IGS New Year's Scanning Resolution

Now is a good time to assist the Indiana Genealogical Society with the Hendricks County Probate Project. 

It's also a good time to pick up a significant scanning skill set. 

We will train you in an archival scanning program 

that you can use in many local digitization projects. 

Sound like a win-win? You bet! 

Volunteer for this IGS project at queries@indgensoc.org now. 

You'll be glad you made this New Year's Resolution!! 

Query: Lester Driggers, Vanderburgh County

                 I am presently researching the fate of the 40 heavy bomber crews of the 8th USAAF who did not return to their bases in England after their mission over Germany on June 21, 1944. My aim is to write a book about these men; my third about the war in the air over Europe 1940-1945. You can check my credentials by visiting the Amazon web site under my name.

             2Lt. Lester R. Driggers was the co-pilot aboard a B-17 bomber of the 351^st Bomb Group. Their target on that day was Berlin, Germany. The bomber was having engine trouble after bombs away and the pilot headed for neutral Sweden where they safely landed at Bulltofta air field. The whole crew was interned.

            In 1944, Lester R. Driggers’ parents lived in Evansville, Indiana. Unfortunately, I have no other details. As I would very much like to include Lester’s story in my new book, I seek contact with him or with members of his family who may still be living in Evansville, Indiana. I hope that you can help me in my search.

            Your kind assistance in this matter will be highly appreciated.

John Meurs

Nauenstrasse 24d

CH-8632 Tann

Switzerland        

meurs.john@bleuwin.ch

Query: James Cook, Vanderburgh County

            I am trying to do some family research on my father's family and have hit a dead end in Indiana. My Great-Great-Great Grandfather was James Cook, born about 23 Mar 1820 in  Vanderburg County, Indiana.

            I have not been able to identify either of his parents or any siblings. Do you have any tips for researching individuals around that time in southern Indiana? Thanks!

Taylor Cook

5413 Evans Avenue

Austin, Texas 78751

taylor.cook@gmail.com

Lineage Societies Deadline December 31

If you are planning to submit an application to either the 

Civil War Society of Indiana, 

or the 

Territorial Guard Society of Indiana, 

keep in mind that your application

 must be postmarked 

no later than Monday, December 31, 2018.

Just a little heads up!

Benton County Historical Society Receives Scanning Kit

Last week IGS placed scanning kit #33 with the Benton County Historical Society

at their headquarters in Fowler, Indiana.

Rose Vanderwall (L) and Leslie Brost (R) of BCHS check out their new IGS kit, as demonstrated by Ron Darrah.

The Society has an historical house museum in Fowler that contains an amazing collection of Benton County history and genealogy. As a unique for-instance, the jug below was a traveling trophy between the schools of Gilboa and Wadena (neither of which are in existence now) for the years 1936-1944.  

Benton County's version of the "Old Oaken Bucket"

If you have Benton County ancestry or just wish to visit (or volunteer!), contact BCHS below:

You may contact BCHS at benton.historic@att.net. 

Query: Richard C. Vonnegut, Marion County

            I would like to know if you have a record for my father, Richard Clemens Vonnegut, Sr., specifically his middle name (sic). Details: born 1913/02/20 in Indpls; died 2008/08/20 in Indpls;

Coast Guard early 1942 to Dec 1945; married 1948/05/01 to Barbara Martin Vonnegut.   Thank you.

Richard C. Vonnegut, Jr

710 East 58th Street

Indpls, IN 46220

vonnegut@indy.net

Query: SteinbergerSteenbarger Family, Shelby County

                I am the youngest son and our family history keeper and am looking for any references to locations where my dad: John Willard Steenbarger may have lived and/or worked in Indiana from 1920 to 1944. His father was Frank Walter Steinberger/Steenbarger and his grandfather was John Clark Steinberger/Steenbarger.

                The historical family's last name was Steinberger but there was a transition to the last name of Steenbarger from around the early to later 1800's & early 1900's (Source: US Census records). I have no specific info on why the name change, except that our early family name was Steinberger from Europe in the Tyrolean Mountain area in then Prussia (now called Austria, near what we now know as Innsbruck). One branch of the family emigrated from that region to America to the ports of call in Philadelphia & Baltimore in 1750s in the Northeast. From there, their family members migrated to Virginia (1760) then to Ohio (1804) then some to Indiana (in the 1820's and on). 

                I know my dad's Home town is Shelbyville, Ind.  I have collected much info from there on after about 1944. But I have only a little about him just prior to the 1940s and later up to 1944.

What I have is that he played "Town Ball" sometimes (town sponsored baseball teams of the 20's - 30's) near Higginsville & Corder, Indiana in the mid-30s, but nothing about where he lived at that time frame or earlier.

                After that I know he was back near Shelbyville where he joined the Army in 1944. He Had some experience in Blacksmithing, his father's and grandfather's trade then. and I have one address where he had lived in the mid-1930s. It is 151 Grant 6 and a reference to "The Maze house" in/near Geneva, Indiana.

                I also have a picture of him and my mother outside of the Marshal Co. Courthouse where they may have been married in 1944 but have not tried to find any court records of that event yet either. 

                Besides playing baseball in the mid-30s, I have a reference, written by Dad on the back of a picture of him and a Boxing promoter's last name of "Timmons" from 1936, but I do not know where in Indiana.

                This would be the time frame that dad, then 26 years old would have last played baseball and returned to the Shelbyville area? I have a picture from the Shelbyville paper of him and others that had enlisted in Army around 1944. I know he served in the Pacific-Asiatic Theatre (specifically the Burma Campaign) and came home in '45/46. 

                Any info you can find or where to look online about these specific years/events or time frames would be helpful and much appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Gary Charles Steenbarger

13627 S. Brougham Dr.

Olathe Kansas 66062

garysteenbarger@gmail.com

Query: John & David Brown, Indiana

            Do you know who would have the original records of the Big Cedar Church? I noticed on the database that you have that some of the parishioners were original members but it doesn't say how long. That leads me to believe that there might be some that had left or died prior to those records.

            I am looking for evidence of membership of John Brown or David Brown. I don't know who might hold those records. Thanks for your help!

Christine Boyd

810 Benton Street

Lakewood, CO 80214

cjboyd5@msn.com

IGS Probate Project Scanning Session November 24

Our next scanning session will be on Saturday, November 24th

 from 10 am to 2 pm 

at the GSMC Library 

9370 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis.

Get some outstanding training on our two supersize scanners

while helping IGS complete our Hendricks County Probate Project. Email Ron Darrah at rdarrah@att.net for details. 

Thanks.

[Weekday slots also available for your convenience!]

November Sorting Dates-Hendricks County Probates

Query: Sophia/Henry/Mary Kuhl, LaPorte County

            My G-G-Grandmother was Sophia Kuhl, wife of Henry Kuhl, who settled in La Porte City and ran a grocery business there. It is listed in Holland's La Porte City Directory, 1871-72 on page 215.  Sophia had a child, Mary Kuhl, in La Porte in 1856, but is not listed as living with the family in the 1870 census. 

            I have tried in vain to find a death notice or any record of her death.  Can you suggest where I might find this information? As I live in Australia, I can't physically access information which is not on line. Kind regards,

Bruce Cool

10 Caldy Place

Tura Beach NSW 2548

Australia

bjcool@bigpond.com

Query: John A. Smith & Lydia F. Beck, Scott County

            John A. Smith & Lydia "Liddia” F. Beck (b. 1837 Davie Co NC) were married 15 Feb 1855 in Scott Co. IN. I’ve not been successful in finding John and Lydia Beck Smith on the census, their residence nor death dates.

            The information below was gleaned from their marriage record:

Daughter Minnie Smith m. Henry McMurry 10 Jan 1902, Jasper, Dubois Co IN, parents John Smith and Mary Beck. (nickname?)

Son John W. Smith (b. 1858) m. Eliza Wilber 8 Sep 1898,  Bartholomew Co IN, only father John A. Smith was named.

Son Charles O. Smith( b. 1860) m. Mary B. Burns 12 Jun 1891, Jennings Co IN, father John A Smith named.

Son Daniel Smith (b.1862 Scott Co) m. (? Female on license) 25 Dec 1900, Jackson Co IN; Residence: New Albany IN; father John A Smith named.

Bonnie Grimmius

408 Park St

Marshalltown IA 50158

1grimm007@mchsi.com

Next IGS Probate Scanning Tuesday, Oct. 23

Our first scanning session was productive, and the second session is on Tuesday morning, October 23, from 9:00 to 12:00. If you can make this window, contact Ron Darrah at rdarrah@att.net. See you there. [9370 E. Washington St., Indianapolis...Coffee and donuts on us!]

IGS Scanners Needed--Indianapolis Area, Oct. 18

IGS Scanning Volunteers Needed

For Hendricks County Probate Project

Thursday, October 18, 2018  10am to 4pm

GSMC Library, 9370 E. Washington St, Indianapolis

Some PC experience required; we will teach probate scanning details. Two to four-hour shifts.

Contact Project Co-Chair Ron Darrah; rdarrah@att.net, 317-594-9786

New Resource For Northern Indiana

 [The following news item came through the Society of Indiana Archivists Listserv.]

Colleagues: A great new resource available!

 George M. Pullman’s contribution to the annals of transportation in the United States is great. According to the Michigan City Indiana Public Library, Michigan City’s beginnings trace to Pullman-Standard, originally the Haskell & Barker Car Company founded in 1852.

 The Indiana University Northwest Calumet Regional Archives in Gary, IN holds a portion of Pullman-Standard records where volunteers have transcribed content from thousands of personnel records into spreadsheets https://scholarworks.iu.edu/dspace/handle/2022/20515.

 Now, a project to digitize a portion of the Pullman-Standard Railroad Car Manufacturing Company Employee Personnel Records, Michigan City, IN Plant is underway. Although the records are not complete for the period 1912 - 1970, those digitized will benefit genealogists, historians, and scholars.

 This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library. The project also acknowledges the support of Indiana Memory where the digitized images will be available.

 

Best!

Alison Stankrauff

University Archivist

Wayne State University

Walter Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs
5401 Cass Avenue

Detroit, Michigan 48202

alison.stankrauff@wayne.edu

313-577-4027

 

Genetic Genealogy Workshop, October 26-27, Fort Wayne

Hoosier Heritage Event, Floyd County, October 4

Hoosier History and Heritage Celebration

The public is invited to attend the annual “Hoosier History and Heritage Celebration” and meet the newest members of the “First Families of Floyd, Clark, and Harrison Counties Legacy Project” on October 4 at the Floyd County 4-H Fairgrounds Newlin Hall. A drop-in pioneer social will begin at 6 PM with local history and First Families displays and music by Indian Creek Bluegrass Band. The Falls of the Ohio Archaeological Society will exhibit regional artifacts. Surveyor David Ruckman will show equipment used in retracing the Indiana Wilderness Road, a route used by early travelers of the territory. Attendees are welcome to dress as pioneers. Light refreshments will be served. 

At 7 PM, the Louisville Sons of the American Revolution Memorial Color Guard will open the formal program. New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan will officially proclaim “First Families of Floyd, Clark, and Harrison Counties in Indiana Day” and “Family History Month” in the city. Certificates will be awarded to the year’s honorees who have verified direct ancestors in the tri-county area before 1841. Presenters will be Daniel Bays, Harrison County historian; Jeanne Burke, Clark County historian, and Melissa Wiseheart, Floyd County genealogist.  

The First Families Legacy Project is cosponsored by the Southern Indiana Genealogical Society and the Floyd County Public Library Indiana Room. For more information about the Celebration or First Families, please visit sigsweb.org or call Donna Kepley Foster at 812-923-3492.

Palatines Workshop In Indianapolis Oct. 20

Query: Lura May/John Lauby, Elkhart County

            I’m looking for information on and/or advice on how to go about researching my ancestry. My maternal great grandmother Lura May married John Lauby, and my grandmother Mary Lauby graduated from Washington Township School, Elkhart County, in 1917.

            This I know as fact, but I would like to know more and look further back if I can. Any assistance is appreciated.

Holly Mcelhiney

3205 Leslie Ct

Portsmouth VA 23703

jollyhollym@gmail.com

Query: Minnie Florence Dixon, Posey County

Another "Historical-Genealogical" confusion; she sent it to the right place, though.

Query: Berenice Irene Martin, Parke County

            Berenice Irene Martin, born June 17, 1896 to John David Martin and Rose Ellen Roop Martin, was my maternal grandmother. Her mother died Sept.14, 1901, reportedly in an auto accident. Her father lived to 1910.

            Via Ancestry.com, I find her with parents, sister Olus, grandmother and aunt living together in 1900 in Union township, Parke County. Next record of her is marriage in 1926, Detroit, Michigan. Her sister Olus born 8/22/93, worked as a house servant in 1910, married in 1914, all in Indiana.

            There were varied family stories from my mom, Berenice's daughter, as to her childhood. There was talk of an orphanage, so if you have any information you could share I hope to hear back from you.

 Trina Delany

trina8098@comcast.net

Query: Mason Vermillion/Polly Cannon, Vigo County

             Many of my relatives come from the Vigo County towns of Terre Haute and a place called New Goshen.  The surname of these relatives are the Vermillion family.  My great-great- great-grandfather was Mason Vermillion and one of his wives was Polly Cannon.  Some of his brothers that were supposed to have been in that area were Reason, Cornelius, and William.  There may have been more. 

            I just want you to see in your records if the Vermillions in the 1800s lived there.  I realize that this request in the future may not be given to me without some fee that I may have to pay; but at least let me know if this family was in fact in that area in the 1800s around 1828 or so.

Robert Maxwell

263 South 2875 West

Cedar City, Utah 84720

rcmaxwell21@gmail.com

Query: Samuel Briggs, Porter County

            I am researching an ancestor, Samuel Briggs, who died at the Porter County Poor Farm on 6/12/1895 and am looking for records of the residents from the facility. 

            I found a newspaper article that announced the death in the Indianapolis News on the 13th of June 1895 and the Indiana Archives gave me a patient log that listed Samuel Briggs and the date of his death.  I was hoping to find more detail about his admission and mention of next of kin. 

            Do you know if those records exist and if so where they would be kept? Thank you for your assistance.

Nancy Briggs Zehler

nancyzehler@gmail.com

New Free Databases for Jasper and Lake County

The Indiana Genealogical Society recently added 30 free databases that were contributed by recipients of our Indiana Genealogy Digitization Project, a project to give portable scanning kits worth $500 to qualified non-profit groups in Indiana.

Here are the recent additions:

Jasper County:

(Click here to use the Jasper County databases.)
Contributed by General Van Rensselaer Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution:
- Directory of students in Rensselaer schools (1878)
- Directory of teachers in Rensselaer Central schools (1969)
- Graduates of Fair Oaks High School, Union Township (1921)
- Graduates of Fair Oaks High School, Union Township (1929)
- Graduates of Fair Oaks High School, Union Township (1938)
- Graduates of Fair Oaks High School, Union Township (1941)
- Graduates of Fair Oaks High School, Union Township (1962)
- Graduates of Fair Oaks High School, Union Township (1965)
- Graduates of Rensselaer Central High School (1990)
- History of Brusnahan family (1935)
- History of First Presbyterian Church, Rensselaer (1847-1937)
- History of First Presbyterian Church, Rensselaer (1847-1947)
-  Students at Fair Oaks Public School, Union Township (1914)

Contributed by Jasper County Historical Society:
- Charter members of Jasper County Historical Society (1966)
- Graduates of Rose Bud School, Union Township (1911)
- Graduates of Rose Bud School, Union Township (1915)
- Graduates of Rose Bud School, Union Township (1916)
- Graduates of Rose Bud School, Union Township (1917)
- Graduates of Rose Bud School, Union Township (1920)
- History of Jasper, Benton and Newton counties (1929)
- History of Methodist churches
- History of Welsh Cemetery
- Members of Grand Army of the Republic in Rensselaer (1904)
- Selected members of St. Augustine's Church, Rensselaer (1897)
- Students & teachers of Rensselaer Graded School (1888)
- Students & teachers of Rensselaer Graded School (1890)

Lake County:

(Click here to use the Lake County databases.)
Contributed by Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society:
- Standard Oil Company Hospital, Whiting - register of patients admitted (1935-1945)
- Standard Oil Company Refinery, Whiting - selected employees (1931)
- Voters of Whiting (1946)
- Weddings mentioned in Whiting newspapers (1894-1946)

NOTE: The Indiana Genealogy Digitization Project is ongoing. Applications for the scanning kits are still being accepted. Click here for details.

Query: James Brooks, Posey County

            I’m looking for any information regarding the death of my 2nd Great Grandfather James Brooks, who was born 1827 in Posey County.  I believe his death was around 1870 or so. His wife was Sarah Guthrie, 1833-1870. 

            James’ father was John L. Brooks, 1806-1880, and his wife was Elizabeth Reeder, 1809-1846. Any information about James’ death would be very helpful. Thank you.

Tim Brooks

7034 El Malabar Dr

Ventura, Ca. 93003

timbrooks@roadrunner.com

Query: Frank/Franz Rink, Aurora or Indianapolis, IN

             Hello. I am looking for information regarding my late grandfather's life at an orphanage in Indianapolis.  He and his two sisters I believe were orphaned by their father, Franz, Senior from Aurora, Indiana.

            If you have any archives regarding my Grandpa Frank (Franz) Rink's life, and whether or not his sisters were ever adopted, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Laura Rink 

(248)259-7569

rinklaura8@gmail.com

IGS Wins Technology Award

The Indiana Genealogical Society is pleased to announce that it was awarded the Outstanding Society Technology Award from the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

The award recognizes "a tech-savvy FGS member society for its website, online presence, social networking, blog, or specific technology related project that provides examples and ideas from which other societies can benefit."

IGS received this award for its Indiana Genealogy Digitization Project, which helps Indiana non-profits digitize local records. In turn, these records are also made available for free on the IGS website.

You can find the free databases provided through this project on the IGS website. (Most are in the "County Records" section.)

If your organization has records that would be of benefit to Indiana genealogists, please review the Indiana Genealogy Digitization Project page to see how you can apply for a laptop, scanner, and other equipment.

New Indiana Veterans Hall of Fame

You can honor your family's Indiana veterans by adding their information to the new Indiana Hall of Fame. There is a new building at 5360 Herbert Lord Road within Fort Harrison in Indianapolis. They also have memorial bricks available. Check it out!

Query: Ina Aurora/Amanda Dyer, Owen County

            I have been trying for some time to find the birth certificate for my grandmother, Ina Aurora/Amanda Dyer. According to my information, she was born in Vilas, Indiana which is in Owen County. Her date of birth was April 5, 1886. When she and my grandfather married in Athol, Idaho, on June 28, 1905, her name on the marriage application and the marriage certificate was Ina Aurora, not Ina Amanda as she was called most of her life.

            Her mother was Sarah Elizabeth (Sally) Neill/O’Neill (born 1854 in Indiana). Sally's family had deep ties to Indiana for many generations. Her father's name was Henry Edward Dyer (born 1849 in Virginia). Sally and Henry Edward had several children born in Vilas, Owen County, but I can't find any birth certificate information about any of them.

            I would appreciate any help you can give.

Trudy Handel

23395 0 Avenue

Langley, BC V2Z2X3 Canada

trudy.handel@gmail.com