Monday, July 11, 2011

Haley Family, Portland, Indiana (1907)

Source: Complete Directory of Jay County, M. & M. Directory Co., Portland, Ind., 1907, p. 59
These are the listings of the HALEY family found in the city of Portland, Indiana in 1907.


Haley, Elsworth (Nettie) laborer, 509 w Walnut 
Haley, Ervin, laborer, 614 s Shanks.
Haley, Fred (Anna A) Painter, 936 w Arch.
Haley, Fred (Delilah) grocer, 612 n Meridian.
Haley, Sam'l (Ella) painter, 922 w Race


Elsworth HALEY was my paternal great-granduncle, the son of George Washington & Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY.  Elsworth was the name he went by, his full name was George David Elsworth HALEY.  He had married Nettie M. PREMER on July 17, 1890 in Jay County, Indiana.


Ervin HALEY has not yet been identified as a family member.  There are at least 3 possibilities in Jay County.  William Ervin HALEY (b. ca. 1875) who married Lula MONG; Irvin HALEY who married Minnie M. KELLY; or Irvin HALEY who married Margaret KNAPP.


Fred HALEY who married Anna A. DENNIS and was listed as a painter in 1907 has not yet been connected with my branch of the HALEY family.


Fred HALEY who married Delilah A. FERNER and was listed as a grocer in 1907 has also not yet been connected with my branch of the HALEY family.


Samuel HALEY who married Ella and is listed as a painter in 1907 has not been yet connected with my branch of the HALEY family.


I have more on site research to connect these families, if that is even possible.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Black Sheep Sunday: Marion Bank Robber Is Identified





Source: Marion Leader-Tribune, April 4, 1925, p. 1 (cont. p. 5)



MARION BANK ROBBER IS IDENTIFIED

LOCAL BONDS ARE FOUND

A.L. Pierpont, Alleged King of Robber Gang, Soon on Way to Kokomo

MUCH BOOTY RECOVERED

$900 of Bonds Stamped With Name of Grant County Bank Included.

---

Frank Mason, alias A.L. Pierpont, who is wanted in Marion for robbing the Upland State bank and the South Marion State bank, Thaddeus Skeer of Fort Wayne, who have been identified by A.L. Gorton, cashier of the Kokomo South Side bank, as two of the men who robbed that bank of more than $40,000 last week and Miss Louise Brunner of Fort Wayne, who is being held as a witness, were expected to arrive at Kokomo early this morning, where they will be placed in jail to face charges.  Homer R. Miller, prosecuting attorney of Howard county will try to place a charge of being habitual criminals against both men, which carries with it a life sentence.

The third man who was arrested was found to be James Roscoe Hayes, known as "Whitey", but was released from custody of the Detroit police last night.  Hayes was a former member of Pete Sullivan's orchestra, which appeared around here last fall on several occasions for dances and will be remembered by several Marion people.  During the World War, Hayes, who was a member of Company G 152nd infantry, deserted from Camp Shelby, Mississippi and served a term at Fort Leavenworth prison.

Bonds Recovered

After the prisoners had left Detroit late yesterday afternoon for Kokomo, a dispatch was received by the Leader-Tribune from Detroit, stating that the Detroit police had found $900 worth of Liberty bonds in their apartment, which had been stamped by the State Bank of Marion, Ind., and that authorities in this city were notified.  Byron Baxter, cashier of the South Marion State Bank, which was robbed of $40,000 on the afternoon of November 26, stated last night that no bonds were stolen from that bank, the robbers, in their haste, throwing several Liberty bonds found at the bank, on the floor.

It was thought possible however, the bonds were those of the Upland bank, but officials there said not after midnight this morning.  It was also thought possible the bonds might have been taken from individual and bore the name of some bank where they had been left for keeping.

In any event bonds in the amount of $900 have been recovered, and they are supposed to bear the name of a Grant County bank.  More information on this phase of the subject will be secured later.

Efforts were being made yesterday and last night to connect Pierpont and Skeer with the robbing of the bank at Laketon, Wabash County last Tuesday morning, when $1,937 was stolen by the robbers.

Practically all of the Liberty bonds and securities which were stolen from the Kokomo bank, have been recovered, according to Charles Jinkerson, president of the banks, while part of money has been recovered.

Mason, alias Pierpont, is said to have been given a sentence in Marion County in 1922 on a charge of assault and battery with intent to commit murder, while Skeer was sentenced from Allen County in 1917 to the state penal farm on a charge of larceny.

Part of the loot taken from the Kokomo bank was found in Skeers apartment at Detroit.  When arrested, Skeer was found to have in his possession $850 in new bills of $50 and $100 denominations, while the Brunner woman, who is said to be engaged to Skeers, was found to be in possession of a number of valuable pieces of jewelry.

Long on the Trail

The Indian [sic] Bankers Association has been looking for Mason, alias Pierpont, since the robbery of the Grant County banks and have been on his trail since that time.  Pierpont's and Skeer's arrest came about as the result of the activities of Captain William F. Pappert of the Fort Wayne police department, who gave information that Skeer had been seen at the Brunner woman's home in Fort Wayne with a large roll of money of large denominations and it was learned that she was to meet Skeers later at Detroit.  Detectives followed the woman to Detroit, where she went directly to the apartments occupied by Pierpont and Mason and the arrest of the entire party soon followed.  When the apartment was searched, revolvers were found in the apartment.

---
This account of the arrest of Harry PIERPONT (1902-1934) gives an account of his aliases, albeit the paper had his first name wrong in the initial report.  A different account of his arrest can be found here and here.  As I continue to research these various robberies I will continue to post the results here and update Harry's Wikipedia entry.


Black Sheep Sunday – create a post with the main focus being an ancestor with a “shaded past.” Bring out your ne’er-do-wells, your cads, your black widows, your horse thieves and tell their stories. And don’t forget to check out the International Black Sheep Society of Genealogists (IBSSG). This is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Sunday's Obituary: Floyd LeMasters Sr. (1894-1982)

Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, February 12, 1982, page  10.


Floyd LeMasters Sr., RR 2, Union City, died early Friday morning at the Union City Memorial Hospital after suffering a heart attack earlier at his home.


Born Feb. 2, 1894, in Madison Township, Jay County, he was the son of Luman Cooper and Isabelle (Wehrly) LeMasters.  He was married Oct. 9, 1910, to Opal S. Gagle, who survives.  LeMasters was a retired carpenter and was also employed at Central Garage in Union City.  He was a member of the Praise Chapel Church of God at New Pittsburg.


Surviving besides his wife are one daughter, Mrs. Allen (Remonda) Hershman, RR 2, Ridgeville; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Floyd (Jane) LeMasters, Lexington, Ind.; three brothers, Gerald LeMasters, Virginia; Stanley LeMasters, Akron, Ohio; Elvin LeMasters, Columbus Ohio; two sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Lock, Richmond; and Mary Olive Taylor, Columbus, Ohio; five grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.


Services are set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Praise Chapel Church of God with Rev. John Carver officiating.  Burial will be in the Salamonia Cemetery.


Friends may call at the Williamson & Spencer Funeral Home from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday.






Sunday’s Obituary – if you have obituaries of family members and ancestors, consider posting them along with other information about that person as part of Sunday’s Obituary. This is an ongoing series developed by Leslie Ann at Ancestors Live Here.

Saturday, July 09, 2011

Surname Saturday: Rickert

The RICKERT surname is in Eileen's maternal line.  The origins of the surname are unknown at this time.


Stories and history:


Ahnentafel # 63: Elizabeth Rickert (c1818-1900).  Elizabeth was born circa 1818 in Ohio, according to census records.  She married before 1841 to Jacob Shelly (c1794-1863).  Jacob was born circa 1794.  They had 7 children and lived in Lagro Township, Wabash County, Indiana.  Jacob died July 1863 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  Elizabeth died February 18, 1900 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.


Surname Saturday – create a post in which you discuss a surname and mention its origins, its geographical location(s) and how it fits into your genealogy research. Surname Saturday is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Pierpont Family in Indianapolis

In beginning to find out more about the early days of Harry PIERPONT, I've been trying to find out when exactly the family moved from Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana to Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  

Harry (b. 1902) was born in Muncie, and I believe that younger brother Fred (b. 1906) was as well.  The Delaware County, Indiana GenWeb page lists vital records of the county showing a male born to Gilbert and Lena (ORCUTT) PIERPONT on July 5, 1906 in Delaware County.  This should be Fred, so that places the family still in Muncie by mid-1906.  Need a research trip to Muncie to obtain the copy of Fern, Harry and Fred's birth certificates.


Polk's Indianapolis City Directory, 1911
While searching for details on the PIERPONT family's life in Indianapolis, I came across this entry for the family in Polk's 1911 Directory of the city located at Archive.org  Here I find the family listed as follows:


Pierpont  Gilbert J. lab, h 1234 Lee
[From directory index : lab = laborer; h = house] 


Other PIERPONTS listed in the same 1911 directory include:

Pierpont Clarence M, lab, 1011 S Harding
Pierpont Ezra, lab, b 1141 McLain
Pierpont John E, woodwkr, h 615 Warren av.
Pierpont John T, lab, h 1141 McLain 


Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006.

In the 1910 census, the Gilbert PIERPONT family was listed at 1145 McLain Street, just 4 doors down from John T. PIERPONT at 1141 McLain Street.  Gilbert was listed as a woodworker in a carriage factory.

The John T. PIERPONT who lived at 1141 McLain in the 1910 census was the father of Joseph Gilbert PIERPONT.  He and his wife, Hettie, were both born in Kentucky, and were parents of 7 children, all of whom were living.  In 1910, those living with them included son Ezra, age 19; son Frank, age 17; and daughter Edith, age 12.

In the 1900 census, the John T. PIERPONT family was in Center Township, Delaware County, Indiana.  He and his wife, Hester A., were both born in Kentucky, and were the parents of 8 children, 7 of whom were living.  In 1900, those living with them included daughter Birthey L., age 22; son Edward L., age 15; son John E., age 12; son Martin E., age 9; son Francis H., age 7; and daughter Eadith H, age 4.

Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.


The family was living at 244 Hoyt Avenue in Muncie, Indiana:


I've not yet been able to pinpoint exactly when the families made the move to Indianapolis, but I did some entries in city directories worthy of further study.

Polk's 1904 Indianapolis City Directory
In the 1904 directory, there is only one PIERPONT listed, a Wm E., grocer at 339 Indiana avenue, who has a home at 417 N. Senate Avenue.  I do not know of any relationship yet to Harry's family.  Unfortunately, this 1904 directory was the only one I've found yet between the time period of Fred's birth and the 1910 census.  Will have to look for them on-site at a library.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Marriage Application: Pearl M. Metzner (1915)


APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE - FEMALE

Application is hereby made for a license for the marriage of Pearl M. Metzner to Edward H. Baumgartner upon the following statement of facts relative to said parties:

1. Full christian and surname of the woman is Pearl M. Metzner.
2. Color White
3. Where born Jay County, Indiana
4. When born Nov. 6, 1883
5. Present residence Portland, Indiana
6. Present occupation Housework
7. Full christian and surname of father William F. Metzner
8. His color White
9. His birthplace Fairfield Co., Ohio
10. His occupation Farming
11. His residence Jay County, Ind.
12. Full christian and maiden name of mother Mary A. Haley
13. Her color White
14. Her occupation Housework
15. Her birthplace Fairfield Co., Ohio
16. Her residence Jay County, Ind.
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

Signature of applicant Pearl M. Metzner

State of Indiana, Jay County, SS:

Pearl M. Metzner deposes and says that she has personal knowledge of the facts above stated and that they and each of them are true.

Pearl M. Metzner

Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 2 day of June 1915

Frank Gillespie, Clerk
Jay Circuit Court

---
This marriage application was signed by Pearl M. Metzner on June 2, 1915.  She was my paternal 1st cousin 3 times removed.

Ancestry.com has a record of the marriage in their database as well.



This application for a marriage license was part of the collection found at the Jay County Historical Society.  The society has made copies of many of the marriage application books, making research easier on days when the courthouse is closed.

Monday, July 04, 2011

Was Harry's Relationship Ever Mentioned?

Relationship Chart created with RootsMagic 3.2.6

One of the curiosities in my mind regarding how Harry PIERPONT (1902-1934) was connected with my family, was whether or not it was ever mentioned by family members how closely they were related when his name was in the papers.

They may not have followed his early criminal career as much, but by the time of the breakout from Michigan City and the Dillinger breakout, Harry was front page news.  Reading the papers from that era, it was a near daily experience to have Harry's name mentioned in the newspaper.


How much contact grandma Ruth (Haley) LeMaster (1911-1990) and her sisters had with Harry when he was growing up is unknown.  Aunt Carrie would be more Harry's age.  Was there ever a family reunion of the METZNER clan where Harry and my grandmother met?  Harry's was born in Muncie and grew up in Indianapolis, but it wouldn't be too far outside the realm of possibility that there may have been some family contact.  In my life, I don't have much contact with my second cousins as I did when growing up, but I do have vague notions of where there are now.  Perhaps grandma and Harry were the same.


In recent discussion with my dad, aunt Carrie had mentioned there was some connection with Dillinger, and uncle Waymon was fearful of the gang.  Of course, those with first hand knowledge are gone now. Will have to see what else I can learn at the next family reunion.

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Sunday's Obituary: Mary Elsie (LeMaster) Atkinson (1872-1942)

Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, June 5, 1942, page 1



MARY ATKINSON DIES SUDDENLY


Heart Attack Suffered Friday Morning Proves Fatal


Mrs. Mary Elsie Atkinson, aged 70, died suddenly Friday morning at 10:30 o'clock, from a heart attack while she was preparing for a visit with friends in Ohio.


Death occurred on the LeMaster farm, one mile west of Salamonia, where she had spent the greater part of her life.


The deceased was a daughter of L.W. and Mary K. (Chew) LeMaster, and was born in Darke county, Ohio, April 26, 1872.


On September 15, 1894, she was united in marriage to Mathias J. Atkinson, who preceded her in death, August 24, 1923.


Surviving are a foster son, Albert Franks, of Detroit, Michigan, who was reared in the home, and the following brothers and sisters; Edith, wife of Henry Meinholtz, of Colorado Springs; Maude, wife of Dr. S.W. Phillips, of David City, Nebraska; Arthur (Art) LeMaster, of Portland; and Dr. D.W. LeMaster, of Sidney, Ohio.  Four brothers and two sisters are deceased.


The body was removed to the Williamson funeral home for preparation, and where it will remain.


Funeral arrangements have not been made, awaiting information from relatives.



Sunday’s Obituary – if you have obituaries of family members and ancestors, consider posting them along with other information about that person as part of Sunday’s Obituary. This is an ongoing series developed by Leslie Ann at Ancestors Live Here.

Friday, July 01, 2011

Family Recipe Friday: Aunt Clara Ellen's Rhubarb Poke Cake


Aunt Clara Ellen (Wright) High


Another contribution from mom's kitchen:



I grow 'red' rhubarb that I originally got a start from a neighbor, John Horn, when we lived on Monroe Street.  I was always looking for different recipes that called for rhubarb.  Keep it  in the refrigerator.  It gets more moist the longer it sits.  I got this recipe from my Aunt Clara Ellen.  I was told she always liked to cook up a dessert, especially homemade ice cream when the family got together.  Makes 12 servings






    1 cup rhubarb                                                  
    1/2 cup shortening                                             
    1 1/2 cups sugar                                               
    2 eggs                                                         
    2 cups flour                                                   
    1 teaspoon baking soda                                         
    1/4 teaspoon salt                                              
    1 cup buttermilk    

                                           
    Decorating icing     

                                          
    1/2 cup brown sugar                                            
    3 tablespoons flour                                            
    1/2 cup sugar                                                  
    1 1/2 cups water                                               
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract                                     
    1-2 tablespoons butter                                         
    1/2 package strawberry jello                                   
    1 8.8-ounce carton cool whip        

                           
Cut rhubarb into small pieces and let stand in 1/2 cup sugar for 30-60 minutes.  Beat shortening, remaining sugar, and eggs until creamy and fluffy.   Add flour, soda, salt.   Mix well.  Mix in buttermilk.  Add rhubarb mixture and pour into a 9x13 inch pan.   Bake 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees.   Cool.   Punch  holes in top of cake.


In a saucepan combine icing ingredients of brown and white sugar, flour, water.  Cook until thick and clear.   Add vanilla, butter and jello.   Pour icing over top of cake.   Cool.


Optional:   Spread a layer of Cool Whip  on top of cake to hide holes.   



Family Recipe Friday – is an opportunity to share your family recipes with fellow bloggers and foodies alike. Whether it’s an old-fashioned recipe passed down through generations, a recipe uncovered through your family history research, or a discovered recipe that embraces your ancestral heritage share them on Family Recipe Friday. This series was suggested by Lynn Palermo of The Armchair Genealogist.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Wild About Harry

My recent genealogical activity continues to revolve around the early career of my  black sheep cousin, Harry PIERPONT (1902-1934).  I'm finding fascinating research material in newspaper accounts of the bank robberies he and his gang pulled off in east-central Indiana in the 1924-25 period.


My dad has been putting together a booklet of newspaper articles and other web sources about Harry for our next family reunion.  Already some of my cousins have expressed interest in the fact that we have a famous, albeit criminal relative.  Why doesn't anyone get as excited about the teachers, farmers and doctors in the family?


Over the weekend, I managed to obtain 42 pages of newspaper accounts of robberies while searching at the Marion Public Library.  These robberies occurred in Marion, Converse, Upland and Noblesville in the fall of 1924.  I knew the date of one robbery was November 26th, and I followed the story forward until the end of the reel, which was December 31st.  Just researching in one newspaper, the Marion Leader-Tribune, I was able to obtain the 42 pages and learn of the robberies, and by the end of 1924, the arrest of three members of Harry's gang.


I look forward to my return to the library to seek out viewpoints covered in the Marion Chronicle, as well as follow the story up through Harry's capture in March, 1925 in Detroit.


There is much blog fodder for future "Black Sheep Sunday" posts, as well as data to update Harry's Wikipedia entry.  The fascinating story of Harry goes well beyond the Dillinger connection.  Without Harry's tutelage, no one would know the name of John Dillinger today.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Sunday's Obituary: Ord Otterbein LeMASTER (1876-1937)


Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, September 15, 1937, page 1
FORMER JAY CO. RESIDENT DIES

Dr. O.A. Lemaster Succumbs at Sidney, O., Following Operation

A.R. LeMaster, of North Meridian street, received a message this morning informing him of the death of his brother, Dr. O.O. LeMaster, at Sidney, Ohio, about 5:30 o'clock this morning. Dr. LeMaster was operated on last Saturday for obstruction of the bowels, which later caused his death.

Dr. LeMaster was a former Jay county "boy", being reared on a farm in Madison township near Salamonia.  He received his education in the Jay county schools after which he taught a few terms of school.  He then attended medical college at Columbus, Ohio.  After graduating there he engaged in the practice of medicine at Kettlershill, Ohio [sic], later moving to Sidney, Ohio where he has been associated with his brother, Dr. Vernon W. LeMaster in the practice of medicine for more than 20 years.  He was 61 years of age at the time of his death.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 o'clock p.m. (Ohio time) at Sidney.  Interment will be at Sidney.

A number of Portland and Jay county relatives will attend the funeral services.



Sunday’s Obituary – if you have obituaries of family members and ancestors, consider posting them along with other information about that person as part of Sunday’s Obituary. This is an ongoing series developed by Leslie Ann at Ancestors Live Here.

Black Sheep Sunday: Robbers Outwit Kokomo Police




Call-Leader, Elwood, Indiana, March 28, 1925, page 1.

ROBBERS OUTWIT KOKOMO POLICE

Holdup Bank, Getting Cash and Liberty Bonds and Make Escape

THREE WITNESSES OF RAID

Kokomo, Ind. March 27 – Police were thrown off the trail of four bandits who held up and robbed the South Kokomo bank of $4,000 in cash and a like amount of Liberty bonds about 1:45 o’clock this afternoon, when the conspicuous blue car used by the bandit to make their escape was found this evening concealed in a slough about five miles southwest of the city.  A farmer reported that he saw the bandits, about seven in number, change to two small cars, a coupe and a sedan.

The bandits entered the bank singly.  While the first was having a $10 changed, the second entered and waited at the cashier’s window.  The third suddenly displayed a gun and ordered A.E. Gorton, cashier; Miss Winifred Dimitt, assistant cashier, and Miss Frances Gorton into the rear room.  Gorton was forced, with a pistol at the back of his head to open the inner vault.  “Speedy,” a small terrier, boldly attacked the burglar’s ankle, and was kicked into the basement.

Stolen From Fort Wayne

The bandits’ car was stolen from Fort Wayne Thursday night, and carried the license plates of a phaeton, belonging to Barrett M. Woodsmall, of Indianapolis, stolen from there on March 11 and found here riddled with bullets Thursday night.

The hold-up was watched by three young men in a drug store across the street from the bank, but they were prevented from calling police because of fear of a stranger who stood in the store and watched them closely.  The alarm was not sounded until the bandits had escaped with the money.

---
This perspective of the Kokomo robbery, which sent my cousin Harry PIERPONT (1902-1934) to prison, was interesting in that it added details not found in other accounts.  The fact that the robber kicked the poor dog, just makes them downright mean.  This article was researched at the Elwood, Indiana Public Library.



Black Sheep Sunday – create a post with the main focus being an ancestor with a “shaded past.” Bring out your ne’er-do-wells, your cads, your black widows, your horse thieves and tell their stories. And don’t forget to check out the International Black Sheep Society of Genealogists (IBSSG). This is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Family Recipe Friday: Orzo with Bacon & Asparagus

Another contribution from mom's kitchen:



Asparagus---Another Spring time treasure


 
We have grown asparagus for several years.   It involves digging a bed and putting in sand,etc.  However, our second bed we did not dig a deep bed and it is doing fine. I do recommend mulching as weeds will take over.   I also recommend you read up on planting in your area.   It is recommend that you not cut until the second year.  Cut the spears with the bud tips are tight.  Store standing up in the refrigerator  in about 1 inch water until ready for use.   I can pick asparagus May-June.    If we have have an abundance, I can it for the winter.   We usually like to eat it grilled with a olive oil and sprinkled with salt and lemon pepper sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese. Of course I'm always trying new ways to fix asparagus and I have included  this one that I'm sure I will make again.
Orzo with Bacon and Asparagus

Makes 3 servings

This skillet dinner has it all--orzo, bacon, and asparagus blended in a quick meal that's ready in 35 minutes.  A tasty dish I discovered when looking for something different that uses asparagus.  It can be served with another meal such as grilled chicken breast.

    6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces                       
    1 14 1/2-ounce can fat-free chicken broth  with 1/3 less sodium
    1 cup (6 1/2 oz) orzo pasta or rosamarina, uncooked            
    8 ounces fresh asparagus spears, trimmed, cut into 1 inch pieces
    1/4 cup sliced roasted red bell peppers (from a jar) or I used fresh
    2 ounces (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese or Asiago   
               
Cook bacon in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp.   Reserve bacon and 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet.   Add broth; bring to a boil.   Add orzo.   Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 5 minutes.   Add asparagus and peppers; cover and cook an additional 5-10 minutes or until orzo and asparagus are tender, stirring occasionally.   Sprinkle individual servings with cheese.



Family Recipe Friday – is an opportunity to share your family recipes with fellow bloggers and foodies alike. Whether it’s an old-fashioned recipe passed down through generations, a recipe uncovered through your family history research, or a discovered recipe that embraces your ancestral heritage share them on Family Recipe Friday. This series was suggested by Lynn Palermo of The Armchair Genealogist.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Divorce Papers: William Clifford LeMaster

From the Colorado State Archives, I was able to obtain copies of the divorce papers of my paternal great-granduncle, William Clifford LeMASTER, who married Lella Edith LEWIS on August 20, 1892 in Jay County, Indiana.  After living in Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio for a number of years, they moved west to Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado before 1910.  William filed for divorce in Teller County, Colorado in August 21 1917 - and papers were served to Lella in Los Angeles, California on September 5, 1917.

STATE OF COLORADO
County of Teller; SS

IN THE COUNTY COURT
No. 3359


vs.

LELLA E. LEMASTER, Defendant

ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE

I hereby accept service in the above entitled cause and acknowledge receipt of a true copy of the summons and complaint.  I also waive all right to a trial by jury and consent that the case may go to trial at any time the plaintiff may elect without any notice to me.

Lella E. LeMaster

copy of Lella's signature


Subscribed and sworn to before me this 5 day of September A.D. 1917.

Earl ????
Notary Public


STATE OF COLORADO
County of Teller; SS

IN THE COUNTY COURT
No. 3359


vs.

Lella E. LeMaster, Defendant     

SUMMONS

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO,

To Lella E. LeMaster the defendant named, GREETING:

You are hereby required to appear in an action brought against you by the above named plaintiff, in the County Court of Teller County, State of Colorado; or, if served out of the State of Colorado, or by publication, within fifty days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of service; or said action may be regularly set for trial the same as though such appearance had been made and issue had been joined on such complaint.

The said action is brought by plaintiff to obtain a decree of divorce, dissolving the bonds of matrimony now existing between plaintiff and defendant, on the ground of desertion as will more fully appear from the complaint in said action to which reference is hereby made and a copy of which is hereto attached.

And you are hereby notified that if you fail to appear, and plead to said complaint as above required, the said plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief therein demanded.

Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, this 21st day of August A.D. 1917

K.C. Gustin, Clerk


STATE OF COLORADO
County of Teller; SS


IN THE COUNTY COURT
No. 3359


William C. LeMaster, Plaintiff


vs.


Lella E. LeMaster, Defendant


COMPLAINT


Comes now the above named plaintiff, by Alvin S. Frank, his attorney, and complains of the defendant and for cause of action alleges:


1.

That plaintiff is and for more than one year last past has been a bona fide resident of the state of Colorado and of the county of Teller.

2.

That plaintiff and defendant were married at Salamonia, Indiana, on the 21st of August, 1892, ever since have been and now are husband and wife.  That there were born to plaintiff and defendant as a result of the aforesaid marriage the following minor children, Ralph M. LeMaster, of the age of fifteen years, at present residing with the plaintiff, and William C. LeMaster, Jr., of the age of thirteen years, at present residing with the defendant.

3.

That the defendant deserted plaintiff on the tenth day of July, 1916, and in spite of frequent requests of plaintiff that she return to him and live with him she has continually refused to live with plaintiff as his wife.


4.

That the amount involved in this action does not exceed the sum of two thousand dollars.

Wherefore plaintiff prays that the bonds of matrimony heretofore and now existing between him and defendant be totally and forever dissolved at his costs; that he be given the custody of his minor son, Ralph M. LeMaster and that the defendant be given custody of William C. LeMaster, Jr., and for such other and further orders as to the Court may seem proper in the premises.

Alvin S. Franks [signature]
Attorney for Plaintiff

State of Colorado,
County of Teller, SS.

WILLIAM C. LEMASTER, being first duly sworn upon his oath deposes and says: that he is the plaintiff in the above entitled cause; that he has read the above and foregoing complaint and knows the contents thereof and that the same is true of his own knowledge.

Wm. C. LeMaster

Signature of William C. LeMaster

STATE OF COLORADO
County of Teller

In the County Court
No. 3559


vs.

Lella E. LeMaster, Defendant

FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

This cause having been brought on to be tried on the 24th day of September A.D. 1917, the plaintiff appearing by Alvin S. Frank, his attorney, and the defendant not appearing, either in person or by attorney, the case not being contested, the cause being tried to the Court without a jury, and the evidence having been duly presented and submitted,

THE COURT DOTH FIND: That the Summons was regularly issued in this cause and served up the defendant by acceptance of service by defendant acknowledged before Earl Newmire, notary public within and for Los Angeles County at Los Angeles, California.

That more than thirty days elapsed after the filing of the complaint herein before the trial of this cause;

That the plaintiff resides in Teller County in the State of Colorado;

That the plaintiff was personally present at the trial;

That at the date of the commencement of this action the plaintiff had been a bona fide resident and citizen of the State of Colorado during the one year next prior to the commencement thereof;

That the plaintiff and defendant were lawfully married on or about the 21st day of August, A.D. 1892 and ever since have been and now are husband and wife;

That the plaintiff and defendant have two minor children as the issue of said marriage; to-wit: Ralph E. LeMaster and William C. LeMaster, Jr.


That the said Ralph M. LeMaster is of the age of fifteen years and is residing with the plaintiff, and that the said William C. LeMaster, Junior, is of the age of thirteen years and is residing with the defendant.

That the said plaintiff, William C. LeMaster, is a fit and proper person to have the care and custody of the said Ralph M. LeMaster, and that the said defendant, Lella E. LeMaster, is a fit and proper person to have the care and custody of the said William C. LeMaster, Junior, and it is so ordered by the Court, and it is further ordered that the plaintiff may have the privilege of visiting with the said William C. LeMaster, Jr., for a period of not to exceed three weeks in each year and that the defendant shall have the privilege of visiting with the said Ralph M. LeMaster for a period not to exceed three weeks in each year.

That by competent evidence it has been established that defendant deserted plaintiff more than one year prior to the filing of the complaint in the above entitled cause and has failed and refused ever since to live with plaintiff as his wife.  That plaintiff is entitled to a decree of divorce.

That the plaintiff shall, at the expiration of six months from the date of filing hereof by the Clerk of this Court, be entitled to a Decree of Divorce, provided these Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law have not been set aside and no motion to set them aside remains unheard and undecided.

Done and signed this 24th day of September, A.D. 1917.

By the Court, Karl W. Farr, Judge.


STATE OF COLORADO,
County of Teller, SS.

In the County Court
No. 3359


vs.

Lella E. LeMaster, Defendant

DECREE

This cause this day having been brought on to be heard and more than six months having elapsed since the day on which the findings of fact and conclusions of law were filed herein and said findings of fact and conclusions of law having not been set aside and no motion to set them aside remaining unheard and undecided, and upon motion of A.S. Frank, Esq., attorney, for the said William C. LeMaster, the plaintiff herein and accordance with said findings of fact and conclusions of law,

IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED by the Court that the bonds of matrimony heretofore and now existing between the said plaintiff William C. LeMaster and the said defendant Lella E. LeMaster be and the same are hereby dissolved and that said parties are, and each of them is, freed and absolutely released therefrom.

AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED by the Court that the sole care, custody and control of the minor child Ralph LeMaster, be and the same hereby is granted to William C. LeMaster, plaintiff herein; and that the sole care, custody and control of the minor child, William C. LeMaster, Jr., be, and the same hereby is granted and given to Lella E. LeMaster, the defendant herein, until the further order of this Court in the premises.  And it is further ordered by the Court that said plaintiff have the privilege of visiting with the said William C. LeMaster, Jr., for a period of not to exceed three weeks in each year, and that the defendant shall have the privilege of visiting with the said Ralph LeMaster for a period of not to exceed three weeks in each year.

That the plaintiff have judgment for his costs herein expended to be taxed and execution may issue therefor.

Done and signed in open court this Third day of April A.D. 1918.

By the Court, Karl W. Farr, Judge