Some people really go 'all out' when they do their Christmas decorations, particularly in the realm of outside decorations. Others prefer the minimalist approach. I'm somewhere in the middle.
I wonder what my ancestors would think about all of the excessive lights and plastic lawn ornaments. They probably would think that we were being wasteful of electricity.
Growing up, my parents had quite a collection of outside Christmas ornaments - everything from Santa and the reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Nativity scenes, etc. My dad would really enjoy setting up the outside displays. Some of these ornaments have now migrated to my house and my brother and sister's house. Still today, the grandkids love to come and see all of the decorations that my parents have put outside in their yard.
One lawn ornament, Frosty the Snowman, has migrated to my house. Apparently, when I was a youngster, I cried and cried when Frosty melted after watching the cartoon TV special. In an attempt to pacify me, my parents bought a plastic yard ornament of Frosty so they could show my young eyes that Frosty didn't really melt away. Now, as an adult, Frosty has a home with me.
This year, I only have a minimum of outside decorations - some lights on the bushes, and a Frosty the Snowman. My neighbor, however, is going for the Clark Griswald award, and lights up the entire neighborhood. My wife doesn't want me to get involved in a competition, but deep in my heart, I'm plotting how I can do better next year and beat him.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Obituary: John Adam Metzner (1840-1895)
Source: The Daily Commercial, Portland, Indiana, December 5, 1895, page 1.
J. A. METZNER DEAD
A Well Known Farmer
Finally Succumbs to Disease - Has Long Been a Resident and was a Soldier
At 7 o'clock last evening, the news of the death of Adam Metzner, at his home in the north-east corner of Wayne township, reached this city. Mr. Metzner has been ill for some time, and for the last day or two his death was almost momentarily expected.
Undertaker J.L. Baird was at once summoned to take charge of the remains, but no date for the interment has been fixed.
Mr. Metzner was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1840, and is of German descent, his father being born in that country; his mother was a native of France. He came to Jay county in 1850.
He was a gallant soldier during the rebellion, enlisting in August 1861 in company G, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, and serving until the close of the war. He veteranized in 1863, at which time his regiment was consolidated with the Fifty-first Ohio, his command being attached to the Army of the Cumberland. With his regiment he fought on many a bloody battlefield, including Stone River, Chickamauga and the battles of the Atlanta campaign. He was severely wounded in the right arm at Burnt Hickory, just before the close of the Atlanta campaign. He returned to his regiment at Nashville, Tenn., from there went to Texas, and was mustered out at Victoria, November, 1865.
Mr. Metzner has resided on his present farm since returning from the war.
He has always been classed among the best citizens of the county, and his record both as a soldier and citizen is an honorable one.
Comment: John Adam METZNER was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.
J. A. METZNER DEAD
A Well Known Farmer
Finally Succumbs to Disease - Has Long Been a Resident and was a Soldier
At 7 o'clock last evening, the news of the death of Adam Metzner, at his home in the north-east corner of Wayne township, reached this city. Mr. Metzner has been ill for some time, and for the last day or two his death was almost momentarily expected.
Undertaker J.L. Baird was at once summoned to take charge of the remains, but no date for the interment has been fixed.
Mr. Metzner was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1840, and is of German descent, his father being born in that country; his mother was a native of France. He came to Jay county in 1850.
He was a gallant soldier during the rebellion, enlisting in August 1861 in company G, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, and serving until the close of the war. He veteranized in 1863, at which time his regiment was consolidated with the Fifty-first Ohio, his command being attached to the Army of the Cumberland. With his regiment he fought on many a bloody battlefield, including Stone River, Chickamauga and the battles of the Atlanta campaign. He was severely wounded in the right arm at Burnt Hickory, just before the close of the Atlanta campaign. He returned to his regiment at Nashville, Tenn., from there went to Texas, and was mustered out at Victoria, November, 1865.
Mr. Metzner has resided on his present farm since returning from the war.
He has always been classed among the best citizens of the county, and his record both as a soldier and citizen is an honorable one.
Comment: John Adam METZNER was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Family Milestones: December 4th
My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, David KING, was born on this date in 1854 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. David was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, and the older brother of my Ellen KING. David married Litha Ann Trumilis D'Amsel MAY, daughter of Michael and Julie (CAWTHORN) MAY on July 26, 1876 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Litha was born June 1856 in Indiana. They lived in Pipe Creek and Monroe Townships of Madison County, Indiana where David farmed and operated a grain elevator. David died November 1, 1914 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Litha remarried to John PERCIFUL and died September 1954 in Madison County, Indiana.
My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Lydia MAXSON, was born on this date in 1799 in Harrison County, Virginia. Lydia was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Prudence MAXSON. Lydia married on May 22, 1817 to Jacob BABCOCK, son of Thomas and Martha (DAVIS) BABCOCK. Jacob was born April 25, 1797 in Salem, Harrison County, Virginia. They had at least one son. Jacob died January 2, 1835. Lydia remarried to Caleb AYERS. Lydia died September 22, 1871 in Rock County, Wisconsin.
My paternal great-uncle, Vernon Walker LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1888 in Jay County, Indiana. Vernon was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS. Vernon married June 30, 1917 to Helene GARMHAUSEN. His was a physician and served in World War I. They had 2 children. Vernon died March 17, 1955. Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.
My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Lydia MAXSON, was born on this date in 1799 in Harrison County, Virginia. Lydia was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Prudence MAXSON. Lydia married on May 22, 1817 to Jacob BABCOCK, son of Thomas and Martha (DAVIS) BABCOCK. Jacob was born April 25, 1797 in Salem, Harrison County, Virginia. They had at least one son. Jacob died January 2, 1835. Lydia remarried to Caleb AYERS. Lydia died September 22, 1871 in Rock County, Wisconsin.
My paternal great-uncle, Vernon Walker LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1888 in Jay County, Indiana. Vernon was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS. Vernon married June 30, 1917 to Helene GARMHAUSEN. His was a physician and served in World War I. They had 2 children. Vernon died March 17, 1955. Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.
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