Friday, December 28, 2007

Query: Kimbrell/Pittser of Tippecanoe and Carroll counties

Leland Max Kimbrell was a sailor during World War II and died at sea. According to a roster of World War II dead, he was a Fireman 2nd Class in the Navy Reserve and was reported missing/presumed dead on 17 October 1945.

Leland was the son of Mart Kimbrell (who may have been a police chief) and Florence Marie Pittser of Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. He apparently had siblings:

--William Grant Kimbrell
--Phyllis Marie (Kimbrell) Mansfield
--Cleone Rose (Kimbrell) Gruber (1923-2007)--married to Everett "Ed" Gruber in Carroll County, Indiana in 1940.
--Leslie M. Kimbrell (1924-2007)

Any information on this family would be appreciated.

Carolyn M. Atherton
3736 NW 65th Pl.
Gainesville, FL 32653
bullet559@msn.com

Query: Dietzel/Fuss of Dearborn County

My great-grandfather, Conrad Dietzel, was born in Bad Neuenahr, Germany in 1823, and died in Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, Indiana in 1910. He was married to Elisabeth Fuss (born 1827 in Schlitzenhausen, Germany; died 1903 in Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, Indiana). Both are buried in Greendale Cemetery in Dearborn County. They arrived in the United States in 1853 and they apparently were married after they arrived in Indiana. They settled in Lawrenceburg in Dearborn County and lived there the rest of their lives. I am trying to find when and where in Indiana they were married.

John A. Detzel
1644 Hulman Waye Ct.
Terre Haute, IN 47803-3892
detzelc@prodigy.net

Query: Maxwell of Franklin County

I am looking for information regarding my great-grandfather, Joseph Jones Maxwell. He moved his family to Laurel, Franklin County, Indiana in 1901. There they lived and worked on the Twitchler farm. At one point they had a large white home in town. Supposedly he had a school in town named after him also. I am interested in any information on him, or any pictures of the school.


Bob Collins
23527 Denmar Rd.
Danville, IL 61834
RNCollins64@aol.com

Marriage Indexing: Project Stats


(Click on image for larger view)

Here are some statistics on our Indiana marriage indexing project through the end of November. As you might expect, the pace has slowed down a little for the holidays, but our wonderful volunteers still managed to index more than 425,000 records.

Marriage Indexing: Roll of Honor

Our Indiana Marriage Record Indexing Project turned 1 year old on December 22nd, and we have signed up almost 900 volunteers! We salute those on our Roll of Honor:

Over 20,000 Records Indexed:
Harold Martin of Melbourne, Florida
Sheryl Porter of Monmouth, Illinois

Over 20,000 Records Arbitrated:
Dan Elliott of Mount Vernon, Indiana
Clara J. Whan of Avilla, Indiana
Nancy Brower of Oroville, California

Over 10,000 Records Indexed:
Robert E. Van Lue of Rochester, Indiana
Clara J. Whan of Avilla, Indiana
Jane Chamberlain of Bloomfield, Indiana
Bea Barton of Washington, Utah
Justina Cook of Nampa, Idaho
Mary Sallee of Mesa, Arizona
Darlene Shuart of Monroe, Washington

Over 10,000 Records Arbitrated:
Bernie Cinkoske of Indianapolis, Indiana
Ronald Chard of Ocala, Florida
Justina Cook of Nampa, Idaho

Over 5,000 Records Indexed:
Carolyn Lowe of Knoxville, Tennessee
Teresa Taramasso of Graham, Texas
Michelle Golden of Roy, Washington
Patricia Hodges of Stacy, Minnesota
Linda Harney of Huntington, Indiana
Walter Caplinger of Kansas City, Missouri
Cindy Fuller of West Lafayette, Indiana
Robert McKillip of Rocky Mount, Virginia
Sandra Wincek of New Berlin, Wisconsin
Don Sylvester of Sanford, North Carolina
Ronald R. Hall of Fort Wayne, Indiana
Mary Stewart of Muncie, Indiana
Evelyn D. City of Clinton, Indiana
Martha Roll of Rockford, Illinois

Over 5,000 Records Arbitrated:
Lori White of Windsor, Colorado
Michelle Golden of Roy, Washington
Ann C. Richardson of Woods Cross, Utah
Larry Munden of Houston, Texas

Genealogy Roundtable in Kosciusko County

The North Webster Public Library will host a Genealogy Roundtable on January 14 from 10 am to noon in their Local History and Genealogy Center. The public is welcome to come and share their research tips, as well as their genealogy "brick walls."

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Query: Duncan/Smith of Dearborn County

James Duncan came to Indiana in 1815 and settled in Sparta Township, Dearborn County. He was born in Maryland in 1796 (in what part of Maryland, I do not know) and he died in Manchester, Dearborn County, Indiana November 17, 1864. He was married to a Martha ?? They had six children: John, Henry, William, Ann, Elizabeth, and Joshua who was born in 1833. All were born in Dearborn County, and then in 1834 James Duncan married again to a Molly Smith.

James Duncan and Molly Smith had four children: Josiah (born 1835), James (born 1837), Robert (born 1839), and Thomas (born 1841).

I'm trying to find out where in Maryland James Duncan was born, and also who his parents were, and where they came from.

Ronald J. Duncan
P.O. Box 5
Hayden, IN 47245
rjdqueequeg@verizon.net

Query: Utley/Byrd of Posey County

I'm looking for information about my great-grandfather, Harrison Utley, who was born around 1855 in Posey County, Indiana. He married Mary Byrd in 1879 and they lived in Mt. Vernon. Their daughter Cora Utley Wilson is my paternal grandmother.

Deborah Geiger
3103 West Liberty St.
Cincinnati, OH 45204
puplechicklet@cinci.rr.com

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Query: McCollum/Wine of Randolph County

Seeking information on the parents of Elijah McCollum, born about 1855 in North Carolina (?). He married Catherine Wine on September 4, 1872 in Randolph County, Indiana and is buried in Fountain Park Cemetery in Winchester, Indiana. He was my great-grandfather and is my brick wall.


Vickie Townsend
2757 Northmont Ln.
Richmond, IN 47374
vickie@tesnet.com

Query: Rush/Long of Pulaski and Wells counties

I'm looking for the date of death/death record for George S. Rush (aka George L. Rush). He was born in 1879 in Chester Township, Wells County, Indiana to William and Catherine Rush, and married Rebecca Long in December 1903. They had children Fred and Mary (twins, born November ?23? 1906) and Sarah (born 1909). His last known whereabouts was in Pulaski County, Indiana in 1909.

Donna Rush Moore
2101 McCaskey Rd.
Williamston, NC 27892
drmnc@earthlink.net

Friday, December 21, 2007

Query: Dawson of Indiana

I'm searching for information on my wife's grandfather, Robert Dawson (born about 1832), who was in the Civil War. We are told he was in Company K of the 123rd Indiana Infantry. Any information would be appreciated as all of my searches have came up empty. We would like to know the county in Indiana where he enlisted as well and something about the battles he may have been involved in. Thank you in advance for your help.


James L. Eveland
602 W. Lincoln St.
Paris, IL 61944
jlegulfwar@comwares.net

Monday, December 10, 2007

Beginning Genealogy Classes in Terre Haute

The Wabash Valley Genealogy Society will hold a 4-week series of Genealogy Beginner Classes from 6 to 8 pm Tuesdays, beginning February 5, 2008, at the Vigo County Public Library in Terre Haute. There is a $5 charge to attend all 4 classes, which includes handouts and a CD of Legacy genealogy software.

Terre Haute Hosts Program on Civil War Records

The Wabash Valley Genealogy Society, which represents the interests of genealogists in Vigo County and the surrounding counties of west central Indiana, will hold a program on Civil War Records on January 14, 2008 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Vigo County Public Library in Terre Haute. Ron Darrah will be the speaker. The program is free and open to the public--there will be handouts, door prizes and refreshments available.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Northwest Indiana Group to Share Mementos and Tips

The Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society (which represents the interests of genealogists in Lake and Porter counties) will meet January 19 at 10 am at the Lake County Public Library in Merrillville, Indiana for their annual "sharing" event. Attendees are invited to bring a document or memento to show and discuss, or a question to ask about some of the “brick walls” in their research.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Query: Leslie of Shelby County

I am seeking information about David and Sarah Leslie of Shelby County, Indiana. They moved to Shelby County, Indiana from Ohio between 1846 and 1849 with their children Gabriel, Mary, Ann, Maria, and William, and they had a daughter, Margaret (Leslie) Hill after moving to Indiana. In the 1870 census, David is not listed with Sarah, and he is not buried with her in the St. George Cemetery in Shelby County. Sarah died October 12, 1876, and is buried with the babies of Isaac and Margaret Heck.

Winifred Kovacik
2250 Par Ln. #1012
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
wkbuckeye@yahoo.com

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Query: Loy of Madison and Hancock Counties

Seeking information on John Loy who died April 20, 1859 in Pendleton, Madison County, Indiana and his wife Elizabeth who died February 1, 1885 in Pendleton. Their sons Isaac and Jacob Loy moved to Hancock County, Indiana after 1850.


Winifred Kovacik
2250 Par Ln. #1012
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
wkbuckeye@yahoo.com

Query: Kellems of Perry County

I am looking for any information on two members of the Kellems family from Perry County, Indiana.

The first is Russell M. Kellems, born 1892 and moved to Indianapolis and began work at the Transportation Company as a motorman on a streetcar. He lived at one time at 28 South Holmes Ave. in Indianapolis--the last known information was 1914.

The other is Ruby H. Kellems (a male), born 1899 in Perry County, Indiana.

Their father was William Hinch Kellems (born 1867) and their mother was Sarah Hobbs (born 1868)--finding out the date and place of their deaths would help greatly.


Richard L. Slagle
3314 Guion Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46222
s-l@att.net

Query: Ripke/Saneholtz of Allen and Madison Counties

I am searching for an obituary or date of death for Henry Ripke (born May 1845) and his wife, Mary Ripke (born October 1853), who were last seen in the 1920 census for Adams Township, Allen County, Indiana. I would also like to make contact with any of their living descendants. I believe that Mary may be a sister to my great-grandfather.

I am also searching for living relatives of Edith "Ida" (Dearmin) Saneholtz, who was born June 17, 1898 in Johnson, Indiana and died May 6, 1979 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana. Edith was married to Fred C. Saneholtz, my great-uncle. I am trying to contact his grandchildren for family tree information.


Anita Butler
butler1976@cinci.rr.com

Query: Myers/Keller of Clay County

Looking for the parents of Jesse Wright Myers (born 24 January 1818 in Clay County, Indiana; died 3 March 1898). He was married 2 January 1842 in Union County, Indiana to Katherine Keller (born 8 January 1819 in Virginia or Clay County, Indiana; died 26 August 1868). I have information on some of their descendants that I can share, but need help on their ancestry.


Charles Hussey
1126 Lynda Ln.
Wylie TX 75098
crusty1933@yahoo.com

Query: Horner/Royce of Washington County

Searching for information on William E. Horner, who was born 1 December 1798 in Gloucester County, New Jersey and died on 2 December 1872 in Fredericksburg, Washington County, Indiana. He married Sarah Elizabeth Royce in Fredericksburg on 27 May 1819. He is listed in the 1850 census in Jackson Township, Washington County, Indiana. His parents were possibly Jacob Spicer Horner (1773-1872) & Rebecca Ann Eastlack (1776-1811).


Geme Chappell
827 NW 32
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
ichy@cox.net

Query: Horner/Smith of Washington and Harrison Counties

Searching for information on the ancestors of George M. Horner (born 20 January 1825 in Posey Township, Washington County, Indiana; died 17 May 1898 in Pinckneyville, Illinois). His parents were William E. Horner (1798-1872) and Sarah Elizabeth Royce (1803-1866). He married Sarah Ann Smith in Harrison County, Indiana on 14 March 1850.


Gene Chappell
827 NW 32
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
ichy@cox.net

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Query: Funk/Lewis of Floyd County

I am trying to find information about the ancestry of a Hugh C. Funk born 1818-1823 (depending on census reports). He was born in Indiana on his father's farm. I know he was married in 1846 to L. Lewis in New Albany, Floyd County, Indiana. I know his occupation--river pilot--and other info from the census records. His daughter, Sarah, burned all his papers at his death, so no one knows who his parents were.


Lizan Funk
205 Anita Ct.
Redlands, CA 92373
lizan_funk@yahoo.com

IGS Appoints Director for Central Indiana

The Indiana Genealogical Society welcomes Dona Stokes-Lucas of Indianapolis as the new IGS Central District Director. District Directors act as liaisons, relaying information on the activities, news and concerns of individuals and genealogy-related organizations in their area, including Indiana County Genealogists. The Central District Director represents the interests of those in Boone, Clinton, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan and Tipton counties.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Query: MYERS/WARNER/SWIFT/JOHNSON/RONAN

My great-grandfather, Samuel A. Myers, made a breadboard for the wedding of Jacob Barkley Myers and Phoebe Warner in March 1884. I think they were married in Angola, Steuben County, Indiana. They had only one daughter, Violet Esther Myers (born October 1896 in Salem Township; died 22 November 1995).

Violet Myers married Paul Revere Swift in Pleasant Lake, Steuben County, Indiana. They had 2 sons: Kermit Schofield Swift (born 22 May 1917) and DeVon Dureath Swift (born 10 June 1928). DeVon Swift married Alice Imogene Taylor and they had a daughter, Deborah Ann Swift (born 14 August 1951 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana). Deborah Ann Swift married Dale Patrick Johnson from Newport, Texas, on 6 August 1968 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana. Dale and Deborah (Swift) Johnson had a daughter, Jennifer Lynne Johnson (born 7 February 1967 in Alexandria, Madison County) and a son, Jason Patrick Johnson (born 11 July 1973).

Kermit Swift married Virginia Kathryn Tucker and they had one daughter, Kathryn Ann Swift (born 1 December 1948 in Fort Wayne). Kathryn Ann Swift married Richard Michael Ronan (born in Chester, Pennsylvania) on 15 December 1979 in California. They had one child, Michael Patrick Ronan (born 9 May 1981 in California).

I now have this breadboard from 1884, as well as a photo of Violet (Myers) Swift with her granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Johnson. After Violet's death, there is no family record (Myers-Jones Reunion in Henry City, Ohio) that exists. My sister, Rose Rombeiro, researched over 5,000 family names before her death and one of her last requests was to convey this breadboard to a female Myers relative, something which Violet had also earlier requested. Any aid would sure be appreciated! Thanks.


Mary Alice Austermiller Betley
9163 Forestview Rd.
Temperance, MI 48182
maryalice31@peoplepc.com

Query: CRAMPTON/TEMPLE of Wayne County

Eunice CRAMPTON, probable daughter of Samuel and Anna CRAMPTON, married Alexander TEMPLE on 25 March 1847 in Wayne County, Indiana. Samuel CRAMPTON lived in New Garden, Wayne County, Indiana in 1840. By 1850, Samuel and Anna Crampton had moved to Salem Township, Henry County, Iowa and were neighbors of Alexander and Eunice (CRAMPTON) TEMPLE. Merrich and Joshua CRAMPTON were also listed in the 1840 census in Wayne County. I am searching for more information about Eunice CRAMPTON. Thanks!

Richard Howick
789 Belmont St.
Belmont, MA 02478
RichardHowick@msn.com

Hamilton County Genealogist Appointed

The Indiana Genealogical Society recently appointed Nancy Massey as the Indiana County Genealogist (ICG) for Hamilton County. Nancy has worked in the Indiana Room of the Hamilton East library in Noblesville for the past 15 years. She has compiled several subject guides to assist library patrons and indexes obituaries and other items from local newspapers. She also created and helps maintain a master database of area cemeteries.

A frequent speaker at genealogy events in central Indiana, she is also a past winner of the IGS library scholarship. Nancy is also on the Board of Directors of the Hamilton County Historical Society and since 2004, has been an assistant to the Hamilton County Historian Joe Burgess. In her spare time, she does lookups and answers queries for the Hamilton County website of the USGenWeb Project.

Contact Nancy Massey

About ICG
Indiana County Genealogist is a program of the Indiana Genealogical Society. Its goal is to appoint qualified individuals to represent each of the 92 counties in Indiana. The ICG is a liaison between the Indiana Genealogical Society and local organizations and individuals, acting as a conduit for genealogy-related news. For more details (including an application form), please visit http://www.indgensoc.org/ICG.html

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Allen County Society Hosts Heirloom Show & Tell

The Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana will meet on Wednesday, December 12 at 6:30 pm at the main branch of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne. There will be a show & tell, where members will share information about an artifact or heirloom they have brought with them. Guests are welcome.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Preview of December Issue of IGS Quarterly

The December 2007 issue of Indiana Genealogist, the Indiana Genealogical Society's quarterly publication, contains several topics of interest, including:

--IN-GENious!: Lineage Societies: The SAR
by Robert D. Howell, Sr.
--The True Story of Arthur Andrews, A Soldier of The Revolution
by F.W. (Bill) Farnsworth
--Introduction to DePauw University’s United Methodist Archives
by Wesley W. Wilson
--Hoosier Soldiers in 29th Infantry Division, WWI, Part II
by Thomas P. Jones, Major General, AUS, Ret.
--Case Study: The Travels of John Jansen
by Ron Darrah
--Researching Your Family History at the Indiana State Library: An Overview
by Autumn C. Gonzalez

Indiana Genealogist is distributed to members of the Indiana Genealogical Society as a benefit of membership.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

IGS Director Wanted for Indianapolis Area

The Indiana Genealogical Society is looking for someone to take over as the Central District Director. District Directors act as liaisons, relaying information on the activities, news and concerns of individuals and organizations in their area, including Indiana County Genealogists. The Central District Director represents the interests of those in Boone, Clinton, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan and Tipton counties.

District Directors are 3-year positions subject to re-election. The term of Central District Director will expire in April 2009. District Directors are part of the IGS board and as such, are responsible for submitting written reports on their area's activities and attending quarterly IGS board meetings, which are usually held at the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library in Hendricks County (the fall board meeting is usually held at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne.) Mileage to and from board meetings is subject to reimbursement at the IRS-approved rate of $0.14 per mile.

If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact IGS President Michael Maben

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Nominate Your Peers for IGS Awards

Each April at the IGS annual conference, the Indiana Genealogical Society recognizes and honors individuals who have contributed to the furthering of genealogy research in Indiana. The nominees do not have to be IGS members. This is a great opportunity to let the public know about deserving people whose projects or publications have helped researchers in your area.

If you would like to nominate someone, please visit the Awards section of the IGS website for a nomination form and more information on the awards available. Nominations must be received by January 15, 2008, and the winners will be recognized at the IGS annual conference on April 5, 2008 in Evansville, Indiana.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Registration Open for IGS Conference in Evansville

Registration is now open for the Indiana Genealogical Society's annual conference, which will be held Saturday, April 5, 2008 at The Centre in Evansville, Indiana. Nationally-known lecturer J. Mark Lowe will be the featured speaker, with topics that will include World War I records, Kentucky research and Internet research.

Willard Library will be open from 9 am to 8 pm on Friday, April 4, 2008 for conference attendees who arrive early and want to get in some extra research beforehand. IGS will also hold a society management workshop during the day on Friday, April 4, 2008 (details will be announced later).

The Executive Inn, Evansville is near The Centre and is offering rooms for $69 a night (plus tax). Reservations must be made before March 5, 2008, and a credit card or advance deposit is required. To make reservations, visit their website, or phone (877) 424-0888.

Registration for the conference is $25 for IGS members, or $30 for non-members. To register online, or for a printable registration form, visit the Conference section of the IGS website.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

DNA Subject of South Bend Meeting

The South Bend Area Genealogical Society will meet November 26 at 7 pm at the First Christian Church of South Bend (1101 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend IN). Kristin Lewis of the University of Notre Dame will present a program on the DNA Genographic Project.

DeKalb County Society to Appraise Antiques

The DeKalb County Indiana Genealogy Society will meet December 10 at 6:15 pm at the Eckhart Public Library in Auburn, Indiana. Roger Lash will present a program, "Trash or Treasure," where he will appraise antiques and other treasured items that people bring in.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Wabash County To Discuss 4-H Genealogy Project

The Wabash County Genealogical Society will meet on Monday, November 19 at 6 pm at the Grandstaff/Hentgen Funeral Home (1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash IN). Elizabeth Collins will discuss her 4-H Genealogy Project and the Wabash County 4-H's study of genealogy. The public is invited to attend.

Brown County Society To Celebrate 20 Years

The Brown County Genealogical Society will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a dinner celebration on Tuesday, December 11 at 5 pm at the Parkview Nazarene Church in Nashville, Indiana. The society's founder, Gladys Tratebas, will be honored.

The society holds its meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at the Brown County Public Library in Nashville, Indiana. The public is welcome to attend.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Beginning Genealogy Workshop at Indiana History Center

The Indiana Historical Society will offer a workshop, "My Grandma Swam with Snakes: How to Begin Genealogy Research," on December 8 from 10 am to noon at the Indiana History Center (450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis IN). Jeff Harris, director of Local History Services for the Indiana Historical Society, will give an overview of the reference tools needed to begin family history research, including censuses, vital records (birth, death and marriage), court records, naturalization records, and church and cemetery records.

Registration for the workshop is $8 for IHS members, $10 for non-members. To register, phone (317) 232-1882 or (800) 447-1830, or visit www.indianahistory.org

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Lake County Library News

News from the Indiana Room at the Lake County library:

The Lake County Public Library wants to help you bring your family together. Looking into the past has never been easier or more fun, because the library has assembled a premiere collection of historical and genealogical resources to help you find your elusive ancestors. After all, only a genealogist regards a step backwards as progress!

Using our trio of databases makes searching for birth, marriage, and death records a snap. We have all the country’s rich census data in our Ancestry Library Edition (we bought the subscription so you won’t have to) and Heritage Quest computer databases. Our ProQuest Obituaries database will make finding obituaries and death notices from many prominent newspapers quick and easy.

Like books? The depth and breadth of our collection is impressive. Look at our books of passenger ship lists, and perhaps you will find a relative’s name among those who braved the seas to come to America. Use our naturalization records to learn what country your ancestors departed from and their ethnic background. Are you eligible to join the Daughters of the American Revolution? Use our resources to find out.

Perhaps one of your ancestors is lurking in our roster of Civil War soldiers and received a soldier’s pension. Try to find a picture of your ancestors or their business in our county history books. Which of your ancestors came to Indiana first, and what did they do for a living? Our atlases and gazetteers can help you pinpoint places of interest. In a Gary city directory, you may learn your great-uncle was a carpenter, merchant, or a steel mill worker. You will discover, like William Shakespeare, “There is history in all men’s lives.”

Internet enthusiasts can visit the Genealogy and Indiana Roots link on our website to learn more about all our exciting genealogical resources. While you are there, be sure to visit our “Region Roots ~ Northwest Indiana Genealogy” blog for a quick dip into everything genealogy. Check back with “Region Roots” often to learn more about upcoming genealogy programs and our monthly genealogy class.

Yes, we are offering a genealogy class! The genealogy searching class meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 10 am-noon. This class introduces you to the wealth of information available in our trio of genealogy databases. Seating is limited, so be sure to pre-register—phone (219) 769-3541 ext. 334.

Does all of this sound a little overwhelming? Our new Indiana Librarian, Susan Killin, will be available to guide you as you get started using all our resources. Call (219) 769-3541 ext. 336 and make a genealogy appointment with Susan.

Warning…genealogy is addictive! One anonymous genealogist put it this way… “Genealogy begins as an interest, becomes a hobby, continues as an avocation, takes over as an obsession, and in its last stages, is an incurable disease.”

National Archives to Digitize Civil War Pension Files

The National Archives and the Genealogical Society of Utah recently announced an agreement to digitize and index the National Archives' collection of 1.28 million pension files for Union veterans of the Civil War and their widows. The partnership will begin with a pilot project, whereby the first 3,000+ of the pension files will be digitized and indexed.

These pension files are currently only available at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.; when completed, the digital files and index will be made available at all National Archives branches. The National Archives will also have the option of designating a third party to host the files online, such as FamilySearch.org or a subscription-based website.

The pension files contain a treasure trove of information for genealogists because the claimant had to include supporting documents with their application. These supporting documents can include birth, marriage and death records.

Currently, the only other way to see the pension files (besides in person in Washington, D.C.) is to request a photocopy of the file. In October, the National Archives raised the fee they charge for copying these pension files to $75 for the first 100 pages.

The full press release of the partnership agreement is available at http://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2008/nr08-16.html


Monday, November 12, 2007

1891 Plat Map for Lake County Published

The Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society has published 1891 Plat Map for Lake County, Indiana. It is 605 pages, with comb binding, and contains the plat maps for 10 of the 11 townships that existed in 1891, plus a 5,000 entry every-name index (which also includes the legal descriptions of the land). The maps make it easy to see where your ancestors owned land and who their neighbors were, and it can also be used as an 1890 census substitute.

The book costs $75 + $5.75 shipping & handling. Make checks payable to Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society and mail to: Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 595, Griffith IN 46319.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Indianapolis Library To Reopen

The central branch of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library is set to reopen on December 9. The library, which is located at 40 E. St. Clair St. in downtown Indianapolis, has undergone a lengthy construction project, which began in 2002. It operated out of an interim location until this September, when it closed in preparation for the move back into the expanded building.

When it reopens, the library will include an Indianapolis Special Collections Room, full of archival materials about Indianapolis and Marion County. The library also has a collection of Indiana newspapers on microfilm.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Candidates Wanted for Northern Indiana Districts

The Indiana Genealogical Society is now accepting nominations for candidates for its District Director positions for the Northwest, North Central, and Northeast districts. The election will be held in April 2008.
  • The Northwest District consists of: Benton, Jasper, Lake, La Porte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, Starke, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties.
  • The North Central District consists of: Carroll, Cass, Elkhart, Fulton, Howard, Kosciusko, Marshall, Miami, St. Joseph and Wabash counties.
  • The Northeast District consists of: Adams, Allen, Blackford, Dekalb, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley counties.
District Directors must be members of IGS in good standing, a resident of the district they represent, and attend quarterly board meetings. It is a 3-year term. They act as a liaison for the individuals and organizations in their district (including any Indiana County Genealogists), communicating with them in person (by attending meetings, workshops, etc.) and/or through mail/e-mail/phone, providing information about IGS activities and also seeking information from them about their meetings, publications, ongoing projects, etc. Mileage to and from board meetings is subject to reimbursement at the IRS-approved rate of $0.14 per mile.

Nominations should be given by January 15, 2008 to the Nomination & Election committee chair:

Jinsie Bingham
104 Bloomington St.
Greencastle, IN 46135-1731
Phone (765) 653-3565
jinsie@ccrtc.com

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Library Staff Scholarship Clarification

The Indiana Genealogical Society's Library Staff Educational Scholarship includes a $500 credit for the library employee to use to attend any conference, seminar or class that is related to genealogy. This credit is to be used towards the registration fees, and can also be applied towards food or travel expenses.

Full information on the requirements, including an application form, is available at http://www.indgensoc.org/awards.html#scholarship

The deadline to submit an application is December 31, 2007.

Warren County Library Set To Reopen After Fire

The Williamsport-Washington Township Public Library is scheduled to reopen in about 2 weeks. A fire on the night of October 8, 2006 caused over $2 million in damage and destroyed most of the library’s collection, including its genealogy and local history books. The fire (which was ruled to be arson) caused the library to relocate to an American Legion building during the rebuilding process. The library rebuilt at its original location, which is across the street from the Warren County courthouse.

Access has also been restored to the Warren County, Indiana Historical Records Database, which is a joint effort of the library and the Warren County Historical Society.

Counties in Southwest Indiana Switch Time Zones

Five counties in southwestern Indiana that were previously part of the Central time zone have switched to the Eastern time zone. The counties involved are Daviess, Dubois, Knox, Martin and Pike. The switch took effect at 2 am this morning, when Daylight Savings Time ended.

Twelve counties in the southwest and northwestern parts of the state remain in the Central time zone. They are: Gibson, Perry, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick (in the Evansville area) and Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter and Starke (in the Chicago area). The other 80 counties in Indiana are in the Eastern time zone.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Library in Kosciusko County Adds Website

The North Webster Community Public Library (301 N. Main St., P.O. Box 8, North Webster IN 46555) now has a website. You can visit them online at http://www.nweb.lib.in.us

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Wells County Deed Index

The Wells County Genealogy Society is working on an every-name index to the Wells County deed books and is currently about halfway through indexing these 55 volumes. When complete, the index is expected to be published in both book and CD format.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Genealogy Roundtable in Kosciusko County

The North Webster Community Public Library (301 N. Main St., P.O. Box 8, North Webster IN 46555) will be hosting a Genealogy Roundtable on Monday, November 12 from 10 am to noon in their Local History and Genealogy Center. For more information, phone (574) 834-7122.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Beginning Genealogy Classes

The Tri-County Genealogical Society is offering beginning genealogy classes the second Wednesday of every month at 5:30 pm at the Batesville Memorial Public Library before their regularly scheduled meetings begin there at 7 pm. Society members will present different topics throughout the year. To reserve your space, contact Marjorie Weiler-Powell.

Russell Wilhoit will be giving a beginning genealogy class in December at the Greensburg-Decatur County Public Library. For information on the specific date and time, as well as to reserve your space, contact him.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Query: Barkley/Denton of Harrison County

Searching for the families of Joseph Barkley (born 1822) from Kentucky, who married Barbara Denton (born 1828) of Harrison County, Indiana. They moved to Iowa, as their first son William C. Barkley was born there in 1850; they settled in Cedar County, Missouri by 1850-1860.


Cathy Delahoussaye
shockg549@aol.com

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Cemetery Restoration in Franklin County

The Franklin County Cemetery Commission, The Citizens for Historic Preservation and Joe Jarzen of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana have formed a group to help raise money to restore Old Brookville Cemetery, which was heavily vandalized in August 2007. Thanks to generous donations from residents and various organizations (including area churches), they have raised $18,000. The restoration of the cemetery will probably begin in the spring of 2008. For more information on the project, please contact Julie Schlesselman (julie@wvcl.org)

Franklin County Naturalization Records Indexed

Marjorie Weiler-Powell has created an index to the oaths of intention and naturalization records for Franklin County, Indiana. The naturalization records (which are on microfilm) and the index are both available at Brookville Community Library. For more information on the index, please contact Julie Schlesselman (julie@wvcl.org)

Decatur County Genealogist to Lead Cemetery Commission

Russell Wilhoit, Indiana County Genealogist for Decatur County, has been picked to lead the newly-resurrected Decatur County Cemetery Commission. The commission, which was last in existence in the 1980's, focuses on the care of cemeteries, particularly pioneer cemeteries (those with the earliest of burials).

To contact Russell, or for more information on the Indiana County Genealogist program, visit http://www.indgensoc.org/ICG.html

Friday, October 26, 2007

Query: Adair of Cass and Vigo Counties

Searching for information on the ancestry of Lyle Adair who was born near Logansport, Cass County, Indiana on 11 March 1843. His parents were Benjamin and Nancy T. Adair. He died in Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana in 1918.


Anne Burkett
718 S. 5th St.
Terre Haute, IN 47807
moanbeach@yahoo.com

Delaware County to Discuss Cemeteries

"Ancestor Hunters," the Genealogical Interest Group of the Delaware County Historical Society, will meet on Monday, October 29 at 6:30 pm at their Resource Centre in Muncie (located at 120 E. Washington St., Muncie IN 47305). Video will be shown of a presentation by the late Ting Morris on what you can learn from cemeteries. The program is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Scott County Vital Records Book

The Scott County Genealogical Society has published Scott County Births & Deaths 1820-1999 (556 pages). It is a compilation of birth and death information on Scott County residents, as submitted by researchers, and it includes a surname index. The cost is $35 +$5 shipping & handling (Indiana residents must also add $2.40 for sales tax). Make checks payable to Scott County Genealogical Society, Inc. and mail to: Scott County Genealogical Society, Inc., P.O. Box 23, Scottsburg IN 47170.

Monday, October 22, 2007

African American Genealogy Workshop

The Indiana African American Genealogy Group (http://www.indyafriamgen.org) will hold their 4th Annual African American Genealogy and History Workshop on Saturday, November 3 from 9 am to 3:30 pm at the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis. Dr. Deborah A. Abbott and Tim Pinnick will present topics for both beginners and advanced researchers, and there will also be an expert in the computer lab to lead a research session online. Registration for the workshop is $25 for IAAGG members or $35 for non-members (there will be a $5 surcharge for those who register at the door). The workshop brochure (including registration form) is available at http://www.indyafriamgen.org/IAAGGworkshop.pdf

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Query: Roberts/Beard of Benton County

I do not know much about my family past my grandparents. My great-grandmother was Leona Maybelle Roberts, born April 17, 1896 in Oxford, Benton County, Indiana to Frank L. Roberts (born August 1863 in Ohio; died after 1910) and Effie E. (born September 1871 in Indiana; died after 1910). Leona had siblings:

--Lloyd R. Roberts (born April 1892 in Indiana; died after 1910)
--Ward M. Roberts (born June 1894 in Indiana; died after 1910)
--Arthur A. Roberts (born about 1908 in Oklahoma; died after 1910)

Frank L. Roberts was a stonemason or brickmason and the family was in the 1900 census in Hickory Grove Township, Benton County, Indiana, then in the 1910 census in Blackwell, Kay County, Oklahoma.

Leona Roberts married C.O. Beard (born 1895) in Genda, Kansas, in 1912. Leona and her husband, Jack Beard (born about 1887 in Kansas) are in the 1920 census in Vernon Township, Kay County, Oklahoma. Their son, Turley Duane Beard (born about 1914 in Kansas), was my grandfather. He married Alta Pierce and had 4 kids.

If anyone knows any information on the Beards or Roberts families, please let me know.


Jennifer Beard
P.O. Box 28
Prentiss, MS 39474
jenjenbeardlee@yahoo.com

Query: Cooper/Easter of Fulton County

Mrs. Benjamin Cooper (Easter) died circa 1827, and is buried in Fulton County, Indiana, probably in the Sand Hills Cemetery. Her daughter, Sarah (Sally) was married to William Polke. It is presumed that she came to live with William and Sally after the death of her husband in Shelby County, Kentucky. The last name, Easter, is what is listed in the will for Benjamin Cooper, and also the name given on the marital permission for Sally. Does anyone have access to the inscription on her gravestone, that they could see if it lists her birth and death dates?

Robert S. Slemmons
1208 SW 29th Terr., #A-4
Topeka, KS 66611-2177
rdslem@hotmail.com

Query: Jefferson/Downey of Wabash County

John A. Jefferson and wife, Tempeanna Downey (born about 1840 in Ohio), married October 3, 1860. Tempeanna may have been a native Indian. They had two children, William Oliver Jefferson (born 1863) and Charles (born 1864). Tempeanna Jefferson is listed as the head of household in the 1870 census for Liberty Township, Wabash County, Indiana. I am looking for John A. Jefferson's date of death in Wabash County, Indiana--tradition has it that he was killed by Indians.

R. Ned Brooks
nedbrooks@cox.net

Query: Murphy/Shoemaker of Warren County

I am looking for information on George Washington Murphy (born about 1802 in Ohio) who died on March 5, 1861. He was married to Mary "Polly" Shoemaker (born about 1805 in Ohio) and they were in the 1850 and 1860 censuses in Mound Township, Warren County, Indiana. They had children:

--James (born about 1833 in Indiana)
--Sarah (born about 1834 in Indiana)
--Jacob (born about 1835 in Indiana)
--Henry (born about 1838 in Indiana)
--Harriet (born about 1842 in Indiana)
--Joshua (born about 1843 in Indiana)
--Mathew (born about 1845 in Indiana)
--James (born about 1849 in Indiana)



Karen Lambert
kalam3@pacbell.net

Jackson County Records Archive Under Consideration

Jackson County Historian Charlotte Sellers spoke before the Jackson County Commissioners recently and asked them to take steps to protect and make accessible the county's records, some of which date back to 1816. She noted the presence of mold on some early court records. In response, the commissioners have asked her to form a committee to investigate the possibility of creating an archive or other kind of storage facility.

Sellers is inviting genealogical and historical societies, independent researchers, the Jackson County Records Commission, and school corporations, as well as those in the media and legal community, to participate in the committee. In addition, members of Leadership Jackson County will be asked to help inventory the records.

Input from anyone who has had experience setting up a county archive is welcomed. Charlotte Sellers may be contacted at (812) 522-3412 ext. 240.

Tour of Jackson County Cemetery

Seymour Museum, Inc. is having a fundraiser at the Riverview Cemetery in Seymour, Indiana on Saturday, November 10 at 2 pm. The cemetery is observing its 125th anniversary, and there will be a tour offered of the cemetery, with volunteers offering colorful profiles of some of the area's settlers, such as the Honorable Jason B. Brown, an often-married lawyer accused by Detective Allen Pinkerton of defending members of the Reno Gang while under retainer to the Adams Express Company.

Tickets for the cemetery tour are $6.99 through November 3, then they will be $9.99. Tickets may be picked up from: Artistic Impressions, 127 W. Second St., Seymour IN 47274. If you order a copy of Saving Seymour Stories: Bits From the First 50 Years (cost $17.99), you'll get two free tickets.

Questions about the event may be directed to Charlotte Sellers, Jackson County Historian and Seymour Museum board member--phone (812) 522-3412 ext. 240.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Query: Hardesty/Blacketer/Martin of Parke County

Looking for any info on my grandmother Martha Hardesty who married Thomas E. Blacketer(born January 19,1914; died November 1987; son of Thomas Blacketer and Mary Martin) in Rockville, Parke County, Indiana.


Nicole Blacketer
2004 E. Irvington Rd. B8 #124
Tucson, AZ 85714
amazonww@go.com

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Bartholomew County to Discuss Local Resources

The Bartholomew County Genealogical Society (P.O. Box 2455, Columbus IN 47202) will meet October 27 at 1 pm in the Basement Conference Room of the Bartholomew County Public Library in Columbus, Indiana. There will be a program about what how to find out about local resources and use that in long-distance research.

Owen County Meeting to Discuss Gosport

The Owen County Historical & Genealogical Society will meet November 20 at 7 pm at the Owen County Public Library in Spencer, Indiana. Lyle Brighton will present a program about the early days of Gosport, including the infamous bank robbery.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Marriage Indexing: September Stats

(Click image to enlarge)


Here are the statistics on the Indiana Marriage Indexing Project through the end of September--note that we have indexed almost 400,000 records! FYI, FamilySearch is working on getting some of our records ready to put online shortly, so watch for them!

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Restoration of Randolph County Cemetery Continues

The Randolph County Historical Society continues to make progress in its restoration of the Old Winchester Graveyard (originally known as Heaston Cemetery), which is located on Western Avenue in Winchester, Indiana. This pioneer cemetery was established in 1844 and was an active site for burials until the 1890’s.

When the restoration project was first started in 2004, only 7 tombstones were left standing out of the 200+ people known to be buried there (including several veterans of the War of 1812 and the Civil War). Thanks to extensive work by cemetery restoration experts, 80 tombstones have been discovered buried underground thus far, with more expected to be found.

It is an expensive process to reset, restore and/or replace the grave markers—over $9,000 has been spent on the project thus far, and there are also plans to ensure the continued care and maintenance of the graveyard after the restoration project is completed.

The Randolph County Historical Society received a cemetery preservation grant from the Indiana Genealogical Society in 2006 to help with the project, and has also developed an “Adopt A Pioneer” fundraising program, where for $150 (the cost of restoring one tombstone) donors can adopt one of the pioneers buried there and get assistance in finding out about their lives.

Donations are tax-deductible. Checks should be made payable to Randolph County Historical Society and mailed to: Old Winchester Graveyard Restoration Fund, Randolph County Historical Society, 416 S. Meridian St., Winchester IN 47394.

For more information, please contact Sharon Smith, the co-chair of the restoration committee—phone (765) 584-7663 or e-mail sharonhome@insightbb.com

Friday, October 12, 2007

Query: Banton of Madison County

I am trying to find out information about my baby sister, Bonita Gay Banton, who was born October 3, 1943 and was 3 months, 15 days old at her death. She was buried in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana. I am hitting a brick wall and do not know where to go.


Donna Huffer
4756 Colvin Rd.
Columbus, OH 43232
hufferdonna@yahoo.com

Query: Townsend/Crawford of Posey County

I am looking for information regarding a Mac Townsend and Maggie Crawford. They were the parents of Ralph Potter Townsend, who was born on January 27, 1883 in Mt. Vernon, Posey County, Indiana. I would like to find a birth record for Ralph Potter Townsend or a marriage record for Mac Townsend and Maggie Crawford--I'm sure that "Mac" is probably a nickname, but that is what was listed on the death record for Ralph Townsend.


Mark Lewis Townsend
9542 Vista Tercera
San Diego, CA 92129
townsendgen@mac.com

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Query: Wilson of Cass and Marshall counties

I am looking for family - any relations to Father Gilbert D. Wilson, who was born in Marshall County, Indiana in 1929. He was adopted by Roy and Lorretta Wilson of Cass County, Indiana.


Connie Peterson
sellersfarms@sbcglobal.net

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Query: Savari of St. Joseph County

I am looking for a death notice and any history on a ?Carson? Savari. He died in a car train wreck, possibly in the mid 1970's. I am not sure if the name is spelled correctly, but he may have had a son, also named Carson, who would be about 50 years old. Carson--the dad--most likely lived in South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana and was married. Any information concerning the elder Savari would be helpful.


Peggy Gibney
1310 Chester
South Bend, IN 46615
pgibney45@sbcglobal.net

Query: Phipps of Vanderburgh County

I am trying to trace the family of my great-grandmother, Josephine B. Fuerbach (or Feuerbach). She was born December 1868 in Indiana to Michael F. Feuerbach (born about 1842 in Bayern, Germany) and Barbara Weitzel or Whitesell (born about 1846 in Ohio), who married January 31, 1867 in Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Michael and Barbara Feuerbach were in the 1880 census in Evansville. They had other children:
--John (born about 1870 in Indiana)
--Rosa (born about 1872 in Indiana)
--Michael (born about 1874 in Indiana)
--Matilda (born about 1877 in Indiana)

Josephine Fuerbach was married April 21, 1886 in Vanderburgh County, Indiana to Charles G. Phipps (born August 1862 in District of Columbia; son of William Phipps and Sarah Lawrence). In the 1900 census they lived in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Charles and Josephine Phipps had at least three kids:
--Charles G. (born December 1886 in Kentucky)
--Rose/Rosa M. (born May 1891 in Ohio)
--Emmet M. (born September 1893 in Ohio)

Bernie Stacka
212 S. 20th St.
Herrin, IL 62948
whofour@hotmail.com

Query: Garrity of Boone and Shelby Counties

I'm trying to locate the ancestor in my family who came over from Ireland (name, date, etc.) I have traced back to James Garrity, who married Catherine Burris of Boone County, Indiana. They had a son, James Norman Garrity (born February 23, 1890; died January 25, 1961), who married Edna Myrtle Means (born September 8, 1892 in Shelby County, Indiana; died July 30, 1957). Edna was the daughter of Charles Harrison (Harry Means??) and Ollie Etta Dake.

Kay Garrity-Roth
37 E. Lincoln Ave.
Lititz, PA 17543
garroth@dejazzd.com

Query: Brown/Hendricks of Montgomery County

I am seeking information about my great-great-grandfather, Dillon Brooks Brown. He was born April 26, 1826. He came by wagon train from Washington County, Ohio as a small child. As they traveled from Ohio, his parents were killed in a wagon train accident near Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana. He had one brother and they were each taken in by different families and lost contact. He remained in the Crawfordsville area and married Susannah Hendricks March 7, 1850 in Montgomery County. This history was told to me by my father and uncle. I cannot find any other information about him while he lived in Indiana or any record of the wagon train accident. I do not know his parents' names. I also would be interested to know Susannah Hendricks parents' names and her siblings.

Patricia (Brown) Keesling
pattyann836@sbcglobal.net

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

History of Miami Indians

The Wabash County Genealogical Society will meet October 15 at 6 pm at the Grandstaff/Hentgen Funeral Home (1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash IN). Parking, as well as the entrance to the meeting room, is located in the rear of the building. John Dunnagan, Vice Chief of the Miami Indian Nation of Indiana, will give a program about the history of the Miami Indians, who were among the early settlers of Wabash County.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Meetings in Marion County

The Genealogical Society of Marion County (http://www.rootsweb.com/~ingsmc/) has several events planned:

--October 13--The GSMC will meet at 11 am at the LDS Family History Center west of the Indianapolis Zoo (110 N. White River Parkway, Indianapolis IN). Sharon Kennedy will give a CD presentation of visits to areas of Germany and Luxembourg, including several German archives and the Luxembourg American Military Cemetery.

--November 10--The GSMC will meet at 11 am at the LDS Family History Center west of the Indianapolis Zoo (110 N. White River Parkway, Indianapolis IN). Ron Darrah will speak on probate records.

--December 8--The GSMC will meet at 11 am at the Crown Hill Cemetery Waiting Station (West 34th Street and Boulevard Place; enter from the back of the building) for their annual meeting, annual conference, pitch-in and show & tell.

Saturday, October 6, 2007

IGS Memberships for 2008

Memberships in the Indiana Genealogical Society are now being accepted for 2008! Libraries and organizations, as well as individuals, are welcome. Membership is based on the calendar year, so all memberships will expire December 31, 2008.

Memberships can be purchased (or renewed, for existing members) online at http://www.indgensoc.org/membership.html (there is also a printable membership form).

Friday, October 5, 2007

Marriage Indexing: More Clarification

It’s too bad we can’t get to those county clerks who decided to use their own forms and do things differently! They sure are complicating life for this project at times.

Number of marriages – leave the field empty if the answer is first, 1st, First. If the answer is once or 2, then index it exactly as it is written. The overall rule is that we never count this marriage – we only want to know about previous marriages, if any.

License date field – can’t really do anything with it except mark it blank if no license date is given. After given different instructions earlier, I’ve realized that putting the marriage year in that field is going to be misleading to future researchers. I actually had that very problem (still do) with one of my ancestors. The license date was included with some marriage dates for other couples and it has been published on the Internet in many places as the marriage date. Once that false information is out there, it’s really hard to get the correct information accepted.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Allen County Library Celebrates Family History Month

The Allen County Public Library (http://www.acpl.lib.in.us) in Fort Wayne will be celebrating Family History Month in a big way! They have scheduled genealogy programs for literally every day in October, as listed below (take special note of their "Midnight Madness" on Friday, October 26, when their Genealogy Center will stay open from 6 pm to midnight for extended research):

Monday, October 1, 2007--"Using Ancestry.com"--Delia Bourne
Computer Classroom, 2 – 3 pm

Tuesday, October 2, 2007--"Irish Civil Registration & Other Vital Records Sources"--Steve Myers
Meeting Room C, 2 – 3 pm

Wednesday October 3, 2007--Daughters of the American Revolution--"Research Assistance for Membership"
Genealogy Center, 9 am – 4 pm

Thursday October 4, 2007--"Griffith's Valuation & The Land Ordinance Survey Maps—What They Are, Why They Are Useful, and How to Use Them"--Steve Myers
Meeting Room C, 2 - 3 pm

Friday October 5, 2007--"Genealogy Searching in the Online Catalog"--Don Litzer
Computer Classroom, 10 am – 11 am

Saturday October 6, 2007--"Beginning Genealogy"--Margery Graham, Instructor (sponsored by the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana). $10 fee (pre-registration required)
Meeting Room C, 9:30 am – noon

Monday October 8, 2007--"Image Restoration"--Kay Spears
Meeting Room C, 2 - 4 pm

Tuesday October 9, 2007--"Making Genealogy Contacts via the Internet"--Don Litzer
Computer Classroom, 10 – 11 am

Wednesday October 10, 2007--Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana Meeting--"Uses of Early Correspondence and Stampless-Folded Letters"--Speaker John Kalb on Indiana Postal History
Meeting Room, 7 pm

Thursday October 11, 2007--"Preserving Your Family History Through Scrapbooking"--Dena Williamson
Meeting Room A, 10 – 11 am

Friday October 12, 2007--"WeRelate – the Genealogy Wiki"--Mary Kraeszig
Computer Classroom, 10 – 11 am

Saturday October 13, 2007--"Indiana Court Records"--John Beatty
Meeting Room B, 10 - 11 am

Sunday October 14, 2007--"The History of the Bourbon Whiskey Industry in Kentucky"--Mary D. Kraeszig
Meeting Room C, 2 – 3 pm

Monday October 15, 2007--"Using Flickr to Document Your Genealogy"--Sara Patalita
Meeting Room C, 2:30 – 3:30 pm

Tuesday, October 16, 2007--"Who Went Where and Did What? Using Directories in One's Genealogical Research"--Curt Witcher
Meeting Room C, 2:30 – 3:30 pm

Wednesday October 17, 2007--Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana's Computer Interest Group Meeting
Meeting Room B, 7 pm

Thursday October 18, 2007--"Choosing and Using a Digital Camera for Genealogy"--Jeanne Stump
Meeting Room C, 7 pm

Friday October 19, 2007--"Genealogy Searching in the Online Catalog"--Don Litzer
Computer Classroom, 2:30 - 3:30 pm

Saturday October 20, 2007--"Picturing Your Past: Scrapbooking Workshop"--Dena Williamson
Meeting Room A, 2 – 4 pm

Sunday October 21--"Introduction to Scottish Research"--Jeanne Stump
Meeting Room C, 2 - 3 pm

Monday October 22, 2007--"Using PERSI (Periodical Source Index)"--Delia Bourne
Computer Classroom, 2 – 3 pm

Tuesday October 23, 2007--"Using the Online Catalogs for Genealogy"--Mary Kraeszig
Computer Classroom, 2 - 3 pm

Wednesday October 24, 2007--"Using Local Sources"--Delia Bourne
Meeting Room C, 2 – 3 pm

Thursday October 25, 2007--"Creating a Family History Website 101"--Mary D. Kraeszig
Computer Classroom, 2 - 3 pm

Friday October 26, 2007--"Midnight Madness" (extended research hours)
Genealogy Center, 6 pm – midnight

Saturday October 27, 2007--"Using Ancestry.com"--Delia Bourne
Computer Classroom, 2 - 3 pm

Sunday October 28, 2007--"What's in a German Place Name"--Don Litzer
Meeting Room A, 2 - 3 pm

Monday October 29, 2007--"Not Just Ancestry: Learning About Genealogy and the Internet"--Don Litzer
Computer Classroom, 2 - 3 pm

Tuesday October 30, 2007--"Hidden Treasures: Genealogical Resources in Small Community Libraries"--Gregg Williamson
Meeting Room C, 7 - 8 pm

Wednesday October 31, 2007--"Haunted Fort Wayne"--Angie Quinn
Meeting Room A, 3 – 4 pm

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Indiana Freedom Trails Launches Website

Indiana Freedom Trails (P.O. Box 2917, Indianapolis IN 46206) recently launched their own website at http://www.indianafreedomtrails.org

The group seeks to identify, preserve and honor the people and places of Indiana that were involved with the Underground Railroad and the freeing of African-American slaves.

Lake County Library Events

The Lake County Public Library (1919 W. 81st Ave., Merrillville IN 46410-5382; http://www.lakeco.lib.in.us) will celebrate Family History Month in October with genealogy-related events:

--On October 13 from 1 to 3 pm Marlene Polster will speak on "Lake County Historical and Genealogical Resources."

--On October 20 from 1 to 3 pm Richard Lytle will speak on "German Heritage in the Region."

For more information, or to register, please contact the library--phone (219) 769-3541 ext. 334

Vermillion County Library Launches Website

The Newport-Vermillion County Public Library (385 E. Market St., P.O. Box 100, Newport IN 47966) recently launched their own website at http://www.newportlibrary.info

Genealogy questions/comments and queries can be addressed to their Genealogy Department at genealogy@newportlibrary.info

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Query:Turner/Vaughn of Johnson County

I am searching for any information about a Frank Turner. He was born in 1852 somewhere in Kentucky and died 27 April 1894. He is supposed to be buried in the Bargersville Cemetery in Johnson County, Indiana but I have not been able to confirm this. He is my great-great-grandfather. I know he was married to Rosella Vaughn and she was from a prominent Johnson County family. Does anyone have advice about how I can access local records? I want to know where Frank was buried or who his parents are.

Kim Gordon
4 Bixby Ct.
Rye, NY 10580
Kimbee88@aol.com

Query: Pegg/McIntosh of Miami County

I am looking for anything at all on Lorenzo Pegg. I have him married to Susannah McIntosh in Miami County, Indiana before the Civil War, but nothing after that. I am particularly interested in finding his parents, date of birth, and date of death.


Joyce Malcolm
2427 Meyer Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
jmalcolm@iserv.net

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Marriage Indexing: No Marriage Date or Official's Name

We seem to be getting lots of marriage license applications now but with no marriage date and the only official's name is that of the county clerk.

DO NOT try to include a date or an official's name. Simply mark these fields as blank (CTRL+B). Doing anything else would be including some misleading or even false information in our index. Researchers will still be able to search by names of the bride and groom or even the county and find these records.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Query: Coy of Indiana

I am trying to find a place of death for a Barbara Coy who was born April 16, 1747 in Pennsylvania and died August 9, 1854 in Indiana (I do not know where). Her husband was Daniel Coy.

Mary Glider
P.O. Box 272
Berlin Heights, OH 44814
rmglider@verizon.net

Query: Chamberlain of Clay County

Looking for information on James H. Chamberlain, who was in the Civil War. He was a private in Company F of the 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He enlisted September 21, 1861 in Clay County, Indiana and was discharged January 28, 1863. He is buried in the Fairview Cemetery, Madrid, Iowa. I have no other information on him. Who were his parents? Did he have a wife and children?

Is he the same as James Chamberlain who was born 31 December 1794 in Kentucky and died 13 January, 1887 in Douglas Twp., Boone Co., Iowa?


Danny Krock
29949 610th Ave.
Cambridge, IA 50046
dekrock@iowatelecom.net

Query: Gardner of Vigo County

I am looking for information on Elijah Thomas Gardner (born about 1842 in Indiana) who lived in Linton Township, Vigo County, Indiana in the 1870 census. He had a wife Elizabeth (born about 1847 in Kentucky) and children Sarah E. (born about 1865 in Indiana), Amanda J. (born about 1868 in Indiana) and Charles (born about April 1870 in Indiana). I am wondering what happened to him. I was told that all his family died close together and only young son Charles survived. Did they die from cholera?

Also, I would like to know when Elijah Thomas Gardener and Elizabeth got married. I found in a marriage index for Vigo County that a Charles Gardner (age 25) married an Ethel Burgan on July 28, 1895, and it listed his father as T. and his mother as Elizabeth Blair. This appears to correspond with a Thomas Gardner who married Elizabeth Blair on November 7, 1861 in Vigo County. Is he the same as my Elijah Thomas Gardner?


Frances Henderson
P.O. Box 1307
Vigo Park, TX 79088
franhenderson@midplains.coop

Query: Follick/Marsh of Fountain and Montgomery counties

A distant relative of mine, Eliza Follick, married a man by the name of James Marsh, and it is believed that they resided in Fountain County, Indiana. Before her marriage, Eliza lived with her mother on a farmstead near Waynetown in Montgomery County, which is to the east of Fountain County. Is there any record of her? Eliza would have been born about 1820, therefore, her death should have been in the years 1875 to 1895. I appreciate any assistance.


Thomas P. Frieburg
4 Inverness Dr.
Bloomington, IL 61701
tpfrieburg@aol.com

Query: Morris/Cultice of Delaware County

I am looking for information on a Nelda Morris born in approximately 1863. The Morris family supposedly lived in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana. I am also looking for the marriage of April (or close that as a first name) Morris to a Harry Cultice, which possibly took place in 1875 or later, but no earlier than 1860. They had three children from this marriage, all females. Harry Cultice was an organist for a Protestant church in the Muncie area in the 1870s and 1880s.

I am also looking for a divorce announcement of A. Morris Cultice from Harry Cultice, and any cemetery information for the burial site of Nelda Morris or any of the people listed above.

Roberta Widmann-Foust
8905 Brockport Run
Fort Wayne, IN 46835
bobbiwe02@yahoo.com

Query: Evans/Mock of Randolph County

Looking for information on Edward William Evans, who was born about 1807. Some census records show his birthplace as Virginia, others show it as Ohio. He married Sally (Sarah) Mock in Randolph County, Indiana in 1830. Looking for information on the family (brothers, sisters or parents) of Edward.


Alan Hadley
15810 Golden Eagle Cove
Huntertown, IN 46748
achadley63@verizon.net

Query: Stallcop/Elson of Clay County

Looking for information on a David Stallcop (may also be spelled as Stalcop or Stalcup), husband of Elizabeth Elson. He was born in Kentucky and is believed to have died in Clay County, Indiana sometime after the 1840 census and before the 1850 census. He is said to be the son of Swithin Stallcop, but I have yet to find absolute proof of this. I have already checked for a will and it doesn't appear David had one. I found the marriage certificate for him and his wife in Lewis County, Kentucky.


LeeAnn McNabb
2053 Sutton Ave., Apt. 4
Cincinnati, OH 45230
leeannmcnabb@msn.com

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Query: Farr of Wayne County

I am searching for the naturalization papers of my ancestor, John Farr. According to his gravestone, he was born 2 November 1836 (we think in Wales) and died 7 September 1875 in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, where he is buried. He was married to Louise Feight in Richmond, Wayne County, Indiana on 27 July 1868 (I have a copy of the marriage license, obtained from the Wayne County Clerk of Courts office).

There was another John Farr, whose naturalization papers I did obtain, but his birthdate does not match the one on my ancestor's gravestone. Also, it indicates that he was from Prussia, not Wales. The Wayne County Clerk of Courts office has no record of another John Farr other than the one who was from Prussia.


Marcia Farr
farr.18@osu.edu

Query: Sharp/Smith of Clinton and Madison counties

Looking for any information on Charles Sharp (born December 1867 in Indiana; died 1910-1920) and his wife Charlotte "Lottie" O. Smith (born March 1871 in Indiana; died after 1920), who married 7 April 1889 in Clinton County, Indiana. They lived in Hillisburg, Clinton County, Indiana. They were in Johnson Township, Clinton County, Indiana for the 1900 census and Anderson, Madison County, Indiana for the 1910 census. Lottie is a widow in the 1920 census, living in Kirklin, Clinton County, Indiana.

Charles and Lottie had children:
--Zerna A. Sharp, born 12 August 1889 in Clinton County, Indiana; married - no; death: 1981?
--Rush B. Sharp, born 26 September 1893 in Hillisburg, Clinton County, Indiana; married: 6 September 1922 in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio; death: in Fairfield, Butler County, Ohio
--Morris or Maurice Sharp, born July 1898 in Indiana; death: after 1920
--Leah K. Sharp, born 20 August 1901 in Clinton County, Indiana; death: after 1920


Timothy Cepluch
697 Schwartz Dr.
Hamilton, OH 45013
tcepluch@cinci.rr.com

Query: Branen of Indiana

I am doing research on my family tree. I have gotten as far back as a William Osborne Branen born 1820 in Indiana. All I have been able to find about his parents was that the mother's name was Martha born in 1792 and the father was born in England in 1788. I would appreciate any information you could provide.


Rachael Branen
rae_443@yahoo.com

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Query:Coy/Callahn of Indiana

I would like to find information on a Daniel Coy and his wife Barbara Callahan Coy. Barbara was said to have died in Indiana on August 9, 1854. Daniel was said to have gone back to Pennsylvania. I do not know what county in Indiana they were in.

Jackson County Publishes Cemetery Book

The Jackson County Genealogical Society (http://www.rootsweb.com/~injackso/resources/gensoc.htm) has just published Hamilton Township Cemeteries, Jackson County Indiana, the latest in their series of cemetery indexes for each township. The book is 325 pages and is spiral-bound. The cost is $40 +$3 shipping & handling. Make checks payable to Jackson County Genealogical Society and mail to: Jackson County Genealogical Society, 415 1/2 S. Poplar St., Brownstown IN 47220-1939.

Allen County Sponsoring Genealogy Workshop

The Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana (http://www.acgsi.org) is sponsoring a Beginner's Workshop on Saturday, October 6 from 9:30 am to noon at the Allen County Public Library (http://www.acpl.lib.in.us). The workshop will be held in Room C (on the library's 1st floor) and will include information on basic methods to begin successful searching, as well as proven methods to keep your searching on track. There will also be a tour given of the library's genealogy department.

The workshop costs $10 to attend, and pre-registration is required. Make checks payable to Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana and send, along with your name and contact information, to: Margery Graham, 13431 Ernst Rd., Roanoke IN 46783. If you have any questions, you may contact her--phone (260) 672-2585 or e-mail gramar57@aol.com

Query:Early/Jones of Delaware and Los Angeles Counties

I am looking for information on my Grandfather Cletus J. EARLY. He was born on 21 Febuary 1895 in Muncie, Delaware, Indiana. He married Martha Irene JONES of Muncie and moved to Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California by 1930. Cletus died an 1 April 1964.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Query:Crampton/Temple of Wayne County

Eunice CRAMPTON, probable daughter of Samuel and Anna Crampton, married Alexander TEMPLE on 25 March 1847 in Wayne County, Indiana. Samuel Crampton lived in New Garden, Wayne County, Indiana in 1840. By 1850, Samuel and Anna Crampton had moved to Salem Township, Henry County, Iowa and were neighbors of Alexander and Eunice (Crampton) Temple. Merrich and Joshua Crampton were also listed in the 1840 census in Wayne County. I am searching for more information about Eunice Crampton.


Contact: Richard Howick
789 Belmont St.
Belmont, MA 02478
RichardHowick@MSN.com

Job Opening: Newsletter Editor

The Indiana Genealogical Society is now accepting applicants for the position of Editor of the IGS Newsletter, to start work in January 2008. The newsletter is 24 pages long and contains time-sensitive information about genealogical news pertaining to Indiana, as well as regular columns. It is published 6 times a year. The editor is paid $300 for each of the 6 issues, for a total annual salary of $1,800 a year.

REQUIREMENTS:
--Ability to meet deadlines.
--Ability to generate Adobe Acrobat files.
--Experience with page layout.
--Ability to communicate electronically.
--Access to sources of genealogical and historical news, such as websites, blogs and other print publications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
--Compile, edit and proofread each issue in a timely fashion.
--Keep informed of genealogical and historical news and write articles on relevant items as necessary.
--Receive regular columns (such as queries and “Once A Hoosier…” entries) and edit as necessary.
--Post relevant items to the IGS blog in a timely fashion.
--Coordinate with IGS board members, committee chairs, etc. to promote IGS activities in the newsletter, IGS blog and other media.

Prospective applicants should submit their name, contact information, and a resumé or listing of their relevant experience, plus a sample of their writing or editing work, to:

Meredith Thompson
1455 Cherry Tree Rd.
Avon, IN 46123
E-mail newsletter@indgensoc.org

Application materials will be received on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The IGS publications committee will review the application materials as they are received and make a decision.

A sample issue of the newsletter is available at http://www.indgensoc.org/publications/IGSnewsletter.pdf

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Southern Illinois Hosts Genealogy Conference and Book Fair

The Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois (http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilgssi/) will hold their annual Genealogy Conference and Book Fair on Saturday, October 13, 2007 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Ray Hancock Conference Center of John A. Logan College (700 Logan College Rd., Carterville IL 62918-2500). Curt Witcher from the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will be the featured speaker, with topics including "Using Military Records for Genealogical Research," "Mining The Mother Lode: Using Periodicial Literature for Genealogical Research," "Using Government Documents for Genealogical Research" and "Pain in the Access: Getting More From The Internet For Your Genealogy."

Registration is $30 if received by October 6; otherwise $35. There is a box lunch available for $9. A registration form and more information is available at http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilgssi/conf2007.html

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Query: BARKLEY/DENTON of Harrison County

Looking for any information about Joseph Barkley of Harrison County, Indiana who married Barbara Denton in approximately 1843. He moved to Cedar County, Missouri and is first found there on the 1860 census (the name was misspelled as Bartley). The children in the 1860 census entry line up precisely to the entry in the 1870 census, less William C. (the oldest, who would have been age 24).


Cathy D.
130 Jeremy Dr.
Frankfort, KY 40601
shockg549@aol.com

Monday, September 10, 2007

Query: Jenkins of Vigo and Clay counties

Looking for information on David Godfrey Jenkins and his wife Mary and daughter Dorothy. He belonged to American Legion Post #2, Lodge #264 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was in the army in World War I. I think he may have died in 1954 in Vigo County, Indiana. He lived at 749 West Knight Street in Brazil, Clay County, Indiana. I am especially interested in finding out if he had an obituary. What happened to his wife and daughter?

Emma (Jenkins) Cardey
21711 Brazos Bay
San Antonio, TX 78259
BPENNA1@satx.rr.com

Query: Hockingsmith of Huntington County

Seeking information on Elmer Hockingsmith. His last known residence was Huntington, Huntington County, Indiana. He was born approximately 1865 or 1866 and died approximately 1938 to 1940.


Dixie D. Jackson
P.O. Box 5147
Farmington, NM 87499-5147
jackson_dixie@yahoo.com

Query: Johnson of Clay County

Looking for information on a Jack L. Johnson who is listed on an Indiana title in 1976. The title inquiry from the State only shows Clay City, Indiana--there is no street address given.


Roxanne Volkman
14511 Old State Rd.
Evansville, IN 47725
tukidzmommie@insightbb.com

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

IGS Welcomes New Directors

The Indiana Genealogical Society is proud to welcome two new District Directors to its board:

--Darlene Anderson is the new Central District Director, representing Boone, Clinton, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan and Tipton counties.

--Susan Bucove is the new South Central District Director, representing Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, Scott and Washington counties.

Monday, September 3, 2007

Query: Fulling/Tieman/Hebbeler of Gibson County

Need information on Maria Elnora Fulling, third wife of Clamer Fulling. I believe she might have been previously married to a Mr. Tieman, and that her maiden name may have been Hebbeler. When were she and Mr. Fulling married? She and Clamer had two children: Henry, who married Caroline Thene, and Sarah Ann, who married Henry A. E. Dassel. She and Clamer are buried in Tabor Cemetery in Gibson County, Indiana. Maria died in June, 1895.

Sue Hebbeler
110 W. Maryland
Evansville, IN 47710

Query:Dickson/Dixon/Hancock/McCreary of Posey County

I am searching for information and origin of my maternal g-g-g-g-grandmother:
Elizabeth Dickson (probably Dixon, possibly Gypsy in origin), born about 1808, Indiana. Residence from 1830-1870 was Point Township, Posey County, Indiana.

Marriage: William Hancock, 1826, Posey County, Indiana.
Children from marriage: John 1826, Elizabeth 1831, Eli 1833, Nancy 1840

Marriage: Alexander McCreary (a.k.a. McCarry, McCleary, McCrery), 1843, Posey County, Indiana.
Children from marriage: Mary Jane 1844 (my ancestress), Thomas 1850, Sarah E. 1854.

By 1870, Elizabeth was using her maiden name once again. Ranch-hand James Morn or Morin also listed in home on census.

I very much want to know the death dates and burial places of Elizabeth Dixon (possibly Dickson) and Alexander McCreary, born 1821 in South Carolina, who may have separated and moved to Tennessee. I have no information on either Elizabeth's or Alexander's parentage. There were many Dixons in the area in 1830, two of which had daughters around the right age to be Elizabeth. There were two Dickson households in Black Township, Posey County, Indiana as well but I canot make a valid connection to any of these.

Once, I brought up a Spanish land grant to an Elizabeth Dixon in the Indiana Territory, several decades earlier, but I can no longer find it and cannot establish a link to my ancestress.

Can anyone help me? I'm open to suggestions.

Barbara Baszler
P.O. Box 267
Hoopa, CA 95546
freyas_daughter@hotmail.com

Query: Blackburn of Washington County

I am seeking proof that my great-great-grandfather William M. Blackburn (who was born in 1816 in Washington County, Indiana) is the son of Joseph Blackburn and Mary/Polly May. In the 1810 census Joseph Blackburn was in Henry County, Kentucky. In the 1820 and 1830 censuses, Joseph was in Washington County, Indiana.

Verna Blackburn Daniel
30 Turner St. #203
Clearwater, FL 33756
vdaniel@ij.net

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Query:Snipes/Thrift/Campbell of Jennings County

Searching for a Jesse Snipes born 1874 and reportedly last seen living in Geneva Township, Jennings County, Indiana. His wife was Elizabeth Thrift. Son Nathan Snipes, Sr. lived in Indiana also, with his wife Margaret Campbell.

Any information on Jesse Snipes, Elizabeth Thrift, Margaret Campbell and relatives would be appreciated, as well as notes of Jennings County.


Robert Snipes
Baumgarten 39
35385 Giessen
Germany
E-mail robertsnipes1942@aol.com

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Query:Butler of Allen County

I am trying to discover my maternal geneology. My grandparents were Ivan and Erma Butler. They had two daughters, Barbara Erma Butler and Connie Butler. They resided at 1915 Kentucky Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana. Any help or direction you can give me in this area would be greatly appreciated. I believe my grandfather passed away in September 1975 and my grandmother in 1985? I am sorry but I have very little information.


William Edwards
19059 Preston Rd. #312
Dallas TX 75252
wl.edwards@gmail.com

Query:Lang/Border of Harrison County

I am searching for information on John and Elizabeth (Border) Lang married 13 November 1856 in Harrison County. From census research it looks like they had 6 daughters. Also it would appear that Elizabeth died between 1870 and 1880 as I don't find her in any censuses after the year 1870. I also believe that John's parents may have been Francis and Nancy Lang as I have found them in District 45, Harrison County, Indiana in 1850. John and three of his daughters had moved on to Kansas by 1885. Family rumor has said that John left for Kansas after killing his neighbor in Indiana over a boundary dispute and the fact that the neighbor had killed his dog.


Lorena Linder
404 Shasta
Taft, CA 93268
ladyl@bak.rr.com

Query:Elliott/Kington of Harrison County

Trying to locate parents of Samuel Elliott born between 1770-1780 in Virginia and died between 1845-1846 in Harrison County, Indiana. He married Mary Polly Kington in Nelson County, Kentucky on 24 February 1799. Mary was born in 1782 in Maryland and died after 1852 in Harrison County, Indiana. I have a copy of Samuel's will listing the following children: Herod, Richard, Gasoway, Lorenzo D. , Elizabeth, James, Gaylon, Mahala, Mildred and John Votan Elliott.

Samuel was a farmer but may have also been a circuit rider for the church.

Tracye Hughes-Carson
10627 Denton Ave.
Hudson, FL 34667
hott_moma_1958@yahoo.com

Query:Anderson/Jones of Owen County

I cannot locate any info on Thomas Gillaspy Anderson. On his son Charles Otho Anderson's application for Social Security I found it listed his father as Thomas Gillaspy and his mother as Mesie Jones and said Charles was born in Owen County, Indiana in 1880. I'm wondering if Thomas didn't migrate from another state.



Thomas Robeson
2170 Fruitland Rd.
Sunset, TX 76270
tandbrobeson@hotmail.com
http://www.robeson.us

Query:Grove of Putnam, Ripley, and Howard Counties

I am searching for any information of Windle Grove born April 23, 1776 in Virginia and died October 8, 1856 in Putnam County, Indiana. I am specifically looking for who his wife and children were. He is seen in the 1840 and 1850 census as Windle Grove and Windell Groves in Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana. His next door neighbor is George B. Grove. I am hoping to connect him to my Wendle Daniel Grove, born 20 September 1825 ? and found in Ripley (1850) and Howard (1860, 1870) counties.


Mike Keller
8645 Alden Ln.
Windsor, CA 95492-9172
jmichaelkel@comcast.net

Friday, August 31, 2007

Query: McCormick/Agan of Marion, Harrison or Orange counties

I am looking for a marriage certifcate for Anna M. McCormick and John N. Agan on 31 May 1906. The marriage took place in either Marion, Harrison or Orange counties.

Query:Terrell of Lawrence County

Looking for information on Andrew Jackson Terrell, born April 1824, lived in Lawrence County, Indiana until 12 years old. He lived with his grandmother, Nancy Terrell. His mother died shortly after child birth. I do not know who was his father or his mother.


Howard Terrell
6405 Julie Ann Dr.
Hanover, MD 21076-2011
howard.terrell@verizon.net

Query: Lowe/Sanderlin

Looking for information on John C. F. Lowe. He was supposedly born in Indiana about 1842. His parents were William Low/e and Mary Sanderlin. Siblings at the time he was born were Benjamin, Joseph P., David, Sarah J., and William H. Lowe. All the siblings except William H. Lowe were born in Ohio. William H. born in 1840 in Indiana along with John. Trying to find out what county he was born in. Also information on any of his family.


Marian Jordan
1426 South B St.
Rogers, AR 72756
melj1410@yahoo.com

Query:Russell/Asher/McGuire/Baker/Holton of Clinton County

John Thomas Russell is my 2nd great-grandfather. He was born in Virginia (probably somewhere near Charles Parish, York) in 1804. His parents' names were Thomas James Russell and Sarah Asher who lived in Charles Parish, York, VA, along with his sibling, Richard Russell. (Richard also moved to Indiana.) Sometime early in life he moved to Clinton County, and may have already been married to Jane McGuire or Elizabeth Baker. We have not been able to find a specific death date, but I think it was in 1866 in Clinton County. There is also great confusion regarding his wives -he may have had three of them: Jane McGuire, Elizabeth Baker and Mary J. Holton. Does anyone have ideas of where I could search for specific documentation or would someone who reads this be willing to look for me? I have spent 40 years looking for this man and he is driving me crazy!!!!


Janet Sincavage
101 North View Dr.
Pineville, LA 71360
jlsincavage@aol.com

Query:Fleming of Warren County

I am trying to locate an obituary or cemetery information for my ancestors Peter and Rebecca Fleming. Peter was born in 1783 in North Carolina. Rebecca was born in 1782 in Virginia or Kentucky. They lived in Pike Township, Warren County, Indiana. I think they came to Warren County in 1827. Rebecca died in 1858 and Peter died in 1868. If there is a photo of the burial site, that would be really helpful. Thanks so much


Marcia Russo

russoland@earthlink.net

Query:Green/Fidler of Lawernce County

I am looking for the parents of Daniel Green, born ca.1822 in Lawrence County, Indiana. He married Polly Fidler in 1842 in Lawrence County. He had 4 or possibly 5 children: Elias, John, James, Susan and Jane(?). He and Polly disappeared around 1854.


Shelley Green
610 Winton St.
Wausau, WI 54403
sdgreen715@aol.com

Query:Spahr of Fountain County

I am trying to find out about Martin Spahr of Davis Township, Fountain County, Indiana. He is buried in Salem Cemetery there. Henry and Dunkin Spahr are also buried there.


KB Williams
445 W. Madison
Rushville, IL 62681
barney@ilga.gov

Query:McElroy/Taylor/Hamilton of Jefferson County

I am trying to locate a death certificate, or a grave marker for my great-great-great-great-grandfather. His name was John McElroy, born in Ireland, circa 1770-1775.
He came to the Americas circa 1801-1802. His then-wife was Margaret--she passed away in 1821.

His second wife was Jane (Taylor) McElroy, she passed away circa 1826. This marriage took place in the Lancaster, PA area. Along with his family he moved to Jefferson County, Indiana and married Mary (Hamilton) McElroy, who passed away in 1838.

John McElroy lived in Jefferson County until his death in 1837. His children were: Robert, John Jr., George, James, Sarah and Margaret (from his first marriage) and Eliza and Yates (from his third marriage).

I would appreciate any information.

Ellen Price
4544 Parent St.
Missoula, MT 59808
emackey@onlinemt.com

Query:VanLaningham of Harrison County

Livingston VanLaningham (Vanlandingham) was born 1828/29 in Harrison County, Indiana to Lydia Eoyse VanLaningham, wife of Elijah VanLaningham (Vanlandingham). Looking for information on his specific date of birth and his ancestors.


J. Leon Vanlandingham
van.one@cox.net

Query: Geary

I am trying to find info on the Geary family. I have a John and Mary Geary (I don't know her maiden name) born about 1800's or 1820's in Indiana (I do not know the location). They had a daughter who was also born in Indiana, Wilhelmine (Minnie), born October 3, 1848. I would like info on where they came from before Indiana, nationality, etc.


Linda (Linzey) Carlson
winsomeacresarts@netsync.net

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Query:Thorn/Wisner of Bartholomew County

An Indiana resident, Dr. William E. Wisner, had researched the Thorn family. He died sometime in the early 1900's in Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana. I am trying to locate the work that he did.


Jean A. Kunz
1818 Kent Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15241-2118
Jeankunz@aol.com

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Query: MOHAN/CLARKE/LONG of Marion County

Looking for descendants of Bessie (Mohan) and Michael Clarke who emigrated to Indianapolis from Ireland in the 1860's or possibly early 1870's. Her brother James Mohan also emigrated. They lived on S. West Street. Bessie later lived with her daughter Elizabeth M. (b. 1886) who married Edward J. Long in 1919. They had two children Edward (b. 1921 or 1922) and Marie (b. 1923). I cannot find anyone beyond the 1930 census. There is a 1942 draft card for Edward Long, Sr. that states that he worked as a molder for the Kinsley Foundry, and lived on N. Parker at that time. According to a 1951 Indianapolis directory, Elizabeth M. Long (now widowed) still lived on N. Parker.

Elizabeth was my grandmother's first cousin. There are many relatives still living in Ireland and England that would love to find out what happened to these distant cousins and their descendants.

Contact:
Karen McDonald
2190 27th Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94116
studioredz@aol.com

Query: SHERMAN/FULLILOVE/GWIN/LOPP of Harrison County

I have heard from my cousin, Nancy Sherman-Neutz of Lanesville, that there is a new Harrison County, Indiana book (from Heritage Books?) that lists information on Shermans and Fulliloves and Gwins and Lopps--my ancestors. I hope you can guide me to where I can order this book.

Contact:
Janie Sherman, CG
701 Donaghe St.
Staunton, VA 24401-2838
societydame@verizon.net

Kosciusko County Cemetery Walk & Book

The Local History and Genealogy Center of the North Webster Community Public Library (301 N. Main St., North Webster IN 46555) is sponsoring a Cemetery Walk of North Webster Cemetery in Kosciusko County on Saturday, September 9. Beginning at 1 pm and going every 10-15 minutes until approximately 2:45 pm, groups will be able to walk the cemetery, where there will be a guide and re-enactors highlighting the life of selected individuals who are buried there: Perry E. Mock; Louie and Dorthea Tenney Engle; John S. Hall; Clara Kiser Cripe Rothenberger; Ned & Helen Raver, and Eleanor Joy Warner.

After the walk, refreshments will be offered at the library. Note: in the event of rain, the walk will be rescheduled to Saturday, September 16.

Pre-paid orders for Transcription of the North Webster Cemetery will be accepted beginning on September 9. The book includes information on over 2,000 burials, with photos of all the stones and over 950 obituaries. There is also a site map and a transcription of the original plat map, along with an index. The book was made possible by a grant from the Esther Pfleiderer Charitable Trust. Softbound copies will be available for $45 (shipping & handling and tax is additional), and hardbound copies will be available for $75 (shipping & handling and tax is additional). For more information, contact Beth Smith at the library--phone (574) 834-7122.

Elkhart County Cemetery Book Published

The Elkhart County Genealogical Society (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inelkhar/ecgs.htm) has just published Prairie Street Cemetery by Patricia K. Johnson and Jeffrey L. Keim. The cemetery was formed by the Prairie Street Mennonite Church in 1895 and in 1998, the church donated the cemetery to the city of Elkhart. The book (which is 318 pages and includes over 21,000 names in the index) contains information on over 11,000 burials from 1895 through 2006. The names of spouses or parents are often included in the information.

Copies of the book are available for $45 + $4 shipping & handling (Indiana residents must add $2.70 for sales tax). Make checks payable to Elkhart County Genealogical Society and mail to: Publications, Elkhart County Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 1031, Elkhart IN 46515-1031.

Friday, August 24, 2007

IGS Seminar in Evansville

The Indiana Genealogical Society will hold a Society Management Seminar on Saturday, September 8 from 9 am to 4 pm in the Browning Room of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Public Library (http://www.evpl.org/hours-locations/central/ce.html) in Evansville, Indiana. The seminar is focused on helping all those involved in the running of their local genealogical and historical organizations. This year's seminar will focus on aspects of publishing, including a presentation on electronic publishing by Curt Witcher of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne.

Registration is free to all those who are members of an IGS chapter; for all others, registration is just $5. For more information, including directions and a registration form, visit http://www.indgensoc.org/seminar.html

Cemetery Restoration in Montgomery County

The Genealogy Club of Montgomery County, Indiana (http://www.cdpl.lib.in.us/lh/geneclub/geneclub.html) has been working on cleaning and restoring O'Neall Cemetery since 2003, with major work coming in the last couple of years. The cemetery is located in Ripley Township, Montgomery County, near the town of Yountsville.

The earliest recorded burial was for James D. McClelland (1828) and the latest was for Michael Fruits (1912). Over 100 people are known to be buried there, including 9 veterans of the Civil War, 4 from the War of 1812, and 1 from the Mexican War.

Trees and excess brush have been removed, and club members have attended training offered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Historical Society on how to properly clean, restore and reset tombstones.

Donations of labor, materials or money to help offset the costs of this ongoing project are welcome. For more information, contact Dian Moore at the Crawfordsville District Public Library--phone (765) 362-2242 ext. 4; e-mail gen@cdpl.lib.in.us

Increased Copy Fees At National Archives

The National Archives has officially increased its rates for photocopies. The new rates will go into effect on October 1st. The Archives announced the proposed increases back in February, and received comments from over 1,200 people. Some of the comments led them to scale back on the amount of their proposed increases:

--Copies of Civil War pension files were scheduled to increase to $125, but will instead be increased to $75, if less than 100 pages (there will be a price break for copies above and beyond the 100 page limit).
--Copies of pension files for service that pre-dates the Civil War (such as the Revolutionary War) were scheduled to increase to $60, but will instead be increased to $50.

The amount of the other proposed increases was not changed:

--Copies of passenger arrival lists and census records will increase to $25 per page
--Copies of land entry records will increase to $40
--Copies of bounty land warrant application files will increase to $25
--Copies of military service files more than 75 years old will increase to $25

Franklin County History To Be Published

Whitewater Publications is compiling a history of Franklin County, Indiana, called Franklin County: A Glimpse of The Past, which will be published in June 2008. Submissions of stories and photos about Franklin County families or local history (including information about historic homes) are welcome. Submissions of family genealogy have a $20 fee; submissions of photos have a $5 fee. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2007.

Submissions (and fees) should be sent to : Sherry Allen, Whitewater Publications, P.O. Box 38, Brookville IN 47012; phone (765) 647-4221. Pre-publication orders are also being taken for the book--send $40 for each copy desired to Whitewater Publications at the above address. The deadline for pre-publication orders is December 31, 2007.

This history project is being coordinated by Julie Schlesselman of the Brookville library. If you have any questions about the project, please contact her at: Julie Schlesselman, Genealogy and Local History Division, Whitewater Valley Community Library District, 919 Main St., Brookville IN 47012; phone (765) 647-4031; e-mail julie@wvcl.org

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Marriage Indexing: 8 Records per Image

Some batches are now coming up with 8 marriages on an image -- four on the left-hand page and four on the right. Let's handle them this way:

Left page – Top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right
Right page – Top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right

Thank you!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Query: McCLELLAN/PAUL of Gibson County

I'm trying to find out information on my great-great-grandfather John S. McClellan. I believe he was born in Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana on July 4, 1841. He fought in the Civil War and was in the 58th Indiana Infantry. He is buried here in Kingman County, Kansas. I'm just tring to find out any information possible about him. Possibly his parents and where they came from? He married Amanda R. Paul on June 2, 1880 in Gibson County, Indiana. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.

Contact:
Lisa Lilja
16585 SW 90th Ave.
Zenda, KS 67159
liljavan@gmail.com

Query: LINDSEY/McPIKE of Hancock County

I located my great-great-grandfather Richard Lindsey in Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana in the 1840 census. He was born in Ireland circa 1781. In the 1850 census I find many of his children, including minor daughters, living in Greenfield (a son Richard, William C., Aurelia, Eliza, John B., and family) but Richard and wife Nancy (McPike) Lindsey cannot be found in any census. There is no record he ever owned land, or was buried there. I wonder what other records are available for the time period 1840-1850?

Contact:
Joan M. Longmire
13263 W. Stonebridge Lane
Huntley, IL 60142-7695
jografr@foxvalley.net

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Wayne County Family History Published

Penobscot Press recently published Descendants of John Cox of Abington, Indiana and Joseph Cox of Hampton, Illinois by Ruth Anna Hicks and William Jerome Utermohlen (1193 pages, hardcover), an extensive history tracing the descendants of John Cox and Catherine Cull. Their oldest son, Joseph Cox, married Mary Rue in November 1804 and lived in Wayne County, Indiana until 1824, moving on to Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties before settling in Rock Island County, Illinois in 1836. Several branches of the family remained in eastern Indiana. Further information on the history of the family is available at http://members.cox.net/wutermohlen

The book includes more than 300 photographs and a place index, as well as a name index. Copies are $55 each +$5 shipping & handling. An order form is available on the website, or may be ordered directly from:

William J. Utermohlen
1916 Windsor Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22307