Marriage License Issued : Samuel Hancock and Ida Davis, 1892

Ellettsville, Indiana Mornoe Citizen
September 3, 1892, page 1

Located the mention in the local newspaper of the marriage license of my maternal great-grandmother, Ida Davis (1874-1900) to Samuel Hancock.  Ida was the daughter of James Austin and Mary Ellen (Swafford) Davis.

Ida's marriage to Samuel took place August 28, 1892 in Monroe County, Indiana, according to my database.  I need to write off for a copy of their marriage license.

Apparently, the marriage was not a happy one, as my notes say a divorce suit was filed in the May 1894 term of the Monroe County court.  At that time, Ida had been a resident of Bean Blossom Township for two years.

Ida has been the subject of numerous posts on this blog, as I've yet to be able to determine the parentage of her two daughters, Pansy (b.1894) and June (b.1898).

DNA Relatives : Surname View

One of the reports at 23andMe provides for DNA matches is a surname view, showing surnames matching the profiles of my genetic cousins.  I just updated my list of associated surnames through twelve generations in order to help others find a surname match, and I uploaded a GEDCOM to the site showing my family tree.

The enrichment factor is the result of a one-tail binomial test to gauge the uniqueness of the surname result and weed out the more common surname matches, ie. Smith and Jones.  The higher the number, the more unusual it is that it is of a high frequency of my matches.

The top surnames with high enrichment numbers are : Cherdron, Roblyer, Moninger, Marvin, Herbach and Stickel.  I have three of the five in my known genealogy : Cherdron, Herbach and Stickel.  With the high frequency matches, I wonder if Roblyer, Moninger and Marvin may be as of yet undiscovered family names in my tree.

I've already reached out to all of the 994 connections and hopefully we will begin sharing genomes and be able to find out just how we are related.

DNA Results Are In : Surprise ?

Just received the email from 23andme telling me that they have finished analyzing the DNA sample that I recently sent them.  As I indicated earlier, though most of my ancestry is known, the fact that my maternal great-grandmother's ancestry is unknown has made me curious to find out what my genetic makeup is all about.

The DNA test at 23andme tests your paternal and maternal ancestry, as well as compares your DNA to the over 500,000 others in the database.  I'm hoping that I can make some connections with other distant cousins through this service.  They also compile a chart of showing the percentages of your DNA that match others in specific regions.

My paternal haplogroup is I1 (Y-DNA) and my maternal haplogroup is T2b (mtDNA).  Each haplogroup has certain characteristics that are common to all members of that haplogroup.  The Wikipedia entry for haplogroup explains it much better.  Remember, Y-DNA is only passed from father to son, while mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is passed from the mother to her offspring.
The haplogroups can be traced by looking at the geographic distribution of a particular mutation.

Results say that my Y-DNA Haplogroup I1, features a mutation going back 28,000 years in the region of Northern Europe.  Example populations given are Finns, Norwegians and Swedes.  The highest frequency of this particular haplogroup is found in Scandinavia.

Results say that my mtDNA Haplogroup T2b, features a mutation going back less than 33,000 years in Europe and the near East.  Example populations given are Northern Europeans and Spanish.  They noted that the outlaw Jesse James carried mtDNA from Haplogroup T2.

These results weren't really that surprising, with most of my paper-trail genealogy indication roots in Europe (predominately German and English).  My mother's side showing a haplogroup that might be found in Spanish populations was interesting, but not unexpected.

23andme gives you a chart called the Ancestry Composition, where they try to break down the percentages of your DNA that comes from populations worldwide.  

These results were interesting - 99.8% European was no surprise, but the 0.1% sub-Saharan African was.  There is a small percentage unassigned.  I'm not surprised that the largest percentage was non-specific European, followed by British & Irish, but the small percentages of Scandinavian and Finnish are intriguing.  The 1.1% non-specific southern European and the 0.3% Iberian are truly interesting as well.  I assume they come through my unknown maternal great-grandmother, but who knows?  The best way to find out would be to have both my parents tested as well.

What all of this means for my result is really unknown at this point.  Eileen is getting ready to send in her test as well, it will be interesting to compare the results.

Their results also said that I share 2.8% Neanderthal DNA.  That is, my DNA was compared to DNA samples taken from Neanderthals and my percentage match was slightly higher than the average 23andme user, who comes in at 2.7%.

The DNA Relatives part of the data is the one that I'm the most excited about - the possibility of connecting with other cousins to share research.  These won't just be paper cousins, they will be proven genetic cousins.  Crazy thing was that it showed 994 matches!  Of first two closest matches, which the company says were are probably 3rd to 4th cousins, one says his family is from Jay County, Indiana and the other from Geneva, Indiana (right next to Jay County).  My father's line is from Jay County, Indiana and I have deep roots there. One gentleman has a surname that I recognize from my database, and I project we are exactly 3rd cousins.  Will be reaching out to these gentleman, as well as the other who match to see where our paper trails meet.

The top locations listed for a match include England, Scotland, Ireland and then Texas, Virginia, New York, Ohio and Indiana.  

I'm going to continue to dig into this data, including the DNA relatives, and reach out to a few that look like we share a surname in our genealogy in common.

Creating Ancestor Landing Pages

A comment from my mother today about searching the blog for information on her grandmother made me realize that I might want to create a few Ancestor Landing Pages.  These pages would be used to highlight the relevant posts of ancestors that I tend to write the most about, which in turn, seem to be the most elusive.

The process of adding pages to Blogger is quite simple, and I've already added pages for Family Surnames and Migrations and a Contact Me page.

So, since I've written probably the most about my maternal 2nd-great grandmother, Ida Davis, I think she'll make the first Ancestor Landing page.  

Look for more pages to be added soon.

Metzner Family Enjoys First Reunion in Many Years

Portland, Indiana Commercial Review, July 20, 1909, page 1

EIGHTY-SIX AT DINNER

Double Birthday at Westchester Attended by Crowd

Auto Bears Unusual Burden

Metzner Family Enjoys First Reunion in Many Years

Eighty-six person enjoyed the dinner spread on the wide porch and lawns of the Axe home at Westchester Sunday, for a reunion of members of the family.  The occasion celebrated the birthdays of Mrs. Catherine Metzner, 90 and Mrs. Amanda Axe, 28.  Mrs. Metzner has been in the country since 1835, when she came from Germany.

The day was enlivened by games and exchanges of reminiscences of childhood days.  In the afternoon, a memorable hour, for Grandma Metzner at least, was a short trip in George Maxwell's auto.  With him also rode the youngest attendant, the 14 months old baby of Irvin Metzner.

Those present were: Wesley Metzner and family, William Metzner and family, Mrs. George Stolz, Mrs. Mary Huey of Rome City, Mrs. Harry Green and family, Mrs. Lydia Smith and family, Irvin Metzner and family, Mrs. Amanda Axe, Mrs. Nora Bergman, Mrs. Gilbert Pierpont of Indianapolis, Jacob Haley and family, Geo. S. Haley and family, William Haley and family, Levi Patterson, Fred Martin, Jacob Haley, E.T. Haffner, Mrs. Philip Stolz, Wesley Metzner, Eli Via, William Axe of Michigan, all Haley, George Maxwell, Mrs. Nora accompanied by their families. [typesetting error : should read from Wesley Metzner, Eli Haley, George Maxwell, Mrs. Nora Via, William Axe of Michigan, all accompanied by their families]

There were present, four children, six granchildren and 15 great grandchildren, besides other relatives.

---
Always wonderful to have these family reunions published in the papers, particularly the mention of the all of the names of the relatives.  The trick is seeing if I can identify each of these named individuals and how they are related to Grandma Catherine Metzner

Wesley Metzner and family - This is Wesley T. Metzner (1855-    ), her son.

William Metzner and family - This is William F. Metzner (1844-1929), her son.

Mrs. George Stolz - This is Catherine E. (Metzner) Stolz (1853-1943), her daughter.

Mrs. Mary Huey - This is Mary A. (Metzner) Huey (1862-1925), her daughter.

Mrs. Harry Green and family - This is Loetta J. (Metzner) Green, her granddaughter.  Loetta was the daughter of William F. and Mary A. (Haley) Metzner. 

Mrs. Lydia Smith and family - This is Lydia Ann (Metzner) Smith, her granddaughter.  Lydia was the daughter of William F. and Mary A. (Haley) Metzner.

Irvin Metzner and family - This is Irvin G. Metzner (1879-    ), her grandson.  Irvin was the son of William F. and Mary A. (Haley) Metzner.

Mrs. Amanda Axe - This is Amanda A. (Metzner) Axe, her granddaughter.  Amanda was the daughter of William F. and Mary A. (Haley) Metzner.

Mrs. Nora Bergman - This is Nora May (Stolz) Bergman, her granddaughter.  Nora was the daughter of George W. and Catherine E. (Metzner) Stolz.

Mrs. Gilbert Pierpont - This is Lena (Orcutt) Pierpont, her granddaughter.  Lena was the daughter of James and Samantha E. (Metzner) Orcutt.

I was able to identify the four children and the six grandchildren from the list of names.  The others mentioned include members of the intermarried Haley and Metzner families.

Gilbert and Lena Pierpont of Muncie come for visit

Portland, Indiana Semi-Weekly Sun, March 23, 1900, page 5

Gilbert Pierpont and wife, of Muncie, visited this week with James Huston and George Straube.

---

Located this article through NewspaperArchive.com, showing Gilbert and Lena (Orcutt) Pierpont of Muncie visiting in the Portland area.  Lena was my paternal first cousin three times removed, the daughter of James Orcutt and Samantha E. Metzner.

The James Huston being visited was likely the James who had married Caroline Metzner, Lena's aunt.  Caroline died that year.   I have not yet connected George Straube to my family.

Gilbert and Lena were married November 27, 1899 in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana.  They were the parents of my black-sheep cousin, Harry Pierpont, member of the Dillinger gang.

Death Certificate : Luman Walker LeMasters Sr. (1808-1888), Jay County, Indiana

L.W. LeMasters, death certificate Book H1 page 71 (1888), Jay County Health Department, Portland, Indiana

This certifies, that according to the records of the Jay County Board of Health Department

Name L.W. LeMasters Sr.

Died on April 15, 1888 at ___ C.S.T. at Jay County, Indiana

Sex M Color White  Married Age 80

Primary cause of death given was Uraeumic Poison

Certified by D.S. Skinner, M.D. Salamonia, Indiana

Place of burial or removal not given

Date of burial not given

Record was filed May 16, 1888 Book H1 Page No. 71

E.M. Gillum, M.D. Local Heath Officer

Issued on September 1, 1976

He was the son of Jacob LeMasters.  This is all I have.

---

The death certificate of my paternal 3rd-great grandfather, Luman Walker LeMasters Sr. (1808-1888) was recorded in Jay County, Indiana.  It has been a part of my research collection for many years, and was part of my father's research back in 1976 when the record was requested.

Luman is buried in the Salamonia Cemetery, Salamonia, Indiana.

Marriage Record : Luman W. Lemasters to Nancy Young, Shelby County, Ohio, 1832

Located the marriage record of my paternal 3rd-great grandfather, Luman Walker Lemasters (1808-1888) to Nancy Young (1812-1904) in Shelby County, Ohio at Familysearch.org.

"Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XZVP-THV : accessed 06 Feb 2014), Luman W Lemaster and Nancy Young, 19 Jan 1832; citing Shelby, Ohio, United States, reference 64; FHL microfilm 562857.

This is to certify that on the 19th day of January in the year of Our Lord, 1832 Luman W. Lemasters and Nancy Young both of Shelby County were legally joined in marriage by me a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Shelby.  Given under my hand this 14 day of Feb. A.D. 1832     James H. Coleman J.P.

Luman was born in Mason County, Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1808 and had came to Ohio with his father, Jacob shortly after the War of 1812.  Nancy was born in Pickaway County, Ohio and moved to Shelby County with her father, Philip, sometime between 1826 and the 1830 census.

Luman's older brother, Isaac, had married a Hannah Elizabeth Coleman in 1821 in Shelby County. She was the daughter of Philip and Ann (Kelly) Coleman.  The relationship of the Justice of the Peace who married Luman and this Coleman family is not yet known.

Jumping Into the Genealogy DNA waters

Just finished completing a DNA sample to be sent in for testing with 23andMe.

The kit was a present from genea-Santa this past December.  For the past few years, I've debated joining the crowds of people who've combined DNA testing with their genealogical research.  With this Christmas present from myself to me and my wife, I can finally join in the fun.  

There are several different groups doing DNA testing, and I decided on 23andMe prior to the recent issues with the FDA.  In fact, I placed my order within a day or two of the announcement, and received an email from the company telling me that I could have my money back if I wanted.  Since I'm more interested in the genealogical data rather than the health information, I decided to keep the two kits I had purchased wrapped up underneath the tree.

I'm hoping that this testing will provide some clues on my genetic ancestry as well as Eileen's.  An overview of the service is explained here.

While most of my "paper trail" genealogy is fairly well traced, being mostly German or English,  I do have a maternal great-grandmother who was illegitimate.  Her ancestry is probably where I get the dark eyes, hair and complexion common to her descendants.  If I would venture to guess, I'm thinking there is some Italian in the line, though I'm ready to be surprised.

Same with Eileen's "paper trail" genealogy - a lot of German and English origins.  However, there is the tradition of Indian blood that she would like to have verified.  Though I'm suspicious this tradition, based on the records, DNA research should at least provide some clues.

I'm eagerly anticipating the results of this service and can't wait to see if I connect to other cousins.

Exploratory Data Analysis : Spencer Cromeans / Cummings (c1812-1861)

Spencer Cromeans / Cummings (c1812-1861) was Eileen's paternal 2nd-great grandfather.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Spencer was born circa 1812 in North Carolina¹, according to the 1850 census.  The family surname was listed as Cromeans in 1850 records, then became Cummings in later generations.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Until I have an exact date and location, will not be able to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of Spencer's birth.  With a birth date this early, I'm skeptical that any such mention exists.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

                    I am not currently aware of any family Bible records of the Cromeans/Cummings 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 Spencer, nor do I know what denomination, if any, he was a member of at this time.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

                    There is no indication that Spencer was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

               Spencer married Gincy _________ before 1832, probably in Walker County, Alabama.  I have not yet been able to locate a copy of their marriage license. Their first child was born in September 1832 in Walker County. Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

                    Once I have an exact date of their nuptials, will be able to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of Spencer and Gincy's wedding.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

                    Once I have an exact date of their anniversary, will be able to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of wedding anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

                    While there is no indication that Spencer and Gincy were ever divorced, a thorough search of the court records in Walker and Winston Counties, Alabama needs to be completed.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for a future research trip.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          I have not been able to find an exact date of death for Spencer.  Land records in Winston County, Alabama have him alive in 1860, but have not located him in the census.  There is a strong possibility that he died early in the 1860s.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               Without an exact date of death, I am unable to search any contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of Spencer's death.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Once I'm able to determine Spencer's exact date of death, I will attempt to locate funeral home records for any additional information they might be able to provide.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Once I'm able to determine where Spencer is buried, will obtain a photograph of his tombstone.  Have been unable to locate him in any listing of local cemetery records.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1860 Federal Census

                    I have not been able to locate Spencer in the 1860 U.S. census.  There are still several other Cummings families in Winston County, Alabama, but I have yet to locate the family.  After the Civil War, members of the family are in Tennessee, particularly Wayne and Dyer Counties.

          2.1.2. 1850 Federal Census

                     Spencer was enumerated as head of household on October 25, 1850 in Northern District 38 of Hancock County, Alabama¹, as Spencer Cromeans, age 38, born in North Carolina, Farmer.  Hancock county later became Winston County, Alabama.  Living in the household were Gincy, age 34, born South Carolina; Patrick, age 18, born Alabama; Elena, age 14, born Alabama; Wyatt, age 12, born Alabama; Willis, age 10, born Alabama; Jasper, age 8, born Alabama; Houston, age 6, born Alabama; Absolem, age 4, born Alabama; and Mary, age 2, born Alabama.

          2.1.3. 1840 Federal Census

               Spencer was enumerated as head of household on June 1, 1840 in Walker County, Alabama².  Living in the household were two white males under 5 years old; 1 white male between 5 and 10 years old; 1 white male between 10 and 15 years old; and one white male between 30 and 40 years old.  Females in the household were 1 female under 5 years; and 1 female between 20 and 30 years old. 

          2.1.4. 1830 Federal Census

                   Spencer was enumerated as head of household on June 1, 1830 in Walker County, Alabama³.  Living in the household were one white male under 5 years old; 1 white male between 20 and 30 years old; and 1 white female between 20 and 30 years old.

     2.2. State Census Records

          Alabama conducted state census in 1850, 1855 and 1866 that might be relevant in my search for Spencer.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

          I have not yet investigated these types of census records to see what light they might shed on the Cummings family.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          I have not located any records of military draft that included Spencer.

     3.2. Pension Records

               I am not aware of any military service that would have allowed Spencer pension benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          I am not aware of any military service records for Spencer.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

          Deed records need to be thoroughly searched in Winston and Walker Counties, Alabama to see what records might mention Spencer.  Federal land records need to be searched as well.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps in Winston County, Alabama will have to be researched to see what information might be relevant in my search for Spencer.

5. Supplemental Records

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

Sources :

1. Spencer Cromeans household, 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, Northern District 38, Hancock County, Alabama, dwelling 5, family 5; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 6, page 357.
2. 1840 U.S. census, Walker County, Alabama, population schedule, page 299, Spencer Cromeans; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 16 January 2014); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
3. 1830 U.S. census, Walker County, Alabama, population schedule, page 258, Spencer Cromeans; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 January 2014): National Archives, Washington, D.C.

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.

Burial Record of Washington Alderman, Civil War Veteran, Madison County, Indiana

Atlas of Cemeteries and Records of Deceased Veterans of Madison County, Indiana by Haroldyne S. Zook, 1989, Published by Selby Publishing & Printing, Kokomo, Indiana

At the Elwood, Indiana Public Library I located this record of the Civil War veterans buried in Madison County and copied this page that refers to Washington Alderman (c1838-    ), my maternal 3rd-great granduncle.

Washington was the son of Richard and Eliza Alderman.  He served in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry during the Civil War.  I've traced him no further than the 1860 census, when he was a dairyman in Madison County, Indiana.  I do not know if he survived the war.

I've visited the cemetery, but was unable to locate his grave.  The cemetery has not been well maintained, and many of the tombstones were faded.

John Wright Family Group Sheet, Brown County, Ohio

This family group sheet of John Wright was obtained from the Brown County, Ohio Genealogical Society.  The chart is for the family of my maternal 6th-great grandparents.

The chart was created by Margaret Burbage of Bethel, Ohio - right in the backyard of where my Brown County Wrights settled.  Interesting to me are the sources that are cited, though sadly each fact itself is not documented.  Sources such as the Bible record of George and Elizabeth Wright.

John's wife is named as Sarah Fleming - a surname I have from other researchers, though I've yet find an actual marriage record that gives her maiden name.  This family group sheet lists no biographical data for Sarah.

The family group sheet didn't list John's birth, which occurred before April 13, 1755, when he was baptized in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  It does, however, list his date of death as October 15, 1801, without reference to place.  My database shows the date as October 15, 1810 in Clermont County, Ohio, without a source.  Another researcher gave me information that stated John died October 15, 1801 in Brown County, Ohio.  Brown County didn't exist at that time, it would have been Clermont County, Northwest Territory.

The children listed on this family group sheet match up with what I have in my database.  Quite likely that the early information I input into my database came from someone who had seen this family group sheet or the original Bible record, which is where I am assuming the lists of birthdates for the children is coming from.

While not a definitive source, this family group sheet will give me a source starting point, something to document some facts in my database, so I don't spend time trying to figure out why I have so-and-so listed with a certain birthdate, etc.

I have additional Wright information from the Brown County Genealogical Society to work through and more research on site to be done in the future.

Exploratory Data Analysis : William Miller (1826-1901)

William Miller (1826-1901) was Corinne's maternal 3rd-great grandfather.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data I have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     William was born October 1826 in Germany¹, according to the 1900 census.  The 1870 census shows him born circa 1829 in Hesse-Darmstadt².

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Since I do not have an exact date of birth for William, it will be difficult to locate his birth record.  His parents were listed on his marriage license as Jacob Miller and Elizabeth Speck.

          A search at Familysearch for records of a William Miller born in 1826 with parents Jacob Miller and Elizabeth Speck did turn up one interesting possibility.  A record for Wilhelm Mueller, born to Jacob Mueller and Elisabetha Speck, was born October 20, 1826 in Alsenborn, Pfalz, Bavaria. ("Deutschland, Geburten und Taufen 1558-1898," index, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/NP8N-MBL : accessed 12 Jan 2014), Wilhelm Mueller, ; citing ALSENBORN,PFALZ,BAVARIA; FHL microfilm 488864.)
  
          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               Without an exact location or date of birth, it will be impossible to locate mention in a newspaper.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Bible record for this Miller family.  Will continue to reach out to extended family members in hopes that one can be located.

          1.1.3. Baptismal Record

                    Without an exact date to search and location of birth, will not be able to locate a baptismal record for William.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

                    There is no indication that William was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

               William married January 31, 1856 in Posey County, Indiana to Elizabeth Schafer.  I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          William married secondly on May 5, 1887 in Vanderburgh County, Indiana to Margaret Kullman.  I do not yet have a copy of their marriage license.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

                    Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of William's nuptials.  Will add this to my research "to-do" list.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

                    Will need to search contemporary newspaper accounts for mention of any anniversary celebrations.  Will add this to my research "to-do" list.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

                    While there is no indication that William was divorced, a thorough search of the court records in Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, Indiana will need to be completed.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          William died July 24, 1901 in Kasson, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.  I do not yet have a copy of his death certificate.  Will add that to my list of research "to-do" items.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

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

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

                    Once I've obtained a copy of William's obituary, I can contact the funeral home that handled the arrangements and see if they have any additional information.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

                    I do not yet know what cemetery William is buried in, assuming that he is buried in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.  Will add this to my list of "to-do" items for my next research trip.

2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1900 Federal Census

                    On June 1, 1900, William was enumerated as the head of household in German Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana¹, as William Miller, age 73, born October 1826 in Germany.  He had been married for 12 years.  His father and mother were both born in Germany.  He immigrated to the United States in 1848, had been living 52 years in the U.S. and was a naturalized citizen.  His occupation was that of a saloon keeper.  He could read and write and speak English.  He owned his own home, free of mortgage.

          2.1.2. 1880 Federal Census

                    On June 1, 1880, William was enumerated as head of household in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana³, as William Miller, age 52, born in Germany.  His occupation was listed as a commission broker.  He was married and both his father and mother were born in Germany.

          2.1.3. 1870 Federal Census

                    On July 22, 1870, William was enumerated as head of household in the 3rd Ward, Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana², as William Miller, age 41, born in Hesse-Darmstadt.  He was a saloon keeper.  The value of his real estate was $15,000 and the value of his personal estate was $1000.  His father and mother were both of foreign birth.  He was a U.S. citizen.

          2.1.4. 1860 Federal Census

               On June 18, 1870, William was enumerated as head of household in Robinson Township, Posey County, Indiana⁴, as William Miller, age 33, born in Germany.  His occupation was listed as a farmer.  The value of his real estate was $3500 and the value of his personal estate was $500.

          2.1.5. 1850 Federal Census

                I have not yet located William in the 1850 census.  He should be there, as he immigrated in 1848, but I do not know yet where he first lived before coming to Indiana.

     2.2. State Census Records

          The State of Indiana conducted state census in 1853, 1857, 1871, 1877, 1883, 1889, 1901, 1913, 1919 and 1931.  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 Miller farm.

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          I have not located any draft registration records for William. 

     3.2. Pension Records

          I am not aware of any military service for William that would make him eligible to receive pension benefits.

     3.3. Service Records

          I am not aware of any military service for William, though he would have been of the right age to have served during the Civil War.  Will add checking into this to my list of "to-do" research items.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

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

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Plat maps in Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, Indiana will need to be searched to see what might be relevant to my search for William.

5. Supplemental

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

Sources:

1. William Miller household, 1900 U.S. census, population schedule, German Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, ED 133, SD 1, sheet 1A, dwelling 10, family 10; National Archives micropublication T623, roll 408, page 43.
2. William Miller household, 1870 U.S. census, population schedule, 3rd Ward, Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, dwelling 265, family 263; National Archives micropublication M593, roll 364, page 218.
3. 1880 U.S. census, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, population schedule, Evansville, enumeration district 83, SD 1, page 2, dwelling 10, family 13; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 January 2014); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
4. William Miller household, 1860 U.S. census, population schedule, Robinson Township, Posey County, Indiana, Stewartsville P.O., page 511, dwelling 417, family 362; National Archives micropublication M653, roll 290, page 576.

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.

Obituary : Rachel (Gary) Haley (1816-1897)

Evangelical Messenger, December 8, 1897, page 179

 





Located the obituary of my paternal 3rd-great grandmother, Rachel (Gary) Haley (1816-1897) in the Evangelical Messenger, a publication of the Evangelical Association.


SISTER RACHEL HALEY

Rachel Haley, nee Gary, widow of Rev. G. Haley, was born in Liberty, Fairfield Co., O., March 22, 1816.

She was united in holy matrimony with George J. Haley, January 1, 1835.  This union was blessed with 10 children, 5 sons and 5 daughters.  Her husband and 1 son preceded her.  She leaves 9 children, 50 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Mother Haley was converted in early life and joined the Evangelical Association, of which she remained a true and devoted member until death.

About the year 1841 her husband yielded to his call to the ministry, and for 23 years she experienced the trials and hardships of pioneer missionary life.  For 8 years her husband was away from home much of the time, so the care of the large family was left to her supervision almost exclusively.

For 40 years she was deprived of hearing the precious Word of God and the sweet songs of Zion which she loved so much, nevertheless she was always a regular attendant at church services.

In her last illness, caused by old age, she stated that she had always found great comfort in reading the Word of God.

Through the kindness of Brother and Sister Haley, the Erie Conference had a pleasant camp-ground on their farm for many years.

The deceased fell asleep in Jesus at the home of her son, Frank Haley, near Huron, Ohio, November 25, 1897, aged 81 years, 8 months and 3 days.

The German services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. A.H. Wendt, and the English by the undersigned.    - J.G. Ziegler

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Interesting to note that she was deaf for the last 40 years of her life.  Services were performed both in English and German.

Comparing the numbers given for the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I have the names of all 10 children at the time of her death as well as the 50 grandchildren, but only 9 of the great-grandchildren.

Would like to find her origins, the biography in the Jay County History states her origins were Irish, but I'm wondering if they weren't German.

Marriage of John Metzner and Catherine Young, Licking County, Ohio, 1839

"Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XZHL-F6J : accessed 12 Jan 2014), John Metzner and Catherine Young, 16 Nov 1839; citing Licking, Ohio, United States, reference v.1,p.331,L.271; FHL microfilm 384300.

 



 

The State of Ohio, Licking County, ss

I do hereby certify that the marriage of John Metzner and Catherine Young of said County was solemnized by me in due form of law on the 16" Nov. 1839

Augustus Grosskards
Pastor

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Located the image of the marriage record for my paternal 3rd-great grandparents, John Metzner and Catherine Young in Licking County, Ohio.  Previously, I had the date of their marriage as November 4, 1839 from county history and November 3, 1839 from John's obituary.  This record, however, clearly notes that the wedding occurred on November 16, 1839.

Tried to Google the pastor's name to see if I could find out more about him, but was unsuccessful.  It looks like Grosskards to me, but perhaps I'm reading it incorrectly.

Obituary : John Metzner (1805-1888)

Evangelical Messenger, January 24, 1888, page 59

Located the obituary of my paternal 3rd-great grandfather, John Metzner (1805-1888), in the Evangelical Messenger, a publication of the Evangelical Association.

METZNER - John Metzner was born in Germany, October 21, 1805, came to America in 1837, located in Licking Co., O., where he continued to live until 1850, when he with his family came to Jay Co.  He was married to Catherine Young, Nov. 3, 1839, and to them were born six sons and five daughters, of whom 2 sons and one daughter have gone before him over the river of death.  He embraced the Christian religion in 1840, in which he continued to live until his death, and died in the triumphs of a living Redeemer, Jan. 10, 1888.  Father Metzner was a member of the Ev. Association, and in his death we lose a brother and a father, but that which is our loss is his gain.  Funeral services by the write, assisted by Bro. H.E. Moser.  - J.B. Fisher.

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There are just a few anomalies in this obituary from data I already have about John.  I had his birthdate as October 2, 1805, as calculated from his tombstone, and his marriage date as November 4, 1839, but my sources were family group sheets, so are suspect.  Should be able to confirm the marriage date from Ohio marriage records.  While this obituary doesn't give a cause of death, it does state his migration pattern.

Exploratory Data Analysis Through 2x-Great Grandaunts & Uncles

Though it took much longer that I had hoped, have finally finished by series of exploratory data analysis through my 2x-great grandaunts and granduncles.  Previously, I had written about my results through my 2x-great grandparents.  My next steps are to move on to my 3x-great grandparents as well as start work on some of Eileen's ancestors and Corinne's ancestors.

Working on this series has allowed me to find out where there are gaps in my research and has added much data.  Now I just need to follow up with my "to-do" lists before my next research trip to make sure I use my time effectively.

Here are the links to posts about the exploratory data analysis posts for my 2x-great grandaunts and granduncles:

• Beulah Sarah (LeMasters) Rockwell (1865-1940)
• Phillip D. LeMasters (1869-1869)
• William Clifford LeMaster (1870-1922)
• Mary Elsie (LeMasters) Atkinson (1873-1942)
• Bertha Fidelia (LeMasters) Yaeger (1874-1922)
• Ord Otterbein LeMaster (1876-1937)
• Edith Mabel (LeMasters) Meinholtz (1879-1949)
• Una Maude (LeMasters) Phillips (1884-1968)
• Arthur Raymond LeMaster (1885-1971)
• Vernon Walker LeMaster (1888-1955)
• Minerva Prudence (Wehrly) Jackson (1867-1948)
• John William Wehrly (1870-1954)
• Orilla Catherine (Wehrly) Andrews (1872-1970)
• Benjamin Franklin Wehrly (1873-1895)
• Henry Leonard Wehrly (1875-1924)
• Harvey Allen Wehrly (1877-1968)
• Alva Monroe Wehrly (1878-1952)
• LeRoy Garfield Wehrly (1880-1883)
• Ida Laura (Wehrly) Scholer (1883-1963)
• Blaine Pearle Wehrly (1884-1964)
• Ethel May (Wehrly) Shreeve (1886-1951)
• Martin Nimrod Wehrly (1888-1954)
• Andrew Frank Haley (1864-1937)
• George David Ellsworth Haley (1868-1941)
• Rachel Emma Pernina (Haley) Hanlin Zorn (1869-1963)
• Charles Wesley Haley (1872-1893)
• Carrie Mae (Haley) Graves Booth Marks (1877-1956)
• Ora Amanda (Haley) Bittikofer (1884-1961)
• William A.L. Metzner (1866-1879)
• Wesley F. Metzner (1872-1953)
• Chester Arthur Wright (1896-1955)
• John Herman Pierce (1895-1959)
• Edward E. Pierce (1900-1900)
• Lillian Pierce (1902-1921)
• Nehersta Edith (Pierce) Miller Roberts (1910-1979)
• William McClellan Pierce (1913-1978)
• Cloyd J. Pierce (1916-1962)
• Charles D. Pierce (1918-1991)
• Robert F. Pierce (1923-2005)
• James Louis Pierce (1931-2002)

King Burials in Frankton K. of P. I.O.O.F. Cemetery

Located the following burials in the Knights of Pythias International Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana from the book K of P I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana by Haroldine Zook, typed by Nancy Horn, 1995.  Some of these I know are definitely related to my King family, others will need to be researched.  These papers were part of my paper monster I've been trying to conquer.  Believe that I found the book in the Elwood Indiana Public Library.

page 14 -

King, Dollie A. 1889-1961
King, Clarence 1884-1971

page 24 -

King, Calvin 1840-1923
King, Jane 1858-1937

Calvin was the husband of Orinda J. King (1849-1879), my first cousin 4 times removed, daughter of George Washington King and Elizabeth Howard.  After her death, he married Jane.  Calvin is not a known relation.

page 26 -

King, Essie 1888-1979
King, Raymond 1884-1970
King, Gerald 6/27/1906 - 2/24/1913

page 30 -

King, Cleo F. 1894-19__ md. 6/18/1913
King, Hoy H. 1891-1970

Hoy Hubert King (1891-1970) was my first cousin 3 times removed, the son of David King and Litha May (see below).

King, Rosa M. 1886-1976
King, D. Victor 1882-1944
King, Litha A. 1857-1934
King, David 1854-1914

David King (1854-1914) was my 2nd-great granduncle, the son of Daniel King and Elizabeth Shaw.  His wife was Litha Ann May (1857-1934).  Their son David Victor King (1882-1944) and his wife Rosa M. Etchison are buried with them.

page 59

King, Lenna J. 1901-12/20/1990 md. 12/10/1921
King, Cecil P. 1900-1976

Snowed In : Tackling The Paper Pile

 

With the weather outside being a frightful -14 degrees with a -40 degree wind chill, going to work yesterday and today was not in the cards.  So, after snow blowing to make sure we could get out if we needed to, I decided to work on one of my genealogy goals for 2014 : tackling the paper pile.

I have a bad habit of making photocopies at libraries, courthouses, etc. and then letting them sit around and not getting them digitized or the data input into my genealogy database.  Because of this, I'm sure I've paid twice for information that I already had or perhaps have worked on a problem that the solution was available in the stacks of paper.

I also want to try to get this family information organized between my Rootsmagic database and my online Ancestry.com tree.  I would hate for some of this information to not be shared with others.  I'm at the age where I'm starting to realize my own mortality, and don't want to not pass on what I've found.

I spent most of yesterday and today scanning the files, working through the piles that had been previously sorted by maternal, paternal and other lines.  Slowly, but surely, my intention is to post the information to my blog, add it to the Ancestry tree, and then dispose of the paper.  I'm getting tired of being a packrat for paper.  Unless the document is an official copy of a birth certificate, I don't see the need to keep a copy.