilySearch.  

"Ohio, Deaths, 1908-1953," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XZ2H-XVJ : accessed 01 May 2013), Beulah Sarah Rockwell, 1940.

Funeral Record of Sarah (Beals) Albright, 1907

Records of Zook Funeral Home, Converse Indiana 1904-1922

Found this book at the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana some time ago and just now getting around to extracting the data.

Under the headings for funerals for 1907, I found the following record:

July 21 - Sarah Albright.

 

 

Sarah was Sarah Beals (1828-1907), daughter of Nathan C. and Elizabeth (Chew) Beals and the wife of Daniel S. Albright.  Sarah was my maternal 4th-great grandaunt.

Chew Family, St. Joseph County, Indiana

Vital Statistics Index to St. Joseph County, Indiana Newspapers, 1831-1912 by David Eisen.

Located this book at the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana several months ago and just now getting around to extracting the information for my files.

CHEW, Daniel, m. Bertha Adams, SBW 17 Aug. 1889-1.

CHEW, J. Parker, m. Harriet Louisa Brown, SJV 15 Dec. 1853-3.

CHEW, Mr., d. 27 Aug. 1888, SBW 1 Sep. 1888-1.

SBW = South Bend Weekly

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The Daniel Chew who married Bertha Adams was actually Donovan R. Chew (1869-1933), son of Dr. Ezekiel Cooper and Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew. Donovan would be my paternal 2nd-great granduncle.

The Mr. Chew listed, was the obituary for Ezekiel Cooper Chew (1822-1888), my paternal 3rd-great grandfather.

The J. Parker Chew is unidentfied, though his presence in the county predates my immediate family by thirty years.

Virgil C. Chew Redux

Sorting out the mysterious Virgil C. Chew and how exactly he ties into my family has been a bit perplexing.  I'm thankful to fellow researcher Judy Ahrens for her insight and information on this individual.

After contacting me to note that I had an error in my database, Judy provided me with some clues on this Virgil Chew, but we are stuck in trying to identify his father and how he fits into the Chew families of Jay County, Indiana.  I really need to dig into the court records in Jay County, Indiana around the time of his birth (May 5, 1885) to see if there is mention of a bastardy suit or some other such record.

Virgil was living in 1900 in Salamonia, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana with his grandmother, Mary C. Frasher.  As my previous post indicates, there were a few records in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana for Virgil, including a draft registration and his second marriage.

In the 1920 census, two of Virgil and Esther (Abel) Chew's children were living with their grandparents in Madison Township.  The George W. and Sarah R. Abel household lists grandchildren Kathryn E. Chew, age 11, and Wade W. Chew, age 10.  There was another grandchild as well, Margery M., age 5 in the household, but she was listed with the surname Abel.  Judy noted that Marjorie was the daughter of Donald and Dove (Ellis) Abel.

Judy had worked with the Salamonia Christian Church records, and noted that Esther (Abel) Chew was removed from church membership on 12 March 1906.

Chew Marriage Records in Darke County, Ohio

Early Marriage Records of Darke County, Ohio, 1817-1865 A-L, Fort Greenville Chapter DAR, recopied by Margaret Snyder, 1966.

Found this book in the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, several months ago, and just now getting around to extracting the information on my relatives.  In this volume I located two Chew relatives.

Chew, Abel W., m. Sarah Holderman Oct. 2, 1862 by John L. Bates.  Abel Woolston Chew was my paternal 2nd-great granduncle, the brother to Mary (below).  I have his marriage in my database taking place on September 25, 1862 in Greenville, and his wife being named Salome H. Holdeman.  Whether the name was Holdeman or Holderman will need to be sorted out as well.

Chew, Mary H., m. Luman W. Lemaster Oct. 2, 1864 by Jason Young, M.G.  Mary Keziah Chew was my paternal 2nd-great grandmother.  I already knew her marriage took place on October 2, 1864 in Versailles, Darke County, Ohio. The transcription of her middle initial may be an error.  The Jason Young who performed the ceremony may be a relative of Luman's.

Marriage License & Return: Mathias J. Atkinson to Elsie Lemasters, 1894

Source: Jay County, Indiana, Original Marriage License, "Mathias J. Atkinson to Elsie Lemasters, 1894"; County Marriage Returns Collection; Jay County Historical Society, Portland, Indiana.

MARRIAGE LICENSE

STATE OF INDIANA JAY COUNTY, SS:

To All Who Shall See These Presents - Greeting:

Know Ye, That any person empowered by law to solemnize Marriages, is hereby authorized to join together, as Husband and Wife,

Mathias J. Atkinson and Elsie Lemasters

and for so doing this shall be his sufficient authority.

In Testimony, Whereof, I J.A.M. Adair, Clerk of the Jay Circuit Court, hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Portland this 15'' day of September 1894

J.A.M. Adair Clerk

STATE OF INDIANA, JAY COUNTY, SS:

This Certifies, That I joined in Marriage as Husband and Wife, 

Mathias J. Atkinson and Elsie Lemasters

on the 15" day of Sept. 1894

S.A. Armstrong, Min.

Source: Jay County, Indiana, Original Marriage Return, "Mathias J. Atkinson to Elsie Lemasters, 1894"; County Marriage Returns Collection; Jay County Historical Society.

MARRIAGE RETURN

1. Full name of GROOM Mathias J. Atkinson

2. Place of residence Madison Tp. Jay Co.

3. Age next birthday 30 years

4. Color White

5. Occupation Farming

6. Place of birth Madison Tp. Jay Co.

7. Father's name Daniel Atkinson

8. Mother's maiden name Sarah Long

9. No. of groom's marriage First

10. Full name of BRIDE Elsie Lemasters

11. Place of residence Madison Tp. Jay Co.

12. Age next birthday 23 years

13. Color White

14. Place of birth Dark Co. Ohio

15. Father's name Luman W. Lemasters

16. Mother's maiden name Mary K. Chew

17. No. of bride's marriage First

18. Place of marriage Home of L.W. Lemasters

19. By S.A. Armstrong Minister

20. Date of marriage Sept. 15" 1894

This record of the marriage of Mathias J. Atkinson and Mary Elsie Lemasters was located at the Jay County Historical Society in Portland, Indiana.

Mary Elsie was my paternal great grandaunt, the daughter of Luman Walker Lemasters and Mary Keziah Chew.  After their marriage, they remained in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, where Mathias was engaged in farming.