Saturday, March 22, 2014

Mrs. Clifford F. Doty, dies of tuberculosis

Goshen Daily Democrat
Goshen, Indiana
September 5, 1917, page 1
DOTY - Mrs. Clifford F. Doty, 20, died at her Elkhart home of tuberculosis.  Surviving are her husband and her parents, Rev. and Mrs. John Metzner

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Located another mention of the obituary of Fern (Metzner) Doty, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. John Metzner and wife of Clifford Doty in the Goshen Daily Democrat, Goshen, Indiana.  

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Obituary : Fern (Metzner) Doty (1897-1917)

Evangelical Messenger, October 17, 1917, page 2




Fern Doty, daughter of Rev. J.W. Metzner, and wife of Clifford F. Doty, fell asleep one day after her 20th birthday and lay in her casket on her second wedding anniversary.  Born Sept. 3, 1897, she departed Sept. 4, 1917.  Nurtured in an Evangelical parsonage she early received the best Christian training and at the age of 9 years was converted to God and united with our church.  Upon moving to Elkhart, she became a member of First church.  For 6 years she served in the capacity of pianist.  One daughter preceded her to the better world 4 months ago.  She was a dutiful, modest and highly respected young woman.  The Revs. Walmer, Roberts, Mygrant, D.D. Spangler assisted the undersigned in the obsequies.     E.W. Praetorius.

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Fern (Metzner) Doty was my paternal second cousin twice removed, the daughter of John W. Metzner.  Our common ancestors were John Metzner and Catherine Young.

This obituary gave me not only her death and marriage information, but the fact that they lost a young daughter, another fact to be researched.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

GEDmatch Comparison : Cousin Judy

Submitted my raw DNA file from 23andMe to the free third party tool, GEDmatch.com for comparison.  GEDmatch allows users from the three main testing sites, 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA and Ancestry.com upload their raw data files and then the software will compare your autosomal DNA for matches.

While waiting on my file M170652 to be processed for the "one to many" matches, I was able to compare my file using the "one to one" match of my cousin, Judy.  We had corresponded years ago, and recently reconnected on Facebook. Judy and I connect on my maternal side and has her mother's file at GEDmatch.

This was the comparison that GEDmatch did on the DNA file of Mildred Crane Moore and myself.


 


The prediction was 3.4 generations to the MRCA (most recent common ancestor).

Mary Ellen Swafford (common ancestor)
Ida Davis & unknown                               Mary Florence Gilliland & Thomas Crane  (half sisters)
June Gilliland & Clemon Lambertson            Mildred Louise Crane & Merrill L. Moore (1st cousins)
Bonnie Lambertson & William Wright           Judy Moore & Troy Hill (2nd cousins)
Gloria Wright & Ord LeMaster                     
Travis LeMaster

Judy and my mom are 2nd cousins once removed, and Judy and I are 2nd cousins twice removed.  Though we already knew this on paper, it's nice to have the connection confirmed through DNA.

I'm eagerly awaiting GEDmatch fully processing my files, so that I can match with other cousins and begin sharing.  Another feature of the site is the ability to compare GEDCOMs.  I've uploaded a GEDCOM there as well, and the file number is 924805.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

DNA : Ancestry Composition - Tweaking the Results

When I wrote about my Ancestry Composition results from 23andMe before, I didn’t realize that the numbers could be ‘tweaked’ just a bit, depending on how conservative or speculative an estimate you wanted to have.

For example, here are my “Conservative” estimates of my genetic make-up : 98.7% European, 1.3% Unassigned.


Note that a full 59.0% is Nonspecific Northern European.  That means that 23andMe found the markers in a wide enough group of places that they couldn’t say that part of my DNA came matched a specific population in, say France, for instance.  When you look at the “Standard” estimate results, you will see that play out.

Here are my “Standard” estimates of my genetic make-up : 99.8% European, .1% Sub-Saharan African, .1% Unassigned.


Notice in the “Standard” estimate, I pick up .1% of Sub-Saharan African.  If I’m reading the results correctly,  I have an ancestor back about 10 generations that was from Africa.  At 10 generations, there are 1024 ancestors to choose from.   Also, in this chart I have .3% Iberian and 1.1% Nonspecific Southern European.

Here are my “Speculative” estimates of my genetic make-up : 99.9% European, .1% Sub-Saharan African, less than .1% unassigned.



Now this is where I find it interesting.  Not only do they speculate that the .1% DNA that is Sub-Saharan African comes from Central & South Africa, but look at the break-out of the Southern European : 1.6% Italian, 1.3% Iberian and 1.3% Nonspecific European.  This is where some of the mystery comes in – I know of no ancestry in my paper trail genealogy that comes from these locales.  I’m speculating that this DNA comes from the ‘unknown’ ancestry of my maternal great-grandmother.  The breakout of 42.3% British & Irish and 14.4% French & German is more in line with what I would expect, based on the paper trail genealogy.

With both of my parents being tested, it will be interesting to see if my results change once they are tied to my account.  I also want to know if my theory about the maternal ancestry hold up.  I would be surprised, for example, if the southern European DNA shows up on my dad’s results.

Looks like the results get even better if you have a parent or child in the database :

Monday, March 17, 2014

DNA : My Maternal Haplogroup T2b




The results of my maternal haplogroup tested at 23andMe is T2b, a subset of T2, which comes from my mitochondrial DNA.  This DNA is passed through my maternal line, so it comes from my mother, her mother, her mother, etc. all the way back.


I find it interesting that the example populations are Northern European and Spanish.  My Ancestry Composition results showed 0.3% Iberian and 1.1% nonspecific Southern European.

DNA : My Paternal Haplogroup I1


The results of my paternal haplogroup tested at 23andMe determined that I was a part of haplogroup I1


I find it interesting that the highest frequency of this haplogroup was found in Scandinavia.  Paternal haplogroup is passed down from father to son, so somewhere way back there I have an ancestor from northern Europe.  With my dad being tested, he should also be in the haplogroup as well.

Only males have the Y-DNA haplogroup, but if females have their brothers or father’s tested they can find the haplogroup associated with their surname.

With my direct male LeMaster genealogy not being a definite connection to Abraham Lemaster of Charles Co., MD, I would be interested in seeing how my DNA compares with others who have a paper trail genealogy back to Abraham.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Sauer and Hoffher Lines

Received a message in response to the family tree I created at Ancestry.com regarding Corinne's Sauer and Hoffher lines.  We've begun to exchange correspondence, and though the researcher is not related, he's been helping a fried of his daughter who is related.

Corinne's ancestors are George F. Sauer and Agnes Barbara Hoffher.  George was born May 9, 1838 in either Pennsylvania or Indiana, the son of Louis and Frederika Sauer.  Barbara was born August 23, 1840 to as of yet unknown parents.  They were married April 8, 1860 in Vanderburgh County, Indiana and raised 8 children.  

Corinne's line comes down through son Edward J. Sauer, while the friend comes through Otto William Sauer.  

A pedigree chart submitted suggests that Barbara's parents were Johann Hoffher Sr. and Frederika _____ of Armstrong Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Marriage Record : Carvie A. Morris to Ida Hancock, 1900 Monroe County, Indiana

Monroe County, Indiana, Marriage Book 9, page 551



Received the copy of the marriage of my maternal 2nd-great grandmother, Ida (Davis) Hancock to Carvie A. Morris that took place July 19, 1900 in Monroe County, Indiana.

The groom's name is a bit hard to read - is it Carvie A. Morris or Carrie A. Morris, or even Cardie A. Morris?  Anyone with better eyes than mine that could help?

Ida died less than two weeks later in Clay Township, Owen County, Indiana of tuberculosis.  

Mr. Morris is indeed a mystery as well. There are Morris families in the area, but I've been unable to connect him with anyone.  I've also been unable to locate any other records of him than this marriage.  Who was he?  What happened to him after Ida's death?

As always, if you have any connection to this family, I would love to hear from you.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Gathering Rosebuds

This week I took to social media in order to learn more about my great-grandmother June and her sister Pansy.  I've been on Facebook, for some time and am a members of several genealogy groups but had not fully utilized the power of social media.

I located the Facebook page for the Monticello Public Library in Monticello, Indiana and posted a request to locate any family members of my great-aunt Pansy (Davis) Decker Timm and her husband, Raymond.  Within an hour, I had a response asking me to email one of the staff members, which I did.  She quickly replied and gave me a phone number to Raymond's son.

Making the call to the stepson of my great-grandmother's sister, who died in 1968, might seem odd to some people, but not to this genealogist.  I was pleasantly surprised that he was very helpful in providing some information about Pansy and his dad, including how they met,  but also directed me to contact Pansy's daughter-in-law, who was still living in Crawfordsville at the age of 98.

Wednesday was a snowy day here in Indiana, and fortunately for me, I was able to catch Mary at home and speak with her about Pansy as well as my great-grandmother, June (Davis) Lambertson. She was sharp as a tack! Again, here I was talking to her about someone who had died in 1951.  We had a pleasant talk, she was able to give me some details on the family, and I was encouraged to call again with more specific questions.

I was glad most to hear that June and Pansy's families were in contact with each other, at least while June was living, and that they would visit each other.  Mary was able to fill me in on where Pansy's grandchildren are living.  On a future call, I will attempt to get all of the names and contact details if she has them.

The old maxim of "gathering your rosebuds while you can", has certainly applied in this case.

Death Notice : Ida (Davis) Morris, 1900

Ellettsville Farm, Ellettsville, Indiana
August 4, 1900, page 2
Mrs. Ida Davis Morris, daughter of Mrs. Bob Gilland, died at the home of the latter near this place on Wednesday.

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This is the death notice of my maternal 2nd-great grandmother, Ida (Davis) Morris.  She died August 2, 1900 in Clay Township, Owen County, Indiana of tuberculosis.  The Mrs. Bob Gilland (actually Gilliland) was Mary Ellen (Swafford) Davis Gilliland.

Ida was only 26 years old when she died of tuberculosis, leaving two small children, Pansy and June, to be raised by Ida's mother and step-father.

I've been able to find a bit of good information lately through my NewspaperArchive subscription.  Newspaper columns like this were the Facebook of the early 20th century.


Thursday, March 13, 2014

Casting A Wider Net

Spent most of the weekend genealogy work by adding to my family tree at Ancestry.com .  I’d kept a very small tree with only a few generations previously.  My hope was to slowly work backwards, making sure that it was as documented as possible.

My tree is available at Ancestry at http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/25951333/family

I decided that since I’m doing the DNA research and directing distant cousins to my family tree, I figured I’d better update it to include as many generations as possible.  So I added branches in the direct lines up to at least the immigrant ancestor.  I’ll go back later and add the children, etc. and flesh it out a bit.

Noticed that several invites to view the family tree for my immediate family have gone unaccepted.  So sad, they’re not as interested in genealogy as I am.

Saturday, March 08, 2014

Grandma June's Birth Announcement

Indianapolis Sun, Indianapolis, Indiana
June 13, 1898 page 2
Located my maternal great-grandmother, June Davis' birth announcement in the Indianapolis Sun newspaper of June 13, 1898.  

The birth announcement lists her only as a girl born to Atkinson and Ida Davis, just as her birth certificate lists.  Instead of a street address, the residence is listed as "Door of Hope".

Door of Hope was associated with the Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis and was established as a home for fallen women.  I have previously found Ida living at the Door of Hope in the 1900 census, this confirms that she was there in 1898 as well.  I remember my grandmother, Bonnie, when I had asked where her mother was born, saying that June was born in the city of Hope.  For a long time, I had assumed this was Hope, Bartholomew County, Indiana, where incidentally, there were Gilliland families.  Gilliland was the surname that June was raised with.  After her mother, Ida, died, June and her sister were raised by their grandmother, Mary Ellen (Swafford) Davis Gilliland.  Keeping this straight has been quite a lot of fun.

I have not been able to determine if the father listed on June's birth certificate is an Atkinson Davis or a _______ Atkinson.  I have not been able to locate an Atkinson Davis in Indianapolis are at the time.  This might be a mystery that is never solved.  Perhaps there is a bastardy proceeding somewhere that might shed some light.

DNA Relatives : Closest Matches


23andMe's DNA Relatives finder has identified 3 individuals as being between 3rd and 4th cousins.  I've reached out and sent introductions to all of them, so far I'm sharing genomes with two of them.

The first relative, Ed, shares the most DNA with me 1.02% and we connect on two segments.  The locations of his ancestry (Fort Wayne, IN and Jay County, IN) led me to believe I would find a connection to my paternal lines.

Comparison Chromosome Start point  End point Genetic Distance # SNPs
Ed vs Travis LeMaster 1 3000000 42000000 63.8 7637
Ed vs Travis LeMaster 5 1000000 5000000 11.9 1244

The second relative, Bill, shares DNA with me of .70% but we connect on five segments.  Again, the locations listed for his ancestry (Geneva, IN and Ft. Recovery, OH) led me to believe the connection would be on the paternal side.

Comparison Chromosome Start point End point Genetic Distance # SNPs
Bill vs Travis LeMaster 1 201000000 215000000 20.4 3098
Bill vs Travis LeMaster 3 174000000 180000000 7.9 1216
Bill vs Travis LeMaster 13 74000000 85000000 9.1 2047
Bill vs Travis LeMaster 14 43000000 51000000 6 1414
Bill vs Travis LeMaster 19 55000000 59000000 9 844


The third relative has not responded to my request to share genomes, yet.  We share DNA of .58% on four segments.

By comparing Ed's family tree he provided, I quickly discovered a paternal line connection through the Moulton and Finel families. Selah Moulton (b. 1790 Rutland Co., VT d. 1848 Licking Co., OH) and Lydia Finel (b.1796 Rutland Co., VT d. 1869 Licking Co., OH) were my paternal fourth great-grandparents.  Ed and I are fourth cousins once removed.

Looking at Bill's surnames, I recognized a common surname and discovered that we have a paternal line connection through the LeMasters and Chew families.  Luman Walker LeMasters (b. 1842 Shelby Co., OH d. 1931 Jay Co., IN) and Mary Keziah Chew (b. 1847 Burlington Co., NJ d. 1927 Jay Co., IN) were my paternal second great-grandparents.  Bill and I are third cousins. 

This is exciting - I've found a couple of fairly close cousins and have reached out to several more.  In fact, my inbox has been flooded with responses to my invites to share genomes.  Now I have to go through them and see if we can start finding the connections.

This DNA testing has re-energized me and inspired me to dig deeper, share more online with my family trees (Ancestry, WorldConnect, etc) and get more family members tested.

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Exploratory Data Analysis : Luman Walker Lemasters Sr. (1808-1888)

Luman Walker Lemasters Sr. (1808-1888) was my paternal 3rd-great grandfather.  What follows is an exploratory analysis of the biographical data  have discovered about him.

1. Vital Records

     1.1. Birth Certificate

          Luman was born March 11, 18081 in Mason County, Virginia (now West Virginia). Luman's birth in Virginia is noted in several successive census records.  There were no birth certificates recorded during this time period. One published genealogy cited his date of birth as February 19, 1808 in Mason County2.

          1.1.1. Birth Notice in Newspaper

               If Luman's birth was mentioned in a local newspaper, it has been lost to time.  I am not aware of any surviving contemporary newspapers from the area.

          1.1.2. Bible Record

               I am not aware of any surviving Lemasters family Bible records.  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 Luman.  The family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

          1.1.4. Adoption Record

               There is no indication that Luman was adopted.

     1.2. Marriage License

          Luman married January 19, 1832 in Shelby County, Ohio2,3 to Nancy Young.    

          A copy of the marriage record was the subject of a previous post.

          1.2.1 Marriage Notice in Newspaper

               I have not yet searched historical newspaper collections to see if any mention was made of Luman and Nancy's nuptials.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for future research.

          1.2.2. Anniversary Notice

               Luman and Nancy's 25th wedding anniversary would have been January 19, 1857 and their 50th wedding anniversary would have been January 19, 1882.  Will need to search out newspaper collections to see if any mention was made of anniversary celebrations.

          1.2.3. Divorce Decree

               There is no indication that Luman and Nancy were ever divorced, though a thorough search of records in Shelby County, Ohio and Jay County, Indiana needs to be completed.

     1.3. Death Certificate

          Luman died April 15, 1888 in Jay County, Indiana2, 4.  His death certificate listed the cause of death as uraeumic poison (i.e. kidney failure).  His death certificate did not list the time of death or the location of his burial. 

          A copy of his death certificate was the subject of a previous post.

          1.3.1. Obituary in Newspaper

               A search of local newpapers from the time period did not locate an obituary for Luman.

          1.3.2. Funeral Home Records

               Will need to search local funeral home records to see if they have mention of Luman's funeral.  The Jay County Historical Society has many of these records.  Will add this to my "to-do" list for my next research trip.

          1.3.3. Tombstone Photograph

               Luman's tombstone in the Salamonia Cemetery, Salamonia, Indiana has been photographed1.


2. Census Records

     2.1. Federal Census Records

          2.1.1. 1880 Federal Census

               On June 7, 1880, Luman was enumerated as the head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana5, as Luman Lemasters, age 72, Farmer, born in Virginia.  His father and mother were both born in Pennsylvania.  Living in the household was his wife, Nancy, age 67, born in Ohio, and daughter Mary, age 25 and son John, age 24, both born in Ohio.

          2.1.2. 1870 Federal Census

               On August 3, 1870, Luman was enumerated as the head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana6, as Luman W. Lemaster, age 61, born in Virginia.  His occupation was listed as a farmer.  The value of his real estate was $5000 and his personal estate was $500.  He was a U.S. citizen.  Living in the household was his wife, Nancy, age 57, born in Ohio, daughter Phebe J, age 23, daughter Mary, age 21, daughter Martha J., age 18 and son John S., age 15, all born in Ohio.

          2.1.3. 1860 Federal Census

               On June 4, 1860, Luman was enumerated as the head of household in Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana7, as Luman W. Lemaster, age 52, Farmer.  He was born in Virginia.  The value of his real estate was $4000 and the value of his personal estate was $545.  Living in the household was his wife, Nancy, age 48, born in Ohio, son Philip, age 23, daughter Catharine, age 19, son Walker, age 17, son Jacob, age 15, daughter Phebe, age 13, daughter Mary, age 11, daughter Martha J, age 9, all born in Ohio and son John S., age 5, born in Indiana.

          2.1.4. 1850 Federal Census

               On September 25, 1850, Luman was enumerated as the head of household in Salem Township, Shelby County, Ohio8, as L.W. Lemasters, age 42, Farmer, born in Virginia.  Living in the household was his wife, Nancy, age 38, born in Ohio, son Philip, age 14, daughter Rachel, age 12, daughter Catharine, age 10, son L.W., age 7, son Jacob, age 6, daughter Phebe, age 4, and daughter Mary, age 1, all born in Ohio.

          2.1.5. 1840 Federal Census

                On June 1, 1840, Luman was enumerated as head of household in Salem Township, Shelby County, Ohio9, as Luman W. Lamasters.  There was 1 white male under 5; 1 white male between 30 and 40; 2 white females under 5 and 1 white female between 20 and 30 in the household.

     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.

          No state census records in Ohio are known to exist.

     2.3. Agricultural Census Records

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

3. Military Records

     3.1. Draft Registration

          I have not located any records indicating military service for Luman.

     3.2. Pension Records

          Not applicable.

     3.3. Service Records

          Not applicable.

4. Land Records

     4.1. Deed Records

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

     4.2. Plat map / county map

          Jay County, Indiana published a plat map in 1874, 1881, 1887, 1901, 1910 and 1920 that might be relevant to my search for Luman.  I have access to the 1887 and 1901 maps, and need to see what information they contain.

5. Supplemental Records

     Supplemental records to research for Luman 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. Franklin, Phyllis (Strock). Salamonia Cemeteries: Salamonia, Madison Twp., Jay County, Indiana. Portland, Indiana, USA : The Jay County Genealogy Society, 2000, page 19.
2. Young, L.I.C., Biography of the Young Family 1759-1904, Fremont, Ohio : Fremont Printing Co., 1904, page 50.
3. "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.
4. L.W. LeMasters, death certificate Book H1 page 71 (1888), Jay County Health Department, Portland, Indiana.
5. 1880 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison Township, enumeration district 161, SD 8, page 8, dwelling 52, family 53; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 26 February 2014); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
6. 1870 U.S. census, Jay County, Indiana, population schedule, Madison Township, Salamonia P.O., page 31, dwelling 231, family 234; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 4 March 2014); National Archives, Washington, D.C.
7. Luman W. Lemaster household, 1860 U.S. census, population schedule, Madison Township, Jay County, Indiana, Salamonia P.O., page 2, dwelling 10, family 10; National Archives micropublication M563, roll 269.
8. L.W. Lemasters household, 1850 U.S. census, population schedule, Salem Township, Shelby County, Ohio, dwelling 109, family 109; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 729.
9. 1840 U.S. census, Shelby County, Ohio, population schedule, Salem Township, page 101, Luman W. Lamasters, digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 5 March 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.

Tuesday, March 04, 2014

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.

Sunday, March 02, 2014

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.

Monday, February 24, 2014

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.

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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.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

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.

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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.

Monday, February 17, 2014

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.

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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.


Thursday, February 06, 2014

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.

Sunday, February 02, 2014

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.