Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Family Milestones: December 22nd

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Martha WARDLAW, married on this date in 1797 in Harrison County, Kentucky to Henry ZUMWALT.  Martha was the daughter of Robert and Janet (DOWNEY) WARDLAW, and the younger sister of my Samuel WARDLAW.  Henry was born in 1771.  Henry was a Colonel of the militia in Ohio and served during the War of 1812.  Henry died March 24, 1814.  Martha remarried to Benjamin KIMBALL on March 5, 1816.  Martha died February 3, 1855 in Brown County, Ohio.

My paternal great grandaunt, Una Maude LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1907 in Jay County, Indiana to Senator Winfield PHILLIPS, son of Winfield S. and Mary Jane (BATES) PHILLIPS.  Una Maude was the daughter of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the younger sister of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS.  S.W. PHILLIPS was a veterinarian in David City, Nebraska.  S.W. died December 1977 in David City, Nebraska.  Una died September 13, 1968 in David City, Nebraska.

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Samuel GROENENDYKE, was born on this date in 1745 in Kingston, Middlesex County, New Jersey.  Samuel was the son of Johannes and Sarah Ann (LAKE) GROENENDYKE, and the older brother of my Nicholas GROENENDYKE.  Samuel died in 1802.  Nothing further known at this time. 

Monday, December 21, 2009

Dr. W. A. Chew Family - Salamonia, Indiana


The Jay County Historical Society provided me with the copies of these photos of the Dr. William Anderson CHEW family of Salamonia, Indiana.  The photos are displayed in their museum in Portland.  Dr. Chew was my paternal 2nd-great granduncle, the son of Dr. Ezekiel Cooper and Caroline Bishop (WOOLSTON) CHEW.  Dr. William took over the practice in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana when Dr. Ezekiel retired.

I do not know the date that these photos were taken, and the identifications of the photos provided by the historical society refer to the girls by their married name.  One of the boys is also not identified.

William Anderson CHEW was born April 4, 1858 in Darke County, Ohio.  He married Emma Susan STRAIGHT in 1886 at New Weston, Darke County, Ohio.  Susan was born June 1866 in Ohio, the daughter of William and Catherine (BIDDINGER) STRAIGHT.  William died January 6, 1914 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Susan died in 1934.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Known children: Ethel A., Forest L., Orville Bernard, Opal W., Lyford L., Imo C., Crystal E., Kenneth E., and Lea.

Dr. W.A. CHEW attended Columbus Medical College in Columbus, Ohio. 

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Family Milestones: December 20th

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Nancy DAVIS, was married on this date in 1846 in Monroe County, Indiana to James M. CAMPBELL.  Nancy was the daughter of John and Susannah (________) DAVIS, and the older sister of my Austin DAVIS.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Thomas GROENENDYKE, was married on this date in 1899 in Madison County, Indiana to Hettie BALLARD.  Thomas was the son of Elias and Nancy (JENKINS) GROENENDYKE, and the younger brother of my Catherine GROENENDYKE.  Thomas was born October 2, 1852 near Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  Hettie was born March 1865 in Indiana.  Thomas was a farmer in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Thomas died November 25, 1944 in Madison County, Indiana, and is buried in the Park View Cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Amanda P. PIERCE, was born on this date in 1842.  Amanda was the daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Amanda died February 22, 1845.

My paternal great granduncle, Harvey Allen WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1876 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  Harvey was the son of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  Harvey married October 9, 1888 to Nettie SHREEVE.  Nettie was born circa 1880 in Indiana.  They had 4 children, and lived in Henry County, Indiana.  Harvey died June 9, 1968.

My maternal 6th-great grandaunt, Mayke GROENENDYKE, was born on this date in 1751 in Kingston, Middlesex County, New Jersey.  Mayke was the daughter of Johannes and Sarah Ann (LAKE) GROENENDYKE, and the younger sister of my Nicholas GROENENDYKE.  Mayke was still living at the time of her father's death in 1785.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Jay County Courthouse - Portland, IN (1918)


Pictured on this black and white postcard postmarked September 12, 1918 is the Jay County courthouse in Portland, Indiana.

Transcription of the postcard from Portland, Indiana:
Dear Mother & all - This is Thursday morn.  Rec'd your card yesterday.  We had quite a rain last night.  Mary & Mildred were here yesterday she canned six cans of grapes and made quart of jelly.  I have four cans. Guess I will not can any more untill next week.  They will be more ripe.  I haven't washed ____ it has been rainy.  I will be thinking a lot of Vera to-day.  We're all well, From Nora.


The recipient, Mrs. Clarence STUBER, was my maternal grandaunt, Vera Delphene (HALEY) STUBER.  Vera was the daughter of Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY, and the older sister of my grandmother, Ruth Pauline HALEY.  Vera married Clarence Leroy STUBER on February 14, 1915 in Jay County, Indiana. 


The author, Nora, is Vera's sister, Clara Elnora HALEY.  Nora was born October 31, 1900 in Jay County, Indiana.  The Mary mentioned was another sister, Mary Annettie HALEY, born August 23, 1895 in Jay County, Indiana.  Mary was married to Galen H. MILLER on August 23, 1917.  Mildred was their daughter.


This postcard places Vera and Clarence STUBER in Spencerville, Ohio in 1918.  What I do not know is whether or not Vera's parents, Eli Weldon and Cora Belle (METZNER) HALEY were living in Ohio at the time.  From the way the postcard is addressed, it would appear so.  Most records I have show them in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, including the 1920 census.


This post was written for A Festival of Postcards, 6th edition.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Family Milestones: December 19th

My paternal great-grandaunt, Ethel May WEHRLY, was married on this date in 1906 to William SHREEVE.  Ethel was the daughter of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger sister of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  I do not have dates of birth or death for William.   Ethel died April 12, 1951.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Arana "Rainey" WARDLOW, was born on this date in 1806 in Ohio.  Arana was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the older brother of my Anna WARDLOW.  Arana married on February 12, 1852 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary DENNIS.  Mary was born circa 1815 in Kentucky.  Arana was a farmer in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio.  Arana died July 11, 1884 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further is know at this time.


My paternal 6th-great granduncle, Johannes SCHERCH, was born on this date in 1706 in Sumiswald, Canton Bern, Switzerland.  Johannes was the son of Ulrich and Barbara (GRUNDBACHER) SCHURCH, and the younger brother of my Ulrich SCHERCH.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Joseph CHEW, was born on this date in 1765 in Virginia.  Joseph was the son of Major James and Mary (CALDWELL) CHEW, and the older brother of my Andrew CHEW.  Joseph married December 2, 1799 in Frederick County, Virginia to Elizabeth THOMAS, the daughter of Sampson THOMAS.  Elizabeth was born June 9, 1772 probably in Pike County, Virginia.  They had 10 children.  Elizabeth died September 11, 1843 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio.  Joseph died March 12, 1848 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio.


Friday, December 18, 2009

Family Milestones: December 18th

My maternal 7th-great grandparents, Bennett FIELD and Elizabeth SPOFFORD, were married on this date in 1734 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.  Bennett was the son of John and Mary (BENNETT) FIELD.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Thomas and Bethiah (HAZELTINE) SPOFFORD.  Bennett was born December 13, 1709 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.  Elizabeth was born April 19, 1715 in Boxford, Essex County, Massachusetts.  They had at least 2 children.  Bennett died April 6, 1770 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Elizabeth died November 20, 1772 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, William C. MILLS, married on this date in 1839 to Rebecca HADLEY.  William was the son of Henry and Hannah (WOODWARD) MILLS, and the older brother of my Hannah MILLS.  William was born 1816-5mo-8d and died July 21, 1899.  Nothing further is known at this date.

My paternal great-granduncle, Alva Monroe WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1878 in Jay County, Indiana.  Alva was the son of William P. and Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Barbara Isabel WEHRLY.  Alva married October 1, 1901 to Emma C. YAEGER.  Emma was born April 1, 1882 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  They had 4 children.  Emma died December 8, 1964 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  Alva died March 8, 1952 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Isaac LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1795 in Virginia.  Isaac was the son of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS, and the older brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS.  Isaac married on November 21, 1821 in Shelby County, Ohio to Hannah Elizabeth COLEMAN.  Hannah was the daughter of Phillip and Ann (KELLY) COLEMAN.  Hannah was born April 17, 1807 in Warren County, Ohio.  Isaac died about January 11, 1841 in Allen County, Ohio.  Hannah died May 7, 1892 in Auglaize County, Ohio.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Mary JACOBS, was born on this date in 1819 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.  Mary was the daughter of David and Barbara (BYERS) JACOBS, and the older sister of my Susan JACOBS.  Mary died August 27, 1820 in Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania.

My paternal 6th-great grandmother, Mary RICHARDS, was born on this date in 1738 in New Jersey.  Mary was the daughter of John and Mary (________) RICHARDS.  Mary married October 21, 1760 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jesse CHEW, son of Jeffrey and Amy (DRIVER) CHEW.  Jesse was born November 25, 1738 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  They had 7 children.  Jesse died January 31, 1812.  Mary died May 7, 1816 in New Jersey.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Family Milestones: December 17th

My paternal 6th-great grandfather, Robert HAINES, was born on this date in 1741 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Robert was the son of Jeremiah and Hannah (BONNELL) HAINES.  Robert married May 17, 1766 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Rachel VENICOMB, daughter of Francis and Rachel (LIPPINCOTT) VENICOMB.  Rachel was born circa 1742.  They had 10 children.  Rachel died March 30, 1817 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Robert died June 21, 1821 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

Tax Records: Ezekiel Cooper CHEW: 1863-1864

I located these interesting tax records at Ancestry.com for Ezekiel Cooper CHEW for the time periods of May & June 1863 and January 1864.   In these, his occupation is listed variously as physician or attorney.  While I knew he was a physician, this was the first source that I've found to document that he also practiced law.  




I had been told that Ezekiel practiced as an attorney before.  His photograph hangs at the Plymouth Historical Society in Plymouth, Indiana, and supposedly there is mention of his work there.  With this source listing him in Jay County as an attorney, I now have another avenue to research on my next visit to their courthouse.

Ezekiel Cooper CHEW used his initials E.C. CHEW in records.  He was born January 17, 1822 in Gloucester County, New Jersey; graduated from Jefferson College of Philadelphia, lived in Montgomery County, Ohio in the 1850 census and Darke County, Ohio in the 1860 census.  By 1870 and the 1880 census he was back in Darke County, Ohio.  He practiced medicine in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.  When he retired, his son, William Anderson CHEW, took over the practice.  Ezekiel died August 27, 1888 in St. Joseph's County, Indiana.

 
 

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Tombstone Tuesday: Daniel and Elizabeth (Shaw) King


My maternal 3rd-great grandparents, Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, are buried in the Howard Cemetery, Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Daniel was born September 3, 1820 in Ohio, the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING.

Elizabeth was born October 1827 in Ohio, the daughter of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW.

Daniel and Elizabeth were married on December 5, 1847 in Madison County, Indiana. Daniel was a farmer, and they lived out their lives in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Daniel died on February 24, 1876 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Elizabeth remarried to William H. COCHRAN. Elizabeth died on October 10, 1900 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana

Children of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING were:
  • Mary Jane KING (1849-1935); married Leroy YOUNG; 3 children
  • Henrietta KING (1851-1851)
  • Arvilla Samantha KING (1852-aft1860)
  • David KING (1854-1914); married Litha Ann MAY; 6 children
  • Eliza Margaret KING (1857-1889); married James H. DWIGGINS; 3 children
  • Suman Douglas KING (1861-1950); married Amanda FOX; 10 children
  • Sarah Ann KING (1864-bef1870)
  • James Alfred KING (1865-1933); married Ella LOWERY; 3 children; married Rosie DILL; 4 children
  • Ellen KING (1868-1913); married John William WRIGHT: 4 children
  • Benjamin Zellen KING (1871-1956); married Elizabeth Ann SCHELL; 6 children

Monday, December 14, 2009

Family Milestones: December 14th

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, John LEMASTERS, married on this date in 1828 in Washington County, Pennsylvania to Mary H. BAKER.  John was the son of Jacob and Hannah (________) LEMASTERS, and the older brother of my Luman Walker LEMASTERS.  John was born September 24, 1804 in Mason County, Virginia.  Mary was born July 30, 1808 in Pennsylvania.  They had 10 children.  Mary died in Wayne County, Ohio.  John died March 25, 1866 in Starr City, Pulaski County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Elisabeth PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1735 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire.  Elisabeth was the daughter of John and Judith (SANBORN) PHILBRICK, and the older sister of my John PHILBRICK.  Elizabeth married Isaac TOWLE and they had at least 4 children.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 7th-great grandmother, Elizabeth NYE, was born on this date in 1720.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (NEWCOMB) NYE.  Elizabeth married November 10, 1743 to Seth PIERCE, son of Samuel and Abigail (JOHNSON) PIERCE.  Seth was born November 30, 1716 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  They had at least 4 children.  Seth died December 5, 1794.  Elizabeth died May 14, 1749 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.


My paternal 3rd-great grandfather, George J. HALEY, was born on this date in 1814 in Basel, Switzerland.  George emigrated with his parents when a small boy and they settled in Fairfield County, Ohio.  George married January 1, 1835 in Hardin County, Ohio to Rachel H. GARY.  Rachel was born March 25, 1816 in Fairfield County, Ohio.  They had 10 children. George was a minister in the Evangelical Association and he lived in Fairfield, Marion, Morrow and Erie Counties of Ohio. Rachel died November 25, 1897 in Erie County, Ohio.  George died February 27, 1888 in Huron Township, Erie County, Ohio. Both are buried in the Scotts Cemtery, Huron Township, Erie County, Ohio.

Olive Jane (Smith) Wehrly (1846-1913)

Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY was my paternal 2nd-great grandmother.  With a surname of SMITH, tracing this line will be interesting, to say the least.

The following facts about Olive's life are known:
  • Birth: She was born June 23, 1846 in Cass County, Michigan, the daughter of William P. and Prudence (MAXSON) SMITH.
  • Census: 1860 - she appears in the William SMITH household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Marriage: She married William P. WEHRLY on June 9, 1860 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Census: 1870 - she appears in the William P. WERLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Census: 1900 - she appears in the William P. WEHRLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Death: She died January 6, 1913 in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Burial: She is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.
The following facts need further research and/or documentation to complete my research:
  • Census: need to locate her in the 1850 census, should be in the William SMITH household in Cass County, Michigan
  • Census: need to locate her in the 1880 census, should be in the William WEHRLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Census: need to locate her in the 1910 census, should be in the William WEHRLY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
Ancestry of Olive Jane (SMITH) WEHRLY (1846-1913), Ahnentafel # 19 in my ancestry:

Ahnentafel # 38: William P. SMITH (1815-1894); Clark Co., OH>Jay Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 76: Jacob SMITH (c1792-1866); New Jersey>Hardin Co., IA

Related blog posts:

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Family Milestones: December 13th

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Isaac MENDENHALL, married on this date in 1826 in Guilford County, North Carolina to Elizabeth GRIFFITH.  Isaac was the son of Mordecai and Charity (BEESON) MENDENHALL, and the younger brother of my Charity MENDENHALL.  Elizabeth was the daughter of James and Hannah (KENYON) GRIFFITH.  I do not have her birth and death dates.  Isaac was born 1756-8mo-10d in New Garden MM, Guilford County, North Carolina.  Issac died 1833-8mo-1d in Springfield MM, Guilford County, North Carolina.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Catherine WEHRLY, married on this date in 1857 to John B. BUCHER.  Catherine was the daughter of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older sister of my William P. WEHRLY. John was the son of Nicholas and Catherine (PETRY) BUCHER.  John was born May 28, 1836 in Maryland.  Catherine was born October 6, 1836 in Preble County, Ohio.  They lived in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  Catherine died June 21, 1881.

My matneral 4th-great granduncle, John GROENENDYKE, married on this date in 1826 in Fayette County, Indiana to Elizabeth SMELSER.   John was the son of James and Joannah (ANTONIDES) GROENENDYKE, and the older brother of my Elias GROENENDYKE.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (SMELSER) SMELSER.  John was born October 18, 1802 in New Jersey.  Elizabeth was born November 30, 1807 in Kentucky.  They raised 6 children in Fayette County, Indiana.  Elizabeth died December 15, 1888.  John died January 19, 1886.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Bennett FIELD, was born on this date in 1709 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts.  Bennett was the son of John and Mary (BENNETT) FIELD.  Bennett married December 18, 1734 in Deerfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts to Elizabeth SPOFFORD, daughter of Thomas and Bethiah (HAZELTINE) SPOFFORD.  Elizabeth was born April 19, 1775 in Boxford, Essex County, Massachusetts.  They had at least 2 children.  Elizabeth died November 20, 1772 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Bennett died April 6, 1770 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.

My paternal 6th-great grandmother, Cyllania WOOLSTON, was born on this date in 1728.  Cyllania was the daughter of John and Sarah (POWELL) WOOLSTON.  Cyllania married December 25, 1749 in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey to Samuel WOOLSTON, son of Samuel and Susanna (BUDD) WOOLSTON.  Samuel was born Aprl 18, 1719 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They had 5 children.  Samuel died August 4, 1773.  Cyllania died December 30, 1772 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Jacob WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1820 in York County, Pennsylvania.  Jacob was the son of Heinrich and Christina (SAUBEL) WEHRLY, and the younger brother of my Johannes WEHRLY.  Jacob married April 1, 1841 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio to Rebecca HAWK, daughter of John HAWK.  Rebecca was born August 11, 1820 in Carroll County, Ohio.  They had at least 3 children.  Nothing further known at this time.

William P. Wehrly (1845-1909)

William P. WEHRLY was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.  The WEHRLY name is believed to be of Swiss origins, and has been found spelled as WEHRLEY, WHERLEY, WHERLY, etc.

The following facts about William's life are known:
  • Birth: He was born November 2, 1845 in Preble County, Ohio, the son of Johannes "John S." and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY.
  • Census: 1860 - he appears in the John S. WHORLEY household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Military: He served in Company I, 130th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers during the Civil War.
  • Marriage: He married Olive Jane SMITH on August 4, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.
  • Census: 1870 - he appears as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation is listed as farmer.
  • Census: 1900 - he appears as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation is listed as sawmiller.
  • Death: He died June 16, 1909 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Burial: He is buried in Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Obituary: His obituary appeared in the Portland Commercial-Review on June 16, 1909.
 The following facts need further research and/or documentation to complete my research:
  • Census: need to locate him in the 1850 census, should be in the John S. WEHRLY household, either in Preble County, Ohio or Jay County, Indiana.
  • Census: need to locate him in the 1880 census, should be head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.
  • Death: Need to locate a copy of his death certificate from the Jay County, Indiana Health Department.
Ancestry of William P. WEHRLY (1845-1909), Ahnentafel # 18 in my ancestry:


Ahnentafel # 36: Johannes 'John S.' WEHRLY (1802-1876); York Co., PA>Jay Co., IN

Ahnentafel # 72: Heinrich 'Henry' WEHRLY (c1776-1846); York Co., PA>Tuscarawas Co., OH.


Related blog posts:

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Family Milestones: December 12th

My paternal 7th-great grandmother, Rebecca WARNER, was born on this date in 1715.  Rebecca was the daughter of Ebenezer and Martha (GILPIN) WARNER.  Rebecca married December 23, 1735 to Moses HURLBUT, the son of Joseph and Mary (CASTLE) HURLBUT.  Moses was born August 26, 1714 in Woodbury, Connecticut.  They had at least 5 children.  Moses died August 3, 1763 in Roxbury, Connecticut.  Rebecca died June 5, 1797.

My paternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Susannah WEHRLY, was born on this date in 1824 in Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio.  Susannah was the daughter of Johannes and Barbara (PETRY) WEHRLY, and the older sister of my William P. WEHRLY.  Susannah married February 12, 1844 to Charles PETRY, son of Jacob and Magdalena (MILLER) PETRY.  Charles was born January 27, 1822 in York County, Pennsylvania.  They raised a family of 8 children in Jay County, Indiana.  Charles died March 28, 1893 in Jay County, Indiana.  Susannah died June 23, 1910 in Salamonia, Jay County, Indiana.

Surname Saturday: Lewis

The LEWIS surname appears in Eileen's maternal line. The line stretches back into Canada just after the time of the American Revolution, but it's ultimate origins have not been discovered.  Quite possible that the family was American with Loyalist ties.


Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 48: Nathaniel LEWIS (1791-1830).  Nathaniel was born July 13, 1791 in Canada.  He married Nancy Ann SNYDER. Nancy was born August 31, 1794 in Colchester Township, Essex County, Ontario.  They moved to Montgomery County, Ohio before 1820 and Wayne County, Indiana before 1830.  Nathaniel died October 20, 1830 in Hagerstown, Wayne County, Indiana and Nancy died October 17, 1830 in Hagerstown, Wayne County, Indiana.  Both are buried in Ulrich Baptist Cemetery, Hagerstown, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 24: Solomon LEWIS (1820-1895).  Solomon was born January 9, 1820 in Montgomery County, Ohio.  Solomon married Margaret RINEHART on January 31, 1841 in Henry County, Indiana.  Margaret was born July 6, 1822 in Henry County, Indiana.  Solomon was a farmer and they raised their family in Huntington County, Indiana.  Solomon died December 18, 1895 in Lancaster, Huntington County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 12: Jacob LEWIS (1847-1898).  Jacob was born January 17, 1847 in Huntington County, Indiana.  Jacob married first to Laura GROFF on March 30, 1871 in Huntington County, Indiana.  After her death, Jacob married Marietta COOK on November 28, 1878 in Wabash County, Indiana.  Marietta was born April 6, 1855 in Grant County, Indiana.  Jacob died April 22, 1898 in Lancaster, Huntington County, Indiana.

Ahnentafel # 6: Lawrence Solomon LEWIS (1885-1947).  Lawrence was born March 30, 1885 in Lancaster, Huntington County, Indiana.  Lawrence married Ruth Alice SILLS on February 24, 1906 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  Ruth was born March 29, 1889 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana. They had 12 children in Wabash County, Indiana.  Lawrence died June 26, 1947 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.


Related blog posts:


Friday, December 11, 2009

Family Milestones: December 11th

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Martha DAVIS, married on this date in 1740 to Nathan ROGERS.  Martha was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS, and the younger sister of my Thomas William DAVIS.  Nathan was the son of Jonathan ROGERS.  Martha was born August 14, 1761.  Nathan was born May 6, 1718.  They had a family of 7 children.  Nathan died June 30, 1806.  Martha died April 1, 1756.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal great-grandaunt, Pansy GILLILAND, married on this date in 1912 in Monroe County, Indiana to Peter W. DECKER.  Pansy was the daughter of Ida DAVIS, and the older sister to my June GILLILAND.  Peter was the son of William Roscoe and Amanda (ROLLINS) DECKER.  Pansy was born December 11, 1894 in Ellettsville, Monroe County, Indiana.  Peter was born March 13, 1890 in Indiana.  They lived in Monroe and Montgomery Counties, Indiana and had 5 children.   Peter died in 1947.  Pansy remarried to Raymond TIMM.  Pansy died January 26, 1968 in Monticello, White County, Indiana.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Samuel MILLIKAN, was born on this date in 1742 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  This date may not have been correctly entered from the Quaker style.  Samuel was the son of William and Jane (WHITE) MILLIKAN.  Samuel married 6mo-10dy-1767 in New Garden MM, Guilford County, North Carolina to Ann BALDWIN, daughter of William and Elizabeth (SMITH) BALDWIN.  Ann was born May 18, 1750.  They had 10 children.  Samuel died November 3, 1817 in Randolph County, North Carolina.

Marriage: Thomas Groendyke to Hettie Ballard


My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Thomas GROENENDYKE, married his second wife,  Hettie BALLARD on December 20, 1899 in Madison County, Indiana.  The license records the surname as GROENDYKE.  

Thomas was born October 2, 1852 near Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the son of Elias and Nancy (JENKINS) GROENENDYKE.  His first wife, Emily SMITH, had died in 1895.  Hettie BALLARD was born March 1865 in Indiana.  I do not know who her parents were at this time.  She was previously married to J.U. THOMAS.


Thomas died November 25, 1944 in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not know where Hettie died.  The last record I have for her is the 1920 census.  They were living in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Family Milestones: December 10th

My paternal 3rd-great granduncle, Albert Orlando PIERCE, married on this date in 1863 in Wayne County, Indiana to Elizabeth Williams PIKE.  Albert was the son of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (WILLIAMS) PIKE.  Albert was born June 2, 1839 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Elizabeth was born circa 1844 in Indiana.  They lived in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana and Clay Township, Wayne County, Indiana.  They had 5 children.   Elizabeth died on March 25, 1883 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Albert remarried to Sarah S. WILSON.  Albert died in 1920.

My paternal 4th-great grandfather, Rev. Nathaniel CHEW, married on this date in 1848 in Iowa to Nancy MOSIER.  The marriage probably took place in Mahaska County, Iowa.   I do not have birth and death information for Nancy.  Nathaniel was born November 10, 1786 in Gloucester County, New Jersey, the son of Nathaniel and Sarah (SPRINGER) CHEW.  Nathaniel died January 24, 1866 in Mahaska County, Iowa.

My maternal 7th-great grandparents, Samuel HEATON and Susan HAWES, were married on this date in 1706 in Wrentham, Massachusetts.  Samuel was the son of Nathaniel HEATON.  Susan was the daughter of John and Sarah (DEERING) HAWES.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Susan. They had 9 children.  Samuel was born November 28, 1761 in Wrentham, Massachusetts.  Samuel died between 1735 and 1737.

Marriage: Joseph Wright to Dorothy Palmer


My maternal 3rd-great grandfather, Joseph WRIGHT and his second wife, Dorothy PALMER, were married on April 11, 1891 in Madison County, Indiana.  The marriage license has her name spelled as Dortha PARMER, but other sources, including an obituary, have her surname as PALMER.

Joseph was born April 1838 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (WARDLOW) WRIGHT.  His first wife, Rebecca HEATON, had died in 1890.  Dorothy was born either June 1837 in Pennsylvania (per census) or June 27, 1847 in Parkersburg, WV (per obituary), the daughter of George and Mary (________) PALMER.  Joseph died September 16, 1919 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Dorothy died March 4, 1926 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

According to her obituary, Dorothy had moved to Ohio as a young girl with her parents.  At the time of her death, two sisters lived in Brown County, Ohio, where Joseph was originally from.  It is possible that they may have known each other back in Ohio.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Family Milestones: December 9th

My paternal 4th-great granduncle, Cornelius SUTTON, married on this date in 1806 in Warren County, Ohio to Judith BABCOCK.  Cornelius was the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (APPLEGATE) SUTTON, and the younger brother of my Sarah SUTTON.  Cornelius was born June 20, 1780 in New Jersey.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Judith.  Cornelius died August 30, 1859 in Jackson Township, Randolph County, Indiana.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: December 1969

These photographs were in an album owned by my father, and they show members of the extended family in December 1969.  Someone must have had a G.I. Joe Christmas that year, and everyone seems to be getting into the act.


The photo above is of my cousin, Jim Coats, giving the 'victory' sign.  I believe that all of these photographs were taken at Grandma LeMaster's house in Portland, Indiana.  



My cousin, Donna Coats, Jim's sister, was into the act, although not as involved as the others.  This chair must have been the popular spot for photos that year.

 


Cousin Rick Steigerwalt looks decked out and ready for for war, with a smile on his face.  I wonder what is in the package beside him?



Rick's brother, Mark Steigerwalt, is ready to launch a grenade onto the unsuspecting Christmas revelers.

 


Not sure if uncle Vic LeMaster is surrendering or on a suicide mission, but Sgt. York he isn't.

Looking back 40 years at these photographs, I find it interesting the toys that must have been popular, at least in my family, at the time.  This was during the height of the Vietnam War, and I wonder today how many kids will have military items under their tree this year. 
 

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Family Milestones: December 8th

My paternal 6th-great grandparents, Thomas William DAVIS and Tacy CRANDALL, were married on this date in 1737 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Thomas was the son of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS.  Tacy was the daughter of John and Mary (________) CRANDALL.  Thomas was born May 15, 1719 in Westerly, Rhode Island.  Tacy was born circa 1720 in Westerly.  After their marriage, they moved their family to Monongalia County, Virginia.  Thomas died July 15, 1791 at White Day Creek, Monongalia County, Virginia.  Tacy died June 1, 1795 at White Day Creek, Monongalia County, Virginia.  

My paternal 2nd-great granduncle, William F. METZNER, married on this date in 1867 to Mary Ann HALEY in Jay County, Indiana.  William was the son of John and Catherine (YOUNG) METZNER, and the younger brother of my John Adam METZNER.  Mary was the daughter of Sebastian and Lydia (RADER) HALEY.  William was born January 6, 1844 in Licking County, Ohio.  Mary was born in 1846.  They raised a family of 8 children in Bearcreek Township, Jay County, Indiana.  William died in 1929 and Mary in 1926. They are buried in the Gravel Hill Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, John RAINS, was born on this date in 1787.  John was the son of Anthony and Nancy (GRAHAM) RAINS, and the older brother of my Elizabeth RAINS.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Mary Jane KING, was born on this date in 1849 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  Mary was the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (KING) SHAW, and the older sister of my Ellen KING.  Mary married Leroy YOUNG, son of William and Jane (________) YOUNG, on February 8, 1871.  Leroy was born November 14, 1843 in Indiana.  Leroy died March 26, 1893 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana, and Mary remarried to Robert HICKS.  Mary died April 4, 1935 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  They are buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rebecca HAINES, was born on this date in 1776 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rebecca was the daughter of Robert and Rachel (VENICOMB) HAINES, and the younger sister of my Hannah HAINES.  Rebecca died March 15, 1816 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (Heaton) Wright



My maternal 3rd-great grandparents, Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, are buried in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

Joseph was born April 1838 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (WARDLOW) WRIGHT.

Rebecca was born 1841 in Brown County, Ohio, the daughter of James R. and Elizabeth (JACOBS) HEATON.

Joseph and Rebecca were married November 1, 1857 in Schuyler County, Missouri. There was a mass migration of several related families out of Brown County, Ohio to Schuyler County, Missouri in the late 1850s. Joseph and Rebecca soon returned to Brown County, as they were enumerated in the 1860 census there.

Joseph and his family moved to Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana in the mid-1860s where they were engaged in farming.

Rebecca died on March 25, 1890 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana. After her death, Joseph remarried to Dorothy PALMER on April 11, 1891 in Madison County, Indiana. Joseph died on September 16, 1919 in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Children of Joseph and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT are:
  • Mary A. WRIGHT (1858-1910); married William Frank KIRK; 3 children
  • John William WRIGHT (1860-1945); married Ellen KING; 4 children
  • Elizabeth WRIGHT (1863-1882); married William Alpha JONES; 1 child
  • Anna L. WRIGHT (1864-1914); married Albert Morris VINSON; 1 child
  • James WRIGHT (1868-1936); married Clara B. HICKS; 4 children
  • Charles Riggs WRIGHT (1870-1967); married Bertha C. LEONARD; 4 children
  • Daisy L. WRIGHT (1873-aft1930); married Thomas A. FOX: 4 children
  • Edward E. WRIGHT (1875-1960); married Martha Jane STARR; 3 children
  • Jesse WRIGHT (1878-1919); married Hazel O'BRYANT

Monday, December 07, 2009

Family Milestones: December 7th

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, William NESBIT, married on this date in 1824 in Harrison County, Kentucky to Polly ROBERTS.  William was the son of Samuel and Mary (BERRY) NESBIT, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth NESBIT.  William was born circa 1802 and died in 1877 in Kentucky.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 5th-great grandaunt, Rebecca JACOBS, was born on this date in 1793 in Virginia.  Rebecca was the daughter of William and Sibell (LITTEL) JACOBS, and the younger sister of my James Thomas JACOBS.  Rebecca married William HIGHBEE on November 18, 1812 in Adams County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, William Godfrey SHAW, was born on this date in 1843 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  William was the son of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth SHAW.  William married in October 1869 to Mary Jane YOUNG.  Mary was born October 1847 in Indiana.  They raised their family in Orestes, where William was a carpenter and farmer.  I do not have their dates of death in my database.

Marriage: Thompson A. Fox to Daisy L. Wright


The marriage record of Thompson Asbury FOX to Daisy L. WRIGHT occurred September 27, 1890 in Madison County, Indiana.  Daisy L. WRIGHT was my maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, the daughter of Joseph W. and Rebecca (HEATON) WRIGHT. Thompson, or Thomas, as he is shown in most records, was the son of Phillip and Mary (RECTOR) FOX.


Thomas was born September 1869 in Indiana.  Daisy was born June 1873 in Indiana.  After their marriage, they lived in Madison County, Indiana where Thomas was a farmer.  He died February 1, 1926 in Madison County, Indiana and is buried at the Park View Cemetery, according to his obituary.  Daisy was living still in the 1930 census in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.   There is a Daisy L. Fox listed in the obituary database at the Anderson Public Library with an obit date of 3/29/1950, but I don't know yet if this is her.  Neither Daisy or Thomas appears in the cemetery database.

 

Advent Calendar - December 7 - Holiday Parties

It seems like it was easier to get all of the family together when I was a kid than it does now.  I can remember on Christmas Eve gathering at my grandmother WRIGHT's house for dinner and on Christmas day, after opening our presents, we would head over to my grandmother LeMASTER's.

The parties were the main times that we were able to all come together as a family.  At my grandma WRIGHT's it was a smaller crowd because of the family size, but we had cousins on both sides that were about the same age.  There were always someone to play games with.


As an adult, the holiday parties have shifted to my in-laws and my parents.  We don't always get together exactly on Christmas eve or Christmas day, but we manage to try to assemble at some point during the holidays to exchange gifts and catch up.


As I recall, we would open a few gifts on Christmas eve that came from Grandma and relatives.  One particular I remember was the year I opened up a box of rocks.  As the shock was settling in, grandma brought out the real gift, a pogo stick, which was too large to wrap.  I never did figure out quite how to use that thing, but I still remember receiving it.

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Family Milestones: December 6th

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, Charles Riggs WRIGHT, married on this date in 1890 in Innisdale, Madison County, Indiana to Bertha Cordelia LEONARD.  Charles was the son of Joseph W. and Rebecca Ann (HEATON) WRIGHT, and the younger brother of my John William WRIGHT.  Bertha was the daughter of Stephen Sylvester and Susan (TODD) LEONARD.  Charles was born November 11, 1870 in Madison CountyBertha was born March 6, 1873 in Madison County, Indiana.  They raised 4 children in Monroe Township where Charles was a farmer and salesman.  Bertha died February 26, 1950 and Charles remarried to Nellie FETZ.  Charles died November 23, 1967 and is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 2nd-great grandaunt, Maud LAMBERTSON, married on this date in 1896 in Hamilton County, Indiana to Francis F. FISHER.  Maud was the daughter of Carey W. and Clara E. (COOK) LAMBERTSON, and the younger sister of my Charles Wilson LAMBERTSON.  Maud was born June 19, 1878 in Darke County, Ohio.  Francis was born December 7, 1871 in Indiana, the son of Uriah and Elizabeth (HOOVER) FISHER.  After their marriage, they lived in Hamilton County, Indiana and Jefferson County, Illinois.  Francis died between 1920 and 1930, and Maud remarried to Will HAYSE.  Maud died April 9, 1952 in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois and is buried in the Old Shiloh Church Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

My paternal 5th-great grandparents, Deacon John PHILBRICK and Sally JEWETT, were married on this date in 1770 in Hollis, New Hampshire.  John was born February 23, 1748 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire, the son of John and Judith (SANBORN) PHILBRICK.  Sally was born March 7, 1749 in Hollis, Province of New Hampshire, the daughter of Samuel and Sally (________) JEWETT.  After their marriage they raised a family of 8 children in Hollis and Weare, New Hampshire.  John died July 31, 1780 in Weare, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.  I do not have Sally's death date.


My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Seth W. BEALS, married on this date in 1863 to Sarah E. ADAMSON.  Seth was the son of Nathan C. and Elizabeth (CHEW) BEALS, and the younger brother of my John T. BEALS.  After their marriage they resided in Rogers, Benton County, Arkansas where they had at least 3 children.  Seth died August 3, 1909.  Nothing further known at this time.



My maternal 5th-great granduncle, John KIMMER, was born on this date in 1795.  John was the son of Nicholas and Sarah (FAYLER) KIMMER, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth KIMMER.  Nothing further known at this time.


My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Minerva PIERCE, was born on this date in 1846.  Minerva was the daughter of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE, and the younger sister of my Edmund G. PIERCE.  Minerva married December 31, 1868 in Madison County, Indiana to Daniel SIGLER, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHANK) SIGLER.  Daniel was born May 1844 in Indiana.  They raised a family in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana where Daniel was a physician.  Minerva died August 31, 1902 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana and was buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.


 

Advent Calendar - December 6 - Santa Claus



Today's advent calendar theme from Geneabloggers is Santa Claus.  Did you ever write a letter to Santa?  Did you ever visit Santa and "make a list"? Do you still believe in Santa?

I'm sure that I wrote a letter or two to Santa Claus at some point growing up, though I cannot remember any particular letter.  I believe that one time we left a note for him telling him where we were because we had gone to Tennessee to visit my aunt and uncle.  I do remember an incident with my daughter at my parents house where a note was left for Santa while we went out, and when we returned there were presents.  This even is captured on VHS tape, and reminds me that I need to transfer those tapes to DVD format.

I can remember visiting Santa at the local Elks lodge and sitting on his lap with my list.  I know that my parents probably have a photograph or two when we did this.  Also, there are recordings where dad asked us each what we wanted for Christmas.  One incident with my brother and Santa occurred when he started out his wish list with "First, let me tell you what you forgot to bring me last year...".  You can believe that gift was under the tree that year!   


I believed in Santa long after many of my schoolmates stopped believing, I guess I just couldn't prove that he didn't exist.  I never caught my parents playing Santa, nor did I ever sneak around looking for presents.  I guess I was a good little boy! LOL!  


As an adult, I do not place much emphasis on Santa, and try to keep our household focused on Jesus. Our house doesn't have much in the way of Santas.   But I understand the joy that the little ones who still believe find in anticipating what lies under the tree on Christmas morn.


Grandpa Got A Bobcat - Smile for the Camera, 19th edition






The theme of the 19th edition of Smile for the Camera is "Gift".  This photograph of my grandfather, Ord Wehrly LeMASTER, is in itself a gift, because it gives me some insight into a man who passed away when I was too young to know him.

Grandpa was born in 1906, so this photograph must have been taken sometime in the 1920s, probably in Jay County, Indiana where he grew up.  Bobcats were plentiful in Indiana at one time, though recent reports show they are on the rebound.

Ord Wehrly LeMASTER was the son of Luman Cooper and Barbara Isabel (WEHRLY) LeMASTER, born September 30, 1906 Jay County, Indiana.  He married Ruth Pauline HALEY on February 28, 1932 in Jay County, Indiana.  He died October 30, 1971 in Bluffton, Wells County, Indiana.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Family Milestones: December 5th

My maternal 3rd-great grandparents, Daniel KING and Elizabeth SHAW, were married on this date in 1847 in Madison County, Indiana.  Daniel was born September 3, 1820 in Ohio, the son of William and Sarah (SULLIVAN) KING.  Elizabeth was born October 1827 in Ohio, the daughter of William and Mary (HECK) SHAW.  After their marriage they lived in Jackson and Monroe Townships, Madison County, Indiana, where Daniel was a farmer. They raised a family of 10 children.  Daniel died February 24, 1876 in Madison County, Indiana.  Elizabeth remarried to William H. COCHRAN.  Elizabeth died October 10, 1900 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Howard Cemetery, Pipe Creek Township, Madison County, Indiana.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Jane MAXSON, married on this date in 1836 in Clark County, Ohio to Peter SMITH.  Jane was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Prudence MAXSON.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Mary DAVIS, was born on this date in 1737.  Mary was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (MAXSON) DAVIS, and the younger sister of my Thomas William DAVIS.  Mary married on January 3, 1759 to Elisha STILLMAN, son of George and Deborah (CRANDALL) STILLMAN.  They raised a family of 11 children.  Elisha was born April 25, 1722 and died July 26, 1796.  Mary died June 16, 1785.

My maternal 3rd-great granduncle, Origin M. POE, was born on this date in 1862 in Morgan County, Indiana.  Origin was the son of Isaac S. and Hannah (MILLS) POE, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth Caroline POE.  Origin was living in Beaver City, Furnas County, Nebraska in the 1910 census, the last record I have for him.  Nothing further is known at this time.

Surname Saturday: Ivey

The IVEY surname appears in Eileen's paternal line.  The surname has been found to be spelled IVY, IVIE, etc. in the records.  There has been some speculation that Eileen's grandmother, Bessie Lee IVEY, has Indian blood, though nothing has been found to confirm this.

Stories and History:

Ahnentafel # 20: George W. IVEY.  George and his wife, Rebecca HARROLD, were listed as the parents of Samuel IVEY on his marriage record.  Rebecca's surname has been also spelled HARRELL in some records.

Ahnentafel # 10: Samuel IVEY (c1868-1953).  Samuel was born circa 1868 in Kentucky.  Samuel married Emma E. CARTER on February 26, 1896 in Massac County, Illinois.  Emma was born circa 1880-1886 in either Alabama, Arkansas or Kentucky (census records disagree).  The family lived in Graves and Marshall Counties, Kentucky and Lawrence and Poinsett Counties, Arkansas in the census records.  Samuel died May 25, 1953 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

Ahnentafel # 5: Bessie Lee IVEY (1900-2003).  Bessie was born July 8, 1900 in Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky.  Bessie married St. Patrick Merlin CUMMINGS on March 16, 1920 in Sedgwick, Lawrence County, Arkansas.  Patrick was born March 17, 1863 in Haleyville, Winston County, Alabama.  Bessie died March 10, 2003 in Marion, Grant County, Indiana and is buried in Grant Memorial Park in Marion.

Related blog posts:

Advent Calendar - December 5 - Outdoor Decorations

Some people really go 'all out' when they do their Christmas decorations, particularly in the realm of outside decorations.  Others prefer the minimalist approach.  I'm somewhere in the middle.


I wonder what my ancestors would think about all of the excessive lights and plastic lawn ornaments.  They probably would think that we were being wasteful of electricity.


Growing up, my parents had quite a collection of outside Christmas ornaments - everything from Santa and the reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Nativity scenes, etc.  My dad would really enjoy setting up the outside displays.  Some of these ornaments have now migrated to my house and my brother and sister's house.  Still today, the grandkids love to come and see all of the decorations that my parents have put outside in their yard.


One lawn ornament, Frosty the Snowman, has migrated to my house.  Apparently, when I was a youngster, I cried and cried when Frosty melted after watching the cartoon TV special.  In an attempt to pacify me, my parents bought a plastic yard ornament of Frosty so they could show my young eyes that Frosty didn't really melt away.  Now, as an adult, Frosty has a home with me.


This year, I only have a minimum of outside decorations - some lights on the bushes, and a Frosty the Snowman.  My neighbor, however, is going for the Clark Griswald award, and lights up the entire neighborhood.  My wife doesn't want me to get involved in a competition, but deep in my heart, I'm plotting how I can do better next year and beat him.

Obituary: John Adam Metzner (1840-1895)

Source: The Daily Commercial, Portland, Indiana, December 5, 1895, page 1.

J. A. METZNER DEAD

A Well Known Farmer

Finally Succumbs to Disease - Has Long Been a Resident and was a Soldier

At 7 o'clock last evening, the news of the death of Adam Metzner, at his home in the north-east corner of Wayne township, reached this city.  Mr. Metzner has been ill for some time, and for the last day or two his death was almost momentarily expected.

Undertaker J.L. Baird was at once summoned to take charge of the remains, but no date for the interment has been fixed.

Mr. Metzner was born in Licking county, Ohio, in 1840, and is of German descent, his father being born in that country; his mother was a native of France.  He came to Jay county in 1850.

He was a gallant soldier during the rebellion, enlisting in August 1861 in company G, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, and serving until the close of the war.  He veteranized in 1863, at which time his regiment was consolidated with the Fifty-first Ohio, his command being attached to the Army of the Cumberland.  With his regiment he fought on many a bloody battlefield, including Stone River, Chickamauga and the battles of the Atlanta campaign.  He was severely wounded in the right arm at Burnt Hickory, just before the close of the Atlanta campaign.  He returned to his regiment at Nashville, Tenn., from there went to Texas, and was mustered out at Victoria, November, 1865.

Mr. Metzner has resided on his present farm since returning from the war.

He has always been classed among the best citizens of the county, and his record both as a soldier and citizen is an honorable one.


Comment: John Adam METZNER was my paternal 2nd-great grandfather.

Friday, December 04, 2009

Family Milestones: December 4th

My maternal 2nd-great granduncle, David KING, was born on this date in 1854 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  David was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING, and the older brother of my Ellen KING.  David married Litha Ann Trumilis D'Amsel MAY, daughter of Michael and Julie (CAWTHORN) MAY on July 26, 1876 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana. Litha was born June 1856 in Indiana.  They lived in Pipe Creek and Monroe Townships of Madison County, Indiana where David farmed and operated a grain elevator.  David died November 1, 1914 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  Litha remarried to John PERCIFUL and died September 1954 in Madison County, Indiana.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Lydia MAXSON, was born on this date in 1799 in Harrison County, Virginia.  Lydia was the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (SUTTON) MAXSON, and the older sister of my Prudence MAXSON.  Lydia married on May 22, 1817 to Jacob BABCOCK, son of Thomas and Martha (DAVIS) BABCOCK.  Jacob was born April 25, 1797 in Salem, Harrison County, Virginia.  They had at least one son.  Jacob died January 2, 1835.  Lydia remarried to Caleb AYERS.  Lydia died September 22, 1871 in Rock County, Wisconsin.

My paternal great-uncle, Vernon Walker LEMASTERS, was born on this date in 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  Vernon was the son of Luman Walker and Mary Keziah (CHEW) LEMASTERS, and the younger brother of my Luman Cooper LEMASTERS.  Vernon married June 30, 1917 to Helene GARMHAUSEN.  His was a physician and served in World War I.  They had 2 children.  Vernon died March 17, 1955.  Both are buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana.

Advent Calendar - December 4 - Christmas Cards

The mail begins to trickle in this time of year with Christmas Cards, and already this year we've received a couple.  Our cards will be adding to the postal service economy here shortly.

We always seem to get a variety of cards and letters at Christmas time.  Some folks take the time to write out a long letter, but most are just the traditional greetings with a message of love.  We try to keep our address book up to date, as there is always someone among our friends or family who seems to have moved within the year.

In the past, there have been times where we've displayed the cards in the tree or across the doorway, etc.  Some in my family have made small Christmas gift boxes out of the old cards from previous years.  Others have placed them in the Christmas tree itself.  Personally, I like to see who uses the same cards as others to see who shares a similar taste.

Our Christmas cards typically express a Christian message - one small way to share the gospel.  Some of the cards we receive share this faith, others are filled with snowmen, Santa or other winter scene.  Occasionally, a friend will send one of those picture cards, showing us how much their children or their pets have grown.

I do not have any Christmas cards of my ancestors, nor do I typically save the cards from year to year unless they are being recycled into a giftbox.  Other than saving new addresses for the address books, the cards usually end up in the trash.


Christmas cards are a good way to stay in touch with loved ones that we don't get to see as often as we would like. 

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Marriage: William P. Wehrly to Olive Jane Smith


My paternal 2nd-great grandparents, William P. WEHRLY and Olive Jane SMITH were married on August 4, 1866 in Jay County, Indiana.  Notice in the record that William is shown with a middle initial of 'S.'; that was the middle initial used by his father.  Also, the spelling of the surname is WHERLEY in this record.

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.

They lived out their lives in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, where William was a farmer, sawmiller and mortician.  They had 13 children.

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

Advent Calendar - December 3 - Christmas Tree Ornaments



Our family likes Christmas ornaments.  We have all types from homemade ones made by the kids to store bought ones with sentimental attachments.  We definitely have the silly ones, like the Indianapolis Colts one I'm holding in the above photo, to the "Our First Christmas", etc.

My folks like to buy ornaments every year for the grandkids that reflect a period in their lives : an instrument, a sports team, etc.  I have my John Deere ornament and Tony Stewart's car for our tree.  


The kids have made ornaments at school and church that we still have in the collection.  We've also gone to the Walkway of Lights in Marion and purchased handcrafted ones as well.  We have a bit of an eclectic mix of ornaments to choose from when we put up the tree.


Sometimes when the ornaments are past their prime, it is hard to say goodbye to them.  Perhaps that is just the pack rat in me.  


 

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Family Milestones: December 2nd

My maternal 6th-great granduncle, Joseph CHEW, married on this date in 1799 in Frederick County, Virginia to Elizabeth THOMAS.  Joseph was the son of Major James and Mary (CALDWELL) CHEW, and the older brother of my Andrew CHEW.  Joseph was born December 19, 1765 in Virginia.  Elizabeth was born June 9, 1772, probably in Pike County, Virginia, the daughter of Sampson THOMAS. They raised a family of 10 children.  Joseph died March 12, 1848 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio, and Elizabeth died September 11, 1843 in Andersonville, Ross County, Ohio.

 

Advent Calendar - December 2 - Holiday Foods

I can remember as a kid waking up mom & dad to let them know that Santa had been there.  Once everyone was up, we were tortured into eating breakfast before opening our presents!  Just kidding!  I'm sure the bacon and eggs, and the coffee for mom and dad, helped make the morning go smoother as we ripped into our presents.  Believe me, we ate breakfast at a lightning pace!


Our family pretty much had all of the traditional holiday foods for Christmas dinner - everything from ham to turkey, plenty of pies, even cranberry sauce (yuck!).  Honestly, I probably don't pay enough attention to what is being served - if you fix it, I can eat it.

One particular holiday tradition that I remember growing up involved special "Santa" mugs filled with lime-green holiday punch.  My grandma Wright started this tradition, I believe, and my mom still has this punch every year.  The kids really enjoy it :

Christmas Punch
Makes 36 servings

2 cups sugar                                    6 cups water
3 packages lemon-lime koolaide         2 liters lemon-lime soda
3 cups pineapple-grapefruit juice*       1 quart lime sherbet
1/3 cup lemon juice

About 2 hours before serving, stir half of the lime sherbet in punch bowl to soften.  Mix sugar, koolaide, juices and water together in large pitcher.  Stir until sugar is dissolved.  (This could be done ahead of time and chilled).  Blend into the sherbet that is in the punch bowl.  Scoop remaining sherbet on top.  Carefully pour in 7-Up or any lemon-lime carbonated beverage.

*If pineapple-grapefruit juice is not available, mix 1 1/2 cups of pineapple juice and 1 1/2 cups of grapefruit juice.
** Freeze 7-Up ice cubes with drained marschino cherries in the middle for color.

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday: LeMaster home - Portland, Indiana


These photos are from the house on West Water Street in Portland, Indiana that my father grew up in and that I remember from a boy visiting my grandmother. The first one is dated 1947.



This photo shows a winter view. From the type of film used, it was probably taken sometime in the late 1970s.


The final photo appears as I remember the house in the 1980s.

Genealogy Research Journal - December 2, 2009

Updated my database today with information I received from a correspondant regarding a collateral COOK family line.  Janet Cook Hart saw my database at Worldconnect and gave me corrections and additions to connect James S. COOK b. 1803 Guilford County, North Carolina into the main branches of the Quaker COOKS already in my database.  Turns out James is a 3rd cousin 6 times removed from me, but a descendant of Peter COOK and Elinor NORMAN.


Looking at the data reminds me that I have far to go to correct and document the correct Quaker dating in my records.  

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Family Milestones: December 1st

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Henry WARDLAW, married on this date in 1836 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary L. PURDUM.  Henry was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the older brother of my Anna.  Henry was born May 12, 1812 in Brown County, Ohio.  Mary was born circa 1817 in Ohio.  They lived out their lives in Brown County, Ohio, where Henry was a farmer.  Henry died April 1, 1886 in Brown County, Ohio.  They had a family of 7 children.

My paternal 6th-great grandaunt, Susannah CHEW, married on this date in 1756 to Savil WILSON.  Susannah was the daughter of Jeffrey and Amy (DRIVER) CHEW, and the older sister of my Jesse CHEW.  Susannah was born in 1735 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.  She died in 1789, probably in Gloucester County.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 4th-great grandaunt, Judith PHILBRICK, was born on this date in 1788.  Judith was the daughter of Deacon John and Sally (JEWETT) PHILBRICK, and the younger sister of my Joel PHILBRICK.  Judith died in October 1782.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Sarah Wilson LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1835 in Warren County, New Jersey.  Sarah was the daughter of John and Sarah A. (WILSON) LAMBERTSON, and the older sister of my Carey W. LAMBERTSON.  Sarah married on February 22, 1855 in Butler County, Ohio to John W. LYST.  John was born February 14, 1831 in Fayette County, Ohio, the son of John W. and Nancy Agnes (________) LYST.  They moved their family to Madison County, Indiana and had 10 children.  Sarah died in 1881 in Madison County, Indiana and is buried in the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Indiana.

My maternal grandfather, William Lee WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1919 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  William was the son of Virgil Lee and Edna Muriel (PIERCE) WRIGHT.  William married on June 7, 1941 in Madison County, Indiana to Bonnie Mae LAMBERTSON, the daughter of Clemon Beals and June Kirk (DAVIS) LAMBERTSON.  Bonnie was born February 18, 1924 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  William died July 9, 1973 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.

Tombstone Tuesday: John William and Ellen (King) Wright


My maternal 2nd-great grandparents, John William and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT, are buried in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.

John William was born February 21, 1860 in Brown County, Ohio, the son of Joseph W. and Rebecca (HEATON) WRIGHT.

Ellen was born August 24, 1888 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (SHAW) KING.

John and Ellen were married on May 13, 1888 in Madison County, Indiana. They lived out their lives on the family farm in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana.

Children of John and Ellen (KING) WRIGHT were:
  • unnamed WRIGHT; the 1900 census lists Ellen as the mother of 3 children with 2 living
  • Virgil Lee WRIGHT (1894-1972); married Edna Muriel PIERCE; 3 children
  • Chester Arthur "Mike" WRIGHT (1896-1955); married Erma Violet HAYES: 1 child
  • unnamed WRIGHT; the 1910 census lists Ellen as the mother of 4 children with 3 living

Advent Calendar - December 1 - Christmas Tree

Growing up, our family usually had an artificial Christmas tree, although I do remember the time when we tried to have a live tree.  I believe that the mess and the cleanup it caused was the reason that we were back to an artificial tree the next year.

As an adult, in my family we've always had the artificial tree at Christmas.  Starting out in my married life, I even used a tree or two that was 'recycled', ie. it had belonged to my grandparents or parents.  Talk about a tree that had seen a better day.  Those trees looked a bit like the old Charlie Brown tree by the time I was done with them.

Traditionally, we would put up our Christmas tree after Thanksgiving, though not necessarily right after the turkey was put away.  Mother's birthday was in early December, and as I recall, the times the tree went up seemed to be closely tied to her birthday.

My brother, sister and I would help mom and dad put up the tree and decorations, and that is a tradition that continues at our house today.  Somehow it seems better to make the tree decorating a family project.


Christmas Tree, 2003 model