Monday, October 09, 2006

Mystery Man : Frank Fletcher or Carrie Morris?

This photograph was given to me by my cousin, Lloyd Adams, of Florida. It was part of a collection that his mother, Marie (Gilliland) Adams possessed. The identity of the man is not known for sure, but the photograph was labeled "Fletcher or Morris" suppossedly June Gilliland's father.

June Gilliland (aka Davis) was my great-grandmother. She was the daughter of Ida Davis born July 2, 1874 Owen Co., IN; died August 2, 1900 Clay Twp., Owen Co., IN. Ida Davis was married at least twice : first to Samuel G. Hancock on August 28, 1892 in Monroe Co., IN, and secondly to Carrie A. Morris on July 19, 1900 in Monroe Co., IN.

My great-grandmother, June, was born June 11, 1898 in Indianapolis, Marion Co., IN. Her birth certificate lists her parents as Atkinson & Ida Davis. At the time of June's birth, her mother, Ida was divorced from Samuel Hancock and had not yet married Carrie Morris.

June had an older sister, Pansy Davis, born December 11, 1894. In her obituary in the January 27, 1968 Monticello, IN Herald-Journal, it states that Pansy was born in Elletsville, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Fletcher. Who was this mystery Frank Fletcher? How does he fit into the family?

I have found a Frank Fletcher, living in nearby Greene Co., IN in the 1900, 1910 & 1920 with occupation listed as salesman. He was born in Ohio circa 1852-1857, listed as single and living as a boarder in each of these records.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Today in my database : Jesse Maxson (b. October 8, 1772)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 4th great-grandfather, Jesse Maxson.

Jesse was born October 8, 1772 in Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., NJ, the son of Ephraim & Elisabeth (Davis) Maxson. Jesse married February 23, 1797 in Harrison Co., VA to Sarah Sutton, the daughter of Cornelius & Elizabeth (Applegate) Sutton. Sarah was born January 3, 1779 in Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., NJ and died March 18, 1863 in Clark Co., OH. Jesse died March 24, 1851 in Clark Co., OH. Both are buried in the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Cemetery.

Children of Jesse & Sarah (Sutton) Maxson :
i. Jeptha Maxson
ii. Lydia Maxson m. Jacob Babcock
iii. Ephraim Maxson m. Mary Smith
iv. Elizabeth Maxson m. William S. Furrow
v. Hannah Maxson m. Samuel Lippincott
vi. Sarah Maxson m. Gilbert Davis
vii. Jonathan Maxson m. Christiana Davis
viii. Jane Maxson m. Peter Smith
ix. Naomi Maxson m. Philip McFarlin
x. Charity Maxson m. George Weaver
xi. Prudence Maxson m. William P. Smith
xii. Sutton Maxson m. Vienna Sutton

I descend from Jesse & Sarah's daughter, Prudence, as follows :

Jesse Maxson m. Sarah Sutton
Prudence Maxson m. William P. Smith
Olive Jane Smith m. William P. Wehrly
Barbara Isabelle Wehrly m. Luman Cooper LeMasters (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Jonathan Collins (b. October 8, 1706)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 8th great-grandfather, Jonathan Collins.

Jonathan was born October 8, 1706 in Buckingham, Bucks Co., PA. Jonathan married Ann _______ on June 2, 1731 in Hardwick, Warren Co., NJ. Ann was born ca. 1719 in Buckingham, Bucks Co., PA and died before 1785 in Bucks Co., PA. Jonathan died December 30, 1731 in Hardwick, Sussex Co., NJ.

I descend from Jonathan & Ann's daughter, Deborah, as follows :

Jonathan Collins m. Ann ________
Deborah Collins m. Samuel Willson
Mahlon Willson m. ________
Samuel Willson m. Elizabeth ________
Sarah A. Willson m. John Lambertson
Carey W. Lambertson m. Clara E. Cook
Charles Wilson Lambertson m. Pearl May Beals
Clemon Beals Lambertson m. June Kirk Davis (my great-grandparents)

Update : 9-17-08 As pointed out by an astute reader, the parentage of Jonathan Collins is NOT John and Mary (Meacham) Collins, as previously reported. I am correcting my data.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Today in my database : Susanna Freese (b. October 7, 1820)

Today's featured relative in my database is my wife's maternal 3rd-great grandmother, Susanna Freese.

Susanna was born October 7, 1820 (probably Virginia) to unknown parents. She married Daniel Duffey circa 1840 (probably Ohio). Daniel was born February 2, 1815 in Virginia and died May 17, 1879. Susanna died June 7, 1893.

Known children of Daniel & Susanna (Freese) Duffey :
i. Isaac F. Duffey m. Della Benjamin
ii. Daniel Duffey m. Susan Leedy
iii. John W. Duffey
iv. Ruth Anne Duffey m. Thomas Jefferson Pefley

My wife descends from Daniel & Susanna as follows :

Daniel Duffey & Susanna Freese
Ruth Anne Duffey & Thomas Jefferson Pefley
Albert Duffey Pefley & Sarah May Peoples (her great-grandparents)

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Sourcing Census Images

I've been working on sourcing my census images that I had downloaded from Godfrey Library back when they allowed access to Heritage Quest. I have accumulated quite a few of them in the short time I was a Godfrey scholar, and I figured now was the time to get started added the information to my FTM file.

Right now I'm into the Chew family branches that went to Charlevoix Co., MI, particularly the Donovan Chew family. Interesting stuff in the 1920 census, as far as details about whether or not someone owns their home or if it is mortgaged.

It will be a slow going to get all of this information sourced, but already I've discovered new distant cousins and family relationships.

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Today in my database : Gordon Pierce (b. August 31, 1773)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 5th-great grandfather, Gordon Pierce.

Gordon was born August 31, 1773 in Hardwick, Worchester Co., MA, the son of Seth and Bethiah (Field) Pierce. Gordon married in 1796 in Thetford, Orange Co., VT to Thirsa Smalley, the daughter of _______ and Almira (Hutchinson) Smalley. Thirsa was born ca. 1775 in Thetford, Worchester Co., MA., and died 1861 in Pitcher, Chenango Co., NY. Gordon died February 7, 1875 in Pitcher, Chenango Co., NY.

Known children of Gordon and Thirsa (Smalley) Pierce are as follows:
i. Almina Pierce b. 1798 m. John Coy
ii. Austin Pierce b. September 2, 1799 Orange Co., VT, d. July 17, 1861 Villenova, NY, m. Mary Ann Sterling
iii. Minerva P. Pierce b. January 25, 1803 m. Jethro Hatch
iv. Francis S. Pierce b. June 8, 1806 Vermont, d. August 5, 1881 Wayne Co., IN., m. Rebecca Page
v. Royal S. Pierce b. January 8, 1812 d. March 6, 1845 Mina, NY, m. Juliet Morton

I descend from Gordon and Thirsa (Smalley) Pierce through their son, Francis, as follows :
Gordon Pierce and Thirsa Smalley
Francis S. Pierce and Rebecca Page
Edmund G. Pierce and Catherine Groenendyke
William Francis Pierce and Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce and Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Nancy Ann Snider (b. August 31, 1794)

Today's featured relative in my database is my wife's maternal 4th-great grandmother, Nancy Ann Snider.

Nancy Ann was born August 31, 1794 in Colchester Twp., Essex Co., Ontario, Canada, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (________) Snider. Nancy married married before 1815 to Nathaniel Lewis. Nathaniel was born July 13, 1791 in Canada and died October 20, 1830 in Hagerstown, Wayne Co., IN. Nancy died October 17, 1830 in Hagerstown, Wayne Co., IN. Both are buried in the Ulrich Baptist Cemetery, Hagerstown, IN.

Known children of Nathaniel and Nancy Ann (Snider) Lewis are as follows :
i. Samuel Lewis b. November 26, 1815 Ohio, d. May 7, 1872 Miami Co., IN., m. Mary Matchet
ii. John Lewis b. August 13, 1817 Ohio
iii. Solomon Lewis b. January 9, 1820 Montgomery Co., OH., d. December 18, 1895 Huntington Co., IN., m. Margaret Rhinehart
iv. Nathaniel Lewis b. March 26, 1822 Montgomery Co., OH., d. February 16, 1871 Hamilton Co., IN., m. Mary Zook.
v. Elizabeth Lewis b. December 8, 1824 Montgomery Co., OH., d. May 8, 1891 Huntington Co., IN., m. John Oliver
vi. Susannah Lewis b. January 17, 1827 Montgomery Co., OH., d. March 14, 1859 Wayne Co., IN., m. James W. Dunbar
vii. Aaron Lewis b. September 7, 1829 Wayne Co., IN., d. July 6, 1906 Cass Co., IA., m. Mathilda Reed.

My wife descends from Nathaniel and Nancy Ann (Snider) Lewis through their son, Solomon, as follows :
Nancy Ann Snider and Nathaniel Lewis
Solomon Lewis and Margaret Rhinehart
Jacob Lewis and Marietta Cook
Lawrence Solomon Lewis and Ruth Alice Sills (her great-grandparents)

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Today in my database : Mary Ellen Swafford (b. August 30, 1854)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 3rd-great grandmother, Mary Ellen Swafford.

Mary Ellen was born August 30, 1854 near Stinesville, Monroe Co., IN., the daughter of Peter Kirkpatrick and Mary Ann (Crockett) Swafford. Mary Ellen married July 2, 1873 in Monroe Co., IN to James Austin Davis, son of Austin and Fanny (Reynolds) Davis. James was born 1850 in Monroe Co., IN and died June 12, 1909 in Logansport, Cass Co., IN. They divorced before 1884. Mary Ellen married secondly on November 15, 1884 in Monroe Co., IN to Robert Farrell Gilliland, son of William John and Margaret Ann (Wilson) Gilliland. Robert was born November 27, 1849 in Pulaski Co., KY, and died August 4, 1916 in Whitehall, Monroe Co., IN. Mary Ellen died January 28, 1932 near Dolan, Monroe Co., IN.

Children of James Austin and Mary Ellen (Swafford) Davis are as follows :
i. Ida Davis b. July 2, 1874 d. August 2, 1900 m. Samuel Hancock m(2) Carrie Morris
ii. Dealie Davis b. July 1877 d. 1961 m. Daniel Stivers

Children of Robert Farrell and Mary Ellen (Swafford) Gilliland are as follows :
iii. William Everett Gilliland b. August 24, 1885 d. July 7, 1963 m. Maude Arthur
iv. Mary Florence Gilliland b. July 8, 1887 d. May 6, 1924 m. Thomas Franklin Crane

I descend from James Austin and Mary Ellen (Swafford) Davis through their daughter, Ida, as follows :
Mary Ellen Swafford and James Austin Davis
Ida Davis and _________
June Kirk Davis and Clemon Beals Lambertson (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : John Mendenhall (b. August 30, 1688)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 9th-great grandfather, John Mendenhall.

John was born August 30, 1659 in England, the son of Thomas and Joane (Stroade) Mendenhall/Mildenhall. John married June 5, 1685 in Chester Co., PA to Elizabeth Maris, daughter of George and Alice (________) Maris. Elizabeth was born February 3, 1664/65 in Worchestershire, England and died 1708 in Chester Co., PA. John died August 19, 1758 in Chester Co., PA.

This family were members of the Society of Friends (Quaker), and some of the above dates may not have been translated properly.

Known children of John and Elizabeth (Maris) Mendenhall are as follows :
i. Aaron Mendenhall b. 1690 d. 1765 m. Rose Pierson
ii. George Mendenhall b. 1686 d. 1758
iii. John Mendenhall b. 1688 d. 1758 m. Susannah Pierson

I descend from John and Elizabeth (Maris) Mendenhall through their son, John, as foll0ws :
John Mendenhall and Elizabeth Maris
John Mendenhall and Susannah Pierson
Mordecai Mendenhall and Charity Beeson
Charity Mendenhall and Aaron Mills
Henry Mills and Hannah Woodward
Hannah Mills and Isaac S. Poe
Elizabeth Caroline Poe and Nathan Thomas Beals
Pearl May Beals and Charles Wilson Lambertson
Clemon Beals Lambertson and June Kirk Davis (my great-grandparents)

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Happy Anniversary : William Shaw and Mary Heck

Happy Anniversary to my maternal 4th-great grandparents, William Shaw and Mary Heck, married August 29, 1822 in Brown Co., OH.

Known children of William and Mary (Heck) Shaw are as follows :
John Shaw m. Sara Webb
Elizabeth Shaw m. Daniel King
Nicholas H. Shaw m. Elizabeth Yeamon
Thomas Shaw
James Shaw
Samantha Shaw
El Shaw
William Godfrey Shaw m. Mary Jane Young
Douglas Shaw

Monday, August 28, 2006

Today in my database : Mary Stickel (b. August 28, 1768)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 5th-great grandmother, Mary Stickel.

Mary was born August 28, 1768 in Warrington Twp., York Co., PA., the daugther of Jacob and Anna Maria (________) Stickel. She married ca. 1795 in York Co., PA to Abraham Byers, son of Charles and Elizabeth (________) Byers. Abraham was born December 31, 1771 and died January 21, 1833 in Warrington Twp., York Co., PA. Mary died September 24, 1842 in Warrington Twp., York Co., PA.

Known children of Abraham and Mary (Stickel) Byers are as follows :
i. Barbara Byers b. January 5, 1798 York Co., PA., d. December 4, 1874 Wayne Co., OH., m. David Jacobs
ii. John Byers b. 1800 York Co., PA., d. September 20, 1879 Burbank, OH., m. Elizabeth Umberger.
iii. _______ Byers b. 1802 York Co., PA., died in infancy
iv. Abraham Byers b. March 13, 1803 York Co., PA., d. December 31, 1867 York Co., PA., m. Louisa Bower.
v. David Byers b. 1805 York Co., PA., m. Hester ________
vi. Elizabeth Byers b. 1809 York Co., PA.
vii. Hannah Byers b. 1811 York Co., PA
viii. Jacob Byers b. 1814 York Co., PA. m. Sarah ________
ix. Mary Byers b. 1816 York Co., PA m. William Hagen

I descend from Abraham and Mary (Stickel) Byers through their daughter, Barbara, as follows :
Mary Stickel and Abraham Byers
Barbara Byers and David Jacobs
Susan Jacobs and David Sherrick
Mary Jane Sherrick and George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley and Cora Belle Metzner (my great grandparents)

Today in my database : Joananh Antonides (b. August 28, 1778)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 5th-great grandmother, Joannah Antonides.

Joannah was born August 28, 1778 in New Jersey. She is believed to be the daughter of Pieter and Catherine (Vanderveer) Antonides. She married June 4, 1797 in New Jersey to James Groenendyke, son of Nicholas Groenendyke. James was born 1770 in Middlesex Co., NJ., and died September 1836 in Fayette Co., IN. Joannah died 1825 in Fayette Co., IN.

Known children of James and Joannah (Antonides) Groenendyke are as follows :
i. Nicholas Groenendyke b. 1798 Middlesex Co., NJ., d. bef. 1836 prob. Decatur Co., IN., m. Lydia ________
ii. Peter Groenendyke b. May 2, 1800 New Jersey, d. August 24, 1854 Montgomery Co., IN., m. Hannah Beard
iii. John Groenendyke b. October 18, 1802 New Jersey, d. January 19, 1886, m. Elizabeth Smelser.
iv. Catherine Groenendyke b. 1805 Marlboro, Monmouth Co., NJ., d. 1876, m. James Lindsey Montgomery
v. Thomas Hagerman Groenendyke b. January 18, 1808 New Jersey, d. September 24, 1875, m. Nancy Moffett
vi. James Groenendyke b. August 12, 1812 New Jersey, d. October 3, 1878 Delaware Co., IN., m. Charity Durman
vii. Michael Groenendyke b. May 25, 1815 Dearborn Co., IN., d. February 5, 1899, m. Anna Hankins
viii. Elias Groenendyke b. May 20, 1818 Fayette Co., IN, d. May 23, 1906 Darke Co., OH, m. Nancy Jenkins m(2) Hester Teaford

I descend from James and Joannah (Antonides) Groenendyke through their son, Elias, as follows :
Joannah Antonides and James Groenendyke
Elias Groenendyke and Nancy Jenkins
Catherine Groenendyke and Edmund G. Pierce
William Francis Pierce and Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce and Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Today in my database : Moses Hurlbut (b. August 26, 1714)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 7th-great grandfather, Moses Hurbut.

Moses was born August 26, 1714 in Woodbury, CT, the son of Joseph and Mary (Castle) Hurlbut. He married on December 23, 1735 to Rebecca Warner, daughter of Ebenezer and Martha (Gilpin) Warner. Rebecca was born December 12, 1715 and died after 1747. Moses died August 3, 1763 in Roxbury, CT.

Known children of Moses and Rebecca (Warner) Hurlbut are as follows :
i. Adam Hurlbut bap. October 24, 1736 Woodbury, CT.
ii. Mabel Hurlbut bap. October 8, 1738 Woodbury, CT., m. Elijah Benedict
iii. Israel Hurlbut bap. May 18, 1740 Woodbury, CT., m. Jerusha ________
iv. Rebecca Hurlbut bap. October 4, 1745 Woodbury, CT., m. Josiah Bronson
v. Deborah Hurlbut bap. June 21, 1747 Woodbury, CT.

I descend from Moses and Rebecca (Warner) Hurlbut through their son, Israel, as follows :
Moses Hurlbut and Rebecca Warner
Israel Hurlbut and Jerusha ________
Avis Hurlbut and John Moulton
Selah Moulton and Lydia Fennel
Albert Moulton and Emeline ________
Clara Moulton and John Adam Metzner
Cora Belle Metzner and Eli Weldon Haley (my great-grandparents)

Friday, August 25, 2006

Happy Anniversary : Joseph Aaronsen and Hannah Folwell

Happy Anniversary to my maternal 7th-great grandparents, Joseph Aaronsen and Hannah Folwell, married August 25, 1736 in Burlington Co., NJ.

Known children of Joseph and Hannah (Folwell) Aaronsen are as follows :
Hannah Aaronsen m. Cornwell Woolston
John Aaronsen
Sarah Aaronsen
Benjamin Aaronsen
Mary Aaronsen

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Today in my database : Ellen King (b. August 24, 1868)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 2nd-great grandmother, Ellen King.

Ellen was born August 24, 1868 in Frankton, Madison Co., IN, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Shaw) King. She married May 13, 1888 in Madison Co., IN to John William Wright, son of Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (Heaton) Wright. John was born February 21, 1860 in Brown Co., OH and died June 5, 1945 in Monroe Twp., Madison Co., IN. Ellen died December 24, 1913 in Monroe Twp., Madison Co., IN. Both are buried in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Alexandria, Madison Co., IN.

Children of John William and Ellen (King) Wright are as follows:
i. Virgil Lee Wright b. July 6, 1894 Madison Co., IN., d. March 25, 1972 Madison Co., IN., m. Edna Muriel Pierce.
ii. Chester Arthur Wright b. October 18, 1896 Madison Co., IN., m. Erma Hayes.

I descend from John William and Ellen (King) Wright through their son, Virgil, who is my great-grandfather.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Today in my database : John Adam Metzner (b. August 23, 1840)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 2nd-great grandfather, John Adam Metzner.

John was born August 23, 1840 in Licking Co., OH, the son of John and Catherine (Young) Metzner. John married November 13, 1864 in Jay Co., IN to Clara Moulton, daughter of Albert and Emeline (Philbrick) Moulton. Clara was born September 1843 in Licking Co., OH and died July 2, 1899 in Westchester, Jay Co., IN. John died December 4, 1895 in Westchester, Jay Co., IN.

John served during the Civil War as a member of Co. G, 40th Ohio Infantry and the 51st Ohio Infantry.

Children of John Adam and Clara (Moulton) Metzner :
i. Willis A.L. Metzner
ii. Cora Belle Metzner m. Eli Weldon Haley
iii. Wesley F. Metzner m. Elnora Axe
iv. Lewis Metzner

I descend from John Adam and Clara (Moulton) Metzner through their daughter, Cora, who is my great-grandmother.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Today in my database ; Samuel Woolston (b. August 22, 1768)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 5th great-grandfather, Samuel Woolston.

Samuel was born August 22, 1768 in Burlington Co., NJ, the son of Samuel and Cyllania (Woolston) Woolston. Samuel married February 26, 1795 in Burlington Co., NJ to Hannah Haines, daughter of Robert and Rachel (Venicomb) Haines. Hannah was born January 21, 1768 in Burlington Co., NJ and died February 7, 1813 in Burlington Co., NJ. Samuel died November 3, 1813 in Burlington Co., NJ.

The above dates may not be correctly converted from Quaker dating, as members of the Woolston and Haines family were Quakers.

Known children of Samuel and Hannah (Haines) Woolston :
i. Anne Woolston m. Joshua Woolston
ii. Samuel Woolston
iii. Robert Haines Woolston m. Annette Maris Harrison
iv. Rachel Woolston m. Abel B. Woolston
v. William Haines Woolston m. Mary Boulton Dobbins
vi. Sarah Woolston m. William Williams
vii. Letitia Woolston
viii. John Woolston
ix. Margaretta Woolston m. Charles Haines
x. Beulah Haines Woolston m. Daniel Deacon

I descend from Samuel and Hannah's daughter, Rachel, as follows:

Samuel Woolston and Hannah Haines
Rachel Woolston and Abel B. Woolston
Caroline Bishop Woolston and Ezekiel Cooper Chew
Mary Keziah Chew and Luman Walker Lemasters
Luman Cooper LeMasters and Barbara Isabelle Wehrly (my great-grandparents)

Monday, August 21, 2006

Today in my database : Cora Belle Metzner (b. August 21, 1868)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal great-grandmother, Cora Belle Metzner.

Cora was born August 21, 1868 in Jay Co., IN, the daughter of John Adam and Clara (Moulton) Metzner. Cora married on July 21, 1888 in Jay Co., IN to Eli Weldon Haley, son of George Washington and Mary Jane (Sherrick) Haley. Eli was born March 24, 1866 in Erie Co., OH and died June 14, 1957 in Jay Co., IN. Cora died April 28, 1955 in Jay Co., IN. Both are buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay Co., IN.

Children of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley :
i. Vera Delphene Haley m. Clarence Stuber
ii. Orpha Mable Haley
iii. Mary Annettie Haley m. Galen Miller
iv. Clara Elnora Haley m. Eugene Kunce
v. Charles L. Haley
vi. Carrie Verle Haley m. Waymon Thornburg
vii. Ruth Pauline Haley m. Ord Wehrly LeMaster

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Today in my database : Isaac S. Poe (b. August 20, 1830)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 4th great-grandfather, Isaac S. Poe.

Isaac was born August 20, 1830 in Chatham Co., NC., the son of John W. and Elizabeth (Rains) Poe. Isaac married October 15, 1807 in Randolph Co., NC. to Hannah Mills, daughter of Henry and Hannah (Woodward) Mills. Hannah was born January 9, 1833 in Morgan Co., IN and died March 9, 1914 in Norton, Norton Co., KS. Isaac died November 20, 1909 in Norton, Norton Co., KS.

Isaac was a Civil War veteran, serving as a Private in Co. E, 12th Regiment, Indiana Infantry. He mustered into service on August 11, 1862 at Indianapolis and mustered out on June 8, 1865 at Goldsboro, NC.

Children of Isaac and Hannah (Mills) Poe :
i. Elizabeth Caroline Poe m. Nathan Thomas Beals
ii. Henry Mills Poe
iii. Francis W. Poe
iv. Pleasant E. Poe
v. Origin M. Poe
vi. Charles Morton Poe
vii. Curtis W. Poe

I descend from Isaac and Hannah's daughter, Elizabeth, as follows :

Isaac S. Poe and Hannah Mills
Elizabeth Caroline Poe and Nathan Thomas Beals
Pearl May Beals and Charles Wilson Lambertson
Clemon Beals Lambertson and June Kirk Davis (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Ulrich Scherch (b. August 20, 1704)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 6th great-grandfather, Ulrich Scherch.

Ulrich was born August 20, 1704 in Sumiswald, Canton Bern, Switzerland, the son of Ulrich and Barbara (Grundbacher) Schuerch. Ulrich married Anna Swarr, daughter of Peter and Adaline (________) Swarr. Anna was born in 1720 and died in 1810. Ulrich died October 1763 in Lancaster Co., PA.

Known children of Ulrich and Anna (Swarr) Scherch :

i. Anna Shirk m. John Frantz
ii. Barbara Shirk m. John Yagy
iii. Catherine Shirk m. Joseph Baer
iv. Maria Shirk m. George Frantz
v. Salome Shirk
vi. Sarah Shirk m. Adam Frantz
vii. Elizabeth Shirk m. John Funk
viii. Ulrich Shirk m. Maria Eberly
ix. David Shirk m. Barbara Erb
x. Magdalena Shirk m. David Gockley
xi. Michael Shirk m. Barbara Flickinger

I descend from Ulrich and Anna's son, David, as follows :

Ulrich Scherch and Anna Swarr
David Shirk and Barbara Erb
David Sherrick and Eve ________
David Sherrick and Susan Jacobs
Mary Jane Sherrick and George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley and Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Alexander Webb (b. August 20, 1559)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 12th great-grandfather, Alexander Webb.

Alexander was born August 20, 1559 in Stratford, Warwickshire, England, the son of Alexander and Margaret (Arden) Webb. Alexander married Mary Wilson, daughter of Thomas Wilson. Mary was born in 1561 in Stratford, Warwickshire, England. Alexander died in Massachusetts, but I do not have a date of emigration or death.

I descend from Alexander and Mary's son, Richard, as follows :

Alexander Webb and Mary Wilson
Richard Webb and Grace Wilson
John Webb and Anna Bassett
Sarah Webb and Zechariah Field
John Field and Mary Bennett
Bennett Field and Elizabeth Spofford
Bethiah Field and Seth Pierce
Gordon Pierce and Thirsa Smalley
Francis S. Pierce and Rebecca Page
Edmund G. Pierce and Catherine Groenendyke
William Francis Pierce and Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce and Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Today in my database : Anton Schwartz (b. August 19, 1637)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 9th great-grandfather, Anton Schwartz.

Anton was born August 19, 1637 in Egenhausen, Wuerttemberg, the son of Anton & Anna (Wackenhut) Schwartz. Anton married in 1663 to Magdalena Calmbach, daugther of Hans & Christina (________) Calmbach. Magdalena was born November 22, 1640 and died January 25, 1721/22 in Egenhausen, Wuerttemberg. Anton died January 1, 1721/22 in Egenhausen, Wuerttemberg.

I descend from Anton & Magdalena's daughter, Magdalena, as follows :

Anton Schwartz and Magdalena Calmbach
Magdalena Schwartz and Martin ________
Maria ________ and Jacob Stickel
Jacob Stickel and Anna Maria ________
Mary Stickel and Abraham Byers
Barbara Byers and David Jacobs
Susan Jacobs and David Sherrick
Mary Jane Sherrick and George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley and Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Friday, August 18, 2006

Today in my database : Susan Jacobs (b. August 18, 1825)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 3rd-great grandmother, Susan Jacobs.

Susan was born August 18, 1825 in Warrington Twp., York Co., PA, the daughter of David & Barbara (Byers) Jacobs. Susan married March 23, 1843 in Wayne Co., OH to David Sherrick, son of David & Eve (________) Sherrick. David was born October 18, 1823 in York Co., PA., and died September 30, 1914 in Ashland, Ashland Co., OH. Susan died February 24, 1864 in Mifflin Twp., Ashland Co., OH.

Known children of David & Susan (Jacobs) Sherrick :

i. Mary Jane b. January 13, 1844; d. January 15, 1916; m(1) George Washington Haley; m(2) Robert N. Kimble
ii. Amanda Matilda b. 1845; m. ____ Overs
iii. Catherine B. b. 1846; m. Eli Overs
iv. Almira b. 1849; d. ca. 1854
v. William W. b. ca. 1853
vi. Abraham L. b. June 19, 1856; d. 1917; m. Ruth Thomas
vii. Weldon J. b. 1858; d. 1936; m. Ella _____
viii. Margaret A. b. ca. 1860
ix. Alice

I descend from David & Susan's daughter, Mary Jane, as follows :

Susan Jacobs m. David Sherrick
Mary Jane Sherrick m. George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley m. Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Rebecca Page (b. August 18, 1806)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 4th-great grandmother, Rebecca Page.

Rebecca was born August 18, 1806 in New Jersey. Her parentage is unknown, but she did have a brother named John, and it is believed that her grandfather was named John as well. Rebecca married Francis S. Pierce, son of Gordon and Thirsa (Smalley) Pierce, on October 25, 1831 in Wayne Co., IN. Francis was born June 8, 1806 in Vermont and died August 5, 1881 in Wayne Co., IN. Rebecca died June 26, 1893 in Wayne Co., IN.

Known children of Francis S. & Rebecca (Page) Pierce :

i. John b. ca. 1831; d. ca. 1832
ii. David b. ca. 1833; d. bef. 1840
iii. John b. ca. 1833; d. bef. 1840
iv. Henry Aldred b. October 10, 1833; d. aft. 1880; m. Scineathy Sinelsor
v. Francis N. b. July 25, 1835; m. Susan Moore
vi. Edmund G. b. April 30, 1837; d. January 8, 1875; m(1) Lydia Duell; m(2) Catherine Groenendyke
vii. Albert Orlando b. June 2, 1839; m(1) Elizabeth Williams Pike; m(2) Sarah ____
viii. Margaret P. b. October 17, 1840; m. William Henry Harrison Sommers
ix. Amanda P. b. December 20, 1842; d. February 22, 1845
x. Minerva b. December 6, 1846; d. August 31, 1902; m. Daniel Sigler
xi. Almira P. b. March 8, 1849; d. 1926; m. Andrew Jackson Sigler
xii. Emma Pierce b. February 20, 1851; d. August 15, 1853

I descend from Francis & Rebecca's son, Edmund G, as follows :

Rebecca Page m. Francis S. Pierce
Edmund G. Pierce m. Catherine Gronendyke
William Francis Pierce m. Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce m. Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Happy Anniversary : Wyatt Cummings and Margaret Henson

Happy Anniversary to Wyatt Cummings and Margaret Henson, married August 15, 1857 in Winston Co., AL. Wyatt and Margaret are Eileen's paternal great-grandparents.

Known children of Wyatt and Margaret (Henson) Cummings are as follows :

Martha Cummings m. John Tilley
John Spencer Cummings m. Martha Addling Pace m(2) Dollie ________
St. Patrick Merlin Cummings m. Melinda Ellen Pace m(2) Bessie Lee Ivey
Dora Ann Cummings m. Paul Tilley
Michael Cummings
Oscar Cummings m. Sarah Ann Spencer
Monroe Cummings m. Josie ________
Prince Albert Cummings m. Hassie Mae Rundles
James W. Cummings m. Grace Ellen Harrison
Larfieler Cummings m. ________ Taylor
Lucina Cummings m. Frank Wagoner
Wyatt Cummings m. Laura ________
Lucena Cummings m. Sells Pinkey

Today in my database : Hannah Fessenden (August 15, 1732)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 7th great-grandmother, Hannah Fessenden.

Hannah Fessenden was born August 15, 1732 in Cambridge, Middlesex Co., MA, the daughter of William and Martha (Brown) Fessenden. Hannah married John Wright, son of Robert & Elizabeth (Henderson) Wright on February 15, 1753 in Cambridge, Middlesex Co., MA. John was born February 10, 1726/27 in Freuchie, Falkland Parish, Fife, Scotland and died June 1772 off the coast of Anamaboo, Ghana in a shipwreck. Hannah died December 9, 1800 in Cambridge, Middlesex Co., MA.

I descend from John & Hannah's son, John, as follows :

John Wright m. Hannah Fessenden
John Wright m. Sarah Fleming
George Wright m. Elizabeth Robins
John Wright m. Anna Wardlaw
Joseph W. Wright m. Rebecca Ann Heaton
John William Wright m. Ellen King
Virgil Lee Wright m. Edna Muriel Pierce (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : John Powell (b. August 15, 1675)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 8th great-grandfather, John Powell.

John Powell was born August 15, 1675 in Northampton, England, the son of Robert & Prudence (________) Powell. John married Elizabeth Parker, daughter of George & Sarah (________) Parker, on December 23, 1698 in Burlington Co., NJ. Elizabeth was born ca. 1676 in Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., NJ and died ca. 1745 in Burlington Co., NJ. John died December 14, 1715 in Monmouth Co., NJ.

I descend from John & Elizabeth's daughter, Sarah, as follows :

John Powell m. Elizabeth Parker
Sarah Powell m. John Woolston
Cyllania Woolston m. Samuel Woolston
Lettice Woolston m. Abel Briggs
Beulah Briggs m. John Woolston
Abel B. Woolston m. Rachel Woolston
Caroline Bishop Woolston m. Ezekiel Cooper Chew
Mary Keziah Chew m. Luman Walker Lemasters
Luman Cooper LeMasters m. Barbara Isabelle Wehrly (my great-grandparents)

Friday, August 11, 2006

Today in my database : Catherine Vanderveer (b. August 11, 1732)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 6th great-grandmother, Catherine Vanderveer.

Catherine was born August 11, 1732 , the daughter of Michael & Belitja (Snydam) Vanderveer. Catherine married Pieter Antonides on November 10, 1750. Pieter was born July 31, 1727 and died April 27, 1796 Flushing, NY. Catherine died May 10, 1796.

I descend from Pieter & Catherine's daugther Johanna as follows :

Johanna Antonides m. James Groenendyke
Elias Groenendyke m. Nancy Jenkins
Catherine Groenendyke m. Edmund G. Pierce
William Francis Pierce m. Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce m. Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Lemuel Beals household - 1870 US Census Hamilton Co., Indiana

Found an interesting census record for this family in the 1870 census of
Washington Twp., Westfield P.O., Hamilton Co., IN in the 1870 census.

The first interesting item was the value of the real estate $24,550.00 -
this is one of the more prosperous values I've seen in my own family's
research. I wonder what the value would be in 2006 dollars. Apparently,
Lemuel Beals was quite an extensive landowner.

The other interesting item was that both Lemuel and his wife Emily were
listed as having attended school within the year. More than likely, this is
an error, but I recorded it in my notes, as that is what the record says.

Today in my database : John Stockton (b. August 10, 1674)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 8th great-grandfather, John Stockton.

John was born August 10, 1674 in Flushing, NY, the son of Richard & Abigail (Bloomfield) Stockton. John married 1704 in Burlington, Burlington Co., NJ to Anne Knott. Anne was born 1677 (probably Burlington Co., NJ) and died July 25, 1745 in Burlington Co., NJ. John died March 29, 1747 in Burlington Co., NJ.

I descend from their daughter Rachel as follows :

John Stockton m. Anne Knott
Rachel Stockton m. Francis Briggs
Abel Briggs m. Lettice Woolston
Beulah Briggs m. John Woolston
Abel B. Woolston m. Rachel Woolston
Caroline Bishop Woolston m. Ezekiel Cooper Chew
Mary Keziah Chew m. Luman Walker Lemasters
Luman Cooper LeMasters m. Barbara Isabelle Wehrly (my great-grandparents)

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Today in my database : Amelia Matilda Sauer (b. August 6, 1890)

Today's featured relative in my database is my daughter's maternal 2nd great-grandmother, Amelia Matilda Sauer.

Amelia was born August 6, 1890 in Vanderburgh Co., IN, the daughter of Edward J. & Amelia M. (Ritt) Sauer. Amelia married Frank Field Miguet. Frank was born November 1885 in Iowa, the son of Henry & Katherine (Jarrett) Miguet. Frank died January 28, 1954 in Evansville, Vanderburgh Co., IN. Amelia died September 25, 1974 in Evansville, Vanderburgh Co., IN. Both are buried in the Meyer Lutheran Cemetery, Evansville, Vanderburgh Co., IN.

My daughter is descended from Frank & Amelia's daughter, Miriam, who married Edward Ferdinand Wildt.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Today in my database : John Allen (b. August 3, 1694)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 9th-great grandfather, John Allen.

John was born August 3, 1694 in Ireland. John married Amy Cox in March 1718 in Chester Co., PA. Amy was born 1696 in New Castle Co., DE and died September 13, 1778. John died September 16, 1771 in Chester Co., PA.

John & Amy's family were members of the Society of Friends (Quakers). The above dates may have been incorrectly converted.

I descend from John & Amy's son John as follows :

John Allen m. Amy Cox
John Allen m. Phebe Scarlett
Hannah Allen m. Nicholas Barker
Abner Barker m. Lydia Osborne
Mary Barker m. John W. Davis
Mary Davis m. John T. Beals
Nathan Thomas Beals m. Elizabeth Caroline Poe
Pearl May Beals m. Charles Wilson Lambertson
Clemon Beals Lambertson m. June Kirk Davis (my great-grandparents)

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Today in my database : Frederick Damm (b. August 1853)

Today's featured relative in my database is my daughter's maternal 3rd great-grandfather, Frederick Damm.

Frederick was born in August 1853 in Indiana (probably Vanderburgh Co.). Frederick married Wilhemina Schneider circa 1879. Wilhemina was born January 1855 in Indiana. Frederick died March 28, 1925 in Evansville, Vanderburgh Co., IN.

Known children of Frederick and Wilhemina (Schneider) Damm are as follows :

Lula Damm
Anna Magdalena Damm m. Arthur Wildt
Mary Damm
Lena Damm
Matilda P. Damm m. Marion King
Fred H. Damm m. Ethel Jones
Viola Damm m. Samuel Wellmier

Monday, July 31, 2006

Today in my database : William Cheney (b. July 31, 1603)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 11th great-grandfather, William Cheney.

William was born July 31, 1603 in Lambourn, Berkshire, England, the son of William Cheney. William married in 1626 in Roxbury, Suffolk Co., MA to Margaret Cole. Margaret was born ca. 1604 in England and died July 1686 in Roxbury, Suffolk Co., MA. William died January 31, 1666/67 in Roxbury, Suffolk Co., MA.

I descend from William and Margaret's son Thomas as follows:

William Cheney m. Margaret Cole
Thomas Cheney m. Jane Atkinson
Margaret Cheney m. Nicholas Fessenden
William Fessenden m. Martha Brown
Hannah Fessenden m. John Wright
John Wright m. Sarah Fleming
George Wright m. Elizabeth Robins
John Wright m. Anna Wardlaw
Joseph W. Wright m. Rebecca Ann Heaton
John William Wright m. Ellen King
Virgil Lee Wright m. Edna Muriel Pierce (my great grandparents)

Today in my database : George Wright (b. July 31, 1780)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 5th great-grandfather, George Wright.

George was born July 31, 1780 in Pennsylvania (possibly Westmoreland Co.), the son of John and Sarah (Fleming) Wright. George married January 27, 1812 in Adams Co., OH to Elizabeth Robins, the daughter of Obadiah & Susannah (Hodgkins) Robins. Elizabeth was born June 16, 1781 in Pennsylvania and died November 22, 1857 in Brown Co., OH. George died August 5, 1853 in Brown Co., OH.

I descend from George & Elizabeth's son, John, as follows :

George Wright m. Elizabeth Robins
John Wright m. Anna Wardlaw
Joseph W. Wright m. Rebecca Heaton
John William Wright m. Ellen King
Virgil Lee Wright m. Edna Muriel Pierce (my great-grandparents)

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Happy Anniversary : Phillip Young & Keziah Curtis

Happy Anniversary to my paternal 4th great-grandfather, Phillip Young, and his second wife, Keziah Curtis, married July 30, 1826 in Pickaway Co., OH.

Known children of Phillip Young and Keziah Curtis :

David Young
Sarah Young m. James Haney
William Robinson Young
Peter Miller Young m. Martha Ann Porter
Melissa Jane Young m. Alfred Ailes
Silas Dunbar Young m. Mary Jane Munch
Washington Carter Young
Angeline Hedge Young
Esther Miller Young m. William J. Betz
Levi Young

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Today in my database : Catherine Elizabeth Kint (b. July 29, 1768)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 5th great-grandmother, Catherine Elizabeth Kint.

Catherine was born July 29, 1768 in Germany. She married Charles Young who was born April 1757 in Germany and died 1848 in Berkeley Co., VA (now WVA.) Catherine died April 17, 1841 in Auglaize Co., OH.

I descend from Charles & Catherine's son Phillip, as follows :

Catherine Elizabeth Kint m. Charles Young
Phillip Young m. Nancy Ann McLane
Nancy Young m. Luman Walker Lemasters
Luman Walker Lemasters Jr. m. Mary Keziah Chew
Luman Cooper LeMasters m. Barbara Isabelle Wehrly (my great-grandparents)

Friday, July 28, 2006

Happy Anniversary : Karl Louis Ritt & Anna Marie Kahre

Happy Anniversary to my daughter's maternal 4th great-grandparents, Karl Louis Ritt and Anna Maria Kahre, married July 28, 1864 in Vanderburgh Co., IN.

Known children of Karl Louis Ritt and Anna Maria Kahre:

Amelia M. Ritt m. Edward J. Sauer
John W. Ritt m. Tillie Maasberg
Emma Ritt m. Henry Bishop
Carrie Ritt m. Louis Fischer
Mathilde Ritt
Edwin C. Ritt m. Margaret M. Halbig

Happy Anniversary : Elias Groenendyke & Nancy Jenkins

Happy Anniversary to my maternal 4th great-grandparents, Elias Groenendyke & Nancy Jenkins, married July 28, 1839 in Fayette Co., IN.

Known children of Elias Groenendyke & Nancy Jenkins:

Amanda Groenendyke
Andrew Groenendyke
Catherine Groenendyke m. Edmund G. Pierce
Charity Groenendyke m. Thomas Stapleton
John Thomas Groenendyke
Amos Groenendyke
James Groenendyke
Thomas Groenendyke m. Emily Smith m(2) Hattie Ballard
Cora E. Groenendyke m. Garland Hancock m(2) Jasper Miller

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Obituary : Salome Young

Source : undated newspaper clipping
Salome Young was born in France, May 10, 1794. Was married to Nicholas Young in the year of 1813, who whom she came to America in 1840. She became a member of the Evangelical Association 35 years ago. She departed this life September 3, 1887, aged 93 years, 3 months and 23 days. She leaves 1 daughter, 15 grand-children, and 36 great-grand-children to mourn their loss. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. I.B. Fisher at the Mt. Zion Evangelical church...

Notice of Final Settlement : Daniel King

Source : Anderson, IN Democrat, February 16, 1877
Notice is hereby given that Elizabeth King, administrarix of the estate of Daniel King, deceased, late of Madison county, Indiana, has filed in the Clerk's office of the Circuit Court of said county, her final settlement of said estate; and that the same will be heard on the first judicial day of the next term of said court, to be begun and held at the court house in Anderson, on the second Monday in March 1877. Attest: R. H. Hannah, Clerk.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Obituary : David King

Source : Alexandria, IN Times-Tribune, November 2, 1914
DAVID KING DEAD AT FRANKTON HOME
Man Who Underwent Operation Last Tuesday Passed Away Last Night
David King, a well known resident of Frankton, died last night at 11 o'clock after a lingering illness which resulted last Tuesday in an operation for the amputation of the right leg. The deceased man is survived by a wife and four children. The children are : Mrs. Maude Jackley, of Russell, Iowa, who reached Frankton before her father died; Mrs. Mack Gosnell, of Rushville, Ind., who was unable to get to the bedside of her father; Victor King, residing on a farm near Frankton, and Hoy King, residing in Frankton.
Mr. King was known by many people in Madison county and for a number of years he lived on a farm between Alexandria and Frankton. During the harvest this summer Mr. King blistered his foot and gradually gangrene set in. As a last resort to save the right limb an operation was performed last Tuesday. The funeral arrangements have not been completed.

Today in my database : William P. Smith (b. July 25, 1815)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 3rd great-grandfather, William P. Smith.

William was born July 25, 1815 in Clark Co., OH., the son of Jacob and Jane (Elliott) Smith. William was married on October 3, 1836 to Prudence Maxson, daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Sutton) Maxson. Prudence was born June 15, 1817 in Greene Co., OH, and died February 22, 1890 in Salamonia, Jay Co., IN. William died April 19, 1894 in Salamonia, Jay Co., IN.

William was a minister of the Gospel and moved around quite a bit. In 1840 he was in Pike Twp., Jay Co., IN; between 1844-1851 he was in Cass Co., MI; by 1851 he was back in Jay Co., IN; also lived in Randolph Co., IN; between 1869-1881 he was in Richardson Co., NE.

During the Civil War, William served in Co. I, 139th Indiana Infantry as a Sergeant, for which he received a pension.

I descend from William and Prudence's daughter, Olive Jane as follows :

William P. Smith married Prudence Maxson
Olive Jane Smith married William P. Wehrly
Barbara Isabelle Wehrly married Luman Cooper LeMasters (my great-grandparents)

Friday, July 21, 2006

Happy Anniversary : Eli Weldon Haley & Cora Belle Metzner

Happy Anniversary to my paternal great-grandparents, Eli Weldon Haley & Cora Belle Metzner, married July 21, 1888 in Jay Co., IN.

Children of Eli Weldon Haley & Cora Belle Metzner :

Vera Delphene Haley m. Clarence Stuber
Orpha Mable Haley
Mary Annettie Haley m. Galen Miller
Clara Elnora Haley m. Eugene Kunce
Charles L. Haley
Carrie Verle Haley m. Waymon Thornburg
Ruth Pauline Haley m. Ord Wehrly LeMaster

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Groendyke child

Source : Anderson, IN Democrat, August 24, 1877
Thomas Groendyke buried a small child on Friday last. He resides in Richland township one mile west of Commissioner Funk's.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Happy Anniversary : Johan Michael Jacobs & Maria Catherine Cherdron

Happy Anniversary to my paternal 6th great-grandparents, Johan Michael Jacobs & Maria Catherine Cherdron, married July 18, 1771 in Dover Twp., York Co., PA.

Known children of Johan Michael Jacobs & Maria Catherine Chredron :

Michael Jacobs m. Margaret [________]
George Jacobs m. Sophia [________]
Abraham Jacobs m. Margaret [________]

Today in my database : Catherine Young (b. July 18, 1819)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 3rd great-grandmother, Catherine Young.

Catherine was born July 18, 1819 in France, the daughter of Nicholas & Salome (______) Young. The Young family emigrated to America shortly before 1839. Catherine married November 4, 1839 in Newark, Licking Co., OH to John Metzner, the son of Jasper & Hannah (Reisenburg) Metzner. John was born October 2, 1805 in Saxony and died January 10, 1888 in Jay Co., IN. Catherine died June 22, 1910 in Jay Co., IN.

I descend from John & Catherine's son John Adam as follows:

Catherine Young m. John Metzner
John Adam Metzner m. Clara Moulton
Cora Belle Metzner m. Eli Weldon Haley (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Martha Whatlock (b. July 18, 1568)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 12th great-grandmother, Martha Whatlock.

Martha was born July 18, 1568 in Rattlesden, Suffolk, England, the daughter of Thomas & Joan (_____) Whatlock/Whotlocke. Martha married July 25, 1594 in Rattlesden, Suffolk, England to Henry Scott, son of Edward & Joan (______) Scott. Henry was born November 1, 1560 and died December 24, 1624 in Rattlesden, Suffolk, England. Martha died March 14, 1610/11.

I descend from Henry & Martha's son Thomas as follows:

Martha Whatlock m. Henry Scott
Thomas Scott m. Elizabeth Strutt
Elizabeth Scott m. John Spofford
Samuel Spofford m. Sarah Burpbee
Thomas Spofford m. Bethiah Hazeltine
Elizabeth Stafford m. Bennett Field
Bethiah Field m. Seth Pierce
Gordon Pierce m. Thirsa Smalley
Francis S. Pierce m. Rebecca Page
Edmund G. Pierce m. Catherine Gronendyke
William Francis Pierce m. Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce m. Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Monday, July 17, 2006

Obituary : Mary Ellen Gilliland

Source : Undated newspaper clipping

Aged Resident of Dolan Dies

Mrs. Mary Ellen Gilliland, 77, died at 11:35 p.m. today at the home of her son, William E. Gilliland, north of Doland [sic]. Death was due to uremic poisoning.

Survivors are the son, and a daughter, Mrs. Dan Stivers, Dolan, and two grand children whom Mrs. Gilliland reared, Mrs. Pete Decker, Crawfordsville, and Mrs. C.D. Lambertson, Elwood; and 13 other grand children and 13 great grand children.

Mrs. Gilliland was the widow of Robert Gilliland, who died 16 years ago.

She was a member of the Dolan Baptist Church, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in charge of the Rev. J.M. Coldweld, of Crawfordsville. Interment will be in the M.E. cemetery at Elletsville.

Pallbearers are Pete Decker, C.B. Lambertson, Albert F. Adams, Freemond Gilliland, Thom Crouch and Edward Gilliland.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Today in my database : Anna Margueritte Viellard (b. July 15, 1672)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 8th great-grandmother, Anna Margueritte Viellard.

Anna was born July 15, 1672 in Otterberg, Bayern, the daughter of Pierre & Catherine (Boye) Viellard. Anna married Abraham Cherdron, son of Jean and Susanne (Censier) Cherdron circa 1701 in Otterberg. Anna died March 20, 1728/29 in Otterberg , Bayern.

I descend from Anna & Abraham's son Hans Heinrich Cherdron as follows:

Anna Margueritte Viellard m. Abraham Cherdron
Hans Heinrich Cherdron m. Anna Maria Herbach
Maria Catherine Cherdron m. Johan Michael Jacobs
Michael Jacobs m. Margaret ________
David Jacobs m. Barbara Byers
Susan Jacobs m. David Sherrick
Mary Jane Sherrick m. George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley m. Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Friday, July 14, 2006

Happy Anniversary : Christopher Strutt & Anne Waller

Happy Anniversary to my maternal 12th great-grandparents, Christopher Strutt & Anne Waller, married July 14, 1560 in Rattlesden, Suffolk, England.

Known children of Christopher Strutt & Anne Waller:

Elizabeth Strutt m. Thomas Scott

Monday, July 10, 2006

Today in my database : William Francis Pierce (b. July 10, 1865)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 2nd great-grandfather, William Francis Pierce.

William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison Co., IN, the son of Edmund G. & Catherine (Groenendyke) Pierce. William married January 14, 1892 in Madison Co., IN to Clara Pennisten, daughter of John & Jane Ann (Alderman) Pennisten. Clara was born March 1869 in Madison Co., IN and died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Twp., Madison Co., IN. William married secondly on March 4, 1909 in Madison Co., IN to Vida Maddox, daugther of Charles W. & Sarah (Powell) Maddox. Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, KY and died November 19, 1968 in Alexandria, Madison Co., IN. William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison Co., IN.

I descend from William and Clara through their daughter Edna as follows:

William Francis Pierce m. Clara Pennisten
Edna Muriel Pierce m. Virgil Lee Wright (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Nancy Graham (b. July 10, 1760)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 6th great-grandmother, Nancy Graham.

Nancy was born July 10, 1760, the daughter of Richard & Asenath (______) Graham. Nancy married on March 2, 1787 in Randolph Co., NC to Anthony Rains. Anthony was born October 13, 1757 in Caroline Co., VA and died March 25, 1837 in Randolph Co., NC. I do not have a death date for Nancy in my database.

I descend from Anthony & Nancy's daugther Elizabeth as follows:

Nancy Graham m. Anthony Rains
Elizabeth Rains m. John W. Poe
Isaac S. Poe m. Hannah Mills
Elizabeth Caroline Poe m. Nathan Thomas Beals
Pearl May Beals m. Charles Wilson Lambertson
Clemon Beals Lambertson m. June Kirk Davis (my great-grandparents)

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Today in my database : Hans Heinrich Cherdron (b. July 8, 1706)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 7th great-grandfather, Hans Heinrich Cherdron.

Hans was born July 8, 1706 in Erlenbach, Bayern, the son of Abraham & Anne Margueritte (Viellard) Cherdron. Hans married on April 22, 1727 in Otterberg, Bayern to Anna Maria Herbach, daughter of Johann Peter & Anna Maria (______) Herbach. I do not have the exact date of hs emigration to America. Hans died after 1771 in York Co., PA.

I descend from Hans & Anna's daughter Maria Catherine as follows :

Hans Heinrich Cherdron m. Anna Maria Herbach
Maria Catherine Cherdron m. Johan Michael Jacobs
Michael Jacobs m. Margaret ________
David Jacobs m. Barbara Byers
Susan Jacobs m. David Sherrick
Mary Jane Sherrick m. George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley m. Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Happy Anniversary : John Lambertson & Sarah A. Willson

Happy Anniversary to my maternal 4th great-grandparents, John Lambertson & Sarah A. Willson, married July 6, 1822 in Belvidere, Sussex Co. (now Warren Co.), NJ.

Known children of John & Sarah A. (Willson) Lambertson :

Elizabeth W. Lambertson m. Carey H. Gilliland
Wilson Jackson Lambertson died young
Carmon W. Lambertson m. Mary Jane Vanlue
George G. Lambertson m(1) Harriet Jones m(2) Adelaide Hall
John Vorhees Lambertson m(1) Hannah Hudson m(2) Annie E. Oliver m(3) Margaret Jane Demonet
Sarah Wilson Lambertson m. John Lyst
Nelson J. Lambertson m. Eliza Jane Johnson
Mary S. Lambertson m. Samuel Snively
Carey W. Lambertson m. Clara E. Cook
Ellen Lambertson m(1) ____ Sockey m(2) David L. Mengle

Today in my database : Barbara Reist (b. July 6, 1606)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 9th great-grandmother, Barbara Reist.

Barbara was born July 6, 1606 in Sumiswald, Canton Bern, Switzerland, the daughter of Hans and Kungold (Zehnder) Reist. Barbara married to Leonard Eggiman in Switzerland, before 1640.
I do not have information on her date of death.

I descend from Barbara & Leonard's daugther Verena as follows:

Barbara Reist m. Leonard Eggiman
Verena Eggiman m. Peter Schurch
Ulrich Schurch m. Barbara Grundbacher
Ulrich Scherch m. Anna Swarr
David Shirk m. Barbara Erb
David Sherrick m. Eve _______
David Sherrick m. Susan Jacobs
Mary Jane Sherrick m. George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley m. Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Today in my database : Virgil Lee Wright (b. July 6, 1894)

Today's relative in my database is my maternal great-grandfather, Virgil Lee Wright.

Virgil was born July 6, 1894 in Madison Co., Indiana, the son of John William and Ellen (King) Wright. Virgil married June 19, 1915 in Alexandria, Madison Co., Indiana to Edna Muriel Pierce, the daughter of William Francis & Clara (Pennisten) Pierce. Virgil died March 25, 1972 in Monroe Twp., Madison Co., Indiana.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Clemon & June Lambertson

This photograph of my great-grandparents, Clemon & June (Davis) Lambertson was sent to me by my cousin Lloyd Adams in Florida.

Clemon Beals Lambertson married June Kirk Davis (a.k.a. Gilliland) on June 28, 1917 in Monroe Co., Indiana.

Clemon was born October 27, 1898 in Cicero, Hamilton Co., Indiana, the son of Charles Wilson & Pearl May (Beals) Lambertson. June was born June 11, 1898 in Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana, the daughter of Ida Davis. She was raised by her maternal grandmother & step-grandfather, Mary & Robert Gilliland, and used the Gilliland surname.

Today in my database : Anna Maria Herbach (b. July 5, 1705)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 7th-great grandmother, Anna Maria Herbach.

Anna Maria was born July 5, 1705 in Otterberg, Bayern (Bavaria), the daughter of Johann Peter & Anna Maria (________) Herbach. Anna Maria married Hans Heinrich Cherndron on April 22, 1727 in Otterberg. Anna Maria died sometime after 1772 in York Co., PA.

I descend from Hans & Anna Maria Cherndron's daughter Maria Catherine as follows :

Anna Maria Herbach m. Hans Heinrich Cherndron
Maria Catherine Cherndron m. Johan Michael Jacobs
Michael Jacobs m. Margaret ________
David Jacobs m. Barbara Byers
Susan Jacobs m. David Sherrick
Mary Jane Sherrick m. George Washington Haley
Eli Weldon Haley m. Cora Belle Metzner (my great-grandparents)

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Today in my database : Ida Davis (b. July 2, 1874)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 2nd great-grandmother, Ida Davis.

Ida was born July 2, 1874 in Owen Co., IN, the daughter of James Austin & Mary Ellen (Swafford) Davis. Ida married August 28, 1892 in Monroe Co., Indiana to Samuel G. Hancock, son of Joseph & Margaret (Vaughn) Hancock. They later divorced, but I have yet to find the exact record. Ida married July 19, 1900 in Monroe Co., Indiana to Carrie A. Morris. Ida died August 2, 1900 in Clay Twp., Owen County, Indiana.

Ida had two daughters out-of-wedlock, Pansy and June. June was my great-grandmother. The search for June's father has been unsuccesful as of yet. Pansy was born December 11, 1894 (where?) and June was born June 11, 1898 in Indianapolis.

I believe I have located Ida in the 1900 census in the 7th Ward, Center Twp., Indianapolis.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Obituary : John M. High

Source : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin

ALEXANDRIA - John M. High, 73, Rt. 4, Alexandria, died Monday at Community Hospital in Anderson following an extended illness.

He was born Sept. 13, 1919, in Rowesburg, W. Va., and lived in Alexandria since 1945.

He was senior purchasing agent for Haynes International in Kokomo for 30 years, retiring in 1984. He was a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and a Pearl Harbor survivor while stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma.

He was a lifetime member of the Alexandria American Legion, member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Masonic Lodge 235, Eastern Star Chapter 179, the Methodist Church in West Virginia and a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Ellen (Wright) High; two sons, Charles L. High of Anderson and John Phillip High of Alexandria; six grandchildren; two step-grandsons and one great-grandchild.

Services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Noffze Funeral Home, 501 N. Harrison St., Alexandria, with the Rev. Jack Wachenschwanz officiating. Burail will be at Park View Cemetery, Alexandria.

Friends may call today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. There will be a Masonic memorial service at the funeral home at 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alexandria Masonic Lodge 235 through the funeral home.

Monday, June 26, 2006

Salem and Greenbrier Seventh Day Baptist Cemetery Association

Received a letter from the Salem and Greenbrier Seventh Day Baptist Cemetery Association in Salem, WV updating on the status of their current projects.

A Medal of Honor cemetery marker has been placed on the gravesite of Walter F. McWhorter in the Greenbrier Cemetery.

Of particular interest was the announcement that the association has reprint copies available of the 1992 work Davis: The Settlers of Salem, West Virginia for $75.00 (plus $4 for shipping) This is the 3rd edition celebrating the bicentennial of Salem. Proceeds go towards the maintenance of the Greenbrier cemetery, where many descendants of William Davis (1664-1745) are buried. Allied families include Ash, Babcok, Bee, Bond, Cox, FitzRandolph, Ford, Hall, Hutson, Maxson, Nicholson, Randolph, Smith, Sutton, Tharp, Williams, et. al.

The Davis book can be ordered at : 171 East Main Street, Salem, WV 26426

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Is the DNA-Genealogy Link not all its cracked up to be?

I've been skeptical since I first heard about the rash of DNA testing being done to 'flesh' out and discover family tree links that were previously only speculated about. There is too much emphasis in 'science' as the cure-all for everything, and anyone with a Ph.D. in one discipline is suddenly given credibility in another. While I do not doubt the veracity of the DNA evidence I am leaving as I type on my keyboard, I have trouble believing that DNA can be used to tell me conclusively where my ancestors originated.

I found this excellent blog about the subject of bogus DNA testing which I agree with. Today, Rootsweb is cluttered with DNA mailing lists for about every surname imaginable. I'm sure that these people are sincere about discovering who they are or perhaps linking together two distinct family lines that have not yet been connected by public records. I cannot however, believe that they are not being taken for a ride by companies who are capitalizing on the 'genealogy fever' that is so rampant today. Everyone would like to be related to Charlemagne - it's just not likely. DNA genealogy has created the new 'Indian princess' or '3 brothers from France' legends.

These DNA tests cannot really tell you anything conclusively about your family history, and the article states :
"But the general public doesn't know this, and no one seems to be telling them. More and more of these companies are popping up, the popularity of these tests has soared, and every month or so, a journalist (like this guy today) writes yet another story about how people are using this technology to unlock family secrets and "debunk family tales," even though it simply doesn't work that way. The upshot of so many of these stories is that people are being confused or traumatized by results from these tests. People with dark skin who came from black families and identified themselves as African-American are suddenly being told that they aren't African-American at all. People have sought psychotherapy over these results and questioned their families. But this is all based on a science that can't actually say you're not African American, (and most certainly can't say you're not Caucasian and therefore should qualify for minority scholarships and affirmative action)."


In my case, with a surname such as LeMaster, I'm pretty sure that I'm related to most who have the same name, whether they spell it with an 'a' instead of the 'e', or add the final 's.' In the work Lemasters U.S.A. 1639-1965, 90% of all Lemasters in the United States are descendants of Abraham Lemaster of Charles & St. Marys Cos., Md. There are others who descend from Johann Wilhelm Leymeister of Pennsylvania. How these lines are intertwined back in Europe has not been documented, and may never be. Would DNA testing tie them together? It would all be speculation without documentation.

On The Shelf : Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian by Elizabeth Shown Mills

This book is arguably the best guidebook for genealogists and family historians wanting to be sure that they cite sources in a orderly manner. I know that when I started working with my genealogy, I wasn't always worried about sources. When I did cite a source, more often than not, it was an incomplete source. Consequently, I'm now trying to go back and re-cite my sources. Invariably, I've come across disputed facts in my family tree.

Evidence! has been one of the best-buys in my genealogical library. I've been using its suggested citations as I go forward and update my files. Elizabeth Shown Mills is a well-respected genealogist who has put together an easy-to-read work that anyone can follow. You do not need to have a Master's degree in library science to understand these citation formats. Plus, being a genealogist, Ms. Mills has developed citations for the types of documents that are unique to genealogists. For example, I never had to cite a tombstone on any term paper, but now that I'm working with genealogy, it can come in handy to have a standardized format.

Published in 1997, this book will be a staple of my library for years to come.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Obituary : Bonnie M. Wright

Source : Anderson, IN Herald, Tuesday, April 10, 1984

ALEXANDRIA - Bonnie M. Wright, 60, formerly of 610 W. Broadway, died Monday afternoon at her daughter's residence after a brief illness.

She was a native of Elwood and had lived in Alexandria most of her life. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Alexandria.

Surviving is a son, Terry Wright of Chattanooga, Tenn.; a daughter, Mrs. Ord (Gloria) LeMasters of Alexandria; her father and stepmother, Clemon and Helen Lambertson of Anderson; tow brothers, Harold Lambertson of Elwood and Floyd Lambertson of Silver Lake, Ind.; a sister, Ruby Walsh of Anderson; a stepsister, Betty Barger of Anderson; and five grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Kyle and Owens Funeral Home, Alexandria, with the Rev. Jack Wachenschwanz officiating. Burial will follow in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 215 W. Berry St., Alexandria.

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

Thanks, Dad for all that you did & still do for me. Thanks for instilling in me a desire to study history, for without knowing where we came from we do not know where we are going. Your initial work on the family history, and your support in my efforts when I was a young kid, has led me on a 30-year plus journey into not only the family's history, but that of our nation. Posted by Picasa

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Today in my database : Mary West (b. June 17, 1795)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 4th great-grandmother, Mary West.

Mary was born June 17, 1795 in New Jersey (Gloucester Co. ?), the daughter of Job & Sarah (Jackson) West. Mary married circa 1812 in Gloucester Co., NJ to Nathaniel Chew (b. November 10, 1786 Gloucester Co., NJ, d. January 24, 1866 Mahaska Co., IA). Mary died February 27, 1848 in New Jersey (Gloucester Co.?)

I descend from Mary & Nathaniel Chew's daughter as follows :

Mary West m. Nathaniel Chew
Ezekiel Cooper Chew m. Caroline Bishop Woolston
Mary Keziah Chew m. Luman Walker Lemasters
Luman Cooper LeMasters m. Barbara Isabelle Wehrly [my great-grandparents]

LeMaster Family Reunion

Received my invitation to our family reunion held in Alexandria in the mail yesterday :

LeMaster Picnic

It's time to mark your calendar for our annual reunion!

Tim: Come early....stay late Let's eat around 5 p.m.
Date : Saturday, August 5, 2006

We'll furnish the hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments; baked beans & drinks. We'll have games & water baloons for the kids so bring their suits. Bring old photos to share and family recipes!

We hope you & your family will join us for food, fun & a good time.

R.S.V.P.

[What, no chili? :) ]

Friday, June 16, 2006

Obituary : Goldie R. Lambertson

Source : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, March 29, 1994

Elwood - Goldie R. Lambertson, 84, Route 2, died March 28, 1994, at Dickey's Nursing Home in Elwood.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Lambertson; two daughters, Karen Webb and Mary Reynolds; a brother, Wilford Laycock; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Central Wesleyan Church with the Revs. Matthew Miller and Glen Raney officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park, Elwood.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Dunnichay Funeral Home, Elwood.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Obituary : Frank R. Lambertson

Source : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, February 6, 1988

Plant City, Fla. - Frank R. Lambertson, 79, former Alexandria resident, 1005 Whitehurst Road, died Thursday afternoon at his residence following a brief illness.

He was born in Boxley and had lived in Alexandria most of his life, moving to Plant City, Fla., 18 years ago. He retired from Johns-Manville Corp., formerly of Alexandria, in 1970.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta Lambertson in 1977.

He is survived by two daughters, Darleen Lambertson of Plant City, Fla., and Mrs. Virgil (Shirley) Patz of Alexandria; a son, Frank D. Lambertson of Summitville; a brother, Robert Lambertson of Alexandria; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday in St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rev. Philip S. Haslinger officiating. Burial will be in Park View Cemetery, Alexandria.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Owens Funeral Home where rosary will be said at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Joannah Antonides (1778-1825)

Seeking more information/correction to my possible ANTONIDES line:

Johannah ANTONIDES b. August 28, 1778 New Jersey, d. 1825 Fayette Co., IN., m. June 4, 1797 to James GROENENDYKE.

Johannah was suppossedly the daughter of Pieter & Catherine (VANDERVEER) ANTONIDES, but this has not been confirmed.

Johannah's maiden name has also appeared as HAGERMAN.

Query : Alderman Line VA>KY>IN>IL

Seeking more information/corrections to my known ALDERMAN line :

James ALDERMAN b. before 1775, d. bet. 1850-1854 Greenville, Bond Co., IL m. Catherine WARNER June 8, 1795 Augusta Co., VA., m(2) Martha CANTELL after 1800.

Richard ALDERMAN b. 1810 Kentucky, d. after 1870 Madison Co., IN., m. Eliza [________] ca. 1840 Indiana.

Jane Ann ALDERMAN b. 1843 Indiana, d. April 8, 1919 Alexandria, Madison Co., IN., m. John PENISTEN ca. 1868 Indiana.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Today in my database : Peter Kirkpatrick Swafford (b. June 12, 1827)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 4th-great grandfather, Peter Kirkpatrick Swafford, born June 12, 1827 in Mississippi.

Peter was the son of Larkin & Nancy [______] Swafford. Peter married on April 3, 1853 in Owen Co., IN to Mary Ann Crockett (b. 1835 Owen Co., IN, d. 1865), daughter of David and Mary Ann (Nosler) Crockett. Peter died August 1854 in Owen Co., IN.

I descend from Peter through his daughter, Mary Ellen Swafford, born August 30, 1854 near Stinesville, Monroe Co., IN.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Today in my database : Isabella Feily (b. June 10, 1793)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 5th-great grandmother, Isabella Feily, born June 10, 1793.

Isabella was born June 10, 1793 in Pennsylvania, of unknown parents. She married August 5, 1808 in Adams Co., OH to James Thomas Jacobs (b. May 20, 1789 Virginia, d. September 1, 1847 Brown Co., OH). Isabella died September 5, 1876 in Ohio, probably Brown Co.

I descend from their daughter, Elizabeth Jacobs, born June 30, 1811 in Adams Co., OH as follows:

Isabella Feily m. James Thomas Jacobs
Elizabeth Jacobs m. James R. Heaton
Rebecca Ann Heaton m. Joseph W. Wright
John William Wright m. Ellen King
Virgil Lee Wright m. Edna Muriel Pierce (my great-grandparents)

Friday, June 09, 2006

Right Under My Nose

Sometimes the best genealogical information is right under my nose. I'm in the middle of finishing up the scanning of several years worth of accumulation of paperwork, and noticing just how many tidbits of family history I've missed along the way.

For instance, today in looking at the Civil War pension papers of Nathaniel Derby Chew, I found that it contained certified transcripts from the family Bible of his father, Ezekiel Cooper Chew. Therein were full names (middle names, too) and birth and death dates that I simply had missed and did not yet have added to my Family Tree Maker database.

There is much for me to add to my database as I go through this information, source it and update my files, and it makes me wonder how many times I've tried to re-invent the wheel. Perhaps that key to unlocking a family mystery was already in my files all along, and I had overlooked it.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Today in my database : Francis S. Pierce (b. June 8, 1806)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 4th-great grandfather, Francis S. Pierce.

Francis was born June 8, 1806 in Vermont, the son of Gordon & Thirsa (Smalley) Pierce. He married October 25, 1831 to Rebecca Page (b. August 18, 1806 New Jersey, d. June 26, 1893 Wayne Co., IN) in Wayne Co., IN. Francis died August 5, 1881 in Wayne Co., IN.

This Pierce line is connected to President Franklin Pierce.

I descend from Francis & Rebecca's son Edmund G. Pierce who married Catherine Groenendyke.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Remembering D-Day

Today is D-Day, the Normandy invasion by Allied troops during World War II. Too many people have forgotten the sacrifices of the 'greatest generation.' Please take a moment to honor the memories of those who gave their all for our freedom.

Visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at FindAGrave.com. There are two Lemasters listed there : William H. Lemaster and Stanley L. Lemaster, both from West Virginia. I know of no direct relationship, as of yet, to either of these men.

My daughter has a great-great uncle buried there, PFC Frederick C. Wildt of Evansville, IN.

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Query : Adney Family

Seeking more information about the family line of Mary ADNEY (b. December 6, 1800, d. December 7, 1877 Henry Co., IN) who married Jacob RHINEHART (b. December 12, 1797, d. August 4, 1847 Henry Co., IN).

I show Mary as the daughter of Daniel ADNEY (b. January 12, 1777 Botetourt Co., VA, d. May 2, 1862 Union Co., IN) & Anna COGER. Show Daniel ADNEY as the son of Thomas ADNEY & Elizabeth DUNN.

My wife is descended from Mary ADNEY. Any information would be appreciated.

Obituary : Pearl M. Lambertson

From: Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, August 4, 1970

ELWOOD - Mrs. Pearl M. Lambertson, 92, who had resided at Rt. 1, Summitville, died at the Dickey Nursing Home at 10:30 a.m. Monday after after an illness of several months.

Born in Westfield, May 11, 1878, she was the daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth Beals. She was married in 1897 to Charles Lambertson who died in May 1958. She was a member of the Cicero Christain Church.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Copher and Fesler Funeral Home with Rev. Ralph Richardson officiating. Interment will be in the Cicero Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary today.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Leona Carpenter and Mrs. Pauline Vanness both of Elwood and Mrs. Elizabeth Herschberger Rt. 1, Summittville; three sons, Clemon Lambertson, Anderson, Orville (Jack) Lambertson, Oroville, Calif., and Paul Lambertson, Elwood; 17 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Obituary : Cecilia M. Wright

From : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, Tuesday, September 27, 1988

ELWOOD - Cecilia M. "Sissy" (Lambertson) Wright, 45, 1310 S. N St., Elwood, died Monday afternoon at Mercy Hospital following an extended illness.

She was born in Tipton and lived in Elwood most of her life. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Elwood, Beta Sigma Phi sorority and Women's Republican Club. She was formerly employed as the office manager at Elwood City Water Co.

She is survived by her husband, Eddie Joe Wright; a daughter, Lynne M. (Priest) Susaraba of Warsaw; a stepdaughter, Alycia Brown of Warsaw; her parents, Harold and Martha Lambertson of Elwood; a brother, Ronald Lambertson of Middletown; maternal grandmother, Margaret Phillips of Elwood; paternal grandfather, Clemon Lambertson of Anderson; and a granddaughter.

Arrangements are pending at Copher and Fesler Funeral Home.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Obituary : William McClelland Pierce

From : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, Sunday, November 26, 1978

ALEXANDRIA - William "Mac" McClelland Pierce, 65, of Rt. 1, died Friday evening at Community Hospital, Anderson, after a long illness.

A native and lifelong resident of Alexandria, he retired in 1971 from Guide Division.

Funeral rites will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Noffze Funeral Home and burial will be in Park View Cemetery.

Friends may call at the mortuary after 4 p.m. Sunday. Masonic memorial rites will be at 7 p.m. Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Survivors include the wife, Geneva; three sons, Larry R. and Ronald L., both of Anderson, and William C. of Alexandria; four brothers, Charles D., Robert F., and P. Edmund, all of Alexandria, and James L. of Chicago; a sister, Nehersta Roberts of Los Angeles, Calif.; and six grandchildren.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, a past worthy patron of OES 179, a past master of Masonic Lodge 235; a member of the Charter and Council Royal Arch Masons, Commandery 32 of Anderson; Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis and Murat Shrine at Indianapolis.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Obituary : Alberta Lambertson

From : Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, Sunday, May 15, 1977

ALEXANDRIA - Mrs. Alberta F. Lambertson, 67, former resident of Alexandria, died early Thursday at her home in Plant City, Fla., after a brief illness.

A native of Madison County, she lived at Plant City for the past seven years.

Surviving with her husband, Frank are two daughters, Miss Darleen Lambertson of Plant City, and Mrs. Virgil (Shirley) Patz of Alexandria; one son, Frank D. Lambertson of Summitville; a sister, Genevive Fettig of Hartford City; and other relatives.

Graveside services will be Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Park View Cemetery, Alexandria.

Friends may call after 7 p.m. today at the Karl M. Kyle Funeral Home, and until the hour of service Saturday.

Memorial Day Reflections

I spent a wonderful, but hot, Memorial Day yesterday placing flowers at my wife's grandparents graves at Center Grove Cemetery in Lincolnville. This cemetery is a well-kept, active cemetery, and I always enjoy wandering around looking at tombstones of my wife's family.

Once again, we ran into Mr. Bob Kendall, an elderly man who shared fascinating stories about the history of Lincolnville and Wabash County in general. He is a professor at IUPUFW, and told us that he is in the process of writing a book. Last year, after meeting him, I tried to locate more information about him and could not find him, joking I told my wife I thought he might have been an angel. But this year, there he was again, this time with his wife.

One thing I noticed this year at the cemetery was that no one had placed the US flag on the veteran's tombstones. How sad. Maybe there is no one to do so?

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Today in my database : Barbara Petry (b. May 28, 1802)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 3rd great-grandmother, Barbara Petry.

Barbara was born May 28, 1802 in York Co., PA, the daughter of George and Maria Catharina (Kaltreider) Petry. Barbara married in 1821 in Starke Co., OH to Johannes Wehrly (aka John S. Wehrly), son of Heinrich & Christina (Saubel) Wehrly. Johannes was born June 4, 1802 in York Co., PA, and died November 10, 1876 in Salamonia, Jay Co., IN. Barabara (Petry) Wehrly died August 27, 1880 in Salamonia, Jay Co., IN.

I descend from their youngest child, William P. Wehrly, born November 2, 1845 in Preble Co., OH.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Parkview Cemetery, Alexandria, Indiana


My co-workers think I'm bizarre, but I enjoy spending my lunchtime walking and photographing local cemeteries, and then posting the results at FindAGrave.com.

Yesterday, I spent time at Parkview Cemetery in Alexandria, Indiana, where several members of my family are buried. As I walk row by row, I'm photographing each tombstone I find. It's a slow process, but also a rewarding one, as I have discovered the final resting place for several relatives.

The results of my 'work' (or fun, as I would call it), can be found here. I would encourage everyone to photograph and preserve the tombstone records of our cemeteries before they are all gone.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Cyndi's List for Genealogy Bloggers

Cyndi's List has recently added a new category for genealogical blogging that has some interesting links. I will have to add some links to some of my favorites, right now an early favorite is Family Bibles - I've always wished that my own family's Bibles had been preserved. I know from reading pension records, that they did exist at one time for the Lemaster family, and I came close to obtaining the Chew family Bible a few years ago, but unfortunately, I am without these keepsakes.

Today in my database : Abraham Hazeltine (b. May 23, 1648)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 9th great-grandfather, Abraham Hazeltine.

Abraham was born May 23, 1648 in Rowley, Essex Co., MA, the son of Robert Hazeltine. Abraham married Elizabeth Longhorne (b. September 23, 1649 Rowley, Essex Co., MA, d. March 29, 1704 Bradford, Essex Co., MA) on October 7, 1669 in Bradford, Essex Co., MA. Abraham died April 28, 1711 in Bradford, Essex Co., MA.

I descend from Abraham & Elizabeth's daughter Bethiah Hazeltine as follows :

Abraham Hazeltine & Elizabeth Longhorne
Bethiah Hazeltine & Thomas Spofford
Elizabeth Spofford & Bennett Field
Bethiah Field & Seth Pierce
Gordon Pierce & Thirsa Smalley
Francis S. Piece & Rebecca Page
Edmund G. Pierce & Catherine Groenendyke

Backing up my data

Just yesterday I finished burning backup CDs of my genealogy data & scans, something that I would recommend that everyone do from time to time. I had tried to get into the habit of doing a backup monthly, but have been lax as of late.

A couple of years ago, we started to have computer problems, and my wife tried to back up everything before she formatted the hard drive. Something went wrong, and I lost nearly two or three years of work. It was a tough lesson to learn.

As far as my scanning project goes, I'm partly through another box of paper. It's amazing the amount of material I've collected. Now I need to sit down and enter & source it in my database, while trying not to get sidetracked.

Obituary : Vivian Evans

From: Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, February 4, 1968

Elwood- Mrs. Vivian Evans, 78, of 1126 S. Anderson St., died Sunday at Mercy Hospital after a month's illness.
She was born April 1889 in Elwood to Dr. Daniel Sigler and Minerva Pierce Sigler. She was married in 1910 to William G. Evans who died in 1950.
Mrs. Evans was member of the First Presbyterian Church and belonged to the Westminster Circle of the church. She was a past president of that organization and was serving as secretary.
She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star 71 and had served as its treasurer for 17 years, she also belonged to the Past Matrons Club, of which she was secretary. She received the Award of Gold from the OES in 1964.
Survivors include a son, J. Daniel Evans, Elwood; two daughters, Mrs. Arthur (Rosanne) Stokes, of Elwood; and Mrs. Lawrence (Minerva Jane) Mills, of Munster, Ind., her step-mother, Mrs. Mary Sigler, and a half-brother, Daniel Sigler, both of Elwood; six grand children and four great-grandchildren.
The body was removed to the Dunnichay Funeral Home, where members of the OES will present their memorial ritual at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the First Presbyterian Church by the Rev. James G. Saint, pastor. Burial will be in Elwood City Cemetery.
The body will be taken to the church one hour before the funeral service.

Obituary : William Arden LeMaster

From: Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin, October 17, 1978

Portland- William A. LeMaster, 54, Rt. 6, died Sunday afternoon at the Jay County Hospital. A farmer, he had also driven a school bus for the Jay County Corporation for 25 years.
Surviving with the wife, Wanda, are two sons, Charels and Daniel LeMaster, Portland; his father, John LeMaster Sr., Anderson; three sisters including Mrs. Ralph (Ardis) Bickel of Anderson, and four grandchildren.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the United Church of Christ in Salamonia. Burial will be in the Salamonia Cemetery.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Today in my database : Thomas William Davis (b. May 15, 1719)

Today's featured relative in my database is my paternal 6th-great grandfather, Thomas William Davis.

Thomas was born May 15, 1719 in Westerly, Rhode Island, the son of John and Elizabeth (Maxson) Davis. Thomas married Tacy Crandall on December 8, 1737 in Westerly, Rhode Island. Tacy was the daughter of John & Mary (____) Crandall, and was born circa 1720 in Westerly, Rhode Island, died June 1, 1795 in White Day Creek, Monongalia Co., VA. Thomas died July 15, 1791 in White Day Creek, Monongalia, Co., VA.

I descend from Thomas & Tacy's daughter, Elisabeth Davis, who married Ephraim Maxson.
My line of descent is as follows :

Thomas Davis & Tacy Crandall
Elisabeth Davis & Ephraim Maxson
Jesse Maxson & Sarah Sutton
Prudence Maxson & William P. Smith
Olive Jane Smith & William P. Wehrly
Barbara Isabelle Wehrly & Luman Cooper LeMasters

Obituary : Pansy Timm

Source : Crawfordsville, IN Journal-Review, January 27, 1968

Mrs. Pansy Decker Timm, former resident of Crawfordsville, died at 8:40 p.m. Friday at the White County Hospital in Monticello.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond Timm of Monticello.

Other survivors include two sons, Gene Decker of Danville, Ind., and Wilbur R. Decker of Crawfordsville; a daughter, Mrs. Wandalee Purcell of Lynwood, Calif.; seven stepchildren, and several grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Monticello Presbyterian Church. Rev. Wallace McDonald will officiate. Gravesite services will be conducted at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday at the Freedom Baptist Cemetery near Waveland. Friends may call at the Anfenberg Funeral Home in Monticello after 4 p.m. Monday.

Pansy was the sister of my great-grandmother June Davis.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Obituary : Helen B. Lambertson

Source : Anderson (IN) Herald-Bulletin, Sunday, September 1, 1996

Helen B. Lambertson, 85, Anderson, died Aug. 30, 1996 at St. John's Health System after an extended illness.

She was born Jan. 11, 1911, in Linwood and resided in Anderson all of her live[sic]. She graduated from Elwood High School in 1929 and completed Indiana Business College in Anderson. She was married to Ralph E. Fisher in 1931 until his death in 1951, and Clemon B. Lambertson until his death in 1994.

She was a legal secretary for several prominent in Anderson for more than 40 years, retiring in 1973. Some of these attorneys were Ellison and Neff, Judge Harold Achor, Everett McDaniels, Ralph Mattingly and Joan Bashaw Gregg. She also worked in the Madison County Assessor's Office under Dovie A. Canaday.

She was a member of Bethany Christian Church and dearly loved her family and friends. She also enjoyed birds and at one time was a breeder of parakeets.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and John Barger of Anderson; a grandson, Brent and Shirley Barger of Anderson; two granddaughters and spouses, Valerie and Daniel Rodrigue[sic] of Wasila, Alaska, and Lorelei and Neal Maggart of Lapel; and three great-grandchildren, Lor Douglas and Lisa Barger, both of Alexandria, and Allen McCoy of Lapel.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, Levi and Maud Duncan; a sister, Georgia Ruth Duncan; her first husband, Ralph E. Fisher; her second husband, Clemon B. Lambertson; and a great-grandchild, Duncan Alexander McCoy.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Guilkey & Herider Mortuary with Robert Bell officiating. Burial will be at Elwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany Christian Church in her memory.

Monday, May 08, 2006

Alderman : Madison County, Indiana Civil War Vets

Found this listing of Civil War veterans from Madison County, Indiana with the surname Alderman.

Alderman, James, Private, Co. K, 8th Infantry, mustered 9/5/1861, died at Otterville, Mo. 12/14/1861

Alderman, James W., Private, Co. K, 16th Infantry, mustered 8/19/1862, deserted, Indianapolis, 12/14/1861

Alderman, John, Private, Co. C., 110th Infantry, mustered 7/10/1863, mustered out 7/15/1863

Alderman, Washington, Private, Co. E, 8th Infantry, mustered 4/22/1861, mustered out 8/6/1861 term expired.

Still need to work on these individuals to determine which ones are related to me. Washington Alderman for sure, the others are probably cousins/brothers.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Today in my database : Sibell Littell (b. May 5, 1769)

Today's featured relative in my database is my maternal 6th great-grandmother, Sibell Littell.

Sibell was born May 5, 1769 in Virginia, and died September 9, 1853 in Adams Co., OH. Sibell married William Jacobs in 1787 in Morgantown, VA (now WVA). William was born 1765 in Virginia and died 1841 in Brown Co., OH.

I descend from Sibell and William's son James Thomas Jacobs who married Isabella Feily. This is one of two Jacobs lines in my family, who are not connected as of yet. Much more research is needed.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Pefley-Lewis Family Reunion

Received notice in the mail of the next Pefley-Lewis family reunion (wife's side). Previously, these two families have had separate reunions.

When : Saturday, June 24, 2006 12:00 noon (Children's games start at 11 a.m.)
Where : Northfield High School, Wabash, IN. (Corner of Highway 13 and CR 200)

Please bring your appetite, a covered dish, one liter of beverage (non-alcoholic), golf clubs, competetive spirit, enthusiasm, eagerness to reminisce, memories, pictures, stories of the past & present!!!

There will be an auction to help pay for the cost of this year's reunion so be thinking of something that you might share!

A more detailed agenda will be coming in the mail soon !

Today in my database : Sarah May Peoples (b. May 3, 1870)

Today's featured relative in my database is my wife's great-grandmother, Sarah May Peoples.

Sarah was born May 3, 1870 in Culver, Marshall Co., IN and died May 1932. She was the daughter of George and Katherine (McMillen) Peoples.

Sarah married Albert Duffey Pefley in 1897 in Plymouth, Marshall Co., IN. Their children were Lowell, Myra, Homer and Sherman Pefley.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Obituary : Suman Douglas King

Source : Alexandria, IN Times-Tribune, January 9, 1950

Death Claims Douglas King at Orestes

Douglas "Pappy" King, 88, a life-long resident of this community, died at 12:07 a.m. today at his home in Orestes following a four-year illness.

Mr. King suffered a fractured hip in a fall Dec. 22 and his condition had been serious since that time.

Born May 20, 1861 in Madison county near Frankton, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel King.

During his lifetime he had been employed with the old Plate Glass company here and the Indiana railroad. His last employment was with the county highway department as a truck driver.

He was married in 1880 to Amanda Fox, who died in 1944. He was affiliated with the First Baptist church, Orestes. Five children preceded in death.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Edna Danforth and Mrs. Hazel Gross, both of Alexandria; one son, Fred with whom he made his home; one brother, Ben King, Orestes; 44 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren and four great, great-grandchildren.

The body was removed to the Roger C. Gipe funeral home and will be returned to the family home this evening.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Orestes Baptist church with the Rev. Richard Berkey, Christian pastor, in charge. Burial will be in Odd Fellows cemetery.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Family History Rescued from fire



These photographs were rescued from the house fire of my great-aunt Barbara Webster, and were given to me by my mother for safe-keeping. I tend to be the one whose given the family history gems to hold onto.

I have not identified these photographs, but assume that they are from either the Wright or the Pierce family line.

Fire is a destroyer and no respector of persons - please make copies of your photographs, family documents, etc. and pass them around to other members of the family so that in case of a tragedy, all is not lost.

Genealogy Without Documentation is Mythology

How many times have I heard that quote ringing in my head, particularly now as I look over the mountains of paperwork that I am trying to scan and/or organize.

So much of my early research was not documented, or when it was documented, the documentation was incomplete. I would highly recommend Evidence! by Elizabeth Shown Mills, as a guidebook for genealogical citations. As I slowly and painfully go through the process of adding source citations to my 'facts' in my family tree database, I want to kick myself for not doing this as I went along.

When I started out, I assumed that I would always remember where I heard that great-grandpa Wright was born here, or that uncle so-and-so went west and was never heard from again. Now, I struggle with the embarrassment that so much of my database is undocumented. Undocumented, my friends, is practically worthless.

My recommendation to those who are starting out is to document, document, document! When you send a chart to a far-distant cousin, and they want to know where you obtained the birth date for great-aunt Martha, you don't want to have to say "I dunno?!"

Jesus Christ had Matthew, Mark & John to give eyewitness testimony, and Luke, the historian, was able to interview eyewitnesses to the resurrection. Unfortunately, in my database, there is more hearsay than documented facts at the moment.