Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Exploratory Data Analysis: Pauline (Lambertson) VanNess (1908-1992)

Pauline (Lambertson) Van Ness (1908-1992) was my maternal great-grandaunt.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Pauline was born May 16, 1908 in Hamilton County, Indiana1. She was a twin to her brother, Paul. I do not yet have a copy of her birth certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.  Her obituary listed her place of birth as Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana2
.
          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of Pauline's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible records for the Lambertson family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of a baptismal record for Pauline, though I do not know the church affiliation of the family at this time.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Pauline was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Pauline was married on May 10, 1923 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana to Forrest Van Ness.  I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to search out mention of their wedding in contemporary newspapers on my next research trip.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Will need to search out contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of their wedding anniversary.  Their 25th anniversary would have been May 10, 1948, and their 50th would have been May 10, 1973.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication that Pauline and Forrest were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Pauline died May 26, 1992 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana2.  I do not have a copy of her death certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               Pauline's obituary appeared in the Anderson, Indiana Herald Bulletin on May 28, 19922.

               I need to search other local newspapers, particularly in Elwood, to see if her obituary was also published there.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               According to her obituary, arrangements were handled by the Dunnichay Funeral Home in Elwood, Indiana2.  Will need to contact the funeral home to see what records they might hold that can add to my research.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               Pauline was buried at the Elwood City Cemetery, Elwood, Indiana.  I do not have a photograph of her tombstone.  Will add this to my "to-do" list of research items.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 26, 1940, Pauline was enumerated in the Forrest Van Ness household in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana3, as Pauline Van Ness, age 31, born in Indiana.  She had attended school through the 8th grade.  Her residence in 1935 was the same location.  No occupation was listed.  Living in the household were husband, Forrest, age 35, born in Indiana; and children Forrest, age 15; Robert, age 13; Joyce, age 11; Patricia, age 9; Eugene, age 8; and Caroline, age 6; all of whom were born in Indiana.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 11, 1930, Pauline was enumerated in the Forrest Van Ness Sr. household in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana4, as Pauline Van Ness, age 21, born in Indiana.  She was aged 16 at her first marriage.  She could read and write, spoke English, and listed no occupation.  Both of her parents were born in Indiana.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 14, 1920, Pauline was enumerated in the Charles W. Lambertson household in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana5, as Pauline Lambertson, daughter, age 11, born Indiana.  She was attending school and could read and write.  Her father was born in Ohio and her mother was born in Indiana.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 23, 1910, Pauline was enumerated in the Charles Lambertson household in Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana6, as Pauline Lambertson, daughter, age 1 1/2, born in Indiana.  Both her parents were listed as being born in Indiana.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purpose of determining legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          I have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what light they might shed on the Lambertson or Hershberger farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Pauline was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by father or husband that would have made Pauline eligible to receive a military pension.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Pauline was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Miami, Howard and Madison Counties, Indiana to see what records might mention Pauline.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Miami County, Indiana published plat maps in 1936 and 1940 that might be relevant to my research.

          Howard County, Indiana published plat maps in 1937 and 1949 that might be relevant to my research.

          Madison County, Indiana published plat maps in 1940, 1949, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1969 and 1970 that might be relevant to my research.

5. Supplemental records

     Supplemental records available for research for Pauline include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.   Will add these to my "to-do" list for future research trips.

Sources:

1. Beals, John, Chronology of the Beals Family, Butler Printing House, Noblesville, Indiana, 1912, page 50.
2. Obituary of Pauline Van Ness, Anderson Herald-Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana, May 28, 1992.
3. 1940 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, 1st Ward, Elwood, enumeration district 48-60, SD 11, sheet 16B, dwelling 500, family 375; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 February 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. Forrest Van Ness Sr. household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison County, Indiana, USA, ED 48-47, SD 5, sheet 15B, dwelling 325, family 380; National Archives micropublication T626.      
5. Charles W. Lambertson household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison County, Indiana, USA, ED 138, SD 84, sheet 6, dwelling 138, family 143; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449.
6. Charles Lambertson household, 1910 U.S. census, population schedule, Hamilton County, Indiana, Jackson Township, ED 104, SD 9, sheet 6, dwelling 156, family 158; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 353.



This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Marriage License & Return: Fred J. Axe to Manda Metzner, 1903


Source: Jay County, Indiana, Original Marriage License, "Fred J. Axe to Manda Metzner, 1903"; County Marriage Returns Collection; Jay County Historical Society, Portland, Indiana.

MARRIAGE LICENSE

STATE OF INDIANA, JAY COUNTY, ss:

To All Who Shall See These Presents, Greeting:

Know Ye, That any person empowered by law to solemnize Marriages is hereby authorized to join together as HUSBAND and WIFE:

Fred J. Axe and Manda Metzner

and for so doing, this shall be his sufficient authority.

In Testimony Whereof, I, Ed V. Fitzpatrick Clerk of the Jay Circuit Court, hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court at Portland, Indiana, this 24th day of December 1903.

Ed V. Fitzpatrick, Clerk

STATE OF INDIANA, JAY COUNTY, ss:

This Certifies, That I joined in Marriage as Husband and Wife,

Fred J. Axe and Manda Metzner

on the 25th day of December 1903

Rev. John Metzner


Source: Jay County, Indiana, Original Marriage Return, "Fred J. Axe to Manda Metzner, 1903"; County Marriage Returns Collection; Jay County Historical Society, Portland, Indiana.

INDIANA STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

RETURN OF A MARRIAGE TO COUNTY CLERK

1. Full Name of GROOM Fred J. Axe
2. Place of Residence Westchester Ind.
3. Occupation Farmer
4. Age next Birthday 22 years. Color White Race Caucasian
5. Place of Birth Westchester Nationality American
6. Father's Name Wm. Axe
7. Mother's Maiden Name Samantha Grattis
8. Number of Groom's Marriage Axe First
9. Full Name of BRIDE Manda Metzner
10. Place of Residence Portland, Ind. Occupation Housekeeper
11. Age next Birthday 23 years. Color White Race Caucasian
12. Place of Birth Portland, Ind.  Nationality American
13. Father's Name Wm. F. Metzner
14. Mother's Maiden Name Mary A. Haley
15. Number of Brides Marriage One  First
16. Married at The bride's parents home near Portland Ind. in the County of Jay and State of Indiana, the Dec 25th day of Dec 1903.
17. Witnesses to Marriage Mr. & Mrs. Fred Martin Mr. & Mrs. W.F. Metzner

Marriage Solemnized by Rev. John W. Metzner
Wolcottville Ind.

Dated at Portland Ind., this 25th day of Dec.  1903.

This record of the marriage of Fred J. Axe to Amanda Metnzer was located at the Jay County Historical Society in Portland, Indiana.

Amanda Metzner was my paternal first cousin three times removed, the daughter of William F. Metzner and Mary Ann Haley.  The minister who performed this ceremony was the bride's older brother, John W. Metzner, a minister of the Evangelical Association.  Prior to finding this record, I did not know the name of Fred Axe's parents.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Exploratory Data Analysis: Elizabeth C. (Lambertson) Hershberger (1915-2006)

Elizabeth C. (Lambertson) Hershberger (1915-2006) was my maternal great-grandaunt.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about her.


1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Elizabeth was born June 15, 1915 in Hamilton County, Indiana.  I do not yet have a copy of her birth certificate.  Will have to add that my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of Elizabeth's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible records for the Lambertson family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family members in hopes that one does exist.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

               I am not aware of a baptismal record for Elizabeth, though I do not know the church affiliation of the family at this time.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Elizabeth was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage license

          Elizabeth was married in 1934 in Miami County, Indiana to Ralph Hershberger.  I do not yet have a copy of the marriage license, nor the exact date of the marriage.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to search out mention of their wedding in contemporary newspapers once I determine the exact date of their marriage.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Once I have determined their wedding date, I will able to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if their wedding anniversary was mentioned.  Their 25th anniversary would have been in 1959.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication that Ralph and Elizabeth were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Elizabeth died on March 23, 2006 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana. I do not have a copy of her death certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               I need to search out area newspapers and obtain a copy of her obituary.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               Once I obtain a copy of her obituary, I can research funeral home records to see what information those records might contain.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               My database shows that Elizabeth was buried in the Vinson Cemetery, Van Buren Township, Madison County, Indiana.  I do not have a photograph of the tombstone, and will add that to my list of "to-do" items.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 25, 1940, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Ralph Hershberger household in Liberty Township, Howard County, Indiana1, as Elizabeth Hershberger, wife, age 24, born in Indiana.  Living in the same household were husband Ralph, age 30, born in Indiana, and son Douglas Allen, age 3, born in Indiana, as well as hired girl, Margaret Trotter, aged 12 born in Missouri.  In 1935, the family was living in Miami County, Indiana.  No occupation was listed for Elizabeth, and she had completed 1 year of high school.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 2, 1930, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Charles W. Lambertson household in Sharpsville, Tipton County, Indiana2, as Elizabeth C. Lambertson, age 14, single, born in Indiana.  Her father was born in Ohio and her mother was born in Indiana.  She had attended school within the year, could read and write and spoke English.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 14, 1930, Elizabeth was enumerated in the Charles W. Lambertson household in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana3, as Elizabeth C. Lambertson, age 4 years 6 months, born in Indiana.  Her father was born in Ohio and her mother was born in Indiana.  She could speak English.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purpose of determining legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          I have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what light it might shed on the Lambertson or Hershberger farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Not applicable, as Elizabeth was female.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service by father or husband that would have made Elizabeth eligible to receive a military pension.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable, as Elizabeth was female.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Miami, Howard and Madison Counties, Indiana to see what records might mention Elizabeth.  Will add this to my "to-do" list on my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Miami County, Indiana published plat maps in 1936 and 1940 that might be relevant to my research.

         Howard County, Indiana published plat maps in 1937 and 1949 that might be relevant to my research.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records available to research for Elizabeth include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.  Will add these to my "to-do" list for future research trips.

Sources:

1. 1940 U.S. census, Howard County, Indiana, population schedule, SD 5, sheet 15B, enumeration district 34-37, household 337; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com: accessed 12 February 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
2. Charles W. Lambertson household, 1930 U.S. census, population schedule, Sharpsville, Tipton County, Indiana, ED 80-9, SD 6, sheet 1B, dwelling 17, family 17; National Archives micropublication T626.
3. Charles W. Lambertson household, 1920 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison county, Indiana, Pipecreek Township, ED 138, SD 84, sheet 6, dwelling 138, family 143; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449.


This post was developed as part of the series relating to Building My 2011 Research Template, an attempt to systematically document and source the details of my ancestors' lives. Comments regarding this template and the conclusions drawn in this article are welcomed.