52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 52

Rufus Marvin Brock

Rufus Marvin Brock was born on the 16th of December, 1909 in Collinsville, DeKalb County, Alabama, to Patrick Henry Brock and Adeline Jessie Morgan. He was the 2nd of 9 children.

I have not yet found the 1910 census for the family. Still have work to do one more contemporary families. This is never done!

In the 1920 census the family was in Van Buren Township, in DeKalb County, Alabama. Rufus is 10 years old and with his parents. His grandparents, Reece and Tilda Morgan live right next door. His father is farming.

On the 13th of November, 1929 he married Bizzie Lee Beard in Keener, Alabama. He and Bizzie would have 7 children, one dying in infancy. Two are still living.

In 1930, he is on the census with his father-in-law, Charles P. Beard. I addressed this census in the blog post Bizzie Lee Beard.

Also the 1940 was addressed in Bizzie Lee Beard. He is listed as a farmer, and he is 30, Bizzie is 30, as well. The children are: Rufus Lee, 9, Robert, 6, Marcell (Morris), 2.

He was in the Navy in WWII, and saw action. It is a very sad story and I believe it changed him. He never spoke of it, and I did not know anything about his service until finding the records and looking into the ship he was on. It is a long story and I will deal with it in a separate post.

He hated farming, I do know that. So, when a new factory started in the county, he got a job there. It was Arvins. Rufus and Bizzie moved from Collinsville, Alabama to Seymour, Indiana in 1950 when Arvins opened a plant there and needed experienced people to work there. He came first, on July 29, 1950, and Bizzie followed on September 10, 1950. This he would do until his retirement.

On November 18, 1984, Rufus died. He was at home at the time. His cause of death was Lung Cancer. He was 74 years old. He was buried in Riverview Cemetery in Seymour, Indiana.

Rufus Marvin Brock was my grandfather. I can't say I knew him well. He was a quiet man.

Sources:
1920 US Census, Van Buren TWP, DeKalb County, Alabama, (Van Buren TWP, DeKalb County, Alabama); , T625, NARA, Heritage Quest.
Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950: Marriage, (11 November 1929), 542; FamilySearch, Alabama. Ancestry.com.
1930 US Census, 1930 US Census, (Cox Precinct No.11, Etowah County, Alabama), Sheet No. 7 B + 8 A; Dwelling 118; Family 119; Line 5.  National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
1940 US Census, Elec. Reg.5, Van Buren, Dekalb County, Alabama, (, Van Buren, Dekalb County, Alabama), Sheet No. 8 B, Dwelling 153. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Death Certificate: Rufus M. Brock, death certificate No. 84-039995 (1984), Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records, , Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana.

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 51

James Jaynes

James Jaynes was called Jim by most people, Jimmy by his family. He was born on the 8th of August, 1901, in Jackson County, Indiana. (He was a Leo in every way!) His parents were William Obadier Jaynes and Lorraine Wilcutt. He was the second of 6 children.

He first shows up in the 1910 census with his family. He is 8 years old. They are living in Seymour, Jackson County, Indiana.

In 1920 he is still with his family in Seymour, Indiana. The census was taken on the 15th of January, which will become in the next entry why I mention that. He is 18 and all his family is there.

On the 9th of October, 1920, he married Della Mae Alexander in Brownstown, Jackson County, Indiana. He was 19 and she was 16 years old.

In 1921 their only son was born. Donald Eugene, Don, was born on September 17, 1921. In 1923, Clarice Louise was born. There is a funny story about this one. My grandmother loved the name Clarice. She knew of the name because my grandfather, Jim, had dated a girl with that name. This is the name she gave to their first daughter, and my grandfather had a fit. He would not call the child Clarice! He made sure it was not on the birth record. She was just Louise, but grandma persisted and that was her name, and that was always made clear by one faction in the Jaynes home! She was called Louise all her life. On March 21, 1926 Joyce Lorraine came along.

On the 1930 census, he is listed as Jimmie, age 28, his wife Della is 25. They are still listed as living in the city of Seymour. In the household are Donald, 8, Louise C., 6 and Joyce L., is 4.

Grandpa managed to work through the depression, but life was slim. By the next census the will have moved to "the Ridge", a rural little town at a place called Chestnut Ridge. There Grandma would be able to garden and he could hunt behind their house. He also moved his parents out there. Today the it is a place you just drive through, everything is gone. But at the time, it was a bustling little rural community with its own school. In 1935 this is where my mother was born.

Their last child, my mother, was born in 1935.

In 1938 the family was decimated by the death of Donald Eugene Jaynes. He died June 17, 1938. of leukemia. He was 17 years old. Just beginning his life. It was a devastating blow to them all.

In the 1940 census, they are still at "the Ridge" in Jackson County. His parents live right across the road. He is listed as James, and he is 38, Della is 35. In the house are only two children, Joyce, 14, and my mother at age 4. He was listed as working at the Canning Factory, which was in Ewing or Brownstown, I believe. At this time he had to walk to work, which was miles. My mother said he would walk the railroad, which cut straight through, making the walk lass than following the road.

By 1950 they had moved to "town", Seymour, and he started his own business. He took up plumbing, and I grew up hearing Grandma answer the phone saying, "Jaynes Plumbing". He was very successful and was actively working until the last 3 or 4 years of his life. He often took goods instead of money, remembering how hard it was in the depression.

He was a hard working, funny, kind man, and I miss him still. He loved to fish, but he was more funny than a serious fisherman. He loved to play Bingo. We had to do that at every family thing. Just for him. And there had to be prizes!

On October 21, 1989, James Jaynes died. He was 88 years old. He was buried in Riverview Cemetery, in Seymour, Indiana.

James Jaynes was my grandfather.

Sources:
Birth: James Jaynes, birth certificate (1901), Seymour Jackson County Department of Health, Jackson County, Indiana.
1910 U.S. Census, (Seymour, Jackson Township, Jackson County, Indiana); Page: 160, T624, 357, HeritageQuest.
1920 US Census; (Seymour, Jackson Township, Jackson County, Indiana); , T625, 439, HeritageQuest.
1930 US Census, Seymour, Jackson, Indiana, United States, (Seymour, Indiana); family:173 sheet:7A line:5, T626, 2340329, NARA. FamilySearch.
1940 US Census, 1940 US Census, (Chestnut Ridge, Washington TWP, Jackson County, Indiana), Sheet No. 9 B - Dwelling 162. NARA; Washington, DC 20408. 
Death Certificate: James Jaynes, death certificate no. 243 (1989), Jackson County Health Dept., Jackson County, Indiana.

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 50

Roland Bearden

Roland was born in Alabama in 1820 to James Bearden and Mary Jones.

On May 27, 1841 he married Lucinda White in St. Clair County, Alabama. Together they raised 13 children: William M., Orvel J., Lucinda, Mary Jane, Matilda, James, Margaret, John, Frances, Nancy (my second great-grandmother), Josephine, Franklin and Fannie.

In the 1850 census taken in District 40, St. Clair County, Alabama, Roland is written as Rolan. He is 30, wife Lucinda is 25, and the children in the house at the time are: William, 7, Orvel, 5, Lucinda, 4, Mary J., 3, Matilda is one years old. Roland is a farmer.

In 1860 the census finds them still in St. Clair County. He is still farming and the real estate value of the place is 600. Rolin (Roland) is 40, Lucinda, 34. The children are: Orvill, 16, Lucinda, 14, Mary, 12, Martha, 11, James, 7, Margaret, 2, and John is 4 months old.

By 1870, the family  is in Etowah County, Alabama, in Township 12. Roland is still farming. He is 50, Lucinda is listed as 40. The children still at home are: Lucinda, 20, Mary, 19, James, 16, Margaret, 13, Mo C. (John C.), 10, Frances, 7, Nancy, 4, Josephine is one years old.

In the 1880 census the family is in DeKalb County, Alabama. Roland is still farming at 60, and Lucinda is 52 years old. In the household are: Lucinda, 30, Margaret, 21, John, 20, Frances, 18, Nancy, 16, Franklin, 7, Fannie is 6 years old.

I have not been able to find Roland's death date, so far. On Ancestry, someone has his death at 1900. I know sources are slim in many southern states. I have beat my head on that wall too many times. I have some work to do one this family.

Sources:
Compiled Marriages from Selected Counties, 1809-1920; Dodd, Jordan R., comp.. Early American Marriages: Alabama, 1800 to 1920. Ancestry.com.
1850 Census; District 40, St Clair, Alabama; Roll: M432_14; Page: 138A; Image: 539. Ancestry.com.
1860 Census; Township 12 Range 4 East, St Clair, Alabama; Roll: M653_23; Page: 128; Family History Library Film: 803023. Ancestry.com.
1870 Census; Township 12 Range 4, Etowah, Alabama; Roll: M593_16; Page: 249A; Family History Library Film: 545515. Ancestry.com.
1880 Census; DeKalb, Alabama; Roll: 12; Page: 650A; Enumeration District: 058. Ancestry.com.

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 49

Bizzie Lee Beard

Bizzie Lee Beard was born on May 28, 1909, in Attalla, Etowah County, Alabama. She was the first and only daughter of Charles Pinkney Beard and Beatrice Brown. Beatrice died October 1, 1911 when Bizzie was only 2. Her father married again in 1914, giving 5 year old Bizzie a new step-mother and a step-brother and 3 step-sisters. She did tell me how she felt very close to her step-mother, I she also told me that she spent a few years with her grandmother, as well. I'm sure this helped to shape the woman she became.

She first appears in the 1910 census, in Etowah County, Alabama. She is with her parents, Pinkney C., 22, and Beatrice, 18. She is listed as Lee B., 9 months old. Her father is farming.

In 1930, still in Etowah County, Alabama, she is with her family, her father still farming. The household consists of Charley P., 25, Myrtle, 28, Busylee, 10, Louie L., 5, Franklyn P., 9 months, James Haney, 15, Beatrice Haney, 11, Georgia Haney, 9 and Zelma Haney is 8 years old. Here is the blended family, all still at home.

On November 13, 1929, in Keener, Etowah County, Alabama, she married Rufus Marvin Brock. I asked her once what her wedding was like. She laughed at that, and told me it was pouring rain and they had to take the wagon down to the store to find the preacher and was married on the back of a buckboard wagon in the pouring rain. I can't ever be sure this is true, but she wasn't the type to make it up. I believed her!

In the 1930 census she is shown in the house of her father, still in the same place, Etowah County, Alabama. The people in the household were: Chas. P, 43, Ada M., 41, Zelma Haney, 18, Louie, 15, Frank P., 11, John H., 8, Bertha M., 4, Leonard H., 3, Frances E., 1, Rufus Brock, 20, and Bessie L. Brock, 21. Quite a household! Both her father and her husband are listed as farmers. I know my grandfather, Rufus M., did not like farming, so he is not a happy camper.

In the 1940 census, she is with her husband in Van Buren Township, DeKalb County, Alabama. He is farming and they own the farm. Rufus was the one that gave the information to the census taker. Rufus is 30, Bizzie Lee is 30, Rufus Lee, my father, is 9, Robert, 6, Marcell (Morris), 2 years old.

Rufus and Bizzie moved from Collinsville, Alabama to Seymour, Indiana in 1950. He moved first on July 29, 1950, and Bizzie followed on September 10, 1950.  He was working at Arvin Industries and moved to Seymour to work in the new plant. She did not like winter.

Bizzie died on January 8, 1989, in Seymour, Indiana at the age of 79. She was buried beside her husband, in Riverview Cemetery, in Seymour.

Sources:
Birth Certificate Unnamed, birth certificate no. 304842 (1909), Attalla Department of Health, Attalla, Etowah County, Alabama, United States.
Amended January 3, 1972.
1910 US Census, 1910 US Census, (Cox, Etowah County, Alabama); Page: 12 Dwelling 37 Family 37, T624, no. 13, HeritageQuest.
1920 U.S. Census, 1920 U.S. Census, (Cox, Etowah County, Alabama); Page: 80 Dwelling 302 Family 305, T625, T625, NARA, Heritage Quest.
"Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950", database with images, FamilySearch, Rufus Brock and Bizzie Lee Beard, 1929.
1930 US Census, 1930 US Census, (Cox Precinct No.11, Etowah County, Alabama); Sheet No. 7 B + 8 A; Dwelling 118; Family 119; Line 5, Affiliate Film Number: 16; GS Film number: 2339751, Image Number: 00738, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
1940 US Census; Alabama. Dekalb County. Van Buren. Elec. Reg.5. 1940 US Census. NARA; Washington, DC 20408. 
Death certificate; Indiana, Marion, Indianapolis. Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records; Bizzie Lee Brock, Seymour death certificate No 89-001198 (1989).

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52 Ancestors 52 Week 48

Elbert Brock

Elbert Brock was born in 1805 in the Spartenburg County, South Carolina area. He was the son of Henry James Brock and Mary Jane Queener.

I don't know as much about Elbert as I would like. I have a lot to do with this man, and it will probably take a trip or hiring someone to find out more. This is a work in progress.

Elbert married Mary sometime before 1830. I believe her name is Mary Sanders, but can find no verification. I am still looking.

Elbert is found in the 1830 and 1840 census in McMinn County, Tennessee. He is near his father in both places. I can see the number of people in the household and their ages, but no detail.

In 1850 I can finally see the house members by name. The family is in Subdivision 23, McMinn County, Tennessee.
Head of household is Henry, 80, and Mary, 80. This is Elbert's parents. Elbert is 45, Mary, his wife, is 43, and the children are: Lucinda, 19, Avan is 17 years old. They are farmers.

Elbert died, intestate in September of 1853. I need to transcribe the probate, but that will have to be in another post. Very interesting though.

Elbert and Mary had 4 children, as far as I can tell. Isaac was born in 1828, and died in 1848, Andrew Jackson was born in 1830 and died after 1906; Lucinda was born in 1831 and died in 1853, and Aaron, listed as Avan in the 1850 census, was born in 1833, and I have seen that others have him dying before 1860, but I have not been able to verify it. I don't think it's right, since they have him in South Carolina at the time.

Elbert and Mary are my 4th great-grandparents. I have much work to do on them and their family. I am descended from Elbert's son, Andrew Jackson Brock.

Sources:
1830 Census; NARA microfilm publication M19, 201 rolls. Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.  Ancestry.com.
1840 Census;  NARA microfilm publication M704, 580 rolls. Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.  Ancestry.com.
1850 Census;  Subdivision 23, Mcminn, Tennessee; Roll: M432_887; Page: 349A; Image: 788; Ancestry.com.

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 47

John Henry Alexander

John was born in Kentucky in 1803, the son of Thomas A. Alexander and Sally King. He was one of 5 children, I believe.

On December 23, 1828, in Clark County, Indiana, he married Judah Northern. I don't know much about her. But, to the union was born 3 children; George, Elijah and Lucinda. I have no census records that show the family. Judah died in 1840.

Then, on January 19, 1841, John married "Frankie" Lucas. She was Mary Frances Carter, but she used the name "Frankie" in her younger days. She had been married before, but I am unable to find the names of the children in that marriage, even though I know her first husband's name, Joel Moore Lucas.

In the 1850 census, John and Frances are in Brownstown Township, Jackson County, Indiana. The house consists of John 40, Frances, 42, John H., 6, and Isaac, one month old.  John is a farmer.

The 1860 census shows the family has moved to Hamilton Township, Jackson County, Indiana. John is still farming.In the household is John, 41, Frances, 55, John H., 17, Mahala, 16, Louisa is 13 years old. The child, Isaac, died before this census. There is no notation of real estate worth, so he is renting the farm.

I have not found John in the 1870 or the 1880 census. Many have John living in Missouri when he died. According to most trees online, he died on August 18, 1886 in St. Louis, Missouri. I have not been able to verify this, or any mention of him after the 1860 census. It makes me nervous to put this date into his history when I cannot find any source of him or Frances after 1860.

John is my third great-grandfather. I have so much to do on him. I seem to be at a standstill, though. Finding more about him would be very helpful.

Sources:
Marriage Record, (23 December 1828), Indiana Marriages, 1780-1992: Page 6. Indiana. FamilySearch.
Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007: John H Alexander and Franky Lucas, (19 January 1841),  60; Page 252. Indiana. FamilySearch. 
1850 Census, Jackson County, Indiana, (Brownstown Township); 221-222 FamilySearch.
1860 U.S. Census, Jackson County, Indiana, (Hamilton TWP); , Series: M653, Heritage Quest., Series: M653 Roll: 268 Page: 761.

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 46

Zilphia Baker

Zilphia was born April 7, 1806 in Madison County, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Robert Julius Baker and Elizabeth Hammons.

On March 16, 1821, in Clay County, Kentucky, she married James Sandlin. Together they had at least a dozen children. Some have it at 16.

In the 1850 Census, in Owsley County, Kentucky, Zilphia, listed as Zilphey, was 44, and James was 52. The children are listed as: Joicey, 29, Andy, 18, Robert, 16, James, 14, Catharine, 12, Niram, 10, Hugh, 7, William, 4, Jackson, 8 and Rachal is 3 years old. James is a farmer. Joicey is listed as an adult who cannot read, and a widower. She is listed as Sandlin, so perhaps the youngest children are hers. I do not know this as yet. All of the individuals on the entire census page are Sandlin, Baker and Couch. These are all related to each other.

The 1860 census has the family in District 1, Breathitt County, Kentucky. Here Sandlin is spelled, Sanlin. It lists James, 62, Zilphia is listed as Sylphia and is 54 years old. The children still in the home are Hugh at 17, and William, 14 years old. James is still farming and his real estate is valued at 300. Joyce Sandlin is next door with a Sally Hutchinson. There is a Rachel Sandlin, 14, in the household with them. Also, on of the children of Sally is named Zilphia. I do not know how this family connects. This is one thing yet to do.

In 1870, I have not yet found her in the census. James died in 1869, so it would be a tough time for her. The only one close as far as dates go, is a Zilpha Sandlin with son William H, farming in Columbia, Florida. I am sure this is not her. There were only 6 Zilphia Sandlins listed in 1870.

In the 1880 census, Zilphia is in the census in Crocketsville, Breathitt County, Kentucky. She is listed as Sylpha Sandlin, 74 years old.She is "Mother" and housekeeper. She is living with her son, Adniram and his wife, Susan. They have 7 children in the home.

According to Find-A-Grave, Zilphia died in 1890, in Clay County, Kentucky. I cannot verify that, she would have been about 83 years old. She was buried in the Cortland Cemetery in Cow Creek, Kentucky. This website actually lists 17 children.

Zilphia is my son-in-law, Michael's, third great-grandmother.

Sources:
Kentucky, Compiled Marriages, 1802-1850 [database on-line].Electronic transcription of marriage records held by the individual counties in Kentucky. Ancestry.com.
1850 Census; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29; National Archives, Washington, D.C. Ancestry.com.
1860 Census; NARA microfilm publication M653, 1,438 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration;  Ancestry.com.
1880 Census; Crocketsville, Breathitt, Kentucky; Roll: 404; Page: 599C; Enumeration District: 014. Ancestry.com.
Find A Grave, database and images, memorial page for Zilphia Baker Sandlin (7 Apr 1806–1890), Find A Grave Memorial no. 88287713, citing Cortland Cemetery, Cow Creek, Owsley County, Kentucky, USA ; Maintained by rhondajo (contributor 47044794).(https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88287713)

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 45

Caroline Matilda Galloway

Caroline was born in 1804 in South Carolina. She was the daughter of William Galloway and Polly Ragen. She is my 4th great-grandmother.

In 1819 Caroline Matilda married James LaFoy Morgan in North Carolina. They produced 12 children, though there are some trees that have 16 children listed, but I have been unable to verify that. I will have to continue to work on that.

In 1850, in Monroe County, Tennessee, Caroline appears by name in the census. James is a farmer. In the household are: James L., 45, Caroline, 46, Gardiner, 20, Joseph, 18, Mary, 16, James, 13, Andrew, 12, Henry, 10, Sarah, 7, Telila (Delila), 5, Mary Morgan, 65, Matilda Morgan, 37, Caroline Morgan, 8. Here, Mary Morgan is Mary LaFoy Morgan, James mother, and Matilda is his sister. Eight year old Caroline is Matilda's daughter. Quite a large family in one dwelling.

I had a time trying to find them in the 1860 Census, but finally did run across them. He is listed as J.L. Morgan. They are still in the same place, Monroe County, Tennessee, actually in District 13. They have not moved. He is farming. The household lists: J. L. Morgan, 60, Matilda Morgan, 55, M. C. Morgan, 25, H. E. Morgan, 20. Perhaps Mary Louisa, born in 1834, could be M.C. Henry E. Morgan is the H. E. listed.

In the 1870 census, still in District 13, Monroe County, Tennessee, the family has not moved. James, though, was transcribed as Jous. The census is really light and hard to read. James is 65, and still farming. The real estate value is listed as 700, which is good for that time period. The odd thing is that the house has filled again with family.  Besides James there is Matilda, 61, Sarah, 27, Delila, 26. Then to muddy up the thing there is Ruther, 9, Larerg, 7, Mary, 5 and Delila is 3 years old. It will take some time to find which child belongs to which daughter. Sarah and Delila are listed as Morgan, which I am sure is wrong. I know that Delila married a Gann, and Sarah married into the Saffell family. I can't even guess what Larerg should be, but Ruther is probably Ruth.. So this will be a work in progress.

Caroline Matilda is not present on the 1880 census. Her gravestone, on Find-A-Grave has only the year 1880 listed. The stone is very clean and crisp, most likely a newer stone. I have not found record of her death. I am still looking, and it will go onto my list of things to get snail mail.

Sources:
1850 Census; District 13, Monroe, Tennessee; Roll: M432_891; Page: 83A; Image: 170; FamilySearch.
1860 Census; District 13, Monroe, Tennessee; Roll: M653_1265; Page: 270; Family History Library Film: 805265
1870 Census; District 13, Monroe, Tennessee; Roll: M593_1550; Page: 123A; Family History Library Film: 553049; Ancestry.com.
Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Memorial ID: 5026495; Big Creek Cemetery, Monroe County, Tennessee [ttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/553049] Ancestry.com.

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 44

David K. Willcut

David was born in 1815 in Kentucky, most likely Adair County, but I have not been able to prove or disprove that.  He was the son of Jonathan Wilcut and Elizabeth Eaton. He was one of 6 children.

On the 14th of February, 1836, David married Charity Robbins in Washington County, Indiana. Together they had 9 children: Sarah Jane, Judith, Susanah, Mary, Joseph, Phebe, George, Louraney and Amanda.

In the 1850 census, David is 35, and Charity is 32 years old. They are living in Gibson Township in Washington County, Indiana. David is farming. The children in the house are: Sarah, 13, Judith, 7, Susanah, 5 and Phebe, age 2.

The 1860 census shows the family in Monroe Township, Washington County, Indiana. David is still farming. Both he and Charity are listed as 40 years old. The children in the household are: Judith, listed as Judah, age 17, Mary A., 14, Phebe, 10, Joseph R., 12, George H., 8, Louraney, written Rennie is 7, and the last one is "not named, but listed as 6 months old. This is Amanda. There is a Henry Wilcut and a James Wilcut and their families, living just down the road. I do not know how they connect to David, both are listed as 35 years old. Also, in this census, David is listed in the transcription of his family as Wilent. When I opened the image I expected to find it hard to read, but it was not. It was clearly David Wilcut.

Charity died sometime after the census was taken in 1860, and before 1864. David remarried on November 24, 1864. She was named Elizabeth Taylor. Wow. I am related to Elizabeth Taylor. I know, wrong one. 

In the 1870 census of Monroe Township, Washington County, Indiana, David is listed as a farmer still. He is 55, and Elizabeth is listed as 28. He had a very young wife!  In the household are: Joseph, 20, George, 13, and Amanda is 9 years old.

I was unable to find David in the 1880. I will continue to look, but I am pretty sure he died before 1880. I will try to find Elizabeth later. She was certainly young enough to marry again.

On FamilySearch, David is listed as having died in 1876, no sources. So we will see.

David is my third great-grandfather.

Sources:
Indiana, Select Marriages Index, 1748-1993 [database on-line]; FamilySearch.com.
1850 Census; National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29; National Archives, Washington, D.C. Ancestry.com.
1860 Census; NARA microfilm publication M653, 1,438 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration; .
Indiana, Marriage Index, 1800-1941 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com.
1870 Census; Monroe, Washington, Indiana; Roll: M593_369; Page: 105B; Family History Library Film: 545868. Ancestry.com.

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 43

Lillie T. Ingram

Lillie Ingram was born on July 11, 1885, in Owsley County, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Jonah Ingram and Isabelle Wombles.

In 1901, she married John Harvey Sandlin, most likely in Owsley County, Kentucky. I have not found a record for that marriage. Lillie would have been about 16 years old.

The first time I have her in a census is the 1910 Bowlingtown, Perry County, Kentucky. She is with her husband John, he is 38 and she is 21 years old. He is a laborer and they are renting a house. The children in the home are: Mary, 8, Asbury, 6, Eliza, 5 and Nannie is 3 years old.

The next time I am able to find them is in the 1930 census, in still in Bowlingtown, Perry County, Kentucky. She is 44 and John is 60. They own their home now, John is a laborer at odd jobs, and she is listed as a laundress. The children i the home are: Mattie, 15, Malta, 13, Lettie, 11, Green Berry, 8,  Lillian, 5, Margaret, 3, and James is under a year old. John cannot read and write, but Lillie can. There are no street names or house numbers, so I wonder if they live outside of town?

In 1961 John died at age 94. Lillie lived until October 22, 1966, when she died of a heart attack. She was living with her son, Asbury B. Sandlin, in Gary, Indiana. She was 81 years old. She was buried in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana.

 From The Tribune in Seymour, Indiana:

Mrs. L. Sandlin Dies Suddenly

Funeral services for Mrs. Lillie Sandlin, 81, a former resident of Vernon, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday from the Vernon Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Ray Rabatin, pastor, officiating. Burial in the Vernon Cemetery.

Friends may call at any time at the Jordan Funeral Home at Vernon.

Mrs. Sandlin died suddenly Saturday at the home of her son, A.B. Sandlin, in Gary.

She was born July 11, 1885, in Owsley County, Kentucky, and married John Sandlin, who preceded her in death in 1961. They moved to Jennings County in 1937.

Survivors are 11 children, including two sons, A. B. Sandlin, Gary, and G. B. Sandlin, Columbus, Ga.; nine daughters, Mrs. Lettie Hammel, Mrs. Malta Hardesty and Mrs. Lona Grigsby, all of North Vernon, Mrs. Eliza Ritchie, Dupont, Mrs. Margaret Kahrs, Seymour, Mrs. Ellen Sandlin, Buckhorn, Ky., Mrs. Wanda Miller, Chicago, Mrs. Lillian Ruark and Mrs. Malvery Revers, both of Gary; one sister; 53 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild.

Two daughters, Nan and Mary, and one son, James, preceded her in death.

Lillie Ingram Sandlin in my grandchildren’s second great-grandmother. Still much to do on this family.

Sources:
1910 Census; Bowlingtown, Perry, Kentucky; Roll: T624_500; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 0171; FHL microfilm: 1374513; Ancestry.com
1930 Census; Bowling, Perry, Kentucky; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 0001; FHL microfilm: 2340509; Ancestry.com
Death Certificates; Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, IN, USA;  Death Certificates; Year: 1966; Roll: 01; Ancestry.co
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Ancestry.com
Obituary: The Tribune; Seymour, Indiana; Monday, October 24; Page 12.
Find A Grave; Memorial Id: 14209900; [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14209900]; Find-A-Grave.com, 1966

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 42

Samuel Allman

Samuel Alllman was born in 1815 in Virginia to Philip Jonas and Lucinda VanDeveer Allman, also spelled Ahlmann.

He married Rebecca Ann Hatton in Bartholomew County, Indiana on February 12, 1835. Together they had 6 children: Mary Ann, who is my great-great-grandmother, John William, Minerva, Nancy Ellen, Philip, and Rufus. Rebecca died shortly after the birth of Rufus.

In the 1850 census in Brownstown, Jackson County, Indiana, Samuel was about 30 years old and a farmer. Allman is spelled Aulman in this census. Rebecca A. is listed as 27. The children are: Mary A., 13, John, 11, Minerva, 9, Nancy E., 4 and Philip is listed as 0. They are living next to a William Allman, age 22, which could be a brother to Samuel, but I have not proven that.

On December 31, 1852, Samuel married Mary Ann Hall in Jackson County, Indiana. They had 6 children: Sarah, Pernette, Samuel M., William Riley, Joseph B. and Lucinda.

In 1860, the census shows the family in Brownstown, Jackson County, Indiana still. Samuel is still farming and is 51 years old. His wife Mary is 33. The children in the home are: John, 22, Nancy, 12, Philip, 10, Rufus, 9, Sarah, 7, Pernette, 5, Samuel is 1.

Samuel died in November of 1876, in Jackson County, Indiana. He was about 61 years old. Mary died about 10 years after on February 25, 1886.

Samuel Allman obituary in the Jackson County Banner on November 16, 1876:

Death of Samuel Allman

It is with regret we chronicle the death of SAMUEL ALLMAN, who for many years resided in the bottom on the west side of the river. In appearance he was a perfect picture of the original backwoodsman. His rifle and his dog were his inseparable companions. As a marksman he was the equal of David Crocket or Daniel Boone, and it was but seldom that his game did not did not drop at the pull of the trigger of his faithful gun. Throughout life, he remained a poor man, and a rude log cabin has been all the home he and his family have ever known. Yet he was happy and contented, perhaps far more so than many who fared better in this world's goods. He was a strong Democrat, and it grieved him that he was not able to come to town on election day to vote for Tilden and Hendricks. He was possessed of a good disposition, and was strictly honest. He was about 60 years of age.

I have a bit of work to do. I have had trouble finding documents on him.

Sources:
1850 Census; Brownstown, Jackson, Indiana; Roll: M432_152; Page: 205A; Image: 416; Ancestry.com
1860 Census; Brownstown, Jackson, Indiana; Roll: M653_268; Page: 567; Family History Library Film: 803268
Indiana Marriages Database through 1850. Indiana State Library. http://www.in.gov/library/genealogy.htm: accessed 3 July 2014.
Indiana Marriages, 1810-2001. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013.
Obituary; Jackson County Banner; Brownstown, Indiana; Thursday, November 16, 1876; Page 5; Newspapers.com.

#52ancetors #genealogy

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 41

George David Bohall

George Bohall was born in Meade County, Kentucky on April 17, 1819, to Joseph and Sarah Milstead Bohall. He was the oldest of 8 children.

On September 11, 1841, George Married Catherine Draper in Jackson County, Indiana. Together they raised 4 children: Elizabeth Ellen, my Great-great-grandmother, Joseph, John Dudley and James Seth.

I found George in the 1850 Census in Grassy Fork Township, Jackson County, Indiana. In this entry Bohall is spelled Bohol. He is 36, his wife Catherine is 33, the children in the home are Joseph, 7, Elizabeth E., 5, John, 3, and James is one years old. The next two houses are listed as his brother William and his family and next to him, their parents Joseph and Sarah. This census does not list occupation.

In the 1860 census, again in Grassy Fork Township, Jackson County, Indiana, George is 45. He is listed as a carpenter. Catherine is 41, and the children in the household are: Elizabeth, 16, John, 14 and James is 12.

In the 1870 Census, George is 52 and listed as a farmer.  They are still at the same place, Grassy Fork Township, Jackson County, Indiana. He and Catherine are alone. She is 51 years old.

The Bohalls were known for their baskets. This is what George did, at least part of the time.

Sources:
Indiana, Marriages, 1810-2001; Page 269; FHL Film Number 001314624; FamilySearch.
1850 Census; Grassy Fork, Jackson, Indiana; Roll: M432_152; Page: 227B; Image: 461; Ancestry.com
1860 Census; Grassy Fork, Jackson, Indiana; Roll: M653_268; Page: 601; Family History Library Film: 8032685; Ancestry.com
1870 Census; Grassy Fork, Jackson, Indiana; Roll: M593_326; Page: 362B; Family History Library Film: 545825; Ancestry.com

#52ancestors #genealogy

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 40

James C. Carmer

James was born in 1820, in Ohio, to John and Margaret Carmer. I have been unable to find his exact birth date, so far, and the only place of birth is listed as Ohio.

James married Lavina Harris on the 30th of January, 1853, in Bartholomew County, Indiana. They raised their 9 children; Charles Clyde, James, Jr., Clarence Eugene, Lizzie, William S., Alfaretta, Curtis, Samuel and John Carmer, in Bartholomew County.

In 1860, in the census of Azalia, Bartholomew County, Indiana, the family is listed as follows: James, 40, Lavina, 23, Samuel, 5, John, 3, and Alfaretta is 1 years old. James occupation is Cooper.

Private James C. Carmer was a veteran of the Civil War. He enlisted on the 24th of February, 1862, into Company A, Indiana 53rd Infantry Regiment. He mustered out on July 21, 1865 in Gainsville, Kentucky.

In the 1880 census of Elizabethtown, Bartholomew County, Indiana, James and family were living at 17 First Street, Elizabethtown, Indiana. He was 60 years old and Lavinia is 44. The children in the household at the time are William S., 16, Lizzie is 14, Clarence, 9, James C. Jr., 7 and Charles is 5. James is working as a Cooper still.

A cooper was a person who made buckets, barrels and all kinds of containers. They worked with metal and wood.

James died on February 21, 1890, at the age of 70, in Bartholomew County, Indiana. He was buried in the Sandcreek Cemetery, in Azalia, Indiana. The inscription on his stone is: G.A.R. Co. 53rd Ind. Inf.

His Obituary was found in the Republic, Columbus, Indiana. (source below)

Departed.
To the Member of James Moffit Post, No. 223. G.A.R.

Comrades:-One by one, as the years roll on, the members of the Grand Army, fulfilling the demands of nature, drop by the wayside and are known no more among their fellows.

To our organization death comes with a peculiar sadness, for we realize that the chair made vacant can not be filled again, and that the time will come, in the not distant future, when the "assembly" will not be sounded and the roll of the Grand Army will be called in vain.

Comrade James C. Carmer, after a short illness, died at Elizabethtown, Ind., Feb. 21, 1890, in the 70th year of his age. He was one of the charter members of the post. He enlisted in company A, 53d Indiana volunteers, Feb. 1, 1862, and was mustered out of service July 21, 1865, having faithfully served his country 3 years and 5 months and over.

Of late years he was totally disabled from the performance of any manual labor, as the result of disease contracted in the army. Comrade Carmer showed his devotion to his country in the hour of her peril. He deserves to be kindly remembered by those who are living to enjoy the fruits of the victories gained in the great struggle for National unity.

He leaves a wife and five children to mourn the loss of a good husband and kind father. To these afflicted ones the post extends its sympathy and its well wishes.

                                                                                           John B. Anderson,
                                                                                           Alex. W. Dean,
                                                                                           D. A. Thompson, 
                                                                                           Committee.
                                                                                           Elizabethtown, Ind., March 7, 1890.

This is the family of my son-in-law.

Sources:
1860 Census; Azalia, Bartholomew, Indiana; Roll: M653_244; Page: 450; Family History Library Film: 803244; Ancestry.com
National Park Service. U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com.
1880 Census; Elizabethtown, Bartholomew, Indiana; Roll: 266; Page: 215B; Enumeration District: 013; Ancestry.com.
Headstones Provided for Deceased Union Civil War Veterans, ca. 1879-ca. 1903; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M1845, 22 rolls); Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, Record Group 92; National Archives, Washington, D.C.; Ancestry.com.
Obituary: The Republic, Columbus, Indiana; Saturday, March 8, 1890; Page 4

#52ancestors #genealogy

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 39

Norman Winfield Bush

Norman Winfield Bush was often listed as Winfield N. Bush, and went by the name of Winfield. He was born to David Bush and Sarah J. Barrett on March 30. 1878, in Washington County, Indiana. He was one of 8 children.

He first shows up on the 1880 R.S. Census in Jefferson Township, Washington County, Indiana. Here he is with his parents and listed st Norman W. Bush, age 1.  He is with his sister Minnie, who is 2.

In the 1900 Census, he is still with his parents. He is again listed as Norman W. Bush, age 21. There are He is with his 7 other siblings and his parents. They are still in Jefferson Township, Washington County, Indiana. His father is a farmer, and rents the place.

On July 1, 1903, in Brownstown, Jackson County, Indiana, he marries Ida May Crothers. Together they raise 10 children: Woodrow Riley, my uncle by marriage, David Carroll, Earl Melvin, Neal William, Mary Frances, Goldie Mae, Esther Mae, Murl, and Harley Winford Bush.

In the 1910 Census, he is listed as Norman W. Bush and is with his wife, Ida, in Jefferson Township, Washington County, Indiana.  The family consists of Norman W., 31, Ida M., 29, Esther, 5, Goldie B., 3, and Harley W., 1. They won their house and he is employed as a carpenter at a place I an not read. It is Comerste Formes? Well I'll look into it.

In the 1920 census, in Carr Township, Jackson County, Indiana, he and family are living on Mill Street. He is listed for the first time as Winfield and he is 41. Ida is there as well and is 38. They own their house with no mortgage. He is doing well as a carpenter. The children in the home are: Esther M. 15, Goldie B., 13, Harley W., 11, Harold D., 8, Roy W., 5, Earl M. is 3, Neil W. is 2, and Emma is not quite 1.

In 1930, this time back in Jefferson Township, Washington County, Indiana, he is 51, and Ida, 49. He lists himself as a farmer, and is renting. This is the bad time for everyone, the Great Depression. He also doesn't have a radio set. Yes, that was a census question. Anyway, the children still at home are: Carroll, 19, Woodrow, 16, Earl, 14, Meal, 12, Emma, 11, and Mary is 8.

In 1940 Winfield and his family are back in Seymour, in Jackson County, Indiana. They are renting a home for $6.50 a month. It says his highest grade completed is 4th grade. Remember his father was a farmer and boys were needed as farm labor. He has worked 0 weeks. Ida is there at 59 years old. Winfield is 61. The children still at home are: Earl, 23, and Mary Frances, age 17. Earl is listed as blind. Right next door is my aunt Opal Alexander and her husband, Woodrow Bush, and their family. Woodrow is Winfield's son.

Winfield died on the 11th of August, 1940. His death cert lists him as 62 years, 4 months and 12 days of age. They were living at 628 North Brown Street in Seymour, Indiana. He is listed as a carpenter. He died of heart disease, and was buried on the 14th day of August, 1940 in Fairview Cemetery in Brownstown, Jackson County, Indiana.

My children connect to Winfield through his brother, William A. Bush.

Sources:
1880 Census; Jefferson, Washington, Indiana; Roll: 321; Page: 448B; Enumeration District: 178. Ancestry.com
1900 Census; Jefferson, Washington, Indiana; Page: 6; Enumeration District: 0132; FHL microfilm: 1240411. Ancestry.com
1910 Census; Jefferson, Washington, Indiana; Roll: T624_387; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 0152; FHL microfilm: 1374400. Ancestry.com
Indiana, Marriages, 1810-2001; database on-line. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com
1920 Census; Carr, Jackson, Indiana; Roll: T625_439; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 75. Ancestry.com
1930 Census; Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration; T626, 2,667 rolls. Ancestry.com
1940 Census; Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1940. T627, 4,643 rolls. Ancestry.com
Death Certificates; Year: 1940; Roll: 11. Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, IN, USA. Ancestry.com

#52ancestors #genealogy

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 38

Robert Henry Hunsucker

Robert Henry Hunsucker was born on the 8th of April, 1879, in Medora, Jackson County, Indiana. He was the son of George Riley Hunsucker and Amanda Louisa Bowers.

He first appears in the 1880 Census taken in Flynn Township, Lawrence County, Indiana. He is there with his parents and his brother, Joel. His father is a farmer.

In the 1900 Census of Carr Township in Jackson County, Indiana, Robert is with the family of Ephraim Goss, and listed as a servant. Mr. Goss is a farmer, and Robert is 21 years old.

On July 19, 1907, Robert marries Carrie Jane Hughes in Lawrence County, Indiana. Together they have 7 children: Dorothy, Ruth, Ray A., Elmer H., Henry Samuel, Neal, and Dora.

In 1910, still in Carr Township, he and Carrie are listed in the census. They are renting and he is listed as labor. The household consists of he and Carrie, children Dora, Dorothy and George R. Robert is 31 years old.

By 1920 the census shows Robert in Pleasant Run Township, in Lawrence county, Indiana. He is 40 years old and listed as farm labor. The house has Carrie and children, Dorothy, Henry and Elmer.

In the 1930 census he and his family are in Medora, Indiana. This is in Jackson County, and they are in town on George Street. Robert is 50 years old and working at the brick plant. They do own their own home now. In the household is he and Carrie, Dorothy, Henry S., Elmer, Neal, Ruth and Roy A. 

The 1940 census was a pleasure to find. A Mr. Roy B. Poore printed every entry so neatly, which is very rate to find! Robert and Carrie are living in Medora still, on Poplar street, and they own their home. Robert is 60 and still working at the brick plant. Carrie has an X beside her indicating that the census taker talked to her. She is 50. Neal, 19, and Ray A., 12, are still at home.

Robert died on May 2, 1952 in Bedford, Lawrence County, Indiana. He was 73 years old. He and Carrie had been married 45 years.

Robert is my step-fathers grandfather.

Sources:
1880 Census. NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls. Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. Ancestry.com
1900 Census. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. T623, 1854 rolls. Ancestry.com
1910 Census. NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls. Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. Ancestry.com
1920 Census. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. Ancestry.com
1930 Census. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. T626, 2,667 rolls. Ancestry.com
1940 Census. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. T627, 4,643 rolls. Ancestry.com
Social Security Applications and Claims Index, U.S., 1936-2007. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Ancestry.com.

#52ancestors #genealogy

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks Week 37

William Harrison Jaynes

William Harrison Jaynes, also known as Harry, was born April 10, 1899 in Jackson County, Indiana, to George Thomas and Cora Mae Hines Jaynes. He was the first child of 6, two boys and 4 girls.

I met Uncle Harry when he was very old. I did not get to interview him, or really have a conversation. According to all accounts, he has a very interesting life. The stories all say that he drank a bit, and road the rails. Lived a hobo life, part time. I wish I had first hand information about that. The stories say that when he got tired of "normal" life, he simply jumped a train and was gone for long periods of time. Very simple to do in a railroad town.

That is not saying that Harry had no family. He married Sylvia Pearl Malone on June 30, 1917 in Brownstown, Indiana. They had 4 children: Donald, Edna Margarite, Marion, and Albert. My mother remembered Sylvia, and liked her very much. Unfortunately she and Harry were divorced, and both remarried. Harry married Leona Mabel Coffman on January 6, 1931 in Jackson County, Indiana. There are no children to that marriage, and I believe it lasted a very short time. Harry then married Jessie Patronis on May 15, 1938, again in Jackson County, Indiana.

I have tracked Harry and his family through the census, but it doesn't help to know Harry. He is often missing from the record anyway.

I think Harry tried to be what people expected him to be. You know, a husband and father, with a 9 to 5. My grandfather, his brother James, a.k.a. Jim, was not able to be so generous to Harry. Growing up with Harry was hard. When they were at home, Harry simply took what he wanted, even if it was his brothers. Jim never spoke of Harry, nor did he see him in those last years. There was no outward hostility nor any bad words against Harry. Just a silence.

I've heard from others that Harry was a very engaging man, so nice and interesting. I wish I'd known him better. I'm afraid I don't even have a photograph of Harry, and I'm not sure that one ever existed. It is one of my most wanted articles.

Sources:
"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007," database with images, FamilySearch, William Harry Jaynes and Sylvia Pearl Malone, 1917; citing Jackson, Indiana, United States, various county clerk offices, Indiana; FHL microfilm 1,314,632.

Marriages Record, 6 January 1931, Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959: image: 00361; FamilySearch, citing Jackson, Indiana, United States.

"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZQB-PDD : 21 January 2016), Harry Jaynes and Jessie Patronis, 15 May 1938; citing Jackson, Indiana, United States, various county clerk offices, Indiana; FHL microfilm 1,220,659.

#52ancestors #genealogy

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks Week 36

John F. Fanchier

John Fanchier was born to Calvin Morgan Fanchier and Sarah Ann Hammock on August 3, 1852 probably in Cherokee County, Alabama. He was the 4th child in a family of 6, so far as I can find. There were 4 girls and the two boys.

In the 1860 Census, John is with his family in Cherokee County, Alabama. The post office is Gadsden. John was 7 years old. His father, Calvin, was a farmer.

On February 23, 1879, J.W. Trotter, Minister of the Gospel, joined John Fanchier and Georgia Oliver in marriage. This was in Etowah County, Alabama. He and Georgia had 6 children; Charles, John Jr., Ruth, Louisianne, Myrtle and Carrie.

In the 1880 Census, The family iw in Etowah County, Alabama. It says works on a farm under the occupation for John. In the household, John is 27, Georgia is 23, Carrie, age 7, and John is 3 years old.

The 1900 Census has the family still in Etowah County, Alabama.John is listed this time as Day Labor. He is 48 years old. Georgia is 44, and they have been married 21 years. The family consists of Louisianne, age 19, Myrtle, age 9, Charlie, age 6, and Ruthie is 4 years old.

The 1910 Census in Etowah County, Alabama shows the family on Flat Wood Road. John is 57, and Georgia is 53 years old. John is listed as a farmer, and he is renting the farm. They have been married 32 years, and Georgia is listed as having had 10 children, only 6 living.  Also in the house is Charlie, age 17, and Ruth, age 13. Daughter Myrtle, my step-great-grandmother, lives right next door. She has married Starling Haney, and has 3 children of her own.

I know that John died on April 6, 1951, but have not found a cemetery or a death notice for him. I will continue to look. I hope I can find more about this family. I feel like there is much to do yet.


Sources:
1860 U.S. census, population schedule. NARA microfilm publication M653, 1,438 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration; Ancestry.com.
1880 U.S. census, NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls; Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.; Ancestry.com.
Ancestry.com. Alabama, Compiled Marriages from Selected Counties, 1809-1920; Provo, UT, USA; Original data: Dodd, Jordan R., comp. Early American Marriages: Alabama, 1800 to 1920.
1900 U.S. census, United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 1854 rolls. Ancestry.com.
1910 U.S. census, Lehi, UT, USA: NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls. Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. Ancestry.com.
State of Alabama. Index of Vital Records for Alabama: Deaths, 1908-1959. Montgomery, AL, USA: State of Alabama Center for Health Statistics, Record Services Division. Ancestry.com.

#52ancestors #genealogy

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 35

Minnie Belle Wilson

Minnie Belle was the daughter of Ephraim Wilson and Louisa J. Alexander. Louisa was a sister of my great-grandfather, William Hays Alexander. Minnie was the only girl born to Louisa and Ephraim, among 5 children. She was born in Jackson County, Indiana, on March 6th, 1870.

I don't know much about her until she shows up with a son named Clyde. She was 19 when he was born and he took her name, Clyde Wilson. As I spoke of this in week 34 when I wrote about George Eisel. Minnie married George on November 11, 1896. Minnie was 26 years old, and Clyde was 7. From all written accounts, George treated Clyde as his own.

George died in 1923 and apparently left his business to Clyde. Minnie was living with him and his wife at the time of her death. Clyde continued with the Wilson Processing Plant, which was Wilson Meat Market when George died. It is my belief, only my belief, that Clyde took care of Minnie for the rest of her life.

Minnie died on March 12, 1950, at the home of her son. She was 80 years old.  Her Obituary below:

Jackson County Banner
March 15, 1950

Eisel-Funeral services for Mrs. Minnie Eisel, 80, were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Zabel Funeral Home in Brownstown. She had died at the home of her son Clyde Wilson in Brownstown, at 6 a.m. Sunday.

Mr. John U. Phelps, pastor of the Brownstown Christian church was in charge of the service. Burial followed in the Fairview cemetery.

She was born in Jackson County on March 6, 1870, the daughter of Ephriam and Louisa Alexander Wilson, both of whom are deceased. She married George Eisel, who preceded her in death a few years ago, in Brownstown.

Mrs. Eisel was a life-long resident of this county. She was a member of the Brownstown Christian Church, where she had made many friends.

For the past nine months she had been ill in Brownstown. Surviving are her son, and a brother. Pirtle Wilson, also of Brownstown.


Source:
Jackson County Banner; Brownstown, Indiana; Wednesday, March 15, 1950; Page 1

#52ancestors #genealogy

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 34

George Eisel

Last week I wrote about Harry Wilson. George was Harry's step-grandfather. There is such tragedy in this family, I haven't been able to leave it, as of yet.

George was the son of John Eisel and Barbara Frederick. He was born on March 16, 1870, in Jackson County, Indiana. Both parents were born in Prussia, Germany.

On November 11, 1896, he married Minnie Belle Wilson. She had a son when they married named Clyde Wilson. He is always referred to as the step-son of George Eisel. Even Clyde's death certificate leaves the father line blank. I would think this would most likely indicate that Clyde was illegitimate. Whatever the circumstances of Clyde's birth, he seemed to be treated like a son to George by all accounts.

George owned a meat market in Brownstown, Indiana. He sold it about 1921, and tried his hand at farming. About 1923, he opened a new meat market, farming seemed to be over. I hate the part that comes next. George did not fare well, and his chaos seemed to be heading toward something bad. 

George died January 15, 1923, in Brownstown. This article will explain that, and seems to be the only death notice or obituary for him. He was buried in the Fairview Cemetery in Brownstown, Indiana.

GEO. EISEL, AGED 52, COMMITS SUICIDE

Shot Himself Early Monday Morning At His Place Of Business

LIVED ABOUT FOUR HOURS

Despondency On Account Of Failing Health Supposed To Be The Cause.

George Eisel, aged 52, who has been engaged in the butchering business in Brownstown almost continuously for 25 or 30 years, committed suicide at his place of business early Monday morning by shooting himself in the head.

The discovery was made by Bruce Wilson, who worked for Mr. Eisel, when he started to work about 6:30 O'clock Monday morning. When he entered the middle room of the meat market just at the rear of the sales room. Bruce saw Mr. Eisel lying on the floor face downward, with blood flowing from a wound in the head. He was still breathing. A 22-calibre repeating rifle, which was used in killing live stock, was lying on a work bench just above where Mr. Eisel lay.

Mr Wilson went out and called Howard Fritz and together they went back and placed Mr. Eisel in a more comfortable position. In the meantime Dr. P. A. Zaring, who had been sent for, arrived and after a hasty examination pronounced the injury fatal.

Mr. Eisel lingered until almost nine o'clock when he breathed his last. It is supposed that he shot himself about 5:30 o'clock, as that was his usual time of going to work.

His horse and market wagon were hitched to the rack on the public square, just across the street from his place of business.

The hand and fingers of the left hand were powder-burned, also the hair around the wound, indicating that he had held the muzzle of the gun with his left hand against the side of his head, resting the stock of the gun on the work bench, and pulled the trigger with his right hand.

County Coroner Geo. Manuel, of Seymour, was called and held an inquest rendering a verdict of suicide in accordance with the above facts.

Despondency over fast-failing health is supposed to have been the cause of Mr. Eisel taking his life. Weighing something over 200 pounds a year ago, he had fallen off in flesh to probably 130 pounds. About a year ago he sold his meat market on Main street and went to farming, but several months ago he re-opened a new meat market on Walnut street, in Arthur Greger's room opposite the court house. 

Deceased was born in Hamilton township March 16, 1870, and was united in marriage to Minnie Wilson of Brownstown, November 11, 1896, who survives him. He also leaves two brothers, Adam, of Topeka, Kan., and Philip, of Kansas City, Mo., and one step-son, Clyde Wilson, of Brownstown.

Funeral services were conducted at his late house this afternoon at 2 o'clock, under the auspices of the Red Men lodge, Rev. C. H. Earenfight, pastor of the Christian church, officiating. Burial in Fairview cemetery.

The family seemed to  be followed by tragedy. Such a sad tale!

Source:
Jackson County Banner; Brownstown, Indiana; Wednesday, January 17, 1923; Page 1.

#52ancestors #genealogy

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 33

Harry C. Wilson

This time it will be a short post. Not because I have nothing to say, but because the life of Harry C. Wilson was cut short, tragically.

Harry was born on October 13, 1907 in Brownstown, Indiana. He was the first and only child of Clyde Wilson and Hattie Wilson.  He worked with his father at the family business, meat butchering. It sounds like an awful business, but someone has to do it, and this family was the butchers of the town and surrounding area up until sometime in the 1970's.

Harry died on September 13, 1924. He was 16 years and 11 months old. It was such a shock to run across the means of his death.

Here is the article announcing the tragic end:

Jackson County Banner
Brownstown, Indiana
Wednesday, September 17, 1924
Page 1

SQUIRREL HUNT ENDS IN SAD ACCIDENT

Harry Wilson, Aged 16, Fatally Shoots Himself While Returning Home From Hunt

EXPIRES IN THIRTY MINUTES

Was Trying to Knock Apple From Tree With Shot Gun, Holding Barrel in His Hands.

Harry Wilson, aged 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Wilson, of Brownstown, accidentally shot himself with fatal results Saturday morning about 9:30 o'clock while on his way home from a squirrel hunt. The entire charge of a No. 12 single-barrel shot-gun took effect in the right side of his chest, and he expired in about thirty minutes.

The young man, in company with Forrest Cockerham had gone squirrel hunting early that morning, in the vicinity of the Wegan church. When they decided to leave the woods, they discovered that they had become confused in directions and came out on the Wegan and Tampico road, near the residence of George Redicker.

They started walking west down the road and stopped under a small apple tree along the fence by the roadside, about 150 yards cast of the church. Both had knocked off an apple and the one Cockerham knocked off fell inside the fence. While he was climbing through the fence to get it he heard the report of Wilson's gun, and looking up saw that Harry has shot himself and blood near his shoulder. He asked where he was shot and the boy replied, "In the side, get a doctor." Cockerham began calling for help, and started across the field toward Mr. Rediker's house, when he was Harry fall to the ground.

Rev. W. H. Dau, pastor of the Wegan Lutheran church, heard the report of the gun and heard Cockerham's calls for help, and he ran to the scene arriving there within only two or three minutes. Cockerham seeing Rev. Dau coming also turned back, and both reached the scene within less than five minutes after the shooting by which time the boy had lapsed into unconsciousness.

By this time others in the vicinity began arriving, and word was telephoned to the boy's parents and to Dr. Ackerman, who reached there about ten minutes before the lad expired. His parents also reached there a few moments afterward.

Undertaker Frank Zabel was called and removed the body to town and prepared the remains for burial.

The load of shot took effect in Wilson's right chest near the shoulder blade and ranged almost directly downward. From all indications he was trying to knock off an apple with the butt end of his gun, holding the barrel in his hands. The probabilities are that he was punching upward at the apple to loosen it, when the hammer caught on a twig of the tree, discharging the gun. The apple still on the tree, showed several bruised places and a twig near it was broken.

As soon as life was extinct, Undertaker Frank Zabel was called and removed the body to town and prepared the remains for burial. Funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Bannister of the Baptist church at Seymour, officiating, followed by interment in Fairview cemetery.

Harry Wilson was a bright young student in the Brownstown high school, and would have been a Junior this year. He was a member of the basket ball squad last year and would have been on the regular team this year.

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks Week 32

Sarah Ann Hoke

For many years she was confused with Sarah Hogg/Houge, daughter of Hugh Hogg and Mary Patterson, who were located in the same area of Pennnsylvania as Sarah Ann Hoke, and her family. I have a book which simply claims that her name was misspelled on land documents, which led to the Hoke-Hogg confusion. I have always hoped to find one document to prove that was true. I was never able to fond anything which listed her as being a Hogg. Even if you use the soft g sound, it does not sound like Hoke. What really kept me looking to disprove the commonly held belief was the fact that I continued to see the Hoke name used today. It always kept me thinking that perhaps it was not a misspelling afterall. I actually solved the problem when I went after death records for her. It was a very good day!

Sarah Ann Hoke was born July 1, 1813 in York County, Pennsylvania. Her paents were Samuel Hoke and Elizabeth Weist. She was the third born child of seven.

She married Henry Hovis, August 23, 1830 in Noble County, Ohio, as her family moved there when she was young.

Together, She and Henry had nine children; Elizabeth, Jacob, John, Henry W., Sarah, Lewis H., Mary Ellen, Seth, and Amanda Hovis. These are the only children I hae been abe to find, but there may have been some that did not live into adult life. Seven of their children were born in Ohio, only the last two, Seth and Amanda were born in Brown County, Indiana. Henry moved the family to Brown County, Indiana about 1848 and homesteaded 120 acres in the Grandview area about 4 miles east of Stone Head.

In the 1850 U.S. Census, Sarah is present in Van Buren Township, Brown County, Indiana, with Henry, age 39, a farmer, her children; Elizabeth at 18, Jacob is 15, John, 12, Henry is 9, Sarah, 7, Lewis, 4, and Ellen is 3, she is, Mary Ellen.

The 1860 U.S. Census places them in the same place as 1850. Henry is 49 and still farming, Sarah is 47, Henry, 18, Sarah, 16, Louis, 14, Ellen, 12, Seth is 9 and Manda is 7.

In 1880, the census lists Henry, 69 still farming their land. Seth is living next door to them, and he is listed as a basketmaker. In the box that says, Maimed, Crippled, Bedridden or Otherwise Disabled, it says yes, for Henry. Sarah is 67, and her children are all gone.

Henry Hovis died on April 30, 1896, at 86 years old.

In the 1900 Census, for Brown County, Indiana, Sarah is 86. She is listed as having 11 children, 9 living. Her son, Henry W., is living with her. Also there is a Margaret Hendershot that is listed as a servant. Margaret is 18.

Sarah died on May 28, 1906 in Brown County, Indiana. She is buried in Grand View Cemetery, in Brown County Indiana.

Her Obituary:

The Columbus Republican
Columbus, Indiana
Thursday, June 7, 1906
Page 6

Mrs. Sarah Hovis, born August 1, 1813, in York county, Pennsylvania, died at her home in VanBuren township, Brown county, May 28, and was buried at Grand View cemetery, Brown county, at 3 o'clock p. m., May 29. Cemetery was conducted by Rev. A. Hancher. She was the mother of five sons and six daughters, two died in infancy. She was a member of Harmony Baptist church of New Bellsville, and a consistent Christian.

She was buried in the Grandview Cemetery in Brown County, Indiana.

Sources:
1850 U.S. Census, Van Buren, Brown, Indiana; Dwelling: 72 Family 75, Digital GS number: 4193369, Image number: 00107 Reference number: 16, FamilySearch.
1860 U.S. Census, Brown County, Indiana, (Van Buren TWP); Page: 24 Dwelling 177 Family 177, Series: M653, Roll: 246, Heritage Quest.
1880 U.S. Census, Brown County, Indiana, (Van Buren); Dwelling 243 Family 244, Series: T9, Roll: 267 Page: 345, Heritage Quest.
1900 United States Federal Census.  Page: 1; Enumeration District: 0029; FHL microfilm: 1240361 Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com.
The Columbus Republican, Columbus, Indiana, Thursday, June 7, 1906, Page 6.

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52 Ancestors, 52 Weeks, Week 31

Nancy Elizabeth Bearden

Nancy Bearden was my second great-grandmother. She was born on March 12, 1865 in Bennettsville, Alabama to Roland Bearden and Lucinda White. She was the 10th child of a full dozen. At least that is all I have found, which to me is quite enough.

In the 1870 Census, Nancy is found for the first time in proper records.  She is with her parents and siblings in Bennettsville, Alabama.  She is 4 years old.  Besides her parents, Roland and Lucinda, she has 5 sisters and 2 brothers in the house.  Her father is farming.

The 1880 Census has Nancy still with her family. It is taken in Attalla, Alabama, in Etowah County. She is with 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Her father is 60, and her mother is 52 years old. Nancy is 16 at the time. Though they are listed in the Attalla post office area, Roland is still farming.

On April 16, 1884, she married Charles Henry Beard.  He was called Charlie on most records, which made him hard to find.  At any rate, he was 32 years old at the time.  She was just 19.  I believe he had an earlier wife, but I have not, as of yet, confirmed that.  They married in DeKalb County, Alabama.

In 1900, in the census of Etowah County, Alabama, Charlie is listed as C. H. Barde, and Nancy as Nannie. She is 34 years old. They have 7 children: Sallie is 14, Chutley, 19, is my great-grandfather Charles Pinkney, Frank, 9, May, 8, Magey, 6, John is 4, and Joe is 5 months old.  I've gone over this several times to make sure that it is really them.  The spelling is so bad it is funny.

Charlie died on June 28, 1902 in Turkeytown, Alabama. He was 50 years old. Nancy is left alone, and never remarries.

The next time we find her in the records is 1910.  She is listed in the census as head of household and a farmer. She is 43 years old.  In the house is Roland, 18, Johnnie, 13, Joe is 11, Alma is 8, Sarah L. Farmer is 23, she is living with them now, Willie, 3, and Harvey Farmer, 2, are the grandchildren.

I've not been able to find her again in records until the 1940 Census. She is 72 at that time, and living in Attalla, Alabama. The head of household is her son Joe, age 40. His wife Cora, 39, children, Helen, 12, Edward, 10, Guy, 6, Howard, 4, and Nancy, listed as Mother.

My grandmother, Bizzie Lee Beard, talked about how much she had loved Nancy. She said she had lived with her for a while, I assumed it was after her mother died. She was a small child at the time.

Nancy died on the 28th of September, 1944. She was 76 years old.

Obituary:
Mrs. Nancy Beard Burial Rites Today - Etowah County Native Succumbs in Attalla
Mrs. Nancy Elizabeth Beard who lived at Wilson Addition, Attalla, died yesterday at 2 p.m. of a heart attack suffered a week ago. At the time of her death Mrs. Beard was at her son's home.

A native of this county, she lived for a short time in Dekalb County. Since early childhood the 78-year-old woman has been a member of the Baptist Church, having belonged to Old Bethlehem Baptist for the past several years.
Funeral services were held this afternoon at 2:30 at Carnes Cemetery near Ivalee. The Rev. Oscar Oliver officiated and Collier-Butler Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements.

She is survived by four sons, Roland, John, Joe and Drew Beard, all of Attalla; three daughters, Mrs. Vester Clifton, Altoona; Mrs. Alma Duncan, Springville Route 1; and Mrs. Oma Pence, Attalla Route 2; 61 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

The following served as honorary pallbearers: Dr. W.W. Rowan, Dr. O.R. Sigrest, George P. Walker, Sr., Dennis McClendon, Eulice McClendon, E.G. Lee, Walker Drake, and W.W. Brackett.

Active pallbearers will be grandsons, J.R. Beard, Ed Beard, J.R. Brown, Joe Beard, Louie Beard, Monroe Beard, Thomas Beard and Johnnie B. Duncan.

Sources:
1. 1870 U.S. Census, Bennettsville PO, Etowah County, Alabama; Series: M593, Heritage Quest. 
2. 1880 U.S. Census; DeKalb, Alabama; Roll: 12; Page: 650A; Enumeration District: 058, Ancestry.com
3. Marriage Record, 16 April 1884, Alabama Marriages, 1809-1920: 401; Alabama, FamilySearch
4. 1900 US Census, 1900 US Census, Hollis Precinct, Etowah, 
Alabama, United States; HeritageQuest.
5. 1910 U.S. Census, Cox, Etowah County, Alabama, Page: 12 Dwelling 36 Family 36.
6. 1940 US Census, Election Precinct 17, Etowah, Alabama; NARA Publication: T627, FamilySearch/NARA.
7. Death certificate; Alabama, Etowah County, Attalla. Center for Health Statistics. 
9. Obituary: Gadsden Times, Gadsden, Alabama, September 1944.

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 30

Rebecca Ellen Bannister

Rebecca, known as Becky, was born November 19, 1947, in Jennings County, Indiana.  Her parents were Margaret Jeanette Carmer and Alvin Bannister.  She had 2 brothers and 2 sisters.  I really can't say much about her family because many are still living.  Becky is my son-in-laws mother, and I very much wish she had been able to meet her grandchildren.  I wish she could see the fine man her son became.

She died the 23rd of May, 1988, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  She was another victim taken by breast cancer.  She was only 40 years old.  My son-in-law was only 17 when she died.  I have always been so sorry she missed the grandkids and all the joys of the family.  I don't want them to forget she existed, that she was taken away, tragically.  I'm sure she had dreams of what her sons lives would bring.

Her son has been ill recently, which made me wish he had his mother here to see him through this tough spot. So she has been on my mind.  She is family, even though I never got to meet her.  I am sorry I did not get to know her, to share the kids, all their joys and troubles.

She will not be forgotten.

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 29

John Everett Alexander

John Everett was born on January 21, 1873 in Jackson County, Indiana. He was a child of John H. Alexander and Margaret Amanda Atkins, better known as Amanda.

The first time he appears in a record is in the 1880 census. He is 7 years old, and living in Hamilton Township. His parents, brother Charles, 9, and his sister Anna Clara, age 5, are also there. His father is listed as a Laborer.

The photo to the left is of John about 1898.

On November 19, 1898, in Jackson County, Indiana, he marries Eva Fish, daughter of Isaac E. Fish and Margaret Vaughn. Eva was born on November 10, 1879. John was 25 years old at the time, and Eva was 19. I feel like there should be an earlier marriage but have not found it.

Jackson County Banner
Brownstown, Indiana
Thursday, December 1, 1898
Page 8

Married, at the bride's home near Norman Station, John E. Alexander to Miss Eva Fish. May they live a happy and prosperous life is the wish of ye scribe.

In the 1900 census in Paoli, Paoli Township, Washington County, Indiana, he is listed with 20 year old wife, Eva, and 10 month old daughter Mabel. He is listed as day labor.

On August 4th, 1904, in Norman Station, Jackson County, Indiana, Eva Fish Alexander died of TB. She was 24 years, 8 months, 21 days old. She was buried in Liberty Cemetery in Jackson County.

The Tribune
Seymour, Indiana
Thursday, August 4, 1904
Page 2

Died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Fish, near Norman, of consumption, Mrs. John Alexander, aged 35, who lived in this vicinity. Deceased leaves husband and two children and a host of friends to mourn her loss. Funeral and burial at Liberty Monday at 10 a.m.

On October 14, 1905 John married Hettie Belle Charles. She was the daughter of William R. Charles and Susan Kinworthy.

On August the 2nd, 1908, Hettie Belle died of Typhoid. She was 32 years, 9 months and 22 days of age.

The next time I find John in records is the 1910 census. He is living  in Owen Township with his daughter, Mabel, age 10, and his mother Amanda, age 63 and widowed. John is 37 and widowed. He is a wagon driver for groceries.

Amanda lived with John and Mabel until her death in 1914. During this period, she and Mabel are in the little gossip columns of the local papers visiting and traveling around. I believe the two became very close during this period.

On November 26, 1910, in Lawrence County Indiana, John married for the 3rd time. Emma C. Stuart was born September 4, 1875 in Heltonville, Indiana. She was the daughter of Steel Stuart and Mary Hunter. She was 35 when they married.

In the 1920 Census, in Indianapolis, Indiana, John, 46, and Emma, 43, are listed with their daughter Helen, age 3 years, 11 months.  John is listed as an inspector at Rataine. I have not been able to find what Rataine actually was, but it was clearly written in the census.  When he died he was listed as a Motorman, so I think it is something in the transportation field.

On September 22nd, 1920, John died at the age of 47 years. and 8 months. He died of Nephritis. His sister Anna was the informant on his death cert. It lists his place of burial as Seymour, Indiana, but I doubt that very much. The Alexanders were buried in Liberty Cemetery, out at Norman Station, in Jackson County, and I don't believe that they would have brought him back to the county and not buried him with his family. I have yet to find his grave, but many of the graves in Liberty are unmarked

Emma died in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 3rd, 1932. She was 55 years, 9 months and 29 days of age. She was in a Diabetic Coma when she died. She was buried in Anderson Cemetery, and the informant on her death cert. was Mabel Davis, yes, little Mabel Alexander.

Sources;
1880 U.S. Census, Jackson County, Indiana, Hamilton TWP; Dwelling 123 Family 132, Series: T9, Roll: 286 Page: 82, Heritage Quest.
Marriage - John E. Alexander and Eva Fish, (1898), Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007: 42.
Marriage Article; Jackson County Banner, Brownstown, Indiana, Thursday, December 1, 1898, Page 8
1900 U.S. Census, Posey TWP, Washington County, Indiana, Page: 140 Dwelling 170 Family 176., 140.
Eva Alexander Death; Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Death Certificates; Year: 1904; Roll: 06
Obituary, Eva Alexander; The Tribune, Seymour, Indiana; Thursday, August 4, 1904; Page 2
Marriage - John E. Alexander and Hettie Belle Charles, (1905), Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007: 110.
Hettie Belle Alexander Death; Indiana State Board of Health. Death Certificates, 1900–2011. Microfilm. Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indianapolis, Indiana.
1910 U.S. Census, Jackson County, Indiana, Owen TWP; Series: T624, Heritage Quest.
Marriage - John E. Alexander and Emma Stuart, (1910), Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007: 223.
1920 U.S. Census, Marion County, Indiana, 10-WD Indianpolis, Center TWP, Dwelling 140 Family 140.
John E. Alexander Death; Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Death Certificates; Year: 1920; Roll: 17
Emma C. Alexander; Indiana State Board of Health. Death Certificates, 1900–2011. Microfilm. Indiana Archives and Records Administration, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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52 Ancestors 52 Weeks Week 28

Edna Catherine Abbott

She was known as Katie. As a matter of fact, I did not know her full name until I started researching her. She was always just Katie. No one in the family seemed to know it either. I learned it through documents. Her life was short, and she had no living children of her own, but she deserves remembering.

She was born on May 9, 1892, in a small place called Fleming, in Jackson County, Indiana. She was the daughter of Oliver Perry Abbott and Cora M. Hines. I wrote about Mr. Oliver Perry Abbett/Abbott HERE.

In the 1900 census of Monroe Township in Washington County, Indiana, Katie is listed as Catherine Abbott, the 8 year old step-daughter of George T. Jaynes. I discussed the other children of Mr. Abbott in the earlier post, so I will not go over that again.

In 1906, Katie marries a James Buck Hobson. She is, by my calculation, 14 years, 5 months old. James is 22 years old and has been married once. He was divorced in September of 1906. The marriage took place in Jackson County, Indiana, by a Justice of the Peace.

By the time the census taker came around again, Katie is back living with her mother and step-father. She is listed as Katie Hobson, step-daughter age 18. She lists one marriage lasting 4 years, and one child having been born, no children living. She is working as a waitress in a restaurant. James may be living with them as well but is not home at the time. I'm not sure about that. I do know that there is a little blurb in the local newspaper on November 12, 1913, that reads as follows:
Clip:
The Tribune
Seymour, Indiana
Wednesday, November 12, 1913
Page 1

Two divorces were granted today, James Hobson was granted a decree of divorce from Katie Hobson and John L. Jaynes was granted a divorce from Anna Jaynes.

On November 29, 1914, Katie married George Frank Forrest Jr. in Jackson County, Indiana. George, who was called Frank, was 28, and Katie, 22. George has been divorced, as well as Katie.  She signed her name as Edna C. Hobson. George Frank was previously married to Alta Mae Foster, who shows up later in my family, married to another of my relatives. Frank Forrest had one son wtih Alta named Earl Forrest. The family story said that Alta was a drinker and that Frank and Katie raised Earl together. I have found no evidence of the drinking accusation, and Alta did marry again. I'll do more investigative work on this little tidbit.

In the 1920 census, in Seymour, Jackson County, Indiana, George F. Forrest, wife Edna K. and son Earl T. are listed. George is 33, a Teamster, regular hauling, Edna K, Katie, is 24 and Earl T., son of George and Alta, is 10. Apparently the story of Katie and Frank raising Earl together has some merit. 

In the 1930, Seymour, Jackson County, Indiana Census, Katie and Frank are living on Tipton Street. He is 43 and she is 36. He is working as a common laborer at Odd Jobs. It's the beginning of The Great Depression. They are renting the home they are in for $10. Earl has gone. They have been married now for 14 years.

On
May 7, 1934, Katie died. She was buried in Riverview Cemetery in Seymour, Indiana. She was 41 years old. Her obituary:

Seymour Tribune
Monday, May 7, 1934
Page 1

Had Been Resident of Jackson County Throughout Her Lifetime

Mrs. Katie Forrest age forty-one, a life long resident of the county, died
at the home of her sister Mrs. Helen Anderson, 618 South Carter street, at 
12:30 o'clock this morning following a year's illness with a complication 
of diseases.

Mrs. Forrest was born in Jackson county on May 9, 1892, the daughter of 
Oliver and Cora Hines Abbott. She was married on November 14, 1915, at 
Brownstown, to Frank G. Forrest, who survives. During her residence in 
this city she made many friends who mourn her death.


She is survived by the mother, the husband, one son, Earl Forrest, this 
city, two brothers, Harry Jaynes and James Jaynes, both of Seymour, and 
four sisters, Mrs. Myrtel Ballard of Indianapolis; Mrs. Agnes Henley, Mrs. 
Anderson and Mrs. Mary Trapp, all of Seymour. Three Grandchildren also 
survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon 
from the Voss Mortuary with the Rev. W. C. Morris, pastor of the Church of 
the Nazarene, in charge. Burial in Riverview Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Voss Mortuary at any time.

Sources:
1900 US Census, Monroe Township, Washington County, Indiana; Page 106 Dwelling 163 Family 163, T623, 412, HeritageQuest.
Marriage -James Buck Hobson and Kattie Abbott, 3 October 1906, Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959: ; FamilySeach, Seymour, Indiana.
1910 U.S. Census, Seymour, Jackson Township, Jackson County, Indiana; 
Page: 160, Series: T624 Roll: 357, Heritage Quest.
Article; The Tribune. Seymour, Indiana, 12 November 1913.
Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959, index, FamilySearch, Edna Catherine Hobson, 1914.
1930 US Census, Seymour, Jackson, Indiana; Family: 120 Sheet: 5A Line: 19, T626, Roll 594, NARA, FamilySearch.
Obituary; Seymour Tribune, Seymour, Indiana, May 7, 1934.

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