Black Sheep Sunday: Laketon Bank Robbed Today

Call-Leader, Elwood, Indiana, March 31, 1925, page 1.

Laketon Bank Robbed Today

Wabash, March 31. – The unmasked bandits held up and robbed the Laketon State bank, north of here, shortly after it opened this morning, making away with between $1,000 and $1,800.  The bandits overlooked several thousand dollars in bonds.

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The Laketon bank robbery in Wabash County, Indiana was one that was believed to be the work of Harry PIERPONT's gang.  However, after Harry's arrest, the clerk was unable to identify Harry as the robber.


I also received the following transcription from Wabash County Historian Ron Woodward, from his files on the robbery from the March 31, 1925 Wabash Plain Dealer:

BANDITS LOOT LAKETON BANK 

HOLD CASHIER AND ASSISTANT AT BAY WITH GUNS WHILE THEY RIFLE VALUT OF OVER $1,000

     Armed with revolvers, two youthful bandits, calmly walked into the Lateton State Bank at 9 o’clock this morning and after covering E.L. Bright, cashier, and Mrs. Violet Ogden, assistant cashier, with guns, looted the money drawers of between $1,000 and $1,200.  they left the bank immediately and stepping into a Ford Touring car sped away to the north before an alarm could be given.

     Arriving at a point five miles northeast of Laketon the robbers abandoned the Ford and transferred their loot to a Willys-Knight coupe and proceeded on their way.  The Ford touring car was stolen in Milford, Ind., and it is presumed that the more powerful car was also a stolen machine.

     The bank opened about 8:15 this morning according to Mr. Bright and at about 9 o’clock, the young men stepped inside.  No one besides Mr. Bright and Mrs. Ogden were present at the time.  One of the bandits stepped around the counter and forced Mr. Bright and Mrs. Ogden to hold up their hands.  The other remained outside the cage to serve as a lookout.

     “I was backed up against the wall,” said Mr. Bright, “and told not to move unless I wanted to be shot.  The one fellow then scrapped the money off the counter and took change out of the vault and each drawers.  He passed it on to the other man and then the two of them backed out of the door and jumped into the Ford touring car.”

Loss Over $1000

     “I haven’t been able to make a check of the exact loss but it won’t run much over $1000,” said Mr. Bright.  Detectives operation Webster Bureau at Indianapolis informed the United Press today that they believed the loss would reach $2500 judging from the reports they had received.  Mr. Bright denied this statement.

     Residents of Laketon report that early in the morning they saw the Willys-Knight coupe in Laketon and that it contained three men.  The car was driven around the street and passed the bank several times.  The number of the license plates is known by authorities and may prove a big asset in locating the robbers.

Start Pursuit

     As soon as possible Robert Fulton, S.A. Pense and R. Stranglin, all of Laketon, jumped into a car and started in pursuit of the bandits but their efforts were of no avail.  The first car ahd too great an advantage in time and had disappeared.  Police in Northern Indiana cities were informed of the robbery shortly after it occurred an detectives are now at work on the rather meager clews.

Laketon in Turmoil

     Laketon was very much excited today.  The little hamlet which is accustomed to a peaceful existence suddenly became a hot bed.  The news of the robbery spread like wildfire and it was not long before autos bearing folks from surrounding towns began to arrive on the scene.

     Some of the depositors were anxious as to the amount taken thinking that perhaps the loss would seriously cripple the finances of the bank.  There was no cause for alarm as the bank was covered by insurance and business was carried on as usual following the excitement.

Bandits Show Craftiness

     The transfer from one machine to another in order to throw pursuers off the track was a craft move on the part of the bandits.  They had long before it was attempted, evidently carefully planed the job.

     Both were young men, judged by Mr. Bright, to have been ? ? of age.  They were of dark complexion and wore conventional clothes. 

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: Patricia Lou LeMaster (1932-1945)

Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, October 29, 1945, page 5

MISS LEMASTER DIES SATURDAY


Two Weeks Illness Fatal To 12-Year-Old Portland Girl


Patty Lou LeMaster, 12, of West High street, died at the Jay County Hospital at 3:30 Saturday afternoon following a two weeks illness of flu and complications.  Her condition had been critical for the past week.


The child was born in Madison township on December 2, 1932, the daughter of Chesley and Clara (Burkey) LeMaster, who survive.


Also surviving are the three brothers; Donald in the Navy in the South Pacific; Ralph in the army now home on furlough and Dale in the Marines stationed at San Diego, Califf., one sister, Mrs. Doris Shaneyfelt of Salamonia and the grandfather, John Burkey of East Walnut street.


Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the Salamonia Methodist church with Rev. H.G. Perry officiating.  Burial will be in the Salamonia cemetery.


The body will remain at the Williamson funeral home where friends may call until the hour of the funeral.


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.

Surname Saturday: Shelly

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


Stories and history:


Ahnentafel # 31: Samantha Shelly (1848-1933).  Samantha was born December 16, 1848 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  She married May 21, 1872 in Wabash County, Indiana to Christopher Sills (1840-1913).  Christopher was born February 15, 1840 in Jackson Township, Champaign County, Ohio.  They raised 5 children in Lagro Township, Wabash County, Indiana.  Christopher died March 19, 1913 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  Samantha died March 20, 1933 in Grant County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 62: Jacob Shelly (c1794-1863).  Jacob was born circa 1794.  He married before 1841 to Elizabeth Rickert (c1818-1900).  Elizabeth was born circa 1818 in Ohio.  They raised 7 children in Lagro Township, Wabash County, Indiana.  Elizabeth died February 18, 1900 in Dora, Wabash County, Indiana.  Jacob died July 1863 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.

Family Recipe Friday: Strawberry Dream Pie

This recipe has been a LeMaster family favorite for a number of years:

Everyone looks forward to strawberry season.   While it was a short season this year because of the weather we were still able to enjoy some of our favorite strawberry desserts.   I always make this simple strawberry pie for Jason's birthday.   It was very light and refreshing and it only takes one cup of sliced strawberries.

Strawberry Dream Pie

Makes 8 servings

    1 4-ounce package  vanilla pudding   (not instant)                         
    1 3-ounce package strawberry jello                             
    2 cups water                                                   
    1 teaspoon lemon juice                                         
    1 1/2 cups whipped cream                                       
    1 cup sliced strawberries                                      
    1 baked 9-inch pie shell, cooled *  
                          
Combine pudding mix, gelatin, water and lemon juice in a saucepan.  Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Pour into a bowl and chill until thickened.  To hasten chilling, place bowl of pudding mixture in larger bowl of ice and water, then stir until thickened.  Fold in whipped topping, blending well, stir in strawberries.  Pour into pie shell and chill until set, 1-2 hours.  Garnish with additional whipped topping and strawberries. 

*Spray pie pan with vegetable cooking spray for easy serving and clean up before placing pastry in pan.

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.

Pierpont Family in Indianapolis, Continued

Polk's 1912 Directory, City of Indianapolis, Indiana

Continuing my research into the PIERPONT family in Indianapolis, the 1912 Polk's Directory at Archive.org listed the following PIERPONTS: [h = house; b = boarder]

Pierpont Clarence M, lab, h 1011 S Harding

Pierpont David F, lineman b 117 Greely

Pierpont Ezra M, lab, b 1141 McLain

Pierpont Francis H, clk, b 1141 McLain

Pierpont Gilbert J, woodwrkr, h 1234 Lee

Pierpont John E, lab, h 1847 Jones

Pierpont John T, mach hd, h 1141 McLain

Here we have Harry's father, Gilbert J (alternatively Joseph Gilbert), listed as a woodworker living at 1234 Lee, the same residence as he had in the 1911 directory.  


Harry's grandfather, John T., was a machine hand, with his house at 1141 McLain, the same residence from the 1910 census and 1911 city directory.  The Ezra and Francis listed as boarders in his residence were his sons.


The Clarence M. PIERPONT, listed as a laborer, was still living at Harding Street from the 1911 directory.  John E. PIERPONT, laborer, had apparently moved from 615 Warren avenue in 1911 to 1847 Jones in 1912.  New to the directory listing is David F. PIERPONT, the lineman boarding on Greely.  The relationships of these men to the Harry PIERPONT family has not yet been established.

Polk's 1916 Directory, City of Indianapolis, Indiana

Jumping ahead a few years to the 1916 Indianapolis Directory, there are some questions raised.  For example, Harry's father, Gilbert does not appear, yet Harry's sister, Fern M., is listed as a boarder.  The following PIERPONT listings are found:

 Pierpont Clarence M, mach hd, h 1819 Southeastern av.

Pierpont Edw L., lab, h 1409 Jones

Pierpont Ezra M, woodwrkr, b 1742 W Morris.

Pierpont Fern M, sten 406 Ind Pythian bldg, b 1107 Blaine av.

Pierpont Frank H, lab, b 1742 W Morris.

Pierpont Jno T, woodwrkr, h 1742 W Morris. 

Pierpont Roy, renovater, b 2810 Schofield av 

The unidentified Clarence PIERPONT continues to appear, though his residence has changed from the 1912 listing.  The Roy PIERPONT, listed as a renovater and boarder on Schofield avenue, is an unknown at this point.

The Edw L. PIERPONT, laborer, living on 1409 Jones, I believe to be the son of John T. and Hester PIERPONT, and the younger brother of Joseph Gilbert PIERPONT.  If so, this Edward would have been born March 1885 in Indiana, as listed in the 1900 census.

John T. PIERPONT, now listed as a woodworker, had moved from the 1912 directory to a new residence at 1742 W. Morris.  Also boarding again with him was his son, Ezra M. and Frank H.

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Harry's sister, Fern M. PIERPONT, is listed in this 1916 directory as a stenographer, boarding at 1107 Blaine Avenue.

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Graves Family, Portland, Indiana (1907)

Source: Complete Directory of Jay County, M. & M. Directory Co., Portland, Ind., 1907, p. 57

The following listings for the GRAVES family are found living in Portland, Indiana in 1907:


Graves, A J (Elizabeth) plasterer, 125 w High.
Graves, Clifford, clk The Model, 125 w High.
Graves, Emmett, lather, 125 w High.
Graves, Arthur (Carrie) carpenter, 218 w Race (Cledith)


Arthur GRAVES (b. 1871) married February 23, 1895 in Jay County, Indiana to Carrie Mae HALEY (dau. of George Washington & Mary Jane (SHERRICK) HALEY); making him my paternal great-granduncle.  His son Cledith was born in 1897.


I do not know the relationship of the other Graves families listed, but am listing them with the hopes that further research may connect.  Currently, I do not have the parentage of Arthur listed in my database.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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] 

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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.

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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:

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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.

Wordless Wednesday: Postman William Lee Wright (1919-1973)

William Lee Wright (1919-1973); my maternal grandfather.

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

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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.

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'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.

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.