Friday, December 30, 2011

Home Sought For Kosciusko County Family Bible

The Kosciusko County Historical Society is searching for descendants of a Kosciusko County family to give a Bible to. The Bible is of Cyrus Williams (born October 30, 1837) and wife Mary Ann Decker (born April 16, 1838). Their children that are listed are Wilbert O. Williams (born October 4, 1860); Francis Idel Williams (born September 8, 1862); Charles Alton Williams (born September 21, 1867); Eva A. Williams (born September 22, 1869). Marriages listed: Francis Williams to James D. Shipley, Wilbert Oscar Williams to Cora Belle Nelson, Eva Alberta Williams to George B. Pontius; Charles Alton Williams to Lydia Alice Shaffer.

If you are related to this family, or have any information about possible descendants, please contact the Kosciusko County Historical Society.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

La Porte County Society to Meet

Have you found something old? Something new? Weather permitting, the La Porte County, Indiana Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 7 pm at the Swanson Center for Older Adults (910 State Street, La Porte IN) to swap favorite genealogy finds, relics, and research stories.
The society meets there on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. The public is welcome at all meetings.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

3 Counties Added to Indiana Marriage Index

FamilySearch has updated the Indiana marriage index 1811-1959 that is in progress. Entries from Hamilton County, Hendricks County and Jay County have been added. The index now includes 35 of Indiana's 92 counties.

Visit our Indiana Marriage Indexing Project page to learn more about this joint project between the Indiana Genealogical Society and FamilySearch and how you can help.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Virtual Tour Offered of Allen County Library Catalog

The Genealogy Center's at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne is offering a WinterTech series so you can learn more about technology that will benefit your family history research. Their WinterTech session on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm in the library's Meeting Room C will provide a virtual tour of The Genealogy Center's catalog. Melissa Shimkus and Aaron Smith will show you how to locate a book, where are the call numbers and how to make a list.

Registration is required - call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail Genealogy@ACPL.Info.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

IGS Adds Greene County Database To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added another database to the Members Only area:

County Records:
--Roster of Civilian Conservation Corps, Worthington, Greene County, Indiana (1938)

NOTE: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a New Deal employment program operating from 1933 to 1942. The United States and Indiana had numerous CCC companies.

This is a premium database, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 713 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000+ records.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Cemetery Photos for Eastern Illinois & Western Indiana

If you have ancestors who lived in western Indiana, you might want to bookmark Michael Coan's www.vermilioncounty.info site for its tombstone photos of Vermilion County, Illinois and Champaign County, Illinois cemeteries. He also has plans to post tombstone photos from cemeteries in western Indiana, including Vermillion County and Warren County.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Allen County Society To Discuss Writing Family Book

The Wednesday, January 11, 2012 meeting of the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana will feature a program by Curt Sylvester on "Writing a Book Using Family Tree Maker and Microsoft Word." Sylvester has authored six genealogical books and is president of the society. The meeting is open to visitors as well as members and begins at 7 pm in Meeting Room A of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne. Gathering time is 6:30 pm.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Project to Create Free 1940 Census Index

Online entities Archives.com, FamilySearch.org and findmypast.com have announced a collaboration to create an index of the 1940 census when the census is released to the public in April 2012. This index will be online and free to the public. Archives.com had already announced they would be hosting the digital images of the 1940 census online for free access by the public.

This census indexing project has the support of the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society, among others. The full press release about this collaboration is available here.

More information on the project - including how you can join the indexing effort - is available at http://the1940census.com.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

IGS Adds Lake County and Montgomery County Databases To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added 2 more databases to the Members Only area:

County Records:
--Graduates of Hammond High School, Lake County, Indiana (1926)
--Graduates of Alamo High School, Montgomery County, Indiana (1883-1901)

These are premium databases, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 712 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000+ records.

Monday, December 12, 2011

German Genealogy Society To Hold 2012 Conference in Indianapolis

German genealogy society Palatines to America will hold their national conference June 14-16, 2012 in Indianapolis. Michael John Neill and Warren Bittner, CG will be the featured speakers. Topics will include online search techniques, FamilySearch, Ancestry.com and migration chains.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

IGS Adds Johnson County School Databases To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added 5 more databases to the Members Only area:

County Records:
--Alumni of Franklin High School, Johnson County, Indiana (1874-1900)
--Students of Alva Neal High School, Johnson County, Indiana (1929)
--Students of Franklin High School, Johnson County, Indiana (1901)
--Teachers of Alva Neal High School, Johnson County, Indiana (1929)
--Teachers of Franklin High School, Johnson County, Indiana (1901)

These are premium databases, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 710 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000+ records.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Southern Indiana Society To Discuss Online Resources

Dan Bays, Harrison County historian, will present a program, "Local and Online Genealogy Resources: A Brief Look At What's Available," at the Saturday, January 5, 2012 meeting of the Southern Indiana Genealogical Society. Bays will cover some library and internet resources for genealogists and answer questions from attendees. Meeting time is 7 pm in the Strassweg Auditorium of the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library (180 W. Spring St., New Albany, IN). The public is invited to attend.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Query: BOWKER/BRANSTRATOR of Allen County

I am trying to find any information related to the marriage of Charles Corwin BOWKER (b. 1871; d. Oct 1929) to Lois Wealthy BRANSTRATOR (b. 1892 Fort Wayne, IN; d. 1960 Denver, CO). Their first child, Charles Corwin BOWKER, Jr. was born 26 Aug 1919 in Fort Wayne, IN; died 1970 Chicago, Cook, IL. Their marriage would be ca. 1918, most likely in Allen County. The family appears in the 1920 Federal Census living in Fort Wayne, Ward 6, but the father, Charles Corwin Bowker, is not listed as head of household. He travelled quite a bit and was doing business in South Bend. I believe that their religious affiliation is Episcopal or Lutheran.

Tom McNamara
6029 Indian Woods Lane
Collegeville, PA 19426
Mobile: 610-291-0533
email: tmcnamara00@verizon.net

LaGrange County Cemetery Vandalized

According to this news item, the Pretty Prairie Cemetery on County Road 475 E and County Road 750 N in rural Howe, LaGrange County, Indiana was recently vandalized. Damage is estimated to be several thousand dollars, with at last one tombstone being taken out to the road and smashed.

According to FindAGrave.com, Pretty Prairie Cemetery is also known as United Methodist Church Cemetery and lists over 500 burials, some dating back to the 1850's.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Query: SMITH/FARMER of Cass County

I am looking for information on Joseph W SMITH. He married Nettie FARMER (1865-1964) in 1884 in Cass County, IN and they had two confirmed children and one other possible child. The children are James Alvie Smith (1885-1947) and Harvey William Smith (1887-1937. Born n Cass County, IN SMITH's have to be the toughest names to trace. Joseph seems to have disappeared somewhere around 1890 and I have been unable to find any information about him. So my paternal tree stops at my great great grandfather. Can anybody help me find more information about Joseph W SMITH?

Don Schwarz
5110 Orange Blossom Ct.
League City, TX 77573
huffman.hippy@gmail.com

Query: TAYLOR of Indianapolis

I have been working on my family history for a few years now, and still have a huge Indiana road block. My grandfather was born in Indianapolis in 1889 or 1890. His last name was changed to that of Grandparents " TAYLOR" , in the census records it shows Gertrude TAYLOR as divorced. I cant find a marriage record for her, to see who she married. I believe she is his mother, and her parents raised him.

Does anyone have any idea how I can find who my grandfathers parents were?

Sincerely,
Sharon L Knox

Query: DYE/TAYLOR of Montgomery and Jefferson Counties

I'm trying to locate the grave site of Eleanor (DYE) TAYLOR born May 22, 1774 in Kentucky, died Oct 22, 1841 in Montgomery Co. IN. Her husband Nathaniel Francis TAYLOR died March 26, 1847 in Jefferson County, near Vevay, Indiana. They may be buried close to each other (or more likely they aren't in the same cemetery).

Any help or suggestions where to look will be appreciated.

Keith Taylor
1850 Rusty Lane
Lincoln, Nebraska 68506
keithtaylor1942@gmail.com

Query: HOILE/HOYLE

My great grandfather, Henry HOILE was born in Indiana on November 9, 1857. Both of his parents were from (West) Virginia. They were Rachel C. HOILE and Joseph HOILE. Sometimes the last name is spelled HOYLE. How can I find out which county to search for these records?

Cathy Hile Creek
86 Otis Drive
Severn, MD 21144
terry.creeki@berizon.net

Monday, December 5, 2011

December Issue of Indiana Genealogist Added To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added the December 2011 issue of Indiana Genealogist, the society's quarterly publication, to the IGS Records section of Members Only.

This issue includes:
--resources for researching ancestors who lived in the Indiana Territory
--a case study of a Lake County family
--a transcription of a "negro register" for Posey County from the 1850's, listing African-American residents in the area
--information on Monroe County's collection of divorce records
--another installment of coroner inquest reports for Decatur County

As in every issue, there are also brief items from every region of the state.

The quarterly is a premium database, accessible only to IGS members.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

War of 1812 Veterans' Burial Sites Sought

The Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Indiana is compiling information on the burial sites of all War of 1812 veterans who were buried in Indiana. Their listing is constantly being updated and your burial information is welcome.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Graves Discovered Under Clark County Softball Field

According to this article in the Louisville Courier-Press, remains have been discovered under a softball field in Jeffersonville, Clark County, Indiana. The remains may be from Old Town Cemetery and could date back to the 1800's. The site has been a city park since the 1920's.

IGS Adds 9 Databases To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added 9 more databases to the Members Only area:

College Records:
--Faculty of Butler University, Indianapolis (1891)
--Students of Butler University, Indianapolis (1891)
[NOTE: This database does not include students from the class of 1891]

--Faculty of Huntington College, Huntington (1923)
--Students of Huntington College, Huntington (1923)

--Faculty of Purdue University, West Lafayette (1892)
--Students of Purdue University, West Lafayette (1892)

--Faculty of Wabash College, Crawfordsville (1940)
--Students of Wabash College, Crawfordsville (1940)
[NOTE: This database only includes students from the class of 1940]

Military Records:
--Veterans Who Died At Indiana State Soldiers Home, Lafayette, Indiana (1914-1915)

These are premium databases, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 705 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000+ records.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

IGS Adds More Hendricks County Probate Files

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added more digitized files of Hendricks County probate records to our website, as part of our Records Preservation Project. There are now over 450 files online. They are free to the public.

IGS Adds December 2011 Newsletter to Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added the December 2011 issue of IGS Newsletter, the society's bi-monthly newsletter, to the IGS Records section of Members Only. This issue includes information on our 2012 conference in Fort Wayne, as well as numerous news items from around the state.

The newsletter is available for download in its regular size, as well as in a compressed version which downloads faster on slower Internet connections.

The newsletter is a premium database, accessible only to IGS members.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hendricks County Probate Court Docket - 1880's

Volunteers with the Indiana Genealogical Society's Records Preservation Project for Hendricks County probate records found a document listing the docket of cases to be heard in the probate court. The exact date of the docket is unknown - it is sometime in the 1880's. These were the cases on the docket:

Jonathan H. Johnson vs. Estate of Thomas S. Bray, deceased

Joseph Firkins vs. Estate of Ezekiel Clark, deceased (Hadley & Parker, attorneys)

James M. McClain vs. Estate of Elizabeth A. Clark, deceased (Hadley & Parker, attorneys)

Dorman & Dillon vs. Estate of Elizabeth A. Clark, deceased (Hadley & Parker, attorneys)

George W. Wells vs. Estate of Elizabeth A. Clark, deceased (Hadley & Parker, attorneys)

David M. Watts vs. Estate of Elizabeth A. Clark, deceased (Hadley & Parker, attorneys)

James M. Wills vs. Estate of Elizabeth A. Clark, deceased (Hadley & Parker, attorneys)

Henry Hoak (et al) vs. Estate of Elizabeth A. Clark, deceased (Hadley & Parker, attorneys)

Monday, November 28, 2011

Hendricks County Probate Records - September 1888

Volunteers with the Indiana Genealogical Society's Records Preservation Project for Hendricks County probate records found a document listing transactions that had been recorded in the probate court in September 1888, while the court was on vacation from its June term. The transactions were as follows:

Letters of Administration issued to the following estates:
--Mary Carter, deceased; John W. Keeney, administrator
--Sarah Bell, deceased; Thad S. Adams, administrator
--Ira Carter, deceased; Asael H. Carter, administrator
--Jesse C. Hodson, deceased; Ruth Hodson, administrator
--Allie B. Sandusky, deceased; Thad S. Adams, administrator
--Mary Marshall, deceased; William R. McClelland, administrator

Wills Probated and Letters Testamentary issued as follows:
--Last will and testament of James Padgett, deceased
--Last will and testament of Julia A. Lawson, deceased
--Last will and testament of Malachi Haley, deceased; Michael J. Power, administrator with will annexed
--Last will and testament of Robert R. Downard, deceased; George T. Pattison, administrator with will annexed
--Last will and testament of Ralph Barton, deceased; Angalina Barton, administrator
--Last will and testament of Alfred H. Richardson, deceased; George W. Millhon, executor

Letters of Guardianship issued to the following persons:
--James M. Emmons, guardian of Cora Bateman, Theodore Bateman, Nelly Bateman and James H. Bateman, minor heirs of Noah Bateman, deceased
--Patrick Walsh, guardian of William Walsh, minor heir of Thomas Casserly, deceased
--William R. McClelland, guardian of James C. Hamrick, an habitual intoxicant
--Bridget Corkern, guardian of Timothy Corkern, a minor
--George W. Millhon, guardian of D. Voorhees Richardson, Frank E. Richardson, Earl H. Richardson and Von E. Richardson, minor heirs of Alfred H. Richardson, deceased
--George W. Millhon, guardian of William B. Craven, minor heir of Alfred H. Richardson, deceased

Submitted 24th day of September, 1888 by Enoch G. Hogate, Clerk

Friday, November 25, 2011

New Database of Muncie Library's Records

The Muncie Public Library and Ball State University have collaborated to create What Middletown Read, a database of the Muncie library's circulation records for 1891 through 1902. It is a fascinating glimpse into the reading habits of Delaware County residents, and the database also contains supplemental information about the residents, as compiled from census records and city directories.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Bartholomew County Society Offers War of 1812 Calendar

The Bartholomew County Genealogical Society in Columbus is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 by selling a 2012 calendar commemorating Bartholomew County's War of 1812 veterans. The calendar is $12, with an additional $3 if the order is shipped (local residents can pick up their order). The proceeds from the calendar will be used to provide War of 1812 markers for these veterans and if funding permits, to restore some of their gravestones.

To order a calendar, visit their website, send an e-mail to bcgs47202@yahoo.com, or call (812) 372-4033. Check and order information may also be sent directly to:

Bartholomew County Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 2455
Columbus, IN 47202

If you know of a War of 1812 veteran that has links to Bartholomew County, please contact the society so that they may also be honored.

Newton County Library To Host DAR Genealogy Workshop

The Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution will be sponsoring a genealogy workshop at the Kentland Public Library in Newton County on Saturday, December 3 from 9 am to noon Central time. This is a free workshop that is open to the public and casual - no reservations are necessary. The workshop is for beginners, as well as anyone who has a general interest in genealogy. If someone has a Revolutionary War ancestor and is interested in DAR membership, that help will be provided. For more information, please contact JoAn Nichols (joanichols@juno.com)

Monday, November 21, 2011

Social Security Applications Now Have Information Restricted

Bad news for researchers who request the Social Security application of an ancestor - if the record you are requesting is for someone whose birthdate isn't at least 100 years ago (e.g. 1911 or earlier), the Social Security Administration is now blacking out the parents' names. As Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak points out in her blog, this would mean the parents would likely have been born 120-150 years ago.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Kosciusko County To Host Photo Workshop

The Warsaw Community Public Library in Kosciusko County will host a workshop, "Managing Photographic Collections," on Monday, December 5 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The workshop will be led by Joan Hostetler and is geared towards those who work in libraries, societies, museums and archives, with information on cataloging, preserving, storing and digitizing photos. For more information, including registration cost, visit http://managingphotographs.eventbrite.com.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Union County Cemetery Vandalized

According to an article in the Richmond Palladium-Item, Silver Creek Cemetery in Liberty Township, Union County has been vandalized. The damage was estimated to cost thousands of dollars to repair, with over 80 tombstones broken or toppled. The cemetery's listing on Find A Grave shows 113 burials, dating back to the early 1800's.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Decatur County Genealogist To Receive Award

Congratulations to Russell Wilhoit! The Indiana County Genealogist for Decatur County will be honored by the Indiana Historical Society with their Willard C. Heiss Family History/Genealogy Award for his contributions to genealogy and family history.

You can read more about Wilhoit's accomplishments in this Greensburg Daily News article.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Southern Indiana Genealogical Society To Meet

"A Glimpse Through Time" is the theme for the December meeting of the Southern Indiana Genealogical Society. A video presentation of SIGS members and events throughout the years will be shown. The public is invited to attend and share news of their genealogical research. Refreshments will be served. Meeting time is Saturday, December 1 at 7 pm in the Strassweg Auditorium of the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library (180 W. Spring St., New Albany, IN). For more information about the society, visit http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~insigs/nextmeet.htm.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

2 Counties Added To Indiana Marriage Index

FamilySearch has updated the Indiana marriage index 1811-1959 that is in progress. Entries from Gibson County and Jackson County have been added. There are now over 2 million entries representing 32 of Indiana's 92 counties.

Visit our Indiana Marriage Indexing Project page to learn more about this joint project between the Indiana Genealogical Society and FamilySearch and how you can help.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Valparaiso To Host Beginner's Genealogy Workshop

The Porter County Public Library in Valparaiso is sponsoring a Beginner’s Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, December 10 from 9:30 am to noon. The workshop is for people who are just starting out tracing their family history, as well as for those more experienced in genealogy who want to get better acquainted with the library's resources.

Larry Clark - Porter County Genealogist, County Historian, and head of the library's Genealogy Department - will conduct this free workshop. Registration is required - call (219) 462-0524 ext. 5.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

IGS Appoints 4 County Genealogists

At its November board meeting, the Indiana Genealogical Society appointed 4 more Indiana County Genealogists:

Sue Caldwell of Rensselaer is the Indiana County Genealogist for Jasper County. Sue moved to Indiana in 1961 and will soon celebrate her 50th anniversary with her husband James. She worked in banking for 20 years and has been doing genealogical research for about 40 years. In addition to the Indiana Genealogical Society, she also holds memberships in the Jasper County Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Ohio Genealogical Society. She has several projects under consideration, including digitizing some of the genealogical records available at the Jasper County Historical Society and starting a photo collection of Jasper County families and their ancestors.

Barb Mulholland of Wolcottville is the Indiana County Genealogist for LaGrange County. Barb is a life member of the Noble County Genealogical Society and has spent the past few years in LaGrange County and Noble County doing genealogy research. She is currently partnering with the LaGrange County Historical Society, the LaGrange County Public Library, the local DAR Chapter and 4-H leaders to form a strong LaGrange County Genealogical Society.

Debby Warren of Clinton is the Indiana County Genealogist for Vermillion County. Debby has worked very closely with Walter Warren, the former ICG for Vermillion County, and has a good working relationship with the county clerk's office. She volunteers in the genealogy department of the Vermillion County Public Library, helping them with indexing and enjoys helping others with their research. She serves on the board of directors of the Wabash Valley Genealogy Society and is also on several of their committees.

Terri Wargo of Williamsport is the Indiana County Genealogist for Warren County. A lifelong resident of Warren County, she serves as the director of the West Lebanon-Pike Township Public Library and is also the Warren County Historian. Terri enjoys writing articles for the Danville, Illinois Commercial News and is dedicated to the preservation of Warren County history and helping anyone with their genealogy.

About ICG
Indiana County Genealogist (ICG) 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 promotes genealogical and historical research and education within the county, is familiar with the genealogical records and repositories in the county, is aware of record retention policies and issues and acts as a resource person for those doing research in the county.

If you would like to apply to be an Indiana County Genealogist for your area, please visit http://www.indgensoc.org/county_genealogists.php

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Query: RICHARDSON/CARROLL of Indianapolis

Seek info Joel RICHARDSON born 28 Mar 1812; married Amy/Ama CARROLL 11 Nov 1852 Botetourt Co, VA; died 2 June 1868 (birth & death according to Family Bible)

Bible records name children:
twins born 12 May 1854
Josephus born 20 Aug 1855 VA; married Jennie U. HILL
Mary Elizabeth born 6 Apr 1857, married Charles J. DUGRANRUT 1882, died 13 May 1925
William L born 12 Mar 1859
James Franklin born 19 May 1862

In 1880 Census, Indianapolis, IN, Josephus RICHARDSON lists mother born Virginia.
Joel's son, Josephus, & grandson, William Henry Harrison, both buried Crown Hill Cem, Indianapolis.

Josephus employed by Indianapolis police late 1890s. (Could "billy club" have been his?)

Cannot find anything on death of Joel. Was he in Civil War? Where buried?

Joan Griffis
12420 Wild Acres Road
Largo, FL 33773
JBGriffis@aol.com

Query: WALLACE of Indiana

Looking for information on Nancy WALLACE b. IN 1839. lived in Iowa in 1856
Joseph WALLACE b IN 1842, lived in iowa in 1856
William WALLACE b. IN 1844, lived in iowa in 1856
Lucinda WALLACE, b. IN 1846, lived in iowa in 1856

Katherine Henley
2516 Longwood
Pearland, TX 77581
hnly_k@yahoo.com

Query: MOREE/HOKE of Kendallville

George DeForest MOREE was b. 13 Nov 1854 in Avilla, Noble Co. only s/o Benjamin MOREE and Lydia Ann (HOKE) MOREE of Kendallville. Court Docket say he was sued on 5 Mar 1888 - by Minerva BLY for damages on breach of promise of marriage contract. He said he didn't. Case was continued at defendant's cost. June 1888 Civil Docket.

[I tried to find the papers for this case and the only ones remaining were the Docket record and Court announcements.]

No1806 - Minerva Bly Breach of Contract to marry -
vs. George Moree
"Come again said parties by their attorneys aforesaid and this cause is now here settled, and upon the written precipe of the parties now here file by them, the same is dismissed at the cost of said plaintiff."
"It is therefore considered and adjudged by the Court that said defendant do have and recover of and from said plaintiff his costs hers expended, taxed at ______ dollars and ____ cents."
"And it is further ordered by the court that said precipe be spread upon the record, which is done, and is in the words and figures following from 'Minerva Bly vs George moree in the Noble Circuit Court June term 1888."
"This cause is settled and by a agreement it is to be dismissed and plaintiff is to pay all costs made in the cause including those taxed to the defendant."
"It is therefore considered and adjudged by the Court that said defendant do have and recover of and from said plaintiff his costs hers expended, taxed at ______ dollars and ____ cents."
"And it is further ordered by the court that said precipe be spread upon the record, which is done, and is in the words and figures following from 'Minerva Bly vs George Moree in the Noble Circuit Court June term 1888."
"This cause is settled and by a agreement it is to be dismissed and plaintiff is to pay all costs made in the cause including those taxed to the defendant." John F. Bowman Plft. Atty.
R. P. Barr, Atty for deft."

Does anyone know of these people or the case. I am interested in any other information. Thanking you in advance.

Bette Butcher Topp
1304 W. Cliffwood
Spokane, WA 99218
toppline@comcast.net

Query: JOHNSON / PARRISH/ VEATCH / LAWSON of Indianapolis

Sarah Jane JOHNSON b. 21 Mar 1833 in Indianapolis, IN was d/o Milton JOHNSON (1807-1832 IN) and Mary "Polly" PARRISH (1809 KY- 1865 IN)

Sarah Jane m. Peter Lowry VEATCH who d. in 1890 in Schuyler Co., MO.
I believe that Milton was s/o Jeremiah JOHNSON and Jane LAWSON.

Appreciate any info at all on this Johnson family.

Bette Butcher Topp
1304 W Cliffwood Ct.
Spokane, WA 99218
toppline@comcast.net

Query: WALL of Lake County

Looking for any information concerning the parents of Andrew J. WALL or when they immigrated from Sweden:

Andrew J (John) Wall
born 4-13-1826, Sweden
died 2-16-09, Hobart, Lake County, Indiana

Married in 1847 to:
Elena Catharina "Ellen C"
born 12-23-1822, Sweden
died 7-5-1886, Hobart, Lake County, Indiana

Any information would be appreciated

Stefanie Powell
3607 Fritz Lane
Corinth, TX 76208
mountainhome1907@yahoo.com

Query: WALLACE Connection In Indiana

Researching "WALLACE connections" who lived in Indiana during the birth of her first 3 children ( from 1839-1844).

Stated in the Iowa State Census Collection 1836 - 1925....Mother, Cornelia WALLACE (b. abt.1807 in NY); Daughter Nancy b. 1839 IN; Son Joseph b. 1842 IN; Son William b. 1844 IN; and Daughter Lucinda b. 1846 Iowa.

Spouse of Cornelia not listed.
Thanks for your assistance.

Katherine Smith Henley
hnly_k@yahoo.com

Query: PAGE of Gibson County

I am looking for information on my (3rd Great Grandfather) James PAGE born 14 July 1783 in The state of New York, passed away Feb. 21, 1862 in Gibson County, Indiana. I'm specifically looking for who were his parents.

Robert Lee Page
stampede_maximize@hotmail.com

Query: SPAULDING / JONES / TURPIN / LAWLER / MURRAY of Vanderburgh County

Looking for Information on the following names: James A. SPAULDING b. 1809 Maryland d. 09 Nov. 1856 Evansville, Wife Almira Lucretia THOMPSON SPAULDING b. 1813 Virginia d. 18 Jan 1902 Evansville, Ind.

James came to Indiana from Portsmouth, VA with 8 children in 1851-52. He was a gunsmith by trade and became an assessor for Vanderburgh Cty. 2 additional children were born in Ind. He died suddenly in 1856 and is buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Evansville.

The 10 Children are:
Cecilia SPAULDING/JONES&TURPIN Abt. 1920
John E. SPAULDING 1838 - Civil War
Amelia E. SPAULDING/LAWLER 1841 - 1885
James A. Polk SPAULDING 1844 - 1926
Mary Ann SPAULDING 1847 - aft. 1860
Francis "Frank" Thompson SPAULDING 1849 - 1881
Joseph SPAULDING 1850 - 1970 Civil War
Charles Anthony SPAULDING b. Ind. 1853 - 1902
Emma P. SPAULDING/MURRAY b. Ind. 1855 - aft. 1861

Cheryl Spaulding
406 Lloyd Ave.
Downingtown, PA 19335
ccspaulding@verizon.net

Query: WOODS of Warren County

Looking for Mariah WOODS - who she married - Father was William WOODS who lived in Warren Co. (farmer) and her mother was Isabel WOODS. Both born in Ireland - had 5 children in US. She died early in life, but cannot find where she was buried. She was born 1859 in Ohio.

Thanks in advance.
Rita Woods
P.O. Box 6441
Spring Hill, FL 34611
rsnyder8@tampabay.rr.com

Fountain County Cemetery Damaged by Construction

According to a report by the Fountain County Cemetery Commission, some of the graves at Burch-Covalt Cemetery has been damaged by nearby construction. The cemetery dates back to 1858 and includes 47 graves that lie underneath U.S. 41. Read the article in the Danville (Illinois) Commercial-News for more information.

Monday, November 7, 2011

National Archives Posts 1940 Census Video

With the release of the 1940 census planned for April 2012, the National Archives has posted a 10-minute video on YouTube. The video is a newsreel from the time, instructing census enumerators on how they were to complete their forms and the importance of the census. It offers some fascinating details about the questions that were asked for the 1940 census, including the many detailed questions about each person's employment. Thanks to Dick Eastman for sharing the link.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Changes to Social Security Death Index

Updates made to the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) will no longer include deaths that are reported from death records, due to state laws that restrict public access to vital records. Also, some 4 million entries that are already in the SSDI will be removed because they used death records as their source.

For more information about this change, please see Steve Danko's blog post.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Nominations for 2011 Indiana Governor's Award

The Indiana State Historic Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) is now accepting nominations for the 2011 Governor's Award. The award honors individuals (both professionals and volunteers) who have contributed substantially to the preservation, recognition or appreciation of Indiana’s historic records. Nominations must be made before November 15th, with the award presented in December. Please visit their website for the nomination form and more information.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

IGS Adds 8 Databases To Members Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added 8 more databases to the Members Only area:

College Records:
--Faculty of Indiana Asbury University, Greencastle (1858)
[NOTE: Indiana Asbury University later became DePauw University]

--Students of Earlham College, Richmond (1940)
[NOTE: This database only includes the class of 1940]

--Faculty of Indiana Dental College, Indianapolis (1925)
[NOTE: Indiana Dental College later became Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)]
--Students of Indiana Dental College, Indianapolis (1925)
[NOTE: This database only includes the class of 1925 and the class of 1926]

--Faculty of Wabash College, Crawfordsville (1939)

County Records:
--Elected Officials in Dearborn County, Indiana (1803-1915)

--Teachers of Kokomo High School, Howard County, Indiana (1932)

Military Records:
--Veterans Who Died At Indiana State Soldiers Home, Lafayette, Indiana (1910-1911)

These are premium databases, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 696 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000 records.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Marion Public Library Receives Grant For Computers

The Marion Public Library in Grant County recently received a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant for $6,559 from the Indiana State Library. The grant was used to purchase 4 computers and a scanner for the library's Indiana Room. The library matched the grant and purchased a printer and ergonomic work stations for the computers. With this new equipment, Indiana Room patrons have access to current technology for their genealogy research, and the Indiana Room can also provide computer training sessions to expand patrons' research skills.

Thanks to Rhonda Stoffer, Indiana County Genealogist for Grant County, for sharing this information.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

IGS Adds Civil War Databases To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added 2 more databases to the County Records section of the Members Only area:

Dearborn County:
--Civil War Soldiers from Dearborn County, Indiana

Ohio County:
--Civil War Soldiers from Ohio County, Indiana

These are premium databases, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 688 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000 records.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Parking Changes in Downtown Indianapolis

Researchers who have not visited downtown Indianapolis recently - particularly those going to the Indiana State Library - should be aware of changes if you park on the street. When the city recently privatized their parking meter system, the charges themselves increased, and you now have to pay to park on Saturdays. Additionally, if you let your meter expire, it now costs you $20 instead of $5. Two hours is the maximum time you can pay for at one time. You might also want to consider doing some of your research at area libraries such as Plainfield, Greenfield, Noblesville or Anderson.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Revolutionary War Seminar in Fort Wayne

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne is holding a free military seminar on Saturday, November 12, with the theme, "You Say You Want A Revolution." Information on the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) will be presented, as well as a session on Revolutionary War pensions. Tours of the Genealogy Center & one-on-one consultations with SAR And DAR experts will also be offered. For more information, please see the seminar brochure.

The seminar is free, but registration is required - call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info to register.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Indiana State Library & Archives Websites Honored

The websites of the Indiana State Library's Genealogy Collection and the Indiana State Digital Archives have been named among Family Tree Magazine's list of "2011 Best State Websites." The library's site contains several statewide indexes, including for marriages, deaths, newspapers and biographies. The Indiana State Digital Archives is the online repository for the Indiana State Archives and contains several digital collections, including Indiana military records.

The complete list of 2011 Best State Websites may be viewed at http://familytreemagazine.com/article/2011-best-state-websites.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

IGS Adds Dearborn County Military Databases To Members Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added 4 more databases to the County Records section of the Members Only area:

Dearborn County:
--Mexican War Soldiers from Dearborn County, Indiana
--Revolutionary War Veterans in Dearborn County, Indiana
--Spanish-American War Soldiers from Dearborn County, Indiana
--War of 1812 Veterans in Dearborn County, Indiana

These are premium databases, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 686 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000 records.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

La Porte County Society To Meet

The La Porte County, Indiana Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, November 8 at 7:15 pm at the Swanson Center for Older Adults (910 State Street, La Porte IN). Dr. Barbara Backer will offer glimpses into local history, medical history and family history when she shares the story of Dr. Sylvanus Everts. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Monday, October 17, 2011

IGS Adds Greenwood School Database To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added another database to the County Records section of the Members Only area:

Johnson County:
--Graduates of Greenwood High School, Johnson County, Indiana (1877-1930)

This is a premium database, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 682 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000 records.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Query: BILINSKI of South Bend

I am trying to find more information on my great-grandfather, Anthony Bilinski, and also any photos of his cigar factory, which was located on Chapin Street in South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana in the late 1890's - early 1900's. The BILINSKI name was carved in stone on the front of the building. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Submitted by:
Amy Paturalski
dylsam3@yahoo.com

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Query: GREATHOUSE/WILLIAMS of Knox County

I am hoping to touch base with anyone who might have any leads on the RED CLOUD community in Decker Township, Knox Co. IN.
My 2GGF John C WILLIAMS(b:OH 1847)died in "REDCLOUD" in 1886 from Milk sickness. These details come from the widows pension, his wife Martha[nee GREATHOUSE] WILLIAMS which was stated under oath. John his wife and children are found on the 1870 & 1880 census there. No one knows where he is buried. My husband & I in July traveled to Knox Co and visited every accessable cemetery in existance there. We found there is a Redcloud cemetery. I had never previously seen any mention of this cemetery in a book or online. I think they lived near to the where Orrville later came to be.

Concerning Johns burial, is only an oral tidbit or clue that has been mentioned...that he was buried in the "soldiers cemetery", they were destitute by the sounds of it upon Johns death, Martha and their 5 young children left Indiana for Illinois to her family there. I am certain no lasting marker was laid for John.
I have even looked in Wabash Co,IL records as they lived just on the Indiana riverbank, making a living on the land and river. I have not found much in way of records for Decker twp. Indiana, I'm thinking or assuming most perhaps have been lost to the floods that seemed to frequent the township.
I have many records of John and his wife Martha GREATHOUSE WILLIAMS, but wish to find out if any thing else is out there.
Thanks!!!
Angie Williams
RR 1 BOX 179W
Xenia, IL 62899
angier70@yahoo.com

Query: McCLEARY/COOK

I am looking into my Grandmother who was born in Indiana about 1892. Her name is Lillian Mae McCleary. This is the only information I have on her. I am also looking if she was married there to an Edward Leslie Cook from Keokuk, IA. Any help would really be appreciated.
Sincerely
Gerald P. Cook
1616 N. 47th Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85035-4004
jerry.diane@juno.com

Query: GRAVES of Perry County

Looking for the divorce date of Marie Schroeder Graves and Thomas J. Graves, in Tell City, Perry County. They were married on June 29, 1937. Marie married James B. Lindsey and moved to Alabama in 1940 or 1941.

Thank you for any information you can give me.

Suzanne Bell
541 Lakeland Ct.
Athens, GA 30607
sbfz2g@bellsouth.net

Thursday, October 13, 2011

IGS Adds Porter County School Databases To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added 2 more databases to the County Records section of the Members Only area:

Porter County:
--School Enumeration of Liberty Township, Porter County, Indiana (1919)
--School Enumeration of Liberty Township, Porter County, Indiana (1924)

These are premium databases, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 681 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000 records.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Southern Indiana Society To Discuss Floyd County and Civil War

The Southern Indiana Genealogical Society will meet on Thursday, November 3 at 7 pm in the Strassweg Auditorium of the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library (180 W. Spring St., New Albany, IN). David Barksdale, Floyd County historian, will speak about the Floyd County Historical Society, the Padgett Museum and its current Civil War exhibit.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Clay County School Databases Added To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added 3 more databases to the County Records section of the Members Only area:

Clay County:
--Selected Alumni of Brazil High School, Clay County, Indiana (1918)
--Students of Brazil High School, Clay County, Indiana (1918)
--Teachers of Brazil High School, Clay County, Indiana (1918)

These are premium databases, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 679 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000 records.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Indiana Marriage Index Updated

FamilySearch has updated the Indiana marriage index 1811-1959 that is in progress. Entries from 3 more counties have been added - Floyd County, Fountain County and Fulton County - and there are now over 1.9 million entries representing 30 of Indiana's 92 counties.

Visit our Indiana Marriage Indexing Project page to learn more about this joint project between the Indiana Genealogical Society and FamilySearch and how you can help.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Allen County Library To Discuss Writing Personal Histories

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Capturing Personal History & Memories," on Monday, October 24 from 2 to 4 pm in the library's Meeting Room A. Dawne Slater-Putt will dsicuss techniques for organizing, brainstorming and writing, and will give several writing exercises for the audience to participate in.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Allen County Library To Offer Blogging Class

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Let's Start Blogging," on Monday, October 31 from 2 to 3 pm in the library's Computer Classroom. In this hands-on class, Melissa Shimkus will lead you in setting up your own genealogy blog and beginning to share your genealogy with the world.

The class is free but space is limited - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Delaware County Government Offices To Close on Fridays

Those with research interests in Delaware County should be aware that the Delaware County Building in Muncie, Indiana (which houses many county government offices, including the county clerk and county health department) is now closed to the public on Fridays. The closure is effective immediately and was approved by the county commissioners as part of a budget-cutting effort.

German Genealogy Society To Hold Fall Workshop in Indianapolis

The Indiana Chapter of Palatines to America, the German genealogy society, will hold their fall workshop on Saturday, November 5 from 9:45 am to 3:15 pm at the MCL South Cafeteria Banquet Room in Indianapolis (3630 S. East Street, Indianapolis IN). Dr. Marianne Wokeck, professor of history at IUPUI, will be the featured speaker. Topics will be: "The Effects of War on Migration and Settlement in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Rhine Lands"; "Relocation from the Rhine Lands to the American Colonies and Young United States"; "What Was in It for Women? The Role of Female Immigrants Before and After the American Revolution."

Registraton is $15 for Pal-Am members, $20 for non-members (lunch is not included in the price). Indiana librarians can receive LEU credits for attending. More information on the workshop, including how to register, is available on their website.

Allen County Library To Discuss Immigration Research

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Before Crossing The Ocean: American Records of Our Immigrant Ancestors," on Sunday, October 30 from 1 to 2 pm in the library's Meeting Room A. Melissa Shimkus will show you what to look for in American records before searching for your immigrant ancestor overseas.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Allen County Library To Discuss Genealogy As A Profession

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Genealogy As A Profession," on Thursday, October 27 from 10 am to 11 am in the library's Meeting Room A. Area genealogists who do research for hire will describe how they advertise their business, set their rates, etc.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Allen County Library To Discuss Census Research

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Piecing The Census Puzzle Together," on Saturday, October 29 from 10 am to 11 am in the library's Globe Room. Melissa Shimkus will explore census research and how name changes, age discrepancies and changes in locality can affect your search.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

South Bend Archives Hosts Open House

The St. Joseph County Archives & Records Center in South Bend (1140 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601) will host 2 open houses in October to celebrate Family History Month and American Archives Month. The open houses will include a tour of the Archives & Records Center facilities and an orientation of St. Joseph County’s genealogical and governmental records (wills, estate records, coroner reports, naturalization records, marriage records, divorce records, adoption records, civil and criminal records, etc.) to show some of its most interesting historical records and treasures from its collections. After the tour and orientation, there will be time for the staff to assist you in your own St. Joseph County family history research, so bring along a few ideas for records you would like to find for your own projects.

The first Open House will be held on Thursday, October 13 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, with time to do your own research until 7:30 pm. The second Open House will be held on Saturday, October 15 from 9:30 to 10:30 am, with time to do your own research until 12:30 pm. Please register by Monday, October 10 for the open house you would like to attend by calling the Archives at (574) 235-9091 (regular business hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday). Free parking will be available on site.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

IGS Adds October 2011 Newsletter to Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added the October 2011 issue of IGS Newsletter, the society's bi-monthly newsletter, to the IGS Records section of Members Only. This issue includes a wrap-up of the Federation of Genealogical Societies' conference in Springfield, Illinois, as well as numerous news items from around the state.

The newsletter is available for download in its regular size, as well as in a compressed version, so that those with slower Internet connections can download it faster.

The newsletter is a premium database, accessible only to IGS members.

State Library to Discuss Organizing Your Research

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a program, "Organize and Document Your Genealogy Research," on Thursday, October 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the library's History Reference Room. The program will offer tips for how to organize and document your genealogy research. You'll also learn how best to prepare for a research visit to a library.

This program is free and open to the public.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

6 More Databases Added To IGS Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added 6 more databases to the Members Only area:

College Records:
--Students of Hanover College, Hanover (1849)
--Directory of Students of Indiana University, Bloomington (1936)
--Students of Valparaiso University, Valparaiso (1914)

County Records:
--Civil War Soldiers from Switzerland County, Indiana

Military Records:
--Veterans at Indiana State Soldiers Home, Lafayette, Indiana (1902)
--Veterans Who Died At Indiana State Soldiers Home, Lafayette, Indiana (1901-1902)

These are premium databases, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 676 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000 records.

Friday, September 30, 2011

State Library To Discuss Catholic Church Records

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a program, "Catholic Church Records," on Friday, October 28 from 9 am to 10 am in the library's History Reference Room. The program will explore the various Catholic Church records that are available and how to use them.

This program is free and open to the public.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

State Library To Discuss Scrapbooks

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a program, "Preserving Scrapbooks and Albums," on Tuesday, October 25 from noon to 1 pm in the library's Indiana Authors Room. The program will show some of the challenges in preserving and caring for historic scrapbooks and albums, and how you can create your own archival scrapbooks.

This program is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

QUERY:BACHMANN/HOWE/HOUSTON/PRICE/ROELL/GLOSHEN of Vigo, Porter, and Franklin Counties

I came across the granddaughter of a cousin of mine through Find-A-Grave. Her grandmother and my great-grandfather were first cousins. We both have been working on this info for a couple of years now. Her grandmother was sent to an orphanage in 1883 in Terre Haute (St. Ann’s) when she was 2 ½ years old. Our search is to find her biological father, confirm her biological mother and determine why she was sent to an orphanage while her brother, 2 years older than her, was not and who she stayed with until that time. Below is the info we have on her, as briefly as possible, and would love to connect some of the dots.

Her name was Emma Cecilia Bachmann Howe Houston Price. She was born 18 March 1881 in Oldenburg, Indiana (based on a letter she wrote). No records of her birth have been found through Franklin County Courthouse Records in Brookville or the Holy Family Church in Oldenburg or St. Anthony’s Church in Morris, Indiana. No baptismal records were found either. Emma had written a letter to be opened upon her death in July 1929. She indicated in this letter that she had found her grandparents, Gervasis and Magdalena Bachmann from Oldenburg and that she had found her biological mother in Morris, Indiana but had since lost her address. She gave no indication as to how she found this information, nor did she write down her name! We assumed it was from her adoptive mother, Frances Rose Howe but that was never confirmed. Only one of the children of Gervasis and Magdalena Bachmann ever lived in Morris, Indiana. Her name was Magadalena Bachmann Roell. Magdalena had a previous child, out of wedlock, Albert Louis Bachmann, who later changed his name to Albert Louis Gloshen, after his father, Monroe Gloshen. A death certificate confirmed his parentage. We have not looked for any official adoption records for Albert. We assumed he just changed it because he knew his father. We have assumed that Monroe Gloshen was the biological father of Emma, but have not been able to confirm this since we have been unable to find descendents to the line of Albert or Monroe Gloshen.

We found a one line notation from an adoption ledger several years ago listing Emma “Mary” Bachmann, from INDIANAPOLIS. Her granddaughter was confused by the different middle name, as her grandmother always used Cecilia. I assume it was changed in honor of her adoptive mother’s relative, Mother Superior Mary Cecilia Bailly. Mother Superior is the daughter of Joseph Bailly, from the Bailly Homestead at Dunes State Park, in Porter County, Indiana. Mother Superior was the General Superior of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the Woods, directly succeeding Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Frances Rose Howe adopted Emma. Frances visited her relative regularly and that is how she met Emma at the orphanage that Mother Superior oversaw. We have been unable to find any records of her birth in Indianapolis. These records of St. Ann’s orphanage have since been lost and no one knows where they are located any longer. A contact with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis would be helpful as numerous calls to try to find the records produces no results/return phone calls. There was no other information in this specific ledger. Trying to locate actual files from the orphanage has produced no results at all. We have checked with the Indiana Archives in Indianapolis, who would love to find these records, as they have had several inquiries for info on these orphans. The Indiana State Library has no genealogical records for the orphanage other than a couple of pictures of the building.

While on a trip to Porter County the first of June 2011, I went to several locations trying to find anything on Emma. The Porter County museum has numerous documents on Frances Rose Howe, Emma’s adoptive mother. Only brief mentions of her adoptive daughter are in the documents we have come across through the museum. Emma was officially adopted by Frances 23 September 1904, when Emma was 23 years old. Emma was removed from the orphanage in 1894 by Frances Rose Howe when she was 13, but was never formally adopted until she was 23 in 1904. A reason for this delay has not been found. We have come across some passport applications for Emma as she travelled abroad with Miss Howe. We were hoping to come across some personal diaries or papers from Miss Howe, but have not been able to locate any. We hoped to find that she had made mention somewhere of Emma’s parentage in her documents, as Miss Howe was a very astute business woman and left no T uncrossed or I un-dotted. While at the Clerk’s office in Valporaiso (the county seat), we tried to look up the will or estate of Frances Howe but could not find any records of significance. I showed them a receipt that we had from 1977, stating adoption information dates, etc. but the other information was not with it and we were told that the would have been the actual file of the adoption. The Clerk’s office indicated that the adoption records they once had for that time period “had been shipped to Indianapolis.” Which is a standard answer I receive from them any time I call. They cannot tell me to who or where they were shipped, just that they were shipped to Indianapolis. GEEZ!

While on this visit, I spoke with other individuals in the area at the library and the state park. Some of them suggested that I contact the Genealogical Society in Chicago and Detroit, as Frances Howe contributed much to both of these by way of influence and money. They seem to think that someone from those areas might have purchased the personal records of Frances Howe when the estate was up for auction and we may be able to find something through them. I have yet to find out where to contact someone from those areas. Again, our quest in locating some of the personal documents of Frances Howe may reveal how Emma learned of her parentage.

Emma’s assumed father, Monroe Gloshen, has turned up nothing. He was a resident of Franklin County, Indiana. Son of Nicholas Gloshen. Monroe then was “shipped off” to Rush County, to settle on a farm with his new bride, that his father purchased. Our guess is that Monroe may have been a wild-child of sorts and daddy needed to get him away from the crowd he had been with and straighten up! He married and moved to Rush County about the time Emma was sent to the orphanage, so we assumed there may be some connection, but without any descendents to speak with, we have no way of knowing any reasons for sure; it is all completely speculation on our part as to why he left. We have also not found any descendants of Albert, Emma’s assumed brother, to see if there were any family stories passed on.

Any help with finding descendants, adoption records, or information on the whereabouts of Frances Rose Howe documents or St. Ann Orphanage documents would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions anyone may have.

Kind regards,

Patti Moy
tmjmamamoy@sbcglobal.net

Query: STEWART of Montgomery County

I am looking for Joseph STEWART born Sept. 1st 1800 Ohio, Died 1849 Darlington, Montgomery Co. IN. I am looking for any information about Joseph STEWART parents especially his father. I am trying to go back, perhaps to the man hopfully his father who may have came directly from Scotland.
Any help that you can give me would be most appreciated.
Thank you,
Jerri L. Cooperman
Postal Address: 2202 Myrtle Street
Sioux City, Iowa 51103
jerrieast@cableone.net

Query: CRONE/BEACH/THOMPSON/HUFF of Howard and Miami Counites

Subject: CRONE/BEACH/THOMPSON/HUFF

I am searching for information on JOSEPH CRONE and wife, SARAH JANE BEACH who moved from Richland/Ashland County, Ohio to Howard and Miami Counties , Indiana . Joseph: born ca 1812-17 in Pennsylvania died 5 Dec 1891 at Peru, Miami County and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery (Now Mt. Hope Cemetery ) in Peru . His father may have been WILLIAM CRONE. SARAH BEACH, born ca 1821-1832 probably in Delaware. Died between 1860 and 1866. perhaps in Miami County-- When and where buried? She may have been the daughter of JOSHUA AND SARAH BEACH of Richland County, Ohio . No marriage record for Joseph and Sarah has been found. Joseph and Sarah had Henry, Joseph Jr. May Ann (deaf and dumb), Sarah, Helen/Ellen, and Emma Irene born in Ohio . After they moved to Indiana about 1856 they had Elizabeth June "Libbie", Bolivar and Ida M. Emma , Libbie, and Bolivar moved to Nebraska . Ida M. married SILAS K. THOMPSON 28 Jul 1882 in Miami County , Indiana . When did she die and where is she buried? After the death of Sarah Jane, Joseph married Mrs. Susan HUFF 31 Mar 1866 in Miami County , Indiana . Her first husband was Hansen Huff. They had at least Benjamin and Emma Huff. Joseph and Susan had no children. When did Susan Huff CRONE die and where is she buried?
Any help would be so appreciated.
Thank you, Sharon Lass Field
SLassField@bresnan.net
6511 Merritt Rd. Cheyenne, Wy 82009.

Query: AGY/YOUNG of Clay County

AGY FAMILY - lived on Depot Street in Saline City, Sugar Ridge Township, Clay County, during 1870's until around 1888. 2 AGY children died during that period, and are buried in the area.
Looking for information on Joshua AGY or Mary Elizabeth YOUNG AGY or any of the AGY children.
They moved from Saline City to Houston County, TN. Thank you!
Elizabeth Weir
1932 Mooty Bridge Rd
LaGrange, GA 3024
barbweir@charter.net

Query: COQUILLARD/CARTER of South Bend

I am a direct descendant of Alexis Serat dit Coquillard (co-founder of South Bend) through his son Alexis Theodore, his son Alexis Charles, and his daughter Matilda Coquillard (my grandmother), her son Allen Lewis Carter (my father).

Strange thing though, my family does not have our own Family Bible, but is in possession of the family Bible of the Alexis Coquillard that married Maude Perley. There is a hand written note in the back of the Bible with the date of marriage, Feb 23, 1881 and it is signed by Father Sorin (who states that he performed the marriage at St. Mary's - this is the same Father Sorin who founded Notre Dame). I have tried to make contact with the University of South Bend, and St Mary's Church which I believe would both have interest in the Bible, as well as the Coquillard family. Perhaps through this arena I will find an interested party. We are willing to return the Bible to its rightful owners or to donate it to the University or to the Church.

I had long believe that the photo in the Bible that was labeled Alexis Theodore was my Great Great Grandfather but now learned that the photo was mislabeled. So for my part - I are looking for any photos out there of Alexis Theodore Coquillard. I have a few of Alexis Charles as a child, but none of him as an adult and would love to see that as well. Alexis Charles left Indiana and moved to New York as a young man. He lived in the Riverdale/Spuyten Duyvil area of The Bronx where he met and married Winifred Sweeney Parks. They had 3 children Frederick Edward, Matilda Agatha, and Alexis Theodore (Ted). Neither of these boys married, so the Coquillard name died out in the New York area.

Thank you for any help in these two quests.
Contact me at:
Cherie Magee
PO Box 806
Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
or ctimeline@aol.com

Query: EDGAR from Huntington

Looking for information on a - Richard C. "Chick" Edgar from Huntington, Indiana, born sometime around 1931. Any information about Mr. Edgar is welcome! Thank you.

Paula Coil
3811 Oakland Circle
Houston, Texas
prcoil@hotmail

Query: BECKS of Indianapolis and Marion and Fayette Counties

I am researching three brothers who were noted gunsmiths in the Marion County and Indianapolis area in the mid-1800s. Their names were Christian BECK, Samuel BECK, and Jacob BECK. Their father was Christian BECK; however, he did not open a gun shop in Indianapolis. He eventually moved to Tioga Illinois and then westward on the Oregon Trail.

The three Becks had gun shops listed in Indianapolis and they were listed in the Indianapolis City Directory from 1858 onward.

Christian BECK was born in Pennsylvania, I believe, in 1813 and died in Marion County, Indiana on August 17, 1886. Christian was the brother of Samuel BECK who also made rifles. Christian was a gunsmith in Connersville indiana and moved to Indianapolis in 1835. He was a gunmaker in Indianapolis for main years with the last year of record being 1880. Christian made both flintlock rifles and percussion rifles. Christian held 3 ranks during the Civil War. Here are his stats: Residence Connersville IN; Enlisted on 9/25/1861 as a 1st Lieutenant. On 10/5/1861 he was commissioned into "L" Co. IN 2nd Cavalry He was discharged for promotion on 11/2/1863 On 11/2/1863 he was commissioned into Field & Staff IN 7th Cavalry He was discharged for promotion on 3/1/1864 On 4/30/1864 he was commissioned into Field & Staff IN 9th Cavalry He Resigned on 10/28/1864 Promotions: * Capt 6/21/1862 * Major 11/2/1863 (As of 7th IN Cav) * Lt Colonel 3/1/1864 (As of 9th IN Cav) When a captain in the Civil War his outfit was surrounded by Rebs and he and his men cut their way out without losing a man. For this deed the Governor of Indiana, Oliver P. Morton, persented him with a gold-headed cane.

I am trying to verify the information above and see if anyone has any information on the BECKS either in Connersville or Indianapolis.

I will be using information in an article and all sources will be cited as well as societies. Thank you.

Regards,

Greg Allard

g.e.allard@hotmail.com

Query: Native American Heritage Research in Hamilton and Madison Counties

Looking for anyone who strongly suspect or were told that they have Native American Heritage particularly Delaware (Lenni-Lenape) from ancestors who lived on the White River near Strawtown, Perkinsville, and Anderson in Hamilton and Madison County.

Mike Lennis
E-mail melennis@iupui.edu

Query: SIDERS of Indianapolis

We know that our grandfather was living in Indianapolis, IN in 1963, the year of his death. However, he passed away while visiting his sister in Michigan and that is where he is buried. The last year we found any information on him was in 1949. He was in the City Directory in Decatur, Illinois. So, we thought we would track backwards from 1963. His name was Alonzo "Lonnie" SIDERS, born March 1898 in Fulton County, Illinois. He died in Michigan in June of 1963. Most of the records we found has his name as Lonnie. We are trying to bridge the gap from 1949 to 1963. We do not know when he left Illinois. If you could just point us in the right direction, we would be so appreciative.
Thanks,
Linda and Phil Siders
4005 Manzanita Avenue, Suite 6-207
Carmichael, CA 95608
suelindajon@yahoo.com

Query: COMER of Madison and Delware Counties

I am trying to locate the family of my great grandmother, Laura Eleanor COMER, born Oct. 20, 1860. Her father's name was Johnathan M.COMER, born June 6, 1834 in Ohio. I do not have her mother's name. She had siblings named Robert, Charles, Mildred and Rebecca. She was either born around Anderson, IN or Muncie, IN. Johnathan's father name was William COMER.

Laura moved to Missouri and married here around 1880.

Mildred lived at 215 East 6th St, Muncie, IN in June of 1927 and Rebecca was working in Indianpolis in this year. I do not know if Mildred married. Rebecca was married to a man named Will in March 1926 but I do not have is last name. I know this from lettersd written to my great grandmother that are in my possesion.

I can find nothing on her brothers.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Gloria Phillips
3120 Denmark Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044
gloria_phillips@sbcglobal.net

Allen County Library To Discuss Irish Research

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Resources for Irish Research in The Genealogy Center at ACPL," on Monday, October 17 from 2 to 3 pm in the library's Meeting Room A. Steve Myers will review some of the many resources for Irish research that are at the library.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

La Porte County Society To Discuss Immigration & Naturalization Records

The La Porte County, Indiana Genealogical Society will meet on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:15 pm at the Swanson Center for Older Adults (910 State Street, La Porte IN). Pat Harris and Harold Henderson will discuss immigration and naturalization records, including examples of fantastic misspellings, why you shouldn't focus only on Ellis Island, how naturalization laws and forms changed over time, and other research pitfalls. The meeting is open to the public - bring your questions!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Allen County Library to Discuss Footnote.com

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Introduction to Footnote.com," on Sunday, October 9 from 1 to 2 pm in the library's Meeting Room A. Delia Bourne will provide tips and techniques for searching the databases at Footnote.com.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

State Library to Discuss Census Research Problems

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a program, "Is Your Norma Listed As Warnie In The Census?," on Monday, October 24 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am in the library's History Reference Room. The program will show you how to deal with a variety of indexing errors when researching with the census, including mangled names. This program is free and open to the public.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Northwest Indiana Society To Discuss Census Records

The Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society will meet on Saturday, October 15 at 10 am at the Dyer-Schererville branch of the Lake County Public Library. Steve Szabados will give a program on "Mining Census Records," about how to utilize every morsel of information found in the census. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Northwest Indiana Society To Discuss Genealogy Brick Walls

The Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society will meet on Saturday, November 19 at 10 am at the Valparaiso branch of the Porter County Public Library. There will be a panel of experts to help you break through your most challenging research problems - aka genealogy "brick walls." The meeting is free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Allen County Library To Discuss Word 2010

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Microsoft Word 2010 for Beginners," on Monday, October 10 from 2 to 4 pm in the library's Computer Classroom. Kay Spears will present techniques for organizing a manuscript to prepare for printing, and how to manipulate photographs.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Allen County Library To Discuss Genealogy Blogs

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "How to Become a Genealogy Blogger," on Thursday, October 13 from 2 to 3 pm in the library's Meeting Room A. Melissa Shimkus will dsicuss how to use blogs as a tool to share your genealogy research online.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Allen County Library To Discuss Family Tree Maker

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Beginning Family Tree Maker," on Sunday, October 2 from 1 to 2 pm in the library's Meeting Room A. Cynthia Theusch will show the basics of using Family Tree Maker genealogy software, including inserting photos and creating charts and reports.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Allen County Library To Discuss Family Histories

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Evaluating Published Family Histories," on Thursday, October 6 from 10 am to 11 am in the library's Meeting Room C. John Beatty will discuss how to assess the quality of a published family history and use them effectively in your research.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Hamilton County Library To Hold Ancestry Computer Workshop

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a computer workshop on using the Ancestry.com Library Edition on Wednesday, October 26 from 9:30 am to noon in the library's computer training lab. In this hands-on workshop, you'll have access to a computer and will learn the most effective way to search for your ancestors in the Ancestry Library Edition databases. There will also be time at the end of the workshop for you to start your own research.

This workshop is free but registration is required - register online through the library's events calendar or contact their Outreach Department - phone (317) 776-6939.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

State Library To Discuss Newspaper Research

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a program, "Newspapers in Genealogy," on Wednesday, October 19 from noon to 1 pm in the library's Indiana Authors Room. The program will explore the library's collection of Indiana newspapers and give tips for how to get the most out of it for your genealogy research.

This program is free and open to the public.

Allen County Library To Discuss Local Resources

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will hold a class, "Using Locality Sources," on Monday, October 3 from 2 to 3 pm in the library's Meeting Room A. Delia Bourne will discuss what useful sources may be available in the communities of your ancestors, and how to access them.

The class is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Allen County Library to Offer One-On-One Genealogy Consultations

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will offer 30-minute sessions of one-on-one consultations with a staff member to help you break through your brick wall in your research. The sessions will be offered on:

Tuesday, October 4 - 2 to 4 pm
Tuesday, October 11 - 2 to 4 pm
Tuesday, October 18 - 2 to 4 pm
Tuesday, October 25 - 2 to 4 pm
Wednesday, October 26 - 2 to 4 pm

You must pre-register for these sessions, and space is limited. To register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Allen County Library to Discuss Periodical Source Index (PERSI)

The Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne will present a program on using PERSI (Periodical Source Index) on Saturday, October 8 from 10 am to 11 am in the library's Globe Room. Delia Bourne will discuss now to use PERSI, which is the largest subject guide to genealogy and local history periodicals. The program is free - to register, call (260) 421-1225 or e-mail genealogy@acpl.info.

Marion County Society To Discuss Civil War Records

The Genealogical Society of Marion County will meet on Saturday, October 1 at 1 pm at the waiting station of Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. Vicki Casteel will present a program on the Indiana State Archives's collection of Civil War records, including the 1862 draft list, Indiana State Soldier's Home applications and veterans' grave registrations. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Louisville To Host Family History Seminar

The Louisville Genealogical Society in Louisville, Kentucky will host a Family History Seminar and Book Fair on Saturday, October 15 from 8:30 am to 4 pm at Beargrass Christian Church (4100 Shelbyville Road, Louisville KY). John Humphrey will be the featured speaker, with sessions on: "Finding Your German Ancestor’s Place of Origin"; "Using Church Records Effectively;" "German Immigration, Migration and Settlement Patterns within the U.S.," and "Reconstructing Families on the Colonial Frontier."

General admission is $5 and includes access to 8 free classes of wide-ranging interest to beginning and advanced genealogists alike, an exhibit area and a silent auction. The sessions by John Humphrey are an additional $10 each or $30 to attend all four. An optional box lunch is available for $7 for those who pre-register. Seating is limited and pre-registration is recommended.

To register, or for more information, please visit their website.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

State Library To Discuss Records Preservation

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a program, "Preservation for the Non-Professional," on Tuesday, October 11 from noon to 1 pm in the library's Indiana Authors Room. The program is geared towards the layperson who is interested in safeguarding their personal papers, photographs and other memorabilia in a non-digital format.

This program is free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

State Library To Discuss Naturalization Records

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a program, "Locating Naturalization Records in Indiana," on Saturday, October 8 from 11 am to noon in the library's History Reference Room. The program will explore the various naturalization records used in Indiana since 1816 and where to find those records.

This program is free and open to the public.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Hamilton County Library To Discuss Canadian Research

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a workshop on Canadian research on Saturday, October 29 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm in the library's Genealogy Classroom. You'll learn about what Canadian records are available, how to read them and where to find them.

This workshop is free but registration is required - register online through the library's events calendar or contact their Outreach Department - phone (317) 776-6939.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Seymour Library To Hold Research Lock-In

The Jackson County Public Library in Seymour will hold a research lock-in on Friday, October 28 from 6 to 11 pm. The evening will begin with a soup & sandwich (and dessert) supper and a talk on riverboat travel and records by Dan Back, river historian from Patriot, Indiana.

Researchers will have access to books, microfilm and computers until 11 pm, but may leave earlier if they prefer. The registration fee of $8 must be received by Thursday, October 20. The fee is not refundable but may be transferred with proper notice. Those attending the lock-in should be in the library by 5:45 pm, but may arrive earlier for a day of research.

A brief workshop for beginners will follow the supper if enough interest is indicated.

For more information about the lock-in and to register, please contact Local History Specialist Charlotte Sellers - (812) 522-3412 ext. 240 or csellers@myjclibrary.org

State Library To Offer Beginning Genealogy

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a series of programs for beginning genealogy on Thursday nights in October:

--Part 1 - Thursday, October 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the library's History Reference Room. In this part, you'll get an introduction to the beginning elements of genealogy research, along with an overview of the basic documents and resources you'll use to trace your family tree.

--Part 2 - Thursday, October 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the library's History Reference Room. In this part, you'll learn the various collections for family history research that are available at the Indiana State Library, as presented by Genealogy Collection Librarian Charles Hill.

--Part 3 - Thursday, October 20 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the library's History Reference Room. In this part, you'll learn what family history resources are available from various organizations, including local genealogical and historical societies and libraries, as well as the National Archives and the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

These programs are free and open to the public.

State Library To Discuss County Histories

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a program, "Making The Most of The County Histories," on Wednesday, October 12 from noon to 1 pm in the library's History Reference Room. The program will discuss how both historical and modern publications of county histories can help you find biographical information on your ancestors, as well as local history knowledge. This program is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Louisville To Host Lineage Societies Fair

The Sons of the American Revolution's Genealogical Research Library in Louisville, Kentucky will hold a fair on Saturday, October 22 from 10 am to 1 pm. Representatives from several organizations, including Colonial Dames of the XVII Century, Children of the American Revolution and United Daughters of the Confederacy will be available to answer your questions about joining a lineage society. The library's lineage resources will also be available for use, including the SAR Patriot Index and access to Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest and Fold3 databases.

For questions, or additional information, please contact Rae Ann Sauer at (502) 588-6130 or rsauer@sar.org

IGS Adds Franklin County Church Database To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added another database to the County Records section of Members Only:

Franklin County
--Members of Big Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Franklin County, Indiana (1817-1835)

This is a premium database, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 670 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000 records.

Greencastle To Host Archives Workshop

The Society of Indiana Archivists and the State Historical Records Advisory Board of Indiana (SHRAB) will hold their Fall Workshop on Friday, October 7 from 9 am to 4:30 pm at the DePauw University Archives in Greencastle, Indiana. The theme of the workshop is "Nuts and Bolts: Archives Basics," and it is geared towards "accidental archivists" or new archivists - those who perhaps have been assigned archives work and are not sure what to do now. In the morning session, everyone will have a chance to work with actual collections in small groups. There will be plenty of opportunities to get your questions answered and discuss best practices. The afternoon will be devoted to management issues that might surprise you: creating a finding aid to aid users in discovering the collection, working with patrons, working with donors, digitizing your first collection, and marketing.

Registration is $30 for SIA members, $40 for non-members. To register, or for more information, visit http://www.inarchivists.org/workshops/files/2011FallWorkshop.php

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Southern Indiana Society To Discuss Civil War

The Southern Indiana Genealogical Society will meet on October 20 at 7 pm in the Strassweg Auditorium of the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library (180 W. Spring St., New Albany, IN). Author and historian Mike Peake will present a program, "The Civil War Illustrations of Captain Adolph G. Metzner." Capt. Metzner’s sketches, drawings, and watercolors were a visual diary of his three years of service with the First German, 32nd Regiment Indiana Infantry.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

State Library To Discuss Early Census Records

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a program, "Early Census Questionnaires 1790 to 1860," on Friday, October 7 from noon to 1 pm in the library's Indiana Authors Room. The program will talk about the earliest U.S. censuses and what kind of questions they asked.

This program is free and open to the public.

Monday, September 12, 2011

FGS Honors Curt Witcher With Award


Congratulations to Curt Witcher, the Immediate Past President of the Indiana Genealogical Society. At their recent conference in Springfield, Illinois, the Federation of Genealogical Societies honored him with their inaugural FGS Genealogical Tourism Award. The award was in recognition of his efforts in bringing 100,000+ visitors a year to the Genealogy Center of the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

For details on the award, please see the FGS blog.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

IGS Adds Hendricks County Divorce Index to Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added another database to the County Records section of Members Only:

Hendricks County
--Index to Divorce Cases Filed in Hendricks County, Indiana (1953-1975)

This database was compiled from the divorce cases that were listed in Hendricks County Entry Docket Book Volumes 11 and 12.

This database is free to the public - no membership is necessary to view it.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 669 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000 records.

State Library To Discuss Family Businesses

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will present a program, "Researching Your Family's Business," on Wednesday, October 5 from noon to 1 pm in the library's Indiana Author's Room. The program will give you an overview of the library's resources for helping to research historic businesses in Indiana.

This program is free and open to the public.

State Library To Hold Genealogy Fair

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis will hold their 3rd annual Indiana Genealogy & Local History Fair on Saturday, October 22 from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Indiana libraries and genealogy/local history groups, as well as commercial vendors, will have tables for you to browse. There will be 3 sessions offered, with speakers Lou Szucs of Ancestry.com and Deborah Engleking of the Indianapolis Stake Family History Center. Admission is free and Indiana librarians can earn LEUs for attending.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

African-American Newspaper for Indianapolis Digitized

The library of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) recently completed a project to digitize issues of the Indianapolis Recorder from 1899 through 2005. The digital images are available at http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/digitalscholarship/collections/Irecorder. The newspaper was published weekly and was a premier source of information about African-Americans in the Indianapolis area.

Friday, September 9, 2011

IGS Presents War of 1812 Check at FGS Conference

Yesterday, during the Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in Springfield, Illinois, Indiana Genealogical Society President Presented FGS President Pat Oxley with a check for $24,234. The check was the result of our War of 1812 $10,000 Match Challenge to help raise the money to digitize the War of 1812 pensions at the National Archives and make them freely available online.


From left to right: IGS President Michael Maben; FGS President Pat Oxley; IGS Immediate Past President Curt Witcher; IGS Vice-President Tina Eisworth Lyons; IGS Corresponding Secretary Marlene Polster; IGS Southwest District Director Connie Conrad.


IGS President Michael Maben poses with the big check before the presentation.


Thank you to Tina Eisworth Lyons and Marlene Polster for the photos, and thank you to all who helped make our match challenge such a success!

Cemetery Restoration Workshop in Vigo County

The Wabash Valley Genealogy Society will offer an opportunity to get some hands-on experience cleaning and resetting tombstones with their cemetery preservation/restoration workshop on Saturday, October 8 from 9:30 am to 4 pm at the Rose Hill Cemetery in New Goshen, Vigo County, Indiana. Brad Manzenberger of Stone Revival Cemetery Restoration, Inc. will lead the workshop. Registration is $10 for WVGS members, $15 for non-members. Please visit their website for more information and to register.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

IGS Adds Noble County 1860 Mortality Schedule To Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added another database to the County Records section of Members Only:

Noble County
--Index to Mortality Schedule for Noble County, Indiana (1860)

The 1860 mortality schedule was a special schedule to the federal census that listed those who had died between 1 June 1859 and 31 May 1860.

This is a premium database, accessible only to IGS members.

The Indiana Genealogical Society now has 668 databases in the Members Only area. They cover all 92 Indiana counties and encompass 500,000 records.

Noblesville Library To Discuss Tombstones

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a genealogy roundtable on Tuesday, October 11 at 2:15 pm in the library's Genealogy Classroom. Participants can bring photos of unusual tombstones they have come across and share their experiences of doing cemetery research.

This is an informal discussion group - no registration is required.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Noblesville Library To Discuss Cemetery Research

The Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville will hold a workshop, "Digging in The Cemetery," on Saturday, October 8 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm in the library's Genealogy Classroom. You'll learn about what types of cemetery records are available, what the symbols on tombstones mean, and how to prepare for a trip to a cemetery.

This workshop is free but registration is required - register online through the library's events calendar or contact their Outreach Department - phone (317) 776-6939.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

September Issue of Indiana Genealogist Added to Members-Only

The Indiana Genealogical Society has added the September 2011 issue of Indiana Genealogist, the society's quarterly publication, to the IGS Records section of Members Only.

This issue includes a continuation of a listing of Indiana's Civil War veterans who became GAR members in Colorado and Wyoming, as well as another installment of coroner inquest reports in Decatur County, and an article examining the information that can be found in county coroner's records. There is also an article about the history of a GAR chapter in Evansville honoring African-American veterans of the Civil War. As in every issue, there are also brief items from every region of the state.

The quarterly is a premium database, accessible only to IGS members.