IGS Announces Two Speakers for 2016 Conference

The Indiana Genealogical Society is happy to announce two speakers for its 2016 conference, being held Saturday, 16 April in Fort Wayne.

Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, CG is a professional researcher who helps the U.S. Army identify next-of-kin for missing soldiers from World War II on. Her topics will be:

• Miracles, Mysteries & Mayhem: Online Family Trees
• The Art of Negative-Space Research: Women
• You're Not in Kansas Anymore: Essential Resources for Urban-Area Research
• Bringing Life to Our Ancestors: Manuscript Collections

Jen Baldwin is the Outreach Manager US/Canada for Findmypast. Her topics will be:

• Being More Than Social on Social Media
• Paperless Genealogy
• Preserving Your Personal Archives
• Go Back to School: Utilizing University Resources

Baldwin's sessions are being sponsored by the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana.

Registration for the conference will open soon. We look forward to seeing you there!

In Memorium: Constance "Connie" Conrad

We are sad to report that Constance "Connie" Conrad, IGS' Southwest District director, passed away on December 1, 2015 in Evansville. Connie was an individual who believed in genealogy, the Willard Library, the Tri-State Genealogical Society, and IGS.

She was a dedicated volunteer and a wonderful human being.

IGS extends its sympathies to Connie's family and friends, of whom she had many.

Her full obituary can be found here.

Query: George and Fredericka Friese

My family information is: George Frederick Friese, born 1820 in Erfurt, Germany, arrived with wife Fredericka and son August. Enlisted August 25, 1861, in Indiana in the 32nd Regiment, Companies I and H. I have a newspaper article with a photo of the family that states they all served in the war.

Fredericka supposedly served as a cook, but I have not been able to find record of that. I have George’s muster records and I know in 1887 his charges of desertion were removed by the Adjutant General's office.

While I have information on his son August, the last record I can find is a city directory that has him residing in Chicago, Illinois in 1873. He was naturalized in 1866. The family lived for a period in Peoria, Illinois, and later Chicago.

 I do not know his date of death, nor his parents name, or his exact date of birth. Likewise, I have no information on his wife Fredericka. Did she serve in the Civil War, when did she die, etc. My question is where can I find this information? I have a subscription to Ancestry.com and have been unable to find additional information there or with FamilySearch.

Any help would be appreciated.

 Cynthia Friese
3518 Debby Lane; Franksville, WI 53126
frieselovesart@gmail.com

Query: Clinton and Ann (Thompson) Farris, Jay County, Indiana

I am looking for the following family. They are relatives of my family.

Clinton Farris, born ca 1827, and Ann E. (Thompson) Farris, born ca 1838, both in Ohio. They lived most of their lives in Jay County, Indiana.

I am looking for both parents and family members. They had three children: Dayton 1859, Amanda 1861, and Rosa 1871.

Clinton was in the Civil War, 11th regiment in Indiana ca 1863. I am at a roadblock when it comes to Clinton and Ann. There is no marriage date unless Ann is Ann E Larry then it could be 1866. Clinton appears in the 1880 census, but nowhere after that. Ann appears to have lived until Nov 1902.

Clinton's parents were born in Ohio, possibly Marion, Ohio. Ann's father was born in New Jersey, Mother was born in Ohio.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Penny
pennydewey27@comcast.net

IGS Appoints 4 New County Genealogists

At its recent board meeting, the Indiana Genealogical Society board approved the appointment of 4 new Indiana County Genealogists. They are:

Dearborn County

Cassandra (Cassie) Blankenhorn
Cassie has been working on her research since 2000 after moving to Dearborn County, IN. She spent time in the Lawrenceburg Public Library researching, and then becoming a volunteer. She now works for as a Genealogy Assistant for the Dearborn County historian. Her duties include working with local and out-of-state patrons to find information on their Dearborn county Roots. Cassie is also a board member of the Dearborn County Historical Society.

Contact her:
Cassie Blankenhorn
1199 Campground Dr.
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
cassbhornl@gmail.com

Cassie is replacing Joyce Baer as the Dearborn County ICG. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Joyce for her work in that role.

Floyd County

Nancy Strickland
Nancy started working on her own genealogy back in 1977, after watching the TV show Roots. She is now working in the Indiana Room at the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library and volunteering at the local Family History Center. She enjoys teaching beginning genealogy class and demonstrating the use of maps and abstracts presentation with co-sponsored Indiana Landmarks.

Contact her:
Nancy Strickland
New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
180 W. Spring St.
New Albany, IN 47150
nstrickland@nafcLibrary.org

Hancock County

Paul McNeil 
Paul McNeil works for the Hancock County Public Library in which he is in charge of the Indiana/Hanock History Room. Paul received his Masters of Library Science degree from the Indiana University, specializing in archives and records management. He also hold a B.A. from Ball State University in History.

Early this year Paul was award the IGS Library Staff Educational Scholarship, He was able to attend a Genealogy Library Services course through the University of Wisconsin Madison. He is also the project director for a 2015 LSTA digitization grant, in which a number of microfilmed newspapers will be digitized and added to the Hoosier State Chronicles.

Contact him:
Paul McNeil

Hancock County Public Library
900 West McKenzie Road
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone (317) 462-5141 ext. 231
pmcneil@hcplibrary.org

Henry County

Amanda Clark
Amanda is a member of several genealogical societies including IGS, German Genealogical Society, the National Genealogical Society, and the Hamilton County Ohio Genealogical Society. She has volunteered to work on projects for the Henry County Historical Society. She is a FindAGrave.com contributor and volunteer. Amanda also belongs to the Sarah Winston Henry Chapter of the DAR

Amanda has also organized the Blue River Valley Genealogy Society this year.

Contact her:
Amanda Clark
1318 Linden Drive
New Castle, IN 47362
mandora.cmt@gmail.com

About the Indiana County Genealogists

The Indiana Genealogical Society appoints qualified individuals to be an Indiana County Genealogist (ICG) for each of the 92 counties in Indiana. Indiana County Genealogists act as a liaison between the IGS District Director representing that area and the local societies and individuals in that county. You can find a listing of all of the Indiana County Genealogists on the IGS website. 

New Databases: DeKalb, Perry, Porter, Steuben and Wayne Counties

Raking leaves isn't nearly as enjoyable as climbing your family tree! Put down the rake and check out the new databases that we've added for DeKalb, Perry, Porter, Steuben, and Wayne counties.

Premium Databases:

The following are members-only databases. Log in to use these collections. Not a member of the Indiana Genealogical Society? Join today!

DeKalb County:
- Students of Auburn High School, DeKalb County, Indiana (1930)
Browsable digital images of students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1930 yearbook, The Follies of 1930. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

- Teachers of Auburn High School, DeKalb County, Indiana (1930)
Browsable digital images of teachers in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1930 yearbook, The Follies of 1930. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

Perry County:
- Index to Mortality Schedule for Perry County, Indiana (1870)
An index of residents who died between June 1869 and May 1870, as listed in the county’s 1870 mortality schedule.

Porter County:
- Students of Valparaiso High School, Porter County, Indiana (1921)
An index of students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1921 yearbook, The Valenian.

Steuben County:
- Index to Mortality Schedule for Steuben County, Indiana (1870)
An index of residents who died between June 1869 and May 1870, as listed in the county’s 1870 mortality schedule.

Wayne County:
- Students of Hagerstown High School, Wayne County, Indiana (1921)
An index of 110 students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1921 yearbook, The Epitome.

Seeking Orphan Train Descendants

On Monday, November 30, 2015, the South Bend Area Genealogical Society's monthly program will feature Educator and Genealogist Barbara Cook of Niles who will speak on the "The Orphan Trains: Saga of the resettlement of homeless or destitute children from the East Coast to foster or adoptive families in the Midwest."

The Orphan Train project, initiated in New York City and Baltimore during the 18th and early 19th century, located homeless waifs with willing families in our area. Indiana was one of the largest recipients of "homeless children."Very little is known about the history of the children placed or their descendants.

We are attempting to identify and invite as many descendants to this event in order to recognize and honor the journey of their ancestors. In addition, we hope to document the beginnings of a data base which would be offered on the South Bend Area Genealogical Society's website (www.sbags.org).

If You're an Orphan Train Descendant:
The SBAGS's meeting is November 30 at 7:00pm at the Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 115 S. Frances St., South Bend.

If you can't make the meeting, please contact them at local.history@sjcpl.org or (574) 282-4621.

Civil War Veteran John Tilford Haynes of White County

Photo of Sergeant J. T. Haynes' tombstone, courtesy of Barbara Westfall

Barbara Westfall (eysblu2@att.net) saw her great-grandfather, John Tilford Haynes, listed in our Members-Only database, Burials of Civil War Veterans from Indiana (1861-1904) and passed along some additional information on him - thanks Barbara!

John Tilford Haynes was a Sergeant in Company I of the 72nd Indiana Infantry. He was from Wolcott, White County, Indiana but actually enlisted at Remington, Jasper County, Indiana. He was also a Mexican War veteran, serving with the 2nd Indiana and the 7th Indiana.

He was wounded in Farmington, Tennessee and shot through both legs. He died in April 1903 and was buried in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Wolcott, White County, Indiana. More information can be found on his Find A Grave page.

John T.'s oldest son, David Haynes, was 14 years old when he enlisted with him and he served with the same company throughout the war. It's not clear what happened to David and where he is buried - he may be the David Haynes on the Benton County 1880 mortality schedule, but there is no record of his getting a tombstone for his military service.

Indiana State Library's 2015 Genealogy Fair

Thanks to all who stopped by the Indiana Genealogical Society's table at the Indiana State Library's Genealogy Fair this past Saturday! IGS Corresponding Secretary Ron Darrah (pictured) and Central District Director Nichelle Hayes met lots of great people.

FOUND Photo: Hattie White and Ora McCreary of Union County, Indiana (1890's)

Jo-Ann Murphy (jo-ann@spicemail.net) found these 2 photos from the 1890's, identified as being Hattie McCreary and husband Orrie, and is looking for family members to give them to. If you are a descendant of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact her.

Research has found that Hattie M. WHITE (born March 1876 in Indiana; died after 1930) married Ora E. McCREARY (born September 1857 in Indiana; died between 1920-1930) about 1895 and they lived in Union County, Indiana. Hattie and Ora had children: Mary M. McCreary (born September 1899 in Indiana) and Harry R. McCreary (born about 1907 in Indiana).

Hattie was the daughter of Jonathan White (born 29 November 1839 in Indiana; died 14 May 1885; buried in Bath Springs Cemetery, Union County, Indiana) and Mariah COLSON (born October 1843 in Indiana; died after 1920), who were married 1 January 1863 in Union County.

New Databases: At least 7 for each of Indiana's 92 counties

With the newest batch of databases we've added to our website, we've now reached "7 for 92" status - meaning we have at least 7 databases for each of Indiana's 92 counties. These new databases cover Starke County, Jennings County, Boone County, and more.

These are members-only databases - Login to use these collections. Not a member of the Indiana Genealogical Society? Join today! - Memberships that are purchased in October 2015 will not expire until December 2016.


--Early History of Eagle Township, Boone County, Indiana
Browseable digital images of the early history of Eagle Township (which is where Zionsville is located), as listed in a 1937 manuscript published by Zionsville High School. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

--Early Settlers of Eagle Township, Boone County, Indiana
Browseable digital images of biographical entries of the early settlers of Eagle Township (which is where Zionsville is located), as listed in a 1937 manuscript published by Zionsville High School. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

--Students of Rochester High School, Fulton County, Indiana (1931)
Browseable digital images of students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1931 yearbook, “Ripplette.” This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

--Teachers of Rochester High School, Fulton County, Indiana (1931)
Browseable digital images of teachers in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1931 yearbook, “Ripplette.” This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

--Students of Plainfield High School, Hendricks County, Indiana (1930)
Browseable digital images of students in grades 7-12, as listed in the school’s 1930 yearbook, “The Van Buren Elm.” This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

--Teachers of Plainfield High School, Hendricks County, Indiana (1930)
Browseable digital images of teachers in grades 7-12, as listed in the school’s 1930 yearbook, “The Van Buren Elm.” This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

--Students in Jasper County, Indiana (1883-1884)
An index of 1,800 students and the name of the school they attended during the 1883-1884 school year, as listed in a school ledger in the collection of the Jasper County Historical Society. This database was contributed by Sue Caldwell.

--Teachers in Jasper County, Indiana (1883-1884)
An index of 130 teachers and the names of their schools for the 1883-1884 school year, as listed in a school ledger in the collection of the Jasper County Historical Society. This database was contributed by Sue Caldwell.

--WPA Index to Published Biographies for Jennings County, Indiana (1942)
Browseable digital images of an every-name index to the biographies published in an 1884 atlas and an 1889 history. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

--Students of Rushville High School, Rush County, Indiana (1926)
Browseable digital images of students in grades 7-12, as listed in the school’s 1926 yearbook, “The Holcad.” This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

--Teachers of Rushville High School, Rush County, Indiana (1926)
Browseable digital images of students in grades 7-12, as listed in the school’s 1926 yearbook, “The Holcad.” This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

--Students in Grovertown Schools, Starke County, Indiana (1953)
An index of 400 students in grades 1-12 who attended Grovertown schools in 1953, as listed in Grovertown High School’s 1953 yearbook, “Memories.”

Main street in Zionsville, Indiana (photo courtesy of Zionsville town government)

IGS Help Wanted Oct. 24

  The Indiana Genealogical Society will be staffing an information table at the Genealogy Fair at the Indiana State Library on Saturday, October 24.
   IGS would appreciate 2-3 member volunteers to assist in representing the Society at that event. If you are within reasonable driving distance of Indianapolis and can dedicate at least a two-hour shift between 9 am and 4 pm, please contact IGS Corresponding Secretary Ron Darrah at rdarrah@att.net or at 317-594-9786.
   The event is free, but you may have to pay for some parking. Lunch is on your own. Information and materials will be provided. Your Society appreciates your assistance.

New Databases: Notre Dame, University of Indianapolis & more

The latest databases we've added to our website cover Notre Dame, the University of Indianapolis and more. These are members-only databases - Login to use these collections. Not a member of the Indiana Genealogical Society? Join today! - Memberships that are purchased in October 2015 will not expire until December 2016.

--Students of Franklin College, Franklin (1891-1899)
An index of 2,600 students, their hometowns and their course of study, as listed in the school’s annual catalogs for the 1890-1891 through the 1898-1899 school years.

--Students of Hanover College, Hanover (1880-1899)
An index of 3,000 students, their hometowns and their course of study, as listed in the school’s annual catalogs for the 1879-1880 through the 1898-1899 school years.

--Alumni of Moores Hill College, Dearborn County, Indiana (1858-1875)
An index of 80 graduates and their year of graduation, as listed in the school’s catalog for the 1874-1875 school year.

--Students of Indiana Central University, Indianapolis (1913-1917)
An index of 800 students, their hometowns and their course of study, as listed in the school’s annual catalogs for the 1912-1913 through the 1916-1917 school years. Indiana Central University later became the University of Indianapolis.

--Students of University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame (1888-1889)
An index of 1,200 students and their hometowns, as listed in the school’s annual catalogs for the 1887-1888 through the 1888-1889 school years.

The library at Moores Hill College (photo courtesy of University of Evansville)

Query: Seeking Images of 137th Indiana & 100-day Regiments

I'm hoping to find out if someone can point me to any media that would illustrate the flags, uniforms, insignia, etc., of the Indiana 100-day regiments - photos of originals, reproduction items, etc.

My third-great-grandfather (Samson Thomas) was a Private in Co. D of the 137th, and I would like to be able to display his discharge certificate with some images that would demonstrate specific context of his service.

I haven't had much luck finding any photos or images online for the 137th, or for many of the 100-day regiments, and I'm hoping that someone with more detailed knowledge of Indiana's Civil War history might be able to help me.

Much thanks for your time. :)

Scott Thomas
scott@plainofsharon.org
http://www.plainofsharon.org/scott/

Rules & regulations for Indiana University students (1881)

This page from Indiana University's annual catalog for the 1880-1881 school year shows some of the rules and regulations that IU students had to follow - including staying away from pool halls, no swearing and no whispering in class.

source: Indiana University's annual catalog for the 1880-1881 school year

Query: Valentine Stoner of Clark County, Indiana

Looking for descendants of Valentine Stoner who came from Germany to PA in 1783. Moved to Clark Co., Indiana and built Stoner's Ft. on the Ohio River. Need to compare him with a Valentine Stoner from Woodford Co. KY, who came to Clark Co., Indiana 1802. Are these different men?

I am descended from Dan Stoner (1791 Woodford Co. KY--1862 Bethlehem IN.) Buried Turner Cemetery.

Cherie Kuhn
11932 New Douglas Rd.
New Douglas IL 62074
mckuhn@frontiernet.net

New Databases: Tax lists, high school yearbooks and more

The latest databases we've added to the Indiana Genealogical Society website include businesses, tax lists, high school yearbooks and Civil War rosters of some Indiana Legion units. Take a look!

FREE Database:

Monroe County
- Businesses in Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana (1976)
An index of 178 businesses in Bloomington and their owners, as listed in a 1976 newspaper. This database was contributed by Randi Richardson.

Premium Databases:

The following are members-only databases. Log in to use these collections. Not a member of the Indiana Genealogical Society? Join today!

County Records:

Floyd County:
- Students of New Albany High School, Floyd County, Indiana (1927)
An index of 735 students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school's 1927 yearbook, Senior Blotter. This database also includes digital images. Contributed by Meredith Thompson.

Fulton County:
- Students of Rochester High School, Fulton County, Indiana (1948)
Browseable digital images of students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school's 1948 yearbook, Manitou Ripples. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.
- Teachers of Rochester High School, Fulton County, Indiana (1948)
Browseable digital images of teachers in grades 9-12, as listed in the school's 1948 yearbook, Manitou Ripples. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

Jasper County:
- Delinquent Taxpayers of Jasper County, Indiana (1874)
An index of 270 residents who had not paid their property taxes, as listed in an 1874 newspaper. This database was contributed by Sue Caldwell.

Vanderburgh County:
- Roster of Brownlow Guards, Indiana Legion, Vanderburgh County, Indiana (1863)
- Roster of Gray Jaegers, Indiana Legion, Vanderburgh County, Indiana (1863)
These are browseable digital images of rosters of Indiana Legion units, which were formed to protect the state’s borders during the Civil War. These rosters are in the collection of the Indiana State Archives and were contributed by Ron Darrah.

Some of the senior class in the Rochester High School yearbook, Manitou Ripples, 1948.

New Databases: Coroner's inquest records, tax lists and more

The latest databases we've added to the Indiana Genealogical Society website include coroner's inquest records, tax lists, mortality schedules and phone directories. Take a look!

FREE Database:

Perry County
- Tax List of Perry County, Indiana (1835)
Browseable digital images of an index of residents who paid property taxes, as listed in a county assessor’s book. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

Premium Databases:

The following are members-only databases. Log in to use these collections. Not a member of the Indiana Genealogical Society? Join today!

County Records:

Dubois County:
- Index to Coroner's Inquest Records for Dubois County, Indiana (1909-1919)
An index of 86 people who died under suspicious circumstances between March 1909 and October 1919, as listed in a coroner’s record book. This database includes their age, the date the inquest was held and the coroner’s verdict on the cause of death, as well as the page number their entry can be found on. Contributed by Meredith Thompson.

Martin County:
- Index to Mortality Schedule for Martin County, Indiana (1860)
An index of 117 people who died between June 1859 and May 1860, as listed on the county’s 1860 mortality schedule. This database includes their age, sex, place of birth and month of death, as well as the enumeration and page number their entry can be found on. Contributed by Meredith Thompson.

Newton County:
- Index to Mortality Schedule for Newton County, Indiana (1870)
An index of 54 people who died between June 1869 and May 1870, as listed on the county’s 1870 mortality schedule. This database includes their age, sex, place of birth and month of death, as well as the enumeration and page number their entry can be found on. Contributed by Meredith Thompson.

Shelby County:
- Phone Directory for Fairland, Shelby County, Indiana (1959)
Browseable digital images of a telephone directory from 1959, showing the street address and phone number of residents. Contributed by Ron Darrah.

Part of the 1959 phone directory for Fairland, Shelby County, Indiana.

Query: Gustavus Payne of Parke County

I am in search of the family of Gustavus Payne. I have the children but nothing on parents or siblings.

I saw that Roberta Wysong compiled a Parke County probate box 36, File # 17 dated 15 Sep 1846 concerning Payne, Jos. estate. "Julia Payne received a legacy but relationship not specified" Mentioned was James Payne, Capt. James Payne, James W. Payne, Gustavus Payne. My question is whether there would be more information in that file, and if so what would be the charge to send a copy of the full file? Thanks.

Douglas B. Payne
1126 Woodhorn Dr
Houston, TX 77062-2731
paynedb@gmail.com

Revolutionary War Veterans Sebastian Frederick and Jonathan Conger

Information submitted by Cathy Conrad (chart12554@aol.com) of Lafayette, Indiana about her 5th great-grandfather (Sebastian Frederick) and her 4th great-grandfather (Jonathan Conger). Thank you, Cathy, for sharing this information!

Sebastian Frederick, Jr. was born in Moorefield, Hardy County, West Virginia and died 9 October 1827 in Gibson County, Indiana. He was a Revolutionary War sergeant and spy. He served as a Sergeant in the Second Battalion of Captain Samuel Cunningham's Company in the Washington County Militia from 22 June 1781 - 23 July 1782. Proof: Militia Loan Document of 1 April 1784, certificate of public debt, number 2026.

His father, Sebastian Frederick, Sr. (1740-1787) also served in the Pennsylvania Militia (with Captain Minter) as a spy in the Revolutionary War.

According to FindAGrave, Sebastian is buried in the Frederick Family Cemetery in Pike County, Indiana, but there is also a military marker for him in Greenlawn Cemetery, Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana.

Jonathan Conger was born in 1750 in Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. He served in the New Jersey Militia and enlisted as a Revolutionary War Soldier. He was trusted by Col. John Dodge of Ft. Vincennes in Vincennes in 1780 to carry his official seal to Col. George Rogers Clark, at Express Falls on the Ohio River. For this, he is listed as a Revolutionary Patriot. He served in Francis Vigo's Militia, and was included in the roster of those who served in the campaign of Tippecanoe in 1811. He was credited then with serving in the War of 1812.  (History & Families of Pike Co., Indiana, 1816-1987, pages 9 & 10, published by the Pike Co. Historical Society.)

Jonathan Conger is buried in Conger 1 in an unmarked grave on private land. A headstone was erected for both him and his wife Mary (daughter of Sebastian Frederick) in the Davidson Family Cemetery, Clay Township, Pike County, Indiana.

Both men are listed in the Patriot databases for DAR & SAR.

Query: Leonard Jerrell of Pike County

I'm researching my Jerrell Family genealogy and I've hit a brick wall. I have an 1860 Federal Census record for Leonard Jerrell. It lists Petersburg, Pike County, Indiana, and includes his wife, son and my gr-grandmother Fruzanne Jerrell.

Then I have a copy of my ancestor Leonard Jerrell's Civil War Draft registration, 1863-1865. It lists the state of Indiana, several counties and the date of June 1865. There is other writing but it is difficult to read. After that I've been unable to find any kind of record of him at all.

In Nov. 1865, I have a marriage record for his wife Eliza Jerrell and an Isaac Harrell; the 1870 census has her married to Isaac and her children by Leonard Jerrell listed as step-children.

How could she remarry unless he died? Is there any way I can find out if Leonard died in the war or maybe died from injuries received in the war. Did he desert? He couldn't just vanish without some kind of record.

Phyllis Cantrell
kpc1@hamiltoncom.net

SUGGESTIONS FROM IGS:
The draft registration is an indication that he was subject to the draft, not that he actually served. (He may or may not.) Is there an estate for Leonard Jerrell in Pike County? Is there a guardianship for his children?

New Database of Civil War Burials plus Select Indiana Legion Rosters

We are thrilled to announce several new Civil War databases on the IGS website!

All of these databases are in the Members-Only section of the IGS website. Not a member? Join today!

Military Records:

- Burials of Civil War Veterans from Indiana (1861-1904)
An index of 17,500 veterans of the Civil War who either served in an Indiana regiment or were buried in an Indiana cemetery, as listed on applications to have the federal government purchase a tombstone for their graves. Compiled by Meredith Thompson.

County Records:

The following are browsable digital images of rosters of the Indiana Legion, which was formed to protect Indiana's borders during the Civil War. All are in the collection of the Indiana State Archives and contributed by Ron Darrah.

Benton County:
- Roster of Benton Guards, Indiana Legion, Benton County, Indiana (1861)

Delaware County:
- Roster of Liberty Rangers, Indiana Legion, Delaware County, Indiana (1861)

Gibson County:
- Roster of Oakland Rangers, Indiana Legion, Gibson County, Indiana (1861)

Union County:
- Roster of Morton Scouts (Cavalry), Indiana Legion, Union County, Indiana (1863)
 
Vigo County:
- Roster of Terre Haute Guards, Indiana Legion, Vigo County, Indiana (1863)

White County:
- Roster of Monticello Rifles, Indiana Legion, White County, Indiana (1861)

Query: Hughes Family of Warrick and Vanderburgh Counties

I am trying to find anything on my family. What I have found so far: My great-great-grandparents Samuel W. Hughes, who came from Wales, married Martha Jane Gray in Warrick County, Indiana.

I found they were living in the Evansville, IN, area and are both buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Evansville, along with some children. I can't find anything on my great-grandfather, James Samuel Hughes, Sr. and great-grandmother Lizzie Prepstel (She was born in Evansville to Peter Prepstel and Margartha Rocket, who both came from Hesse, Germany, I think.) I know my grandfather died in 1930 at the age of 29 in Evansville and is buried in Locust Hill Cemetery in Evansville. Is there any way to find if either family has any living relatives still in the area?

Greg Hughes
10075 E Margaret Dr.
Terre Haute, IN 47803
gah042651@gmail.com

New Monroe County Databases

If you have ancestors in the rolling hills of Monroe County, you'll want to take a look at these four databases we recently added to the IGS website:

Free Database:

- Index to Yearbooks for Smithville Schools, Monroe County, Indiana (1936-1974)
An index of 23,000 students and teachers in grades 1-12 who attended Smithville schools. The yearbooks are in the collection of the Red Men Museum and History Center in Smithville, This database was contributed by Randi Richardson.

Premium Databases:

The following are members-only databases. Log in to use these collections. Not a member of the Indiana Genealogical Society? Join today!

- Index to Photographs in Yearbooks of Bloomington High School, Monroe County, Indiana (1912)
An index of the students and teachers whose photos appear in Bloomington High School's 1912 yearbook, The Gothic. This database was contributed by Randi Richardson.

- Landowners in Monroe County, Indiana (1856)
An index of 1,875 people who owned land in Monroe County in 1856, as listed in an 1856 atlas. This database was contributed by Randi Richardson.

- Residents of Monroe County Poor Asylum, Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana (1918-1920)
An index of the people who lived in the Monroe County Poor Asylum from 1918 to 1920, as listed in the asylum's quarterly reports. This database was contributed by Randi Richardson.

New Military Databases on the IGS Website

Indiana has a proud military history. Explore your family's military service with these six new databases on the IGS website:

Free Databases:

- Burials of Mexican War Veterans from Indiana (1846-1903)
An index of 128 veterans of the Mexican War who either served in an Indiana regiment or were buried in an Indiana cemetery, as listed on applications for military tombstones.

- Burials of Revolutionary War Veterans in Indiana
An index of 49 veterans of the Revolutionary War who were buried in Indiana, as listed on applications to have the federal government's military tombstone for their graves.

- Burials of Spanish-American War Veterans from Indiana (1898-1904)
An index of 35 veterans of the Spanish-American War who either served in an Indiana regiment or were buried in an Indiana cemetery, as listed on applications for military gravestones.

Premium Databases:

The following are members-only databases. Log in to use these collections. Not a member of the Indiana Genealogical Society? Join today!

Steuben County:
- Roster of Orland Home Guards, Indiana Legion, Steuben County, Indiana (1863)
Browsable digital images of an Indiana Legion roster, which was formed to protect the state’s borders during the Civil War. This roster is in the collection of the Indiana State Archives and was contributed by Ron Darrah.

Warrick County:
- Roster of Newburgh Guards, Indiana Legion, Warrick County, Indiana (1861)
Browsable digital images of an Indiana Legion roster, which was formed to protect the state’s borders during the Civil War. This roster is in the collection of the Indiana State Archives and was contributed by Ron Darrah.

Washington County:
- Roster of Blue River Grays, Indiana Legion, Salem, Washington County, Indiana (1863)
Browsable digital images of an Indiana Legion roster, which was formed to protect the state’s borders during the Civil War. This roster is in the collection of the Indiana State Archives and was contributed by Ron Darrah.

Query: Lavina Jordan Johnson, Hendricks County

Need anything after 1880 on: Lavina or Vina (Jordan) Johnson, b. 1854/55 in Indiana; m. James F. Johnson in 1871 in Hendricks County, IN. The 1880 Census has her as head of the household with her 4 boys: Walter Johnson b. 1872, John W. Johnson b. 1873, Isaac Newton Johnson b. 1874, George P. Johnson b. 1876. Family lore says she ran away and left the boys with their father. He remarried in 1885.

Also would like Vina's Father and Mother's death certificate which would have their parents’ names on it: Andrew J. Jordan b. 1825 in VA; Mary Ann Lipe b. 1830 in NC; Married 1870 in Hendricks County, IN.

I know that when Andrew died about 1862-66, there was a guardianship set up for the children and Lavina was 11. They lived in Pittsboro with John Nelson whom Mary Jordan married. Lavina left that household at 16 to marry James F. Johnson.

Thank you for any help you can give me.

Lois B. Sutton, Gr-Grand-Daughter of Lavina Jordan Johnson
lois_sutton@yahoo.com

Causes of Insanity, Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane, 1899

Although the 1899 annual report of the Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane doesn't list any patients by name, it does give us a glimpse into the institution and the understanding of mental illness at the time.

There were 624 people admitted to Central Indiana Hospital in the fiscal year ending October 31, 1899. According to the annual report, these were the causes of their insanity:


You can read volumes 51-60 (1899-1908) of the annual report of the Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane on Google Books.

New Databases: High School Yearbooks and College Records from Across Indiana

Many students are heading back to school this week. We thought we'd mark the occasion by adding more yearbooks and college lists to the IGS website.

The following are members-only databases. Log in to use these collections. Not a member of the Indiana Genealogical Society? Join today!

County Records:

Cass County
- Students of Logansport High School, Cass County, Indiana (1947)
An index of 825 students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1947 yearbook, Tattler. This database also includes digital images.

Huntington County
- Students of Huntington High School, Huntington County, Indiana (1927)
Searchable digital images of students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1927 yearbook, Modulus. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

- Teachers of Huntington High School, Huntington County, Indiana (1927)
Searchable digital images of teachers in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1927 yearbook, Modulus. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

Lawrence County
- Students of Bedford High School, Lawrence County, Indiana (1932)
An index of 335 students in grades 11-12, as listed in the school’s 1932 yearbook, The Pioneer. This database also includes digital images.

- Teachers of Bedford High School, Lawrence County, Indiana (1932)
An index of 40 teachers in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1932 yearbook, The Pioneer. This database also includes digital images.

Porter County
- Students of Valparaiso High School, Porter County, Indiana (1922)
An index of 275 students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1922 yearbook, The Valenian.

College Records:

- Students of Evansville College, Evansville (1951)
An index of 195 seniors, as listed in the school’s 1951 yearbook, LinC. This database also includes digital images.

- Students of Hanover College, Hanover (1833-1836)
An index of 495 students, their hometowns and their subject and year of study, as listed in the school’s annual catalogs for the 1832-1833 through 1835-1836 school years.

- Graduates of Indiana State Normal School, Terre Haute (1914-1918)
An index of 580 graduates, their hometowns and the degrees they earned, as listed in the school’s annual catalogs for the 1913-1914 through 1917-1918 school years. Indiana State Normal School was formed in 1865 for the training of teachers, and later changed its name to Indiana State University.

- Faculty of Manchester College, North Manchester (1921)
An index of 30 instructors and their positions, as listed in the school’s 1921 yearbook, Aurora.

- Students of Manchester College, North Manchester (1921)
An index of 135 students, their hometowns and the subjects they were studying, as listed in the school’s 1921 yearbook, Aurora.

Some of the teachers in the Huntington High School yearbook, Modulus, 1927.

New Databases: Adams, Jasper, Marshall, Morgan counties, and Boys Industrial School

Yearbooks. Women in World War I. Indiana Boys' School. Those are just some of the new things we've added to the IGS website! Let's take a look at these new databases.

The following are members-only databases. Log in to use these collections. Not a member of the Indiana Genealogical Society? Join today!
 

County Records:

Adams County
- Students of Geneva High School, Adams County, Indiana (1913)
An index of 75 students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1913 yearbook, The Informer.

Jasper County
- Registration of Civilian Women in Remington, Jasper County, Indiana (1918)
An index of 140 women over the age of 16 who registered with the National Council of Defense in 1918 as part of its World War I effort. This index includes the women’s ages and the nationality of their parents. This database was contributed by Sue Caldwell.

Marshall County
- Students of Plymouth High School, Marshall County, Indiana (1923)
An index of 215 students in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1923 yearbook, Mayflower. This database also includes digital images.

- Teachers of Plymouth High School, Marshall County, Indiana (1923)
An index of teachers in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1923 yearbook, Mayflower. This database also includes digital images.

Morgan County
- Students of Martinsville High School, Morgan County, Indiana (1930)
An index of students in 12th grade, as listed in the school’s 1930 yearbook, The Artesian. This database also includes digital images.

- Teachers of Martinsville High School, Morgan County, Indiana (1930)
An index of teachers in grades 9-12, as listed in the school’s 1930 yearbook, The Artesian. This database also includes digital images.

Statewide Records:

- Alumni of Charlton High School, Indiana Boys' School, Plainfield, Indiana (1935-1939)
An index of 60 inmates at the Indiana Boys’ School who graduated from its high school, as listed in the school’s 1940 yearbook.  The Indiana Boys' School was a state correctional institution established in 1867 to reform male juvenile offenders through education and vocational training. The institution had its own high school, which was certified by Indiana’s Department of Education.

- Students of Charlton High School, Indiana Boys' School, Plainfield, Indiana (1940)
An index of 180 inmates at the Indiana Boys’ School who were attending its high school, as listed in the school’s 1940 yearbook. The Indiana Boys' School was a state correctional institution established in 1867 to reform male juvenile offenders through education and vocational training. The institution had its own high school, which was certified by Indiana’s Department of Education.

From the Plymouth High School (Marshall County) 1923 yearbook, Mayflower

Query: Julius Caesar Mead

I have been researching my paternal great-grandmother​ for a number of years to no avail. I know our paternal Mead line, as my brother submitted a YDNA and we verified that line. My great-grandfather was Julius Caesar Mead, Jr., and he was married to a woman named Susan or Susanna (it shows up different in several censuses.)

On my grandfather's death certificate, it lists his mother's name as Stout. However, I'm not sure that is correct as it might have been a guess at something that sounded like Stout. Somewhere I got the last name as Faust or Foust, but I'm not even sure of that. Her dates of birth range from 1828 to 1833 depending on who she might be connected to. She was born in Pennsylvania, and they were married 28 Jun 1849 in Crawford County, PA.

They were living in Richland, DeKalb County, IN, in the 1860 census and then Polk, Marshall County, in 1880. She was buried in the Morris Cemetery, Marshall County, between 1890 and 1900. They had seven children. My grandfather was Reuben Augustus Mead. Any insight as to where to continue my search would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Carole Walsh (Carol Mead)
P.O. Box 3094
Lebanon, TN 37088
cewalsh35@gmail.com

New Databases: Fountain, Hamilton, Hendricks, Scott, Shelby and White Counties, Plus Notre Dame

It's getting close to back-to-school time. To mark the occasion, we've added several school-related collections to the IGS website. There's also a new collection about early Shelby County. Take a look.

Free Database: 

Shelby County 
- Early Residents of Shelby County, Indiana (1822-1876)
Searchable digital images of a book detailing the history of the county, including government officials, doctors, lawyers and ministers. This database was contributed by Wayne Klusman.

Premium Databases:

The following new databases are available to IGS members. Log in to use these collections. Not a member? Join today!

University of Notre Dame
- Students of University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame (1914-1921)
A searchable index of 7,500 students and their home states, as listed in the school’s annual catalogs for the 1913-1914 through 1920-1921 school years.

Fountain County
- Alumni of Veedersburg High School, Fountain County, Indiana (1896-1921)
An index of 320 graduates of the classes of 1896 through 1921, as listed in the school’s 1921 yearbook, The Pintus. This database includes married names for women.

Hamilton County
- History of Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana (1835-1935)
Searchable digital images of a 1935 centennial booklet for the town of Cicero. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

Hendricks County
- Alumni of Plainfield High School, Hendricks County, Indiana (1900-1944)
Searchable digital images of a listing of the classes of 1900 through 1944, as listed in the school’s 1945 yearbook, Van Buren Elm. This database was contributed by Ron Darrah.

Scott County
- Students of Scottsburg High School, Scott County, Indiana (1965)
An index of 400 students in grades 10 through 12, as listed in the school’s 1965 yearbook, The Totem. This database also includes digital images.

White County
- Students of Roosevelt High School, Monticello, White County, Indiana (1950)
An index of 120 students in grades 11 and 12, as listed in the school’s 1950 yearbook, Flashback. This database also includes digital images.

- Teachers of Roosevelt High School, Monticello, White County, Indiana (1950)
An index of 20 teachers, as listed in the school’s 1950 yearbook, Flashback. This database also includes digital images.

Query: Pleasant Reynolds and Rachel Goodman

Pleasant Reynolds born abt 1819 in Indiana; married Rachel Goodman, 28 Oct 1841, in Lawrence Co, Indiana. They had children: Thomas 1842-1915, Joseph 1844-1917, Noah 1849-1902, Abraham 1852-?, John 1855-?, Jacob 1957-?, and James 1859-1928. James is my great-grandfather; he married Sarah A Bailey, 15 Sep 1872, in Putnam Co., and they had children Martha E abt 1874 and George abt 1879.

Would love to know parent’s and/or sibling’s names. I have hit the brick wall on Pleasant Reynolds and Rachel Goodman Reynolds. Thanks.


Barbara Reynolds Miller
402 W 10th St
Oolitic, IN 47451
barbaramiller1203@gmail.com

Shortened Saturday Hours at the Indiana State Library

Effective 1 September 2015, the Indiana State Library will be open from 10:00am - 4:00pm on Saturdays. Previously, the Saturday hours had been from 8:00am - 4:00pm.

The decision to change Saturday hours was made to align with other state agencies in the downtown Indianapolis area.

"The new Saturday hours will align with the Indiana Statehouse and the Indiana State Museum," said State Librarian Jacob Speer. "This alleviates any confusion to anyone visiting the downtown historic sites and focuses the hours we are open during the times when we have our most customers."

The Indiana State Library is located at 315 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis. The hours are:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Thursday: 8:00am - 7:00pm (Manuscripts and Rare Books closes at 4:30pm)
• Saturday (until 1 September 2015): 8:00am - 4:00pm
• Saturday (after 1 September 2015): 10:00am - 4:00pm

Indiana State Library, 315 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis

Check Illinois for Indiana Marriages

If you're having trouble finding a marriage record for an Indiana ancestor, you may want to expand your search to the bordering counties in eastern Illinois. Depending on the time period, a county in Illinois may have had more lax requirements when it came to getting a marriage license (such as no waiting period). It also offered more anonymity, which was helpful if the couple was underage and/or facing family disapproval.

One of the more popular destinations for Indiana couples was Vermilion County, Illinois. Its county seat, Danville, was just inside the state line and the road that today is US 36 offered a direct link to Indianapolis. Vermilion County marriages for 1826-1899 are included in the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763-1900. For marriages after 1899, you can request a search from the Vermilion County Clerk.

Anthony Haag of Indianapolis: Are You Related to Him?

Shelley Cardiel (cardiels@comcast.net) has found this photo of a young boy, identified as Anthony Haag of Indianapolis, which was taken at Harrod's New Studio in Indianapolis in the early 1910s. He appears to be about age 4 in the photo. If you are a descendant of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact Shelley.

Anthony Haag of Indianapolis

This is the information Shelley was able to find on Anthony and his family:

Anthony N. HAAG (born 27 February 1908 in Indianapolis; died 8 April 2004 in Indianapolis; buried at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis) married Mary Elizabeth YATES (1911-2000). Anthony was the son of John Francis HAAG (1868-1938) and Rosina Mary WEINTRAUT (1867-1939). Anthony was a pharmacist in Indianapolis for more than 50 years. He managed the Keene Drug Company and retired in 1985 from the Hawkins Pharmacy. His obituary names his surviving children as James HAAG; Thomas HAAG, and Rosemarie HAAG ROWNEY. Anthony was living in Beech Grove, Marion County, Indiana at the time of his death in 2004, having moved there in 1998.

The family is found in the census in Indianapolis:

1910 census - 826 N. West St.:

• Catherine HAAG, age 63, a widower, born IN, parents born Germany
• John F. HAAG, son, age 42, married 7 years, born IN, parents born IN, a Hardware Store Owner
• Rosina W. HAAG, dau-in-law, age 42, married 7 years, 1 child/1 living, born IN, parents born Germany
• Anthony N. HAAG, grandson, age 4, born IN, parents born IN
• Anthony F. HAAG, son, age 38, born IN, parents born IN, Store Owner

1920 census - 838 N. West St.:

• Catherine HAAG, age 99
• John F. HAAG, son, age 51
• Rosina HAAG, dau-in-law, age 50
• Anthony M. HAAG, grandson, age 12, born IN
• Anthony J. HAAG, son, age 48, born IN

1930 census - 1644 Union St.:

• F. John HAAG, age 62, married 34 years, born IN, parents born IN, a Hardware Merchant
• Rosina HAAG, wife, age 62, married 34 years, born IN, parents born IN
• Anthony HAAG, son, age 22, born IN, a Drug Store Pharmacist
• J. Anthony HAAG, brother, age 57, born IN, parents born IN, a Hardware Merchant

1940 census - 1644 Union St.:

• Anthony N. HAGG, age 32, born IN, a Drug Store Pharmacist
• Mary E. HAGG, wife, age 28, born IN
• James HAGG, son, age 5
• Thomas HAGG, son, age 3
• Anthony J. HAGG, uncle, age 67, born IN, a Hardware Store Dealer