The Five Wives of James C. Bohall

 I've been adding source material to the Bohall line in my tree. I love this line of my family. They are fascinating, full of great people, sad people, people that are strong and caring, criminals, strange people and people of joy and tragedy. You know, normal life stuff. Being in a rural type of area their lives end up in the newspapers. For me, this is great. 

I found an article about the death of Malinda Bohall that was interesting. She was born Malinda Hart. Now, on Find-A-Grave and FamilySearch she is listed as Malinda Hedrick.  This is simply not true. Mary Jane Hedrick married James Seth Bohall, and that is the only Hedrick in the Bohall family. Since she married a James Bohall, I feel like that is where it all went wrong for the other family researcher. I have attempted to "fix" profiles on FamilySearch before, which were so much worse than this one, only to have my "fix" that I added with sources to prove it, undone by the same researcher. I may give it a try on Find-A-Grave, but judging by the comments on the page it has been attempted before.  This wrong information is cloning itself as I write this. Over and over again. Researching over 40 years you would think I would not feel so frustrated about this, but I do. I will be calm.

On August 16, 1856 Malinda married Frederick Miller, born September 25, 1804 and died on December 31, 1862. On November 23, 1864 she married James C. Bohall in Jackson County, Indiana. Malinda was born in 1823 and died on April 9, 1881 in Jackson County. Her cause of death is here in the article:

Death of Mrs. Malinda Bohall.

Mrs. Malinda Bohall, wife of James Bohall, of this place, died on Saturday last under circumstances which should serve as a fearful warning to people against carelessness in the administration of medicines. Mrs. Bohall had been suffering from an attack of pneumonia, combined with neuralgic pains. She was in great agony on the Sunday preceding her death, and among the prescriptions was one containing chloral. The instructions of her physician were explicit, but either through carelessness of the nurse or ignorance of the danger attending the medicine when given excessively, the chloral was administered too frequently, the result of which was that she was thrown into convulsions, while her whole body assumed a dark purplish hue. But for the speedy arrival of her physician, Dr. Stilwell, she undoubtedly would have died at the time. She remained in critical condition through the week until Saturday, at 11 o'clock a.m., when her spirit took its flight for the summer land. Indirectly, at least, the chloral was the cause of her death, aided somewhat by the other ailments with which she was afflicted. She was about 58 years of age. Formerly she was the wife of Frederick Miller, a well-known citizen of this vicinity, who died nearly 20 years ago. some years after his demise she was united in marriage to James Bohall, who survives her. She has three children by her former husband living, namely, Mrs. David H. Lubker, Mrs. Solomon Perrin, and Cyrus L. Miller. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon and was largely attended. An appropriate discourse was preached by Elder Washington Hogg, after which the remains were deposited in the Burrell burying ground, below town, where her former husband was buried.

Poor James. He was a widower 3 times before he married Malinda. She was wife 4 of 5.  He waited until January 31, 1882 to marry his 5th and final wife, Emily Cornett. She had been married to a William Goble until his death in 1858. James died in 1886. So Emily outlived him. She died in 1903. 

I'm going to he** for the place my brain went when I read the article. But, really??! How could you not wonder? Maybe James was just unlucky in marriage? Indiana did not require death certificates until 1907, though some counties did issue them around 1882. My only hope in finding out how the other wives expired, is finding an article in the newspapers.  So far, my luck equals James, I haven't found anything.

For the record, wife one; Perlina J. Hobbs, married 1841, wife two; Amanda Garrett, married 1857, wife three; Eliza Jane Newby, married 1860, wife four; Malinda Hart Miller, married 1864, wife five; Emily M. Cornett Goble, married 1882.

Sources:

Article: Jackson County Banner; Brownstown, Indiana; Thursday, April 14, 1881; Page 4.See original newspaper clip here at my GooglePhotos:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/t9tdd23nHFUMqrr38

"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2019", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZQT-64M), Entry for James Bohall and Pelina J Hobbs, 22 Oct 1841.

"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2019", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZQR-FRM), Entry for James Bohall and Amanda Garr*Tt, 29 Oct 1857.

"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2019", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZQR-X95), Entry for James Boholl and Eliza Jane Newby, 20 Nov 1860.

"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2019", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZQY-867), Entry for Frederick Miller and Malinda Hart, 16 Aug 1856.

"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2019", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZQB-Q5W), Entry for James Bohall and Malinda Miller, 23 Nov 1864.

"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2019", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZQB-HY3), Entry for James Bohall and Emily Goble, 31 Jan 1882.

A Nice Potpourri This Week

 I finished getting all of Uncle Dons things in "the box" scanned and in google photos.  His hunting and new driver licenses, letters, birth, obit and other things are now in the file.  A couple of photos as well. The only thing I did not put in the album is the calendar that was on the wall when he died. My grandmother had written on it, and it just felt so personal to me that I could not share it. She spoke to me about her pain during that time and I just could not share that part.  His death in 1938 stayed raw and painful for her all of her life. I have shared this with you here. (https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y3qn7foH1hrYVtpe7) 

I've had several things going on this week. The first thing I did was to go through all of my paper files and replace the beat-up ones with fresh new folders. First time I've done this in 40 years. It took much longer than it should have since I would get stuck inside the folders, lost in the forgotten gems I had found. Now I have a new list of things to add to the program. I also have a clear idea of how I need to proceed, so there is a lot of scanning in my future. My goal is to get them into binders.  I want all of it reduced to a flash drive and binders. Guess I'll see how that goes. The unpleasant and surprising part is that there was a lot of dust involved. Aaaaachoo! Anyway, I have been studying how to this for some time. I did try to do it before and failed. I like this post by Paul Chiddicks on his blog The Chiddicks Family Tree on how he does it. There is also Genealogy Pants post on the same topic.  I love Carly Morgan's Family Tree Notebooks. I bought one page to try as I'm a PC and she's Apple. I could not get it to work. Broke my heart. She also has YouTubes and you should just watch them, well, just because they are great! If anyone reads this and has some wisdom to impart, I'd love to hear from you.

 Usually, I am at the sewing machine but lately I've been into something else. I saw a pattern for an afghan and suddenly wanted a wildflower afghan. Not very far into it yet but I don't have to buy anything. I have so much yarn from other projects that this is a 'freebie'. My favorite kind. (The pattern is called African Flower, a very simple pattern.)

History of Place

I found this today when working on my Robbins line. From the Brownstown, Indiana newspaper:

Jackson County Banner
Brownstown, Indiana
Wednesday, April 15, 1964
Page 1

Old Brownstown Landmark Burns

Fire, of unknown origin, heavily damaged a frame and log one and one-half story house on Fourth Poplar street, about 4:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.

The house is owned by John C. Robbins, of Brownstown, and was occupied by Mrs. Luella Wier, who lost most of her household furnishings.

The house, one of the oldest in Brownstown, has been in the Robbins family for ninety years. It was purchased by Absalom Robbins, the late father of John Robbins, in 1875 from Elizabeth McClellan, who had bought it in 1868 from the original owner, William D. Bohall.

The late Mr. and Mrs. Robbins lived in the home during their lifetime and their children were born and reared there.

John C. Robbins is the third generation owner of the residence.

WOW!

This gives the history of a house in Brownstown, Indiana. This was a special find for me as I love to find the history of place when researching my family. The only person I do not recognize in this article is Mrs. Luella Wier. You see, Absalom Robbins is my first cousin, 4 times removed on my maternal grandfather's line. William D. (David) Bohall is my first cousin, 5 times removed on my maternal grandmother's line. Elizabeth McClellan is an ancestor of the husband of my niece. How could a place be more connected to me and my family? I am only sorry there was no photo of the place. But there are dates and names and what happened to the place.

I only ran into this article when looking for an obituary. I also found the obituary! What a lucky day!

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).

#52ancestors #genealogy

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)

#52ancestors #genealogy

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 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 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.

#52 ancestors #genealogy

Cora Hines Jaynes - Part 2

I left off on Thursday at the 1900 census. I'll continue from there.

In the 1910 census they were in Seymour, Jackson County, Indiana. Thomas is 40. He's a fireman at the mill, which would be Blish Mill. Cora is 40, and listed as 2 marriages and seven children, 5 living. The children are Harry, 11, James, 8, Myrtle, 5, Agnes is 2, and step-daughter, Katie Hobson is 18 and living with them. She is a waitress at a restaurant. She was already separated from her first husband, James Buck Hobson. Strangely it says she was married 4 years and that she had one child, which died. She is 18, which means she married at about 14?

Cora is the photo to the left, taken out at the "Ridge".

The 1920 census shows them living in Seymour as well. They are living on Euclid Avenue and renting. The family consisted of Thomas G., age 50, and a fireman at the ice plant. It was called Ebner’s Ice Plant, and my grandfather worked there for a while, as well. James was 18, Myrtle is 16 and working as a trimmer at the shirt factory. Agnes is 12, Helen, 8, and Mary is 5. Harry age 20, his wife, Sylvia age 17 and their child, Edna, 5 months old are also living with them. Harry is listed as labor at the ice plant.

In the 1930 census the family is living in Washington Township. This is out at a place called Chestnut Ridge. It was a rural farm community in the knobs of Jackson County. Thomas is 60 and still listed as a fireman at the ice plant. Cora is 60, as well. Harry is still living with them, but listed this time as divorced, and still at the ice plant. The only other child still at home is Mary, age 16. She is still at school.

It is common knowledge in the family that Harry was a heavy drinker. He also would be gone long stretches of time, riding the rails like a hobo. I wish I had interviewed him before he died. I am sure he had many stories that were amazing. He was well liked and married 3 times. My grandfather was not a Harry fan, and he had good reason, but most people liked Harry. His story for another day.

In 1940, the family is still at Chestnut Ridge according to the census. George Thomas and Cora are in dwelling 161 and my grandfather, James, is in dwelling 162. Both Tom and Cora are 70 years old. She had no children at home to care for. He is no longer working. My grandmother loved Cora and I know she liked living right across the road from them.

On the 21st of December, 1948, Cora died in Seymour. She was 78 years old. I think she had a good life, at least I am hoping so. My great-aunt said that she died of cancer in her female parts. Again, this was wrong. Cora died of cancer of the bladder. They were living on Hancock Street in Seymour, Indiana. She got sick in October of 1948 and lived only until December. Tom would follow her in 1954. They are buried in the Chestnut Ridge Cemetery in Jackson County, Indiana.

The Tribune 
Seymour, Indiana
December 22, 1948

Jaynes, Mrs. Cora Jaynes, 78 died at her home in Seymour Tuesday night at 7:45 o’clock following a six weeks illness.

 Funeral services will be held at the Voss Mortuary Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock.

 Mrs. Jaynes was born in Jackson county, March 8, 1870, the daughter of George and Agnes Joyce Hines. She was married at Brownstown, September 11, 1898 to George T. Jaynes, who survives.

 Besides the husband she is survived by six children; Harry and Jimmie Jaynes, and Agnes Henley and Mrs Helen Anderson all of Seymour: Mrs. Mary Trapp, Seymour, R1; Mrs Myrtle Ballard, Indianapolis; 26 grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs Jane McKinney, Neoga, Illinois.

Sources:
1910 U.S. Census, Seymour, Jackson Township, Jackson County, Indiana, Page: 160.
1920 US Census, Seymour, Jackson Township, Jackson County, Indiana.
1930 U.S. Census, Washington Township, Jackson County, Indiana, Sheet No. 8A Dwelling 151 Family 152.
1940 US Census1, Washington Township, Jackson, Indiana, United States, family:161 sheet:9B line:45.
Death Certificates; Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, IN, USA;  Year: 1948; Roll: 13.
Obituary; The Tribune; Seymour, Indiana; December 22, 1948

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks-Week 25

Mary Ann "Polly Ann" Allman

Mary Ann was called Polly Ann, even in some records. For a long time I was not certain that I had found the right one because of this. In her first marriage she was listed as Polly Ann Allman.

She was the daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Ann Hatton Allman, and born in Jackson County, Indiana.

In the 1850 census I found Mary Ann with her parents in Brownstown, Jackson County, Indiana. It lists Samuel, 30, Rebecca A., 27, Mary A. 13, John, 11, Minerva, 9, Nancy E., 4, and Philip, 6 months. Samuel is listed at having been born in Virginia, and his occupation is farmer.

On October 3rd, 1852, John Martin and Polly Ann Allman were married. She was just 15. Both received the 'Consent of father' beside their name. His has more writing I cannot read. I will work on it later.

In the 1860 Census in Sparksville, Washington County, Indiana, John Martin is listed as 25, Polly Ann, 23, Rebecca Elizabeth is 3. The census was taken on the 12th of July. Samuel, my great-great-grandfather, was born in February of that year. He would have been about 5 months old at the time of the census, which obviously did not list infants. John was listed as a farmer born in Indiana.

This is where things get cloudy. The family story was that John fought in the Civil War. Did he? There were several John Martins that did, and I will look at that when I focus on John. I can say that at this point, I do not know. I also don't know if he and Polly were divorced, or if he died.

Mary, "Polly", is not listed in the 1870 census that I have been able to find.

There is a record of a Mary Ann Martin marriage in 1869 to a Reuben Cockerham. Her sister, Nancy, married a Cockerham and her on her father's second marriage record it says, Oath of Danl. H. Cockerham next to Sam's name, which is, I believe, Reuben Cockerham's father. I don't know what that means. I will have to take it up later.

The things that I find strange here, is that I am unable to find Mary Ann after 1860. Another thing is, the first child of John and Polly was born 5 years after they married.  I cannot find any between those dates. Also, Reuben Cockerham would have been 5 years her junior, having been born in 1842. This one is going to take a while.

Sources:
1850 U.S. census, National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls; Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007," FamilySearch; John Martin and Polly Ann Allman, 03 Oct 1852; citing , Jackson, Indiana, county clerk offices, Indiana; FHL microfilm 1,314,624.
1860 U.S. census, population schedule. NARA microfilm publication M653, 1,438 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.
"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007; FamilySearch; Reuben Cockerham and Mary Ann Martin, 19 Jan 1869; citing , Jackson, Indiana, county clerk offices, Indiana; FHL microfilm 1,314,625.
"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007; FamilySearch; Samuel Allman and Mary Hall, 01 Jan 1853; citing , Jackson, Indiana, county clerk offices, Indiana; FHL microfilm 1,314,624.

#52ancestors #genealogy

A Program, A Project and A Person

As you know, I purchased Legacy Family Tree genealogy program to suppliment my RootsMagic. I was having a real problem with RM. I have cleaned up the mess it made. A few days ago, there was an update for the program, though I don't know what it was fixing, I hope it fixed my problem. I'm still watching, making sure the mess does not reappear. So far, so good. Legacy is so different that I am slowly learning it's ways. It is not as easy to get around in as my RM, but I have used RM for so many years and so many versions, that I could probably work in it blind-folded. Well, not really. There is a learning curve, for me, to Legacy. I put a GedCom in it without sources. I need to learn how to add them in Legacy and the only way is to do it, over and over. I love the "Marriage List" in Legacy. That is a great feature. I think the "Map Family" is good too. It almost writes the family story for you. In the reports section I love the "Questionnaire"! "Advanced Tagging" is going to be really helpful. The "Alarm" is amusing. Like I would stop? Anyway, I am really looking forward to having the 'skills' to work in Legacy. I may really like it!

I finished up one of my GenWeb counties WWI page. All the Gold Star Honor Roll soldiers are on the site, with an article, in many cases, many articles, and a profile. I have already started on my second county. In one case, I was working on a young soldiers page and realized he had died exactly one hundred years ago on that day. He was only 18. I could say a lot about men and their wars, but I won't, at least not this time. In the era of WWI, most of the boys died from the outbreak of Spanish Influenza. They came in from a nice safe farm into a crowded camp riddled with it, and they did not last long enough, sometimes, to actually see battle. I find it hard to do, these pages. Not as hard as actually being a soldier. I will most likely survive the pain.

My Uncle Don, who died on June 17, 1938, was only 16 years, and nine months of age. He is not forgotten.

The Tribune
Seymour, Indiana
June 18, 1938

Donald Eugene Jaynes, age sixteen, died at the home at Chestnut Ridge south of Seymour at 3 o'clock Friday afternoon. Death followed an illness of one month's duration with acute leukemia.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon from the Voss Mortuary here with Dr. A.A. Cohn, pastor of the First Baptist Church, in charge. Burial in the Chestnut Ridge Cemetery.

The Jaynes youth was a native of Seymour and was born here on September 17, 1921, the son of James and Della Alexander Jaynes. Both the parents survive. He spent his entire life in and near Seymour and made many friends who were shocked to learn of his death.

Besides the parents, he is survived by three sisters, Louise Jaynes, Joyce Jaynes and Madeline Jaynes, all at home.

Friends may call at the Voss Mortuary after 7 o'clock tonight.

James Bohall-Pioneer of Jackson County

It's fun when you run upon something by accident, particularly something very old, in this case an obituary. They are really hard to come by before 1900. Usually just a little blurb in a gossipy column is all you will find. In this case it was a Bohall obit. Most of my Bohalls are in an adjoining county, so I was surprised to find it.

James Bohall is the brother of my direct ancestor, George David Bohall. James was born on December 18, 1820 in Hardin County, Kentucky. He was the son of Joseph Bohall, born in New York, and Sarah Milstead, born in Kentucky.

James was an early pioneer of the county, the county came into being in 1816. His obit lists his living children at the time of his death. They are Vincent Joseph, William David, Angeline Campbelle, and Loretta Schipman. It also lists his 5 wives and the dates of marriage.

I hope this will help someone:

Jackson County Banner
Brownstown, Indiana
Thursday, December 24, 1896
Page 5

DEATH RECORD

BOHALL

James Bohall, whose death was briefly mentioned in last week's issue, was born in Kentucky, December 18, 1820, and died at his home in Brownstown, December 15, 1896, aged 75 years, 11 months and 27 days. Several months ago he received a paralytic stroke from which he never fully recovered, but the immediate cause of his death was rheumatism of the heart, from which he had suffered since the war.

He located in this county in 1835 and was a continuous resident here ever since. He was a soldier in the late war and served in Co. E, 67th Reg. Indiana Vols.

He was married five times as follows: On October 23rd, 1841, to Pelina J. Hobbs; October 29th, 1857, to Amanda Garret; November 22nd, 1860 to Eliza Jane Newby; November 23, 1864, to Margaret Miller; and January 31st, 1882 to Emily Goble, who still survives.

He was the father of seven children-three dead and four living, viz: W. D. Bohall, Vincent J. Bohall, Angeline Campbelle and Loretta Schipman.

"Dad" as he was so familiarly known was well-liked by all. He had a kind disposition, was agreeable to all and was exceedingly fond of children. He was at one time for five or six years-a member of the M.E. Church.

Thus is removed another of Jackson county's pioneer citizens and thus are being gradually diminished the ranks of the brave boys, who were willing to sacrifice the best days of their lives in serving their country, in order that the union of the states might be preserved that their descendants might continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty in these United States. Slowly but surely they are crossing the dark river but the memory of their noble deeds will live for generations.

The funeral services were held at the residence on Thursday afternoon, December 17th, 1896, at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.N. Thompson officiating after which the remains, followed by relatives, comrades, and friends, were laid to rest in the old cemetery by the side of his first wife who preceded him to the grave 49 years ago.

Source:

Jackson County Banner, Brownstown, Indiana, Thursday, December 24, 1896, Page 5; Newspapers.com

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks - Week 22

Merrill Harris Alexander

Merrill was born September 11, 1909, in Jennings County, Indiana. He was the 3rd child and first son born to William Hayes and Olive Ellen Martin Alexander. He is also my Grand-Uncle.

Merrill married Bertha Bernice Killion on the 28th of July, 1928, in Jeffersonville, Indiana. They lived in Seymour, Indiana and worked at the local shoe factory.

The marriage produced one daughter, Bonnie Lou Alexander, which I have written about here.

The only census that he showed up in as an adult, is the 1930 US Census. In it, he is living at 722 Euclid Avenue in Seymour, Indiana. In the house is himself listed as 'Merle', 20, his wife, Bertha, 19, and daughter Bonnie L., 8 months old. His occupation is Cutter at the Shoe Factory. Bertha is no longer working. They are living down the street from his parents.

Merrill died on the 6th of December in 1931. His cause of death was a ruptured appendix. It was a shocking death to the whole family. He was only 22 years old. He was buried in Riverview Cemetery where most of his family would later join him. His daughter was only 2. Bertha would later remarry, but I will deal with that later.

His Obituary:

"M. H. ALEXANDER CALLED BY DEATH

Local Man Passes Away Following Illness of About One Month.

Merrill Harris Alexander, age twenty-two, 708 Centennial street, died late Friday following an illness of about five weeks. He suffered a ruptured appendix some time ago and his death was due to complications.

Merrill was born September 11, 1909, in Jennings county, the son of William H. and Ollie Alexander. He had lived in this county about 17 years and was employed as a shoe cutter.

He was married at Jeffersonville July 28, 1928, to Miss Bertha Bernice Killion, who survives. he was a member of the Red Men lodge and of the branch order of the Haymakers.

Besides the widow, he is survived by the mother: one daughter, Bonny Lou Alexander; one brother, William Harold Alexander, at home, and five sisters, Norma, Opal and Lucille, all at home; Mrs. Jimmie Jaynes, this city, and Mrs. Gladys Mails, of Los Angeles, Calif. A number of other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon from the home and at 2 o'clock from the First Baptist Church with the Rev. A.A. Cohn, pastor, in charge. The Red Men lodge will conduct services."

My grandmother, his older sister, remembered him fondly. He did not get a chance to make a lot of memories as an adult. He was just beginning.

Sources:

Birth: Indiana, Birth Certificates, 1907-1940 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA; Ancestry.com.

Marriage: Indiana, Marriages, 1810-2001. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013.

1930 US Census; 1930; Census Place: Seymour, Jackson, Indiana; Page: 12A; Enumeration District: 0010; Ancestry.com.

Death: Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com.

Obituary: Seymour Tribune; Seymour, Indiana; Saturday, November 7, 1931; Page 1.

#52ancetors #Alexander

Back to Anna Clara Alexander-part 2

I have solved the husband problem I ran into last time. I had found a James Wright and Anna Alexander marriage document. It would have been her 2nd marriage. But I have found that there must have been two people named, Anna Alexander in the county. I will try to prove that later. The Wright/Alexander marriage took place in 1905, and I think Anna would have been listed as Anna Lane in any record at that time. She married David William Lane on December 12, 1891. They were together 29 years. He was 49 years old when he died.

I found the obituary for David Lane in the November 10, 1920 issue of the Jackson County Banner in Brownstown Indiana. Anna was his widow. His obituary was very short.

"David W. Lane was born July 4, 1871, and died November 4, 1920, aged 49 years and four months. Besides his widow he leaves six children, Clifford, Benny, Harley, Frank, Russell and Mildred. He also leaves his mother, Mrs. Clarinda Lane, and two brothers, Frank and Thornt, of Terre Haute. Funeral services were conducted by E. C. Norman at Liberty church Saturday followed by burial in the Liberty cemetery. The family has our sympathy."

I was not able to find David Lane's death cert. I could possibly try at the county level instead of state.

On March 2, 1921, Anna and Ryan Fish were married. There were no children with Ryan, and he died April 16, 1947. They were together 26 years. Here is his obituary from the Seymour Tribune in Seymour, Indiana. It was published on April 16, 1947:

"Ryan Fish, 74, Dies After Long Illness

Ryan Fish, 74, life-long Jackson county resident, died this morning at the residence near Norman after an illness of a year.

He was born September 11, 1873, in Jackson county, the son of John and Elizabeth Wray Fish. He was married in March, 1921, to Anna Lane, who survives.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 o'clock Friday afternoon from the Liberty Church, with the Rev. Mr. McFarland in charge. Burial in Liberty Cemetery."

I did find a death cert for Ryan Fish. He died of stomach cancer. Anna was the informant. Ryan was 73 years, 7 months, and 3 days old when he died.

On August 28, 1947, Anna and Alonzo Borders, also known as Lon, were married. They probably knew each other for many years, neighbors perhaps. Maybe it was a marriage for companionship in their older years. Alonzo was 69 years old and Anna, 68. This time the marriage did not last long. Anna Clara Borders died on March 11, 1950. She was 70 years, 11 months, and 29 days old. Her death cert lists her cause of death as hypertensive heart disease. She died in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the home of her daughter. Her obituary from the Seymour Tribune, May 13, 1950:

"Rites Conducted for Mrs. Anna Borders

Funeral services for Mrs. Anna Borders, 71, Norman RR, Were conducted from Liberty Church at 2 o'clock this afternoon with the Rev. Edward McFarland, Bloomington pastor who was formerly of Kurtz, in charge. Burial in Liberty Cemetery.

Mrs. Borders, who died Saturday morning in the Indianapolis home of a daughter, Mrs. Clarence Craner, had been ill with a heart ailment for three years.

She was born March 12, 1879, at Surprise, a daughter of the late John and Amanda Alexander. Several brothers and sisters preceded her in death and she was believed to be the last of the family.

Survivors include the husband, Lon Borders; three sons, Clifford, Harley and Russell Lane, all of Indianapolis; two daughters, Mrs. Craner and Mrs. John Harris, both of Indianapolis, and five grandchildren."

Alonzo Borders did not last long after Anna passed away. He died on October 21, 1953 at the Pike Nursing Home in Indianapolis, Indiana. His death cert lists his cause of death chronic Lymphatic Leukemia. He was 78 years, 9 months, and 8 days old. I found his obituary in the Jackson County Banner in Brownstown, Indiana, issue on October 28, 1953:

"Aged Norman Resident Dies At Indianapolis

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon from the Liberty Church, near Norman, for Alonzo Borders, well-known retired Jackson county farmer, who died last Wednesday evening at Pike's Nursing Home in Indianapolis. He had been ill for more than a year.

Mr. Borders was born in this county on January 13, 1875, and was married in Brownstown in 1948 to Anna Fish, who died two years ago.

Surviving are five step-children: Clifford Lane, Harley Lane, Mrs Fern Craver and Mrs. Mildred Harris, all of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Roxie Tatlock, of Dayton, Ohio. A brother, Frank Borders of Bedford also survives.

The Rev. Paul Pumpelly of Pineville, La., officiated at the last rites and interment was in the church cemetery."

The marriages have been sorted out. Now I must get to the children. I have solved one mystery about one daughter and found another to solve. So I am not finished with this family yet.

Sources:
David W. Lane Obituary; Jackson County Banner; Brownstown, Indiana; Wednesday, November 10, 1920; Page 6.
Ryan Fish Obituary; The Tribune; Seymour, Indiana; Wednesday, April 16, 1947; Page 1.
Anna Borders Obituary; The Tribune; Seymour, Indiana; Monday, May 13, 1950; Page 1.
Alonzo Borders Obituary; Jackson County Banner; Brownstown, Indiana; Wednesday, October 28, 1953; Page 9.
Ryan Fish; Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Death Certificates; Year: 1947; Roll: 05; Ancestry.com.
Anna Clara Borders; Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Death Certificates; Year: 1950; Roll: 03; Ancestry.com.
Alonzo Borders; Indiana Archives and Records Administration; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Death Certificates; Year: 1953; Roll: 11; Ancestry.com.

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks Week 21

Ada Myrtle Fanchier

She was not related by blood, but was my great-grandmother. She was known as Myrtle, and was married to Charles Pinkney Beard. They married when my grandmother was just nine years old. Her mother, Beatrice Brown, died in 1911. Myrtle was the only mother she knew, really.

Myrtle was born in October of 1891 somewhere in Alabama, to John F. Fanchier and Georgia Ann Oliver.  Her first husband was James Starling Haney. I don't know as yet what happened to him, death or divorce. Myrtle had 4 children which she brought to the marriage. James, Beatrice, Georgia, and Zelma were the children of James Haney, plus my grandmother, Bizzie was already there. Then, she and Charles had 10 more. Louie, Lois, Frank, John, Charles, Bertha, Mary, Leonard, Frances, and Virginia were the product of their marriage. Big family!

There are several tiny graves of the babies she lost in the graveyard. The only children that I know died as infants from the above names are Lois, which was Louie's twin, and Charles who lived about 10 days. The other graves of Beard children must have not been full term babies.

Myrtle died on March 11, 1972 in Gum Spring, Alabama. She is buried in the Noble Hill Church Cemetery in Duck Springs beside Charles.

I have much work to do on her, like getting the sources together and entering them. While she was not blood, my grandmother loved her. That is enough to be family.

#52Ancestors #genealogy

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 20

Margaret Amanda Atkins/Adkins Alexander

She was called Amanda all of her life. She was born January 14, 1847 in Jackson County, Indiana to James Hite and Margaret Harper [Stillwell] Adkins/Atkins. She was the 6th of 7 children.

In the 1850 US Census she is with her parents in Jackson County, Indiana. She is 4 years old.

In 1860 Amanda would be barely 14, but I have not found the family in the 1860 census. I have looked. Just not there.

To me it is disturbing that John W. Alexander and Amanda were married on December 29, 1861 in Brownstown, Jackson, Indiana. She would have been 15. Not really surprising though. I have many females married very young. In some records he is listed as John H., but most show him as John W. His father was John H. Alexander. I think I will change his middle initial in my program to W, as that is most often used. I'll make a not about it.

Together, they produced 7 children: Edward, Sarah E., Charles E., John Everett, Anna C., William Hays, my great-grandfather, and Catherine "Kate" Alexander.

In 1870 they are listed. Amanda is 22 years old. She's listed as Margaret A. Sarah E. is 6, and Charles is 4 months.

In 1880 the census shows that Amanda is 33 years old and has Charles E. age 9, John E. age 7, and Anna C. age 5, at home. Sarah is missing and I still have to find her. The census was taken in June of this year, and in October my great-grandfather would be born. Catherine should be listed in this census, but she is missing.

The 1900 census shows the family still in Jackson County, Indiana. Amanda is listed as Amanda for the first time. She is 53 years old and has been married for 38 years. William H. is the only child left in the nest. He is 20. Living next door is Katie, Catherine Alexander, aged 16 and her husband John Wilkerson. They are listed as having been married 0 years. Newly weds!

Amanda's husband, John W. Alexander died on the 4th of August, 1904.

In the 1910 census Amanda is found with her son John Everett Alexander, he is widowed, Amanda is 63, and a granddaughter, Mabel who is 10. Amanda is often in the gossip clips in the local newspaper going visiting with Mable. I think they were quite close.

On April 22, 1914 in Seymour, Jackson, Indiana, Amanda died. She was 67 years old. AT that time she was in the city living with her son, William Hays and Olive [Martin] Alexander.  She was buried in Liberty cemetery by her husband.

Her Obituary read:
Mrs. Amanda Alexander was born Jan. 14, 1849, and died April 22, 1914, at the home of her son, Will, at Seymour, aged 65 years, 3 months and 8 days. She leaves to mourn their loss two sons and two daughters, viz: Will, of Seymour; John, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Kate Wilkerson, of Bedford, Mrs. Anna Lane, of near Zelma, and a host of friends and relatives. She was a kind and affectionate mother and a faithful neighbor and her smile will not be forgotten by those who knew her. She expressed her willingness to go several times before her death.

The remains were brought here, Saturday a.m., and taken to Liberty. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. I.E. Fish after which she was laid to rest beside her husband in the cemetery there.

Source text:
1850 U.S. Census, Hamilton, Jackson, Indiana, (Hamilton, Jackson, Indiana); , Digital GS number: 4192456, FamilySearch.
1870 U.S. Census, Jackson County, Indiana, (Hamilton TWP); Dwelling 168 Family 168, Series: M593, Roll: 326 Page: 388, Heritage Quest.
1880 U.S. Census, Jackson County, Indiana, (Hamilton TWP); Dwelling 123 Family 132, Series: T9, Roll: 286 Page: 82, Heritage Quest.
1900 U.S. Census, Jackson County, Indiana, (Owen TWP); , Series: T623, Heritage Quest.
1910 U.S. Census, Jackson County, Indiana, (Owen TWP); , Series: T624, Heritage Quest.
The Tribune. Seymour, Indiana, 23 April 1914.


#52ancestors #Adkins/Atkins #Alexander

52 Ancestors 52 Weeks Week 19

James L. Morgan

Mr. James L. Morgan was born about 1805 in North Carolina to William and Mary [LaFoy] Morgan. I have seen his name listed as James Lafoy Morgan, and that may be true, but I have not proof of it. His father was born in Virginia, but all of his children were born in North Carolina. William Morgan, James father, died in Tennessee as did James. The migration was Virginia, North Carolina, and into Tennessee. Some of the siblings went on to Alabama.

I don't have a marriage date or source for James, yet. I know he married Matilda Caroline Galloway somewhere in South Carolina. She is the daughter of John and Kezzia [Maudin] Galloway. The family consists of: John and Matilda, Mary Ann aka Polly, William M., Gardiner, Posey, Mary Louise, James Millard, Andrew Anderson, Henry E., Sarah Caroline, and Delila B. Morgan. That is all the children I have found for them.

The first census that lists the family by names is the 1850 US Census in Monroe County, Tennessee, that has them listed as dwelling 1155, and family 1155. James is 43, Caroline is 46, Gardiner age 20, Posey is a male and 18, Mary is 16, James, 13, Andrew is 12, Henry 10, Sarah 7, Tilda is 5, Mary Morgan is listed as 65, Matilda Morgan 37, Caroline 11, and Samson is 8. 

From this one source I have several questions to answer. The first one is why is Matilda Morgan, 37, and the two children below her in the census record, named, Caroline 11, and Samson, 8, living with James. He did have a sister named Matilda, but she would not be a Morgan with 2 children. The census lists her as Morgan. The Mary Morgan listed as 65, is obviously the Mother of James. I have no death date for James father, William. So, do I believe that perhaps, Williams death date should be listed as before 1850? His wife is living with their son in 1850.

Now things are different when it comes to the 1870 census. The census taker was obviously a drinking man. He was quite into his cups when he visited my Morgan family. I think I have been able to clear the confusion, at least, as best I can, considering. It is in Madisonville, Monroe County, Tennessee.

The census, by sight, lists Jous 65, Matilda 61, Sarah 27, Delilu 26, Ruther 9, Larerg 7, Mary 5, and Delilis 3. All listed as Morgan. To start, Jous is James, of course, and  Sarah is Sarah Caroline [Morgan] Saffells. She married Henderson Elijah Saffells. Her children are Adeline Ruth and Lawrence Larando Saffells. I can see that in the census is Sarah and 2 of her children; Ruth, or Ruthie, and Lawrence is most likely Larerg? I don’t know how, but he has to be. Delilu 26, must be Delila [Morgan] Gann. She married Robert M. Gann. Her children may be the Mary and Delilis? Perhaps. Delila's daughter Malissa would be 5 at the time of the census so it most likely is her listed as Mary. You only need to look at the spelling to know that it is possible. The Delilu 3, I don't know, but, probably one of Sarah or Delila's children that I have not found yet. I will search for that. I think the older Morgan girls were maybe visiting. I really need to find out why they would be listed with the parents. Make sure they were not widowed or divorced. 

This is a family needing much work. It is going to be interesting to see if I was right about the children of the 2 Morgan girls.

Sources:
Ancestry.com. 1850 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.
Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

#52ancestors #genealogy #familyhistory #Morgan #Galloway  #Saffells #Gann

What's Going on Right Now?

For starters, the photo to the left, is of an orchid my mother has grown. She had never raised one before. My sister gave her a little stick of an orchid and this is what happened. Apparently, orchids love my mother! It's a beautiful flower. She has a green thumb, and can grow anything. It's official now.

One very exciting new thing, at least for me, is the formation of the Virtual Genealogical Society, or VGS. It is for people that are unable to get to meetings and conferences. Perfect! This kind of thing has been needed for a long time. Very happy to see it come into being. At $20.00 per year, it is very affordable. The line up of presenters is amazing. How can you turn down such an opportunity? Well, I couldn't. I love being able to participate finally! Here is the website: https://virtualgensoc.com and they are on Twitter. (@VirGenSoc) There is a facebook page that is for members only.

Just had computer trouble this past week, though not on my laptop, which is the one I use most. An update to Windows 10 took out my desktop.  It actually kept saying to install Windows. I was unable to get it into safe mode or get it to recognize the DVD drive to try to reinstall. I finally was able to get it into the "fix" mode by forcing it (doing something you are not supposed to do). It worked. I have reinstalled back to factory default. That means it has been wiped clean. I had trouble with the last 3 updates on that computer. I wonder if it was having some other type of problem. Hopefully that is over now. This is a lesson for everyone. Backup, backup, backup, and then, backup. Nothing lost. This is a lesson I learned back at the dawn of time, and I learned it the hard way. Of course, back then I just had to start over entering from my paper files.  I would not want to do that again. I shudder when people say they don't keep paper. I will stay 'old school', thanks.:)

I accidentally found a source, another Revolutionary War veteran, and one generation back, that I did not know. I have placed my David Janes where he belongs. So I found great treasure, and I'm so excited. I have run onto things quite often by accident, sometimes after searching for years without success. Amazing.

#virgensoc #genealogy #familyhistory