Catching Old Shoes : The Dark Side of Cousin Bait

Last year, when I started publishing the cousin bait posts, my hope was that relatives might find the posts through search engines, visit the blog, and make comments on the posts that would lead to further dialogue and sharing of information on mutual relatives.  

For the most part, this has happened, and I continue to be blessed by those willing to share.  However, there is a dark side to cousin bait.  Several months ago, I was contacted by someone who didn't like what they saw on my blog and weren't afraid to let me know that I was wrong.  Instead of a great catch, I seem to have caught an old shoe.

I'd like to think I make it clear that the blog is a work-in-progress and I admit up front that my genealogy will contain some errors.  I'm always willing to take correction, but I found the tone of this particular commentator to be a bit over the top:

Dear Sir;

I came across your blog site a few days ago.  I clicked in the surname of Finel.  I came to the following web page: http://tjlgenes.blogspot.ca/2012/07/surname-saturday-finel.html  I found that the person named Ahnentafel had posted several blogs.  Most of the stuff he has right.  However, his posting # 369 is totally wrong.  Edward Finel never married Sarah Green The birth place,  birth date, death place or date let alone a marriage date have never been found.  If Edward married Sarah Green then why did she keep her maiden surname when she married Peter Gibbons?  Yes there are records of Sarah with a young child.  That child shows up as one of the children with the children conceived through the marriage of Peter Green. There are a total of thirteen children in this marriage with Edward Finel included in the whole family.  Peter took the child in but never adopted the child..  My best guess on the marriage of these two people is around 1750.  Their first child, Elizabeth Gibbons) was born 07 Nov. 1752 in Granville, MA.

There may have been records at one time about the original Edward Finel but they have either been lost, misplaced, destroyed by fire or flood  I would welcome any records to prove me wrong or right. Show me the records or sites for them.

To my knowledge, there are only three remaining direct descendents to the original Edward Finel. My cousin is the last remaining living Finel.  When he passes so does that line.  My son and I are from the original line, however, my surname was changed for some reason in the early 1800’s to Fennell.  To date it look like my son will be the last to carry on the line of Finel/Fennell.

There has been write up that the original Edward Finel came from England.  Again, there aren’t any records to back up this statement.  I have thought that he may have come from Ireland. My thinking is he stayed with his own religious and ethnic group as did so many of the early settlers in that period of time.  Again, no records to back up that statement either.

What little I have written in this letter can be easily backed up by the records that are through many reliable sources.

I tried to post a blog to some of the things on that blog site but they never showed up.  I did get an acknowledgement that a moderator would have to go over them. Maybe I am not doing a blog right.  I normally don’t post things on any social media sites.  I just don’t think I want my name connected to a bunch of things that are not consistent.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

At first glance, the gentleman is trying to point out some erroneous information in one of my blog posts, fair enough.  Then, he seems to confuse my blog with some other postings on the internet.  He mentioned facts that I hadn't even posted on this blog. I responded to his email asking for more information, hoping to clarify things. When I wrote him for more information, I received a response that seemed to be more of a tease (as in - not going to share information) and a bit of an accusation that I was somehow a 'name gatherer' who wasn't doing any research.  The email and my response (in parenthesis) is below :

Hi,

Thank you for replying to my letter to you. There will be one web site pasted on this letter that will show at least two postings of Sarah Green being married to Peter Gibbons. It shows that they have twelve children.  I have not found a direct site yet where the complete family has thirteen children, the thirteenth child being Edward Finel.  I will find that info and forward it to you.

[OK, I’ve seen the actual records from the town showing where Sarah Green married Peter Gibbons.  Not just the website link you sent below.  Look forward to seeing the information you can provide.]

You asked me which Edward my cousin and myself are related to. Obviously we are both related to the first Edward. It couldn’t be any other way.

[I only asked to clarify, since we were talking about two separate Edwards.]

My cousin, who wishes to remain on the sidelines, has done more research and longer than I have.  We have been working together for about ten years.  His records are very detailed and have copies of documents to back up his research.

[That’s wonderful, and the whole point of doing research is to share.]

I personally found a relative in our line that to our knowledge nobody else has found.  The info is there for people to find out like I did. To date, we have not published or released any of this info to anybody on line.  Nobody has asked us about this person.  He was easy to find. Neither one of us have ever published our findings on line .  The research we do is a hobby and something for our children to have.  They might want to know where they came from someday.

[That is why most of us do this type of research.]

There are two “gatherers” out there that just harvest names for the sake of doing that.  They do not research anything. I think both my cousin and I were taken in be these two guys when we first started doing this research.  I know I was taken in by one of them.  Their last names are Keener and Koeble. Both of them have in excess of 20,000 names in their history.

[I’m sorry that you feel you were taken in by someone.  Are you accusing me of being a gatherer?  That is not the case.  I am posting what I have ‘warts and all’ hoping that others will correct and add to it.  It’s called sharing.  No one owns a family genealogy or the facts.]

My cousin is very aware of my first letter to you as well as this one.  We will both make comments under the comments that you left on the original letter I sent you.

[Look forward to receiving it.]

You stated that you never mentioned a marriage date of Sarah to Edward, but you did infer that the two of them were married.

[And you have corrected me, sir, by stating it was an error. ]

There are records out there where Sarah was “warned out” in two cities in MA. With those “Warned out’ records it states that she is with a child. These records are easy to find.

[Again, why are you being so vague?  Which towns?  I published what I thought was the correct lineage in order to solicit additions and corrections, not to be brow-beat.]

27 Oct. 1748	Edward-2 birth	?	Son born as reported by other researchers haven’t verified yet as to date and location, they report born in Granville, Mass. which I doubt very much.
Nov 1748	a Warning **	Shrewsbury, (Worchester), Mass.	A Sarah Green, a warning out issued.      [book finding]
9 May 1749	a Warning **	Southborough, (Worchester), Mass.	A Sarah Green and child, a warning out issued. [book finding]

7 Nov. 1751	marriage	Hardwick, (Worcester), Mass.	marriage to PETER GIBBONS         [LDS film #0873754]
7 Nov. 1752	daughter birth	Hardwick, Mass.	Elizabeth Gibbons born      [LDS film]
1753	father moves	Hardwick, (Worcester), Mass.	Sarah father & mother move to Hardwick   [book in LDS library]

The two ** are meant to remind me that this info came from a microfilm (unfortunately I forgot to write this number down before I sent the films back) I got from the LDS Churches family history center.  

To date we are waiting for some letters to arrive from the European Continent that my have some bearing of where the first Edward came from.

[Well, if the 1^st Edward isn’t related to the 2^nd Edward (b. 1748), do you know his ancestry?]

Here is the web site page that will show the marriage of Sarah and Peter. If you click on her name, it will open up and there is a spot that says “show children”.  Click on that and it will show the twelve children from that marriage.  Again it will not show Edward Finel.

[Since your first email, I have found much of this information showing Peter and Sarah’s family.  Yes, there are many online who have ‘connected’ Sarah Green and Edward Finel without proof.  Obviously, somewhere along the line I received the same information.  I posted it to the web, seeking corrections, which you have provided.  ]

No where have we ever found proof that Edward is her son. We would love to see that document.            

[As would I.]

https://www.familysearch.org/search/trees#count=20&query=%2Bgivenname%3Asarah~%20%2Bsurname%3Agreen~%20%2Bany_place%3Ama.~%20%2Bany_year%3A1750-1850~&collection_id=(2%203)&offset=40.

 Like I mentioned in the beginning of this letter, you will get some more detail.

Notice how the email ends?  I will get some detail, but nothing is clear as to what that information would contain, other than vague mentions of a 'cousin' who has done all the research.  This email was 6 months ago and no other information has been forthcoming from this gentleman.

Am I being hyper-sensitive?  Or is this guy an extreme personality who feels somehow offended that an error was made in a family tree posting about one of his great-greats?  If that is the case, he must be a real piece of work.

Obviously, I have more research to do on this line and seek out the town records, at least this gentleman gave me a few clues with the boot.

Grandma's Jewelry Box

While doing some almost-spring cleaning, my mother came across this jewelry box that belonged to my grandmother, Bonnie Mae (Lambertson) Wright (1924-1984).  The box measures about 5 1/2" by 6 1/2".  One of the base legs is missing.  The box is inscribed Omega Nu Tau, which is a sorority to which grandma belonged.  I don't know anything about her involvement with the organization or the significance of the jewelry box.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Arthur Raymond LeMaster (1885-1971)

Arthur Raymond LeMaster (1885-1971) was my paternal great-granduncle.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Arthur was born December 28, 1885¹ in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add this to 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 Arthur's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible records for the LeMaster 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 any baptismal record for Arthur.  The family was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church is Salamonia, Indiana.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Arthur was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Arthur married Maude Gertrude McLaughlin on April 22, 1906 in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of their marriage record. Will add this to my list of "to-do" items to obtain on my next research trip.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts to see if mention was made of Arthur and Maude's wedding.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Arthur and Maude's 25th wedding anniversary would have been April 22, 1931.  Their 50th wedding anniversary would have been April 22, 1956.  Will need to search contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of any anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication that Arthur and Maude were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Arthur died December 16, 1971, probably in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have the date of death sourced in my database.  Will need to add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               Will need to search for mention of Arthur's death in contemporary newspapers.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               When I've obtained a copy of Arthur's obituary, will then need to search out records of the funeral home that handled the arrangements to see what other information might come to light.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               Arthur's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery, Jay County, Indiana has been photographed².  The tombstone spells the surname as 'LeMASTERS' and gives information as "Arthur R. 1885-1971"

               The tombstone was the subject of a previous post.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 2, 1940, Arthur was enumerated as head of household in Portland, Jay County, Indiana³, as Arthur LeMaster, age 54, born in Indiana.  His address was 624 Meridian Street. He had completed one year of college.  His residence in 1935 was the same place.  No occupation was listed.  Also living in the same house was wife, Maude, age 52, born in Indiana.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               I have not yet been able to locate a record of Arthur and Maude in the 1930 census.  They should be living in Portland, Jay County, Indiana on North Meridian street.  Will continue to search for them.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On April 17, 1920, Arthur was enumerated as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁴, as Arthur R. LeMaster, age 34, born in Indiana.  He was a married farmer, who could read and write and spoke English.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in New Jersey.  Also living in the household was wife, Maude, age 32, born in Indiana.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On May 3, 1910, Arthur was enumerated as head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁵, as Arthur R. LeMaster, age 25, born in Indiana.  He was a married farmer, who could read and write and spoke English.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in New Jersey.  Also living in the household was wife, Maude, age 22, born in Indiana.

          2.1.5. 1900 Federal Census

               On June 4, 1900, Arthur was enumerated in the Luman C. Lemasters household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana⁶, as Arthur R. Lemasters, age 14, born in Indiana.  He was listed as a farm laborer and could read and write and spoke English.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother in New Jersey.

     2.2. State Census Records

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

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

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

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Arthur registered for the draft for World War I on September 12, 1918⁷ in Jay County, Indiana.  At the time he was living at RR 6 Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  His draft registration card states he was a natural born citizen, born December 28, 1885.  His occupation was that of a farmer.  His wife Maude was listed as his nearest living relative.  He was described as medium height and stout build, with brown eyes and black hair.

           Arthur registered for the draft for World War II on April 27, 1942⁸ in Jay County, Indiana.  At the time he was living at 624 N. Meridian Street in Portland, Jay County, Indiana.  He was born December 28, 1885 in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana.  His occupation was that of a self-employed farm manager in Madison township.  His wife Maude was listed as his nearest living relative.  His height was 5' 11" and weight was 240 lbs. with brown eyes, black hair and dark complexion. 

     3.2. Pension Records

          I have no indication that Arthur ever qualified for a military pension.

     3.3. Service Records

          I have no indication that Arthur ever served in the military.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Jay County, Indiana to see what items might mention Arthur.  Will add that to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Jay County, Indiana published plat maps that might be relevant to my search for Arthur.  Will contact the local historical society and see what these maps might contain.

5. Supplemental records

     Supplemental records available for research on Arthur include city/county directories, court records and will and probate records.  Will add these to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

     In 1907, Arthur was listed in the Jay County, Indiana directory, living at RR 4 Portland with his parents and brother Vernon and sisters Edith and Maude⁸.

     In 1922, Arthur was listed as living in Geneva, Adams County, Indiana, in the obituary of his sister, Bertha⁹.

    In 1927, Arthur was listed as living in Portland, Jay County, Indiana, in the obituary of his mother¹⁰.

    In 1932, Arthur was listed in the Portland, Indiana directory as operating a grocery on North Meridian Street¹¹.

Sources:

1. Arthur Lemaster, no. 315-22-3844, Social Security Death Benefits Index of the U.S. Social Security Administration.
2. Salamonia Cemetery (Jay County, Indiana), Arthur R. and Maude G. LeMasters marker, photographed by Travis LeMaster, 26 March 2009.
3. 1940 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 2, Portland, enumeration district 38-19, SD 5, sheet 1A, dwelling 6, 624 Meridian Street; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 March 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. Arthur R. LeMaster household, 1920 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison township, ED 72, SD 84, sheet 4, dwelling 79, family 79; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 440.
5. Arthur R. LeMaster household, 1910 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison township, ED 61, sheet 8, dwelling 176, family 177; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 358.
6. Luman C. Lemasters household, 1900 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison township, ED 62, SD 67, sheet 3, dwelling 59, family 60; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 380.
7. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 March 2013); citing World War I Selective Service Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918: Indiana.
8. Complete Directory of Jay County (Portland, Indiana, USA : M. & M. Directory Co., 1907), page 235.
9. Mrs. John H. Yeager obituary, Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, USA, March 17, 1922, page 2.
10. Mary K. LeMaster obituary, Commercial-Review, Portland, Indiana, USA, February 22, 1927, page 1.
11. 1932 Telephone Directory, Portland, Indiana, USA (1932).

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.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Vernon Walker LeMaster (1888-1955)

Vernon Walker LeMaster (1888-1955) was my paternal great-granduncle.  What follows is an exploratory data analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Vernon was born December 4, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  I do not have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add this to 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 Vernon's birth.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible records for the LeMaster 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 any baptismal record for Vernon.  The family was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church in Salamonia, Indiana.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Vernon was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Vernon married Helen Louise Garmhausen on June 30, 1917 in Auglaize County, Ohio¹.

          There marriage record was the subject of a previous post.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to search contemporary newspapers for mention of Vernon and Helen's nuptials, both in Ohio and Indiana.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for further research.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Vernon and Helen's 25th wedding anniversary would have been June 30, 1942.  Will need to search in contemporary newspapers to see if mention was made of their anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               There is no indication that Vernon and Helen were ever divorced.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Vernon died March 17, 1955, according to my database.  I do not have a place of death listed, but he was a resident of Sidney, Ohio for many years. Will need to seek to clarify and obtain a copy of his death certificate.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               Will need to search out contemporary newspapers for mention of Vernon's death.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               Once I've obtained a copy of Vernon's obituary, will seek out records from the funeral home that handled the arrangements to see what other information I might discover.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               I do not have a photograph of Vernon's tombstone.  I believe that he is buried in Sidney, Ohio.  Once I've determined where he is buried, will seek to obtain a photograph.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 1, 1940, Vernon was enumerated as head of household in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio², as Vernon W. LeMaster, aged 50, born in Indiana.  He had completed 4 years of college. He had lived at the same residence in 1935. He owned his home and it was valued at $ 10,000. His occupation was listed as doctor.  Also living in the household were wife Helen, age 46, born in Ohio; son Robert, age 20, born in Ohio; daughter Louise, age 17, born in Ohio; and mother-in-law, Cordelia Garmhausen, age 71, born in Ohio.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 2, 1930, Vernon was enumerated as head of household in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio³, as Vernon W. LeMaster, age 41, born in Indiana.  He owned his home and it was valued at $ 10,000.  The family owned a radio.  He was married, age 28 at time of marriage.  He was born in Indiana, with both parents born in Ohio.  He could read and write and spoke English, and his occupation was a medical doctor.  Also living in the household were wife, Helene L, age 36, born in Ohio; son Robert, age 9, born in Ohio; and daughter Louise, age 7, born in Ohio.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 6, 1920, Vernon was enumerated as head of household in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio⁴, as Vernon W. LeMaster, age 31, born in Indiana.  He owned his home and it was mortgaged.  He was married, could read and write and spoke English.  His parents were both listed as being born in Indiana.  His occupation was a physician.  Also living in the household was wife, Helene M., age 26, born in Ohio.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 25, 1910, Vernon was enumerated in the Norman [sic] W. LeMaster household, Jay County, Indiana⁵, as Vernon W. LeMaster, son, age 21, born in Indiana.  His father was born in Ohio and mother in New Jersey.  He had no listed occupation.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913 and 1921.  These, however, were merely for the purposes of 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 LeMaster farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          Vernon registered for the draft during World War I on May 24, 1917⁶.  At the time he was living at 126 Poplar Street in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio.  His registration card states that he was a natural born citizen, born December 4, 1888 in Portland, Indiana.  At the time of registration, he was single, and his occupation was that of a physician.  He was described as being stout, medium build with brown hair and brown eyes.

          Vernon registered for the draft during World War II on April 26, 1942⁷.  At the time he was living at Bon Aire Drive in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio.  His registration card states he was born December 4, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana.  He was a physician.  His wife, Helene, listed as his closest relative.  His height was 5' 11", weight 200 lbs., with brown eyes, grey hair and light complexion.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I have not yet investigated whether Vernon was awarded a pension for his service during World War I.

     3.3. Service Records

          Vernon served as a 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army Medical Corps during World War I^8,9.

          He served overseas in France, but I need to investigate further his military service.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Shelby County, Ohio to see what items might mention Vernon.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          I need to contact the local historical society to see what types of plat maps were published in Shelby County, Ohio that might aid in my research.

5. Supplemental records

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

Sources:

1. Ohio Marriages, 1800-1958, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints online [http://www.familysearch.org], accessed 17 January 2011.
2. 1940 U.S. census, Shelby County, Ohio, population schedule, Ward 2, Sidney, enumeration district 75-3, SD 4, sheet 11B, dwelling 227 Bon Air Drive; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 March 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
3. 1930 U.S. census, Shelby County, Ohio, population schedule, Ward 2, Sidney, enumeration district 75-2, SD 11, sheet 2A, dwelling 38, household 38; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 March 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. 1920 U.S. census, Shelby County, Ohio, population schedule, Ward 1A, Sidney, enumeration district 195, SD 3, sheet 3B, dwelling 84, family 88, 822 Ohio Ave.; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 March 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. Norman W. LeMaster household, 1910 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison township, ED 67, SD 8, sheet 5, dwelling 95, family 96; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 358.
6. "World War I Draft Registration Cards", digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 March 2013); citing World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918: Registration State: Ohio; Registration County: Shelby, Roll: 1851185.
7. "World War II Draft Registration Cards", digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 March 2013); citing Selective Service Registration Cards, World War II, Fourth Registration: Ohio, National Archives, Washington, D.C.
8. Jay, Milton T., History of Jay County, Indiana: including its World War Record and Incorporating the Montgomery History (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA: Historical Publishing Company, 1922), page 197.
9. Hover, John Calvin and Joseph Daniel Barnes. Memoirs of the Miami Valley. Chicago, Illinois, USA: Robert O. Law Company, 1919.

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.

Postcard Friday : Had A Swell Time Last Night

Angola, Ind. March 25, 1911

Miss Vera Haley

Portland, Ind.

R.R. 9

Mar. 25. '11.

Hello friend, -

Ill bet you think Im slow.  Ha. Anyway was glad to receive your card when returned.  Say Vera, by the way I had my Photo's taken last term.  Has you had yours taken also sometime back.  I would be glad to exchange.  I left plenty of mine at home, so you can get one there, so be sure & send one to 

L.C.

These are fine days. hard to study. Ha.

---

This postcard was part of the collection of my paternal great-aunt and uncle, Clarence and Vera (Haley) Stuber.  Clarence was a student at Angola at the time.

Exploratory Data Analysis: Orville Edward "Jack" Lambertson (1902-1983)

Orville Edward "Jack" Lambertson (1902-1983) was my maternal great-granduncle.  What follows is an exploratory data analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.


1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Orville was born February 23, 1902 in Hamilton County, Indiana¹.  I do not yet have a copy of his birth certificate.  Will add this to 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 Orville'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 Orville, though I do not know the family's church affiliation at this time.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Orville was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Orville was married December 30, 1922 in Madison County, Indiana to Mary E. Herter.  I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license.

          Orville was married before 1929 to Martha Stoner, probably in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license.

          Orville was married to Hassie May Hawkins.  I do not have a copy of their marriage license.

          1.2.1. Marriage notice in newspaper

               Will need to determine the dates of Orville's second and third marriages before searching contemporary newspapers for mention of their nuptials.  I will add searching for mention of his first marriage in contemporary newspapers to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.2.2. Anniversary notice

               Once I can determine the exact date of Orville's wedding, can search newspaper accounts for mention of an anniversary.

          1.2.3. Divorce decree

               Orville and Mary were divorced in Madison County, Indiana on October 25, 1924².

               I have not yet located a copy of the divorce record for Orville and Martha.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Orville died May 23, 1982 in Oroville, Butte County, California.  I do not have a copy of his death certificate.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items.

          1.3.1. Obituary in newspaper

               Will need to add searching for mention of Orville's obituary to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.  Will need to check newspapers in California as well as Indiana to see if he was mentioned.

          1.3.2. Funeral home records

               Once I've determined where the funeral was held, will need to search out local funeral home records for more details.

          1.3.3. Tombstone photograph

               My database does not indicate at this time in what cemetery Orville was buried.  When the information is obtained from the obituary, can seek out a photo of his tombstone.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1940 Federal Census

               On April 13, 1940, Orville was enumerated as head of household in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana³, as O.E. Lambertson, age 38, born in Indiana.  He had completed two years of high school.  His residence in 1935 was the same location.  His occupation was listed as working as a commercial hauler for a trailer factory.  Also listed in the household was his wife, Martha, age 34, born Indiana, working as a coil welder at General Motors.

          2.1.2. 1930 Federal Census

               On April 10, 1930, Orville was enumerated in the Charles A. Stoner household in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana⁴, as Orville Lambertson, son-in-law, age 28, born in Indiana.  He could read and write and spoke English.  He was working as an auto repairman for a motor sales company.  His wife, Martha C., age 24, was working as a laborer for the Remy Corp.

          2.1.3. 1920 Federal Census

               On January 14, 1920, Orville was enumerated in the Charles W. Lambertson household in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana⁵, as Orval E. Lambertson, age 17, born in Indiana.  His father was born in Ohio and his mother was born in Indiana.  He could read and write and spoke English.  His occupation was listed as a stainer in a cabinet factory.

          2.1.4. 1910 Federal Census

               On April 23, 1910, Orville enumerated in the Charles Lambertson household in Jackson Township, Hamilton County, Indiana⁶, as Orval E. Lambertson, age 8, born in Indiana.  He had attended school within the year.  Both his 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 purposes of legislative apportionment.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records
  
          I have not investigated these types of census records to see what light they might shed on the Lambertson farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          I have not located a draft registration record for Orville.  I would think it likely that he would have registered for the World War II draft of 1942, which included men of the age 35-44.

     3.2. Pension Records

          I have no evidence of military service by Orville.

     3.3. Service Records

          I have not evidence of military service by Orville.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Madison County, Indiana to see what items might mention Orville.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Madison County, Indiana published plat maps in 1940 and 1949 that might be relevant to my research.

5. Supplemental records

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

     In 1924, Orville was listed in the Elwood, Madison County, Indiana city directory with wife Mary E., living at 809 North 16th Street⁷.

     In 1929, Orville was listed in the Elwood, Madison County, Indiana city directory with wife Martha C., living at 522 North 14th Street⁸.

     In 1931, Orville was listed in the Elwood, Madison County, Indiana city directory with wife Martha C., living at 418 North 14th Street⁹.

     In 1935, Orville was listed in the Elwood, Madison County, Indiana city directory with wife Martha S., living at 418 North 14th Street¹⁰.

     In 1938, Orville was listed in the Elwood, Madison County, Indiana city directory with wife Martha, living at 418 North 14th Street¹¹.

     In 1941, Orville was listed in the Elwood, Madison County, Indiana city directory with wife Martha C., living at 418 North 14th Street¹².

Sources:

1. Beals, John, Chronology of the Beals Family, Butler Printing House, Noblesville, Indiana, 1912, page 49.
2. Madison County, Indiana Order Book 99, case # 6952, 1924.
3. 1940 U.S.census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 3, Elwood, Pipe Creek Township, enumeration district 48-63, SD 11, sheet 6A, dwelling 418, family 121; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com: accessed 2 March 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. 1930 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, population schedule, Ward 3, Elwood, Pipe Creek Township, enumeration district 48-50, SD 5, sheet 8B, dwelling 522, family 208; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com: accessed 2 March 2013); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
5. Charles W. Lambertson household, 1920 U.S. census, Madison County, Indiana, Pipe Creek Township, ED 138, SD 84, sheet 6, dwelling 138, family 143; National Archives micropublication T625, roll 449.
6. Charles Lambertson household, 1910 U.S. census, Hamilton County, Indiana, population schedule, Jackson Township, ED 104, SD 9, sheet 6, dwelling 156, family 158; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 353.
7. Elwood (Indiana) Directory 1924 (Binghampton, New York, USA: Calkin-Kelly Directory Company, 1924), page 127.
8. 1929 Elwood, Indiana Directory (Binghampton, New York, USA: The Calkin-Kelly Directory Company, 1929), page 131.
9. City Directory and Classified Business Directory of Advertisers, Elwood, Indiana, 1931-1932 (Noblesville, Indiana, USA: Pioneer Directory Company, 1931-1932), page 49.
10. Elwood, Indiana Directory 1935 (Binghampton, New York, USA: The Calkin-Kelly Directory Company, 1935), page 112.
11. National's Elwood Indiana Directory 1938, Vol. 1, No. 6 (Peoria, Illinois, USA: National Directory Service, 1938), page 157.
12. The Baldwin and Call-Leader Elwood Indiana Con Survey Directory Master Edition 1941 (Parsons, Kansas, USA: Baldwin Con Survey Company and Elwood Call-Leader, 1941), page 168.


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.

Postcard Friday : Leap Year

Miss Vera Haley

Portland Ind

R.R. # 9

Thurs. 8 o'clock. Rec'd a letter from John says he isn't coming out.  But I think he is fooling with me like I did him.  Leona is here cause yesterday rec'd a letter from Rose.  She is coming if her grand-ma is better.  Leona says she is. We that is Leona, Hazel & I may be over Fri. P.M.  I am serving today.  Killed 49 rats.  L.C.S.

---

This postcard was part of the collection of my paternal great-aunt and uncle, Clarence & Vera (Haley) Stuber.  

/