White County Society Adds Website

The White County Historical Society in Monticello, Indiana (101 South Bluff St., Monticello IN 47960) now has a website--www.whitecountyhistory.com. The society can also be reached by phone--(574) 583-3998.

Changes to Civil War Society for 2009

The Society of Civil War Families of Indiana has announced a couple changes to their application process:

1) Applications prepared by word processing software will be accepted in lieu of the standard application, with the following restrictions:
--The word processing application must contain all of the contents of the standard application, and in the exact order that they are listed in the standard application.
--The word processing application must contain Page 1 from the standard application as its cover page, and this cover page must be completed, signed and dated by the applicant.

2) If you are accepted as a member of the SCWFI and you then want to submit additional ancestors for consideration, you will only have to pay $10 for the application fee, not the usual $20 for initial applications.

These changes are effective January 1, 2009.

Allen County Library Hosts Lecture on WeRelate.org

The Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will offer a free lecture on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 2:30 pm in Meeting Room A by Cynthia Theusch. The lecture will be an overview of the WeRelate.org website. The lecture is part of the WinterTech Family History lecture series and is open to the public.

Cemetery Restoration Subject of Fort Wayne Meeting

The Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana will meet on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 7 pm in the theater of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne (gathering time begins at 6:30 pm). Mark Davis will present a program, "Hallowed Stones: Cemetery Restoration." Davis is a resident of Blackford County and owner of Stone Saver Cemetery Restoration Company, which has restored over 11,000 stones in five states. A question and answer period will follow the program. The meeting is open to the public.

Survey on Reasons for Genealogy Research

Bonnie Lloyd is working on her dissertation in clinical psychology at Argosy University in Minnesota. As part of her dissertation, she has compiled a survey about why people do genealogy research, and the reactions of family members to the information that genealogists may uncover. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and your responses will remain anonymous. To take the survey, please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=NqoqoofGuHXd1hhQR6QeLw_3d_3d

Query: PEARSON/LEMON of Miami and Blackford counties

I am trying to locate information on Oliver Pearson who was born about 1834 in Miami County, Indiana. His first wife, Elizabeth Ann Lemon, died on 9 January 9 1873 and is buried in the Deer Creek Baptist Cemetery in Miami County. He married second wife Sarah and they, along with their children, show up in the 1880 census in Harrison Township, Blackford County, Indiana. I lose track of them after that and have not been able to find out where he or Sarah died or are buried. If anybody has any information that can help me trace this family, I would be so appreciative. I have searched the counties surrounding Blackford County with no luck.

Submitted by:
Diane Ely
14741 Airelle Ct.
Florissant, MO 63034
E-mail: dianeely@att.net

Query: HENDERSON/MOORE of Hendricks County

I am looking for the marriage license or application of John Hutchinson Henderson and Sarah Bailey Moore who were married 5 January 1858 in Plainfield, Hendricks County, Indiana.

Submitted by:
Debbie Brown
10301 N. 142 E. Ct.
Owasso, OK 74055
E-mail: DBFireWife@aol.com

Query: WEILER/SHOOR/SHOAL/SCHOLL of Franklin County

I am seeking information about the wife of Conrad WEILER who was born in 1806, immigrated to the United States in 1830, and was married about 1831 in, at, or around Philadelphia. Her name was Elisabeth SHOOR/SHOAL/SCHOLL and she was of the Catholic faith. I am looking for the marriage record and information on where Conrad and Elisabeth's children were born (other than son Michael who I know was born at St. Peters, Franklin County, Indiana). I am already aware of the info in 1915 Reifel for Franklin County. Any other information would also be appreciated.

Submitted by:
Marjorie Powell
277 Northside Dr.
Batesville, IN 47006
E-mail: mvwpowell@hotmail.com

Query: THOMPSON of Vigo County

I am looking for information on the missing generations between Clinton Martz Thompson and Nellie (Brown) Thompson of the mid to late 19th century. These would have been the parents (or possibly grandparents) of my grandmother-in-law "Toddie," Audrey Elyea Allen who was born in Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana at the end of the 19th century. She had at least one brother, Emmett, and possibly some half-siblings. Clinton Martz Thompson was a descendant of Lawrence Thompson (born 1755 in Virginia; died 1863) who was a Revolutionary War veteran. Over the years, I have lost a great deal of the information due to various moves. I am trying to piece this line together for my grandchildren.

Submitted by:
Inez Hoffman
2690 Townline Rd.
Stevensville, ON L0S 1S0
Canada
E-mail: imshedevil2001@yahoo.com

Query: Town of Averton, Dearborn County

At Thanksgiving this year my uncle who lives in West Harrison, Dearborn County, Indiana was asking about an old town called Averton that used to be on his land. The town had a post office, which of course is now gone. I was wondering if anyone could provide any information on this old town? I'm not sure of a time range, but I was under the impression that this was after Ohio County's county line was changed, so that is why I'm assuming it was in Dearborn County. I appreciate the help, even if it just points me in the right direction of where to look more.

Submitted by:
Jacqi Hornbach
144 E. County Rd. 1400N
Batesville, IN 47006
E-mail: jacqihornbach@hotmail.com

Query: PETIT/WARREN/TIMMONS of Montgomery County

William Dale Petit was married to Viola Warren on 9 November 1892 in Montgomery County, Indiana. Their son, Charles Edward Petit, was born on 3 December 1893, and Viola died on 12 December 1893. William's second marriage was to Mary Timmons on 27 September 1894 in Montgomery County. I am looking for any information on William and Mary (Timmons) Petit after their 1894 marriage--William's son from his first marriage grew up with relatives and had no knowledge of what became of his father and stepmother.

Submitted by:
Connie Price
10965 Beechwood Dr. E
Indianapolis, IN 46280
E-mail: conwyapri@yahoo.com

Query: RYAN/MAHER of Daviess County

I am looking for information on Stephen Leo Ryan who was born circa 1848 and came to the United States circa 1864. I know he ended up in Washington, Daviess County, Indiana and married Catherine Maher (born 18 August 1887), the daughter of John Maher and Mary Lance.
Stephen and Catherine (Maher) Ryan later moved to Craighead County, Arkansas, along with 5-7 children. Both Stephen and Catherine died and are buried in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

I was told that Stephen Ryan and his 2 brothers came from Tipperary, Ireland. I do not know the brothers' names, or if they all came to the United States at the same time or even settled in the same area of Indiana as Stephen. I am not 100% sure Stephen's middle name was Leo, but both his son and grandson were named Stephen Leo Ryan.

Submitted by:

Carol Ryan Cannon

616 Sheridan Dr.

Chaffee, MO 63740

E-mail: crcannon1@yahoo.com

Query: RAWSON of Clinton County

David and Margaret Rawson owned land in Clinton County, Indiana between 1829 and 1850-1853. David died in 1850 and Margaret died in 1853. They had several minor children at the time of their deaths. I'm interested in the location of their home to find where they were buried. I believe they acquired some of the land as late as 1844 and 1846. Their young daughter Anna Mariah Rawson was my husband's great-great-grandmother.

Submitted by:
Lorelei Scarlett
2985 Starview Dr.
Boise, ID 83712
E-mail: lscarlett00@yahoo.com

Query: BOWMAN/PHIPPS of Martin County

I am looking for a photo of the 1903 reunion of the Howard Bowman family--I saw it a few years ago in a library. The photo includes my ancestor Mary Ann (Bowman) Phipps, who was descended from Septima Bowman who died 1841 in Martin County, Indiana. Septima was one of 4 sons--his brothers were named Pleasant, Michael and William Bowman--who were all born in Tennessee in 1809, 1810 and 1820. I have been unable to find the names of their parents.

Submitted by:
Mildred J. Rebennack
8208 Bentley Farms Pl.
Indianapolis, IN 46259
E-mail: mjfivekids@aol.com

Query: COOPER/SANTACROCE of Porter County

I am trying to find the marriage date for Peggy Joyce Cooper and Robert Santacroce. They may have married in Portage, Porter County, Indiana.

Submitted by:
Phyllis Hester
1500 Carlisle Ct.
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
E-mail: okcphyl@cox.net

Query: Demberger Drug Company of Warrick County

I am trying to find out if there was a Demberger Drug Company located in Boonville,Warrick County, Indiana (or the surrounding area) around 1900 to 1916. Thank you for any help!

Submitted by:
Michael Zitowsky
130 Bunker Hill Rd.
Princeton, NJ 08540-8512
E-mail: cashreg47@aol.com

Ancestry.com Workshop Offered in Noblesville

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville, Indiana will offer a free workshop on how to use the databases on Ancestry Library Edition. The workshop will be held in the library's computer training room on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 from 9:30 am to noon and will be hands-on--each participant will have access to a computer and should bring information about their ancestors, so they can do some of their own research. Registration is required--please contact the library's Outreach Department at (317) 776-6939, or register online at the library's website.

IGS Adds Options for Holiday Shopping

Gift memberships in the Indiana Genealogical Society can now be purchased on the IGS website (http://www.indgensoc.org/membership.html). IGS has also added the option to buy a gift certificate (available in various amounts) that can then be used to purchase products from the IGS Shop. And as always, you can make a donation through IGS to help make records at the National Archives more accessible.

Class Offered On Using Google for Genealogy

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville, Indiana will hold a free class, "Using Google for Genealogy Research," on Saturday, January 24, 2009 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The class will be held in the library's north meeting room and will focus on the various ways to use the search engine to further your genealogical research--everything from finding books to translating documents. To register for the class, please contact the library's Outreach Department at (317) 776-6939, or register online at the library's website.

Basic Genealogy Course Offered in Hamilton County

The Carmel Clay Historical Society in Carmel, Indiana is offering a basic genealogy course beginning Wednesday, January 7, 2009 from 9:30 to 11:30 am. This 5-week course, entitled "Finding Family," will be taught by Sue Dillon and will meet weekly through February 4, 2009. Classes will be held in the meeting room of Monon East at Central Park. Participants will learn about various genealogical sources as well as how to search websites, including subscription sites such as Ancestry.com. The cost is $20 for CCHS members, $25 for non-members. To register, please contact the Carmel Clay Parks Department--phone (317) 848-7275.

Carmel Society's Genealogy Lab Changes Hours

The Carmel Clay Historical Society's Genealogy Lab (located at Central Park East) is changing its hours beginning in January 2009. The lab will be open: Tuesdays from 10 am to 1 pm; Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 pm, and Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm. Genealogy reference librarian Laura Rippe will be available on Fridays for genealogy assistance--to contact her, phone (317) 846-7117 or e-mail cchsgenealogy@aol.com.

IGS Updates Every-Name Index to "Once A Hoosier..." Project

The Indiana Genealogical Society has updated the every-name index to its "Once A Hoosier..." project. The index (which is still in progress) now has over 10,000 names and is a searchable database on the Members-Only section of its website.

Kokomo Library to Host Internet Genealogy Workshop

The Genealogy & Local History Department of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library (220 N. Union St., Kokomo IN 46901-4614) will hold a genealogy workshop on Thursday, January 22, 2009 from 7 to 9 pm in their computer lab. To register for the workshop, contact the Computer Lab--phone (765) 457-3242.

Genealogy Roundtable at Noblesville Library

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold an informal discussion on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 2:15 pm to share frustrations as well as research tips. The roundtable meets on the second Tuesday of each month and this month they will focus on "brick wall" ancestors, but other topics are welcome. For more information, contact the library's Indiana Room--phone (317) 770-3206.

Cemetery Restoration Project in Boone County

The Boone County Genealogical Society has begun a project to restore the Old Cemetery in Thorntown, Indiana. The cemetery dates back to 1830 and was used for burials until 1972. Volunteers are sought to help with the restoration project--volunteers will be trained in the proper ways to clean the headstones and reset fallen markers. For more information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Larry Truitt--e-mail larry@truitt.com or phone (765) 436-7151.

Beginning Genealogy Workshop in Indianapolis

The Indiana Historical Society will hold a Beginning Genealogy Research Workshop on Friday, January 23, 2009 from 9 am to 4 pm at their Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis. This workshop will be repeated on Saturday, January 24, 2009 from 9 am to 4 pm. Betty L. Warren, immediate past president of the Indiana Genealogical Society and current staff member of the Indiana State Library, will give you an overview of what you'll need to know to begin researching your family, as well as how to organize your information. Tours of the Indiana State Library's genealogy collection, as well as the Indiana Historical Society's William Henry Smith Memorial Library, will be given.

Registration is $25 for IHS members, $35 for non-members ($15 for students) and there is a box lunch available for an additional $10. Registration must be made by January 9, 2009--to register, phone (317) 234-1830.

Boone County Society Adds Blog

The Boone County Genealogical Society now has a blog. Stop by http://boonecountygenealogicalsociety.blogspot.com for the latest updates and news on upcoming events.

Index to IGS Quarterly To Go Online

Due to rising printing and postage costs, the index issue of Indiana Genealogist, the Indiana Genealogical Society's quarterly publication, will no longer be mailed. Instead, it will be made available online as both a searchable database and a downloadable PDF on the Members-Only section of the IGS website. Members should look online for the 2008 index issue beginning in the new year.

IGS Adds More Databases For Members

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added more databases to the Members-Only section of its website:

--Enumeration of Males in Lawrence Township, Marion County, Indiana (1913)

--Selected Lists of Jurors in Marion County, Indiana (1800's)

--Deceased Ministers of Northern Indiana Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church (1844-1916)

--Indiana Delegates to Church of Christ Convention, Danville (1916)

--Graduates of Indiana University, Bloomington (1888-1890)

--Roster of 57th Indiana Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War (1861-1865)

Marriage Indexing: Changes To Project

Four counties are being completed and then we will start on several more counties. In the meantime, as FamilySearch puts out the last of the records for the first four counties and prepares for several new counties, you may encounter several delays. Right now there are no records available for indexing but that is temporary. When records are available, they are not complete records -- just fragments which are difficult to figure out. It is a bit confusing but we appreciate your patience as we work through this transition.

When the next counties do start appearing, be aware that this project is being opened up to all the FamilySearch indexers in an effort to move the project forward much more quickly. I will still be available for questions and all of you that are already signed up as indexers and arbitrators will be moved into the bigger pool of FamilySearch volunteers. We welcome the additional help this project will be getting but are so very grateful for those of you who have gotten it to this point. We couldn't have done it without you and hope you will continue with this project as your time permits.

Preview of December Issue of IGS Quarterly

The December 2008 issue of the Indiana Genealogical Society's quarterly publication, Indiana Genealogist, is now on its way to members' mailboxes. It contains:

--A case study of how a man found his adopted family
--Members of the Oldenburg Convent of Sisters of St. Francis up to 1901 and when they died
--Members of Indiana University's Board of Trustees from 1820 through 1890
--Profiles of the proven ancestors of 2008 Society of Civil War Families of Indiana members
--A listing of surgeons in the 6th, 7th and 8th Indiana Cavalry during the Civil War
--Items from the Marion County Mail in 1913
--A listing of Indiana soldiers who qualified as Expert Riflemen in 1907
--An IN-GENious! column on the Commission on Public Records that exists for each county in Indiana.

IGS Appoints Fayette County Genealogist

At its November board meeting, the Indiana Genealogical Society appointed Pat Summan of Connersville as the Indiana County Genealogist (ICG) for Fayette County. Pat has lived in Fayette County for 45 years and was the Southeast District Director for IGS from 1997 to 2004. She volunteers with the City Cemetery restoration project and is involved with the Fayette County Cemetery Board, as well as Historic Connersville, Inc., the Whitewater Valley Genealogical Association and the Tri-County Genealogical Society.

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/county_genealogists.html

IGS Appoints Jefferson County Genealogist

At its November board meeting, the Indiana Genealogical Society appointed Janice Barnes of Madison as the Indiana County Genealogist (ICG) for Jefferson County. Janice has been the genealogist and local historian for the Madison-Jefferson County Public Library for 14 years, and is also the Jefferson County Historian. A charter member of the Jefferson County Genealogical Society, she is currently their newsletter editor. She is also a member of the Madison Bicentennial Committee and is working on a book of historical short stories to commemorate the bicentennial.

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/county_genealogists.html

Marriage Indexing: Roll of Honor

We are indexing Indiana marriage records in preparation for putting the digital images online for researchers to access. Congratulations to all who are helping with this project and a special thank you to the following Roll of Honor indexers and arbitrators for their contributions:

Over 20,000 Records Indexed
Harold Martin of Melbourne, Florida
Sheryl Porter of Monmouth, Illinois
Robert E. Van Lue of Rochester, Indiana
Jane Chamberlain of Bloomfield, IndianaBea
Barton of Washington, Utah
Clara J. Whan of Avilla, Indiana

Over 10,000 Records Indexed
Don Sylvester of Sanford, North Carolina
Teresa Taramasso of Graham, Texas
Michelle Golden of Roy, Washington
Linda Harney of Huntington, Indiana
Darlene Shuart of Monroe, Washington
Justina Cook of Nampa, Idaho
Mary Sallee of Mesa, Arizona
Carolyn Lowe of Knoxville, Tennessee
Barbara Scott of Sunnyvale, California
William Stevens of West Point, Utah
Judy Vanaugh of Poland, Ohio

Over 5,000 Records Indexed
Patricia Hodges of Stacy, Minnesota
Cindy Fuller of West Lafayette, Indiana
Robert McKillip of Rock Mount, Virginia
Evelyn D. City of Clinton, Indiana
Walter Caplinger of Kansas City, Missouri
Mary Stewart of Muncie, Indiana
Sandra Wincek of New Berlin, Wisconsin
Ronald R. Hall of Fort Wayne, Indiana
Karen Creamer of Connersville, Indiana
Martha Roll of Rockford, Illinois
Bob Nau of Golden, Colorado
Deborah Rex of Brea, California
Nancy Lee White of Patriot, Indiana
Yvonne L. Strong of East Wenatchee, Washington
Kathleen Banner of Heyburn, Idaho

Over 50,000 Records Arbitrated
Clara J. Whan of Avilla, Indiana
Dan Elliott of Mount Vernon, Indiana

Over 20,000 Records Arbitrated
Nancy Brower of Oroville, California

Over 10,000 Records Arbitrated
Bernie Cinkoske of Indianapolis, Indiana
Ronald Chard of Ocala, Florida
Justina Cook of Nampa, Idaho
Larry Munden of Houston, Texas
Lori White of Windsor, Colorado

Over 5,000 Records Arbitrated
Michelle Golden of Roy, Washington
Ann C. Richardson of Woods Cross, Utah
Robert McKillip of Rock Mount, Virginia
Jennifer Cruse of Terre Haute, Indiana

Howard County Genealogical Society To Meet in Kokomo

The Howard County (Indiana) Genealogical Society will meet on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 10 am in the Community Room of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library (220 N. Union St., Kokomo IN 46901-4614). The meeting is open to the public.

South Bend Society To Host Genealogical Fair

The South Bend Area Genealogical Society will host its annual "Michiana Genealogical Fair" on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library (209 Lincoln Way East, Mishawaka IN 46544) beginning at 9 am. Jeff Bockman will be the featured speaker, with topics "Using Maps for Genealogical Research" and "No Birth Certificate, No Problem". More than twenty genealogy vendors and exhibitors will also be present. For more details visit their website, or e-mail WHMinish@aol.com.

La Porte County Genealogical Society To Host Annual Dinner

The La Porte County, Indiana Genealogical Society will meet Tuesday, December 9 at 6 pm at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults (910 State St., La Porte IN) for the Annual Society Christmas Dinner and Awarding of First Family Certificates. Certificates will be awarded for those who have proved their qualifications for First Family, Pioneer, Settlers or Civil War Ancestor categories. The public is welcome to attend.

Allen County Society To Discuss Manuscript Catalog

The Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana will meet on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 7 pm in Meeting Room C of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne. Steven Myers, Assistant Manager of the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center, will present a program on "The National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections" and how it is used as a resource in genealogical research. The meeting is open to the public and gathering time begins at 6:30 pm.

Jefferson County Society Launches Lineage Program

The Jefferson County Genealogical Society in Madison, Indiana is launching a lineage program specifically aimed at discovering and honoring the founding families of Jefferson County.

The lineage program recognizes three categories of early settlers:

--Frontier Families are those who blazed the trail into the wilderness, settling in the county on or before 7 August 1820.
--Founding Families are those who drove the county's major growth period and brought it prosperity and national prominence, settling in the county before 1 June 1860.
--First Century Families are those who helped move the county into the modern era, settling in the county before 11 February 1911.

Applicants to the program must prove their direct descent from an early settler as well as that settler's residence in the county before one of the category dates. Applicants do not have to be current residents of the county. Those who apply before 15 April 2009, and are approved by the evaluation committee, will be eligible to participate in the Madison Bicentennial Founder's Day Parade. All approved applicants will receive a certificate and lapel pin to commemorate their achievement.

The Jefferson County Genealogical Society encourages all those with an interest in family history to make the effort required to document their personal connection to the pioneers of the county. Compiled applications will be archived by the society for the benefit of other researchers, and the preservation of this link to the past. A book honoring the founding families is also planned.

For more information about the First Families program, visit the society's website (http://www.jeffersoncountygenealogicalsociety.org).

Rush County Genealogical Society To Meet

The Rush County Genealogical Society will hold an organizational meeting on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 1 pm in the meeting room of the Rushville Public Library (130 W. 3rd St., Rushville IN 46173). Ron Darrah will be the speaker. The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Pam Steed (geneabear@gmail.com).

Marion County Holds Fall Program

The Genealogical Society of Marion County will hold their Fall Program on Saturday, November 8, 2008 from 9 am to 12:30 pm at the LDS Family History Center, 110 N. White River Parkway, Indianapolis (west of the Indianapolis Zoo). The event is free, and in the first session (9:30 to 10:45 am), Deborah Engelking will present "Leave No Stone Unturned," about ways to use less-well-known genealogy sources. She will also touch on how to find and use church records. The second session (11 am to 12:15 pm) will be a roundtable discussion on topics such as: What are YOUR FAQ's? Filing systems? Software choices? Sources? Naturalizations? Collateral relatives? Whether you are new-and-uncertain or experienced-and-bold, you will have something to add or take away from this session.

Land Records Program at Noblesville

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a free class on Saturday, December 13 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on the value of using land records in genealogy research, where to find them and how to use atlases, maps and gazetteers to aid your search. To register, visit the library's website, or call their Outreach Department--phone (317) 776-6939.

Indiana Historical Society Offers Workshop on Employment Records

The Indiana Historical Society will host a workshop by Ron Darrah on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 10 am to noon entitled "Show Me the Money! Business and Employment Records in Genealogy," about how to use your ancestor's work records in your genealogy research. The workshop is $8 for IHS members; $10 for non-members. Registration is required--phone (317) 234-1830 or e-mail welcome@indianahistory.org.

Allen County Public Library To Close in November

The entire Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne (including the Genealogy Center) will be closed on Friday, November 21, 2008 for a staff in-service day. The library will be open that Thursday evening (November 20, 2008) until 9 pm and will not re-open until Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 9 am.

IGS Adds More Databases For Members

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added more databases to the Members-Only section of its website:

--Residents of Bartholomew County, Indiana (1821)
--Deceased Non-Graduates of Earlham College, Richmond (1851-1922)
--Roster of 51st Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War (1861-1865)
--Roster of Indiana's Volunteer Regiments in the Spanish-American War (1898)

Query: Clark/Barton of Grant County

I am trying to find more information about George Leroy Clark (1902-1968). He was born, lived and died in Marion, Grant County, Indiana. He was married to Lucille Barton (Burton?) and had seven children, one of whom was my grandmother, Barbara Jean Clark. I'd also like to get a copy of his obituary, which appeared in the August 8, 1968 issue of the Marion Chronicle Tribune.

Contact:
Lacey Boldyrev
E-mail: lacey.boldyrev@gmail.com

Query: Kugler of Steuben County

I have received information that my great-grandmother, Edna Kugler, is buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steuben County, Indiana. This information was found in the book, "Cemeteries of Steuben County, Indiana 1990." However, there was no additional information in the book, such as year of death. Can someone please advise me as to how I can find the year of death? I think that she died between 1910 and 1920. If I can obtain the year, I can then order the death certificate. Additionally, I would like to contact the cemetery regarding her burial plot, but have not been able to find their contact information.

Contact:
Sondra Rothe
3102 Riverlawn Dr.
Kingwood, TX 77339
E-mail: ssrothe@hotmail.com

Query: Denend/Pfautz of Huntington County

I am looking for information on Jerusha Denend (also may be spelled as Denand/Dinand/Denning/Demming) who was born about 1820 in Indiana. She married Peter Pfautz (also may be spelled as Foutz/Fouts) on 13 March 1839. Family lore says that the daughters of Peter and Jerusha were of Cherokee blood. Peter's family was from the area of Bavaria, Germany and settled in Pennsylvania so I am now wondering about Jerusha's side of the family. Can anyone tell me what Cherokee tribes were in Indiana circa 1830, especially in the Huntington County area? And how would I go about finding her original tribal name? One of Jerusha's daughters was my mom's great-grandmother. Thanks so much for your help with this puzzle.

Contact:
Coleen Coleman
550 Jefferson St.
Lander, WY 82520
E-mail: wyoeagle@webtv.net

Allen County Library Hosts Ancestry.com Lecture

The Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will host a WinterTech Family History Lecture by Melissa Shimkus on "Searching Ancestry.com" on Wednesdsay, December 10, 2008 at 2:30 pm. The lecture is free and the public is welcome to attend.

Boone County Genealogical Society Meeting

The Boone County Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, November 25 at 6:30 pm at the Lebanon Public Library. The public is welcome to attend.

La Porte County To Host Veterans Day Program

The La Porte County, Indiana Genealogical Society will meet Tuesday, November 11 at 7 pm at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults (910 State St., La Porte IN). In honor of Veterans Day, society members will speak about their ancestors who participated in past wars. The public is welcome to attend.

Ancestry Library Edition Workshop at Noblesville Library

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a free workshop on Wednesday, November 19 from 9:30 am to noon on how to use the Ancestry Library Edition databases. The class will be hands-on and there will be time at the end of the workshop to research your own ancestors. To register, visit the library's website, or call their Outreach Department--phone (317) 776-6939.

Allen County Society To Discuss Genealogy Publishing Software

The Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana will meet on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 7 pm in Meeting Room C of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne. "Publishing A Book From Your Genealogical Research" will be the featured topic. Users of various kinds of publishing software will explain the pros and cons of those products. The meeting is open to the public and gathering time begins at 6:30 pm.

Allen County Library Hosts Newspaper Research Lecture

The Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will host a WinterTech Family History Lecture by Delia Bourne on "Newspaper Searching with Ancestry's Historical Newspapers and Newspaper Archive," on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 2:30 pm. The lecture is free and the public is welcome to attend.

Society in Hamilton County Changes Hours

The Carmel Clay Historical Society in Carmel, Indiana has changed the hours of their Genealogy Lab (which is located at the Monon Center East). Effective until the end of December, they are open to the public on Tuesdays from 10 am to 1 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm. The lab offers Hamilton County resources as well as access to several genealogy databases such as HeritageQuest Online, Ancestry.com's Library Edition and NewEnglandAncestors.org. For more information, please contact them--phone (317) 846-7117.

Noblesville Library Offers Internet Searching Class

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a free class on Saturday, November 1 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm entitled "Researching Geneaogy Online" on how to use various free and subscription websites to get the best results out of your genealogy searches. To register, visit the library's website, or call their Outreach Department--phone (317) 776-6939.

Marriage Indexing: Bride and Groom's Columns

Some current records do not have a line or a groom's name. They start out with one of the other columns and nothing is there to indicate whether this information is for the bride or the groom. By looking at the column numbers, you can determine which columns on the grid to use.

Columns 2 through 9 are for the groom even if you do not have his name.

Columns 10 through 17 are for the bride even if you do not have her name.

If no line number is given, start numbering each line in the grid sequentially even if the line on the image is blank.

Thanks!

Update to Civil War Article in IGS Quarterly

The September 2008 issue of Indiana Genealogist features an article by Society of Civil War Families of Indiana member Keith Rott entitled "Indiana Civil War Soldiers John Lafayette White and William M. White." The article is about Rott's ancestors, whose family helped found the town of Lawrence in Marion County, Indiana.

After the issue was published, another contact person for this family was added:

Mrs. Michael (Cathy) Nuzum
5420 Longvue Dr.
Frisco, TX 75034
Phone (972) 668-3900
E-mail cjn@grandecom.net

Query: Foust/Stout of Wabash County

I would like to verify the kinship of Julia Foust Stout and Henry Foust who were in Waltz Township, Wabash County, Indiana from 1850-1910. Please contact me if you have any information on the Foust and Stout families.

Contact:
Penny Reed
8047 Julie Cv.
Millington, TN 38053
E-mail: pgrtnteach@aol.com

Query: Oblenis/Chosen of Huntington County

I am looking for information on Russell Oblenis who was born between 1915-1919 in Huntington Ward 1, Huntington County, Indiana. His father was Foster C. Oblenis and his mother was Mary Chosen. Russell had a brother named Edward Oblenis and an uncle by the name of Nathan Oblenis who was married to Erdine? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me if you are a living relative of this family or know what happened to Russell Oblenis.

Contact:
D. Sofi
20475 S. Jasan Dr.
Oregon City, OR 97045
E-mail: DeborahSofich@msn.com

Query: Baysinger/Harbaville of Perry County

I'm looking for information on Elizabeth Baysinger who married married Jules Joseph Harbaville. She was a midwife by trade and they were probably married at what was St. Johns Catholic Church (now St. Isadores). They are buried in the Harbaville Cemetery near Apalona in Perry County, Indiana. They had children: George, John, Sarah, Margaret and Mary Harbaville.

Contact:
Agnes Lewis
1705 Holeman Hill Rd.
Princeton, KY 42445
E-mail:agnes1@bellsouth.net

Query: Daugherty/Reynolds of Montgomery County

I am looking for the marriage record and information on the ancestors of Michael Daugherty (also spelled Dougherty) and Lucinda Reynolds. They were married 21 December 1824 in Montgomery County, Indiana.

Contact:
Pat Daugherty
404 Barbersville Rd.
Laurel, MD 20724
E-mail stargate404@verizon.net

Query: Jones/Loftin of Vermillion County

I am researching the Jones family of Rileysburg, Vermillion County, Indiana. Their farm was originally purchased by a Dr. Loftin. He was a physician whose farm specialized in animal raising. His daughter was Ada Loftin who married a William Jones. I'm not sure of the first name of Ada's husband--it could have been James. There were 13 children of David Jones in Ohio. Emily and Oliver Jones lived on the farm in Rileysburg. I would like to know how a Loftin bought land in Vermillion County, Indiana and why. Oliver Jones inherited the property from his mother (Ada) in the 1930's. His brother, Raymond, also got land there.

Contact:
Helen M. Jones
1284 Thurston Dr.
Columbus, OH 43227
E-mail helenmjns@yahoo.com

IGS Adds More Databases for Members

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added more databases to the Members-Only section of its website:

--Enumeration of Veterans in Huntington County, Indiana (1886)
--Rotster of 33rd Indiana Infantry in the Civil War (1861-1865)
--Students of South Bend High School, South Bend (1912-1914)
--Members of Indiana's General Assembly (1921)

NOTE: IGS memberships that are purchased on October 1st or later are automatically deferred to the beginning of 2009, but you will receive access to the Members-Only section for the remainder of 2008.

IGS Welcomes New District Directors

The Indiana Genealogical Society is proud to welcome new directors for the Northwest and South Central districts.

Barbara Kirkpatrick of Lafayette is the new director for the Northwest District (which covers Benton, Jasper, Lake, La Porte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, Starke, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties). She is active in the Tippecanoe Area Genealogical Society (TIPCOA).

Mobie McCammon of Bloomington is the new director for the South Central District (which covers Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, Scott and Washington counties). He is active in the Monroe County Historical Society.

Marriage Indexing: Type Only What You See

The cardinal rule to indexing historical records is TYPE ONLY WHAT YOU SEE.

The ONLY exception to that is when a state has been abbreviation, please spell it out!

If the number of marriages says 'One' on the document, then you type 'One.' If it says '1,' then that is what you type -- '1.' For race, if it says 'White,' then that is ACTUALLY what you type, but if it only says 'W,' then that is what you type. DO NOT ADD your own interpretation of what is meant. How you interpret it today may not be what was meant when the document was created. We cannot CHANGE an historical document -- ONLY TYPE WHAT YOU SEE.

And thank you to all the great indexers and arbitrators who are hanging in there with us to see these records finally become available -- soon we hope!

Marriage Indexing: Multiple-Page Marriage Records

There are four buttons in the middle of your indexing screen and slightly to the left that you should be using. They are B, U, B, and U and they are enclosed with <> brackets.

The first one is for marking a FIELD as blank; the second is for marking a FIELD as unreadable; the third one is for marking an entire RECORD/LINE as blank; and the last one is for marking the entire RECORD/LINE as unreadable.

EVERY LINE should have something entered for it. There is either information that is entered on the grid or if there is nothing there to index, mark the entire line as blank with the second button.

In some of the records we are getting now, the line numbers may be missing or many of the lines may be blank. DO NOT renumber the lines or add line numbers if none are present.

African American Genealogy Workshop in Indianapolis

The Indiana African American Genealogy Group will hold its 5th annual African American Genealogy and History Workshop on Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Eiteljorg Museum (500 West St., Indianapolis IN). The theme of the workshop is "Telling Your Family Story," and there will be three tracks offered, along with free research assistance on Friday, October 31, 2008 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Indiana State Library. Pre-registration is $25 for IAAGG members, $35 for non-members.

Indiana State Library Offers Orientation Tours

The Indiana State Library is offering a series of free tours of the various genealogy resources located on the library's first and second floors. The tours will be given on:

--Thursday, October 2, 2008--9:30 to 11 am
--Thursday, October 9, 2008--9:30 to 11 am
--Tuesday, October 14, 2008--9:30 to 11 am
--Tuesday, October 21, 2008--9:30 to 11 am
--Thursday, October 30, 2008--9:30 to 11 am
--Thursday, November 6, 2008--9:30 to 11 am
--Tuesday, November 18, 2008--9:30 to 11 am

Pre-registration is required--please call (317) 232-3689.

Genealogy After-Hours Event in Hendricks County

The Danville Public Library will hold an after-hours genealogy research session on Saturday, October 25 from 5 to 10 pm. Indiana Room staff will be available to answer questions and their collection will be open for uninterrupted research. Computers will also be available, and there will be a pitch-in supper. Registration is required and space is limited--call (317) 745-2604 to reserve your space.

Indiana State Library To Host Family History Day

The Indiana State Library will hold a free all-day event on Saturday, October 25, 2008 in celebration of Family History Month.

Schedule:
8:15-8:50 am--Sign-in

8:50-9:00 am--Welcome

9:00-10:00 am--Back To Basics: Beginning Your Family History. There will be research guidelines for the beginning genealogist and reminders for the experienced researcher.

10:15-11:15 am--Family History Research at the Indiana State Library. This will be an introduction to the family history-related materials located within the State Library's collections.

11:15 am-12:30 pm--Lunch (On your own)

12:30-1:30 pm--Family History Resources at the Indiana State Archives. This will be an overview of the Indiana State Archives and their resources of interest to genealogists.

1:45-2:45 pm--Indiana State Library and Archives Q&A Panel. State Library and State Archives staff will field questions regarding resource availability and research techniques.

2:45-3:45 pm--Family History Tour. You will be given a tour of the many family history resources located at the Indiana State Library.

Registration is required--the deadline to register is October 22 (you may registration for individual events). To register, please call (317) 232-3689 or e-mail augonzalez@library.in.gov.

Boone County Genealogical Society Annual Meeting

The Boone County Genealogical Society will hold their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 pm at the Sugar Plains Friends Church (8891 W. State Rd. 47, Thorntown IN). The public is welcome to attend.

Clinton County Genealogical Society To Meet

The Clinton County Genealogical Society will meet on Wednesday, October 22 from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Frankfort Community Public Library. The group meets the 4th Wednesday of the month (there are no meetings in January or November). For more information, contact Grace Mary Gouveia (ggouveia@accs.net)

La Porte County Genealogical Society To Meet

The La Porte County, Indiana Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, October 14 at 7 pm at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults (910 State St., La Porte IN). Darlene Jackson will present a program, "The Legacy of Madam Chevalier's Family, Long-Time Residents of Fort St. Joseph." The public is welcome to attend.

IGS Adds Free Database

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added another database to the Members-Only section of its website. "Enumeration of Veterans at Soldiers Home, Marion (1890)" is a detailed listing of the military service of those veterans who were living at the Soldiers Home in Grant County, Indiana in 1890 and is freely available to the public.

Query: Jones of Boone County

I'm looking for more information on the children and descendants of Jacob Jones, Sr. who stayed behind in Boone County, Indiana when he took the rest of his large family and moved to Oregon around 1851. I believe the names of his children who stayed were Jacob Jones, Jr. and James Jones (born 1821).

Contact:
Kelsy Jones-Sabin
111 NE Rifle Range St., Apt. 17
Roseburg, OR 97470
E-mail: ahickfromthesticks@yahoo.com

Query: Hamlin of Miami County

I am trying to find proof that Neamiah Hamlin (born 1820 in Ohio, died 1861; buried in County Cemetery, Miami County, Indiana) is the son of Reuben W. Hamlin who was born in 1798 and died 7 October 1855 in Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

Contact:
Frank Benson
34 Venezio Ave.
Albany, NY 12203
E-mail: bensonfr@aol.com

Query: Hester/Cole of Benton County

I am looking for any information regarding Clara D. Hester of Ambia, Benton County, Indiana on March 4, 1904. She was the daughter of J. H. Hester and Cora C. Hester. I want to locate information regarding a Thomas Cole (born March 18, 1890) who was also of Ambia, Indiana.

Contact:
Daniel Lee Cole
302 NE Oak Tree Place
Lee's Summit, MO 64086-3130
E-mail: danlcole_43@yahoo.com

Query: Bates of Ripley County

Looking for information on Alfred Bates (born about 1794 in Virginia and died in or after 1872 in Ripley County, Indiana) and his wife Margaret. They settled in Ripley County and their children included:

--Jane, b. 1818, married Lewis B. Wilson
--Elizabeth, b. 1820, married Robert Means
--George, b. 1823, married 1st Mary Wise, married 2nd Mary Buckhanan
--Dorothea, b. 1824, married Justus Shelp
--Martha, b. 1826, married Barnabas Hopper
--Nancy Agnes married George Beebe
--Mary married James Folsom

Alfred was in the War of 1812, pension # 14246.

Contact: Maureen Duncan
1411 N. Gladstone Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46201
E-mail mduncan75@excite.com

Query: Scroghams of Brown County

Query: I am looking for information on Scrogum or any spelling variations of this surname. Mine are from Texas but think that I could be related to the Scroghams (?) in Brown County, Indiana--they supposedly owned a farm and later turned it into a bed and breakfast called Fifth Generation B & B. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Contact: R. Lynn Scrogum
25325 John Wayne
Morrison, OK 73061
E-mail: greybear23@yahoo.com

Marriage Indexing: Different Type of Records to Index

The batches that you download for the next few weeks are the fourth-record type that was used to record Indiana’s early marriages. They are multi-page style registers that present special problems in getting them digitized and indexed.

Imagine if you will an open book with each line across the pages containing information about one marriage and about 25 or more lines/marriages to a page. Now imagine two narrower fold-over pages inserted in the middle of those two full pages in order to record additional information about each of the marriages – kind of an extension to the pages but bound into the middle of the book. Moving the fold-over pages to either left or right still leaves a portion of the full pages in sight but hides part of the full pages as well

If both fold-over pages are folded to the right, that is one image for the marriages on that page and is one batch. However, it does not contain all the information for those marriages. Move the first of the two fold-over pages to the left and you create a second image and batch but it too does not contain all the information for the marriages on that register page.

When the second fold-over page is folded to the left, a third image and batch is created, again not containing all the information on any of the marriages. It will take the information from all three of these images/batches to have complete information on the marriages recorded on this register page.

Since each ‘page’ is actually three pages and each ‘page’ might contain 25 or so different marriages, that would mean 75 or more records for each batch if we did them as we have been doing all the other records. Not wanting to create batches that large, it was decided that they would be broken into three separate pages/batches for indexing and arbitrating, but reassembled by FamilySearch after that part was finished. That means that none of the batches you will be getting will contain ALL the information on any of the marriages for that ‘page’ from the register. You will have either the fold-over pages both to the right and that will be page one or if the first fold-over page is to the left, you will have page two and if both fold-over pages are to the left, you will have page three.

Because none of the batches contain ALL the information for any of the marriages, many of the fields on the grid will be left empty. It is necessary to pay attention to the FIELD INSTRUCTIONS on the far right as some things will have changed from what you have been doing.

Pay particular attention to which page you have. If you have the third page/batch for instance, you will have the groom’s name on the far left, while everything else will probably be about the bride and her family but you may not even have her name! And of course, there are separate fields for information depending upon rather it is for the bride or the groom. Sounds weird, doesn’t it? These batches are not for the faint of heart but the good news is that there are not very many of them. I’m told we have only about 2000 such batches so that is very few when you consider that we do thousands of batches every month!

Thank you all for taking the time to come to the blog to read these special notes before attempting to get very far into these really different batches. In addition, I can reveal here that the plan is to put each county online as quickly as possible after finishing the indexing and arbitration. Only 263 of these batches will complete our first county! A second one will be done after the next 363 batches and at the end of the approximately 2000 batches, we will have four counties completed.

What a tremendous effort you have all put forth to get us to this point. You will never the number of researchers that will be grateful to you in the future for what you have done!

Thank you,

Shirley Fields

Query: Beaver of Clay County

I am looking for any information on a Leander Beaver (born 1841). He was to have lived in Clay County for a number of years and also lived there most of 1858-1887. According to information on one of his son's death certificate, Leander was married to a Sarah Whitney. He may have owned a grocery store but also he worked on the river, maybe as a fisherman or light tender. There are also some records that show he was a farmer. He has listed his birthplace as Fountain County and also Madison County. He had 4 sons: Loyal Beaver, Charles Beaver, Frank Beaver and James Edward Beaver. I believe his brother's name was Loyal Beaver (born 1846). In the 1850 census he was listed with a Henry Smith and Susan Smith with a Marion Smith and Leander and a brother Beaver believe it is Loyal. I don't know if his parents had died and this Smith is a relative. Leander's parents were Henry or Harry Beaver and Sarah Welsh according to one of his marriage licenses. If anyone has any information on any of these names, please get in touch with me.

Ruth Ann Conley
201 Esser St.
Washington, IL 61571
E-mail raconley4@sbcglobal.net

Tour of Cemeteries in Hendricks County

The Danville Public Library will lead a tour of Danville East and Danville Primitive Baptist cemeteries on Saturday, October 4 at 2 pm. Cindy Rutledge, Indiana Room manager at the library, and local historian Libbe Hughes will talk about the history of the cemeteries and highlight the graves of historic local figures such as Revolutionary War veterans, judges and college presidents. Tombstone preservation will also be featured, and there will be a demonstration of the art of dousing. The tour will meet in the parking lot of the Danville Middle School (49 N. Wayne St., Danville IN). Registration is required--register via the Events Calendar on the library's website, or by calling (317) 745-2604.

Family History Mini-Course at Fort Wayne

The Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a mini-course, "Family History: Beyond The Basics," on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25. Margery Graham, CG and Steve Myers, MLS will be the presenters. Sessions will include land records and tax lists and how to trace your ancestors across the Atlantic Ocean. Registration is $50--to register, go to http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/Beyond%20the%20Basics%20Mini-Course.pdf, or phone (260) 421-1225.

La Porte County Genealogical Society To Meet

The La Porte County, Indiana Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, September 9 at 7 pm at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults (910 State St., La Porte IN). Society members will present a program, "Memorable Persons from La Porte County, IN Townships." The public is welcome to attend.

IGS Adds More Databases for Members

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added some new databases to the Members-Only section of its website:

--Roster of 7th Indiana Infantry in the Civil War (1861-1865)
--Roster of 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War (1861-1865)
--Alumni of Teaching Course of Franklin College, Franklin (1874-1884)
--Deceased Alumni of Earlham College, Richmond (1860-1921)

In addition to providing details on their military service, the database for the 31st Indiana Volunteer Infantry also includes photos of some of the soldiers.

Cemetery Research Workshop in Noblesville

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a workshop on cemetery research on Saturday, October 11 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm in the library's north meeting room. Participants will learn what kinds of records are available and what are some of the symbols carved on tombstones. Registration is required--you may register on the library's website, or by calling the library's Outreach Department at (317) 776-6939.

Registration Opens For IGS Conference in Indianapolis

Registration is now open for the Indiana Genealogical Society's annual conference, which will be held Saturday, April 25, 2009 from 8 am to 5 pm at the Indianapolis Marriott East. In honor of the 20th anniversary of IGS, it will be a special 4-track conference, with Pamela K. Boyer, CG, CGL as the featured speaker. Other speakers will be: Dr. Jack Early, Curt B. Witcher, Bennie J. McRae, Dr. Alan January, Kevin Flanagan, Dona Stokes-Lucas and Ronald L. Darrah. The theme of the conference will be "Honoring Our Warriors: Military Genealogy," and topics will include military records, African American research, and Internet sources.

Registration is $30 for IGS members, $35 for non-members. There is a discounted rate available for rooms at the Indianapolis Marriott East--please contact them directly at (317) 352-1231 and mention the IGS conference to receive the discount.

For more information, or to register, please visit the Conference page.

Boone County Genealogical Society Meeting

The Boone County Genealogical Society will meet Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30 pm at the Thorntown Public Library. The public is welcome to attend.

Hamilton County Offers Genealogy Databases Workshop

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a hands-on workshop on using three genealogy databases--HeritageQuest Online, NewEnglandAncestors.org, and Footnote.com--on Wednesday, October 22 from 9:30 am to noon in the library's computer training room. Participants will have time at the end of the workshop to research. Registration is required--you may register on the library's website, or by calling the library's Outreach Department at (317) 776-6939.

Family History Workshop in Frankfort

The Clinton County Genealogical Society will hold a workshop on Saturday, September 20 from 9 am to 2:30 pm at the Frankfort Community Public Library. Jeffrey A. Bockman will speak on "Census-Are Your Ancestors Hiding in the 20th Century Census," and "Living with Brick Walls." Mary Jane Meeker from the Society of Indiana Pioneers will share information about that group. For more information, please contact Grace Mary Gouveia (ggouveia@accs.net).

Marion County Society To Discuss Genealogy Websites

The Genealogical Society of Marion County will meet Saturday, September 13 at 1:30 pm at the Southport branch of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library. Debbie Engelking will speak on "Genealogy Records Sites on the Internet." The meeting is open to the public.

Irish and Scots-Irish Family History Workshop in Fort Wayne

The Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold an Ulster Historical Foundation workshop on Saturday, October 4 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm in Meeting Rooms A, B and C. Sessions will include: "Records Relating to the Different Churches in Ireland;" "Emigration from Ireland to America and Sources for its Study," and "The Ulster Plantation: Sources for 17th Century Families." Registration is $25, and if you would like to schedule a consultations with the presenters for the afternoon of October 3, it is an additional $20. For more information (including a registration form), see http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/UHF%20Irish%20Workshop%20Brochure.pdf

IGS Offers Databases for Members

The Indiana Genealogical Society has launched a Members-Only section on its website. There, IGS members can search several databases for their Indiana connections. More databases will be added often.

Already on the site are databases concerning the Civil War, Mexican War and Spanish-American War, as well as church records, orphans records and records for various schools (including Indiana University).

IGS Offers New Publications

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added several new publications to the Shop IGS section of its website. The publications focus on Indianapolis and Marion County records. Among the highlights:

--Marion County, Indiana High School Graduates, Volumes 1 and 2--containing information on graduates of Indianapolis/Shortridge High School 1869-1910; Ben Davis High School, 1896-1938; Franklin Township High Schools, 1890-1942, and Lawrence Township High Schools, 1895-1941.

--Marriages and Deaths from Indianapolis Newspapers, Volumes 1, 2 and 3--containing extracts of entries from Indianapolis newspapers concerning marriages, deaths, divorces, separations/desertions, and estate notices. Volume 1 covers 1822-1829; Volume 2 covers 1830-1839; Volume 3 covers 1840-1849.

--Burial List and History of Greenlawn City Cemetery, Indianapolis--containing information on burials from the 1820's through the 1860's.

--World War I Military Deaths from Marion County--a reprint of the Marion County section of Gold Star Honor Roll (1921), which has photos and brief biographies of Marion County soldiers who died during the Great War.

Military Symposium in Fort Wayne

The Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a symposium on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27 about the military records held at the National Archives. Marie Varrelman Melchiori, CG, CGL will be the featured speaker, and there will also be time for individual consultations. Registration is $50, which includes a dinner on Friday night featuring a talk by Curt Witcher. For more information, see http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/Military%20Symposium.pdf, or phone (260) 421-1225.

Family History Seminar in Louisville

The Louisville Genealogical Society will hold their Family History Seminar and Book Fair on Saturday, October 11 from 8:30 am to 4 pm at the Beargrass Christian Church (4100 Shelbyville Rd., Louisville KY). Michael John Neill will be the featured speaker and topics will include "Researching the Entire Family; Using FHL Records When You Don't Know the Language;" migration trails, and effective Internet searching. General admission is $5; the lectures are $10 each to attend. There will also be several free classes you can attend, including 1-hour sessions on beginning your research, researching Irish ancestors, researching deed and tax lists, and evaluating genealogy software programs.

Hamilton County Offers Genealogy Course

The Carmel-Clay Historical Society in Carmel, Indiana will offer a 5-week genealogy course, "Finding Family," beginning in September at the Monon Center in Carmel's Central Park. Sue Dillon will lead the course, which will include how to find information on the Internet and how to locate information such as deeds, wills, marriages, death certificates, cemetery records, and estate settlements. The course is limited to 20 people; the course fee is $20 for CCHS members, $25 for non-members.

For more details, contact Sue Dillon at shdillon@indy.rr.com or phone (317) 844-3558.

Ancestry Library Edition Workshop Offered in Hamilton County

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a hands-on workshop on using Ancestry Library Edition on Wednesday, September 24 from 9:30 am to noon in the library's computer training room. There will be time at the end of the program to research your ancestors. Registration is required--you may register on the library's website, or by calling the library's Outreach Department at (317) 776-6939.

Boone County Genealogical Society Meeting

The Boone County Genealogical Society will meet Tuesday, August 26 at 6:30 pm at the Lebanon Public Library. The public is welcome to attend.

Scottish and Lithuanian Research Program in Fort Wayne

The Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana will meet on Wednesday, October 8 at 7 pm in Meeting Room A of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne. Jeanne Stump will present a program on doing research in Scotland and Lithuania. Stump is a Certified Genealogist, a Fellow of The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and a volunteer with the Lithuanian Global Genealogy Society. The meeting is open to the public and gathering time begins at 6:30 pm.

Marriage Indexing: Roll of Honor

Marriage Indexing: Roll of Honor
We are indexing Indiana marriage records in preparation for putting the digital images online for researchers to access. Congratulations to all who are helping with this project and a special thank you to the following Roll of Honor indexers and arbitrators for their contribution.

Over 20,000 Records Indexed
Harold Martin of Melbourne, Florida
Sheryl Porter of Monmouth, Illinois
Robert E. Van Lue of Rochester, Indiana
Jane Chamberlain of Bloomfield, Indiana
Bea Barton of Washington, Utah

Over 10,000 Records Indexed
Don Sylvester of Sanford, North Carolina
Clara J. Whan of Avilla, Indiana
Teresa Taramasso of Graham, Texas
Michelle Golden of Roy, Washington
Linda Harney of Huntington, Indiana
Darlene Shuart of Monroe, Washington
Justina Cook of Nampa, Idaho
Mary Sallee of Mesa, Arizona
Carolyn Lowe of Knoxville, Tennessee
Barbara Scott of Sunnyvale, California

Over 5,000 Records Indexed
Patricia Hodges of Stacy, Minnesota
Cindy Fuller of West Lafayette, Indiana
Robert McKillip of Rock Mount, Virginia
Evelyn D. City of Clinton, Indiana
William Stevens of West Point, Utah
Walter Caplinger of Kansas City, Missouri
Mary Stewart of Muncie, Indiana
Sandra Wincek of New Berlin, Wisconsin
Ronald R. Hall of Fort Wayne, Indiana
Judy Vanaugh of Poland, Ohio
Karen Creamer of Connersville, Indiana
Martha Roll of Rockford, Illinois
Deborah Rex of Brea, California
Nancy Lee White of Patriot, Indiana
Yvonne L. Strong of East Wenatchee, Washington

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 Arbitrated
Bernie Cinkoske of Indianapolis, Indiana
Ronald Chard of Ocala, Florida
Justina Cook of Nampa, Idaho
Larry Munden of Houston, Texas
Lori White of Windsor, Colorado

Over 5,000 Records Arbitrated
Michelle Golden of Roy, Washington
Ann C. Richardson of Woods Cross, Utah
Robert McKillip of Rock Mount, Virginia
Jennifer Cruse of Terre Haute, Indiana

Genealogy "Boot Camp" in Noblesville

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a beginning genealogy class on Saturday, September 20 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Participants will learn how to complete pedigree charts and family group sheets, where to begin the hunt, how to find and interpret records such as census records, birth, death, and a marriage records, and how to hunt for ancestors on the Internet. Registration is required--you may register on the library's website, or by calling the library's Outreach Department at (317) 776-6939.

Vital Records Lecture in Fort Wayne

The Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a free lecture, "Vital Records and Their Substitutes," on Saturday, August 23 at 10 am in Meeting Room A. Register by phone (260) 421-1225 or by e-mail genealogy@ACPL.info

Query: HEADY/BLAIR of Vigo County

I'm trying to research my husband's grandfather, William A. Heady (born 1876 in Indiana; died April 1917 in Oklahoma). He was the son of John F. Heady (born about 1845 in Kentucky; died 1880-1900) and Amanda M. Blair (born February 1846 in Kentucky; died 11 January 1913 in Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana), who were married 8 October 1865 in Vigo County.

John F. and Amanda Heady were in the 1880 census in Linton Township, Vigo County. Amanda is a widow in the 1900 census, living in Terre Haute in the household of a son-in-law.

William A. had siblings:
--Robert T. (born about 1866 in Indiana)
--Mary E. (born about 1868 in Indiana)
--Ida M. (born about 1870 in Indiana)
--Sarah E. (born about 1874 in Indiana)--married Daniel C. Coleman (born about 1871) on 9 November 1893 in Vigo County
--Rosetta M. (born November 1878 in Indiana)--married Bert L. Kendall (born April 1874) on 27 October 1895 in Vigo County

William A. Heady married Mary B. Leach on 26 February 1898 in Vigo County. Family history says they had a son (name unknown). He was working in Oklahoma by 1903, and he was married in 1905 near Elk City, Oklahoma to Georgia Hanger and they had a daughter, Bernice (born 1915). William was killed in a fire in 1917, but his wife and daughter survived. We know little of the Indiana part of our family history. Thank you for any information you can give us.

Kellie Sensintaffar
kelliegardens@yahoo.com

Curt Witcher To Speak at Allen County Meeting

Curt Witcher, manager of the Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, will speak at the September 10 meeting of the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana. Witcher will present a program on "What's New at the Genealogy Center." The meeting is open to visitors as well as members and begins at 7 pm in the theater on the lower level of the Allen County Public Library. Gathering time is 6:30 pm.

Genealogy Workshop in Southern Indiana

The Southern Indiana Genealogical Society will hold a Genealogy Workshop on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 7 pm in the Indiana History Room of the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library. Vic Pfau will begin the workshop by giving a brief orientation regarding genealogy research and gathering information, then Indiana History Room staff will hold breakout sessions covering: computer databases/websites; microfilmed newspapers and records; maps, and other Indiana Room resources. To reserve your space, or for any questions, please e-mail sigs@nafcpl.lib.in.us.

Query: Eckhard of DeKalb County

I am looking for any information or connection to my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, Henry Eckhard (Eckhart/Eckhardt) who owned 80 acres of land in Franklin Township, DeKalb County, Indiana around 1850-1860. He died August 17, 1853, but the family is in the 1860 census with his widow Barbara and son John and daughter Martha. Henry's son George Eckhard (Eckhart/Eckhardt) is my great-great-great-grandfather, and was a preacher on horseback and a pastor in the German Methodist Church. The entire family was devoted to the church, and particularly the German Methodist. George's cousin was the Charles Eckhart who began the Eckhart Carriage Co. which became the Auburn Car Co.

Tom Eckhardt
1026 N. Parkside Dr.
Peoria, IL 61606
tombeumc@sbcglobal.net

Query: Lanning/Johnson of Jay and Randolph counties

I have traced my family back to my great-great-grandfather, Amos Lanning, who was born March 14, 1853 (the son of Robert Lanning) and died in 1920 in Randolph County, Indiana. Amos was married in 1870 in Jay County, Indiana to Clara Johnson (born September 28, 1851 in Indiana; died 1914 in Allen County, Indiana). Clara's father was Urion Johnson and her mother was Sarah Houts from Ohio. It appears the Lannings also came from Ohio. I would love to hear from anyone who might have some information that could help me to find out more.

Joseph Costa
1423 Nottingham Circle
Los Banos, CA 93635
joe@mohlernixon.com

Query: Sword/Kelly of Henry and Marion counties

I am trying to trace my great-aunt Elizabeth (Sword) Kelly. She was known as Bess or Bessie, and was born 28 January 1885 in Lyon County, Kansas. She was married circa 1914 in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana to a Mr. Kelly and divorced before 1920. In the 1920 census she was in the 15th ward of Indianapolis, Marion County, working as an attendant at the Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane. She had a sister, Margaret (Sword) Van Nuys, who was married to Dr. Walter C. Van Nuys, the director of Indiana's Epilyptic Village at Hillsboro, Henry County, Indiana. Their son (and therefore Bess Kelly's nephew) was Dr. John Ditmars VanNuys, Dean of Indiana University's College of Medicine until his early death in 1964. Another sister of Bess was my grandmother, Beatrice (Sword) Rhodes of Tampa, Marion County, Kansas.

I'm told Bess Kelly lived an "unhappy" life. I do not think she ever remarried. There is a Bessie Kelly buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis--she was buried in Section 11, Lot 43 on July 5, 1960. Are there records available that might prove if she is the correct Bessie Kelly that I am seeking?

John M. Rhodes
409 Bloor St E., #602
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3T2
Canada
johnmrhodes@roges.com

Query: Reynolds of Knox County

I am seeking information on William Edward Reynolds who was born 5 March 1881, probably in Knox County, Indiana. His mother's name was Nancy Jane Fields or Amanda Ann W? He married Viola (Louie) Nash on 11 April 1900 and died in 1947. He had 11 children and is buried in Fairview Cemetery in Vincennes, Knox County.

Harolyn Reynolds
125 Culbertson Loop
Livingston, TX 77351
spindrift@escapees.com

Query: Regener of Marion, Dubois and Vanderburgh counties

I am looking for information on Anthony Regener, who was born in Magdaburg, Germany in 1823. He was a tailor and farmer. His wife was Mary Elizabeth "Anna" Heuring, and they had children: Frank, Andrew, Fred, Henry, Emma and Nancy Regener. Anthony was in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana in 1867, and by the 1870 census he and his family were in Huntingburg, Dubois County, Indiana. When and where did Anthony die? In the 1880 census his wife is listed as widowed and was living with their children in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Anthony's son Frank eventually settled in Michigan and was a teacher at St. Lorenz Lutheran School in Frankenmuth, Saginaw County, Michigan. Emma married a Joseph E. Franks in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, and Nancy married a Mr. Blackwell (place of marriage unknown). I am especially interested in any siblings Anthony may have had, as one of them may have served in the Union army during the Civil War. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Sue Hebbeler
110 W. Maryland St.
Evansville, IN 47710

Query: Hayes of Wabash County

I am researching a Hayes family from Lagro, Wabash County, Indiana. There were two sisters: Ellen Hayes born January 31, 1857 and Katherine Hayes born November 1854. They are in the 1860 census living with a Jerry Hayes who was born in Ireland (most likely their father), and a Margaret Hayes who was born in Ireland (most likely their grandmother). There is also a Hanna Hayes who is in the household but my guess is that she is a second wife for Jerry as she is quite young.

I cannot locate Ellen and Katherine Hayes again until they were married. There is a family rumor that they were orphans for some time. Katherine married a Eugene Thompson on November 20, 1882. Eugene Thompson disappeared around 1910 and Katherine was still alive after 1930 in Marion County, Indiana--I cannot find when they died.

Ellen Hayes married Daniel Haley on August 16, 1886 in Miami County, Indiana. I have records for this family until their deaths. Ellen died August 8, 1921 in Peru, Miami County (her death record lists her mother as being Ellen Mannen?) Daniel Haley died May 28, 1939 in Peru as well.

I am interested in learning about the sisters before they get married. Thank you in advance for any help. It may be the fact that I am in Minnesota that is making researching this line so hard.

Karen Haley
15694 Heywood Ct.
Apple Valley, MN 55124-7149
kahaley@gmail.com

Query: Brown/Skeels of Noble County

I am seeking information on a land grant made to Henry and Rebecca (Skeels) Brown in Noble County, Indiana. Based on family history, the land grant occurred sometime between 1840 and 1860 (the date could vary one way or the other).

Cindi Marsh
10601 Oak Chapek Dr.
Ft. Wayne, IN 46845
cindi10601@verizon.net

Query: Robinson of Steuben County

While sight seeing through Angola, Steuben County, Indiana a friend took me to a roadside grave site. It was not in a cemetery, it was just two headstones at the corner of county roads 350 North and 800 West. It was hard to make out much, but on one of the stones we could see: "son of Robinson died Jul 29 1848 & 22 days." I was told the gravesite is always taken care of and flowers are always there. Is there a story behind these headstones?

Shari Gorney
22705 Socia
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48082
oleblueii@aol.com

Query: Hunter/Welborn

I am seeking information on Sophronia Hunter who was born in 1856 somewhere in Indiana. She was the daughter of Clark Hunter and she married John S. Welborn on September 11, 1873.

Tom Armstrong
9251 George St.
Manassas, VA 20110
tronald@mac.com

Query: Abernathy of Fountain County

I am looking for obituaries for the following people:

--Orville Abernathy died 22 June 1992 in Covington, Fountain County, Indiana
--Elizabeth Abernathy died March 1980 in Indiana
--Homer Abernathy died date unknown in Indiana

Nick DeRose
14205 Gayhead Rd.
Apple Valley, CA 92307-5797
nbderose@verizon.net

Query: Downey/Price of Howard County

I am looking for information about John Downey and Sarah Price for a family history. The only thing I know about Sarah (Price) Downey is that she died August 11, 1922 in Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana. She had a daughter named Lydia (Downey) Ballew who died in 1900 in Kokomo, and she may have had another daughter named Ida who also lived in Kokomo.

Sharon Roczynski
1424 E. College Ave., Apt. 6
Normal, IL 61761
sharon@ilstu.edu

Query: Kelley of Wabash and Allen counties

I am searching for the burial site of John Bailey Kelley. He was born July 1, 1850 in Lagro, Wabash County, Indiana and died about 1911 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.

George Shaffer
P.O. Box 1068
Capitan, NM 88316
micshaffer35@yahoo.com

Query: MacDaniel of Wabash County

I'm seeking information on the parents of Mary Martha MacDaniel, who was born 16 September 1868 in Wabash County, Indiana and married Samuel Elmer Dillavou of Illinois. I'm also seeking confirmation of her birthdate.


Anne Prowell
374 Delano Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94112
admin@4thefam.us

Query: Reese of Fountain and Allen counties

I'm looking for information on Charles Reese who was part of the 20th Indiana Volunteers during the Civil War. He enrolled in Attica, Fountain County, Indiana and he served from 1861-1865. He was assigned to Kearney's Division 30 Corps. After the war, he relocated to Ft. Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, where he died (date unknown).

Jacklyn Wilson
2000 N. Meridian Rd., Apt. 183
Tallahassee, FL 32303
wilsonsue@msn.com

Query: Friend of Jay County

I am looking for cemetery and death records for other members of the Friend family. Gerald D. Friend was born in 1917 and died in 1996 and is buried in the cemetery in Antioch, Jay County, Indiana. His wife Cornelia is also buried there. I believe that their children and grandchildren may also be buried there. Where could I find that information?

Jena Stinger
RR 2, Box 55D
Pocatello, ID 83202
motherstinger@gmail.com

Randolph County Courthouse Renovation

The Randolph County Commissioners are proceeding with plans to renovate the courthouse in Winchester, Indiana and also build an annex that would connect to it. The courthouse was built in 1877 and was originally slated to be demolished, but community opposition (including the 2005 publication of a "Courthouse Girls" calendar featuring nude octogenarians) caused the commissioners to reverse their decision in 2006. The construction project is slated to cost the county $10.7 million, and still faces some obstacles, including the granting of a zoning variance.

Marriage Indexing: Over 615,000 Records

Volunteers with the Indiana marriage indexing project continue to make progress. As of the end of June, they had indexed over 615,000 records.

See project statistics (PDF)

Survey of IGS Conference Sites

The Indiana Genealogical Society board is conducting a brief survey to see the interest in potential sites for future IGS annual conferences. To take the survey, please visit http://www.indgensoc.org/conference_survey.html

If you include your name and e-mail address when you fill out this survey, you will automatically be entered in our drawing for a free registration to the 2009 IGS conference in Indianapolis. Only one entry per person.

Bloomington Cemeteries Damaged By Vandals

White Oak Cemetery (located on 7th Street on the west side of Bloomington) was the victim of vandals this past week. Some 44 headstones were knocked over sometime between June 30 and July 1. Cemetery workers were able to reset 15 of those stones, but the other 29 will require the services of an expert restorer, which could cost the cemetery $15,000, according to a report in the Indianapolis media. Some of the graves there date back to the early 1800's.

On July 3, workers at the Dunn Cemetery on the campus of Indiana University discovered that two of the headstones had been damaged and another four headstones appeared to have been removed.

Thanks to IGS President Michael Maben for providing this information.

Flooding Damages Johnson County Cemetery

Workers at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, Indiana are still cleaning up after being hit by the flooding that affected a large portion of the state in early June. The cemetery has over 20,000 graves and the flooding toppled about 80 headstones (though none of the graves were disturbed). The office of the cemetery's sexton was also heavily damaged.

Family History Conference in Indianapolis

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold their 4th Annual Central Indiana Family History Conference on Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 9 am to 4 pm at the Indianapolis Stake Center on the south side of Indianapolis (900 E. Stop 11 Rd., Indianapolis IN). The theme of the event is "Linking Lives Long Lost," and Dr. Stephen McDonald will deliver the keynote address, "Putting The Genes Back into Genealogy." There will be multiple lecture tracks offered, including research on African-Americans, Germans, Hispanics and women, as well as land records, church records, and computer genealogy.

The conference is free. A boxed lunch will be available for $6. Registration is available on their website.

Danville's College Subject of Talk

The Plainfield Public Library in Hendricks County, Indiana will host a talk on the history of Central Normal College on July 22, 2008 at 7 pm. The talk will be given by Cindy Rutledge, who is the manager of the Indiana Room of the Danville Public Library, and will include a display of some of the college's memorabilia that the library has in its collection. Central Normal College existed in Danville from 1878 to 1946 and produced over 50,000 alumni from all over the country.

Registration is required--you may register via their website, or by calling (317) 839-6602, ext. 114.

Plainfield To Host Cemetery Research Workshop

The Plainfield Public Library in Hendricks County, Indiana will host "Cemetery Etiquette 101," a workshop by local historian Libbe Hughes, on July 31, 2008 at 7 pm. The workshop will discuss Indiana law as it applies to cemeteries, repair techniques for tombstones, how to read inscriptions on tombstones, and what to consider when exploring Hoosier graveyards.

Registration is required--you may register via their website, or by calling (317) 839-6602, ext. 114.

Lake County Marriage Index 1837-1920 Online

The Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society is working on a marriage index for 1837-1920 for Lake County, Indiana. The marriage index is online at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~innwigs/Archives/MarriageBooks-Lake.htm.

Marriage Indexing: Blurry Images & Other Tidbits

Ever get a blurry image? Here's how you handle them. If an image is blurry, look at the next image before indexing the blurry image. Chances are pretty good that the next image is a duplicate of the blurry one and will be much clearer. When that happens, go back to the blurry image, mark it as a duplicate, go to the clearer image and index it!

If the given name is William Edward, we want the whole thing -- not William E. and the field help says. And usually the name is written several times on a document. Please take the time to find the most COMPLETE name because that is the one we want you to index.

And sometimes a name may be Sarah one place on the document and maybe Sally someplace else. Which one to use? Use both! Index it as Sarah or Sally. Two versions of any name with "or" between them is not only acceptable, it is what we would like to see!

Thanks for your help on this fantastic project! You are creating an index that will last and be helpful to future generations long after all of us are gone. What better legacy to leave!

Shirley Fields

Indianapolis Probate Records Book Reprinted

The Genealogical Society of Marion County has reprinted Marion County, Indiana, Probate Records, January 1830-August 1852 by Jane E. Darlington. The hardbound book is 510 pages and is available for $47 + $3 shipping and handling (Indiana residents must add $3.50 for sales tax). An order form is available on the GSMC website.

Marriage Indexing: Roll of Honor

Our world-wide pool of indexers continue to plug away at the vast number of Indiana marriage records we are indexing in preparation for putting the digital images online for reseachers to access. Congratulations to all who are helping with this project and a special thank you to the following Roll of Honor indexers and arbitrators for their contribution.

Over 20,000 Records Indexed
Harold Martin of Melbourne, Florida
Sheryl Porter of Monmouth, Illinois
Robert E. Van Lue of Rochester, Indiana
Jane Chamberlain of Bloomfield, Indiana

Over 10,000 Records Indexed
Bea Barton of Washington, Utah
Don Sylvester of Sanford, North Carolina
Clara J. Whan of Avilla, Indiana
Teresa Taramasso of Graham, Texas
Michelle Golden of Roy, Washington
Linda Harney of Huntington, Indiana
Darlene Shuart of Monroe, Washington
Justina Cook of Nampa, Idaho
Mary Sallee of Mesa, Arizona
Carolyn Lowe of Knoxville, Tennessee
Barbara Scott of Sunnyvale, California


Over 5,000 Records Indexed
Patricia Hodges of Stacy, Minnesota
Cindy Fuller of West Lafayette, Indiana
Robert McKillip of Rock Mount, Virginia
Evelyn D. City of Clinton, Indiana
William Stevens of West Point, Utah
Walter Caplinger of Kansas City, Missouri
Mary Stewart of Muncie, Indiana
Sandra Wincek of New Berlin, Wisconsin
Ronald R. Hall of Fort Wayne, Indiana
Judy Vanaugh of Poland, Ohio
Karen Creamer of Connersville, Indiana
Martha Roll of Rockford, 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 Arbitrated
Bernie Cinkoske of Indianapolis, Indiana
Ronald Chard of Ocala, Florida
Justina Cook of Nampa, Idaho
Larry Munden of Houston, Texas

Over 5,000 Records Arbitrated
Lori White of Windsor, Colorado
Michelle Golden of Roy, Washington
Ann C. Richardson of Woods Cross, Utah
Robert McKillip of Rock Mount, Virginia
Jennifer Cruse of Terre Haute, Indiana

Whitesell Cemetery in Indianapolis Rededicated

As reported in July 2007, the Wright-Gentry-Whitesell Cemetery, which was on Castleton Drive on the northeast side of Indianapolis, was relocated due to the planned expansion of Interstate 69. Last fall the 33 sets of remains that were buried there were painstakingly exhumed, along with their headstones, and this spring they were reburied in the identical configuration at the Pioneer Cemetery section of Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. The move cost the state an estimated $400,000.

On June 11, 2008 a rededication ceremony was held at Crown Hill Cemetery, and over 100 people--including several descendants of the pioneers buried in the cemetery--attended. The ceremony included speeches by the commissioner of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' preservation officer.

Query: McAvoy of Cass or La Porte counties

I am interested in these siblings:

--George McAvoy born November 1879
--Harry McAvoy born October 1883; died 1950 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
--Mary (or May) S. McAvoy born October 1885

They may have been from Logansport, Cass County, Indiana or Laporte, La Porte County, Indiana. They are in the 1900 census in Chicago, Illinois--George is the head of household and his birthplace is given as Illinois; Harry and Mary S.'s birthplaces are both given as Indiana. Their father's birthplace was listed as New York and their mother's birthplace as Wisconsin.


Thomas McAvoy
18575 E. Fieldbrook
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
thomasmcavo9985@aol.com

Query: Hamilton of Grant County

I am looking for information on J.T. Hamilton (born about 1838 in Indiana), who was sometimes called Liberty. He was married about 1873 to Almira/Elmira (born about 1846 in Indiana). They had daughter Myrtle (born December 1873 in Indiana). They also raised Liberty's niece Pearl Hamilton (born April 1889 in Indiana).

They were in the 1900, 1910 and 1920 censuses for Jefferson Township, Grant County, Indiana. I cannot locate him after the 1920 census. I would like to find out who his father was.

Jonann Hamilton
317 Gawin Dr.
Warner Robins, GA 31093
dannyhamilton1@yahoo.com

Query: Frazier/Shaw of Indiana

I am trying to locate information on James Amos Frazier, who was born about 1800 (probably in Kentucky). I found that a petition for divorce was filed in Kentucky in 1846 by his wife, Margaret (Shaw) Frazier. The petition says that they moved to Indiana for awhile, but then she moved back to Kentucky to be supported by friends and family. This divorce petition was dismissed without prejudice in 1848.

According to the petition, James and Margaret had 5 children. I know one of their children was Joel P. Frazier, who was born in 1827 in Kentucky. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Darlene Amos
612 Forbes Dr.
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Damos621@aol.com

Query: Pennington of Morgan County

I am trying to locate Kandice or Candy Pennington who lived in Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana in 1978. She attended Indiana University in Bloomington.

Brenna (Brown) Burnette
2149 3rd St.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
bburnette@scusd.net

Query: Ridgeway of Greene County

According to his death certificate, my great-grandfather, George F. Ridgeway, was born 8 December 1873 in Worthing, Indiana (perhaps Worthington, Greene County, Indiana?). His father's name was George W. Ridgeway and his mother's name was Mary Branch. Oral tradition is that George W. and Mary were on their way home to Waverly, Pike County, Ohio after visiting relatives in Illinois when Mary went into labor in Indiana. Any information on this family would be greatly appreciated.

Karen Henchel
203 Nicklaus Ct.
Evans, GA 30809
dkhenchel@hotmail.com

Query: Dean of Marion County

I am trying to find information on my uncle Sherman Daniel Dean (nicknamed "Friendly"). He was born March 2, 1952 in Virginia and according to the Social Security Death Index, he died in June 1987 (last residence unknown). He lived in Indiana--I'm not sure of the town but I think maybe Indianapolis, Marion County. I know that he was killed in some kind of explosion while cleaning some kind of tank.


Barbara Hicks
4990 State Route 138
Hillsboro, OH 45133
barbhicks@att.net

Query: Romine of Jefferson County

I am looking for information on the Jacob Romine family that was living in Lancaster Township, Jefferson County, Indiana according to the 1830 census, and possibly the 1840 census.


Sarah Winckelman
4069 Howell Rd.
Malvern, PA 19355
nocreek@aol.com

Query: Hoff/Sonnefeld of Harrison County

I am trying to determine the birthplace of Clara Catherine Hoff, who was born 1 January 1866, possibly in Harrison County, Indiana. Her parents were Rev. Frederick Albert Hoff and Catherina Maria Sonnefeld.

Elizabeth Elshoff
8990 S. 450W
Huntingburg, IN 47542
russf@psci.net

Query: Mathews of Cass and Noble counties

I am trying to find the obituary of John William Mathews who was born November 18, 1884 in Michigan. He lived in Noble County, Indiana since at least 1920. Prior to that, he lived in Cass County, Indiana. According to the Social Security Death Index, he died in March 1967 and his last residence was Kendallville, Noble County, Indiana.

Sondra Rothe
3102 Riverlawn Dr.
Kingwood, TX 77339
ssrothe@hotmail.com

Query: Roach/Cain of Jefferson County

I am looking for information on William M. Roach (born about 1817 in Kentucky). He married Susan Cain (daughter of Jacob Cain and Ann Cain) in Jefferson County, Indiana in 1836. They were living in Carroll County in 1840 and moved to Iowa about 1849.

Larry Roach
4425 Wesley Way
El Sobrante, CA 94803
roachgirls@aol.com

Query: Debruler of Clay County

I am researching the family of William Wells Debruler of Clay County, Indiana. William was the eldest son of Jacob and Rachel Debruler of Clermont County, Ohio. William's youngest brother, Joseph Jasper Debruler, enlisted in the Union Army from Clay County in 1864 and was in the 1870 census in Clay County with his wife Mary Wekerley Debruler and three children.

I am the son of Donald Carlos DeBrular and the grandson of Elsworth DeBrular, who was Joseph's youngest son. The name was originally spelled Debruler and is spelled Debrewler in the 1870 census. The name was later spelled DeBrular.


Jerry D. Mills
2524 Glencairn Dr.
Ft. Wayne, IN 46815
jerrydmj@verizon.net

Query: Robertson of Knox County

I am looking for information on Jane Robertson, who was born in 1897 or 1898 in Scotland. She lived in Knox County, Indiana, in the 200 block of West 7th Street in Bicknell. Her husband's name may have been Alexander. I believe Alexander died in 1991, and was a resident of Bicknell Nursing Home at the time. He was buried in Bicknell Memorial Cemetery.

Brad Butrum
2422 Arleth St.
Terre Haute, IN 47802
bradandpatti2422@yahoo.com

Query: Bledsoe/Walker of Martin County

I am trying to prove that William Bledsoe (born about 1824 in Indiana; died about 1856 in Martin County, Indiana), who was married about 1842 to Louisa ?Walker?, was the father of Henry Bledsoe (or Bledsaw), who was born about 1846 and died 2 June 1917. Henry married Eliza A. Hitt on 27 September 1868 and they had a son, Charles Bledsoe (born 1871).

All the records I have found so far have been in Perry or Center townships in Marion County, Indiana. Apparently the family went to Martin County, Indiana, before 1824.

Doris Wooden
2260 Grand Cypress Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33810
doriswooden@yahoo.com