Marriage: William Pierce to Vida Maddox

My maternal 2nd-great grandfather, William Francis PIERCE, widower, married secondly to Vida MADDOX on March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana. His first wife, Clara PENNISTEN, had died in 1906. Family tradition states that Vida was the housekeeper, but I haven't verified that fact yet.

Their marriage license application in Madison County, Indiana Book 20, page 216 provides some interesting information. Unfortunately, this copy was very hard to read. Notice how Vida's surname is misspelled as Mattox. In fact, it is spelled both Mattox and Maddox throughout.

APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE - MALE

Application is hereby made for a license for the marriage of William F. Pierce to Vida Mattox upon the following statement of fact relative to said parties.

1. The full christian and surname of the man is William F. Pierce
2. Color White
3. Where born Madison Co. Ind.
4. When born July 10, 1866
5. Present residence Madison Co.
6. Present occupation Farmer
8. Is the male contracting party a nearer blood kin to the female contracting party than second cousin? No
9. Full christian and surname of father E. G. Pierce
10. His color White
11. His birthplace Wayne Co. Ind.
12. His occupation Farmer
13. His residence Deceased
14. Full christian and surname of mother Catherine Gronendyke
15. Her color White
16. Her occupation Housekeeper
17. Her birthplace Madison Co.
18. Her residence Madison Co.
19. Has the male contracting party been an inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent persons within the last five years No
21. Is this his first marriage? No
22. If not, how often has he been married Once
23. Has such prior marriage, or marriages, been dissolved? Yes
24. If so, how? Death
25. When? Two years
26. Is the male contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal, or any other contagious or transmissible disease? No
27. Is he an imbecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is he under guardianship as person of unsound mind? No

STATE OF INDIANA, MADISON COUNTY, SS:
William F. Pierce deposes and says that he has personal knowledge of the facts above stated and that they and each of them are true.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 4 day of March 1909
Arthur E. Harlan, Clerk

APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE - FEMALE

Application is hereby made for a license for the marriage of Vida Mattox to William F. Pierce upon the following statement of fact relative to said parties:

1. The full christian and surname of the woman is Vida Mattox
2. Color White
3. Where born Ky
4. When born Oct 6 1886
5. Present residence Madison Co. Ind
6. Present occupation [blank]
7. Full christian and surname of father Charles Mattox
8. His color White
9. His birthplace Ky
10. His occupation Farmer
11. His residence Madison Co. Ind.
12. Full christian and surname of mother Sarah Powell
13. Her color White
14. Her occupation Housekeeper
15. Her birthplace Ky
16. Her residence Madison Co.
17. Has the female contracting party been an inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent persons within the last five years? No
18. Is this her first marriage? Yes
22. Is the female contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal, or any other contagious or transmissible disease? No
23. Is she an imbecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is she under guardianship as a person of unsound mind? No

STATE OF INDIANA, MADISON COUNTY, SS:
Vida Maddox deposes and says that she has personal knowledge of the facts above stated and that they and each of them are true.
Subscribed and sworn before me, this 4 day of March 1909.
Arthur E. Harlan, Clerk

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the 4 day of March A.D. 1909, the following Marriage License was issued, to wit:

INDIANA, TO WIT, MADISON COUNTY, SS:

To any persons empowered by law to solemnize marriages in the county of Madison, greetings:

You are hereby authorized to join together as HUSBAND and WIFE William F. Pierce and Vida Maddox and of your Certificate of Marriage make due return within three months, according to the laws of the State of Indiana.

Witness, Arthur E. Harlan, Clerk of our Madison Circuit Court, and the seal thereof, affixed at the Clerk's office in Anderson, this 4 day of March 1909.

Arthur E. Harlan

And afterwards, to wit: On the 10 day of March 1909, the following Certificate of Marriage was returned to the Clerk's office, to wit:

I, A. G. Neal, hereby certify that on the 4 day of March A.D. 1909, I duly joined in marriage Wm. F. Pierce and Vida Maddox, by authority of law and of a license from the Clerk of Madison Circuit Court.

Given under my hand, this 4th, day of March A.D. 1909.
A. G. Neal

Wordless Wednesday: Evening Colors

Tombstone Tuesday: Charles Wilson and Pearl May (Beals) Lambertson

My maternal great-great grandparents, Charles Wilson and Pearl May (Beals) Lambertson, are buried in the Cicero Cemetery, Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana. These photos were taken by a FindAGrave.com contributor, John Wolfe.

Charles was born January 25, 1872 in Preble County, Ohio, the son of Carey W. and Clara E. (Cook) Lambertson.

Pearl was born May 11, 1878 in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana, the daughter of Nathan Thomas and Elizabeth Caroline (Poe) Beals.

Charles and Pearl were married on April 18, 1897 in Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana. After their marriage they remained in Jackson Township, Hamilton County for some time - appearing in the 1900 and 1910 census records there. By the 1920 census, they were living in the 3rd ward of the city of Elwood, Madison County, Indiana. In the 1930 census, they were living in Sharpsville, Tipton County, Indiana.

Charles' occupation was that of a painter and a carpenter. According to their obituaries, both Charles and Pearl retained their memberships with the Cicero Christian Church.

Charles died on May 24, 1958 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana and Pearl died on August 3, 1970 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.

Charles and Pearl were the parents of the following children, all born in Hamilton County, Indiana:

• Clemon Beals Lambertson (1898-1994) married June Gilliland; 4 children; married 2nd to Helen Duncan
• Orville Edward "Jack" Lambertson (1902-1983) married Mary Herter; 1 child; married 2nd to Martha Stoner; married 3rd to Hassie Hawkins
• Leona D. Lambertson (1904-1988) married Clarence Fetz; 3 children; married 2nd to Joe Carpenter
• Gerald Lambertson (1906-1906) died aged 3 months of milk sickness
• Geraldine Lambertson (1906-1906) died aged 3 months of milk sickness
• Paul Lambertson (1908-1994) married Goldie Laycock; 2 children
• Pauline Lambertson (1904-1989) married Forrest VanNess; 6 children
• Elizabeth C. Lambertson (1915-2006) married Ralph Herschberger; 2 children
  

Marriage: William Pierce to Clara Pennisten

My maternal great-great grandparents, William Francis PIERCE and Clara PENNISTEN were married on January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana. A copy of their marriage record is filed in Book C4, page 112.

William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (GROENENDYKE) PIERCE. Clara was born March 1869 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of John and Jane (ALDERMAN) PENNISTEN.

Clara's death on September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana ended their marriage. William later remarried to Vida MADDOX.

William and Clara had known children: John Herman, Edna Muriel, Edward E., and Lillian. Edward E. died as a baby and Lillian age age 19. The 1900 census shows Clara as the mother of 5 children with 3 living, so there are two more born between 1892-1900 that I have not discovered their names.

No Will? No Problem...if you can find a deed

While researching at the Madison County, Indiana Recorder's office, I came across this deed book record that took place shortly after my maternal 3rd great-grandfather, Joseph WRIGHT died in 1919.

I had previously attempted to obtain a copy of his will in Madison County and was told that he did not leave a will. Knowing when he died, I began searching the deed books for the time period shortly after his death and bingo! There was a deed from his widow listing all of his heirs, transferring land to one heir.



Madison County, Indiana Deed Book 21, page 378

THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH That Dorothy Wright, an unmarried woman, she being the widow of Joseph Wright, deceased; John W. Wright, an unmarried man, he being a widower; Charles R. Wright and Bertha Wright, his wife; Daisy Fox and Thomas A. Fox, her husband; Edward E. Wright and Martha J. Wright, his wife; Ethel L. Kirk, an unmarried woman; Earl J. Kirk, an unmarried man; Harry H. Kirk and Lucille M. Kirk, his wife; Myrtle M. Day and Virgil S. Day, her husband, each of said grantors being over the age of 21 years, all being of Madison County, State of Indiana, other than said Edward E. Wright and Martha J. Wright, they being of Whitley County, State of Indiana, these grantors together with the grantee herein including all the heirs at law of said Joseph Wright, deceased, late of Madison County, State of Indiana, CONVEY AND WARRANT TO James Wright, of Madison County, State of Indiana, for and in consideration of one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, the following described real estate in Madison County, State of Indiana, to-wit: The undivided one-fourth (1/4) of the north west quarter of the south west quarter of section 25, township 21 north, range 7 east.

This conveyance is made and accepted subject to the 1919 (payable 1920) taxes assessed on and against said real estate.

IN WITNESS Whereof the said Dorothy Wright, widow of said Joseph Wright, deceased; John W. Wright, widower and unmarried man; Charles R. Wright and Bertha Wright his wife; Daisy Fox and Thomas A. Fox, her husband; Edward E. Wright and Martha J. Wright, his wife; Ethel L. Kirk, an unmarried woman; Earl J. Kirk, an unmarried man; Harry H. Kirk and Lucille M. Kirk, his wife; Myrtle M. Day and Virgil S. Day her husband, they being the grantors in the annexed deed, have hereunto set their hands and seals this 4th day of October 1919.

Dorothy Wright Seal
John W. Wright Seal
Charles R. Wright Seal
Bertha Wright Seal
Daisy Fox Seal
Thomas A. Fox Seal
Edward E. Wright Seal
Martha J. Wright Seal
Ethel L. Kirk Seal
Earl J. Kirk Seal
Harry H. Kirk Seal
Lucille H. Kirk Seal
Myrtle M. Day Seal
Virgil S. Day Seal

All by Virgil S. Day, Attorney-in-fact

STATE OF INDIANA, COUNTY OF MADISON, SS:

Before me, the undersigned, Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared the grantors in the annexed deed, said Dorothy Wright, an unmarried woman, she being the widow of Joseph Wright, deceased; John W. Wright, widower and unmarried man; Charles R. Wright and Bertha Wright, his wife; Daisy Fox and Thomas A. Fox, her husband; Edward E. Wright and Martha J. Wright, his wife; Ethel L. Kirk, an unmarried woman; Earl J. Kirk an unmarried man; Harry H. Kirk and Lucille M. Kirk, his wife; Myrtle M. Day and Virgil S. Day, her husband, each being over the age of 21 years they and the grantee being the sole and only heirs at law of said Joseph Wright, deceased, by Virgil S. Day their Attorney in Fact, and acknowledged the execution of the annexed Deed.

Witness my hand and Notarial seal this 4th day of October 1919. James A. May, Notary Public

My commission expires November 26, 1921.


Joseph WRIGHT had no children with his second wife, Dorothy PALMER, whom he married on April 11, 1891 in Madison County, Indiana. By his first wife, Rebecca HEATON, whom he married November 1, 1857 in Schuyler County, Missouri, he had the following children:

i. Mary WRIGHT (1858-1910) married Frank KIRK; children Ethel, Earl and Harry are listed as heirs
ii. John WRIGHT (1860-1945) married Ellen KING; widower whose wife had died in 1913, listed as heir
ii. Elizabeth WRIGHT (1863-1882) married Wiliiam Alpha JONES; their daughter Myrtle listed as heir
iii. Anna WRIGHT (1864-1914) married Albert VINSON; left no surviving heirs
iv. James WRIGHT (1868-1936) married Clara HICKS; was the grantee in the deed
v. Charles WRIGHT (1870-1967) married Bertha LEONARD; listed as heir
vi. Daisy WRIGHT (1873-aft1930) married Thomas FOX; listed as heir
vii. Edward WRIGHT (1875-1960) married Martha STARR; listed as heir
viii. Jesse WRIGHT (1878-1919) married Hazel O'BRYANT; left no surviving heirs

Though I knew the names of Joseph's children, it was interesting to find his grandchildren listed as heirs and to know that they were still living in Madison County, at least in 1919. Joseph's son Edward had moved to Whitley County, a fact I knew and which was confirmed by the 1920 census.

Although it was several years since I had originally written to the courthouse asking for a copy of the will, I'm glad that I was finally able to find some records that recorded the settlement of Joseph's estate.

Photograph of Luman Walker LeMasters Jr. (1842-1931)

At our recent family reunion my aunt and uncle were going through a box of old photos trying to identify them and they came across this interesting photo. It shows my paternal 2nd-great grandfather, Luman Walker LeMasters Jr. (1842-1931) sitting on the porch with whom we believe may be two of his sons.


Luman was a Civil War veteran, born October 19, 1842 in Shelby County, Ohio, the son of Luman Walker and Nancy (YOUNG) LEMASTERS. Luman died November 18, 1931 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana, so that dates this photograph sometime before 1931.

Here is another version of the same photograph, slightly enlarged for better viewing. Note the old car in the background to the left. Can anyone identify what type of car?

According to his Civil War records, grandpa Luman was not a very tall man. He stood only 5' 3" tall. From the photograph you can tell his frame is smaller than the others.

We believe that the son on the right side is Arthur Raymond LeMasters (1888-1955) but are not sure who is on the left.

Luman married Mary Keziah Chew, daughter of Dr. Ezekiel Cooper and Caroline Bishop (WOOLSTON) CHEW on October 2, 1864 in Versailles, Darke County, Ohio. After the war, they lived out their lives on a farm in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.

Other posts regarding Luman include his tombstone and family information.

Andrew Caldwell (c1720-1758) Frederick/Berkeley Cos. VA

In sorting through my scans of my old genealogy files, I have discovered information on an ancestor, Andrew CALDWELL (c1720-1758) of old Frederick/Berkeley Cos., VA (now WV) that I had neglected to update into my database. The information comes from a series of emails from 1999 between Jim Brown of Venice, FL and myself. Jim provided a lot of clues and information, and I hope I responded in kind.

Andrew CALDWELL is estimated to be born around 1720 because he shows up on the 1744 taxlist of Frederick County, Virginia. Andrew was named as the executor of the estate of William CALDWELL on 6 August 1746 in Frederick County along with Grace CALDWELL. It is possible that Andrew was the son of William and Grace CALDWELL. The source cited for this information was given as J.E. King, "Frederick Co. VA Wills, Adm. 1961 (1973)".

Andrew was apparently involved in several land transactions in Frederick County, Virginia between 1748 and 1755. Citing Frederick County deed books, Andrew sold lots in the city of Winchester on October 2 & 3, 1750 to Robert LEMON, and later sells him three more lots on June 2 & 3, 1755.

Andrew was listed as a lieutenant in the Frederick County militia on August 20, 1751. Citing the George WASHINGTON papers in the Library of Congress, Andrew was listed on a December 11, 1755 list of voters - where he voted against Colonel Washington.

One of the last transactions in Frederick County shows Andrew purchasing lots 28 & 29 in the City of Winchester from James LEMON on March 4, 1757. Might he be a relative of Robert LEMON, above?

Andrew's will was dated July 17, 1757 in Frederick County and names son Andrew, daughters Mary and Elizabeth and wife Jane. Andrew died July 4, 1758 and was buried in Morgan's Chapel, Norborne Parish, now Bunker Hill.

Known children of Andrew and Jane (________) CALDWELL:
i. Andrew CALDWELL b. bef 1750, d. January 1791 Berkeley County, Virginia; m. Sarah ______
ii. Mary CALDWELL m. James CHEW
iii. Elizabeth CALDWELL

My line is from Mary (CALDWELL) CHEW through their son, Andrew, likely named for his grandfather.

I've added this information to my database and marked it for follow up for future research. Surprised to find that I had so much information on this line hidden in my correspondence files.

Research Trip

Yesterday I took a mental health day from work and did some genealogy research. I had planned a trip to the courthouse in Anderson for some time, and was also planning to visit the Alexandria-Monroe Township Historical Society. The society is run by volunteers and currently only has Thursday hours which has made it difficult for me to visit.

When I asked for the day off, I had no idea that Thursday would be Columbus Day. The local paper had a snippet about offices being closed on Columbus Day and that threw me into a mini-panic. I frantically searched the Anderson Herald-Bulletin and the Madison County Government pages to make sure that the offices would be open. Not finding notices of any closing, I was relieved to know that my trip would not be a wash out. Other than the three to five inches of rain we were expected, my trip should be able to commence. Only later did I discover that Columbus Day was on a Monday, not a Thursday! I panicked for naught.

I was antsy, up at my usual time and ready to go to Anderson way too early, according to my wife. With half a pot of coffee in my system, I headed down to Anderson and arrived approximately 8:30 a.m. Parking is a problem in Anderson, so I parked about four blocks away at the Anderson Public Library. It's not a bad walk, although slightly uphill. My first stop was Central Records, where I was prepared to give them a list of marriage records for them to copy. There are many marriage records that I simply had neglected to collect over the years even though I had been to the courthouse many times. Perhaps I was complacent, satisfied merely to have the book and page numbers from the W.P.A. indices. Now that I am on the hunt again for these records, I was prepared with a list of marriages that occurred in Madison County to collect.

The employee at Central Records was a very pleasant lady who was understanding and helpful. I'm glad that she did not stress out because I gave her a list of about ten couples right off the bat. One thing that I didn't have on my list was the book and page numbers! I had this stored in my database, but didn't print that information out before I made my trip. My failure to assemble all of the information necessary added an unnecessary step to the process, but the helper handled it in stride. I left her to pull the records and headed over to the Recorder's office to search out some land records.

The Recorder's office has shelves of deed records and mortgage records tucked away in a side room. Fortunately, they will allow you to search the records for yourselves. Because this was not the main focus of my trip, I was not prepared to do extensive research into the records. I randomly began looking for the ALDERMAN family, which I knew was last in Madison County in the 1870 census. I was hoping to find a land transfer that might indicate either when Richard Alderman died or moved from the county. I have been unable to locate the family in the 1880 census, so I searched the decade of 1870-1880. Unfortunately, I did not find anything. Next I started searching around the date of death for my direct ancestors hoping to find mention of a land transfer or a will. Bingo! I found a land transfer between the widow and heirs of my 3rd great grandfather, Joseph WRIGHT, who died in 1919 in Alexandria. Early on in my research, I had written to the courthouse requesting a copy of his will or estate and was told that there was not one on file. Now right in front of me I had the names of all of his heirs in a land transaction. Genealogical gold! I will write more about this find later.

Heading back to Central Records, I picked up and paid for the copies of the marriage records. At only $1.00 per page, I felt that was a steal considering the information contained in some of the marriage applications. The nice lady there was even able to give me corrections to the book and page numbers that were either in error or hard to read from the W.P.A. index.

My next stop was to walk back down to the Anderson Public Library and visit their Indiana room. I love researching in this library, and often have to stop myself from become too distracted by browsing the shelves for books that aren't relevant to the subject of my search. They have a nice selection of local records in book form, produced over the years by the historical society and others that contain information in one place that would be hard to track down otherwise. I especially love the local obituaries and funeral home records. I made some copies from the indices of deaths in the county from 1921-1940 for future research, and was able to find some obituary records. One in particular gave a clue on my PIERCE family, as I am trying to find mention of the young children of William and Clara (PENNISTEN) PIERCE who died. Another interesting obituary on young Mildred WRIGHT who died at age 2 of diptheria was discovered. While at the library, I researched the marriage indices again to make sure I had the right book and page numbers for the marriage records that Central Records couldn't find. Shortly after noon, I headed back towards the courthouse after a brief stop at Rax for a sandwich.

Central Records laughed when I told them I had just a few more records that I needed copied. To me, eight records is a few! Again, had they not been so understanding and pleasant, it might have been a difficult day. They were able to find six of the records, but apparently two records were misindexed by the W.P.A. I will have to see if I can verify the dates, etc. through alternative sources and try again to obtain copies. Fortunately, the ones that couldn't be found were not my direct line.

Heading back to the car to move on to my next stop, the torrental rain began to let loose. We were expected to receive several inches of rain, and they were right. Making my way back to the car I was glad that I had an umbrella.

My next stop was Alexandria and the Historical Society. I arrived shortly after they opened at 1 p.m. Making my way towards the reading room, I met Larry Maple, the President of the Society and we had a pleasant talk. I also joined the society - the $10 membership is well worth it. It had been a couple of years since I had visited the society, but I am amazed at the amount of material regarding local history they have collected. The organizational style is a bit hard to understand, but I was quickly locating records on my family. My big find was the records of the local funeral home have been copied by the society. What an interesting piece of the genealogical puzzle to find out how much was paid for a funeral and by whom.

If you have relatives in the Alexandria, Indiana area it would be well worth visiting the society. They have converted a house into the museum, and each room of the house holds a separate section of local history - such as the schools, military, agriculture, etc. Amazing what has been donated to the society. One interesting stack of books that Larry Maple showed my was just received - school records dating back to 1895 the school corporation donated. I would love to be able to go through those and see what family information I could find.

I spent a couple of hours there, lost in my own little world, until I received a phone call from home that brought me back to reality. It was time to head back home and bring the research day to a close, but the clues I've discovered will give me more to research there in the future. I know have much more to scan into my files and will have more to blog about. Overall, it was a fun day for genealogy!

Samuel Ivey & Emma Carter marriage record

Eileen's cousin Betty BLACK found the record of her great-grandparents marriage, apparently through an Ancestry.com database and sent me an email with the information.

Sam and Emma were married February 26, 1896 in Massac County, Illinois. In the copy of the marriage register that Betty sent to me, Samuel IVY was listed as a farmer, a resident of McCracken County, Kentucky, who was born in Marshall County, Kentucky and was 26 years of age. His father was listed as Geo. IVY and his mother as Rebecca HARROLD. Interestingly, it was Samuel's second marriage, a fact that I didn't previously know.

Emma Carter was an 18 year old resident of McCracken County, Kentucky, born in Mayfield, Ky, the daughter of George CARTER and Ellen DUNAWAY. This was her first marriage.

The ceremony was performed at Metropolis, Massac County, Illinois on February 26, 1896.

Samuel and Emma's daughter, Bessie, was Eileen's grandmother. This information opens up a whole new line to research, the DUNAWAY line, and gives more clues to research the CARTER and IVEY clans.

Wordless Wednesday: Brother & Sister

Idola Belle LeMaster
Paul Waynard LeMaster

Tombstone Tuesday: William Francis & Vida (Maddox) Pierce

My maternal great-great grandfather, William Francis Pierce and his second wife, Vida (Maddox) Pierce are buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana. William's first wife, Clara (Pennisten) Pierce, is also buried in the cemetery, but I did not find a marker for her.

William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the son of Edmund G. and Catherine (Groenendyke) Pierce.

Clara was born March 1869 in Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of John and Jane Ann (Alderman) Pennisten.

Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, Bath County, Kentucky, the daughter of Charles W. and Sarah (Powell) Maddox.

William and Clara were married on January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana. After Clara's death, William married Vida on March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana.

William & Clara lived in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana where William was a farmer. His obituary stated that he was ill for three years before his death.

William died on September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana. Clara died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana. Vida died November 19, 1968 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

William and Clara were the parents of the following children, all born in Madison County, Indiana:

• 2 unknown children; the 1900 census lists Clara as the mother of 5 children, with 3 living
• John Herman Pierce (1895-1959) married Charlotte FERGUSON, 1 child
• Edna Muriel Pierce (1897-1968) married Virgil Lee WRIGHT, 3 children
• Edward E. Pierce (1900-1900) lived 2 months
• Lillian Pierce (1902-1921)
• unknown Pierce (1904-bef1910)

William and Vida were the parents of the following children, all born in Madison County, Indiana:

• Nehersta Edith Pierce (1910-1979) married Howard Hyde ROBERTS
• William McClellan Pierce (1913-1978) married Geneva Ruth ALDRIDGE; 3 children
• Cloyd J. Pierce (1916-1962) married Anna ______; 1 child
• Charles D. Pierce (1918-1991) married Nancy L. STEPHENS; 2 children
• Robert F. Pierce (1923- )
• Powell Edmund "Pat" Pierce (1925- ); 1 child
• James Louis Pierce (1931-2002)

David L. & Ellen (Lambertson) Mengle burial location

Received an email from Shirley Murray who gave me updated burial information on David L. and Ellen (LAMBERTSON) MENGLE. Both are buried in the Holp Cemetery in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio.

Ellen (LAMBERTSON) MENGLE was my maternal 3rd great-grandaunt, the sister of my ancestor, Carey W. LAMBERTSON. Ellen was born June 21, 1850 in Ohio (probably Butler Co.) and died September 16, 1933 in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. She married David L. MENGLE on November 10, 1870 in Butler County, Ohio. David was born circa 1851 Ohio, the son of George and Susanna (RUMBARGER) MENGLE. David died July 4, 1938 in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio.

David & Ellen had one known son, Lionel C. MENGLE, who is also buried in Holp Cemetery, along with his wife, Edith. According to Shirley's email, Lionel was born in 1885 and died in 1961 while Edith was born 1887 and died in 1947.

One of the benefits of posting information online is that oftentimes a researcher or cousin will contact you and give you a tidbit of data to add to your files. Now I will set up a memorial page for them at FindAGrave.

Old Hickory's Influence on my Family

I've just finished reading Jon Meacham's American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, and found it to be a fascinating look at Old Hickory's time in Washington. Having visited The Hermitage several times, I've also found Jackson to have been an interesting President and complicated figure in our country's history. Our country's current financial crisis in the banking industry makes me realize that Jackson had a point with about the power and influence of the banks.

Jackson was a hero in America on par with George Washington, and many families named their sons after the hero of New Orleans. Curious to find out how many individuals in my database might be named for Jackson, I did a search and discovered the following:

Andrew Jackson ASHLEY: born October 8, 1869, son of Jordan Toliver ASHLEY & Sarah HURT. He is my stepdaughter's great-great grandfather. He married Polly PRIDEMORE.

Andrew Jackson BERRY: born 1814, son of John Berry & Bettie SMITHER. I have not yet connected him to my other BERRY lines.

Andrew Jackson BRUNER: born April 6, 1823 in Greene County, Tennessee, died April 28, 1909 in Hancock County, Illinois. He married Selina HAWORTH, my maternal 5th cousin 5 times removed.

Andrew J. CUMMINGS: born June 1876 in Tennessee, son of Houston CUMMINGS & Frances GRISHAM. He is my wife's paternal second cousin twice removed.

Andrew J. DONAHUE: born 1851. He married Mary LEMASTERS, my third cousin three times removed.

Andrew Jackson FYEFFE: He married Martha A. LEMASTER, my fourth cousin four times removed.

Andrew Jackson GATTS: born June 4, 1855 in Brown County, Ohio, died August 29, 1935 in Schuyler County, Missouri; son of Perry GATTS & Isabella HEATON. He is my maternal first cousin four times removed.

Andrew J. HALEY married Clara G. MEED in Jay County, Indiana. I am still working to connect him to my Jay County, Indiana HALEY families.

Andrew J. LUARK: born ca. 1858 in Indiana, son of Andrew Taylor LUARK & Elizabeth ________

Andrew Jackson McLARNEY: born February 1854

Andrew J. McKENZIE: born 1830 Scott County, Virginia, married Frances (Fanny) LEMASTER, daughter of Joseph LEMASTER and Elinor WHEELER.

Andrew Jackson RICE: He married Rebecca LEMASTER, daughter of Lewis LEMASTER and Martha PHILLIPS.

Andrew Jackson ROBBINS: He married Salina Jane LEMASTER, daughter of Abraham LEMASTER and Jane SOMMERVILLE.

Andrew J. SHAW: married Jane BRADY November 15, 1838 in Brown County, Ohio.

Andrew Jackson SHAW: born October 28, 1833 Crawford County, Illinois, son of Joseph M. SHAW & Narcissa MIDDLETON.

Andrew Jackson SHAW: son of Lewis SHAW & Sarah Wilhelmina MAXSON.

Andrew Jackson SIGLER: born March 8, 1846 Madison County, Indiana, son of Daniel SIGLER & Elizabeth SHANK. He married Almira R. PIERCE, my third great grandaunt.

Andrew J. SWITZER: born ca. 1845, married Mahala ________. His daughter, Alice married Seth MOON, my first cousin 5 times removed.

Andrew J. WILCOX married Angeline WILCOX, daughter of John R. LEMASTER and Tamah ________.

How did Andrew Jacksons' political opponent, Henry Clay, do in being represented? Not so well, although there were a few candidates:

Henry Clay LEMASTER: born 1844, son of Hugh LEMASTER & Caroline I. BAGLEY

Henry C. ALDERMAN: born 1829, son of Henry ALDERMAN & Hannah GILBERT

Henry C. LEMASTER: born March 4, 1880, son of George W. LEMASTER & Mary Ann TUCKER

Henry C. MAASBERG: born ca. 1857

Henry C. OSBURN: son of Henry OSBURN & Nancy SALYER

Henry C. SWAFFORD: born ca. 1847 Tennessee, son of Jackson SWAFFORD & Warney SWAFFORD.

Although I cannot verify that each one of these individuals was named for Jackson or Clay, it would appear from anecdotal evidence that these men were respected enough to have been namesakes. I wonder if today's politicians garner enough respect to have children named after them?

Wordless Wednesday: Galen Miller family

Galen Miller, Mary (Haley) Miller, Mildred, Elvin

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."

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.

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.

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.

Wordless Wednesday: William Lee Wright discharge

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

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.

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.

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".

Wordless Wednesday: John Adam Metzner

Company G, 40th Ohio Infantry

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
  

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.

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.

Wordless Wednesday: Caroline Bishop (Woolston) Chew

Original Photo at Marshall County Historical Museum, Plymouth, Indiana

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
  

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.

Wordless Wednesday: Ezekiel Cooper Chew

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

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.

Wright-Lambertson marriage: Madison County, Indiana

My maternal grandparents marriage license from Madison County, Indiana contains a wealth of information.

MALE
1. The full Christian name and surname of this man is William Lee Wright
2. His color: White
3. Where born : Madison Co., Alexandria, Ind.
4. When born : December 1, 1919
5. Present residence: R # 2, Alexandria, Ind.
6. Present occupation: Factory employee
8. Is this male contracting party of nearer blood kin to the female contracting party than second cousin? No
9. Full Christian and surname of father : Virgil Lee Wright
10. His color: White

11. His birthplace : Madison Co., Ind.
12. His occupation : Farmer
13. His residence : R # 2, Alexandria, Ind.
14. Full Christian and maiden name of mother : Edna Muriel Pierce
15. Her color: White
16. Her occupation: Housewife
17. Her birthplace: Madison Co., Indiana
18. Her residence: R # 2, Alexandria, Ind.
19. Has the male contracting party been an Inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent person within the last five years? No
21. Is this his first marriage? Yes
26. Is the male contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal or any other contagious or transmissible diseases? No
27. Is he an imbecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is he under guardianship as a person of unsound mind? No

FEMALE
1. The full Christian and surname of the woman is Bonnie Mae Lambertson
2. Her color: White
3. Where born: Madison Co., Elwood, Ind.
4. When born: Feb. 18, 1924
5. Present residence: R # 3, Elwood, Ind.
6. Present occupation: none
7. Full Christian and surname of father: Clemon Lambertson
8. His color: White
9. His birthplace: Hamilton Co., Cicero, Ind.
10. His occupation: Cabinet-worker
11. His residence: R # 3, Elwood, Ind.
12. Full Christian and maiden name of mother: June Gilliland
13. Her color: White
14. Her occupation: Housewife
15. Her birthplace: Monroe Co., Bloomington, Ind.
16. Her residence: R # 3, Elwood, Ind.
17. Has the female contracting party been an inmate of any county asylum or home for indigent persons with the last five years? No
18. Is this her first marriage? Yes
22. Is the female contracting party afflicted with epilepsy, tuberculosis, venereal or any other contagious or transmissible disease? No
23. Is she an imbecile, feeble-minded, idiotic or insane, or is she under guardianship as a person of unsound mind? No

In the margins is this note : "Consent of parents on file". At the time of this marriage application, Bonnie was under the age of eighteen.

There are a few errors in the information given by my grandmother regarding the birthplace of her mother, but I'm sure that was what she had been told.

Grant County, Indiana resource

Here's a resource for those who may have relatives in Grant County, Indiana. Check out www.grantcounty.net and then click on Departments>Health Department>Vital Records and then click on 'Death By Name'. Here you can search for your family members information and there are links to contact the Health Department to obtain a copy of the death certificate.

One thing I noticed was that the database contained final disposition of the body and the name of the informant, something that could provide clues for further research and answers as to where some of the information came from. The database doesn't state the time frame of the data, but I was able to find deaths from the 1930s all the way to the present.

Grant County is where I reside, and while I don't have much family here, I was able to find out information about some collateral relatives who died in Grant County. I searched my RootsMagic database for anyone I could find in Grant County, and was able to add some information.

There are some LeMaster names in the database who are not close relatives, including :

Paul B. LeMaster death date 5/22/1980 Marion, Indiana. His place of birth was not given, but the date was 8/24/1925. His father was Charles B. LeMaster and mother was Clarisse Busheart.

Raleigh K. LeMaster death date 2/25/1994 Marion, Indiana. He was born 4/16/1908 in Flat Gap, Kentucky. His father was Henry B. LeMaster and mother was Vergie Florence Harris.

Stanley S. LeMaster death date 3/2/2001 Marion, Indiana. He was born 4/10/1935 in Paintsville, Kentucky. His father was Ochal R. LeMaster and mother was Ruth G. Lyon

Roba E. LeMaster death date 1/21/1980 Marion, Indiana. He was born 12/2/1898 in West Virginia. His father was John D. LeMaster and mother was Sarah Pratt.

Jewell E. LeMaster death date 12/22/2005 Marion, Indiana. She was born 12/31/1918 in Keaton, Kentucky. Her father was Tommy Bailey and mother was Erie M. Evans.

Weekly Genealogy Blogging Prompt # 30

Prompt: Write about your experiences with social networking tools for genealogy purposes. Do you use MySpace, Facebook or Twitter? Are you a wiki kind of person? None of the above? Tell readers about your experiences with these tools and watch your social network grow.

I'm not cool, but I don't care.

Social media may appear to be for the young and not the young at heart, but to hear my kids complain about it - now the 'old' people are taking over. I think that it bothers them that I'm on Facebook.

Facebook has allowed me to connect with old friends, relatives and co-workers easily and for free. For the genealogist, social media allows you to connect with fellow researchers and family by sharing your photos and blogs to a wider audience. I've been able to make new friends and trade research ideas, as well as discover a few new cousins online through my Facebook connections.

Because of these Facebook connections, I've been able to share photos of ancestors and tombstones I've taken for Find-A-Grave as well as share memories with living cousins. Fellow genealogists have helped with lookups of information in distant locales after reading my posts and have offered suggestions for further research.

I have my blog posts linked to appear on my Facebook page as 'Notes' so that all of my networked friends will have the ability to read what has been posted without accessing my blog. This exposes my research to my friends and relatives who may not have been aware that I was blogging. Often I use the 'Networked Blogs' application as well to periodically highlight a particular post.

I haven't ventured into the Twitter waters yet, but if I do, I'm sure that I will enjoy that technology as well.

Overall, my experience with social networking and genealogy research has been a positive one. I have been able to expose my blog and my research to a wider audience and have received positive feedback. I've also received research tips and offers of help. Some of my Facebook friends that are not genealogists have asked for tips on how to start their own family history research, and my far-flung cousins are able to read about my research through my linked blog posts.

I would highly recommend using social media as another tool to put your research out there. You never know what genealogical treasure may be turned up through these casual connections, and the friendships that develop can enrich your life and expand your research.

Obituary: Lillie Miller (1873-1937)

Source: Evansville, Indiana, Daily Press, July 29, 1937

Mrs. Lillie Miller, 64, of 719 N. Fifth-av, died Wednesday in her home.

Surviving are: sons, Arthur, Lawrence, Fred and William; daughters, Mrs. Eva L. Dever, Mrs. Sadie Hoover, and Mrs. Helen Miller; nine grandchildren, and a brother, John Schaefer, all of Evansville.

Funeral services will be at 7:30 a.m. Saturday in the home, continued in St. Anthony's Catholic Church at 8 a.m. Burial in Park Lawn Cemetery.

[Ed note: Interestingly, her husband's obituary stated that he was buried in Locust Hill Cemetery, but so far, records from there have not turned up a burial there. More research is needed.]

Tombstone Tuesday: Virgil Lee & Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright

My maternal great-grandparents, Virgil Lee and Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright are buried in the Park View Cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.



Virgil Lee Wright was born July 6, 1894 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana, the son of John William and Ellen (King) Wright.



Edna Muriel "Peach" Pierce was born February 7, 1897 in Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of William Francis and Clara (Pennisten) Pierce.



Virgil and Edna were married on June 19, 1915 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana. Virgil and Edna lived out their lives in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Edna died March 3, 1968 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana and Virgil followed on March 25, 1972 in Alexandria, Indiana.

Virgil and Edna were the parents of three children, all of whom were born in Madison County, Indiana:

• Clara Ellen Wright (1916-2005) married John M. High, had 2 children.
• William Lee Wright (1919-1973) married Bonnie Mae Lambertson, had 2 children. These are my grandparents.
• Barbara Lou Wright (1932-2008) married Robert L. Webster, had 2 children.

Obituary: Mathias Miller (1861-1936)

Contacted the reference section of the Willard Library in Evansville, Indiana and requested a copy of the obituary for Corinne's maternal great-great grandfather, Mathias Miller.

Mathias "Mat" Miller, 74, retired stove moulder, of 719 N. Fifth-av, died Wednesday night in Deaconess Hospital. He leaves: the widow, Lillie; daughters, Mrs. Sadie Hoover, Mrs. S.E. Deyer and Misses Helen and Anna Miller; sons, Arthur, Fred, Lawrence and William; sisters, Mrs. George L. Miller, Mrs. Henry Mossberg and Mrs. Anna Kreipke, and nine grandchildren. Rev. Clyde H. Koehler, St. John's Evangelical Church, will officiate at funeral services at 10 a.m. Saturday in Ziemer's Funeral Home. Burial in Locust Hill Cemetery.

They did not indicate which newspaper the obituary was located in, but believe it was the Evansville Press. I will have to verify this in order to cite the record.

I have posted a memorial for Mathias Miller (1861-1936) at FindAGrave, but volunteers have been unable to locate a tombstone or even a record of his burial. Perhaps the obituary was in error.

LeMaster - Haley marriage: Jay County, Indiana

My paternal grandparents' application for a marriage license in Jay County, Indiana is below. There are a lot of interesting facts you can learn from a marriage license application, provided that the informants know their mother's maiden name, etc.

My grandfather listed his occupation as a farmer, my grandmother as a domestic. Both were born in Jay County, Indiana. Her birthdate of April 12, 1911 contradicts other information I have in my database, where I showed her as born on April 11. Will have to investigate that discrepancy.

Although I already knew the information, I appreciate the fact that this application gave the names and places of birth for their parents. Grandpa's parents, Luman C. LeMaster and (Barbara) Isabelle Wehrly were both born in Jay County, while grandma's parents, Eli W. Haley was born in Erie County, Ohio and Cora Belle Metzner was born in Jay County, Indiana. At the time of the marriage, great-grandmother LeMaster was deceased, she having died in 1930.

I find it interesting to look at their signatures on the application. Although the name is spelled LeMaster with a capital 'm' throughout the application, the signature shows that grandfather signed his name Lemaster with a lower case 'm' in this case.

The marriage was performed on February 20, 1932 by Ruth's brother-in-law, Eugene Kunce, who had married her sister, Clara Elnora Haley.