Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Hamilton County, Indiana resource

There is a somewhat hidden resource for Hamilton County, Indiana researchers that the Health Department has placed online. You can now search for death records of your Hamilton County ancestors and relatives.

The site is located here, somewhat hidden by the fact that the link is located not at Vital Records, but tucked away under Online Food Inspection Reports! Click on the Vital Records link from this page, and begin searching away.

According to their website, "The Hamilton County Health Department maintains electronic vital records from approximately 19xx to 2006. The Health Department database does not include all Hamilton County Death Records."

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Borror / Boyer line: Virginia to Warrick County, Indiana

Jacob BORROR / BOYER was born circa 1763 in Moorefield, Hardy County, Virginia (now West Virginia), the son of Jacob BORROR. Jacob was Corinne's maternal 6th-great grandfather. Much of the information that I have on this line comes from correspondence I received back in 1992 from Jean Thurston of Stratham, NM. Unfortunately, I have not done much additional research.

Jacob married Magdalene STRADER, daughter of Revolutionary War soldier Christopher STRADER, circa 1788 in Virginia. Magdalene was born August 26, 1767 in Hampshire County, Virginia.

Jacob died on June 2, 1804 at North Mill Creek, Hardy County, Virginia. Magdalene and their children migrated to Jackson Township, Franklin County, Ohio during the period of 1809-1811. Magdalene died there on September 15, 1838.

Known children of Jacob and Magdalene: Martin, Christina, Jacob, Solomon, Isaac, Myomi Anna & Absolom.

Martin BOYER, the oldest son, was Corinne's ancestor. He was born circa 1783 Hardy County, Virginia and married August 26, 1816 in Franklin County, Ohio to Anna BENNETT. Anna may have been the daughter of Joseph BENNETT. Anna was born January 1795 in Hardy County, Virginia.

Martin and & Anna's family migrated to Warrick County, Indiana circa 1838. Martin died in Boonville, Warrick County, Indiana in August of 1852. Anna died May 15, 1875 in Warrick County.

Known children of Martin & Anna: Edward, Christopher C., Isaac B., Christina, Elizabeth Ann, Amos, Sarah Jane, William Martin, Lavinia, Samuel & Joseph.

There is so much research needed on this line in order to flesh it out I'm not sure where to start. The Revolutionary War angle with Christopher STRADER is interesting, but I really need to dig into the census records to verify the names and tighten up some of the birthdates, etc. These BOYERS ended up scattered throughout the Warrick and Vanderburgh County, Indiana areas.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Jacob Borror / Boyer (1763-1804)

Jacob BORROR / BOYER (1763-1804) is Corinne's maternal 6th-great grandfather. He was born circa 1763 in Hardy County, Virginia (now West Virginia), purportedly the son of another Jacob Borror. The family surname became Boyer by the time they came into Warrick and Vanderburgh Cos., Indiana.

Jacob is believed to have married circa 1788 to Magdalene STRADER (1767-1838), the daughter of Revolutionary War soldier, Christopher STRADER. Magdalene was born August 26, 1767 in Hampshire County, Virginia and died September 15, 1838 in Jackson Township, Franklin County, Ohio. Magdalene is purported to be buried in the Scioto Cemetery at Borrors Corners near Columbus, Ohio.

Jacob died June 2, 1804 in North Mill Creek, Hardy County, Virginia. One source states that he is buried in the Strader Cemetery, near Austin, Ross County, Ohio. Surely they didn't re-inter his body! Three of Jacob's sons, Martin, Jacob and Solomon moved to Franklin County, Ohio in 1809 and Jacob's widow, Magdalene, followed in 1811. They may have settled on bounty land from Magdalene's father's service during the Revolutionary War.

Most of this information remains unverified and comes from a single source - a family group sheet received back in 1992.

Known children of Jacob and Magdalene (Strader) Borror/Boyer are as follows:
i. Martin Boyer b. ca. 1793 Hardy Co., Virginia; d. August 1852 Boonville, Warrick County, Indiana; m. Anna BENNETT.
ii. Christina Boyer m. Patterson MORRIS
iii. Jacob Boyer m. Catherine CONROOD
iv. Solomon Boyer m. Catherine CLARK
v. Isaac Boyer m. Olive BABCOCK
vi. Myomi/Anna Boyer
vii. Absolom Boyer m. ______ SEEDS

Failure to Document: Where was that source?

I received an email from a someone who found my research at WorldConnect and wanted to know about my source for the marriage of Sherman Green to Almeda Boyer. Their son Ivor Green was this researcher's ancestor.

When I began to look into my database, I noticed that this was information that was unsourced in my database. Another reminder that I need to cite each and every source as I place it in the database and not try to rely on later memory. In this particular case, I was able to locate files of correspondence with another researcher that I could email my new contact. I will be working to update this information and place it in the files.

I was also able to do a quick search of the census in Heritage Quest and locate this researcher's family. I discovered that their names were listed in the census as William Sherman Green and Vina A. Green.

I still had the original letter that I received from back in 1992 regarding the Boyer line that I can send as well. Hopefully, this information will allow the researcher to continue the search.

This Boyer line is one of Corinne's lines and the name appears to have originally been spelled as Borror. By the time the family was in Warrick and Vanderburgh Cos., Indiana they had been using the Boyer spelling.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Parish of Logie (County of Stirling) (Statistical Account of Scotland 1791-1799)

A purported distant relative, Rev. James WRIGHT (1721-1800) is supposed to have written a history of the parish where he served in Logie, Scotland, entitled: Parish of Logie (County of Stirling) (Statistical Account of Scotland 1791-1799). I would love to find a copy of this work to see what, if any, mention of the Wright family history might be contained.

I have been unable to locate a copy on Google books, but I did find mention of it at the GENUKI site (http://www.dgnscrn.demon.co.uk/genuki/STI/Logie/index.html).

I believe James WRIGHT is the brother of my ancestor, Robert WRIGHT (1688-1749). The Wrights were from the Logie area of Scotland before Robert's son, John, came to America sometime before 1753 when he was married in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

I have found some other mentions of this particular James WRIGHT in other books preserved at Google books, he seems to have been involved in some church controversies at that time.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday: William P. and Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly


My parternal great-great grandparents, William P. and Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly, are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.

William was born November 2, 1845 in Preble County, Ohio, the son of Johannes ("John S.") and Barbara (Petry) Wehrly.

Olive was born June 23, 1846 in Cass County, Michigan, the daughter of William P. and Prudence (Maxson) Smith.

William and Olive were married August 4, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana. They lived out their lives in the Salamonia area. William was a mortician, a sawmiller and a farmer. During the Civil War, he served in Company I, 130th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

William died on June 16, 1909 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana and Olive followed on January 6, 1913 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.

William and Olive were the parents of thirteen children, all born in Jay County, Indiana:
  • Minerva Prudence Wehrly (1867-1948) married Lawrence Delbert Jackson, 9 children
  • Barbara Isabel Wehrly (1869-1930) married Luman Cooper LeMasters, 13 children
  • John William Wehrly (1870-1954) married Esther L. White, 2 children
  • Orilla Catherine Andrews (1872-1970) married Arthur B. Andrews
  • Benjamin Franklin Wehrly (1873-1875)
  • Henry Leonard Wehrly (1875-1924) married Mamie M. Salisbury
  • Harvey Allen Wehrly (1876-1968) married Nettie Shreeve
  • Alva Monroe Wehrly (1878-1952) married Emma C. Yaeger, 1 child
  • LeRoy Garfield Wehrly (1880-1883)
  • Ida Laura Wehrly (1883-1963) married Edward Scholer
  • Blaine Pearle Wehrly (1884-) married Ermina Gladys Ashcraft, 1 child
  • Ethel May Wehrly (1886-1951) married William Shreeve
  • Martin Nimrod Wehrly (1888-1954) married Cora Burley

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Obituary: John Peeples (1845-1930)

Source: Logansport Press, Logansport, Indiana, Tuesday, March 25, 1930, page 4.

Former Rochester Resident Succumbs in Laporte Sunday

Rochester, March 24. - John Peeples, 86, a Civil War veteran and a resident of Rochester for many years, died Sunday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Harry Hissong, in Laporte. Mr. Peeples had been ill for the past three years with complications of diseases incident to advanced years.

Mr. and Mrs. Peeple's home was in East Rochester but for the past three years had lived with their children.

Surviving Mr. Peeples are his wife, who was formerly Electa McMillen; four daughters, Mrs. James Oler, of Argos, Mrs. Minne Miller, Mrs. Blanche Kepler and Mrs. Harry Hissong, of Laporte, and two sons, Will Peeples of Laporte, and Lloyd of Michigan City.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock at the Poplar Grove church, near Lake Maxinkuckee. Burial will be made in the adjacent cemetery.

John Peeples was the son of Hugh A.B. Peeples and Patsey Fisher, and the brother of George Peeples. John would be my wife's maternal great-great granduncle.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Jay County, Indiana Deed Book I page 116: Abel to Lemasters

This Indenture Witnesseth that Henry Abel in consideration of Three Thousand Dollars to his paid by Suman W. Lemaster, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged do hereby bargain, sell and convey to the said Suman W. Lemasters his heirs and assigns forever, the following Real Estate in Jay County & State of Indiana and described as follows to-wit:

The East half of the North East quarter of Section No. seven (7). Also the North West quarter of the North West quarter Section No. Eight all in Township twenty two (22) North of Range fifteen (15) East. Also the North East quarter of the North West quarter of section No. Eight (8) in the same Township and Range - except so much of said described tract as it is occupied by the tail Race of the Mill (Known as Benjamin Goldsmith's Mill) which ground with the priveledge of backing the water round the Bayou on the South side of the Salamonia Creek is reserved.

Together will all the priveledges and appurtenances to the same belonging. To have and to hold the same to the said Suman W. Lemaster his heirs and assigns forever. The grantor his heirs and assigns hereby covenanting with the grantee his heirs and assigns that the title so conveyed is clear free and unincumbered, that he is lawfully seized of the premises aforesaid as of a sure perfect and indefeasible estate of inheritance in fee simple, and that he will Warrant & defend the same against all claims whatsoever.

In Witness Whereof the said Henry Able and Sarah Ann Able his wife who hereby relinquishes her dower in said premises, have hereunto set their hands and seals, this 13th day of April 1854.

Henry Able (Seal)
Sarah Ann Able (Seal) Her X Mark

Attest
H. Graves
Philip Lemaster

State of Indiana, Jay County, SS:

Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Henry Able and Sarah Ann Able, the grantors in the above conveyance, and acknowledged the same to be their voluntary act and deed.

Witness my hand and official seal this 13th day of April, 1854.

Henderson Graves, Justice (Seal)

Filed August 19, 1854.
Recorded August 19, A.D. 1854, Thomas Black, R.J.C.

Comment : This deed book had been transcribed and typewritten in the Jay County Recorders office - the name should be Luman W. Lemasters, not Suman. Old script is often hard to read. I have maintained the spelling errors. Copy obtained by author in April 2009. Luman Walker Lemasters was my paternal 3great-grandfather. The family came from Shelby County, Ohio to Jay County, Indiana and settled in Madison Township.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Obituary: Catherine (McMillen) Peeples (1849-1916)

Source: Culver Citizen, Culver, Marshall County, Indiana, Thursday, May 4, 1916, page 2.

Catherine McMillen was born on April 6, 1849, in Marshall county., Ind. She was the daughter of James and Julia McMillen. She spent her girlhood days until 18 years old with her parents when she was united in marriage to George Peeples. To this union were born five children: Sarah May, Mary Ludema, Edward Allen, Everett Ellsworth and Edna Blanche, the two sons preceding their mother in infancy. She is survived by her husband, three daughters (Mrs. Henry Speyer of Culver, Mrs. Harry Dillon of Green township and Mrs. Sarah Peffley of Dora, Ind.), one sister, Mrs. John Peeples, one brother, Richard McMillen, and 12 grandchildren. In early years she united with the Methodist church of Poplar Grove, but later became a member of the Christian church of Maxinkuckee. She lived a consistent christian life, always being interested in the success of the church. She took the greatest interest in her home where many sacrifices were made with pleasure for those around her. She was taken away April 26, 1916, aged 67 years and 20 days. Funeral services were conducted at her late home April 28 by Rev. J.F. Kenrich assisted by Rev. Whittaker. Interment at Washington.

Comment: Catherine was my wife's maternal great-great grandmother. I have seen her name spelled both with a "C" and a "K".

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday: Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley


My paternal great-grandparents, Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (Metzner) Haley, are buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Eli was born March 24, 1866 in Erie County, Ohio, the son of George Washington and Mary Jane (Sherrick) Haley.

Cora was born August 21, 1868 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of John Adam and Clara (Moulton) Metzner.

Eli and Cora were married on July 21, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana. They lived out their lives on a farm in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana.

Cora died on April 28, 1955 in Jay County, Indiana, and Eli followed on June 14, 1957 in Jay County, Indiana.

Eli and Cora were the parents of the following children, all born in Jay County, Indiana:
  • Vera Delphene Haley (1890-1987), married Clarence Stuber, 1 child
  • Orpha Mable Haley (1892-1899)
  • Mary Annetttie Haley (1895-), married Galen Miller, 2 children
  • Clara Elnora Haley (1900-), married Eugune Kunce, 1 child
  • Charles L. Haley (1902-1903)
  • Carrie Verle Haley (1905-2003), married Waymon Thornburg
  • Ruth Pauline Haley (1906-1971), married Ord Wehrly LeMaster, 6 children

Monday, August 17, 2009

Obituary: George Peeples (1836-1918)

Source: Culver Citizen, Culver, Marshall County, Indiana, Wednesday, January 23, 1918, page 4.

Geeorge Peeples

George Peeples, son of Hugh and Patty Peeples, was born in Miami county, Ind., Sept. 24, 1836, and died at his home near Culver Jan. 15, 1918, aged 81 years, 5 months and 15 days. He was united in marriage to Catherine McMillen on Oct. 22, 1867. To this union were born five children, two of whom, Edward Allen and Everett Ellsworth, died in infancy. His wife departed this life 1 year and 9 months ago. He leaves one brother, John Peeples of Rochester, Ind., three daughters - Sarah Pefley of Wabash, Ind., Mary Speyer of Culver, and Edna Dillon of Argos; also 12 grandchildren, one great grandchild and other relatives and friends. He began life for himself at the age of 14. He was a soldier in the civil war and served three years from '61 to '64, and received an honorable discharge. He was a good citizen, a good neighbor, a kind husband and a loving father. His funeral was held at his home, conducted by Rev. Schuyler C. Norris, assisted by Rev. Albert Vermillion. Comrades of the G.A.R. acted as pallbearers and buried him with the honors of the order.

Comment: George was my wife's maternal great-great grandfather. His daughter, Sarah, was her great grandmother.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Obituary: Sarah May (Peoples) Pefley (1870-1932)

Source : Culver Citizen, Culver, Marshall County, Indiana, Wednesday, April 6, 1932, page 1.

Mrs. Sarah Pelfey Passes Away From Heart Attack

A second heart attack proved fatal to Mrs. Sarah Pefley, who passed away Monday morning at the home of her sister, Mrs. Harry Dillon, near Argos. She was 61 years of age. She had been ill for several months. Mrs. Pefley had lived in Culver for about seven years, but this winter had made her home with Mrs. Dillon. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Harry Dillon and Mrs. Henry Speyer of Culver; three sons, one daughter, and many other relatives. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the Culver M.E. Church, Rev. V. B. Servies officiating, assisted by Rev. W.B. Warringer. Interment will be in the Washington cemetery.

Source: Culver Citizen, Culver, Marshall County, Indiana, Wednesday, April 13, 1932, page 6.

Mrs. Sarah Pefley

Sarah May Peoples, eldest daughter of Geo. and Kathryn Peoples, was born May 3, 1870, on a farm near Maxinkuckee where she grew to womanhood. She joined the Christian Church there in the winter of 1888. She was married to Albert Pefley October 9, 1898. To this union were born four children, Lowell Leslie, Myra Christina, Homer Hanley and Sherman Stewart. She united with the Culver Methodist Church some six years ago. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. H.M. Speyer and Mrs. H.A. Dillon of near Argos, and a host of friends in this community.

These obituaries were provided by The Antiquarian and Historical Society of Culver, Indiana to my mother in law. Sarah was her grandmother. The surname has been found to be spelled alternatively as Peeples in some records.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday: Clemon Beals and June Kirk (Gilliland) Lambertson


My maternal great-grandparents, Clemon Beals and June Kirk (Gilliland) Lambertson, are buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.

Clemon was born October 27, 1898 in Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana, the son of Charles Wilson and Pearl May (Beals) Lambertson.

June was born June 11, 1898 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, the daughter of Ida Davis. She was raised by her grandmother and stepfather, Robert and Mary Ellen (Swafford) Gilliland, and used the Gilliland surname.

Clemon and June were married June 28, 1917 in Monroe County, Indiana. After their marriage, they raised their family in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.

June died on March 20, 1951 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana. Clemon died March 18, 1994 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

Clemon and June were the parents of four children, all of whom were born in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana:
  • Harold Wayne Lambertson (1918-2002), married Martha Marie Phillips, 2 children.
  • Floyd Ray Lambertson (1921-1998), married Nellie Jane Barr, 5 children.
  • Bonnie Mae Lambertson (1924-1984), married William Lee Wright, 2 children
  • Ruby June Lambertson (1926-), married Robert Earl Walsh, 2 children

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Weekly Genealogy Blogging Prompt # 31

Prompt: Have a family member be a guest blogger. Let a family member take the reins and provide a different perspective for a post or two. If you can't find anyone to take the job, interview a relative and spotlight the person yourself.

I didn't approach any family members to be guest bloggers this week, but I did decide to start an interview with my mother. Unfortunately, I was only able to have a few questions answered this week - but I will complete the interview at a later date. The questions come from About.com's Fifty Questions for Family History Interviews.

Why did your parents select your name? Did you have a nickname?

Grandma Wright named me "Gloria Jean". Not sure why that name was chosen, she just said I was a "Gloria Jean". I was nicknamed Gloworm by a friend from school, probably a contraction of Gloria.

Where were you born?

Mercy Hospital in Elwood because there was no hospital in Alexandria. Dr. Overpeck delivered babies there. I weighed 9 lbs. 2 oz. My mother was in labor for 3 days and the doctor wouldn't come to the hospital. He didn't come until right before delivery. Mom was so upset that she never went back to him.

What is your earliest childhood memory?

I remember going up to Tippy Lake and the end of June and hunting for mussels with my dad.

Also remember staying at Grandma Wright's at about age 6. We were going back to her garden when a huge garter snake appeared. Grandma took a hoe and killed the snake and burned it.

What kind of games did you play growing up?

We played Hearts at the lakes, there was a travelling nickel that we could win; we thought that was a lot of money. There were no girls in my neighborhood, so I played a lot with dolls.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: Ezekiel Cooper Chew


Originial Photo at Marshall County Historical Society Museum, Plymouth, Indiana

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday: Luman Cooper & Barbara Isabelle (Wehrly) LeMasters


My paternal great-grandparents, Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (Wehrly) LeMasters, are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.

Luman was born May 27, 1867 in Jay County, Indiana, the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (Chew) Lemasters.

Barbara was born March 14, 1869 in Jay County, Indiana, the daughter of William P. and Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly.

Luman and Barbara were married on November 13, 1886 in Jay County, Indiana. They moved shortly after their marriage to Ord, Valley County, Nebraska, but returned to Jay County, Indiana after the death of their first child. They lived out their remaining years on their farm in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.

Luman and Barbara were the parents of thirteen children, all but the first child were born in Jay County, Indiana.

  • [unknown name] LeMasters (1887-1887) died in infancy in Valley County, Nebraska
  • Clarence Harrison LeMasters (1888-1963) married Ferry May Bickel, had 5 children
  • Chesleigh Franklin LeMasters (1890-1960) married Clara Louise Burkey, had 6 children
  • Bertha Alberta LeMasters (1892-1961) married Russell J. Hercules, had 4 children
  • Floyd LeMasters (1894-1982) married Shirely Opal Gagle, had 2 children
  • Gerald Walker LeMasters (1896-1987) married Mabel Agnes Kantner, had 3 children; married Pearl Lovina Smith, had 2 children
  • Stanley Duey LeMaster (1898-1982) married Anna Beard, had 4 children
  • Dorothy Dot LeMaster (1900-1984) married Charles Glendon Hunt, had 3 children; married Glen Lock
  • John Leland LeMaster (1902-1980) married Dortha LeEtta DeLauter, had 6 children
  • Freda Claire LeMaster (1904-1979) married James Orville LaFollette; had 2 children
  • Ord Wehrly LeMaster (1906-1971) married Ruth Pauline Haley, had 6 children. These are my grandparents.
  • Mary Olive LeMaster (1909-) married Virgil Thornton Taylor, had 1 child.
  • Elvin Cooper LeMaster (1912-2000) married Cleo Belle Hanks, had 4 children.