These sixteen issues were the work of editor Donna Nelson, who followed founding editor Fern Eddy Schultz. Editors don't get much notice because their work is largely behind the scenes, but Donna's dedicated volunteer work is in these newsletters even if you can't see it, and we are grateful for it. (Also, of course, this post would not exist without her having these issues on a CD to begin with!)
These issues are being posted so that every word of the newsletter contents can be searched on line -- not just personal names or general subjects. The contents include brief articles, and abstracts and transcripts of many records, and they aren't easy to find any other way. The focus is La Porte County but other places get mentioned too. There may be some formatting issues especially in the case of headlines and tables. (If you see some odd formatting, you can be pretty sure that it looked better in the original.)
In the future we hope to post Fern's topical index to the earlier newsletter issues she edited. The society may decide to put these issues on line in another way, but this seemed like the a good way to get started.
If you find an item of interest, scroll up or down to determine which issue you are viewing, in order to cite your source. Using brackets, I have noted where each issue begins and ends. I am afraid that individual page numbers have not survived the transition to on line. Remember -- if you read an excerpt from the News-Dispatch in this newsletter (for example), then the newsletter is your source . . . unless and until you go and read the News-Dispatch itself!
Harold Henderson, secretary, La Porte County Genealogical Society
[beginning of December 2005 issue]
NEWSLETTER
December 2005
Volume XXII, No. 4
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs
NOTE: Fern Eddy Schultz has been the Editor of every newsletter for this Society since its inception. Fern is dealing with personal health issues so this newsletter will have a slightly different appearance than usual. We are confident that Fern will be fully recovered and back with us in time for the March newsletter. Best Wishes, Fern!
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Happy Holidays!!
Isn’t it amazing how quickly the holiday season comes around? I hope that you’re all able to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones during this special season.
The end of the year also ends the term of your elected officers. New officers were elected at the November membership meeting and, as a result of by-law amendments accepted in October, they will begin two-year terms in January. Congratulations and best wishes to our new leaders.
The Society has accomplished much over the past couple of years. La Porte Co. marriages for the 10-year period of 1921 thru 1930 have been indexed and published and previously available publications were reconfigured. New transcription projects were begun in November. Membership increased by 36% between December, 2003 and December, 2005 and the Residency Certificate Program was expanded. The Society sponsored its first Genealogy Fair in October, 2005, with many members and spouses working to produce a quality event. Many thanks to all who participated. We’ve been greatly pleased at the increase in attendance at the monthly membership meetings and hope to see many more members and visitors join us in the future.
As our Society continues to grow and becomes involved in new activities, please take time to review each of your newsletters for upcoming programs and events. Plans are already in process for the annual Allen Co. Library bus tour (co-sponsored by the Michigan City library), the Michiana Area Genealogy Fair (new location this year) and the June cemetery tour. Check this newsletter for programs scheduled during the first quarter of 2006. We’re also looking forward to the La Porte County Historical Society’s move to its spectacular new quarters.
In closing, I’d like to thank my fellow officers, members and friends who have supported me during my tenure as your President. It has been a rewarding learning experience that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Best Wishes to our new officers.
Sincerely,
Donna Nelson, President
P. S. Please take time during this holiday season to remember those who are serving our country overseas and will be unable to spend the holidays with their families. Our prayers and sincere gratitude are with them.
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street,
La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome.
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2005 2006/07
President Donna Nelson Patricia Harris
Vice-President Evelyn Lind Gloria Arndt
Secretary Alan Zeller Dorothy Palmer
Treasurer Patricia Harris Alan Zeller
Genealogist-Historian Fern Eddy Schultz Fern Eddy Schultz
MEMBERSHIP DUES
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Dues paid before November of the current year are credited to that year. Dues paid after 01 November are credited to the following year. The fiscal year is 01 January through 31 December each year. Membership entitles members to newsletters and other entitlements stipulated in the Constitution and By-laws. Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code.
2005 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
MEMBERSHIP Unfilled PROGRAM Donna Nelson
EDITOR Fern Eddy Schultz PUBLICITY Dorothy Stephenson
STANDING COMMITTEES
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Fern Eddy Schultz, netster@csinet.net Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Dottisue Gansemer, Dottisue22@aol.com
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed. It is requested that they be submitted in a format in which they may be used rather than requiring researching by the Editor. Some copies from microfilm are not legible. Please submit such information in typed or other readable form.
All contributors will be given credit along with the article when it is used. When there is no contributor’s name indicated, the information is a contribution of the Editor. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor.
Contributions and Queries will be used as space allows. Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the NEWSLETTER. Mail your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the NEWSLETTER (i.e., February, May, August and November). A form is available on the website.
Queries are published at no charge to individuals. Each must be legibly written (preferably typed, double-spaced or printed). Each should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail address where applicable.
QUERIES
Queries which would normally have appeared in this issue will be included in the March, 2006 newsletter.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December 13, 2005 Holiday Potluck Dinner & Presentation of Residency Certificates. Swanson Activity Center, 6:00 p.m., Dinner at 6:30. No Business Meeting. Reservations are due by December 9, 2005.
January 10, 2006 Board of Directors meeting at 6:30 p.m., Social Time 7:00 p.m., Membership meeting at 7:15 p.m. Program: How to Write an Effective Query - Presented by Gloria Arndt. Gloria will provide examples of effective query composition which will be useful when compiling queries for genealogical data to newsletters, institutions, government offices and on-line mailing lists. Assistance will be provided to attendees who might be struggling with specific query issues.
February 14, 2006 Membership Meeting – Social Time 7:00 p.m., Meeting at 7:15 p.m.; Genealogy Workshop in lieu of program – Bring your problems with you! Do you have a brick wall you’d like help researching? Questions about how to access various types of records? If you have a specific bit of information or a certain ancestor which has been eluding you, write down your problem and bring copies of it with you. Members are willing to check their resources and provide details of anything they might find. Be sure to include your contact information so that we can get the answers back to you!! Whatever your questions, problems or issues, join us and see if we can help.
March 14, 2006 Membership Meeting – Social Time 7:00 p.m., meeting at 7:15 p.m., Program: DNA in Genealogy – Presented by Don Glossinger, Head Librarian of the Michigan City Public Library. Mr. Glossinger has had a great break through in his own family genealogy as a result of using DNA to trace and confirm his ancestors. He will share details of how this method of tracing ancestors works.
April 5, 2006 Genealogy Bus Trip to Allen County Public Library (ACPL). Mark your calendars and watch for details in the next newsletter!!!
What’s the old saying? “Behind every good man is a good woman”?? It appears that sometimes (even back in 1923), it is necessary for the woman to be in front – then the man will follow!! This is reprinted with permission of Sandi Gorin, administrator for the South Central Kentucky mailing list.
Washington Post, 2 July 1923: "Women Repair Road Neglected by Men: Special to the Washington Post. Glasgow, KY. July 1 - Discouraged when pleas failed to cause men to repair the Burksville-Bethel Church road in this county, twenty women of the Oleoak section took shovels, spades and hoes and began repairs on the five-mile section. They did their work as well as the men, scores of whom looked on.
"Then, apparently ashamed by the example of their wives, sisters and in some cases sweethearts doing the work, the men joined the repair gang with teams and plows and in a few hours had completed the work."
DO YOU KNOW that the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield, Illinois is a wonderful place to spend a day learning about the life of our 16th President? Learn more at the website http://www.alplm.org/home.html The Museum is easy to find and has a convenient parking garage. Some of the local hotels & inns provide very reasonable package prices.
An 1838 Incident in La Porte County
Compiled by Gloria D. Arndt
Nineteen year old Joshua H. Coplin was murdered on February 2, 1838 by David Scott.
The first murder in La Porte County took place in Kankakee Township. According to the history books Joshua Coplin had inherited $500 to $600 from a grandparent that lived in Virginia. He set out with David Scott by horseback to go to Virginia to collect the money due him. Passing through Ohio, David Scott stopped at his mother’s home and Joshua went on to Virginia to collect his inheritance. On the way back from Virginia Joshua Coplin stopped again in Ohio and David Scott joined him on the journey home. Within a mile of Joshua’s home they stopped to water their horses. Coplin is presumed to have kneeled at the water’s edge to drink and David Scott shot him in the back of the head. Scott took Coplin’s money and rode off. Jedediah Austin heard the shot and went to investigate and found Coplin’s body. He went to Joseph Stanton’s house on Michigan Road and they returned to the site and took Coplin’s body to his home and organized a posse to follow Scott’s trail. There had been a light snow and they were able to follow the tracks made by Scott’s horse. There are two versions of where David Scott was found by the posse, one was from a John L. Smith who said his father was part of the posse. He stated that Scott had taken breakfast at Will’s Corner in Michigan early in the morning and the posse tracked him to South Bend where they found him asleep around noon. The other version was related by James Bush and Joseph Heald, grandson of Joseph Stanton as follows: They went to La Porte and picked up the Sheriff and some others and they followed Scott’s trail to the house of James Andrew who lived off of Joliet Road. Andrew told them he had seen Scott pass a short time before. The posse followed Scott to Pottinger Lake, about a mile south of where the County House is and overtook him there.
After his capture he was placed in confinement in the log jail in La Porte. The log jail was described in a 1903 newspaper article as being two stories high with stairs on the outside and in the writer’s opinion, could not hold a fifteen year old boy today (1903). The writer remarked that Scott resided in the second story because a murder suspect from Porter County was in the lower portion of the jail as Porter County had no jail at the time.
A trial was held in April of 1838 at the La Porte Circuit Court. According to official documents, the devil made him do it. It was stated in the transcript that David Scott was moved and induced by the instigation of the devil and made assault on Joshua Coplin with a certain pistol that was valued at one dollar and discharged a leaden bullet into the back of his head. David Scott was found guilty and sentenced to hang on June 15, 1838.
Prior to the execution a gallows was built by Samuel Chapman in a hollow near the Lake Erie and Western Railroad and the Chicago Road. A guard reported that seats were being built by a person to sell to spectators. Sheriff Sutton Van Pelt ordered the scaffold away from the seats and placed a guard around it to keep the crowd back while the hanging took place. In a letter to Rollo Oglesbee, a historian, Julia Rust wrote that her mother was confined to her bed by illness but could look out on the jail proceedings and stated that David Scott was taken out of the jail and seated on his coffin where he rode backwards in a wagon to his execution.
The obituary of Otis Shippee stated that he and his four brothers furnished music at the execution, playing the “Death March” to the gallows and a “Quickstep” after the hanging. Sheriff Van Pelt was the third sheriff in La Porte County and he performed the first hanging in La Porte County for which he received $6.00. When asked why he did not employ a substitute he replied “I would make him a murderer” “It is my duty and I will do it”.
The people of La Porte County did not think kindly of David Scott and it was difficult to find a place to bury him. After the hanging they rushed Scott’s body out to Galena to bury him outside the gates of Lamb’s Chapel Cemetery. A story circulated that Scott’s body was dug up by students of the medical college in La Porte but that was never proven. It is also said that his body is underneath the road near the cemetery.
DO YOU KNOW that the La Porte County Historical Museum is in the possession of Joshua Coplin's saddle bags. Look for them on display when the Museum reopens in its new home.
Division of La Porte County? – Michigan City Dispatch, December 23, 1880, Page 2, Col. 3 – Wanatah, Ind., Dec 20. Editor of the Dispatch: “I read your article on the county seat question which appeared in last week’s Mich. City Dispatch, and I assure you that the people of Cass Township will be only too willing to cooperate with your citizens in dividing the county. There are many reasons why we would prefer the county seat at Michigan City, instead of La Porte. Then I might mention that you have a better market, and that alone would induce persons to go to your city rather than La Porte. Again, in the spring our roads are so heavy that it is almost impossible to get to La Porte, and with a Court House at Michigan City we could go by rail, transact our business and return home after an absence of only half a day. You people in the city push matters, and old Cass will stand by you. B.”
New Durham Tp., Dec. 21, 1880. Mr. Editor: - “I see by your valuable paper that you ask communications on the subject of dividing the county. I, for one, am decidedly in favor of it, and believe that nine-tenths of the voters of New Durham Township are also. You speak the truth when you say that Michigan City is the great commercial centre for the county and will soon be for all of northern Indiana. The trade of our county is bound to go to your town and a county seat would be of great convenience to us farmers. I trust that you can bring about the division asked for. You will hear from me again, soon. Farmer.”
Dried Apples – Michigan City Dispatch, December 23, 1880 – “R.B. Goit has manufactured about 5 tons of dried apples this fall using a vaporator, (Alden’s I think), working two gangs of hands one through the day and the other at night. Average drying apples makes only from 3 to 4 pounds dried apples per bushel, while first-class apples, such as Baldwins, sometimes make 5 lbs. Mr. Goit has about 150 bushels of “neverfails” buried, intending to make them into cider next spring. He gets from 7 to 8 cents for his dried apples per pound, and he got 15 cents last year, but there is now too much competition in that line.”
Marriage licenses issued during the month of December, 1880 – (From Michigan City Dispatch, January 13, 1881) - “Henry Bauer to Sophia Engel, William Emerick to Mary Hannun(?), George C. Orr to Fannie E. Niemer, Edward L. Bristol to Emma Ernest, John Allen to Harriet S. Griffin, James A. Shaw to Wealthy A. Palmer, W.W. Shaffee to L. A. Livetag, William West to Oretha Gardner, William T. Holloway to Barbara Rhinehart, Fred. Shein to Hattie Lottis, James H. Aiken to Deborah Ballance, Helmuth Hillman to Frida Schenck, Albert E. Trumble to Ella A. Chase, Charles Wuensch to Emma Miller, John Brown to Lena Irk, James H. Prather to Mary M. Steele, George C. Adams to Lucy Tuley, Michael S. Divine to Kate G. Beal, Chas. Brand to Sarah Labourn, Thomas Hunsley, to Margarette A. Bratt, John Almquist to Carolina Peterson, Johann Wortz to Augusta Kepper, Henry Bertz to Emma Fischer, John F. Craig to Harriet E. Peck, Charles F. Guenther to Emma Bessler, John T. Quigley to Jennie Glascow, Harvey D. Palmer to Cornelia Marr, Garland C. White to Rosa A. Barnes, Thomas J. Robinson to Sarah Hager, Fred. Marquardt to Christina L. Foff, Otis Burlingame to Hattie H. Leap, Arthur C. Davis to Hannah D. Maass.
DO YOU KNOW that there is a website (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlpccem/cems.htm) which provides extensive detail for the cemeteries of La Porte County? The La Porte County Indiana Cemeteries & Research Association website was founded and is maintained by Deanna West (laportecemeteries@yahoo.com). It provides a wealth of information about all known cemeteries in the county.
Christmas in Galena – 1896 “Christmas was well observed here with Christmas trees, visiting, etc…..Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Davis took their Christmas dinner at Benj. F. Davis’ over the line in Michigan…Mrs. Nelson Morton had friends from South Bend, Ind., Mrs. C.A. Peppenger and children and other friends…Over the line in Kankakee township Mr. and Mrs. Calita Preston gave a family dinner…A family Christmas tree and supper at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Will J. Finley was a very nice affair…Xmas tree exercises at the following places on Xmas eve: At Lamb’s schoolhouse for the scholars (Miss Jennie Sperry teacher), in the afternoon, and at eve across the street at the M.E. church a very successful one was held. The house was crowded and there was good music. Mrs. Bahringer presided at the organ. The children did extra well in speaking and recitations and it is said that the Sunday school superintendent, Mr. John Thiercki, may well be proud of his Sunday school, and John is a good superintendent too. Then there were two more on the same eve; one at the White church at Hesston and one at Posey chapel; both said to be good ones. At Posey there was a very large crowd.”
CHRISTMAS BELLS
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till, ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The Carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;
‘For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!’
Book Recommendations:
The Drifters, A Christian Historical Novel about the Melungeon Shantyboat People, by Tonya Holmes Shook, published by Marquette Books. From the Preface: “Before the settlement of Jamestown there lived a people in America who built houses and had a complex social order, but history books have little record of them. They trace their ancestry to Portugal, Spain, North Africa, Turkey and Greece and to Native Americans, with whom they intermingled. According to old Mediterranean library records, their ancestors were once slaves of the Vikings, who used them to help colonize the new world. But they eventually were abandoned, left to survive as best they could in a foreign land. As the generations passed, these people acquired certain physical and cultural characteristics that distinguished them from European ancestors. They were called Melungeons.” “The ill treatment of the Melungeon people helped create a distinctive and clannish folk that had low self-esteem and peculiar ways. A mixture of Mediterranean and Indian bloodlines, they developed a race that clung to its own tried and proven traditions, trusting no one outside of family.”
A Name of Her Own, by Jane Kirkpatrick, published by Waterbrook Press. This novel is based on the life of Marie Dorion, a wife and mother from the early 1800's who risked everything she had to keep her family together. Her husband decides to join an expedition going westward and wants to leave her and their two boys alone in St. Louis. She rebels and finds a way to have the entire family join the expedition. Her friendship with the famous Lewis and Clark interpreter, Sacagawea offers her the strength she needs for the long road ahead.
DO YOU KNOW that there are Rootsweb mailing lists for those interested in researching their Melungeon heritage, or others interested in learning about this culture? Those lists are: MELUNGEON-KIN, MELUNGEON, and PA-MELUNGEON-ALIGANY.
La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society
904 Indiana Avenue
La Porte, IN 46350
[end of December 2005 newsletter]
[beginning of March 2006 newsletter]
NEWSLETTER
March 2006
Volume XXIII, No. 1
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Another year has come and gone and I hope it has brought you some new ancestors and new family stories to record for future generations. It is also my hope that 2006 will bring you even more success in your research. As we research today, many think all they have to do is go to the internet and they will have all their answers. In many cases they are undocumented and are only clues for further research. We still need to go to the original sources and in that way your society is here to give you that help.
Come to our monthly meetings where you can ask questions, find new sources and learn from a variety of programs. The program for March will be presented by Don Glossinger, librarian of the Michigan City Public Library, who will be speaking on DNA and genealogy. And speaking of sources, the society will have its annual genealogy research trip to the Allen County Public Library on April 5th (see flyer insert). If you have never been there, you will be amazed at the amount and variety of information available. Mark your calendar and join us. The bus will hold 47 people. We are planning to visit Carmel Cemetery for our June 13th meeting. A dedicated group of our members continue to extract and index records from the County Clerk’s Office for publication. They are presently working on early naturalizations, divorces and court records. So you can see we try to provide many and varied sources for genealogists.
We are sure there is something that would interest you and we hope you will consider participating in our meetings and activities. If you are not a member, try it and you just might like it. To our members I give you a challenge – let’s see if each member can bring in one new member for our society.
I would be remiss if I didn’t extend the sincere appreciation of the society to the outgoing officers for the past two years during which many great things happened. Also, many thanks to Fern Eddy Schultz for her many dedicated years as editor of our newsletter and we look forward to the work of Donna Nelson as the new editor. Your current officers are here for you and if you have questions, ideas for programs or projects, would like to give a program or work on a project, just contact us. This is your society.
Patricia Gruse Harris
Welcome New Members: Patrick Carney, Karen Childs, Joann Gabryszak, Leroy Rauschenbach and Michael Shei
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour replaces the June meeting.
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Patricia Harris pagharris@sbcglobal.net
Vice-President Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Secretary Dorothy Palmer djpalmer611@comcast.net
Treasurer Alan Zeller ahzeller@csinet.net
Genealogist-Historian Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
MEMBERSHIP DUES
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Dues paid before November of the current year are credited to that year. Dues paid after 01 November are credited to the following year. The fiscal year is 01 January through 31 December each year. Membership entitles members to newsletters and other entitlements stipulated in the Constitution and By-laws. Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code.
2006 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
MEMBERSHIP Donna Nelson donnamnelson@comcast.net PROGRAM Unfilled pagharris@sbcglobal.net
EDITOR Donna Nelson donnamnelson@comcast.net PUBLICITY Dorothy Stephenson dorothys@csinet.net
STANDING COMMITTEE
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Fern Eddy Schultz, netster@csinet.net Gloria Arndt, prairiefarm@csinet.net
Dottisue Gansemer, Dottisue22@aol.com
MESSAGE FROM FERN
We are now starting into a new era with our NEWSLETTER. Having served as Editor, compiling the letter for 22 years, I have now stepped down and Donna Nelson will be taking over this position. I say “compiling” because over the years it has been more my compilation than that of editing other people’s information or submissions. With a very few exceptions, the letter has been a result of my research, accumulation of information and compiling of the letters.
Since the very beginning of our Society in 1984, when Holly Jenks and I decided it was time La Porte had its own, I have been a strong advocate of a newsletter as that is the catalyst between La Porte County and those descendants of La Porte County residents who reside elsewhere. Local people have the opportunity to attend our regular meetings and enjoy the programs provided and sometimes the newsletter is not that important to them – they may not even have La Porte County ties – they may be members only for the opportunity to bring their research problems to a meeting and discuss them with others who either are having the same problem or maybe have already been able to solve it and share their information. Having a good program schedule to help educate and assist researchers is therefore important for them.
I will miss “editing” the letter and wish Donna the very best in her new effort. I hope that over the years you have received at least some help from the information transmitted via the letter. Good luck to all of you in your research! Perhaps our paths will cross sometime when you are in La Porte County researching.
Fern Eddy Schultz
La Porte County (IN) Historian
CENSUS SNIPS
COUNTY POOR FARM RESIDENTS, 27 June, 1900, Scipio Township, La Porte Co.
AHLSCHLAGER, Wm. (Head, age 43); AHLSCHLAGER, Lena (Wife, 38); AHLSCHLAGER, Benjamin (Son, 19); AHLSCHLAGER, Emma (Daughter, 14); AHLSCHLAGER, William L. (Son, 10); Residents (Boarders); BRINGELSON, August (27); MEADOWS, Elizabeth (80); JOHNSON, Mrs. John (67); BOLERIS/BOBRIS, Andrew (56); ROGUSKI, Frank (38); HOESTEN, Alexander (41); VAN AKIN, Mary (60); STILES, Jacob (79); BECK, Gotlieb (74); SENT, Nancy (52); MACKEAN, Anna (59); ARNEY, Emanuel (78); MARONEY, Margaret (85); RILEY, Daniel (45); SHOWER, Michael (68); WESBERG, Catherine, (69); SILVERSTOFF, Fred (80); HILL, Frank (74); HECKER, Fred (66); SCHLOWENSKI, Michael (79); DAGNER, Anna (78); WALLS, Anna (63); LYONS, John (76); SHERWOOD, William (74); REAGER, Amproes (71); PALEN, Bell (20); COLLINS, Catherine (90); HAVENS, Lucy (26); FISHER, Frank (80); PLASKI, Minnie (80); MILLER, Charles (50); SHARIN/SHANN, Julius (74); MENKA, Martha (40); HOCKNEY, Rebecka (90); VANHELM, Rosa (34); PELKA, Andrew (54); SICKINICK, Mary (46); BRYANT, John (43); BRYANT, Lydia (Sister of John, (38); DUDLEY, Roy (40); MARISKA, Tena (105); FOX, Mickey (100); PALASKI, Edward (38); FREMAN, Jane (64); ILLEGIBLE, Mary (45); COULTER, Silas (69); RETTINHOUSE, Margaret (69); ALLEN, Lillie (56); HECKLEY, Elizabeth (50); NORRIS, Dorthey (60); SCHULTZ, Mary (73); HUNTLEY, Frona (90); ELLY, John P. (74); BOEH, Benedict (58); CLARK, Rebecca (65); JOHNSON, Andrew (60); DOYLE, Mary (65). NOTE: If questionable, compiler recorded Heritage Quest index spelling.
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
News from the Committee
La Porte County residency certificates were awarded at the December meeting of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society. A First Family certificate was awarded to Michael Shei based on documenting evidence of his ancestor Ezekiel Provolt in the county April 15, 1834 and also to Judy Ellen Sarber based on her ancestors, John Brigham Travis and Caroline Winchell Travis, in the county by December 31, 1840. Pioneer certificates were presented to Leroy Rauschenbach and Sandra Rauschenbach Mafera whose ancestor John Rauschenbach was a resident of the county by 1855.
*******
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War--1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting. Fern Eddy Schultz, Committee Chairperson
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. It is requested that they be submitted in a format in which they may be used rather than requiring researching by the Editor. Please submit such information in typed or other readable form. Contributors will be given credit when the article is used. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor.
Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the NEWSLETTER. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the NEWSLETTER (i.e., February, May, August and November).
Book Recommendations:
Everton's Handybook for Genealogists, 11th Edition - A favorite reference for genealogists and family history researchers. 900+ pages of your favorite features completely updated... plus plenty of new material that will be highly helpful to your research. An optional CDROM is available. Book $50.00, Book w/CD $60.00 For more information or to order: (800) 443-6325 or www.everton.com Recommended by Fern Eddy Schultz
Walking With Your Ancestors, Melinda Kashuba – Publisher’s Note: From locating an ancestor's homesite and where records might be kept to determining which route and roads forebears took when migrating from one area to another, maps are common tools in tracing family history. This book expands the reader's awareness of how maps and other geographic resources, such as atlases, gazetteers, and global positioning systems, will help them find their elusive ancestors. Readers will learn how to:
*Find historic maps that will help them in their search
*Locate obscure towns and villages
*Determine shifting boundary changes that can affect their research
*Use maps and other geographic tools to find cemeteries and ancestral homesites
Family Tree Magazine Presents, WEB Search Guide, Special Issue, 2006 Genealogy Guidebook, available at Barnes and Noble bookstores. Recommended by Dorothy Palmer
VETERAN’S CORNER
Revolutionary War Veterans Buried in La Porte County
Compiled by Gloria D. Arndt
Abijah BIGELOW originally buried in the Old Buryal Ground, Michigan City. He died in 1848 at the age of 92 in La Porte County, IN. His wife Mercy was originally buried in the Union Cemetery (Bigelow Cemetery) in Clinton Township. She was re-interred to the Old Buryal Ground when Abijah was buried there. They were both buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Michigan City at a later date...
Thomas BURCH – Born 25 February 1756 in Pawling, Duchess County, N. Y. Died 3 August 1837 in Noble Township, La Porte County, IN. Cemetery unknown
Clerk (Clark) BURLINGAME – Born 17 October 1757 in Coventry, Kent, Rhode Island and died 13 January 1843 in La Porte County, IN. Buried in Door Village Cemetery, Scipio Township.
Edward OTIS – Born 6 April 1766 in Lyme, Connecticut and died June 1852. in La Porte County, IN. He originally was buried in the Union Cemetery (Bigelow Cemetery, no longer in existence) by the Union Church in Clinton Township. His body was moved by his daughter to a cemetery in Buchanan, Michigan.
Ezekiel (Hezekiah) SMITH – Born 1760 Orange County, N. Y. – Died 23 September 1838 in La Porte County, IN. Buried in Door Village Cemetery, Scipio Township
John STONER – Born circa 1750 Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died March 1835 in La Porte County, IN. Buried in Miller-Griffin Cemetery, Kankakee Township.
Henry VAN DALSEM – Born 12 August 1757 in New York City, N. Y. and died 10 March 1835, La Porte County, IN. Buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Wills Township.
Simeon WHEELER – Born 30 January 1761 in Cheshire, New Haven County, Connecticut and died 13 January 1841 in La Porte County, IN. Buried in Low Cemetery, Coolspring Township.
In February Leland Meitzler announced that Heritage Creations is filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. According to his announcement on Genealogy Blog, he bought Heritage Quest Magazine from ProQuest three years ago in an attempt to save the magazine, which was a money-losing operation. To make a long story short, his attempts at turning the operation around failed and he has been forced to file bankruptcy. In his announcement, Mr. Meitzler extended his apologies to anyone he has let down with the failure of the magazine. He further states that Heritage Quest Magazine and Genealogy Bulletin defaults back to ProQuest and it is likely the publications will find a new home, and that the subscribers will get what they paid for. (Thanks to Fern Eddy Schultz for forwarding the article)
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To follow the formation and development of La Porte County, refer to “Indiana Boundaries: Territory, State and County”. It provides excellent descriptions from the formation of the county through four (4) alterations of the boundaries, including maps to illustrate each change. This publication provides similar information for each county in Indiana. Author: George Pence, 1933. Michigan City library call #977.2 P372I, Porter Co. (Valparaiso) is call #977.2PEN. It is also available on-line through Heritage Quest; “Indiana Historical Collections”. When accessed through Heritage Quest, go to page 554 through 563 for La Porte Co.
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QUERIES are published at no charge to individuals. Each must be legibly written (preferably typed, double-spaced or printed). Each should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail address where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
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QUERIES
Nathaniel McCARTNEY and Abigail PARKER, married in La Porte Co. in 1841. Her family was from New Jersey. Would like to communicate with anyone who is actively researching the New Jersey PARKER family. John Eilson McCartney, Seattle. johnmcx@yahoo.com
Seeking information about Nicholas HOFER, b. 04 April 1832 in Switzerland and d. 16 Jan 1892 in La Porte Co., also his wife, Mary, b. 09 Feb 1834 and d. 03 Jan 1893. Both are buried in Lamb’s Chapel Cemetery, Kankakee Twp., La Porte Co. Pastor David L. Hofer, P.O. Box 35, 110 Market St.., Emden, IL 62635. RevDlHofer@aol.com
Seeking Ephraim KELLOGG. Might have married Emma EASTMAN. In 1830’s an Ephraim KELLOGG is in Huron County, OH. Possibly relocated to La Porte Co., IN to run a hotel or tavern. Census records not conclusive. Would appreciate help sorting the various Ephraim KELLOGG(s). Thanks for any information or clues. Ronald G. Harris, 2802 50th St. S., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494, (715) 421-4113. harris@wcctc.net
Looking for marriage records (about 1872) of Rev. August Albert (Albert) SCHOENHUTH and Louise Dorothea BURKHARDT (BURCHARDT). Bride lived in New Buffalo, MI at the time of marriage. Have been unable to find record in either Berrien Co., MI or La Porte Co., IN. Ceremony performed by Rev. Thomas or Philip KLEIN, pastor of German Evangelical Church, Michigan City, IN. Assistance will be appreciated. Bruce Bradley, bruce@bradleyengineering.com
George Alfred JOHNSSON, b. 01 Mar 1878 in Sweden, arrived in America 1903. A family notebook shows he lived at 513 Main Street, La Porte. No additional information is known. Would appreciate any information about his life or death after his arrival in America. Walter Skansare, walter.skansare@vattnet.com
Seeking parents of Hester “Hettie” (CAMPBELL) YARGER, born 13 Sept 1817, Hartley Twp., Union Co., PA., died Wanatah, IN 20 Dec. 1872 and is buried in Morgan Cemetery. She was married to Benneville YARGER. Judy Morgan, M1357us@yahoo.com
ADOPTED -- SEEKING BIRTH PARENTS. Born 31 Jul 1942 in La Porte, adopted there about 10 months later. Birth record filed Jan.1944 in the name Leroy Earl BRYAN; adoptive parents were William E. and Irene D. BRYAN. DNA test matches me with a branch of the LAWSON FAMILY. Indiana Adoption Registry advises information will only be released if birth parents are known to be deceased. I would appreciate any information regarding my birth parents. Roy Earl Marsten, rmarsten@emcien.com
Seeking birth and death dates of Lyman Chancey MOSHER, married Elizabeth Jennifer "Jennie" (LOE) MOSHER about 1911-1912, lived in La Porte after marriage. Rowena Weeks, 817 West Wasp Avenue, Ridgecrest, CA 93555, 760/375-8366, rweeks@iwvisp.com
SO……..JUST HOW OLD IS JOE??
Joseph Hush, who lived for many years between Rolling Prairie and New Carlisle, will celebrate his 108th birthday Sunday. According to the written records he was born in New Jersey in 1793. His parents were farmers and he has followed that occupation all his life. Last May, being unable to longer carry on the active work of a farmer, he was admitted to the St. Joseph county asylum for the poor. He is cheerful but his memory is impaired by time and lack of cultivation. The old man is densely ignorant and cannot be relied upon to remember the date of his birth, but fortunately the records of his longevity have been preserved. Travelers along the Laporte road will remember his humble shacks and the heavy two-wheeled cart to which he drove a long-haired jack. His wife died about 11 years ago. They had nine children, five sons and four daughters. One is living on the old bog farm, one in Chicago and one in New York. The others are dead. Hush said his parents knew Washington, but he cannot remember who he first voted for president. Michigan City News, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 1901
A REMARKABLE OLD MAN, Joseph Hush, Despite His 108 Years, Walks Many Miles: Joseph Hush, the oldest man in South Bend and probably one of the oldest men in America, is a remarkable example of longevity and health. Despite his 108 years he performed a feat last Sunday which most men, many years his junior, would hesitate to do. In that day he walked from the county farm where he resides, to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Sheperd, near Terre Coupee, a distance of 14 miles, and after completing his visit walked back to the asylum, thus covering 28 miles in one day. Hush manages to make this trip about three times each year. He says that the longing to be at the old homestead cannot be conquered and that his greatest delight is to visit the scenes of his younger days. That Hush is as old as he claims, there is no doubt, many of the old time residents of the city remembering him as a grey haired man when they were boys. Years ago Hush looked after the toll gate which led to the famous corduroy road over the swamp west of South Bend and they tell many interesting stories of the old man. With the exception of his hearing, which is almost gone, Hush is in full possession of all his facilities, is of medium height and stands as erect as a young man, seldom using even a cane, though he often carries one. Hush was born in New Jersey in 1793 and has a clear recollection of the famous Hamilton-Burr duel which was fought on the shore of New Jersey, opposite New York, in July, 1804. Hush lived at the time near the spot where Hamilton lost his life and he says the incident was for months a topic at every fireside. Hush has been a farmer all his life. He moved to Berrien county, Michigan, from Ohio about 1825, settling near New Buffalo, Mich., where he married. He lived at Olive Branch, Ind., 34 years and then moved to the log cabin on the bog farm near what is known as Grapevine, where he lived for 20 years until taken to the poorhouse a few years ago. He has used tobacco for more than 60 years and always took a drink of liquor when he felt like it. His eyesight is sharp and his voice is yet clear. The records of his birth are contained in a yellow bible which he inherited from his parents. He has three children living, one in New York, one in Chicago and the third, Mrs. Charles Sheperd, on the old homestead. The old log cabin on the Laporte-South Bend road, where he formerly lived, is a familiar sight to those who have made the trip between the two cities overland.
Michigan City Evening News, Thursday, March 27, 1902
Note: The On-line obituary index at www.nileslibrary.com lists an obituary for Hush, Joseph, Niles Daily Star, Died 11/1/1903, Paper Date 11/3/1903. Census records in 1860 and 1880 place Mr. Hush in St. Joseph Co., Indiana aged 53 and 73, respectively. The June 13th, 1900 census shows him born January 1793, age 107 and living with daughter and son in law in Olive Twp. The following week, on June 21st , he is enumerated at the county home in Penn Twp., St. Joseph Co. and his birth date is shown as Sep, 1792. In the 20 year period between 1880 and 1900 Joseph appears to have aged 34 years. This is a good example why a researcher should not believe everything found in print. Locate as many census records and other documents as possible and keep an open mind about what you find.
Challenge: Can you find Joe in the 1840, 1850 or 1870 Census records? What was his age in those records? What else can you tell us about Joe? Address additional information about “Old Joe” to the editor. Replies will appear in the next newsletter.
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“GLIMPSES OF THE PAST” will be a regular feature of the newsletter. If you have an interest in a particular town or township within La Porte Co. and would like to be that area’s correspondent, please contact the Editor. Members who are unable to contribute area articles but would like to have a specific area featured may also contact the Editor and we will try to find a volunteer for that area. Thanks to Gloria Arndt for naming this feature.
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GLIMPSES of the PAST
Glimpses of Michigan City & Michigan Township
Correspondent: Patricia Gruse Harris
There was Fearful Mortality in the City early this month. There have been nine deaths in three days! The death rate of Michigan City for a few days past has been astonishing, almost equaling the total number for the month of June. On Saturday, Frederick REITZ, aged 47 years, who died the 30th from pneumonia, was buried from St. Paul's Church. The attendance was large. Saturday, Ellen LUDWIG, aged five years, died of scarletina, and was interred Sunday afternoon. The same day Mrs. Anna JASCHAWICK, living in Romeltown, died of puerperal fever, 22 years old. She was buried on the fourth. Ray SHULZ, drowned Saturday, was buried from the M.E. Church Sunday afternoon. An UNKNOWN man who was found drowned in the lake was also consigned to his last resting place Sunday, at 4 p.m. An infant child named Fannie MENKE, aged 5 months, died Sunday of cholera infantum. The funeral occurred Monday afternoon. Mary RONAN, aged 34 years, died Saturday noon of epileptic convulsions. She was buried Monday morning, at 10:30, from St. Mary's Church, Rev. J. BLECKMANN officiating. Mary SPECKINE, respected married lady, died Saturday night in childbirth, and the funeral occurred this afternoon, at 2 o'clock from St. Paul's. The St. John's society, of which the husband is a member, attended in a body. Baby MALTBY, five months old, died Monday and was interred today.
Michigan City Evening Dispatch, Tuesday, 5 July 1887, p. 1
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Glimpses of Rolling Prairie & Kankakee Township
Correspondent: Gloria Arndt
Anti-Horse Thief Society - At the annual meeting of the Rolling Prairie Anti-Horse Thief Association, held at Rolling Prairie, Saturday evening, April 6th, the following officers and board of managers were elected for the ensuing year: D. F. BIRCHIM, Pres’t; J. S. MARTIM, Vice-President; W. H. HECKER, Sec’y; E. J. TEETER, Treas’r; Board of Managers- Jos. MILLER, Benj, BEAL, C. W. McCARTY, David RYNEARSON and B. F. HUNTSMAN. The society is in a flourishing condition and has 95 active members. Signed W. H. HECKER, Secretary. La Porte Argus, Thursday, 11 April 1889
The board authorized the incorporation of township No. 37 under the name of Rolling Prairie and directed that a meeting of the qualified voters be held on the 5th day of April 1888, to determine whether the same shall be incorporated. Michigan City News, Thursday, 15 March 1888
W. A. CAMPBELL, formerly of Michigan City, moved to Rolling Prairie recently and has established a barber shop and candy store. We are glad to learn that he is doing quite well. Michigan City Dispatch, Wednesday, August 12, 1891
Armed with axes, four young society women of Rolling Prairie, the Misses Hester and Elsie WORDEN, Miss BEAL and Miss CONNORS, broke down the doors of a room in which a number of young men of the village were playing poker, seeking this means of admittance to attempt the reformation of the young men. They paid the damage incurred by their raid, and declared that the crusade will be continued until the young men see the evil of their ways. The Acorn (Three Oaks, Michigan), Friday, September 23, 1904
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COMING SOON!!! “Glimpses” from the Wanatah Mirror COMING SOON!!
Correspondent Wanted
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Glimpses of Waterford & Coolspring Township
Correspondent: Gloria Arndt
Mr. and Mrs. Marion PEPPLE, who recently made the trip to Logansport on their wheels, have returned and report a very pleasant time. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Eli SMITH, the 18th, a son. Congratulations. Miss Myrtle WILLIAMS, of Kensington, who has been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Robert SHREVE the past month, returned home Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Charley BROUGH contemplate a visit with friends in Lake county the coming week. Miss Lulu RENNER, who has been visiting relatives in Chicago the past three weeks, returned home Friday. Mrs. E. W. PALMER left last week for a six-weeks visit at Mrs. Mary PERLEY’s and they will visit the exposition at Omaha, Neb. The contractors say the new M. E. church at this place will be finished the 1st of October. It is reported there is to be a wedding in the near future in this vicinity. The invitations are not out yet, however…Mrs. J. A. SHAW, who has been quite sick, is much better. Mrs. Dilla VATCHER, nee PECK, of Chicago, who has been visiting Mr. and Mrs. BROUGH, returned home last week. Michigan City Dispatch, Thursday, September 22, 1898
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Glimpses of Galena Township
Correspondent: Donna Nelson
Mrs. E.G. LEWIS has been sick nearly all winter, Earl ETHERINGTON and Harry LESTER are on the sick list. Mr. and Mrs. Frank KEEN are living with Mrs. Keen’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. ARNST. Mrs. ROYSDEN’s two little daughters, Osie and Katie, have been quite sick. Miss Mina SNOW of Memphis, N.Y., is here on a visit with her relatives, the BARNES family. Charles O. BARNES moved to Michigan City, and Henry LINDERMAN and family moved to Borbon, Ind. Mrs. Mary MERRILLS visited her son-in-law Albert FINLEY. Mrs. Mary ETHERINGTON BOWELL, died on March 22, 1898. She was born Jan. 9, 1848 and married J.E. Bowell, April 4, 1895. George Orlando FOSTER died April 8, 1898. He was a brother of the late T.J. Foster, of Laporte. Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. BARNES have a little baby boy (Ellicott born Apr 4, 1898). Anton Leliter was born in Wurtemberg, Germany May 20, 1930, came to this country in 1854, and married Eliza ETHERINGTON in 1856. He died May 10, 1898 and was buried at Foster Cemetery. Extracted from “Galena Township” news clips dated February thru May, 1898
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If your early family members are found near the La Porte Co. (IN) and Berrien Co. (MI) line, you might find this web site useful. The site contains a wealth of Berrien Co. information and employs an excellent search engine: Berrien County Genealogy Project http://www.usgennet.org/usa/mi/county/berrien (Contributed by Fern Eddy Schultz)
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Ancestry Daily News, Sign up for free subscription at http://www.ancestry.com/dailynews Delivered to your E-mail address. May subscribe to daily or weekly digest version.
(Contributed by Dorothy Palmer)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 14, 2006 Membership Meeting – Social Time 7:00 p.m., meeting at 7:15 p.m., Program: DNA in Genealogy – Presented by Don Glossinger, Head Librarian of the Michigan City Public Library. Mr. Glossinger has had a great break through in his own family genealogy as a result of using DNA to trace and confirm his ancestors. He will share details of how this method of tracing ancestors works.
March 18, 2006 South Bend Area Genealogical Society GENEALOGY FAIR. Our Society will be participating again this year. It will be held in a new location … Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, 209 Lincoln Way East, Mishawaka, Indiana. For more information call
Bill Minish: 574-277-1183 or E-mail WHMinish@aol.com
April 5, 2006 Genealogy Bus Trip to Allen County Public Library (ACPL). See insert in this newsletter.
April 11, 2006 Membership Meeting – Social Time 7:00 p.m., meeting at 7:15 p.m., Program: The History of German Immigration...the Sources, the Reasons, and the Major Immigrant Groups, presented by Wilhelm (Bill) Kiesselbach. These were the ancestors of many Americans. Mr. Kiesselbach will provide a timeline of migrations from Germany, information about genealogical sources, and how to access those sources. As a native of Germany and now as a US citizen, Mr. Kiesselbach is in a unique position to help American genealogists with his knowledge of the German language and how the German record keeping system worked and changed through the country's political and economic developments.
May 9, 2006 Membership Meeting – Social Time 7:00 p.m., meeting at 7:15 p.m., Program: “A Look at the Culture of New France.” Dorothy Palmer will discuss the French Canadian culture.
June 13, 2006 Annual Cemetery Tour – 6:00 p.m. Carmel Cemetery, 50 South Between 700 West and Forrester Road, New Durham Township. Hosted by Bruce Johnson.
[end of March 2006 newsletter]
[beginning of June 2006 newsletter]
NEWSLETTER
June 2006
904 Indiana Avenue Volume XXIII, No. 2
La Porte, IN 46350 http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
It is very encouraging to see the increased attendance at our meetings the past few months. We have had some very interesting speakers and programs and those in attendance have had an opportunity to learn about different facets of genealogical research. We have more interesting programs on the calendar for the rest of the year. Be sure to check out the program schedule elsewhere in the newsletter. If you do not live locally and cannot attend meetings, you might want to check out two great La Porte County websites: La Porte County Cemeteries and Research http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlpccem/ and La Porte County, IN Gen Web http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlaport/ There is a wealth of information on these sites which may help your research.
Elsewhere in this newsletter you can read about two new books which I have researched and compiled and are available in the Indiana Room of the Michigan City Public Library. They cover the early periods in Michigan City and many of the names therein are not readily available in other sources.
Members, remember my challenge to you for this year – each member is asked to try and bring in one new member for our society. We hope you will join us at all the upcoming meetings and programs. See you this month at Carmel Cemetery on June 13th for our annual cemetery tour. Your officers also welcome any ideas for programs, or an offer to give a program or work on a project. This is your society and try to be an active part of it.
Patricia Gruse Harris
Welcome New Members: Kenneth Nichol, Margaret Nixon, Pauline Teron, Charles West, Sheree Wilson.
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour replaces the June meeting.
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Patricia Harris pagharris@sbcglobal.net
Vice-President Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Secretary Dorothy Palmer djpalmer611@comcast.net
Treasurer Alan Zeller ahzeller@csinet.net
Genealogist-Historian Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
MEMBERSHIP DUES
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Dues paid before November of the current year are credited to that year. Dues paid after 01 November are credited to the following year. The fiscal year is 01 January through 31 December each year. Membership entitles members to newsletters and other entitlements stipulated in the Constitution and By-laws. Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code.
2006 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
MEMBERSHIP Donna Nelson donnamnelson@comcast.net PROGRAM Unfilled pagharris@sbcglobal.net
EDITOR Donna Nelson donnamnelson@comcast.net PUBLICITY Dorothy Stephenson dorothys@csinet.net
STANDING COMMITTEE
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Fern Eddy Schultz, netster@csinet.net Gloria Arndt, prairiefarm@csinet.net
Dottisue Gansemer, Dottisue22@aol.com
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. It is requested that they be submitted in a format in which they may be used rather than requiring researching by the Editor. Please submit such information in typed or other readable form. Contributors will be given credit when the article is used. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor.
Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the NEWSLETTER. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the NEWSLETTER (i.e., February, May, August and November).
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
News from the Committee
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War--1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting. Fern Eddy Schultz, Committee Chairperson
CENSUS SNIPS
The Village of Otis, 1880
Source: Jasper Packard’s 1876 History of La Porte County, Indiana
Settlement of Otis began in 1851, but no plat of the town was recorded until 1870, when Solomon Tucker, on April 20, acknowledged and filed a plat for record. Matthias Seberger was the first settler in Otis, arriving there in 1851. In 1853, the Michigan Southern, and Louisville, New Albany & Chicago railroads were completed, and he acted as agent for both of them. In 1854 George R. Selkirk opened a grocery store, and B. Parker and Isaac Weston erected a hotel. Henry Wing bought it in 1857, and kept it until 1865. This covered the period of the war when the patronage of the hotel was the greatest. In those days, soldiers and others going southward from northeastern Indiana were obliged to go to Salem Crossing (an early name for the village of Otis), and thence southward over the L. N. A. & C. line. This kept the hotel well filled most of the time. The railroad was a major factor in the development and growth of Otis and, according to Packard’s 1876 History, “The business of the village of Otis consists of two blacksmith shops, one carpenter, one depot agent, two druggists, three general stores, one hotel, one market, two physicians, two shoemakers, one tailor, one telegraph operator, one undertaker, and one wagon maker”.
A summary of the 1880 Census for Otis, New Durham Twp., reflects the following occupations held by the occupants of the village. (Extracted from LDS census index).
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Did You Know? Extractions of Packard’s La Porte County Township Histories can be found on the La Porte County GenWeb site: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlaport/
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QUERIES are published at no charge to individuals. Each must be legibly written (preferably typed, double-spaced or printed). Each should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail address where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
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QUERIES
Looking for information on the Frederick C. MILLER (b. 1861, Germany) and Wilhelmine, (nee. LITTMAN, b. 1871, Stettin, Germany) family, of Kouts. Also, August MILLER of La Porte. Bruce Harmel, 2311 Dakota Ridge, Johnsburg, IL 60056 (815) 759-9644, bruceharmel@hotmail.com
Does anyone have any information on Joseph and Adaline BROWN from Westville/Otis area? Joseph died in 1918 and Adaline in 1906. Pauline Teron, 2985 NW Three Sisters Drive, Bend, OR 97701. 541/317-1251. pteron@bendcable.com
KANKAKEE TOWNSHIP POLL LIST OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN 1832
Contributed by Gloria Arndt
| Ezekial Provolt | Myron Ives | Daniel Murray | Asa M. Warren |
| Elias Brown | Michael Brand | Jacob Miller | James McCormick |
| Absalom Holdes | John Miller | William Miller | Jesse Willett |
| Amos Duer | Arthur Irwin | John Wills | Basil Sperry |
| Aurea Sperry | Levi Brown | John Ireland | Joseph Lycan |
| William Ireland | Alexander Blackburn | Andrew Shaw | James Nixon |
| Emery A. Brown | Philip Fail | Sanford Utley | Jesse M. Wert |
| Henry F. Janes | John Janes | Nathan B. Nichols | James Higley |
| Gmaliel Druliner | John Druliner | William Sharp | Edmund Luther |
| Brazilla Druliner | | | |
Books & Other Resources
Twenty-Seventh Louisiana Volunteer Infantry by Terry G. Scriber, Book Description from Amazon.com: The Twenty-seventh Louisiana Volunteer Infantry was the first infantry regiment assigned to the defense of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The author, inspired by his great-grandfather, Burlin Moore Scriber, who served as a corporal in the Louisiana Infantry’s Company B, celebrates the undaunting courage of this regiment during the forty-seven-day siege by Union soldiers before the surrender of Vicksburg. This valuable historical and genealogical resource includes details about the Louisiana Secession Convention in 1861, the creation of Camp Moore, and the battles of Champion Hill, Grand Gulf, and Black River Bridge. A wealth of archival information and photographs, "The Twenty-seventh Louisiana Volunteer Infantry" also includes a register of soldiers, including rank, promotions, service records, captures and paroles, medical history, and personal information. Available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
New Books at Michigan City Public Library
Researched and Compiled by Patricia Gruse Harris
Old Buryal Ground, Michigan City, IN. The land for this cemetery, approximately one acre, was set aside by the founder of Michigan City, Isaac C. Elston, on the original plat of the town recorded 11 May 1835 in the La Porte County Recorder’s Office. Burials were made on this land and some immediately adjacent to the north and west, until 26 Nov. 1864, when the common council decreed that it was unlawful to bury anyone anywhere within the corporate limits of Michigan City, except in Greenwood Cemetery newly laid out by the City. Over time it was totally abandoned and concerted efforts were made to remove all the remains and stones to Greenwood, a difficult task since some areas had drifted over with 16’ of sand. The site was later sold to the Michigan City School Corp.
On 24 Apr. 2003 construction workers working on the renovation of Elston Jr. High School unearthed some human bones. The Dept. of Natural Resources was notified and they brought in an archaeological team to study the site and make a thorough search for any more remains. The author met with them on historical aspects of the site and shared her personal research. More remains and artifacts were found, and after study, were reburied in Sec. “E”, Greenwood Cemetery in the same area as many of the 1880’s reburials.
Research showed that some 500 persons had been re-interred, but no records of same survived. Since this was hundreds more than buried in Sec. “E”, a search of the tombstones in Greenwood with dates prior to 26 Nov. 1864 was begun, transcriptions made and stones photographed with the aid of the author’s husband, Wm. Harris. The result was the identification of about 184 persons who had been interred in the Old Buryal Ground. All of this information along with maps, news articles, references found in the Common Council Minutes of Michigan City, IN, information on the persons re-interred and their families and the cemetery sextons, the archaeological investigation report by IPFW, and much more has been included in the book.
High Constables & City Marshals, City of Michigan City, La Porte Co., IN 1835 – 1879. Michigan City had high constables and city marshals from its beginning. They were responsible for keeping law and order within the city. In later years they were known as a police chief, even unto today. Histories of the city recorded very few of these early law officers and their duties. In most cases the only source of available information was in the Common Council Minutes and Ordinances of the City of Michigan City, IN. The author extracted and compiled all the known information along with the obituaries of six of these men: C. E. Selleck, I. D. Phelps, Edward L. Valentine, Ernest Kimball, Addison J. Phillips, and Theodore Smith.
[Anyone with further information on either book is asked to contact the author pagharris@sbcglobal.net ]
Contributed by Fern Eddy Schultz
The Indiana State Library has now put a searchable database of Indiana marriages for 1993 through 2000 online. Included with the bride and groom's information is also their ages, birthplaces, number of previous marriages (if any) and their highest level of education. The address to access is: http://199.8.200.229/db/IN_marriages_search.asp
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Great Lakes Region, 7358 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago, is open for the public to do research the first Saturday of each month. Hours are 8:00 a.m. through 4:15 p.m. This has been announced to be in effect through April 2007. Regular public research hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The vital records office for Berrien County, Michigan moved from Stevensville to 2100 East Empire, Benton Harbor. The office closed April 3rd in preparation for the move and was scheduled to reopen on May 5th. The hours are unchanged, with the office being opened Monday, 8:30 – 12:30 and Friday, 12:30 – 4:30.
VETERAN’S CORNER
VETERANS OF THE WAR OF 1812 BURIED IN LA PORTE COUNTY
Some call it the Second War of Independence, for when it ended and the U.S. had fought Great Britain to a stalemate, America’s independence was assured. (Source: America’s Wars – A Complete History http://www.multied.com/wars.html)
From a list compiled by Martin F. Barlag, as of Jan. 14, 1974, and dedicated as follows: To Elmer Marhanka and Gretchen Tyler, whose continuing efforts to preserve the memory of our military heroes deserves the greatest commendation.
| Ames, Capt. Charles | Freeman, Avery | Knight, William | Tuley, James |
| Brett, S.H. | Glass, John | Leaming, Daniel Mack | Unruh, Abraham |
| Brough, George | Goff, Bernard/Brainard | Lindsay, John | Wallace, Abijah |
| Bunnell, Stephen | Harvey, Andrew | Maple, William M. | Webster, Amos G. |
| Callison, James | Hayward, J.B. | Merritt, Joseph | Wells, Benjamin S. |
| Clark, Marsena (Marcina) | Helmick, Samuel | Paddock, Levi O. | Wyllys, Orrin |
| Cross, Theophilus | Heritage, Samuel | Pattee, Eliphalet | Young, Peter |
| Crumpacker, Owen | Hubbard, Isaac | Pratt, Nehemiah | |
| Farwell, Ebenezer | Hudson, Richard | Ranger, Amos B. | ADDED BY OTHERS: |
| Finley, James | Hunt, George D. | Sharp, Thomas | Burch, Guilford D. |
| Fisher, Samuel | Johnson, Joseph | Sprague, John | Hickman, Jacob VanMeter |
| Francis, Capt. John | Johnson, Samuel | Sutherland, William | Pearle, Squire |
< equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><>< name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.1 (Win32)">
| Knight, William | Tuley, James |
| Leaming, Daniel Mack | Unruh, Abraham |
| Lindsay, John | Wallace, Abijah |
| Maple, William M. | Webster, Amos G. |
| Merritt, Joseph | Wells, Benjamin S. |
| Paddock, Levi O. | Wyllys, Orrin |
| Pattee, Eliphalet | Young, Peter |
| Pratt, Nehemiah |
|
| Ranger, Amos B. | ADDED BY OTHERS: |
| Sharp, Thomas | Burch, Guilford D. |
| Sprague, John | Hickman, Jacob VanMeter |
| Sutherland, William | Pearle, Squire |
GLIMPSES of the PAST
Michigan City & Coolspring Township
Correspondent: Patricia Gruse Harris
Arrived from Europe. Tony MARKOWSKI arrived yesterday from Russia and will make his home in this city. He has relatives residing on Center Street on the eastside. Stanislaus SKERKOWSKI arrived Sunday at New York aboard the steamer MOLTKE and reached this city this morning to reside in the future. John ZAKZEWSKI is another new comer from West Prussia and will reside with the family of Joseph TUSHINSKI on Buffalo street. He arrived here this morning.
Gleason Station - William KIEFFER is reported very ill. Miss Laura NOWATZKE entertained company from Chicago last week. Miss Elizabeth KIEFFER went to Chicago Monday to spend the summer. George KROENING of Haskell spent Sunday and Monday at the home of Edward FOLDENAUER. Mr. and Mrs. John DEUTSCHER entertained friends from Chicago on the fourth and fifth.
Michigan City News, 14 July 1909, p. 5 c.6
GLEASON STATION was a stop on the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago RR (Monon) located in Sec. 17, Coolspring Twp. on the Michael GLEASON property.
Glimpses of the Past (cont’d)
Rolling Prairie & Kankakee Township
Correspondent: Gloria Arndt
Miss Belle McGARRITY called on her sister, Mrs. Clarence BATES, Friday afternoon. Miss Emma BEAL is spending a short vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James BEAL. Miss Alta BREWER, who has been confined to her home by sickness the past two weeks, is again able to resume her school duties. Miss Cora McCARTY, who has been confined to her home the past week with mumps, is again able to take up her school duties. Miss Ethelyn LLOYD and Kathryn HICKMAN entertained a few of their friends at a taffy pull at the home of the former, Wednesday evening. All spent a very pleasant evening. The funeral of Mrs. James CATLIN was held from the M. E. Church Thursday at twelve thirty, Mr. WAITE officiating. Mrs. Catlin spent her early years in this place. From here she went to Illinois where she died. She was 89 years old and leaves many friends who will greatly miss her. The Acorn, Three Oaks, Michigan, 18 March, 1904
Wills Township
Correspondent: Gloria Arndt
Nubs From Sauktown - Wheat looks splendidly. Farmers are about through plowing for corn. All nature looks lovely since the rain. Miss CONDRA, of Bootjack is teaching our spring term of school. Assessor HUNT was around last week. Dan WILFONG has moved back to Sauktown again. Mr. DROLINGER made three hundred pounds of maple sugar, the nicest we ever saw. Rev. D. M. BLANEY, of Rolling Prairie, will preach here one week from next Sunday, at three o’clock. Mr. BROWN, the proprietor of the feather renovator at Rolling Prairie, was around last week gathering up the feather beds. A few weeks ago a couple of fellows stole a span of horses in the vicinity of Knox, Stark County, and brought one of them up here and traded it to Mr. SCARLET, then returned to Knox with the horse they had traded for. The owner of the stolen property suspected them, had them arrested, then took the novel method to find his own horse by letting the one loose the thieves had brought home and followed him. The horse, like everything else that ever lived in Sauktown, came straight home, and the gentleman returned with his own horse. La Porte Weekly Argus, 1 May 1879
Around the County
Westville – Michigan City Dispatch, 1 September 1898 – Contributed by Gloria Arndt
The families of Marshal HOARD and Peter YOUNG attended the funeral of Jacob EATON last Tuesday at Union Mills. Mrs. Ella POTTER (nee LIVINGSTON) and husband are visiting relations here. Fred RAY received word from his home in Kansas that his house had been struck by lightning and badly damaged and to come home immediately. He and his family started back last Tuesday. Ward IMES was kicked in the face by a cow and his jaw broken and his upper lip split open last Monday. Prof. WHITMORE will move his family into F. P. HERROLD’s cottage this week. Joseph McCORD was elected janitor of the school building this year at the last council meeting and will move back in town next Friday. Miss Henrietta WINTERS is having her house papered and painted. Miss Mary CATHCART, who has been spending her vacation here, returned to Chicago Tuesday. Fred and John LYONS, Michigan City, visited here the first of the week. Mrs. Hattie GREEN will learn to retouch with R. C. HOUSER of Michigan City. C. H. WOOD moved to Michigan City last Wednesday. Mrs. Lucy HERROLD has purchased a house and lot of Jacob HERROLD on North street. The Sunday school class of Belle BLOOMHUFF will have a select picnic at P. L. BROWN’s. School opens next Monday.
Union Mills – The Gazette – 1898 – Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Mr. Charles H. LOOMIS of Union Mills, Laporte county, and Miss Lottie REDINGTON, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James REDINGTON of this place, were united in marriage at the home of the bride, Tuesday noon. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. N. E. TINKHAM of Laporte. The wedding was a very quiet affair, only relatives and intimate friends of the contracting parties being present. After the ceremony and congratulations the young couple and guest partook of an elegant dinner. Miss REDINGTON is a most estimable young lady and will be greatly missed by her many friends. The groom is a highly respected citizen of Union Mills. All will join with the Gazette in wishing the newly wedded couple a happy and prosperous journey through life. Mr. and Mrs. LOOMIS will reside at Union Mills.
Glimpses of the Past (cont’d)
Galena Township: Jan 10, 1900 - Frank SMITH went back to Chicago Saturday. Mr. and Mr. Joe PROWD are the happy parents of a big baby boy. It is reported that Bert BEEMON was married at Three Oaks last week. Archie AUSTIN has gone back to work after a short visit with his parents at Hatch’s Mills. Avery I. BARNES left here Friday for Mishawaka and Auburn, this state, to visit friends and relatives for a week. Ira WINCH and wife, who have been visiting here for the past few weeks, have returned to their home in Bangor, Mich. Walter RUMBAUGH and family have come back from Shelby, Ohio, where they went about a year ago. They expect to go to Tennessee to locate soon. Jan 17, 1900 – Duke MARSHAL was visiting here last week. The members of the O.L.C.A. will meet with Mrs. Nelson MORTON January 27. The funeral of Lou W. GOODALL was largely attended at Hatch’s Mills last Friday. A number went from here last Sunday to attend the funeral of Joseph FRANCIS, of Kankakee township. Ray CADWELL and family and Moin SHEAD and wife are living in Mervin Cadwell’s house, he having recently moved to Laporte.
Laporte/Rolling Prairie/New Carlisle – Contributed by Gloria Arndt, Unknown newspaper – 1898 - Mr. J. W. MILLER of this place and Miss Josie FREESE, of Rolling Prairie were united in marriage by Rev. W. S. HASTINGS, at his residence in Laporte Wednesday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Their many friends extend congratulations. The Laporte Argus in speaking of the wedding says: Married, by the Rev. W. S. HASTINGS, at his residence on A street, in this city, Nov. 9, 1898, James W. MILLER of New Carlisle, and Josie FREESE, of Rolling Prairie. Mr. MILLER is the fifth son of Jacob MILLER married by Rev. HASTINGS, a fact which proves his ability as a good knot tier
DO YOU KNOW US? These photos were obtained from an individual in Green Bay, WI. Photo #1 was taken by C.M. Stark, La Porte; #2 was taken by J.W. Bryant, La Porte; #3 was taken by R.C. Houser, (no location shown). Possibly the same individual at different stages of her life, or at least members of the same family. Do you see a resemblance to your family? If you know these lovely ladies, please contact the Editor.
A Note From the Editor: Several years ago, Deanna West developed a website for the purpose of allowing researchers free access to La Porte County’s cemetery burial lists. Throughout the years, a number of volunteers have joined Deanna in updating the existing decades-old readings of the DAR, WPA and various individuals. The website grew quickly with additions of early obituaries, family biographies and veteran records. Deanna now brings her dedication, expertise and army of volunteers to the La Porte County GenWeb site. If you have not had an opportunity to browse the site recently, you will be surprised at the many additional features available there. Best Wishes to Deanna as she continues to expand and improve access to La Porte County’s genealogically important records. Deanna has graciously agreed to provide us with quarterly GenWeb news updates.
La Porte County GenWeb News
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlaport/
Deanna West laportecountyin@yahoo.com
In late February of 2006, new stewardship was appointed responsibility of the La Porte County, Indiana GenWeb website. Having worked closely with researchers from several groups and for researchers' convenience, all three existing sites, the La Porte County Gen Web, the La Porte County Military Pages, and the La Porte Cemeteries and Research pages were combined. All three of these areas are on one search engine, one that has been graciously expanded to handle the 735+ pages, by the hosting agent for the search engine. It is a step that will allow researchers much more expedient replies to the already numerous requests and inquiries from all over the country.
Among all the new things that have been added are additional biographies to the ever growing information. These will be tagged with a “new” sign beside them so viewers do not have to resort to sorting through biographies they might have previously read. Also, as an extra side note, a new section called “They Went That Away” has been added. This section allows researchers to input or volunteer information for requesters who may not realize their ancestors may have moved away during some point or another. One final new section that we think will be fun is called, “This, That and The Other” allows researchers to submit things that just might not seem to fit in anywhere else on the sight, but they think it would be great to share.
The idea of the GenWeb is twofold. One is to help researchers locate long lost ancestors and the other is to create an interest in our county. As we have experienced, the interest in genealogy for La Porte County by people all over the country has not slowed, but increased with every biography, obituary and detail that is submitted. We hope to continually work alongside researchers and promote all of the professional and volunteer genealogists who have and will continue to perform an excellent job in assisting families locate their past.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 13, 2006 Annual Cemetery Tour – 6:00 p.m. Carmel Cemetery, 50 South Between 700 West and Forrester Road, New Durham Township. Hosted by Bruce Johnson. Tour followed by social time and refreshments. Bring your own brown bag lunch. Beverages and Dessert will be provided by Carmel Cemetery Association. Please notify Pat Harris at pagharris@sbcglobal.net by June 8 if you plan to attend.
11 July 2006 Membership Meeting – Social Time 7:00 p.m., meeting at 7:15 p.m., Program: “Signers of the Declaration of Independence - Charles Carroll, Abraham Clark, and Francis Lewis”, presented by Gloria Arndt, Patricia Harris and Dorothy Palmer.
(Calendar of Events Cont’d Next Page)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
8 Aug. 2006 Membership Meeting – Social Time 7:00 p.m., meeting at 7:15 p.m., Program: “Railroads of Northern La Porte County” - A photo video presentation and commentary presented by Michael Fleming. Mike is well-known for his Pictures of the Past of La Porte County.
12 Sept. 2006 Membership Meeting – Social Time 7:00 p.m., meeting at 7:15 p.m., Program: Back by popular request ... Wilhelm "Bill" Kisselbach will present a program on “German Research Sources and Origins and Locations of German Family Names”.
10 Oct. 2006 Membership Meeting – Social Time 7:00 p.m., meeting at 7:15 p.m., Program: “History of Julia Work Orphanages”, presented by Donna Nelson.
14 Nov. 2006 Membership Meeting – Social Time 7:00 p.m., meeting at 7:15 p.m., Program: “Civil War Military” - honoring veterans of the Civil War.
12 Dec. 2006 Annual Society Christmas Dinner and Awarding of First Family Certificates.
6:00 p.m. Certificates will be awarded for those who have proved their qualifications for First Family, Pioneer, Settlers or Civil War Ancestor categories. Watch future newsletters or website for further details.
[end of June 2006 newsletter]
[there is no digitized version of the September 2006 newsletter at this time]
[December 2006 newsletter begins]
NEWSLETTER
December 2006
Volume XXIII, No. 4
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Happy Christmas (GB), Joyeux Noel (FR), Frohliche Weihnachten (GER), Boze Narodzenie (POL), Buon Natale (ITALY), Nodlig Mhaith Chugnat (IRE) and Merry Christmas to all of you. These are greetings that many of your ancestors would have spoken in days gone by. Many of the various traditions that are part of our Christmas celebrations have their origins in our ethnic backgrounds and were brought to America by our ancestors. Many of the carols we sing have their origins as early as the 1700’s & 1800’s in England, France and, of course, Silent Night in Austria. The first Christmas card was sent in England in 1846; Germany gave us our Christmas tree; the Irish lit the candle in the window to light the way for the Christ Child; and the French had the early crèches or nativity scenes. The holidays is also a time for indulging on goodies like mince meat pie and plum pudding from England; pfefferneuse and gingerbread cookies from Germany; piernik (honey cake) and poppy seed rolls from Poland; Bannock cakes of oatmeal from Scotland; and, of course, fruit cakes of various origins. The Polish have the multi-course wigilia (Christmas Eve) supper where they share the oplatek wafer asking God’s blessings on all who share.
Gift giving has been done for centuries, but in many cases it was on Dec. 6, the feast of St. Nicholas and these customs also came with our ancestors. In the U.S. since 1863 Santa Claus has been synonymous, but the Dutch called him Sinterklaas; English – Father Christmas; French – Pere Noel; Germans Christkindl; and Ukranians – Father Frost. It is my wish that your special Christmas gift this year will be the answer to your long sought after genealogical question. Also, that you include one or more of your ethnic traditions in this year’s celebration, thereby keeping your heritage alive for generations to come.
Looking forward to seeing you at our meetings in the coming year. Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Patricia Gruse Harris
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour replaces the June meeting.
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Patricia Harris pagharris@sbcglobal.net
Vice-President Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Secretary Dorothy Palmer djpalmer611@comcast.net
Treasurer Alan Zeller ahzeller@csinet.net
Genealogist-Historian Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
MEMBERSHIP DUES
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Dues paid before November of the current year are credited to that year. Dues paid after 01 November are credited to the following year. The fiscal year is 01 January through 31 December each year. Membership entitles members to newsletters and other entitlements stipulated in the Constitution and By-laws. Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code.
TIME TO RENEW MEMBERSHIPS
As part of an effort to update our files, the Membership Committee is asking that the renewal form included with this newsletter be completed and submitted with 2007 Membership Dues. Thank You!
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
MEMBERSHIP Donna Nelson donnamnelson@comcast.net PROGRAM Unfilled pagharris@sbcglobal.net
EDITOR Donna Nelson donnamnelson@comcast.net PUBLICITY DorothyStephenson dorothys@csinet.net
STANDING COMMITTEE
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Fern Eddy Schultz, netster@csinet.net Gloria Arndt, prairiefarm@csinet.net
Dottisue Gansemer, Dottisue22@aol.com
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor.
Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the NEWSLETTER. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the NEWSLETTER (i.e., February, May, August and November).
Editor’s Note: A great number of items are being submitted by members. If you’ve sent an article but it has yet to appear please know that the submissions are much appreciated and will be used as space permits. Keep ‘em coming!! Thanks to all.
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War--1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting.
From La Porte Argus Bulletin,
August 14, 1903
“The Opportunity of a Life Time
For Any La Porte County Woman Who Wants a Man”.
"I know exactly what kind of a woman I want for a wife and I can't be imposed on by any gold brick scheme. I'm too old to be in a hurry, but I'm getting anxious to settle down and have it over with. I'll give a bunch of money and half a beef to the man who finds me what I want."
Thus spoke Daniel OVERMYER, an elderly and well to do farmer who lives down on the line between Fulton and Pulaski counties and who has been advertising for a wife. He means business and has had responses to his ads from many states and from many candidates, but is still a single man. He owns 200 acres of good land, well improved, and considerable stock and grain and is out of debt, his standing is good among his neighbors and there is nothing queer about him except "a little inoffensive eccentricity.” Seen at his farm home he spoke freely of his matrimonial hopes and described the woman he is seeking.
“She must be young enough to cackle and too old to lay,” he said, “and she mustn’t be afraid to work nor too tired to spruce up a bit and go to a picnic with me once in a while. I like them Sunday excursions, too, and I don’t want to drag no dead woman around with me. She must have good sense and suit my eye for looks.”
Overmyer is a good looking fellow of about 50, dresses neatly, has a pleasant home and raises fine stock. He declares that he is sound in wind and limb and can do stunts in farm work with the best man in the county. He has 11 heirs and will divide his property and give his accepted wife her share in "cold coin" at the wedding.
"I am a good provider," he continued, "and will contract to kill three young beeves and five hogs on the place every year. If any lady wants to look me over for a week I will meet her at the train and send her back with all expenses paid if she is not satisfied.”
QUERIES are published at no charge. Each must be legibly written or typed and should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
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Seeking information for Stephen Noland and Silas Noland who were sons of James & Barbara (Saunders) Noland. Stephen is listed on the 1840 LaPorte Co. Census. He died Dec. 1844 in LaPorte Co. Silas came to LaPorte Co. with his mother, Barbara after 1840 from Estill Co., KY and he died in LaPorte Co. in 1845. I have not been able to locate these graves or any other verification of them being in LaPorte Co. Any and all information about Stephen and Silas will be appreciated. Teri Richard 131 S. Taylor St., South Bend, IN 46601 richardteri@hotmail.com
Seeking information on William and Catherine GILLEN living in Noble in 1860 census. Came from Pennsylvania to Indiana, then to Illinois. He died in 1870. Sandra Peterson, 1310 Palmers Grove Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (9l9) 644-6370; safarisandy@earthlink.net
December Dinner Meeting and Presentation of Residency Certificates – 12 December, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults. Potluck; reservations required by December 1st. Members are asked to bring a covered dish (casserole, dessert, etc.), and own table service. The Society will furnish meat and beverage. Recipients of Residency Certificates will be guests of the Society. There will be a $5.00 per person donation for attendees other than members and certificate recipients. Please include with reservation request.
Tidbits from 1880:
Following are the marriage licenses issued by Clerk SPAETH during October, 1880:
Charles C. RUGGLES to Hattie T. FORD; John H. MONNO to Alice BAKER; Frederick WESTPHAL to Anna HOLSTEIN; John M. REED to Elizabeth KOONTZ; Edward M. SHARP to Ida Bell CRANE; Joll F. STRONG to Lena WITTS; George W. LOOMIS to Victoria G. WRIGHT; James D. WHITTAKER to Ella WILKINSON; Frederick PARKER to Katie LYNCH; Milen E. LEORY to Caroline J. OTT; Champ CARSON to Rose SANDEY; Edward PEAK to Katie KENNEDY; Charles UNRUH to Fannie ROGERS; Jacob G. SHUMM to Amalia K. BACKHAUS; Amos THOMPSON to Jennie GREGORY; Simean HARNESS to Carrie WILFONG; Thomas FRAME to Florence HAVERSTOCK; Herman MEYER to Emma SSHILKE; Cyrus B. MERRIAM to Miriam E. BRYANT; Menick F. WILSON to Ellen A. WILSON; August W. BATCHER to Bertha GERDIS; Joseph ZEIDLER to Josephine PLUCINSKA; Joseph KAMINSKI to Antonia DOMBRAWIAK; William M. REGLEIN to Emma A. SNYDER; George YOUNG to Emma WARWICK; George E. OLINGER to Emma T. BLESGAN; David POLACK to Mary MIER; Rudolph F. SIMON to Louise SCHUTTLER; Milliard DEAN to Minnie MILLER; Frank D. CASE to Tid BALLISTER; Elmer G. BUNNELL to Ettie LINE. Michigan City Dispatch, 11 November 1880, Contributed by Gloria Arndt
VETERAN’S CORNER
Widows’ Pensions: The pensions paid to the widow of a soldier or sailor of the United States is not dependent upon the amount of pension paid to such soldier or sailor. Widows of enlisted men who died of wounds or disease due to war service are pensioned at the rate of $12 a month and $2 additional per month for each child. Widows of officers receive pensions according to the rank of the officer. If a soldier or sailor did not die of disease due to the service, his widow can only draw $8 a month, under the act of June 27, 1890. This rating is not affected by the rank held by the soldier. Source: La Porte Daily Herald, April 27, 1893
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DID YOU KNOW? In November of 1855 there were the following hotels in Michigan City…
The American House (located near the Michigan Southern Railroad)
Hopper House (within 5 rods of the Michigan Central Railroad)
Jewell House (erected the past season and furnished with entire new furniture)
Farmers’ Hotel (corner of Pine and Market sts. – Board $1.00 per day)
Source: Michigan City Enterprise, Wednesday 28 November 1855, Contributed by Gloria Arndt
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Finding “Genealogy Gems” in Minnesota with a La Porte Connection
By Pamela Kotval
You never know where you will find “genealogy gems”. Some time ago, Cheryl, a second-cousin-once-removed and a partner in researching our mutual Warner family roots, learned that one of her first cousins had “inherited” a box of old WARNER family pictures and things that nobody else wanted. I encouraged Cheryl to call the cousin and ask if we could come for a visit and “help” them discover what was in the box. So one Saturday, Cheryl and I and three other family members made a 2-1/2 hour drive south of Minneapolis to Blue Earth, Minnesota. Amidst the many old pictures in the box were two real genealogy gems!
The first was the small, leather-bound journal of our mutual great-grand-uncle James Harvey Warner (or “Harve” as he was called by family and friends) that he kept during his service in the Civil War. On 31 October 1861, as a single man at the age of 19, Harve enlisted as a Private in Company D, 48th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, enlisting at La Porte, Indiana, to serve three years. He made an almost-daily journal entry of his marches, battles, and hardships. Many days were spent scavenging for food. During one 5-day period, he and his comrades slept in the rain without tents or cover. He served only until 19 September 1862, when he was seriously injured at the battle of Iuka, Mississippi. When he was finally transported to a field hospital, he noted that he was laid on a blanket on the floor and was given only a biscuit (“and a small one it was”) and a cup of water to eat. His journal is in surprisingly good condition after 140 years, and we are planning to digitize and transcribe the pages for history and posterity.
The second gem was a letter dated 20 June 1864 that Harve’s younger brother and his father wrote to him from the family farm-home in Galena Township, La Porte County. Harve’s father was Cheryl’s and my second-great-grandfather, James. W. Warner. The letter was accompanied by a note that was hand-written by one of Harve’s nieces that said, “This letter was started to Uncle James Harvey Warner who was up here keeping batch on the N 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of Section 33, by one of the 3 older boys left at home in Indiana. It was finished by Grandpa James W. Warner.” (“Up here” meant Blue Earth, MN, and “keeping batch” meant he was living as a bachelor.) Before I share the contents of the letter, I need to share a little about the Warner family roots in La Porte County.
On 15 May 1838, James W. Warner purchased Lot 13 (40 acres) of Section 16 in Galena Township (S1/2 of SE1/2, and SE1/4 of SW1/4). On the same date, James’ older brother, David, purchased the adjoining 40 acres of Lot 12. James and David Warner came to the La Porte area with their seven younger brothers and sisters and their parents, Aaron and Harriet (Gridley) Warner. They came from Onondaga County, New York, by way of Ohio. On 20 September 1839, James married Miss Cordelia Shedd of near Three Oaks, Berrien County, Michigan. James and Cordelia had nine children born to them between 1842 and 1863. In April 1863, James W. Warner bought 160 acres of Minnesota farmland south of Blue Earth city, MN, for $600. And that was where Harve was “batching” when the letter was written. James and Harve had come to the Minnesota farm in the early spring of 1864, and Harve stayed behind when James returned to Indiana. Be forewarned that the spelling in the letter is bad and there is no punctuation! But it does give you a verbal snapshot of June, 1864, in Galena Township.
One of Harve’s brothers wrote the first part of the letter: “harve We are all well and ihop you are the same ihave not wrote as often as you wanted me to Wish we was up home for idont think thare will be much corn or enny thing Its on account of the dry weather Well harve pap has not sold out yet but thare is two or three men that wants to buy aplace iguess he will sell We got about [45? 95?] pounds of
wool mother asked john if he wasnot sorry that pap come off and left you john said no for you could have all the dinner to eat iam going to plow corn to day Asher runed out to the current buses and picks currents our corn looks as well as any ones”
Genealogy Gems in Minnesota (Cont’d)
The remainder of the letter was written by James W. Warner: “Harvey I hant been well since I got back there has not been any rain since last spring hardly every thing is dried up oats tring to head out about six inches high everry thing looks hard I want yo to tell me how the wether has ben there sense I left and how the crops look we had 3 or four hard frosts a bout the 10 of this month I have got a number of men on track of the place I think some of them will take it soon it is awful hot and dry the wind has ben in the north a great share of the time since I am holme I am going to Laporte this I hant time to write much J. W. Warner”
About a year later in 1864, James W. Warner and his three older sons joined Harve on the Minnesota farm. Cordelia Warner was ill with erysipelas and the remaining family waited about 6 weeks for her to get well enough to travel. However, her recovery apparently was slow, and the oldest daughter and four younger siblings journeyed to Minnesota alone. The youngest child was my 15-month-old great-grandfather, Asher Warner. The Indiana travelers arrived at their Minnesota log cabin home on 8 August 1864. Cordelia came at some later time. James and Cordelia completed their family in Minnesota with one additional son being born in 1866.
In my quest to research and document my family histories, I follow the approach of “shameless asking” people to share their memories, pictures, and dusty boxes of “stuff” because you never know where you will find the next genealogy gem!
GLIMPSES of the PAST
Tracy – Joseph McMAHAN has sold his farm to Mr. A. ROSENTRADER, of Stillwell Junction. Miss Anna MOYER has been spending a week with her grandma at Walkerton.
Morgan – Reverend CROSS, of Valparaiso, is holding a series of meetings at the Morgan school house, and has had three additions already by baptism. Let the good work go on. Miss Mary SULLIVAN will return from her visit to the East soon. Mr. John SNYDER has moved to his new home in southern Nebraska. Val STEVENS and family will go within a week to Nebraska also. Oscar GILLHAM has made the purchase of a new buggy. Miss Lora LEMING, of Wanatah, is teaching the Morgan school. Mrs. Walter TILDEN is recovering from a recent illness. Mr. Jerry WILSON is suffering from an attack of dropsy, and it is feared will not recover. Mr. Lon McKELLIP and family and Mrs. BELMORE and family have moved to Western Kansas. The Herald Chronicle, 24 March, 1887
Wanatah – Mrs. S. J. HOLDERMAN is visiting her parents at Bremen this week. Mr. and Mrs. J. P. LESER and Mrs. S. D. BAILEY went on the excursion to Niagara Falls Sunday evening. They will be gone about a week. Mr. and Mrs. PETERS and Herman FISHER and Miss Lulu BRIMMER, of Valparaiso, were in town Sunday. Mrs. G. DOYLE spent Tuesday in Chicago. Otto GROTH, who is attending school at Valpo, spent Sunday with his mother. The republicans held their township convention Monday evening. They nominated Clark BUNNELL for justice and E. J. HENNING for constable. Will SULLIVAN went to Fort Wayne Tuesday morning to attend the fair. Julius ABRAHAM, of Valpo, visited here over Sunday. Vallie TASHER, of South Chicago is visiting his sister, Mrs. Wm. KUSS. Mrs. D. C. FARRINGTON returned to her home in Valparaiso last Thursday after visiting her daughter, Mrs. J. N. McCURDY, for several weeks. Judge TUTHILL of Michigan City, was in town Monday. Michigan City Dispatch, 6 October 1898 – Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Galena - Miss Bess SMITH was home over Sunday. James A. BIRCHIM was in this neighborhood Monday. Thon THEIRECKE is in Valparaiso visiting relatives. Charlie MEYERS has discontinued working for B. F. SMITH. A great many people are on the sick list. A number of them have the grip. Michigan City News, 25 January 1905. Contributed by Gloria Arndt
More Glimpses of the Past:
Michigan City - Mrs. Alfred KEMPER will entertain the Ladies of the Larkin Club at her home on Thursday afternoon. Joyce EDDY is very ill with the mumps, at the home of her aunt, Mrs. FLEMING, in Michigan City. Miss Mayme FARBER of Michigan City, visited with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John KIEFFER, Sunday. Everett CARVER has returned to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he will resume his studies for the summer. Mrs. John ROSSIA, of Michigan City, visited with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John NOWATZKE, last week. William IRK of Chicago, accompanied by his two children, spent Sunday with his brother, Charles IRK. Mrs. George BLESSING was a guest at the home of her sister, Mrs. William TERWILLIGER over Sunday and Monday in Michigan City. John GLEASON of Michigan City, James MITCHELL and little daughter, Bonnie Jean of Chicago, spent Monday with the former’s mother, Mrs. Mary GLEASON. Mr. and Mrs. Frank TIMM and children of Michigan City spent Sunday with Mrs. TIMM’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph MILZARECK. Mrs. Frank LUCHTMANN and little son, John, of Michigan City, spent last Wednesday with Mr. and Mrs. John H. LUCHTMANN. Michigan City News, 14 July 1909 Contributed by Pat Harris
New Durham - Dan Hibbard is improving. Mr. and Mrs. Van Wilkinson spent Sunday in Walkerton.
P. Baird’s family entertained F. P. Cole of Westville Sunday. Mrs. Orpha Angling of Leesburg and daughter visited relatives last week. Mrs. Ezra Geist returned Monday from a visit in Chicago with her son, Ross Beach. Benjamin Way and wife of Laporte spent Sunday with relatives in this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. S. Wilson of Valparaiso visited recently with relatives in this vicinity. Mrs. Cummings has a very sick child who is not expected to live. The child has pneumonia. Mrs. Ella Flood was suddenly called to the bedside of her daughter, Helen last week who is attending Valparaiso normal school. Bur Noakers team ran away Sunday near Holmesville. Noakers found pieces of harness along the road. The team was found in Paul Reed’s corn field. Mrs. Ezra Geist and family attended a reunion of Mrs. Geist’s children at the home of her son, Frank Beach, in Porter county recently. Her sons, Verna of Valparaiso and Harry of Elkhart, with their families were present. Tuesday was an ideal day. For many days previous a fierce wind prevailed with thunder storms, hail and snow and Saturday was a very disagreeable day. Farmers are hustling to get their corn in, thinking we have had all the storms in store for us for the present and that spring has come. Mr. Bohart’s house was struck by lightning last Wednesday night and things were torn up generally in that portion of the house, but the house did not catch afire. The hired man was sleeping between two feather beds in the corner where the house was struck, but was not affected. Michigan City News, 5 May 1909. Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Sketches of the Otis and Wanatah schools, as given in the World’s Fair memorial issued by the Fort Wayne diocese, in memory of Bishop Dwenger. (Contributed by Pat Harris)
Sacred Heart of Jesus – The Catholic school of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Otis, Laporte county, was erected in 1877, by Rev. Father MACHDZICKI, at a cost of $2,500. It is a two-story frame structure, 40x40 feet. It contains two large, well ventilated classrooms, with a seating capacity for 100 children. It is in charge of the Sisters of St. Francis. The average outlay of the school, including salary for teachers, is about $900, which sum is made up of tuition fees at 60 cents a month, and funds taken from the church treasury. The average expense per pupil is $11.84 a year. The present value of the school property is $1,500. Rev. Father RASKIEVIEZ is the present reverend director of the school.
Holy Guardian Angel – The school of the Holy Guardian Angel at Wanatah, Laporte county, was erected in 1890, by Rev. Father Dominic SHUNK, C.P.P.S., at a cost of $1,000. It is a two-story frame building, 20x24 feet, and contains two rooms, with a seating capacity for 60 children. The average annual outlay for this school is $500, which amount is taken from the funds of the church, the school being free to the children of pew holders; non-pew holders are charge 50 cents per month. The average expense per pupil is $12.50 a year. It is in charge of a sister of the Most Precious Blood. The value of the school property is $5,000. Rev. Father Dominic Shunk, C.P.P.S., is the present reverend director of the school.
Similar Names, Conflicting Dates and Misreported Deaths
Is it any wonder we become confused? The 1880 Federal Census recorded eighteen (18) individuals with the name Alonzo Merrill, or a very close spelling thereof. Even with that knowledge, one might think that the name wouldn’t be terribly common in La Porte County. Consider that you’re looking for your Uncle Alonzo Merrill. You know that he was in La Porte County but you just can’t pin down the date of his death. Why? you wonder, do other Merrill family researchers show conflicting dates?
Daily Herald, October 17, 1892 – The friends and acquaintances of Alonzo Merrill will probably be surprised to hear of his death, which took place yesterday afternoon, at Walogo, Ill. Mr. Merrill had been a resident of this city for a good many years, being at one time in partnership with B.F. Crane. He had not been in good health for several years, consequently he spent several winters in Florida. He had been in Illinois for the past six weeks, visiting relatives, and while there was stricken with paralysis, from the effects of which he died. His remains arrived here at 5 p.m. The funeral will probably take place tomorrow at the Baptist church.
Daily Herald, July 15, 1893 – “The Dead Alive”– Alonzo Merrill, supposed to have died ten years ago, is in the city. The Merrill family of this city have for the past years mourned a relative, Alonzo Merrill, as dead. He was formerly a resident of this city, but ten years ago he boarded a train going up into Michigan. This train was wrecked and many persons were killed, among whom was supposed to have been Mr. Merrill. No word had been heard from him until this morning, when he suddenly dropped down, as if from the clouds, among his old friends and relatives, shocking but filling them with joy at the seeming return from death. Mr. Merrill tells his story (in part) as follows: “The train which was wrecked was the one following that on which I was aboard. After going up into Michigan I drifted into Canada and have since been drifting through the New England states, making a good living, and as I was never any hand at writing, the old home folks were completely ignored.” Mr. Merrill is 62 years old.
The Acorn, Three Oaks, Michigan, January 22, 1904 - Alonzo Merrill, for many years a well known resident of LaPorte, died last Wednesday morning at the National Soldiers' home at Marion, Ind., where he had lived for the past seven years. For a number of years Mr. Merrill was a blacksmith at Hatches Mills. He served in Co. D, 48th Indiana infantry, being transferred in November, 1863, to the Veteran Reserve corps. The deceased was an uncle of Mr. Clark Merrill of this village.
The Importance of Proof of Citizenry, Even in 1917
Daily Herald, November 19, 1917 – “How important it is sometimes that a person have a proper record of his birth is illustrated in the case of Mrs. Henry Spitzer, formerly of La Porte county, now in Canada and trying to get back to the United States. The Monthly Health Bulletin, issued by the Indiana State Board of Health, contains the following: Mrs. Henry V. Spitzer lives in Saskatoon, Canada. Her maiden name was Zella Vesta Dolman and she was born in Westville, LaPorte county, Indiana, in July, 1890. Mrs. Spitzer now wants to go back to the United States, but cannot get a passport until she can establish her nationality and furnish a birth record. Application has been made to the State Board of Health for transcript of said record and now comes the State Board of Health and tells Mrs. Spitzer that the registration law did not go into effect until 1907 and, therefore, no transcript of birth record can be given. Here is illustrated for the thousandth time one of the reasons for accurate registration.”
Books & Other Resources
New Publication from La Porte County Genealogical Society – La Porte County Circuit Court Cases – State of Indiana vs. (Defendants) 1837-1850. Price: $10.00. In coming months, watch for more new publications including; a second volume of circuit court cases, a new volume of early naturalizations and early La Porte County divorces. A full list of the Society’s publications can be found on the website: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/booksales.htm or by contacting President Pat Harris: pagharris@sbcglobal.net or Editor: donnamnelson@comcast.net
New at the Michigan City Public Library – Sanborn’s Insurance Maps of Michigan City, IN on microfilm. All of the known dates for the maps are included: Jan. 1884, Sept. 1889, July 1899, Dec. 1905, May 1912, Nov. 1933, Apr. 1929, May 1936 and Aug. 1948 revised from 1936. These are excellent resources for locating buildings, the type of structure, businesses and approximate date of construction. Also, included on this film are other Indiana cities Markle to Milford, that have insurance maps.
Court House Records Now Available on Microfilm at La Porte County Library - In 1990, the State of Indiana entered into an agreement with The Genealogical Society of Utah for the purpose of microfilming court house records in the state. This project was known as CRIMP (County Records of Indiana Microfilming Project) and many important records to the researcher were microfilmed in the La Porte County court houses. Efforts have been made continually over the years to acquire copies of these films and make them available to La Porte County researchers. However, until now, money has not been available to make the purchase. The La Porte County Library has now purchased copies of all these records and they are available for researching in the Indiana Room at the library. These include many records from the La Porte County Clerk and Recorder's Offices. Some (but not all) are: Civil Order Books; Complete Records including Michigan City; Marriage Records and Applications including Michigan City; Will Records including Michigan City; Deed Books; Soldier's Discharge Records; Indices to Guardianships, Estates, Delayed births; Grantee and Grantor Indices to Deed Books; and more. For a complete list including dates covered, send your request with a SASE to Fern Eddy Schultz, La Porte County (IN) Historian, 5817 West Johnson Road, La Porte, IN 46350 or by e-mail at netster@csinet.net.
Indiana University – La Porte County Students 1897/1898
“We are in receipt of the catalogue of Indiana University for 1897, ’98. It contains 146 pages and is replete with information concerning the head of Indiana’s great common school system. The growth of the university during recent years has been rapid and for the first time in its history the attendance exceeds 1,000. During the calendar years of 1897 and 1898 every county in Indiana had students in attendance. Following are the names and addresses of the students from this county who were in attendance at the university during last year: John Anderson Wood, La Porte; William Gooden and John Barlow Lloyd, Union Mills; William Henry Hillman, Stillwell; Carl Emil Johnson, Westville; George Washington Kimball, Door Village; Alfred Day McGregor, Wellsboro; Archie Burt Miner, Waterford; John McIntyre Osburn and Jonathan Walter Osburn, Wanatah; Frank Shellenberger, Rolling Prairie. (Source: Daily Herald, July 12, 1898)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
12 Dec. 2006 Annual Society Christmas Dinner and Awarding of First Family Certificates.
Special Time Certificates will be awarded for those who have proven their qualifications for
6:00 P.M. First Family, Pioneer, Settlers or Civil War Ancestor categories.
9 January 2007 Carlisle Funeral Home and its Predecessors and Funeral Customs of the Past, presented by Dennis Durnell, a funeral director at Carlisle Funeral Home, Michigan City, IN
13 February 2007 The Internet - Creating Genealogical Curiosity, presented by Deanna West, webmaster of La Porte Co., IN and Cass Co., MI Gen Web sites and La Porte County, IN Cemeteries & Research web site.
13 March 2007 How Can I Find My Female Ancestor's Maiden Name?, presented by Patricia Gruse Harris
10 April 2007 Photographers of La Porte Co. presented by Fern Eddy Schultz
[end of December 2006 newsletter]
[March 2007 newsletter begins]
NEWSLETTER
March 2007
Volume XXIV, No. 1
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
March has been designated Women's History Month. I would like to suggest that you make some special time this month to find out more about the women in your family tree. Go through those boxes of photos, cards, newspaper clippings and other memorabilia that your mother and/or your grandmother saved. Maybe you will find out more about her and other members of your family. I think most of us can thank the women in our families, be they mother, grandmother, sister or aunt for many of the genealogical gems we have found. They tend to be the ones, more than the men, who save those little items that are so important in piecing our family history together. And since this is Women's History Month, our program this month is entitled How Can I Find My Female Ancestor's Name? Plan to attend.
Hopefully you will find out something about the women in your family tree this month that will make you want to learn more than you found in the family archives. Perfect time for you to plan to join our society on our annual bus trip to the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne on April 11th.
Remember your officers are here for you and we welcome your suggestions for programs and speakers. We also invite you to present a program of your choice in the future. Many of our members have and we really like to hear what our members can tell us. Over the years we have all individually gained expertise in specific areas of our research and can learn from each other. Who knows what you may find this month in one of those boxes I mentioned above that would make a great program! We have openings for July, August and September. We also have some good programs scheduled in the next few months. Come join us.
Patricia Gruse Harris
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Veronica Gutierrez, Eleanor Knight, Sherry & Stuart Irvin Family, Joyce & Peter Pairitz Family, Katharine Ryan, Joan Santos, Margaretta Schuelke, Eugene & Carol Tylisz Family and Vicki Wulf.
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
MEMBERSHIP DUES
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Dues paid before November of the current year are credited to that year. Dues paid after 01 November are credited to the following year. The fiscal year is 01 January through 31 December each year. Membership entitles members to newsletters and other entitlements stipulated in the Constitution and By-laws. Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code. Visit our website at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
Unclaimed Letters at the Michigan City Post Office - June 30, 1841
Michigan City Gazette, 21 July 1841
(Contributed by Gloria Arndt)
The names are presented as originally printed, but we recognize some alternate spellings for early La Porte Co. settlers. Note some clues available in this list which might help to narrow dates for various vital records, especially for some of our female ancestors. “Miss”, “Mrs.” and “Widow”
| Averill, C. K. or Caleb N | Alvord, Finn C | Allen, Henry S | Barker, John |
| Blair, L | Blanchard, Wm | Black, Miss Julia Ann | Buffrem, B. G. |
| Bosley, R. S. | Bartlet, Calvin | Baldwin, Dr. Simeon C | Bentley, A. H |
| Bussey, Messrs. H. & G. W | Balloc, Hosea or Nehemiah Sheffee | Cordel, Louis | Carter, Hohn |
| Castle, J. S. | Cole, Thomas B | Crane, Rev. Mr | Conklin, Aaron |
| Caldwell, Andrew | Crandall, H. N. | Dye, Roderick R | Dorth, H |
| Dun, Miss Margaret | Delong, Mrs. Susan | Davis, James | Fouts, Daniel |
| Ferris, Joel | Francis, John | Griffin, Patt | Gibson, Wm |
| Gilbert, B. P | Gould, G | Gould, O. | Gourld, Ingraham |
| Gorden, J. G. | Hatch, Daniel | Hitchcock, Miss Cynthia | Hughs, Mrs. Susannah |
| Hamilton, John | Harding, Rev. Mr. | Hopkins. J. V. | Horton Zebina |
| Jewell, H. | Jones, J. H. | Jackson, David | Johnson, Rev. D. V. M. |
| Johnson P. D. | Goodrich, S. L. | Leming, Judah | Linsey, Capt. Wm |
| McCavin, Thomas | Melvill, A. | Mc Dill, Hugh | Meed, Wm |
| Mckinney, L. C. | Munson, John | Morgan, Danforth | Maxwell, Wm |
| Mastin, Stephen D | Nash, Uriah | Osborn, A. L. | Palmer, E. |
| Peters, Mrs. Jane | Parkes, Samuel | Parish, Mrs. Almiry | Palmer, Charles |
| Rowen, David | Rice, Mrs. Jane | Richey, David | Stewart, Robert |
| Stuart, R. | Shedd, Mrs. E. B. | Shedd, Joshua R. | Shedd, J. |
| Shedd, Messrs. & Co. | Sachcoba, Mr | Smith, S. H. | Stevens, Ethan |
| Sherwood, John | Townsend, Rev. E. G. | Thomas, Enos | Tratebas, Edmund |
| Tell, Wm. | Thompson, Miss Jane | Willson, S. C. | Willson, Thomas |
| White, Calvin | Winch, Joseph | Walls, R. B. | Walker, John |
| Wright, H. M. | Wallace, Widow Irena | Youngs, Miss Emily | Youngs, Henry |
| Yates, Chapman | Yates, Steven | Yates, John | |
Signed: W. W. Taylor, P. M.
A cause of death frequently listed for young children in early records is “cholera infantum”. We find the following definition for this condition:
Cholera infantum: A common, noncontagious diarrhea of young children, occurring in summer or autumn. It was common among the poor and in hand-fed babies. Death frequently occurred in three to five days. Synonyms: summer complaint, weaning brash, water gripes, choleric fever of children, cholera morbus.
Morbus – Latin word for disease. In the last century, when applied to a particular disease, morbus was associated with some qualifying adjective or noun, indicating the nature or seat of such disease. Examples: morbus cordis, heart disease; morbus caducus, epilepsy or falling sickness.
La Porte High School Class of 1937
25 Year Reunion
V.F.W. Hall
Saturday, August 18, 1962
Information from Class Reunion Program - Contributed by Sandra Mafera
City and State of residence as of 1962 are provided. If full street address is desired, contact the editor. LP indicates La Porte, IN address.
Maurice Adams – LP; Delwyn Anderson - Richardson, TX; Mary G. Alden Forrest – Lombard, IL; Eleanor Atkinson Lang – LP; Edna Bachman Brown – Wabash, IN; Marion Barden – West Covina, CA; Janet Barber Schoff – LP; Mary Bauch Mc Donald – Rolling Prairie, IN; Robert Beach – LP; Warren Beck – St. Louis, MO; Bette Bettles Schapanski – LP; Victor Bernacchi – LP; Geraldine Blaze Levendoski – LP; Gus Bokland – LP; Bernice Blohm – LP; Marianne Boltz - no address; Donald Bolster – LP; Jeanne Bost – no address; Lloyd Broome – Evansville, IN; John Bullock – San Diego, CA; Dorothea Burden Clendenen – LP; John Chalik – LP: Margaret Campbell Noecker – Orlando, FL; Lorraine Chalman Anundson – Sheffield, PA; Harold Buchner – LP; Robert Childs – Madison, WI; Winifred Childs Emerich – Barrington, IL; Eileen Coplin Mc Nab – Saginaw, MI; Jack Cottrill – no address; Robert Cook – Tulsa, OK; Shirley Cross Zook – LP; Ethel Cuff Koeppen – Valparaiso, IN; Alice Curtis Wright – LP; Virginia Conrad Chalik – LP; Marjory Cutler Harding – LP; (to be continued in future issues)
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QUERIES are published at no charge. Each must be legibly written or typed and should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail
address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
Seeking relatives or researchers of James and Lydia (Witham) Ray. Lived in Westville, La Porte Co. Lydia daughter of Morris & Rebecca (Billings) Witham. Rebecca daughter of Rev. Billings of Porter and Union Counties. Rebecca Ray, daughter of James & Lydia married 8 Nov 1851 in La Porte County. Please contact Mickey Paulk, 12500 John Williams Rd, Moss Point, MS 39562 Phone (228) 475-7021; Email micknredp@yahoo.com
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NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor. Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the Newsletter. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the Newsletter (i.e., February, May, August and November).
Editor’s Note: A great number of items are being submitted by members. If you’ve sent an article but it has yet to appear please know that the submissions are much appreciated and will be used as space permits. Keep ‘em coming!! Thanks to all.
VETERAN’S CORNER
Contributed by Patricia Harris
Michigan Twp., La Porte Co., IN Civil War Draft - The Michigan City Evening Dispatch, Mon. 4 Jan. 1886 carried the following article:
The Dispatch is indebted to Mr. Patrick Burns for a war relic, in the shape of a complete list of the conscripted recruits for the war, from Michigan Township. [undated] In glancing over the list, one is struck by the small number who now reside in the city. The following is the complete list of the unlucky one hundred and four, who were compelled to shoulder a musket or hire a substitute:
| Joseph Munday | Fred Sallow | Leonard Fisher |
| August Gluck, | Fred Schmutzer | John Breener |
| John Hanglin | John Voss | John Kimball |
| Tim McCarty | Henry Opperman | Fred Opperman |
| Wm. Martin | Edward Welke | Chas. Lavenne |
| Horace Leslie | Oscar Reynolds | Sam’l Eddy |
| W. Phelps | Joshua Garwood | Fred Voss |
| Gid Watson | Fred Feelock | Wm. Neat |
| John Weber | Henry Edwards | Edward Vaughn |
| George Fuller | John Stratton | Allen Evans |
| Stephen Bader | S. Davis | Owen Lynch |
| John Kennets | Lowell Thompson | Frank Redseck |
| John Bluett | Fred Redding | David Grant |
| Thomas Corbett | John Earl | Riley Willey |
| Fred Haugh | Albert Flint | George Staeger |
| Jacob Kreidler | W. Perley | C. T. Dibble |
| Addison Phillips | John Pease | J. S. Sammons |
| J. S. Hopper | G. W. Hamilton | Fred Flogle |
| Henry Smith | Adolphus Jossay | Adam Mitzel |
| Phillip Allee | Charles Voigt | Stephen Wilcox |
| Clarence France | Thomas Larkin | C. S. Goodhue |
| Henry Swingendorf | W. G. Hoppelsheimer | Edward Kelley |
| Charles Fritze | John Johnson | John Krueger |
| B. W. Bailey | Fred Ebert | S. Mangold, |
| H. Hubbard | H. H. Roberts | J. D. McKahlin |
| W. B. Losey | Henry Liest | Barney Hipp |
| Charles Haw | Fred Hass | A. Worthlay |
| A. Wooster | J. Chapman | George Niles |
| Gustave Sheels | W. Brinkman | Walter Leeds |
| Wm. Blinks | I. DeGroff | Joseph Weiseman |
| Charles Strade | Bernard Steffle | James Brown |
| M. McCardel | Peter __?__ | Charles Tryon |
| Isaac Riley | Charles Voss | Charles Flint |
| Henry Benham | Charles Hauser | A. H. Wortley |
| B. Sprague | P. Mathias | |
DID YOU KNOW? The Allen Co. Public Library has reopened in its newly remodeled facility.
Janicki, From Poland to Otis
Written by BRUNO JANICKI in 1947. Transcribed by Dorothy Palmer from a handwritten document provided by Kay Chrapkowski, (Mrs. Leonard) Kniola, great granddaughter of the author. Some spelling and punctuation has been corrected, while some is left as originally written.
My father, IGNATIUS JANICKI, was born July 27th, 1839 in Poland, his parents died when he was a small boy, so he was raised by relatives and friends. My mother was born September 18th, 1842, to EVE and ANDREW KACZMAREK, they were still living when Dad and Ma left Poland for the U.S.A.
Mother’s folks lived just across the road, and I remember running over in the morning and I crawled in bed with grandpa. He was a shepherd, and when he died we never heard. I do not remember grandma. Also remember there was a large barrel in the house for water, painted green.
(My parents married) about the year of 1864 or 1865 in Poland, in a small village called ?arzezno, West Prussia, then under the German Government. Before Mother and father were married they both worked for a wealthy landlord, father as a coachman. She was a housemaid for the same landlady, so evidently that’s where the love affair began. When Ma and Pa were married, they went on their own, but Dad still drove the stagecoach. Then the first child was born, a girl, Walerka, she died an infant. Next, I was born; then a boy, Stanislaw, he died an infant; then a girl, Mary. When she was about 4 months old, Dad decided to leave Poland, for the U.S.A. So they sold what household goods they had, and packed up the most necessary belongings, and in March 1873 we boarded a train for Hamburg, then across the ocean, 10 days on a steamer, to a port in New York.
Now sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, all was good and smooth, as Dad never mentioned it anytime about rough sea. He enjoyed the trip very much, and would like to sail some more, but poor mother, God bless her soul, she was dead to the world from the time we got on the ship, until we landed on the soil of the good old U.S.A. With a headache and sea sick, lying on the old bunk with my baby sister, Mary. Not so bad with myself, Dad took me by my hand and we walked the floor, so we went and got some soup made from yellow split peas, and it was good, but mother, I don’t remember her eating anything. Next Dad got some tea, it was so sweet it made a person sick to drink it so he washed dishes in it, such as they were-tin cans. So far so good; now comes the battle or whatever you may call it. After crossing the big pond, our big ship did not, or could not, come to the dock to unload her passengers. So it anchored out at sea, how far I don’t know, anyway there we stood, until a smaller boat or tug came up, then only transfer began. Dad had his hands loaded with luggage, bundles and baggage, and poor mother, half dead, could hardly take care of herself and baby. As this was on the American side, there was a negroe on the small boat helping passengers with their baggage and kids. Now then came my turn; nobody to help me, and I couldn’t help myself, so the negroe came at me and when I saw him, I started to yell, scream and howl, scared to death, but what was a kid against a strong husky man? So he grabbed me and I landed where I belonged, with the folks. O what a relief it was when I got my breath, and never again!
After we were released from the boat, and went through the inspection, we boarded a train for Elmira, N.Y. This was a very nice city, and Dad got a job carrying brick in a hod up a ladder, as there were no elevators. The city was building a state penitentiary. Here was another boy born, Frank, and I started to go to school. I thank God to this day that my good parents, God bless their souls, migrated to the good old U.S.A! Although, on the other hand, the folks were very much discontented in regards to their native mother tongue and unable to speak the English language, no Polish church, only one family, Jastroszewski, and they were looking forward to moving to some Polish community.
Janicki, From Poland to Otis (continued)
Finally Dad got word from some friends from northern part of Indiana, saying that they have a Polish church, and several Polish families. Hearing this put a new spirit in their hearts. So right there and then father and Mother made up their mind to bid Elmira goodbye and journey for the northwest. Yes, again in the name of God, packed up their few belongings, and the 3 kids, boarded a train on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern R.R. now called New York Central R.R.-no Pullman reservation, no steam heat; old coal stove in each end of car; no electricity, kerosene lamps, wooden or cane seats, if you please. Nevertheless, all that comfort, or discomfort, was small matter as we all were riding on contented thoughts. Left the state of N.Y. in Nov 1876 and arrived at this small village of Otis, Indiana, then it was called Salem Crossing.
GLIMPSES of the PAST
Mill Creek, Correspondent Simeon HARNESS - Mrs. Levi Learn has been quite sick but is convalescent. We wish Mr. Amos R. Rodgers success in his new home. Jerry Burrage, of this township, died of consumption last Friday. Wesley Rowell has sold his farm, and goes to Michigan to live. Elder Albertson, of Stark county, is holding a series of meetings here. Shadrach Royston has concluded not to move to Kansas, and has bought a farm on Hickory Flat. The wife of Joseph McCarty died very suddenly of throat disease, at Fish Lake last Sunday night. Mr. Elias Robbins, of Wilksbarre, Pa., has been here and bought a farm for his son. Mrs. James Siddles, was thrown from a buggy while crossing the grade near College Corners, last Wednesday, but luckily was not hurt. Mrs. Susan Reed and Mr. George Gver, of Sauktown, were united in the bonds of matrimony at the bride’s residence last Sunday, by Rev. David Hostetler. The bride was seventy-two years of age and the groom is one year her senior. Long may they live. Miss Lizzie Ramier, of this township, and Mr. Frederick Fritz, of Wills township, were united in the bonds of matrimony last Thursday, at the parsonage of Rev. Neithammer, of La Porte. La Porte Weekly Argus, Thursday, 28 March, 1876. Contributed by Alan Zeller.
Waterford - Nice weather again. Z. W. Palmer and son, Zeb are both very ill. There is a great deal of sickness in this vicinity. A number of houses are for sale and rent around this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. George Goldring have moved to the Mason place. Grandma Shreve, who has been very low with congestion of the lungs and heart trouble, is getting better. Elwood Mason, who died at the county farm last Friday, was brought here Sunday for burial in the Low cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shreve, of Gano, Ill. who were called here by the sudden illness of the former’s grandmother, Mrs. Shreve, have returned home. Michigan City Weekly News, Wed. 11 March 1891 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Gleason Station - Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Sibbrell, were guests Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. George Blessing. Miss Viola Luchtman spent last week with her aunt Mr. L. H. Vosburgh, in Michigan City. Misses Marjorie Witte and Lydia Goltze of the city, visited with the former’s sister, Mrs. George Luchtman last Friday. Mr. and Mrs. Julius Wagoner and children spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Nick Bukowski and with Mrs. Wagoner’s mother, Mrs. Gorski. George Clough attended the stockholders and Portage Home Telephone company’s meeting, which was held at McCool last Saturday. George represented the local stockholders. Mabel, the nine months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pagels died last Friday night of tonsillitis. It was one of the twins. The boy twin is living. The funeral was held Monday at 1 o’clock from the family home. Rev. H. C. Wickemeyer, of St. Paul’s church of Michigan City, conducted the services The little one was buried in Lowe’s cemetery. George Clough, teacher at the Highland School dismissed school Monday afternoon out of respect to the parents of the dead child. Michigan City News, Wednesday 20 January 1909 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
More Glimpses of the Past:
Rolling Prairie - John Bates, of Mishawaka is visiting his sisters, Mrs. Alora Hecker and Mrs. Mary Conant. Dr. J. S. Martin, whose death occurred at the home of his son, Frank Martin, of South Bend, Sunday afternoon, was one of Rolling Prairie’s first settlers, having resided here for 60 years. He leaves, besides the widow and children and grandchildren two sisters, they being Mrs. J. P. Birchim and Mrs. B. A. Brewer, both residing three miles north of this place. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Scott recently of Cheyenne, Wyo., visited a few days last week with the former’s brother, Sherman Scott, en route from Cheyenne to South Bend, where they expect to make their future home. Fred Shultz, of Garret, Ind., spent Friday and Saturday with his father, R. Shultz. Miss Velma Ward has gone to Delaware, O., to attend the normal school. Mr. and Mrs. Homer Decker and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Decker and children were the guests Sunday of Miss Lulu and Josephine Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clayton spent Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. Birchim. Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Adams spent one day last week with South Bend friends. The Harman children are still out of school with the mumps. Leo Witner, of the I. & M. Electric Co., South Bend, spent Friday here on business. H. W. Worden, of La Porte, spent Sunday with his parents at this place. La Porte Daily Argus, Saturday 5 February 1916 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Galena – Richard Conant’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Smith, is very low, with no hopes of recovery. Harvey Bishop is home from Purdue to spend vacation and eat turkey with his parents and to visit among his old friends. Mrs. Barmore, of Rolling Prairie, formerly a resident of this place, died and was laid away in her last resting place in the Foster cemetery, Sunday afternoon, Dec. 24, 1893. La Porte Herald, December 28, 1893
New Durham - Dan Hibbard is improving. Mr. and Mrs. Van Wilkinson spent Sunday in Walkerton. P. Baird’s family entertained F. P. Cole of Westville Sunday. Mrs. Orpha Angling of Leesburg and daughter visited relatives last week. Mrs. Ezra Geist returned Monday from a visit in Chicago with her son, Ross Beach. Benjamin Way and wife of Laporte spent Sunday with relatives in this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. S. Wilson of Valparaiso visited recently with relatives in this vicinity. Mrs. Cummings has a very sick child who is not expected to live. The child has pneumonia. Mrs. Ella Flood was suddenly called to the bedside of her daughter, Helen last week who is attending Valparaiso normal school. Bur Noakers team ran away Sunday near Holmesville. Noakers found pieces of harness along the road. The team was found in Paul Reed’s corn field. Mrs. Ezra Geist and family attended a reunion of Mrs. Geist’s children at the home of her son, Frank Beach, in Porter county recently. Her sons, Verna of Valparaiso and Harry of Elkhart, with their families were present. Tuesday was an ideal day. Mr. Bohart’s house was struck by lightning last Wednesday night and things were torn up generally in that portion of the house, but the house did not catch afire. The hired man was sleeping between two feather beds in the corner where the house was struck, but was not affected. Michigan City News, 5 May 1909 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Door Village - M. L. BRINK spent Sunday in Chicago. Andrew McCELLAN sold a herd of sheep last week. Miss Grace CRANE spent Tuesday with Mrs. Margaret SHARP at Wall. Miss Adale DAILY of Laporte is visiting her mother this week near Wall. Bertie HANSON is suffering with a relapse and his condition is now critical. Mrs. Adam SOLIDAY gave a dinner for the Ladies’ Aid society last Wednesday. Miss Myrtle and Jelphia TAYLOR of Laporte spent Sunday with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson TAYLOR. Arthur WISE returned Sunday from Laporte where he had been spending a few days with relatives. Mrs. Levi LaGESS and son, Ray of Michigan City were guests Sunday of the former’s sister, Mrs. John BRINK. Miss Grace PAYNE who is attending school in South Bend spent Sunday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles PAYNE. The Ladies’s Aid society gave a ten-cent social Thursday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arba KIMBALL. Stephan SATJISJU of South Chicago visited with his parents for a few days last week, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew SATKOSKI. A series of meetings is being held this week at the Methodist Episcopal church, conducted by Rev. David HANDLEY. Mrs. Earl BROWN returned to her home in Lake Station after spending two weeks with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex BUCHANAN. Michigan City News, 29 January 1908 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Books & Other Resources
At the Michigan City Public Library.
The Sacramental Records of the Roman Catholic Parishes in the Diocese of Gary, IN. These records were microfilmed in May 1993 by the Utah Genealogical Society for the Family History Library and the Michigan City Public Library has now acquired the 52 rolls of microfilm. The films are the records of Baptisms, Marriages, First Communions, Confirmation and in some cases deaths from the beginning of each individual parish until May 1993. The diocese includes the counties of La Porte, Porter, Lake and Starke Counties. Of particular interest to us are the records of La Porte Co. parishes as baptismal records, which include birth dates, begin some 30 to 40 years earlier than civil records.
St. Ambrose, an early parish of Michigan City, founded in 1849 and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, founded in 1859, combined in 1867. However, they were served earlier by missionaries from Notre Dame so marriage records begin in 1845 and baptismal records in 1849. As the earliest parishes in the counties of La Porte, Porter and Starke, they are a very important resource because Catholics travelled here to receive the sacraments, some as far away as Chicago, Valparaiso, Lafayette and New Buffalo. Other films cover the parishes of Queen of All Saints, Sacred Heart, Notre Dame and St. Mary's Chapel at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. In La Porte, the parishes of St. Peter's, St. Joseph's, Sacred Heart, Holy Family Hospital. In the county St. Mary's Otis; St. Anthony Padua, Fish Lake; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Kingsford Heights; St. Martin of Tours, LaCrosse; St. John Kanty, Rolling Prairie; Sacred Heart, Wanatah. These records can be found in films #36 - #43. Other parishes in surrounding counties that may be of importance as our ancestors crossed the county lines are: St. Ann of the Dunes, Beverly Shores; St. Patrick's and St. Paul's in Valparaiso; St. Mary's, Kouts; Holy Cross/Mission St. Dominic, Hamlet/Koontz Lake; St. Thomas Aquinas, Knox; St. Cyril & Methodius, North Judson and All Saints, San Pierre. Then, of course, included are the sacramental records of the numerous Catholic parishes of Lake County, IN.
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La Porte County Panel of Petit Jurors for September Term AD 1850
First Week
Issued June 11, 1850
1) Morgan Vardeman 2) John Parkinson 3) Adam Bowers
4) Benoni Newkirk 5) William G. Van dusen 6) Luther Mann, Jr.
7) Benjamin Clark 8) C. P. Sutermaster 9) Ralph Loomis, Sr.
10) Daniel B. Collins 11 ) James Galbreath 12) James Wickersham
Cases in Court
Items Gathered About the County Clerk’s Office
Daily Herald November 10, 1893
The will of the late Charles Zeese, of Michigan City, was, this morning, admitted to probate. John H. Peters was appointed executor. J. Vene Dorland has been appointed guardian of Sarah Schoff. Charles J. Lundquist is the plaintiff, vs. Rober Langman et al, defendant, in the settlement of a note of $60.00. There is some difficulty between William Hastings and Robert Langman over the non-settlement of a note of $100. The former has filed a complaint making the latter the defendant in the case which will be settled in court.
*OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Patricia Harris pagharris@sbcglobal.net
Vice-President Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Secretary Dorothy Palmer jpalmer611@comcast.net
Treasurer Alan Zeller ahzeller@csinet.net
Genealogist-Historian Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
EDITOR & MEMBERSHIP: Donna Nelson donnamnelson@comcast.net
PROGRAM Unfilled pagharris@sbcglobal.net
PUBLICITY DorothyStephenson dorothys@csinet.net
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Dottisue Gansemer Dottisue22@aol.com
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War--1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting.
*Note: Contact information for Officers and Committees will be provided in the first newsletter each year and is also available at the Society’s website: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
13 March 2007 How Can I Find My Female Ancestor's Maiden Name? Presented by Patricia Gruse Harris
10 April 2007 Photographers of La Porte Co., IN. Presented by Fern Eddy Schultz.
(Board meeting @ 6:30 p.m., Membership meeting to follow at 7:15)
11 April 2007 Genealogical Bus Trip to Newly Remodeled Allen Co. Public Library.
Bus leaves Michigan Dunes Park Plaza @ 7:00 a.m. and La Porte
Kabelin Hardware @ 7:30 a.m. See details and reservation form
elsewhere in this Newsletter.
8 May 2007 Using Global Positioning System - Beneficial Applications for the
Genealogical/Historical Researcher. Presented by Michelle Mullins
Mischke, La Porte Co. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Coordinator.
12 June 2007 Tour of Westville Cemetery. Presented by Joanne Elliott and Cheryl Albert. Please note time – 6:00 P.M. The tour will be followed by refreshments of your choice at a local restaurant.
[end of March 2007 issue]
NEWSLETTER
June 2007
Volume XXIV, No. 2
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Now that summer is almost here, probably many of you are making your plans for summer and fall trips. Hopefully, you will be able to incorporate into your trips a visit to a cemetery where relatives are buried or a visit with a long lost cousin who is also researching one or more of your family names. Or maybe you will have the opportunity to visit the home of one or more of your ancestors, whether nearby or some distant place in the states or even a foreign country. It is quite a rewarding experience to see where your ancestors lived and even more so if the homestead is still standing. If your trip plans include family research, be sure and do your homework before you go so you can make the most of your time and know where to look for records in a particular area. It will help to know the research hours for libraries and governmental offices as well as the location of the cemetery you want to visit. Don’t forget your camera, batteries, tape recorder, plenty of pencils and paper and research notes.
Remember the society will continue to hold its regular monthly meetings during the summer months and we welcome our out-of-town members if you are in the area on a meeting night. Have a wonderful summer and may your research be rewarding.
Patricia Gruse Harris
Please join us for the annual cemetery tour on June 12th. Westville Cemetery is located near the intersection of Highway 6 and State Road 2. See the Calendar of Events in this issue for time and other details.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Leslie A. Hunt, David & Joyce Pytynia Family, Janet Ringer, Cheri Schuelke
QUERIES are published at no charge. Please legibly write or type the text and supply details which will help the reader to assist you with information about your ancestor. The query should be limited to about 25 words. Provide name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
Schoff/Maxson Query - Seeking information/pictures of the parents/siblings of Gustoff Schoff and Jennie Maxson (Plain St., La Porte) Contact Elwood Schoff, 1357 Derby Court, Merced, CA 95348 (209) 383-0546 ElwSchoff@aol.com
An Old Query – Daily Herald, Friday, June 9, 1911: John H. Maxwell, 1935 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, Pa., has written the authorities here asking for information regarding his sister, Mrs. Mary E. Fields, who left Philadelphia 12 or 14 years ago and from whom he had not heard for ten years. He has reason to believe she may be in La Porte or vicinity. The woman was accompanied by her husband, but she has not written home for a decade, hence the efforts now being made to find her.
MEMBERSHIP
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code. Visit our website at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
*Note: Contact information for Officers and Committees will be provided in the first newsletter each year and is also available at the Society’s website: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
Microfilm and CD(s) available for research in the Michigan City Public Library Reference Dept.:
Complete Soundex for the 1900 Kentucky Census on 90 reels.
Published Indiana County Histories on 67 reels by Research
Publications, Inc. of New Haven, CT. Both sets of microfilms
can be viewed on one of the three microfilm readers now
available to researchers.
Set of 13 CD(s) for the Index to Passengers Lists of Ships Arriving
New York 1850 -1891. You can scan an entire passenger list
or search by name. Results will show given name, surname,
age, gender, arrival date, port of departure and ship’s names.
Remember the port of departure can be the most recent port
the ship docked at before arriving in New York City. For
example, a ship leaving Hamburg or Bremen may have
stopped at Liverpool, England before continuing its journey.
This set can be used on the computer in the Indiana Room.
Where are Hesston and Hatch’s Mills?
From The Acorn, Three Oaks, MI, 1906
On Monday last a Chicago drummer hired a team at New Buffalo and started out to look up Hesston and Hatch’s Mills. He drove up in front of T. L. Seward’s and inquired where Hesston was. T. L. informed him that he was right in the midst of Hesston: in fact, standing in the public square, also in the presence of the mayor, common council, chief of police and postmaster. He looked at T. L. a moment then cast his eyes over the town and the remark he made was: “Well I’ll be d-----d”, he then turned his team around and as he drove off he was heard to say, “If this is Hesston, I’ll be cussed if I want to see Hatch’s Mills.”
La Porte High School Class of 1937
25 Year Reunion
V.F.W. Hall
Saturday, August 18, 1962
Information from Class Reunion Program - Contributed by Sandra Mafera
Continued from previous issue
City and State of residence as of 1962 are provided. If full street address is desired, contact the editor. LP indicates La Porte, IN address.
Jack Decker – Dyer, IN; Darby Downey – Flat River, MO; Billie Deditch Edgerton – South Bend, IN; Walter Dilts – So. Ft. Mitchell, KY; Lowell Duff – Chandler, AZ; Daniel Dreiner – LP; Paul Eagan - Hammond, IN; Catherine Essling Richter – Michigan City, IN; Francis Edgerton – South Bend, IN; Jeannette Ehmke Brinkerhoff – San Bernadino, CA; Howard Dysard – LP; Viola Erickson Simonds – South Bend, IN; Imogene Endsley – No Address Given; Arthur Ebel – LP; Edna Euler Thode – LP; James Freeman – Eureka, CA; Helen Foutz Jahns – LP; Elude Fisher – LP; Elnora Fry Johnson – LP; Tom Gallagher – LP; Richard Finstick – LP; Lois Gartner – LP; Edith Fenton Webb – Simsbury, CT; Florence Gilchrist – LP; Phillip Glassman – South Bend, IN; Bill Greilng – Ramsey, NJ; Patricia Gevers – Pacific Palisades, CA; George Gustavson – Maitland, FL; Irene Gottrick Fisher – LP; Edna Hagerman Dunifon – LP; Lillian Hallberg – LP; Gladys Hartnet Grover – LP; Geraldine Hartz Steele – Burbank, CA; Howard Hauck – LP; Alice Hass McCusky – Wheat Ridge, CO; Richard Henoch – LP; Don Henry – Los Angeles, CA; Shirley Held Tuftland – Santa Barbara, CA; Charles Hoover – New Carlisle, IN (to be continued in future issues)
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
VETERAN’S CORNER
Michigan City News, Thursday 25 August 1887 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
A New G.A.R. Post Organized in this City Last Night….Names of Chapter Members
A meeting for the purpose of organizing a Grand Army post in this city was held at Dr. M. G. Sherman’s rooms last evening. Dr. Sherman was elected chairman of the meeting, and J. C. Haddock secretary. There were about fifteen soldiers present. They named the new organization “Major John A. Simpson Post,” and today sent to headquarters for a charter. The News hopes that the new post may be more prosperous than its predecessor, Phil Kearney Post, No. 46, which disbanded about two years ago. Following are the names of soldiers who will be charter members.
H. W. Johnson S. E. Deming D. T. Brown
Thos. Shreves G. V. Rawson W. W. Fry
W. H. Davis J. Keiser Robt. Donnell
Chris Vieman A. F. Earl M. G. Sherman
J. E. DeWolff J. C. Haddock H. J. Willets
H. A. Root J. B. Bouchard H. H. Woods
L. H. Howe G. W. Edick John S. Orr
Sidney Beatty
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Thanks to Fern Eddy Schultz for the following excerpts from La Porte Republican Times, 7 September, 1853.
Runaway Apprentice – One Cent Reward
Run away on the 28th day August 1853, from subscriber in Noble Township, in Laporte County, In, Alexander H. Reed, an indentured Apprentice, aged Seventeen years. Who ever will take and return said boy in to me in said township shall be entitled to the above reward and no charges paid. Also all persons are forbid harboring or intrusting him on my account. BRAINARD GOFF, September 5th, 1853
Public Sale at Auction
The subscriber will offer for sale at Auction at his residence in Kankakee Township, on Friday the 16th of September, the following Property. To wit: Household furniture; Beds; Bedding and Bedsteads; Stoves, Crockery; and Kitchen Furniture; Tables; Chairs & also livestock: exc. Breeding Mare; and a lot of hogs; Hay by the ton; Oats by the bushel, and Corn, Potatoes and Buckwheat on the ground. 2 lumber Wagons; Plows and Harrows. Sale to commence at 12 o’clock and continue until all is sold. Terms: All sums under $3 cash; over three dollars; six months credit, with the usual securities. La Porte Sept 7, 1853,
T. EWING
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Books & Other Resources
http://www.gendisasters.com – This website is dedicated to providing information about disasters that may have touched our ancestor's lives --train wrecks, fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, storms, mining explosions, ship wrecks, drowning, and accidents from the 1800s to the 1950s. There are transcribed newspaper accounts, excerpts from historical books and photographs. Thanks to Pat Harris for this resource information.
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
Hanna, Ahead of it’s Time…….What’s the matter with Hanna? Have the men all gone to war? They boast of a young lady baseball team. The young ladies claim to know as much about playing ball as the men. Michigan City News, 21 June 1905
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DID YOU KNOW? On May 1st, 1863, Cora L. Wheaton was adopted by John H. Halsey. According to court records both of Cora’s birth parents were living. “The father is Joseph Wheaton and is in the army in Murphreesboro, TN, having long since abandoned the family”. The mother, Sarah Ann Wheaton, lived in La Porte. She was present and agreed to the adoption.
***
Reprinted from Daily Herald, May 18, 1895:
The following essay was written by Miss Addie, the 12-year-old daughter of Capt. A. B. Austin, of Galena township, and read by her the closing day of school:
A Girl’s Trials
By Addie Austin
May, 1895
A girl’s trials begin when old enough to realize. First a girl has not the liberty to go out and play like boys. She always has to have a hat and veil on every time she goes out of doors. She can not go any place while small unless her parents go along. She grows up until old enough to go to school. Then she has to go everyday if she resolves to keep up with her class and get a good education. This is very tiresome for a small girl. If she lives a great distance from the school house, she is sure to be absent and tardy, and her classmates will get ahead of her in school work. She can never get the time back that she has lost.
Each girl has different trials. Some girls have brothers who make them trouble. If a girl wishes to do something or to go some place, her brother will be sure to peek around some place and see what she is doing. If she is going some place, he will find out where she is going and follow, to plague his sister. When she gets nearly there, she will see him following. This will spoil her visit. If it be a small brother he will cry to go along, and his parents getting tired of hearing him cry will let him go. He will make a great trouble for his sister. A girl generally does not like to wash dishes because it makes her hands look red.
There is always something for a girl to do. In the morning and at night there is always something that her parents have left for her to do. At school large boys bother the small girls and play tricks on the large girls. The boys are around when you don’t want them and when you do want them they will be some place else.
A girl that is poor has a very hard time in earning a living. If she does such work as clerking or housework she has to work very hard and work everyday. Or if she is trying to get a good education, as to teach or gain some high position in life, she may not have clothing to wear, or be kept away from school to earn her living. A rich girl has a great many trials also. Generally her parents will not let her have the enjoyments of life.
When a girl lives in the country where there are not very many amusements it is very lonesome for her, if she has no one to take her, while her brothers can go to the place where there are amusements. Boys can take their hook and line and go fishing. It makes no difference to them whether it rains, or whether it does not, or how it is. They may go just the same. They may take their gun and go to the forest to hunt. They always tell about the largest game but can never get it. If they like to go to another country to hunt there’s no objection to it. Their parents generally let them break colts. And it is fun for them. The faster the colts run the better the boys like it.
The boys do more riding around than girls. Evenings the boys can gather some place and run foot races and play horse shoe and have a great time.
If girls would take a hook and line and go fishing, take a gun and go hunting, break colts, run foot races and play horse shoe, and in enjoying these sports would get freckled and tanned, people would say, oh! How rude of a girl to do so. I should think her mother would keep her in the house; she will not be fit to be seen.
Addie Austin (cont’d) –
Harriet Hosmer, who gained a high position in life, when young was allowed to go hunting, fishing, break colts and enjoyed all sports. The people did not think it was right for her father to let her be out doors so much, but her father said it would make her healthy. I think like Harriet’s father that it does not hurt a girl to be out of doors most of the time. These are some of the trials of a girl. Addie Austin.
Editor’s Note: Harriet Hosmer (1830-1905) was a pioneer woman sculptor and a descendant of James Hosmer, who came from England to Massachusetts in the 1630s. Since her mother died of tuberculosis when Harriet was four, her father encouraged her outdoor life. Hosmer's talent for friendship and her independent spirit propelled a long, successful career. Among her many friends were Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
About Addie Austin: Addie was the daughter of Captain Alexander B. and Amanda M. (Hudson) Austin. Born March 6, 1883 in Galena Township, she married George F. Fargher on August 25, 1907 and was the mother of Dr. Robert Austin Fargher. Addie died February 25, 1956.
GLIMPSES of the PAST
Beatty’s Corners - Mrs. George Blessing, Sr., visited in Michigan City last week, the guest of her niece, Mrs. Frank Mehl. Mrs. Charles Lay and little daughter, Helen, who were guests at the home of George Blessing, have returned to their home in Chicago Heights. Mrs. C. J. Frame visited at the home of her sister, Mrs. J. F. Gleason, in Michigan City. Henrietta Zahrn spent a few days in Laporte. The funeral of the late Mr. Crane, father of Mrs. William Tumm, was held Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Services were conducted by Rev. J. G. Hock of St. John’s church of Michigan City, with the funeral in Greenwood cemetery. Mr. Schonburg is building a fine barn on his place, the carpenters are Bevington and White. J. Luchtman has remodeled and painted his house. The new school house at Beatty’s Corners is fairly under construction and promises to be a fine building, second to none in the township. The many friends and patrons of Dr. E. E. Johnson will be pleased to learn that he will remain in Otis and continue his practice. It will be remembered that he was debarred from practicing medicine in the state of Indiana on account of his not holding a license in that state, he being a graduate of the state of Michigan. We are pleased to announce he has his license to practice medicine, not only in Indiana but in other surrounding states. Michigan City News, 19 July 1905 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Door Village - Robert Williams has a new horse. Mrs. Weaver returned from the hospital much improved. Walter McCormick visited friends in Michigan City. Oscar Buchanan made a flying trip to Michigan City. Mr. and Mrs. A. Buchanan visited friends in Waterford. Miss Ada Smith, who has been ill for some time is much improved. A party of automobilists stopped over night at John Brink’s Sunday evening. Miss Minnie Oleson gave a dinner party. Orville Edmonds visited his brother-in-law, Mr. Smith, in Stillwell. Mr. Copp is quite ill with rheumatism, being confined to the house most of the time. Miss Mary Tober returned home after visiting friends here a couple of weeks. Mrs. Oscar McCormick gave a church party Sunday for a number of friends from Laporte. Garry Crane left for Michigan City last week, where he is employed in the Colborn lumber yard. The widow of J. C. Teeter, while out walking in the yard recently, fell and broke her arm. Mrs. Teeter is over 80 years old. Miss Belle Dolstrom, while on her way home from Laporte, her horse became frightened at a train and upset the buggy, throwing Miss Dolstrom to the ground. The trainmen seeing the accident stopped the train and helping her on the car took her to Laporte, where she was taken to the hospital. Dr. Martin was called and found that her shoulder blade was broken, also three ribs. The horse was on its way back to Laporte but was captured before reaching that place by James Dempsey. Michigan City News, 21 June 1905 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
More Glimpses of the Past:
Springville - Mrs. Albert Hagerman spent Sunday with Mrs. S. B. Shippee. William B. Shoemaker spent Sunday with Charles Severs at Pine Lake. August Shoemaker’s condition remains about the same. The schools of Springfield township began Monday morning with the following teachers: Springville, Miss Mary Kinnard; Culps, Miss Luella Spangler; Hacks, Miss Dunn; Organ, Miss E. Gertrude Hillman; Vails, Miss Brocks; Stites, John Schultz. Albert Dahl, who was taken to the Holy Family hospital at Laporte is in a serious condition, suffering from appendicitis and gall stones. Mrs. William Schroeder spent Sunday and Monday here with relatives. Edward Considine and family spent Sunday in Rolling Prairie. Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Rhodes spent Sunday at Shippeeburg with Mr. and Mrs. Albert Moss. Mrs. Edward Considine and children have gone to Chicago to spend several days. Michigan City News, 8 September 1910 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Waterford - Miss Anna Loring of Michigan City spent Tuesday at this place. Walter and Marion Pepple spent last Sunday at Marion, Ind. Mrs. Nancy Paine of Westville was a guest of Mrs. Jerry Bevington Monday. Mrs. Mary Beckwith has gone to Idaho to spend the summer with her son. Nick Dunphy and son, Allie, are building a barn for Walter Tilden at Wanatah. Rev. R. J. Shreve and wife have been visiting their son, Hiram Shreve, at Wooddale, Ill. Mrs. Leahy and daughter of Stevens Point, Wis., are visiting the former’s brother Nick Dunphy. Mrs. Philander Cross attended her sister-in-law’s 49th anniversary at Laporte. Mrs. Edna Pepple who has been visiting her parents at Marion, Ind. returned home Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Pepple and Mrs. Marion Pepple spent last Sunday at Walter Tilden’s at Wanatah. Byron Cross has been chosen supervisor of Coolspring township, Fred Stebbins having resigned his office. Mrs. DeWitt of Chicago, who has been visiting her sister, Mrs. Philander Cross, all spring, will return to her home in a few days. Bevington and Shreve, who have been building a house for Mr. Carpenter, east of Springville, have it ready for the plasterers. The house is 50 feet long and 42 feet wide. Albert Featon’s adopted son, who ran away from home a few weeks ago, was found by his father near Furnessville. The boy had hired out to a farmer for $2 per week. The lad is only 11 years old. The Seventh Day Adventists have organized a Sabbath school with a membership of 17. Sabbath school at 2:30 p.m. and social meeting immediately following. All are cordially invited to attend. Michigan City News, Wednesday, 5 June 1901 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War (1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting.
Still More Glimpses…….
Gleason Station - John Kieffer, Sr. is reported seriously ill. J. H. Luchtman has purchased a fine new two-seated carriage. Frank Eddy of Michigan City spent Sunday with Henry Purvis. George Clough, teacher at the Highland school spent Saturday in Laporte. Mrs. Lyman Frame of Pine township called on Mrs. William Fisher. Mrs. Alice Boothe and daughter, Mary, visited friends at Laporte. John Gleason of Michigan City spent Sunday with his mother Mrs. Mary Gleason. Blanche and Bernice Purvis visited with Alice, Ermina and Carrie Boothe. Miss Ruth Curran, teacher at the Carver school, visited friends in Michigan City. Miss Margaret Gerrard of Michigan City spent Thursday afternoon with Miss Viola Luchtman. Miss Frances Olvaney of Michigan City was a guest of her grandmother, Mrs. Mary Gleason. Mr. and Mrs. August Wiseman of Burdick visited with the latter’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kieffer. Miss Florence Frame, teacher at the Winship school was a guest of Miss Mayme Foldenauer. Charles and William Purvis of Kensington, Ill., spent Sunday here with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Purvis. Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Griffin and baby of Michigan City are visiting Mrs. Griffin’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Deutscher. Michigan City News, 5 May 1909
Clinton Township - Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jacobs visited friends in Chicago last week. A few of our people visited Valparaiso friends last Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Glen Wilson of Coburg visited in Morgan last Sunday. Oscar Howell was on the sick list last week but is now improved. Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Osborn visited in Chicago last Wednesday and Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Slocum visited their daughter at Cleveland, O., inst week. Mrs. Henry Folsom and children visited the former’s parents near Valparaiso last week. Frank Bohland and Earl Curdy visited their friends and relatives here Friday and Saturday. Clarence Anderson and family of Laporte visited the former’s parents last Saturday and Sunday. William Condon will soon move in one of William Osborn’s houses. He will be employed by Mr. Osborn. Charles Sears moved his household goods to Coburg last week, where he has rented the John Forbes place. Michigan City Weekly News, 4 January 1905 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Hesston - Mrs. Lilly Klassner was in New Buffalo on business. Mr. Gents Morton and family called at John Skinner’s. Mrs. E. Smith’s health is improving, under the card of Dr. Eastman of Three Oaks. P.L. Rass of LaPorte, solicitor for the Argus Bulletin, had dinner with Mr. John Skinner. N.A. Seward, manager of the central union telephone company at Michigan City and his two brothers, Charley and George, of the same place, visited their father, T. L. Seward at Hesston. The Acorn 1906
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We all have those elusive family members for whom we have a date and location of death but cannot locate them in a cemetery. Or, on the other hand, we find them in the cemetery but cannot find the death record. Of course, there are also those who were in La Porte at one time but left the area. Following are records of individuals who had ties to La Porte County but died or were buried elsewhere.
Wheeler Bentley, one of La Porte Co.’s pioneers died at his residence in this city this morning, in the 74th year of his age. (Lincoln, Neb., Aug 24, 1889) Daily Herald, Aug 24, 1889
H. H. Burlingame, aged 62 years, brother of J.F., F.W., and D.O. Burlingame of La Porte, died yesterday morning at his home in Ripon, Wis., word thereof being conveyed in a telegram to the brothers, who left this morning to attend the funeral. Daily Herald, Feb 22, 1909
Fern Charsty Buchanan, daughter and only child of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Buchanan, died last night at 7:40 o’clock at her home, 218 West street, after an illness of only 48 hours. Fern had won her way into the hearts of many friends who now mourn her loss. Fern Charsty Buchanan was born March 28, 1910, and died June 1, 1911, age 1 year, 2 months, 3 days. The remains were shipped this afternoon to Crete, Ill., for burial. Cutler was the funeral director. Daily Herald, June 2, 1911
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AUGUST, 1891 DEATHS (As published in Michigan City News, 2 September 1891) Submitted by Gloria Arndt
During the month of August the following deaths, including ages and causes of death, were reported to Dr. W. R. Godfrey, secretary of the board of health.
August 3 - Wm. Wordine, 4 months, marasmus
Minnie Heck, 3 days, convulsions
August 4 - Maggie May Luscomb, 4 months, cholera infantum
August 5 - Mabel Utter, 1 year, cholera infantum
August 10 - Norman Lind, 5 months, marasmus
Harry Schwager, 16 months, convulsions
Agnes Roskey, 6 months, cholera infantum
August 11 - Geo. Prohls, 1 year, convulsions
August 17 - Franklin VanCoy, 21 years, consumption
Louisa Loetz, 16 months, convulsions
August 19 - Chas. Scharnberg, 66 years, congestive chill
August 22 - Chas. Majinski, 9 months, convulsions
Arthur Miller, 5 ½ years, typhoid dysentery
Mrs. John Stormer, 42 years, collapse of lungs
August 26 - Frank Schoulofski, 6 years, diphtheria
August 28 - Stephen Switzer, 8 ½ months, prostration and convulsions
Della Shroyer, 18 years, consumption
August 30 - Lillie Spears, 2 ½ years, cholera infantum
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Congestive chill – Malaria
Consumption – Tuberculosis
Convulsions – A symptom of some other malady. Whatever greatly irritates or stimulates the nerves may occasion convulsions. Infants whose nerves are easily affected are often thrown into convulsions by anything that irritates the alimentary canal; possibly teething; strait clothes; the approach of the small-pox, measles, or other eruptive diseases.
Diphtheria – Contagious disease of the throat
Marasmus – Progressive wasting away of body, like malnutrition
Prostration - Great depression of strength. Almost total loss of power over the muscles of locomotion
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
12 June 2007 Tour of Westville Cemetery. Presented by Joanne Elliott and Cheryl Albert. Please note time – 6:00 P.M. The tour will be followed by refreshments of your choice at a local restaurant.
10 July 2007 Writing Your Memoirs to Include in Your Family History presented by Pat Klewer.
14 Aug. 2007 The Internet - Creating Genealogical Curiosity by Deanna West, webmaster for La Porte Co., IN GenWeb & Cemeteries & Research Association of La-Porte County.
11 Sept. 2007 Publishing Your Family History. Various resources will be presented.
9 Oct. 2007 Final Planning Session for SOS - Sharing Our Sources for Genealogical Research in La Porte Co., IN
20 Oct. 2007 Sharing Our Sources - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State St., La Porte, IN
13 Nov. 2007 Researching Spanish American War Veterans presented by Dorothy Palmer.
11 Dec. 2007 Holiday Dinner and Awarding of Ancestor Certificates (Watch for details in future newsletters)
[end of June 2007 issue]
[September 2007 issue begins]
Volume XXIV, No. 3
NEWSLETTERSeptember 2007
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I hope you have all enjoyed your summer and perhaps had an opportunity to take a trip to do some special genealogical research. If you haven’t had the time or felt it was just too hot to go traveling and look for some ancestral graveyards, think about doing it this fall. Fall is a great time to travel and the scenery is beautiful. You can get an early start on your Christmas shopping by gleaning new family information and putting it into some format – charts, genealogies, stories, CD’s, oral histories, etc. to give as gifts to family members. You might also want to think about putting all those treasured family photos you have collected in your research on a CD or DVD or put copies in an album and give as gifts. This is a good way to spark interest in other family members to learn more about your family history and a way for all of your work to be preserved for future generations.
Patricia Gruse Harris, President
William Dawson, Louis & June Hapke, Norma Nash, Christine Rosenbaum and Caroline Urbano
MEMBERSHIP
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code. Visit our website at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
*Note: Contact information for Officers and Committees will be provided in the first newsletter each year and is also available at the Society’s website: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
NOTICE OF EVENT CANCELLATION
The Sharing Our Sources (SOS) Day being planned for October 20th has been cancelled. The time and effort invested by committee members to date is appreciated and it is with regret that we cancel the event.
QUERIES are published at no charge. Please legibly write or type the text and supply details which will help the reader to assist you with information about your ancestor. The query should be limited to about 25 words. Provide name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
New at Michigan City Public Library – New England Marriages Prior to 1700 by Clarence Almon Torrey. Torrey’s manuscript was unquestionably the most complete index of its kind. Over more than 40 years, Torrey combed the collection of books and periodicals in the library of the New England History and Genealogical Society extracting almost every available reference to marriages of early New England settlers. It is estimated it contains 99% of married couples in New England prior to 1700. It is an index to references of what others discovered and published, so one must evaluate the references cited.
In appreciation to the Michigan City Public Library for co-sponsoring the Genealogical Society’s annual research trip to the Allen County Public Library, the society has donated the Third Supplement to Torrey’s New England Marriages Prior to 1700 by Melinde Lutz Sanborn, 2nd printing 2005. It is an index to the major genealogical periodicals published since Torrey’s death. Covering the period from 1962 through the spring of 2003 the Third Supplement incorporates all of the information from the First Supplement (1991) and the Second Supplement (1995), plus an additional 80% of new material, approximately 6,000 entries referencing as many as 20,000 people. The index includes all or some of the following: the groom’s name with superscript indicating generation from the immigrant; birth or birthplace; death; marriage; bride’s name; number of marriages; widowed or divorced; father’s name; place and date of marriage; residence; and reference to volume and page number. References include The American Genealogist; New England Historical and Genealogical Register; The National Genealogical Society Quarterly; The New York Genealogical & Biographical Record; The Genealogist and many unpublished documents.
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VETERAN’S CORNER
Civil War Experiences – Related by Chaplain Whitehead of the Fifteenth Indiana - Rev. John M. Whitehead writes from Topeka, Kan., in the National Trubune, of the two days’ fighting at Perryville in December 1862. He was at that time chaplain of the Fifteenth Indiana and joined that regiment from Westville in June 1862.
Three Indiana regiments were in that battle, the Fifteenth, Thirty-seventh and Ninth, and to give the boys of today an inkling of what some of their fathers did during that war we give the following in the Rev. Whitehead’s own words:
“Here that brave and dauntless soldier, my neighbor – Col., I.C.B. Suman – was shot in the left arm – artery severed, another shot through the shoulder, with a minie ball between two ribs. I took it out, dressed his wounds, and pronounced him worth a dozen dead men. He rode back to his command and staid with them through the battle.
“Among others I carried from the front, dressed the wounds of, or otherwise aided, were Corp’l Logan, John VanNote, Sergeant Edwards, Lemuel Sheldon, Obadiah Vaughn, Serg’t H. Tullum, Frank and Rob Maxwell, Christian Board, John Long, Serg’t Mason, Capt. Joel W. Foster, Corp’l Douglass, George Brown, Lieut. Col. Elias Neff, Lieut. John H. Smith, and Corp’l Calvin R. Zener.” La Porte Daily Herald, ThursdayJune 8, 1899
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La Porte High School Class of 1937
25 Year Reunion
V.F.W. Hall
Saturday, August 18, 1962
Information from Class Reunion Program - Contributed by Sandra Mafera
Continued from previous issue
City and State of residence as of 1962 are provided. If full street address is desired, contact the editor. LP indicates La Porte, IN address.
Phyllis Hildebrand Hunt - Rolling Prairie, IN; Relda Hoelocker Spraul – Pales Verdes Estates, CA; Elmer Horlbeck – Calumet City, IL; Anna Huff – Chicago, IL; Clifford Johnson – LP; Kay Jasnoski Gillick – LP; Bernice Janzaruk Simcox – LP; Virginia Jones Smith – LP; Bill Johnson – El Cerrito, CA; Francis Kanney Deutscher – RP; Vernon Kemp – Niles, IL; Eugene Kepplin – South Bend, IN; Marion Knoll Rauschenbach – LP; William Kuta – Rolling Prairie, IN; Marian Kosanke Hurley – LP; Lois Krejci – LP; Frances Novak Piotrowitz – Walkerton, IN; Jack Nicholson – Crescent City, CA; Emil Olson – Bedford, IN; James Palmer – LP; Helen Peters Meek – LP; Edna Palm Ettestad – Pittsburgh, PA; Herbert Padleschat – Topanga, CA; Mamie Pearce Jesch – LP; Audrey Orcutt – LP; Henry Penn – Kingsford Heights, IN; Edward Paden – Beaufort, NC; Ruth Koepke Skaggs – New Carlisle, IN; Martin Krenzke – Evanston, IL; Ethel Krueger Shepard – LP; Roland Kuhn – LP; Meredith Kruger Meyers – Mill Creek, IN; Orpha J. Kraus Schoof – LP; Walter Lange – LP; Madelyn Leedle Witt – Bel Air, MD; Alfred Link – Pales Verdes Estates, CA; Helen Leeker Schmitz – LP; Bessie Legner Mirka – LP; Lillie Levendoski Heiss – Tucson, AZ; Tom Lindsay – Salem, OR; Mary Agnes Lentz – LP; Robert Leucht – Jackson, MS; Mary Mc Carty Martin; Bob Mc Curdy – No Address; Barbara Matve Hofer; Emory Magnuson – LP; George Menkes – LP; Ruth Martin Ward – Indianapolis, IN; Evalyn Metzger Bolster – LP;
(to be continued in future issues)
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NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Books & Other Resources
New at Michigan City Library: The Island ... land between the Kankakee and Pine Creek, a 692 page volume compiled by Marilyn Sherland. It is a lively record of farm life during the late 1800's and early 1900's in a region seven miles long and four miles wide just west of Walkerton. Isolated by the natural boundaries of Pine Creek, the Kankakee River, Beall ditch and "the big sink," the people of southwestern St. Joseph and eastern La Porte counties formed a tightly knit support system that sustained them through good times and bad. It contains diaries, photos, plat maps, newspaper stories and obituaries, and reminiscences that reveal the joys, heartaches, struggles and daily routines of those who lived on The Island.
Books & Other Resources
Genealogical Society Publications - The following publications are available for purchase through your Genealogical Society. A printable order form can be found on the website. http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/orderform.htm
Marriage Index, La Porte Co., IN 1921-1925 $16 New 2004
Marriage Index, La Porte Co., IN 1926-1930 $22 New 2005
Divorces, La Porte Co., IN 1833-1860 $10 New 2007
Criminal Court Cases*, La Porte Co., IN 1837-1850 $10 New 2006
*(Cases Identified as “State of Indiana vs. (Defendant)
Index to Census La Porte Co., IN 1870 $ 8
Index to Census, La Porte Co., IN 1880 $ 9
Declaration of Intentions 22 Aug 1854 – 2 May 1870 $12
Declaration of Intentions 02 May 1870 – Apr 1894 $12
Declaration of Intentions 27 Apr 1894 – Mar 1918 $12
Declaration of Intentions, Mar 1918 – Jun 1929
Including Superior Ct., Michigan City 12 Apr 1912 – 23 Dec 1920 $12
Second Papers Oct 1854 – Apr 1903 $9.50
Members are currently compiling additional books, including: criminal cases beginning 1851; divorces beginning 1861; and naturalizations 1833 to August 1854.
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
DID YOU KNOW? In 1918 German women were required to register with the police department. The following excerpt from The Michigan City Evening Dispatch, 4 Jun 1918, was provided by Patricia Harris.
NOTICE TO GERMAN FEMALES. Chief of Police to Register Them in Court House.
Chief August J. Funk of the police department will have an office in the county assessor's room immediately opposite the city treasurer's office, on the first floor of the court house, for the convenience and comfort of the ladies who are required to register as German aliens. Arrangements have also been made for lady attendants and clerks to conduct the work under the direction of the chief of police.
The chief has divided the days for doing the work for the convenience of the ladies and has set the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st for either their husbands or themselves to come to the above described place in the court house to get their affidavits and they must return the same in person, together with their photographs, on either the 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th and not later than the 26th to have their finger prints taken. Office hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Editorial
The July 10th Genealogical Society meeting included a program entitled “Writing Your Memoirs”, presented by Pat Klewer. Pat, in addition to providing many tips on how to get started, pointed out just how simple it can be to write one’s memoirs. I’ve always thought such an undertaking would be extremely overwhelming and terribly time consuming. Pat’s recommendation was to choose a particular memory and write specifically about that event, not allowing yourself to stray onto other subjects. She suggested that as additional thoughts come to mind they should be jotted down and written about as separate subjects. Recently, as my husband and I were leaving for a two hour drive, I impulsively grabbed a spiral notebook and a pen as we headed out the door. I was hoping that perhaps I could make a few notes which would inspire me to pen my very first memoir. Surprisingly, by the time we reached our destination, I had managed to complete three of my own reminiscences and four dictated by my husband. We had a lot of fun and many laughs as we recalled the incidences and I heartily recommend this as a productive way to pass the time on long drives. My very first attempt at memoir writing is being included in this issue. Have you written your memoirs? If so and you’d like to share a favorite story, you are encouraged to submit it to the editor.
The Blanket Chest
By Donna M. Meyers-Nelson
Luella Dell Boles was born in Osceola, Indiana on February 20, 1900. Luella was my Grandma Meyers but my early memories of her are few because she died when I was only seven.
Since Grandma and Grandpa Meyers lived in an old farm house about a mile and a half from my childhood home, we made frequent visits. Arriving at the old porch by way of the gravel covered driveway, I would hop out of the car and run up the well worn concrete steps, straight into the kitchen, around the counter and back to the corner which ALWAYS sported a cookie jar full of either ginger snaps or windmill cookies.
Another favorite spot in Grandma’s house was the blanket chest. That magnificent piece of furniture is etched into my memory. I had to jump into the air and catch my middle on the edge so that I could reach, bent at the waist and head downward, into the big old chest to retrieve Uncle Jack’s teddy bear. Uncle Jack was the youngest of Grandma’s five children, so I suppose that’s why the bear was still around. It was one of those Stief look-alikes with really short hair and long, lanky, moveable arms and legs.
Anyway, back to the blanket chest as I remember it. It was finely crafted of high grade wood and polished to a wonderfully dark and shiny gloss. The lid was quite heavy and Grandma would have to help me lift it. My memory tells me it must have been at least six feet long, 4 feet wide and, since I had so much difficulty reaching into it, it must have been a full 48 inches high.
Sometime after Grandma passed away, Grandpa sold the farm and moved to a trailer in my Uncle Bill’s backyard. Most of my adult life I’ve agonized over what happened to that wonderful old blanket chest. What a magnificent antique it was. Was it so large that it couldn’t be removed from the farmhouse and was left behind? Was it sold to someone who could not possibly appreciate it for the treasure that it was?
In 2005 I provided my husband with a drawing of Grandma’s chest and asked him to build a reproduction for me. He did so and presented me with an item of furniture that closely resembles the prized blanket chest from my past.
Shortly after the completion of my cherished blanket chest I visited Uncle Bill, whom I had not seen for a number of years. As we talked about old memories, I mentioned the blanket chest and how curious I’ve always been regarding its fate. Uncle Bill’s response was “Oh, I still have it – it’s in the basement. Would you like to see it?” Would I like to see it!! I couldn’t believe I was actually going to be reunited with that fantastic artifact which had disappeared from my life fifty years ago!
Uncle Bill led me down the back steps and into a cluttered room in his basement. After picking our way around a myriad of half forgotten items, we arrived at the resting place of a relic of the past. The Blanket Chest!!
How fickle our reminiscences can be; and how different adult reality can be from childhood recollections. The cherished old antique was actually six mismatched, weather- beaten old doors, clumsily nailed together to form a makeshift storage box. The lid still sported a rusty old doorknob to be used as a handle.
I feel no disappointment in the realization that my mind deceived me. Thanks to the wayward recollections of a child’s mind I had fifty years to treasure that old chest.
GLIMPSES of the PAST
Beatty’s Corners - George Pribylinskie is seriously ill with pneumonia. Mrs. David McKellips of Beaver Dam called upon friends here last Friday. The road supervisors of Coolspring township will be elected Saturday, Jan. 14. George Bull, trustee of Coolspring township has entered upon the duties of his office. Mrs. Miota Baxter of Mishawaka who has been visiting her sister, Mrs. G. Blessing returned to her home Friday. Mrs. Elisabeth Paxton of Michigan City has been spending a few days with her daughter, Mrs. C. J. Frame. The dance given by the Court Otis of Foresters at their hall in Otis was well attended and the order netted a neat sum. Charles Zahrn has returned to his work at Crisman after spending a few weeks with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Zahrn. Mrs. Charles Lay and baby, Helen, of Chicago Heights, who spent New Year’s with relatives here returned to her home Wednesday. Charles Zahrn entertained a number of his friends last Friday evening at his home. Games were the amusements of the evening. Light refreshments were served and all report a good time. Michigan City News, 11 Jan 1905 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Door Village - Mr. and Mrs. Seth Craft of Laporte, visited last week at the home of F. Kaupkee. Mrs. John Steigley, who visited her mother, Mrs. C. Garwood last week, has returned to her home in Chicago. Harry Kerr has gone to Chicago to undergo another operation. He was accompanied by his parents. Oscar Buchanan visited New Year’s at the home of his sister, Mrs. Earl Brown, in Michigan City. Miss Sadie Gulbronson of Lacrosse, visited last week with Mr. and Mrs. Arba Kimball. Walter Garwood went to Niles, Mich., last week on business. Miss Louise Huckins, who has been ill for some time is reported better. Cliff Youngs, who has been visiting in Chicago, has returned home. Quarterly meeting services were held at the M. E. church last Sunday. There was a good attendance. Seth Way and Ed Swett are harvesting ice this week. The ice is of good quality. Harry Cochrane and Miss Ada E. Smith were married Dec. 28. After returning from their wedding trip they will be at home in South Laporte.
Michigan City News, 5 Jan 1910 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Springville - C. N. Bull attended the district quarterly meeting at Knox, Sunday. Mrs. Ira Merchant is recovering slowly from a severe attack of la grippe. Mr. and Mrs. E. Wellwood and Mrs. Albert Stoll of Laporte visited Tuesday with the Ira Merchant family. Rev. J. R. Marston began revival services at the Springville church Sunday evening. All are cordially invited.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Brown and daughter, Mary, spent New Year’s with the former’s daughter, Mrs. J. A. Layton. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Severs went Saturday to Chicago, where they visited Mr. Sever’s brother and family. Mr. Severs returned Monday, but Mrs. Severs will remain a few days. The funeral of Ray Lamphere was held Sunday from the home of his brother-in-law, H. L. Finley, in Laporte. The burial took place at the Rossburg cemetery. Quite a number of friends viewed the remains at the grave. Mr. Lamphere was born and raised in this community and was a highly respected young man when he left this neighborhood to make his home in Laporte. Isaac Warwick and Miss Grace Bull were married Wednesday, Dec. 29 at the home of the bride’s father, Rev. C. N. Shumaker, brother-in-law to the bride, performed the ceremony. The home was prettily decorated, the color scheme being red and green. The immediate relatives of the bride and groom were present. Michigan City News, 5 January 1910 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Still More Glimpses…….
Waterford –School commenced Monday with Mr. Hebert Smith as teacher. Mr. Wm. Forrester is the only nominee for trustee in the township. Mr. Jasper Cross, who for some time has been very sick with lung fever, is slowly recovering. Messrs. Wille and Osborn, of La Porte, were in our burg Tuesday, looking after some real estate they possess here. Mrs. Elenora Burbee, who for the past winter has been teaching music in the neighborhood, started for Nashville, Tenn., last week. Mrs. G. C. While, who for some time has been visiting in Galena, returned home Sunday, accompanied by Miss Anna Loring of the above place. Michigan City Dispatch, 3 April 1884 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Gleason Station - Robert Ditto visited with relatives in Michigan City Tuesday. Mrs. Alice Boothe spent Monday with her daughter, Mrs. Henry Wolford near Otis. Mrs. Ermina Boothe is visiting at the home of her sister, Mrs. H. C. Wolford, near Otis. Mr. and Mrs. William VanDusen of Michigan City visited with Mrs. M. T. Schultz, Tuesday. Ernest Zahrn and lady friend of Hanna spent Sunday with his brother, Albert J. Zahrn. Mrs. Nick Bukowski and daughter, Miss Clara, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Henrichs. Mr. and Mrs. John Rossa of Michigan City spent Monday with her sister, Mrs. George Henrichs. Mr. and Mrs. William Kintzele were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Wagner of Union Mills, Saturday and Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Miller and daughters of Laporte spent Sunday at the home of Mrs. Miller’s father, Louis W. Zahrn, and brother, Albert J. Zahrn. Mrs. Charles Wallbaum and Mrs. Henry Van Derlip and little son, Garfield, of Chicago, are guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Luchtman. Mrs. W. H. Bell and Mrs. James Pratt and little daughter, Thelma LeVon of Michigan City spent Friday afternoon with Mrs. Alice Boothe and daughter, Mrs. James Friday. Michigan City News, 24 May 1911 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Hesston - A.M. Heckman spent Sunday at home. C.A. Beeman is at work near Rolling Prairie. Miss Jenny Sperry attended the institute in Michigan City Saturday. Mrs. Debra Vorhees spent Sunday with her sister, Mrs. Sarah Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. E.R. Etherington have gone to housekeeping in Hatch’s Mills. J.M. Heckman and F.L. Seward went to Michigan City Saturday with a load of turnkeys. George Fargher has just returned from St. Louis where he spent some time at the fair. E.R. Adams sent a load of goods to Hatch’s Mills Saturday night and they were auctioned off by Joe Heald. There will be another auction next Saturday night at the same place. The Acorn, Nov. 25, 1904
Galena - The farmers are preparing for the spring crops. The wheat prospect is much better now than some months ago. Several telephones have been put in the various houses of farmers. The republicans of the township held their caucus on the 21st, nominating for trustee Ed. Etherington, constable George Woodard, road supervisor, James Costello. The democrats placed in nomination the following rousing ticket, the caucus being held on the 21st, trustee Ed. Teeter, constable, road commissioner, E. W. Davis and supervisor John Heimer. Michigan City Dispatch, 3 Apr 1884
OBITUARY--J. S. CALE died at the county asylum last Saturday night of influenza at the age of 72 years. We knew James S. Cale considerably over forty years ago who then and for years afterwards was a resident of New Durham in New Durham township. He was a subscriber to the Westville Herald, of which we were publisher, forty-three years ago and he continued to take it for many years afterwards. When we first knew him he was considerably under 30 years old. He was an intelligent, well to do young man of good habits, giving no evidence then of becoming a county charge in later years.
Many men and women have died in the county asylum a charge to the county of Laporte, who, in their time, held high position. Herman Lawson had been twice sheriff of the county, elected common pleas judge in 1852, beating Judge Farrand for that office, and a candidate for state senator in 1856 and beaten by Hon. M. H. Weir, died a county charge there. We could mention many others, but on account of their friends still living will not do so, who are now filling pauper graves in this county. No man or woman in the bloom and vigor of health, however fair their future may look, is assured of exemption from the exactions of poverty and its attended wretchedness. La Porte REPUBLICAN, Fri., 13 Apr 1900, Contributed by Fern Eddy Schultz. Note: James S. Cale is buried in the County Section at Pine Lake Cemetery
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War (1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting.
***
We all have those elusive family members for whom we have a date and location of death but cannot locate them in a cemetery. Or, on the other hand, we find them in the cemetery but cannot find the death record. Of course, there are also those who were in La Porte at one time but left the area. Following are records of individuals who had ties to La Porte County but died or were buried elsewhere.
The wife of Wm. Hawkins, who was clerk of the La Porte Circuit Court from 1835 to 1842, died last week at Midlothian, Texas. She was 95 years old, was the mother of eleven children, leaves 39 grandchildren, 64 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, or a total of 111 descendants. (The Herald, 13 Aug, 1895)
Charles Yeagley, wife and child, formerly of LaCrosse, this county, lost their lives in the destruction of their home at Frankfort, Ind., when Mr. Yeagley attempted to start the kitchen fire with gasoline. Yeagley, who played ball on the LaCrosse team for two seasons, and will be remembered by the LaPorte fans and the members of the LaPorte team, recently moved to Frankfort with his family. In making the fire in the morning he found it would not burn fast enough to suit him and so he picked up a can of gasoline and started to pour it on the flames. There was a flash and the next instant Yeagley, his wife and child were ablaze. Before assistance could reach them they were so badly burned that they died within a few hours thereafter. Two children who were in an adjoining room escaped. (The La Porte Daily Herald, 26 Feb, 1909)
Died, March 7, of catarrh of the stomach, David W. Walker. He was for many years a resident of this city, and was spending the winter at the home of his niece, Miss Caroline Hinks in Danville, Indiana, where his remains are buried. Deceased was 65 years old. He was an uncle of Mrs. Jerome Adkins. He went from here to Kansas with Dr. Carr about ten years ago, when the doctor died going to Danville. Mr. Walker was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. La Porte Daily Herald, 16 Mar 1895.
*****
How thrilling would it be to receive such a priceless gift from the past? Mrs. Hulbert is obviously not a family history researcher!! This was reprinted from an Associated Press article of March, 2007.
LONDON (AP) - A British soldier’s postcard to his sweetheart has finally arrived- 92 years after he sent it from the trenches of World War I.
Pvt. Walter Butler wrote to Amy Hicks in 1915 telling her he was alive and well – but the army-issued postcard never made it to her home in Wiltshire, 60 miles west of London. Butler survived the war, and the couple went on to marry.
The postcard turned up in a postal sorting office, which sent it along last week to the post office near Hicks’ address. A local postman called the home of the couple’s daughter, Joyce Hulbert, to announce the discovery.
Hulbert, 86, a grandmother of three, said her late parents rarely discussed the war, and that the relic of the past had little meaning for her.
“There’s lots more interesting things going on than a postcard arriving 92 years late,” Hulbert said.
*****
La Porte Co. Deaths – First Quarter 1881
As Reported in Michigan City Dispatch, 12 Jan, 1882
Submitted by Gloria Arndt
Jan 7–Ellen Westphall, 3 mos. Feb 1– Maria Lilla, 4 yrs. Mar 4 – Isabella Henry, 29 yrs.
Jan 7–Mary Willetts, 35 yrs Feb 2– Peter O’Keefe, 54 yrs. Mar 7 – John McCartha, 21 yrs.
Jan 8– da A. Schahover, 4 yrs. Feb 2– Emma Nouse, 2 yrs. Mar 14 – Annie Bader, 6 yrs.
Jan 17–Gottlieb Krueger, 44 yrs. Feb 5– A.W.T. Walker, 57 yrs. Mar 14 – Dora Mico, 68 yrs.
Jan 1?– Infant child of J.R. Herron, 12 days Feb 15 – Mary Ann Lawrence, 69 yrs. Mar 21 – Charles Miles, 21 yrs.
Jan 25– Anna T. Buckley, 4 yrs. Feb 25– Mary L. Mosier, 4 yrs. Mar 22 – Louis Fethke, 5 yrs.
Jan 27– Infant child of J. H. Buford Feb 27– William Buckley, 89 yrs. Mar 24 – Infant Child of A.E. Shires
Jan 29– Minnie Gresham, 10 yrs. Mar 24 – Infant Child of Charles Walker
Mar 31 – Sullivan, 60 yrs.
Court Cases, November, 1893 (Daily Herald, November 10, 1893
Clara M. Hughston, as administrator of the estate of Dr. R. O. Crandall, has commenced suit against B. W. Myers for the settlement of a note of $154.
Sarah S. Northam et al. are the plaintiffs in an action brought against Mary E. Winchell et al. to contest the probation, and set aside the will of the late Norris J. Winchell.
W. Breece is the attorney for the plaintiff in an action on the note of $80 of George F. Happ against C. Labady.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Membership Meetings & Programs
11 Sept. 2007 Publishing Your Family History. Various resources will be presented.
9 Oct. 2007 What Brought Your Ancestors to LaPorte County?
Planning Meeting for SOS Day Cancelled.
13 Nov. 2007 Researching Spanish American War Veterans presented by Dorothy Palmer.
11 Dec. 2007 Holiday Dinner and Awarding of Ancestor Certificates (Watch for details in future newsletters)
[end of September 2007 issue]
[December 2007 newsletter begins]
NEWSLETTER
December 2007
Volume XXIV, No. 4
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We are almost at the close of another year, one that I hope has been a productive year for each of you in your genealogical research. We have had a variety of programs at our meetings and hope you have gleaned some needed information and/or techniques from them. At this time we are beginning to plan programs for the next year and would like to hear from you as to topics you would like to learn more about. Perhaps through your research you have acquired knowledge on researching some areas, countries, religious or organizational records, etc. and would be willing to share with your congenial fellow members. Or, maybe you know of a speaker for our group. Let your officers know. It is your society, not the officers. Mark your calendars for 16 April 2008 for our annual genealogical bus trip to Allen Co. Public Library. More next time.
I wish to thank all of our society officers, committee members and each of our members for making the past two years as your president an enjoyable time. You have been willing workers and stepped in whenever asked, especially when family matters curtailed my participation. Our meeting attendance has grown and our newer members have become active participants.
Don’t forget that your Christmas and holiday gatherings with extended family might be a good time to get some long sought after answers to your family research. Looking forward to seeing you at our meetings in the coming year. Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Patricia Gruse Harris, President
REMINDER – RESERVATIONS FOR THE DECEMBER 11TH HOLIDAY DINNER ARE DUE BY DECEMBER 4TH. SEE THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MORE DETAILS.
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour replaces the June meeting.
Members present at the November membership meeting were presented a slate of nominees by the nominating committee of Lester Chadwick, Paul Graham, and Mary Wenzel. The 2006-2007 officers were unanimously re-elected for the 2008-2009 term. Proof of jobs well done.
OFFICERS ELECTED TO 2008-2009 TERM
President Patricia Harris pagharris@sbcglobal.net
Vice-President Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Secretary Dorothy Palmer djpalmer611@comcast.net
Treasurer Alan Zeller ahzeller@csinet.net
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TIME TO RENEW MEMBERSHIPS
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MEMBERSHIP
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code. Visit our website at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
*Note: Contact information for Officers and Committees will be provided in the first newsletter each year and is also available at the Society’s website: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War--1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting.
QUERIES are published at no charge. Please legibly write or type the text and supply details which will help the reader to assist you with information about your ancestor. The query should be limited to about 25 words. Provide name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
Looking for information on Wilson Ringer (Wringer) and his parents. Attempting to confirm whether Wilson is related to other Wringer(s) in LaPorte. Monroe Wilson Wringher (1854-1945) was his son. Contact Janet Ringer, 1806-605 River Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0E7, Telephone 204-284- 1012, e-mail ringerj@mts.net
Attendees at the November membership meeting enjoyed a program presented by fellow member Dorothy Palmer. Dorothy graciously agreed to provide the following summary of her program for the benefit of those members who were unable to attend the meeting.
***FEATURE ARTICLE***
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS OF LA PORTE COUNTY
By Dorothy Palmer
“On to Santiago”, “Company ‘M’ Ready”. These were headlines in the Wednesday, June 29 1898 Michigan City, IN, Evening News. The scene presented was of young men lined up outside the offices of Dr. Milo B. Dunning at 423 ½ Franklin Street to be examined by Dr. Alva L. Spinning, the prison doctor, in order to be accepted into Company M of the 161st Indiana Volunteer Regiment. They came from Michigan City, LaPorte, Westville, Chesterton, Porter, Rolling Prairie, Valparaiso, New Buffalo and Galien, MI, and as far away as Millsdale, IL and Vigo County, IN. They came to join up, to help relieve Cuba of its Spanish despots and revenge the sinking of the Maine that they had read about repeatedly since the February newspaper headlines. Once accepted, the recruits are told that they must supply their own toiletries, such as towels, wash basins, and private equipment. Commissioned officers are told to provide themselves with everything, bedding, clothing, toilet articles, food, cooking utensils, etc. The government and state cannot outfit officers.
First Lieutenant Peterson is in Valparaiso looking after the recruits there. The day before, “Captain Anderson telegraphed to Valparaiso” “that a few young men, so desiring would be given a chance to join Company M.” Second Lieutenant C. E. Dority is going about town soliciting money to house the out of town enlistees until the “orders to move” come in. Those who live nearby are given permission to sleep in their own homes until departure. The Ames Union Band members warm up to play a patriotic selection of music on Franklin Street for the boys. Many of these band members would later be inducted as a unit into the Second Infantry Indiana and become known as the Ames Second Regimental Band.
On Thursday, June 30, after the state loses an argument with the Federal government about who pays to move the troops to Indianapolis, a phone call comes in from Governor Mount’s Private Secretary over the long distance telephone line with official orders to move Company M to link up with the 161st Indiana at Camp Mount in Indianapolis. The company roster is now at 84, with Captain Anderson expecting a full roster of 106 by Saturday departure time.
On the morning of departure, the new volunteers assemble at the Armory, probably located on the North side of the 200 block of W. Michigan St. in Michigan City, near the present Ragtops Museum. At 8 A.M. on Saturday morning they board a special car attached to the regular Lake Erie and Western morning train. Supplies have been arriving at Indianapolis for the 161st regiment, food, too, not like when the first call up of National Guardsmen were mustered.
According to army military documents the 161st Indiana Volunteer Infantry officially mustered in on 11-13 July 1898 at Indianapolis. They left the U. S. for Cuba on 13 December 1898 months after the Spaniards had surrendered Santiago de Cuba to the Americans and days after the signing of the Treaty of Paris of 1898, ending the Spanish-American War. Spain had given up all rights to Cuba and surrendered Puerto Rico and the islands of Guam and the Philippines to the United States as well as giving up its possessions in the West Indies. The 161st left Cuba on 29 Mar 1899 after three months of being part of the occupation forces and mustered out on 30 April 1899 at Savannah, GA. Of the 1,411 enlisted men accounted for in the muster out rolls, 18 died of disease, 1 by accident, 0 were killed in action. 131 men were discharged by order and 30 discharged for disability. 5 deserted.
There were Indiana boys who served with Theodore Roosevelt in the famed “Rough Riders”. Richard Lawrence of LaPorte, IN is listed in the appendix of Roosevelt’s book, Rough Riders, as a Trooper in Troop L of the 1st United States Volunteer Calvary Regiment. The LaPorte Daily Argus tells of a “Rough Rider Schultz” who was with Col. Roosevelt when he charged San Juan Hill. “Rough Rider Schultz” had returned to La Porte to recuperate from typhoid fever under the care of Drs. Nelson S. Darling & Dr. Alfred W. Scobey whose offices at the time were located at 1022 Main Street, now Lincolnway. There is a Private Richard L. Schultz, First U. S. volunteer cavalry, Troop L who, in June of 1903, is a charter member of the Camp Charles E. Leiter Spanish-American War veterans of La Porte County. However, the only Schultz listed in the appendix of Roosevelt’s book is Corporal Theodore E. Schultz of Tampa, FL, a member of Troop M. Many volunteers of the 1st U.S. were listed as coming from Tampa. They could have merely finalized their enlistment in Tampa while the troops waited there to be shipped across to Cuba. The Daily Argus never mentions Schultz’s given name.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS OF LA PORTE COUNTY (Continued)
Another news article in the Daily Argus on Thursday, 13 October 1898 details a visit to La Porte by another of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, Joseph Debli. Although the article lists Debli as a Sergeant, Roosevelt’s book lists him in the Appendix as a Trooper in Troop E from Tampa, FL. Sergeant Debli is a brother of Mrs. S. Graff of 113 “B” Street, LaPorte. He left La Porte six years prior to this article after having “sown a few wild oats”, went to Texas where he became a cowboy, joined Roosevelt’s regiment, served throughout the Santiago de Cuba campaign, and went through a siege of fever in Cuba. He mustered out at Montauk Point, N.Y. Leaving there, he went with some of his comrades to New York City where these war heroes were wined and dined at the best hotels by the elite of New York. Ever the adventurer, Sergeant Debli doesn’t appear in the 1899 city directory for La Porte or Michigan City. Had he gone back to Texas and the cowboy life?
La Porte County veterans came to include others who had not begun their service in this county. On Thursday, June 9, 1903, the Evening News details the formation of a society for Spanish-American War veterans called Camp Charles E. Leiter, after a serviceman from Akron, OH, who enlisted in Indianapolis and who died in Jacksonville, FL of disease. He was the first member of Company L, 161st Indiana Volunteer Infantry to die. The following week the Westville Indicator highlights the same story. Of the 16 charter members listed in the Evening News, one, Private William C. Heglin is from Monon, IN. Isaac W. Brown is a private from the Fourth Missouri, Company C. A Hjalmar Johnson, listed in the La Porte County Veterans Roster Grave Registration, buried in the Kingsbury cemetery, was born in Oslo, Norway. He served in the U.S. Army, Company 1, 2nd Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. The Grave Registration lists 131 veterans who served in the Spanish-American War between 1898-1902 and were buried in La Porte County. No doubt Johnson and Brown are not the only ones listed who served in another state or were born in another country.
There is a cannon in Memorial Park in Michigan City which is a relic of the war. It, as well as the park land, was given to the city by Martin T. Krueger on Sept. 10, 1924 in memory of the veterans of the Spanish American War. In the deed, Krueger said that any veteran could be buried on the property, but no one ever was. Another Spanish-American War memorial is on the grounds of the Old Lighthouse Museum next to the Civil War memorial. These memorials should be visited and some thought given to the men who left La Porte County on that special car attached to the back of the morning train that June day in 1898.
To learn something about the individual lives of the men and women who have gone to war, to put them in a place and time, to pull their humanity out of the records is to honors them. God bless them and America.
*****
PRESERVED 80 YEARS - Old Documents Brought From Washington State - Are the Property of a Centralia, Wash. man, Whose Ancestors Lived in This Locality…F. B. Hubbard, who has been visiting here the last several days, brought with him from the state of Washington a package of letters and documents that were handed him before his departure by Truman Freeman of Centralia. Mr. Freeman is an Indiana man, and the documents belonged to his grandfather, who at one time in his life was a resident of this city. Mr. Hubbard did not remember the elder man's name, but some of the letters are addressed to William Cheney who at that time lived in Valparaiso, and Cheney was probably the name of Freeman's grandfather. The papers are in a large leather pocketbook in which are many pages of aper in which the owner kept accounts and a diary. The second page begins: "I left Hagerstown, (Md.) October 10, 1827," Written on the margin by someone else into whose possession the diary had evidently fallen, is the explanation that "this was written when uncle Solomon Cheney came to Valparaiso from Hagerstown, Md." In another place is a diary which reads: "Michigan City, Nov. 28, 1835. The weather very severe. Storm. Thinking of going home." A part of the rest is not legible, but the writer evidently meant to convey the thought that such a storm few men are born to see. A letter dated Michigan City, April 2, 1843 and addressed to Cheney at Valparaiso is signed by J. G. Sleight. it seems that Cheney was in the mercantile business at Valparaiso, and the letter related to business matters. Among the papers is a note given by John Horr, in favor of David Cheney for $250, payable at the Branch at Michigan City of the State Bank of Indiana. The note is dated Aug. 22, 1841. A letter dated Milwaukee, Dec. 2, 1837, is signed "your brother-in-law, H. S. Orton," and is addressed to William, Lorenzo, Truman and John." The writer was living in Milwaukee and says the last census gave it 14,060, only 2,000 less than Chicago, "and" he adds, "everybody thinks it will outstrip Chicago." Michigan City Evening News, Michigan City, IN, Friday, 26 June 1908
Note: J. G. Sleight was in the merchandising business in Michigan City as early as 1835-36. A John Cheney was an early settler of Michigan Twp. Contributed by Pat Harris
La Porte High School Class of 1937
25 Year Reunion
V.F.W. Hall
Saturday, August 18, 1962
Information from Class Reunion Program - Contributed by Sandra Mafera
Continued from previous issue
City and State of residence as of 1962 are provided. If full street address is desired, contact the editor. LP indicates La Porte, IN address.
Carl Messman – LP; Gwen Merchant Mitchell – LP; Edgar Mansfield – Columbus, OH; Orville Mueller – LP; William Neblung – LP; Ellen O’Brien Stryker – Alhambra, CA; Alvin Nebel – Madison, WI; Edna Nicklas Brothers – Hyattsville, MD; Don Murphy – Torrence, CA; Joe Phillips – South Bend, IN Lois Prellwitz Weber – Long Beach, CA; Lillian Rice Gravatt – Manhattan Beach, CA; Dorothy Rensberger Frell – LP; Arthur Pieplow – Michigan City, IN; Charles Richardson, LP; Edward Reznik – Phoenix, AZ; Robert Sage – South Bend, IN; Ruth Schlitter Miller – Western Springs, IL; William Smith – LP; Marj. Stansbury Krueger, LP; Dorothea Sharp Gierke – LP; Kenny Sass – LP; Margaret Scott Strickland – Michigan City, IN; Violet Schindler Rose – LP; Archie Schoff – LP; Hugh Schoff – Winnemucca, NV; Lucille Singleton Sharp – LP; Edward Sweitzer, LP; Harriet Swanson Sweitzer – LP; Ruth Summers Nicklas – LP; John Vitale, LP; Wayne Vogt – Indianapolis, IN; Jeanne Turner Danlavich – LP; Irene Trapp Welch – Brooklyn, WI; Donald Voight – LP; Milo Swanson – LP; Joe Straub – LP; Clayton Wilson – Santa Barbara, CA; Ethel Werner Miller – LP; Helen Wolcott – Indianapolis, IN; Wilbur Wright – LP; John Wade – LP; Walter Wood – Wayne, MI; Lona Wood Reese – Gilbert, AZ; Hoadley Wright (no address provided); Mildred Zahrt Homann – LP; George Williams – LP; Sara Zahrt Ewart – LP; Roy Zellers – LP; William Zellers – Niles, MI; Augustine Zyzak Cockran – LP; Emmaline Zakes Wellington – LP; Tom Carver – Reseda, CA; Sally Nielson Bard – LP;
(This completes the list of names provided in the program)
GLIMPSES of the PAST
Westville - Reed Hubbard has sold his house and lot to Pearl Taylor. John Kimball and Mrs. Etta Scott are both sick with malarial fever. Flora Winters and Rose Cattron returned from Niagara Falls last Friday well pleased with their trip. H. P. Cole went to Whiting last Sunday, where he will assist R Hubbard in building a new house on a lot recently purchased in that place. Mrs. Rachel Wooley had a slight stroke of paralysis last Thursday, but is able to sit up a little at present writing. Oria Harris has gone to Elkhart to spend two weeks. Aggie Bertram, of Knox is visiting her aunt, Mrs. H. B. Herrold. Frank Brooks and wife are spending a few days in Chicago. M. Graham, of Three Oaks spent last Sunday at Gardner’s. Missie Jessie Cissna and Mertie Haverstock are visiting Belle Clarke. Several of our citizens attended the anniversary supper and dance at A. Greenings’ last Tuesday night. Michigan City Weekly Dispatch, 25 August 1898 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Galena - Mrs. Nettie Hudson Heckman has just had a monument put up on her father’s (David Hudson) family lot at the Foster cemetery. One of Joe Proud’s children has been quite sick. Jessie Stewart who has been visiting her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John D. Smith, has returned home to Chicago. Mrs. Nell Smith has been quite sick and is now getting better. Avery Barnes has company from Chicago, Ill. Mr. Fargher’s sale last week drew a large attendance. Mrs. Martha M. Woodmansee is on the sick list, but she is able to ride out a little. Michigan City Weekly Dispatch, 31 August 1899
Hack’s Mills - The schools of Springfield township open September 5th with the following teachers: Carrie Kmuth, Springville; Fred Barnes, Culps; L. F. Hillman, Shippeeburg; Alma Peterson, Stite’s; Ben Rhodes, Hack’s; Stanton Cushing, Organ; Florence Morton, Vail’s; George Bermer, Starr. Miss Bertha Menzie will attend school in Michigan City the coming winter. Mrs. Joseph Hack, of Wakelle, Mich., is visiting her parents and friends in Springfield township. Ray Zigler returned to his home in Chicago Friday night for the benefit of the Sunday school. Helen Hack will leave the middle of October for Los Angeles, Cal., where she will spend the winter with relatives and friends. Michigan City Weekly Dispatch, 25 August 1898 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
More Glimpses-
Michigan City - Miss Joese Hartwell is visiting Miss A. C. Hartwell. Jas. J. Cooney, of Terre Haute, Ind., is visiting in the city. D. S. Wright, of New Buffalo was in the city last evening. Mrs. John Craigg of Crawfordsville is visiting in the city. John Fitzpatrick and wife of Chicago are in the city visiting relatives and friends. The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. George Corbett has been quite ill but is now improving. Miss Mamie Baldwin who has been pursuing the musical studies in Boston returned home this morning. Ed. Cooney, of Battle Creek, Mich, arrived home this morning and will spend the Fourth with friends in the city. Dr. Gray says he will give a dinner to the G.A.R. in the vacant storeroom in the Sherman block on the Fourth. The Cheeney barber shop is to be moved into the storeroom next door to the post office, recently vacated by N. V. Cole. Joe Barnes, who has been visiting in Michigan for several weeks has returned and is again on duty at the Jewell House. Major Calkins is to have ratification at Washington on Saturday evening in honor of his nomination for governor. Kadow’s team attached to his ice wagon indulged in a short runaway this afternoon, which resulted in little or no damage. Tommy Wilson of the Hitchcock chair factory company went to South Bend this morning where he will spend the glorious Fourth. Deputy Sheriff John Weaver of La Porte has been here for several days assisting the invoice of the E. I. Welch stock of dry goods. Mrs. Oscar Higgins and baby Belle left for Hoddam, Conn., last night for a visit with relatives. Mr. Higgins will follow in about three weeks. Tommy Glasscott has resigned his position as clerk for C. E. Meyers and this morning went to Chicago to accept a similar position in a wholesale store. Dr. Mullen performed a delicate surgical operation yesterday on Frederick Otten. Mr. Otten is an old German citizen and had been afflicted ten years. Rev. J. A. Clearwaters united A. Touzolin of Chicago and Miss A. Eaton, of this city in marriage at the residence of H. A. Root, late yesterday afternoon. Mrs. J. R. Cushman who has been visiting Capt. and Mrs. J. A. Manning left for Boston last night for an extended visit. Master Bertie Manning accompanied her and will spend his vacation at Salem, Mass. About two hundred persons gathered on Franklin street near Second this morning and for nearly half an hour watched the desperate struggle between two savage dogs. No one seemed disposed to stop the disgraceful proceeding. The residents of the block bounded by Franklin, Fourth, Market and Pine streets complain loudly about salubrious odors that emanate from a hog pen located on an alley in said block. The board of health is invited to pay it a visit. During the month of June there were 47 marine arrivals at this port, 28 steam and 19 sail vessels, with a total of 4,503 and 1,249 tons each. The clearances were the same. The number of arrivals in the district, which includes Chicago and South Chicago were 1,762; clearances same. The first watermelon of the season has made its grand entrance into the Michigan City market, and people go up to it and thump it tenderly on the side and eagerly ask the price, and then they sigh sadly and go away. The first watermelon may be within the reach of millionaires and ice dealers but its price places it too high for the yearning grasp of the average citizen. Michigan City Dispatch, 3 July 1884 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Otis - Quite a number of our people attended the show at Laporte last week. Mr Zigler, county superintendent, visited our schools Thursday. Martin Solner, who has been an employee in a saw mill in Iowa, is a guest of his brother. Mrs. Ben Volger is visiting her parents, at Carlisle. L. J. Wolfe, our trustee was in town Saturday. Will Speckien was seen on our streets today. J. H. Gower drove to Laporte Saturday. Mr. E. Rotzien, of Holmesville was in town Monday on business. David Rapp, our butcher who has had an attack of the grip is able to be about again. Mr. and Mrs. Holler spent Tuesday with their parents at Burdick. Mr. E. H. Snyder went to Laporte Tuesday on business. John Kester, of Holmesville visited our town Tuesday. Michigan City Weekly News, 1 Feb 1898 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Waterford - Miss Belva Cross and brother, Vinal are visiting their brother in Englewood. Mrs. Z. W. Palmer spent Saturday and Sunday with relatives in Michigan City. Mrs. Lizzie Brough has gone to Chicago to attend the wedding of her cousin, Miss Luella Rollins. Miss Fannie Miner has gone east for a month’s visit with relatives, where she will visit Niagara Falls and other places of interest. Mrs. Herman Clough has been very sick, but is better at present writing. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Pepple, of Elwood are visiting the former’s parents at the summit. The kissing bug as seen at this place seems to differ entirely from the one described in the Dispatch several weeks since; space is left for a description of their bite by those attacked. The hen roost of B. F. Redding was visited one night last week. Mrs. Redding after retiring heard a mysterious noise, and shortly after the well-known squawk of chickens. He took down the rifle and going to the door ordered them to “drop that” which they did, and made off. Should they return they may not get away so easily. Michigan City Weekly Dispatch, 10 August 1899 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Gleason Station - Close of the Winship School. The Winship school, at Gleason’s station, was closed Friday with a picnic which was well attended. At noon sixty-three people sat down to a bountiful dinner which was prepared by the teachers, parents and friends of the pupils. After dinner ice cream, lemonade and popcorn was served and a general good time was had by all. Mrs. Blessing treated the children to oranges and presented each family with a picture. Mrs. Blessing and her pupils have finished a creditable year’s work, all pupils being up to the standard in each study. They have also prepared some world’s fair work and two pupils, Rachel Ermiria Boothe and William Luchtman, have graduated. Mrs. Blessing has the respect and esteem of parents and pupils. (Note: The site of Winship School is located on the south side of 300N about 1/3 mi. west of US 421.) Evening News, Michigan City, IN, Fri. 3 June 1892, p. 2, c. 5. Contributed by Pat Harris
Rolling Prairie - The announcement of the marriage of Miss Rose CONNOR and Herman W. STRUTZ, of Rolling Prairie, which took place August 28, 1898, at Milwaukee, Wis., will occasion considerable surprise to the many friends of the young people both in Laporte and Rolling Prairie. La Porte Herald, 1899 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
***
We all have those elusive family members for whom we have a date and location of death but cannot locate them in a cemetery. Or, on the other hand, we find them in the cemetery but cannot find the death record. Of course, there are also those who were in La Porte at one time but left the area. Following are records of individuals who had ties to La Porte County but died or were buried elsewhere.
Andrew Jackson Shaw of Wills Township, La Porte County died while visiting and apparently living with his daughter, Amelia Shaw Smith in Hastings, Nebraska. Obituary from Gazette Journal, Hastings, Nebraska, 4 May 1882, page 5: Mr. Shaw, who lived on the old Estes place east of the city, was buried Saturday. He was probably the oldest man in Adams county, having reached the ripe age of 95.Note: He was buried in Hastings “historic” cemetery Highland Cemetery according to Catherine Renschler, Adams County Historical Society. Contributed by Gloria Arndt
County Clerk Sallwasser received a telegram this morning from Dr. Rogers, superintendent of the Whitecliff Insane asylum at Logansport, stating that John Bartlay, formerly of this county, was dead in the institution. The deceased formerly lived in New Durham township but when returning from Logansport after serving a term took up his residence in the county asylum. From there he was recommitted. Clerk Sallwasser has not been able to find that there are any relatives of the man and it is very probable that the body will be buried at Logansport. Daily Herald, Monday, April 26, 1897
La Porte Co. Deaths – Second Quarter 1881
As Reported in Michigan City Dispatch, 12 Jan, 1882
Submitted by Gloria Arndt
Apr. 2 – Achah Hughston, 9 mos May 3 – Sophia Brimmer, 40 yrs Jun 5 – Fredrich Harty, 69 yrs.
Apr. 3 – Theodore Wuenn, 47 yrs May 8 – Ella Lawrence, 13 yrs Jun 7 – Charles Hetse, 11 mos.
Apr. 9 – John Kilback, 56 yrs May 11 – Infant of A.G. Phillips Jun 13 – Infant of M.T. Krueger, 6 da.
Apr. 10 – Willis Brown, 78 yrs May 13 – Infant of S. Wilke Jun. 14 – Wm. Rodhky, 8 years old
Apr. 17 – Mathias Krieks, 66 yrs May 21 – Mary Dennelly, 66 yrs Jun. 14 – Infant child of D. W. Daniels
Apr 17 – Emily Tries, 20 yrs. May 24 – Hattie Rayell, 4 yrs Jun 16 – Annie M. Gasper, 8 da.
Apr. 21 – John Dunner, 59 yrs May 25 – Mrs. John Nelling, 76 yrs Jun 16 – Mary Kearns, 3 mo.
Apr. 27 – Elizabeth Kriedler, 43 yrs Jun 19 – Annie Piola, 26 yrs.
Apr. 29 – John McLaughlin, 30 yrs Jun 19 – Bertie Kise, 7 yrs.
Apr. 29 – Baby Gingle, 7 wks Jun 24 – Hiram N. Lumbard, 53 yrs
Jun 25 – Frank Bader, 46 yrs
Jun 29 – Freddy Volfse, 8 mos.
Jun 29 – Mrs. Nancy McAdoo, 67 yrs
Jun 30 – Francis Balance, 57 yrs.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
11 March 2008 What Was Your Ancestor's Occupation? Do you know what that strange word on the census or
other record meant?
8 April 2008 Fort St. Joseph: Learning From the Past, Moving Into the Future. Presented by Carol Bainbridge.
16 April 2008 Genealogical Research Bus Trip to Allen Co. Public Library.
13 May 2008 Dating Photos by Fashion: 1850's and Beyond. Presented by Sandy Gleim
10 June 2008 Cemetery Tour - Cemetery to be announced
Membership Meetings & Programs
11 Dec. 2007 Holiday Dinner and Awarding of Ancestor Certificates. Social time begins at 6:00 p.m., dinner served at 6:30. Cost is $8.50 per person. This year’s event will be a catered turkey dinner. Coffee and punch will be provided. Reservations are required. Please forward reservation request and payment to La Porte County Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana no later than December 4th.
8 January 2008 La Porte County Trivia Night. Members will tell about little known happenings or people in assigned areas of the county and ask others to identify. A good way to learn about the life and times of our ancestors.
12 February 2008 Show and Tell Night. Everyone is asked to bring something special from their family or found in their research.
11 March 2008 What Was Your Ancestor's Occupation? Do you know what that strange word on the census or other record meant?
8 April 2008 Fort St. Joseph – Learning from the Past, Moving into the Future. Presented by Carol Bainbridge.
16 April 2008 Genealogy Bus Trip to Allen Co. Public Library
[end of December 2007 issue]
[March 2008 issue begins]
NEWSLETTER
March 2008
Volume XXV, No. 1
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Hopefully your holiday gatherings at the end of the year with extended family gave you some answers for your family research, or at least some new clues. Also, since we have had a winter that has kept us inside more than the past years, that you have had time to organize some of your research and determine where you need to search next. That could be at the Allen Co. Public Library, well-known for its vast genealogical resources. The society in conjunction with the Michigan City Public Library will be sponsoring its annual bus trip to the ACPL on April 16 (see additional information elsewhere in this newsletter). As I have advised before, go online to their catalog and find your call numbers before you go. You will have more time for actual research that way.
The society has also scheduled many interesting topics and speakers for the year (see schedule elsewhere in newsletter). We welcome members and non-members at all meetings and all are willing to help others with their research.
The Michigan City Public Library is one of 63 libraries in the nation selected to host a traveling exhibit on Abraham Lincoln from Feb. 21 – Apr. 4, Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation. The exhibit reexamines President Lincoln’s thoughts about slavery throughout his political career and the conditions which led to the Emancipation Proclamation. There will be various programs and speakers during this time and your president has been asked to talk on Camp Anderson – Michigan City’s Civil War Mustering-in Camp on March 6 at 12:00 noon at a brown bag lunch. Also, on March 11 & 25 from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. I will be available to aid persons researching their Civil War Veterans and have a handout listing sources available at the library, internet and elsewhere. Hope to see many of you there.
Patricia Gruse Harris
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
MARY J. NOVAK & HAROLD HENDERSON
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
MEMBERSHIP DUES
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Dues paid before November of the current year are credited to that year. Dues paid after 01 November are credited to the following year. The fiscal year is 01 January through 31 December each year. Membership entitles members to newsletters and other entitlements stipulated in the Constitution and By-laws. Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code. Visit our website at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
Petition of Residents of Hudson Twp. to Keep Stock
off Public Highway, State of Indiana - 1885
LaPorte County, June 16, 1885
(Contributed by Gloria Arndt)
Comes now Arthur Holman and others and presents their Petition in the following words to wit: To the Board of Commissioners of LaPorte County, Indiana. The undersigned Citizens and Residents of Hudson Twp. in said County of LaPorte. We respectfully petition that your Board enter the proper order on the order book directing that all animals and Stock shall not be allowed to run at large, herein mention – Hogs, Sheep, Cattle, Horses, Milch Cows.
That no Stock shall run out or pasture upon the Public Highway as commanded in said Hudson Township. We here ask the honorable Board of Commissioners to approve the above. Arthur J. Holman
Mary Warren Samuel Brown Nathan Emery
Elisha Dyer E. Long Obadiah Walker
William A. Hayes Hiram Thompson M. Thompson
Amos Thompson R. Teeter Nathanial S. Wright
Leroy C. Grover Theodore Grover M. B. Thomas
C. W. Miller Chas. Ray Albert Mitchell
D. P. Burrows A. J. Hicks A. Carothers
J. A. Davidson Jesse Haines B. Toland
Charles Walker J. Enos J. Williams
C. H. Smith G. F. Casaday W. D. Smith
Burr Casaday J. B. Morehouse A. E. Rowell
S. C. Hicks Geo. W. Brown G. W. Aubarn
Rebecca Drulinger Joseph Drulinger Amos Benitt
Sarah H. Borden John Drulinger A. E. Eckert
Gust Danielson Pete Harris W. H. Kohler
Hugh Porter C. Ackerman T. J. Tappan
M. D. Solloway A. J. Wahler F. Reynolds
Frank Emery A. M. Cissna Seth Whitney
Charles Holloway N. Hicks E. Long
John Trowbridge J. Switzer Finley White
Joseph Sutton George Switzer B. C. Hicks
Elwood Sheeley Wellington Switzer Ralph Hill
David Appleton William Galbreath Noah Hicks
John C. Parker Joseph Trowbridge
Case Dismissed September 15, 1885
Don’t forget that local libraries offer no-cost access to valuable Genealogy Databases through their @ Home subscription programs. In addition to Heritage Quest, La Porte County Library is also offering @home access to the following:
America’s Genealogy Bank (1690–1980) - Quickly find your ancestors in over four centuries of rare documents and records. Search thousands of historical newspapers, books, pamphlets and genealogies. Plus, the complete American State Papers, U.S. Serial Set, Social Security Death Index and more than 23 million obituaries.
America’s Newspapers - The electronic editions of record for valuable local, regional, and national U.S. newspapers--all in one easy-to-search database.
Ancestry Plus and Footnote are not available from home but can be accessed by visiting the library. Those living outside the La Porte and Michigan City area should check with their local libraries to determine which programs are available to them.
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QUERIES are published at no charge. Each must be legibly written or typed and should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail
address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
QUERY - Researching VOLTZ, WEST & STIBOR Families of La Porte County. VOLTZ and WEST families from Michigan City. STIBOR from La Porte. Would like to exchange information. Virginia Del Marto, 2083 High Mesa Drive, Henderson, NV 89012-2584 (702) 896-5875 Email: ralphsgirl@cox.net
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NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor. Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the Newsletter. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the Newsletter (i.e., February, May, August and November).
VETERAN’S CORNER
WWI Veteran – Harry Richard Landis, who enlisted in the Army in 1918 and was one of only two known surviving U.S. veterans of World War I, died Monday, February 4, 2008. He was 108. The remaining U.S. veteran is Frank Buckles, 107, of Charles Town, W.Va., according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, John Babcock of Spokane, Wash., 107, served in the Canadian army and is the last known Canadian veteran of the war. Mr. Landis was born in 1899 in Marion County, Mo. Associated Press, Tampa, FL.
La Porte County Trivia
Members participated in the January program by challenging others to answer trivia questions about people, places and events in La Porte County’s history. This and future newsletters will pose some of the trivia questions. Answers will be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
Presented by Society Member Harold Henderson: I was born in 1824, the son of Methodist circuit rider Samuel C. and Caroline (Thrall) Cooper. My mother died when I was two years old and I was apprenticed as a tanner in the 1840’s in Lafayette, Indiana. I married Mary Ward, daughter of W.P. and Mary Ward, of Michigan City, in 1852. Mary and I had six children and 15 grandchildren. I was a Methodist circuit rider and minister from 1845 – 1872 and served in the areas of St. Joseph County, Valparaiso, Roseville (Parke County), Greencastle, Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Michigan City, Mishawaka, Richmond, La Porte, Attica, Westville and South Bend. In 1875 I moved to St. Joseph, Michigan and within a few years had founded the St. Joseph Spinning and Knitting Works, which made stockings and underwear. Who am I?
Are You Duly Wed? Outgoing County Clerk McClung, while reviewing his records and preparing the office for his successor, discovered that between June 1, 1900 and June 1, 1903, there were 47 marriage licenses issued for which no returns were made. An investigation was suggested to determine whether the marriages never occurred or were performed but the officiating individual failed to file the return. Of the 47 marriage licenses where no returns were made, at least 40 were Polish couples living in the northern part of the county. The law states that all marriage returns were to be returned within 90 days from the date of issue. Individuals obtaining licenses which were not returned:
June 19, 1900 – Frank B. Sodt and Daisy L. Brown
June 28, 1900 – Arthur Fleming and Minnie Rocksiem
November 27, 1900 – William M. Williams and Addie B. Sales
December 25, 1900 – William M. Davis and Mary V. Durby
April 9, 1901 – George Berridge and Emma F. Cofling
June 18, 1901 – William J. Shafering and Esther P. Clark
July 7, 1901 – Stanislaus Danikowski and Antonina Relsorska
(To Be Continued in Subsequent Newsletters)
DID YOU KNOW? In 1916 the ratio of divorces to marriages in La Porte County was 1 to 7.6. Of the 80 divorces granted during that year, 57 were to the wife and 23 to the husband. Of those granted to the wife, 8 were for abandonment, 6 for adultery, 2 for criminal conviction, 21 for cruel treatment, 7 for drunkenness, 12 for failure to provide and 1 for other causes. Of the 23 granted to the husband, 10 were for abandonment, 6 for adultery, 6 for cruel treatment, and 1 for drunkenness.
GLIMPSES of the PAST
Bootjack - The rain last Saturday has greatly improved the growing wheat. The farmers in this vicinity are about through sowing oats. Mr. A. D. France is very ill. Mr. Fleming Reynolds and his son, Charlie, are gone to central Iowa. Mr. Reynolds’ youngest daughter, Mrs. Hall is in very poor health. She resides in Boone, Iowa. There have been quite a good many changes in our quiet neighborhood this spring. Mr. George Brown has left his old home and rented a farm on Portage Prairie. Mr. Jacob Augustine has purchased the Brown farm and is now living there. Mr. William Dickey has removed to New Carlisle, and the house he vacated is occupied by Mr. Hart. Wilson France lives where Frank Reynolds formerly lived. James Reynolds has bought the Plum Grove farm of George Reynolds, but J. W. Zigler will remain there the present year. The Boot Jack School has commenced again, the same teachers being employed. Mr. Schuyler Hicks has a young daughter. Miss Mary West has returned from the east, and will superintend the Sunday school at this place. Mrs. J. W. Zigler celebrated her 50th birthday by making a dinner for her children and a few other friends. La Porte Herald Chronicle, 22 April 1880 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Beatty’s Corners - Mrs. August Schleen is again on the sick list. John Schleen and wife Sundayed at August Schleen’s. Mrs. Alford Kemper, Mrs. William Snyder and Mrs. A. Snyder were calling on friends here Sunday. Mrs. Charles Leets and Mrs. Charles Frame spent last Thursday at the home of Mrs. C. J. Frame. Mrs. Barbra Kemper entertained the ladies of the Larkin club Tuesday at 1 o’clock dinner at her home near Otis. Sleighing is disappearing at a rapid rate and the roads are so full of snow banks that travel is slow and disagreeable. The remains of the late William Reglein were brought out from Michigan City and interred in Beatty’s Corners cemetery. Mrs. George Blessing, Sr., who has been quite sick for the past three weeks at the home of her son, George Blessing, is slightly improved at this writing. A box and pie social will be given in the Beatty’s Corner schoolhouse on the evening of March 3, Mae E. Johnston, teacher. Go and take well filled baskets. Miss Minnie Reglein will dispose of her household goods in Otis at private sale and will reside in the future with her sister, Mrs. J. C. Zarhn of Michigan City. William Forrester will sell at public auction his personal property March 7 and will move to Michigan City, having sold his farm to Aaron Freddinburg, who will take possession at once. L. W. Zharn’s valuable horse injured itself by kicking his foot against a stone wall in a barn. A dance will be given by a Michigan City crowd next Saturday night in Forrester’s hall in Otis. Michigan City News, 1 March 1906 (Contributed by Gloria Arndt)
Glimpses of the Past (Continued)
Galena - Mrs. Lucy Valentine, of Fargo, N. Da., is here on a visit at Avery Barnes’ and will return to her father’s Saturday and thence home soon. Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Davis attended the wedding at B. F. Davis’ last week over the line in Michigan, when his daughter, Miss Hattie, was married to Oscar Wright. Ed Etherington expects to go with his family to California for the winter. Mr. and Mr. E. W. Davis held a family picnic at Lakeside last week. Michigan City Weekly Dispatch, 25 August 1898
Otis - C. E. Martin, editor of the Westville Indicator was in town Saturday. Martin Solner and S. Kellogg, of Michigan City spent Sunday with relatives here. Fred Snyder is visiting friends at Valparaiso. Miss Johnson of Chicago is the guest of her cousin, Mrs. C. Baird, for a few days. Mr. Lonn of Laporte was seen on our streets today. Messrs. Wade and Burner were Chicago visitors Tuesday. Miss Fanny Otleski of South Chicago is the guest of her sister, Mrs. Frank Badur. Michigan City Weekly Dispatch, 31 August 1899
Michigan Township - To aid our correspondent, Mrs. Cooley, in providing Michigan township with a daily newspaper of its own, please give her any news you may have each day. She, in turn, will forward it promptly to The News daily. The Eddyville school has its closing program this week with State Semester examination yesterday and today. A lovely picnic is anticipated for tomorrow in which patrons and friends will take part. Friday is closing day. The family of Mr. Scott have been having a siege of the flu but are convalescing. Mr. Scott is employed by the South Shore. Mrs. Everett Eddy of Eddyville was a visitor in Chicago, Monday. Mr. Clark and family formerly of Elfin cottage, who have been living in Chicago for the last two years are back to spend the summer on Sheridan Beach. Mrs. Charles Woss of Sheridan Beach who has been quite indisposed is improved at this writing. Michigan City News, 2 May 1928 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
News from the County Home - Ernest Reece, aged 95 years, dying with consumption, and his wife, Sophia Reece, bearing the weight of 107 years, were received at the county asylum Tuesday evening to spend the remainder of their days of life. They were taken over the hills to the refuge of the poor and unfortunate of life by the trustee of Wills township, where the aged couple lived for many years, where the father hewed a home out of the wilderness and where his wife, her figure bent with age, her hair as white as the driven snow, witnessed a century pass into forgotten oblivion. The condition of Mr. Reece made it necessary to remove him to the asylum that he might receive the proper care, while the mental condition of Mrs. Reece, her mind tottering under the infirmities of age, required that she be ministered unto as a public charge for the days she is fated to live. This venerable couple has had a long and interesting history. They have lived to behold American achievement and development, to witness the triumph of genius in mechanical invention. Mrs. Reece was a young girl during the progress of the war of 1812, and when her mind was strong and vigorous she could recount much of the stirring history which was written in the early years of the nineteenth century. The lives of both have been filled with content, and life, despite the fact that the sun is now deep on the other side of the hill, has had its sweet mingled with the bitter. Michigan City Evening News, 2 Oct. 1902 Contributed by Pat Harris
We all have those elusive family members for whom we have a date and location of death but cannot locate them in a cemetery. Or, on the other hand, we find them in the cemetery but cannot find the death record. Of course, there are also those who were in La Porte at one time but left the area. Following are records of individuals who had ties to La Porte County but died or were buried elsewhere.
Daily Herald, Sat Aug 21, 1897 – John Cox, a resident of this city, who was an inmate of the insane asylum in Logansport, died in that institution last night. His age was about 60 years and he leaves a widow. She will leave here tomorrow for Logansport, the body being laid to rest there.
Daily Herald Monday, Feb 8, 1897 – The remains of Mrs. Ira Barber arrived here at 12:16 o’clock this afternoon from Springfield, Ill., and were taken to the home of Eugene Barber, No. 1301 Woodward Street, from which place services were held at 4 o’clock this afternoon. Interment is Patton’s cemetery. Mrs. Barber died Saturday of congestion of the lungs at the home of her daughter. Deceased was born in Cambridge, N.Y., Aug 18, 1824. Her maiden name was Rachel Ann Pratt. In 1844 she came west with her parents, locating in this county. One year later, May 2, 1845, she was married to Mr. Barber. They continued to reside here until recently. A brother, George Pratt, of Kingsbury, and a sister, Mrs. Dr. Grover, of Wisconsin, and four children, Eugene, LaPorte; Emmet, Chicago; Benjamin, Maringo, Ill., and Mrs. P.H. Hofferkamp, of Springfield, Ill., survive her.
La Porte Co. Deaths – Third Quarter 1881
As Reported in Michigan City Dispatch, 12 Jan, 1882
Submitted by Gloria Arndt
Jul 3 – John McGovern, 22 yrs.
Aug 3 – S. McCormick, 11 mos.
Sep 2 – Matilda Ohms, 2 yrs
Jul 4 - Infant of Christopher Kimball
Aug 3 - Joseph Retzeck, 8 wks.
Sep 2 – Clara M. Berching, 1 ½ da.
Jul 4 – J. W. Reglen, 40 yrs.
Aug 4 – Louisa Berger, 2 ½ yrs.
Sep 4 – Sylvester Huloe, 1 yr.
Jul 6 – Ellen A. Seegert, 19 mos.
Aug 4 – Sara L. Eastwood, 50 yrs.
Sep 5 – Otto Lubke, 3 mos.
Jul 9 – Emma Gaa, 19 yrs.
Aug 5 – Lewis Proter, 6 wks
Sep 6 – John Duffield (prisoner), 38 yrs.
Jul 9 – Wm. Shutz, 4 wks
Aug 5 – Infant of John Debre, 5 wks
Sep 10 – Frederick Walkertine, 64 yrs.
Jul 10 – Martha Coombe/Coombs, 25 yrs.
Aug 8 – Infant of John Polson, 8 mos.
Sep 11 – Infant of Frederick Sebram
Jul 15 – Ida Garbetski, 6 mos.
Aug 12 – Nora Krause, 1 yr.
Sep 14 – Mabel May Valentine, 4 mos.
Jul 16 – Harry Martin, 8 mos.
Aug 16 – Alexander Hill (prisoner), 61 yrs.
Sep 15 – Lewis Werdean, 3 mos.
Jul 16 – Andrew Mann, 1 yr.
Aug 18 – Charles Zarhn, 47 yrs.
Sep 16 – Joseph Milsorick, 7 mos.
Jul 19 – Baby McConnel, 7 mos.
Aug 23 – Infant of John (?) Enoofke, 7 da.
Sep 18 – Aug. F. Wenson, 18 mos.
Jul 20 – Sarah Johnson, 57 yrs.
Aug 23 – Sarah A. Howey, 32 yrs.
Sep 19 – Miles Riley, 61 yrs.
Jul 21 – Perry Berge (prisoner) 22 yrs.
Aug 24 – Bertha Krueger, 8 mos.
Sep 21 – Emma Goldman, 19 yrs.
Jul 23 – Infant of Fred Miller, 11 mos.
Aug 26 – Fred Wiegman, 8 mos.
Sep 22 – Kate G. Bowes, 11 wks.
Jul 23 – Mary Hansen, 5 mos.
Aug 29 – Infant of Ola Johnson,
5 mos.
Sep 23 – Ida B. Mattix, 6 wks.
Jul 24 – Mrs. Julia A. Cleveland,
47 yrs.
Aug 29 – Augusta E. Eddy, 19 yrs.
Sep 28 – Daisy Thomas, 4 mos.
Jul 27 – Annie L. F. Sothman,
11 mos.
Sep 28 – Edward Lawrence, 3 yrs.
Jul 28 – Clara Myers, 14 mos.
Jul 31 – Edwin Valentine, 24 yrs.
*OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Patricia Harris pagharris@sbcglobal.net
Vice-President Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Secretary Dorothy Palmer jpalmer611@comcast.net
Treasurer Alan Zeller ahzeller@csinet.net
Genealogist-Historian Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
EDITOR & MEMBERSHIP: Donna Nelson donnamnelson@comcast.net
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Dottisue Gansemer Dottisue22@aol.com
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
2007 Residency Certificates Awarded – Four individuals were awarded Residency Certificates at the December 11, 2007 meeting of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society. Dottisue Gansemer was awarded a First Families certificate based on documenting her ancestor, Alexander B. Campbell, in La Porte County by December 31, 1840. She was also the recipient of a Pioneer certificate for her ancestor William C. Collins in La Porte County in 1856. Other recipients of Pioneer certificates were Paul Milton Graham for his ancestor, Patrick Cooney in the county in 1855 and Janet Ringer for her ancestor, Wilson Ringer residing here in 1849. A Settler certificate was awarded Joann Gabryszak for documentation of her ancestor, Ignatz Mazurkiewicz in the county in 1876.
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War--1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting.
COURT CULLINGS
The Herald
8 Sep, 1896
Circuit Court
In the case of Charles B. Blodgett vs. George T. Wellcome, in a suit of the “wets vs. dries”, on motion of E. E. Weir, for the plaintiff, a new trial was granted. This suit has been before three different courts already, diverse and sundry verdicts having been returned.
Relative to the assignment of Closser Bros. of Kingsbury, J. Vene Dorland’s bond, as assignee, was approved.
The case of John W. Denham vs. The Wabash Railroad company, wherein damages were sought, was dismissed.
Martin vs. Jennie Creviston, divorce, continued.
Rosa vs. Frank S. Weidner, divorce, continued.
Jacob vs. Susan Stoner, damages, continued.
W. E. Lamb vs. Orrin C. Lamb, on account, dismissed.
The state case against Frank L. Hickman was continued.
The action against Mary Garvison, grand larceny, was stricken from the docket, the woman now being under confinement for the same crime, under another charge.
Abbie J. Somers was granted a divorce from Frank Somers, the cause being failure to provide.
The grand jury is busy hearing evidence in the case where Fred Rickert broke into Thrush & Barnum’s meat market.
Commissioner’s Court
There was fun before the county commissioners again today. There was a war of words between F.E. Osborn and E.E. Weir, attorneys who represented those for and against the granting of a license to Charles Blodgett to sell liquor in Union Mills. Attorney Weir appeared for the applicant while Attorney Osborn conducted the proceedings for the remonstrators. There was no decision.
Additional liquor licenses were granted: Michigan City: Timothy O’Connor, Henry Gabbert, Fred W. Krueger, Fred Spiro, La Porte: Louis Wilhelm, Charles Peo, Charles Minich Otis: Frank Bader
DID YOU KNOW? It is not generally known that Robert E. Lee, the confederate general, was born after his mother had been buried. That lady was a victim of catalepsy, and during one of her prolonged trances was pronounced by the physicians to be dead. The burial service was over, and the sexton was busy at his sad task, when the loud crying and knocking of the awakened woman happily resulted in her deliverance from an awful doom. A year later her youngest son, afterwards General Lee, was born. (Michigan City News, 2 Apr 1902)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
11 Mar 2008 What Was Your Ancestor’s Occupation? Do you know what that
strange word on the census or other record meant?
29 Mar 2008 La Porte Co. Genealogical Society will participate in South Bend Area Genealogical Society’s annual genealogy fair at Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library.
8 Apr 2008 Fort St. Joseph: Learning From the Past, Moving Into the Future.
Presented by Carol Bainbridge
16 Apr 2008 Genealogical Research Bus Trip to Allen Co. Public Library
13 May 2008 Dating Photos by Fashion: 1850’s and Beyond. Presented by
Sandy Gleim
10 Jun 2008 Cemetery Tour - 6:00 p.m. Old Buryal Ground, Michigan City, IN. Meet at entrance to Greenwood Cemetery, Tilden Ave. & Decatur St.
Burials were removed from their original site and re-interred in Greenwood Cemetery. Patricia Gruse Harris will guide a tour of burial sites. After the tour, participants will meet for refreshments and social time and a location to be announced later.
Answer to La Porte Co. Trivia Quiz: Samuel Thrall Cooper
Books & Other Resources
Genealogy Handbook: The Complete Guide to Tracing Your Family Tree
by Ellen Galford
Forensic Genealogy by Colleen, Ph.D. Fitzpatrick
The Family Tree Problem Solver: Proven Methods for Scaling the Inevitable Brick Wall
by Marsha Hoffman Rising
[end of March 2008 issue]
[beginning of June 2008 issue]
NEWSLETTER
June 2008
Volume XXV, No. 2
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Summer has arrived and the living is easy. Well, that’s what they say anyhow. But it does make it easier for us to get out and travel and do research. Like going to more distant libraries, court houses, cemeteries or a visit with that new-found cousin who just might have the photo or piece of information for which you have been searching for a long time. Or if you don’t go far away, remember your area library collections offer a wealth of research information and they are air-conditioned. While the internet is offering more and more information, some for a rather expensive cost, you will never find everything you need on the internet and not all of it is documented.
For our members who live at a distance, remember we continue to meet the second Tuesday of each month in the summer and we would love to have you join us. (see meeting schedule elsewhere in this newsletter) We will also have our annual cemetery tour this month on June 10. Meet at the entrance of Greenwood Cemetery (Decatur St. & Tilden Ave.) in Michigan City at 6:00 p.m. We will be visiting the graves of many early citizens of Michigan City whose graves were moved in the 1880’s from the Old Buryal Ground at Detroit & Spring Sts. All were originally buried prior to 24 November 1864 when an ordinance was enacted prohibiting any burials in the city except at Greenwood Cemetery. All are welcome and enjoy your summer and your research.
Patricia Gruse Harris
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Don Grott, Andrea & Wesley Odell, and Donna Kennedy
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
MEMBERSHIP
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code. Note: Contact information for Officers and Committees will be provided in the first newsletter each year and is also available at the Society’s website. http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
A Slice of (Methodist) Life in Early La Porte County
by Harold Henderson
The laboriously handwritten words come to us from 172 years ago -- 27 August 1836. Andrew Jackson is president; the state of Indiana is just 20 years old. Four-year-old La Porte County has fewer than 8,000 inhabitants (compared to 110,000 today). The Methodist Episcopal Church is on its way to tripling its Indiana membership in twelve years. And two dozen of its leaders in La Porte and western St. Joseph County have gathered, by horse and by foot, to worship, pray, testify, and conduct the business of the circuit -- there are no church buildings yet. Besides the "Presiding Elder" Richard Hargrave of the South Bend District, there are two circuit riders ("preachers"). The rest are laymen: two deacons, four local preachers, five exhorters, and eleven stewards. The roll is called and secretary Abner Dwelle writes down their names as they answer:
Richard Hargrave[s] PE, Richard C. Meek, and Harvey Vanorder preachers
Deacons - John Griffith [Senr?] and Francis A. Standaford
Local preachers - Jeremiah Sherwood, Daniel McIntosh, Abner Dwelle and Thomas Owen
Exhorters - James B. Stevens, Paul Eggbert, (Illegible, but possibly surname Lundin), Ichabod Gifford and Daniel C. Johnston
Stewards - John Vanmeter, Brutus Buck, William Tailor, Orange V. Simon, John F. Sails
Nelson Diggins, Silas Hale, Abraham Fravel, Charles Mclain, Willis Wright and Hubbard C. Stearns
After calling the roll, they follow the church's preplanned agenda. Since there are no complaints and no appeals, they proceed to examine the character of all present -- an annual process of making sure that local leaders measure up to standards. Everyone's character passes, and Francis Standiford is recommended for elder's orders (the decision on his promotion to be made at the Indiana Annual Conference later that fall). Absent exhorter Shubal Smith's license is not renewed. "Brother Meek" concludes the meeting by reporting on the Sabbath Schools in three places: "Michigan City, Door Village, & Springville." The next quarterly conference will assemble in Door Village (AKA La Porte) on 19 December.
[Names are transcribed from the La Porte Circuit Quarterly Conference Minutes, 1836-1840, item two, second part, microfilm #365 in the Archives of DePauw University and Indiana United Methodism in Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana. (http://www.depauw.edu/library/archives). The film is also available as Family History Library microfilm 817,839 (http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/fhlcatalog). The August 1836 minutes appear at folios 7 and 8 of the unpaginated minute book.]
Court House Records Available on Microfilm at both La Porte County Public Library and Michigan City Public Library.
La Porte County Clerk’s Office
Civil Order Books
A - Z 1838 – 1914
1 – 5 1914 – 1922
Complete Record
A – I 1836 – 1882 There is no Book J
K – Z 1882 – 1911
1 – 5 1912 – 1921
Marriage Record
A – M 1832 – 1900 There is no Book N
O – X 1900 – 1922
Marriage Application
1 – 21 1905 – 1920
Partition
1 – 8 1853 – 1926
Will Record
A – J 1849 – 1921
General Index of Guardianships
11834 – 1881
Birth Index Record
11941 – 1970
Birth Order Book 1941 – 1970
General Index to Estates
11831 – 1881
Microfilmed Estate Index
11834 – 1978
Microfilmed Guardianship Index
11832 – 1955
Order Book—Common Pleas
A – G 1853 – 1873
Probate Order Book—Michigan City
A – D 1899 – 1919
Complete Record—Michigan City
1 – 2 1901 – 1919
Will Record—Michigan City
1 – 2 1898 – 1920
Partition Record—Michigan City
11898 – 1916
Marriage License Application—Michigan City
1913 -1923
Grantee Deed Index
1 – 13 1832 – 1903
Grantor Deed Index
1 – 13 1833 – 1903
Deed Record
A – Z 1833 – 1854
1 – 89 1855 – 1901
A 1837 – 1849
Tax Title Deed
A – B 1863 – 1923
Soldier’s Discharge Record
11865 – 1898
Enlistment Record
1 – 2 1919 – 1932
This list is provided courtesy of Fern Eddy Schultz, La Porte County (IN) Historian, Email: netster@csinet.net
Books & Other Resources
New acquisitions at La Porte County Public Library include updated cemetery publications for Heckman (aka Hesston) Cemetery (Galena Twp); Teeter Cemetery (Galena Twp); Old Buryal Ground (Michigan City); St. Stanislaus Cemetery (Michigan City). Other recent additions include: Funeral Homes of Michigan City; La Porte’s Orphan Train Children: The Children’s Homes, Orphanages, and Training Schools of Julia E. Work; and Camp Anderson (a Civil War training camp in Michigan City).
New at Michigan City Public Library - The newest addition to the genealogy collection is the Female Index to James Savage's Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England, one of the greatest works ever published on New England genealogy. The first edition in four volumes came out in 1860 and was published in alphabetical sequence by family name and it was easy to find the males by checking surnames. However, the females were scattered throughout and could be listed by their father's name or husband's name, a real problem if more than one spouse. All reprints after 1884 of Savage's original work carried a cross index, but this was still only a surname index. This new index lists all the females alphabetically by maiden name and all married names making them much easier to locate. When searching the volumes be sure to read the whole page to which the index refers as the name may appear more than once on a page. This book was donated to the genealogy collection of the Michigan City Public Library as a thank you for co-sponsoring our annual genealogy bus trip to the Allen County Public Library in April.
QUERIES are published at no charge. Each must be legibly written or typed and should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail
address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
BRIGGS – Seeking information about George W. Briggs. He shows up in the 1860 & 1870 census. Contact: Terry Clingman, 627 West Court, Beloit, KS 67420, tlccollectibles@nckcn.com
La Porte County Trivia
Members participated in the January 2008 program by challenging others to answer trivia questions about people, places and events in La Porte County’s history. This and future newsletters will pose some of the trivia questions. Answers will be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
Presented by Society Member Lester Chadwick: This present day township was said to be the most beautiful in La Porte County. Its prairies were covered with all kinds of wildflowers. It also had forests of immense trees and several lakes and the Little Kankakee River flowing across it. The lakes and forests teemed with wild game; ducks, geese, quail, beaver, bear, mink muskrats, and fish of all kinds. There were also lots of wolves and foxes. This was said to be the best hunting area in the world. King Edward VII of England, when he was the Prince of Wales, hunted in the lakes and forests of this pioneer township. Which La Porte County township is this?
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor. Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the Newsletter. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the Newsletter (i.e., February, May, August and November).
From The Newark (Ohio) Daily Advocate: August 24, 1897: (Contributed by Ilaine Church)
Announcement cards reading as follows have just been received by the friends of Mr. A.R. Lindorf in this city:
Alvin R. Lindorf
Sylvina A. Wolff
Married August 23, 1897
La Porte, Ind.
At Home
Hotel Warden
Newark, Ohio
After September 15th
**************************************************************************
While searching old newspapers one frequently finds articles which address issues which are as valid today as they were in the “old days”. Following is an example of just such an item.
The Herald, La Porte, Indiana, Friday, January 25, 1895
AN AMERICAN
The question often arises as to what constitutes an “American.” Our answer is one who lives in America, who loves the American flag and the free institutions of America. In other words, one who believes in “One country, one language and one flag.” We do not care if the man was born in America, Germany, Africa, or the South Sea islands, if he lives here and adheres to the above principles he is an American. A few days ago the writer was standing among a crowd of men and had in his hand a card bearing the above motto and a German comrade, wearing a G.A.R. button, asked to see it. He read and his face flushed with pride as he said, in a strong German accent, “Those are my principles. I am an American. My people left Germany when I was fifteen years old because there was no prospect for us there. We came here, and today I am doing well, have my home and a good living. I went to the war and fought for one flag, for one country, and now I am for one language. The American flag and the American tongue are good enough for me and mine. What has Germany done for me that my children must be taught to speak its language? No, sir, I am an American and when I want any other flag or language, I want you American born citizens to do the worst thing you can to me, send me back to Germany.”
This man we call an American in the purest and best sense of the word. His place of birth cuts no figure. It is the pure American sentiment that counts. – American Tribune.
Are You Duly Wed? Outgoing County Clerk McClung, while reviewing his records and preparing the office for his successor, discovered that between June 1, 1900 and June 1, 1903, there were 47 marriage licenses issued for which no returns were made. An investigation was suggested to determine whether the marriages never occurred or were performed but the officiating individual failed to file the return. Of the 47 marriage licenses where no returns were made, at least 40 were Polish couples living in the northern part of the county. The law states that all marriage returns were to be returned within 90 days from the date of issue. Individuals obtaining licenses which were not returned:
(Continued from March 2008 Newsletter)
August 19, 1901 – Names illegible
August 24, 1901 – Paul Kolanesky and ***polonis Fajut (partially illegible)
August 31, 1901 – Martin Ignasiak and Bronislava Mranskoske
September 12, 1901 – Martin Gaytka and Estella Gondick
September 14, 1901 – Stanislaus Wiatrowski and Josephine Oszosick
September 14, 1901 – Peter Bolera and Praxeda Kerscharski
September 21, 1901 – Frank Novak and Mary Kniola
September 21, 1901 – John Deresinski and Mary June
October 4, 1901 – Julian Gianoki and Lockadie Kruska
November 4, 1901 – Frank Koscielney and Annie Proll
December 24, 1901 – John Hensel and Sophia Harness
January 2, 1902 – Peter Jesko and Lena Pliskie
March 3, 1902 – George Markinski and Josephine Hollis
April 15, 1902 – George H. Hiner and Mary M. Lukowski
April 24, 1902 – Frank Gavrowski and Mary Rybarkeqicz
(To Be Continued in Subsequent Newsletters)
GLIMPSES of the PAST
Holmesville - Mrs. Chas. Miller is now able to be out. Will Rotzien was in town Thursday night. Say, what’s the matter with our ex-trustee? Lulu Rotzien visited the Durham school, Monday. Mrs. Chas. Miller called on Mrs. J. Simentz Sunday. Hattie and Hannah Fauset were guests of Lulu Rotzien Thursday. Hannah Wittespent spent Thursday night with Lulu Rotzien. Isabella and Will Rotzien called on their parents Sunday. Mud, rain, sleet-everything to make things disagreeable. Our first day of spring was “lovely”, we hope the rest will not be the same. Lulu Rotzien, Chas. Nelson and Will Speckine called on Hannah Nelson, of Log City, Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Garwood and daughter were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Rotzien Sunday. Michigan City News, 22 March 1899. (Contributed by Gloria Arndt)
Galena Gleanings - Uncle Sam Southerland started a Southerland-Barnes picnic on Friday, Aug. 4, 1899, and the first one was held at Cleghorn's grove, Henderson lake, in honor of his daughter, Mrs. Lucy Southerland Vanderhoof, of St. Edwards, Neb. Mrs. Vanderhoof has been here on a visit for some days. Michigan City Dispatch, 10 August 1899. (Contributed by Gloria Arndt)
Glimpses of the Past (Continued)
Otis - Frank Reynolds drove to Michigan City Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Gower drove to Westville Saturday. Samuel McAuleffe, of Chicago is visiting friends here. Mr. E. H. Snyder made a business trip to Laporte Friday. Mr. Frank Reynolds made a business trip to Furnessville Thursday. Elder Stewart was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Gower Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Snyder. Messrs. Gueski and Clough were in town Wednesday trading horses. Mr. John Baird, of Elkhart, was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Baird Tuesday. Misses Harriet Fausch, Minnie Hoffman and Ethel Burner visited our schools Thursday. Mr. Waide, the electrician on the L.S. & M. S. railroad, moved his family here from the south. Miss Isabelle Rotzien, of Condonville, was the guest of Miss Hannah Witte, Monday evening. Miss Harriet Fausch, of Michigan City, who has been visiting friends here, returned home Thursday. Mr. Frank Burner, of Westville, was the guest of Ethel Burner, Thursday. Michigan City News, 22 March 1899. (Contributed by Gloria Arndt)
New Durham Twp. - Joseph Dolman, Jr., today sold his flouring mill near Otis, commonly known as the Snyder mill, to Michael T. Timm, formerly of Kuhn & Timm, millers of Waterford, and he will take charge at once. The consideration was $5,000. Michigan City Evening Dispatch, 12 June 1893, p. 4, c. 6 (Contributed by Pat Harris)
Michigan City - The Ames Union Band did not give a concert in the park Saturday night on account of the disagreeable weather, but gave three or four numbers at the corner of Franklin and Michigan Streets instead. M. A. Schutt, the dentist, has removed his office from the Kloepfer block to the corner of Franklin and Market streets, where he can be found at all times. He is better prepared now to execute work promptly than before. Michigan City Evening Dispatch, 12 June 1893, p. 4, c. 5 (Contributed by Pat Harris)
Wanatah - Mr. Crouse, of Chicago is visiting friends here. Herman Wojahn and John Matthews were at Valparaiso Saturday. Arthur Bailey and wife visited at Davis, last Sunday. William Keil, a former Wanatah boy, but now of Chicago, is here visiting friends. J. N. McCurdy shipped a car load of stock Tuesday. Mrs. Truman Jones is very sick. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Rosenbaum, a girl. The invitations are out for a big wedding. The parties are Mr. John Werner, and Miss Grieger. Charles Fudenski had a runaway last Monday. The buggy is in bad shape, no further damage. Mr. Henoch, of Laporte was in town Monday. John Jordan, of Hanna is moving into the creamery, at this place. Jake Slocher, of Chicago, is here fixing up his creamery. He intends to have it ready by next Monday to begin operations. Michigan City News, 18 January 1899 (Contributed by Gloria Arndt)
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War--1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting.
La Porte Public Schools Teacher List 1897/98
La Porte Daily Herald, June 12, 1897
The selection of Prof. W. A. Dunn to teach science in the high school completes the list of teachers of the public schools in this city for next year. Unless there be changes made between now and next September, those who will instruct the young minds of La Porte during the school year of ’97-’98 will be as follows:
High School – Prof. John A. Wood, principal, history and mathematics; Prof. F. H. Simons, art; Prof. W. A. Dunn, science; S. May Marble, Latin; Katherine Crane, English; Mrs. H. Davidson, German; J.P. Jones, commercial and penmanship; R.W. Pellow, music.
Grammar Grades in High School Building – Kate C. Bailey, 8 ½ grade; Anna V. Hub, 8 ½ grade; Lottie Redington, 8 grade; Anna Stewart, 8 grade; Mrs. C. Taylor, 7 grade; Sara Wagner, 7 grade.
Central School – Nellie Hosmer, principal, 3 grade; Fannie Noe, 6 grade; R. Minta Smith, 5 grade; Martha Smith, 4 grade; Neva Line, 4 grade; Cora Banks, 2 grade; Bertha Grissenger, 1 grade; Lizzie Butterworth, Kindergarten; Mrs. Clara Croft-Newman, Kindergarten assistant.
Park School – Minnie Conlin, principal, 1 ½ grade; Mattie Wilcox, 6 grade; Sadie Swanson, 5 grade; Della Angell, 4 grade; Ruth Weir, 3 grade; Katherine Moore, 2 grade; Bertha Rountree, 1 grade; Harriet Miller, Kindergarten.
First Ward – Mary Rogers, 2 and 3 grades; Kate Crawley, 1 grade.
Second Ward – Grace Ely, 2 and 1 grades; Kate Vail, Kindergarten.
Fourth Ward – Anna Page, 2 and 3 grades; Mae Farnum, 1 grade.
Court News – The Herald, February 13, 1897 – William Gallagan, who was jointly indicted with James Riley for the theft of several chickens from Vene Stevens’s hen house, has turned state’s evidence and as he termed it “has coughed up” every detail of the stealing. He will throw himself on the mercy of the court. His tale holds Riley entirely responsible for the burglary and he will appear in court and give evidence against his “pal”. The case will come to trial Thursday. Frank Liddle will appear for the defendant while Prosecutor Richter will conduct the state’s case.
Judge Hubbard has made some change in the settings of cases which are to be tried next week. All have been set one day forward which fixes the settings for the week as follows:
Monday: The trial wherein George W. Drollinger et al are seeking to cause the construction of a highway and which move is contested by August Shultz will be continued. It was commenced Friday with Lemuel Darrow and F. E. Osborn for the plaintiff and Weir & Weir for the defense.
Tuesday: State of Indiana vs. Ike Spivan, petit larceny; State of Indiana vs. Frank Staver, larceny; Claud Brand vs. Joseph Berridge, account.
Wednesday: State of Indiana vs. Skip Reddington, change from Porter county; Lemuel Darrow vs. John H. Ball et al, ejectment.
Thursday: John R. Sheffer vs. George W. McReynolds et al, on account; The First Presbyterian church of Michigan City vs. Josephine Miller et al, to quit title; State of Indiana vs. Joseph Selby and Walter Berridge, petit larceny; State of Indiana vs. James Riley and William Gallagan, petit larceny.
Friday: Caroline E. Craig et al vs. Jane Burlingame et al, to set aside deed; Lou Farlane vs. Catherine B. Rector, on account; William Strinback vs. David Birchim, damages; Anna Hicks et al vs. John Miller et al, contest of will.
We all have those elusive family members for whom we have a date and location of death but cannot locate them in a cemetery. Or, on the other hand, we find them in the cemetery but cannot find the death record. Of course, there are also those who were in La Porte at one time but left the area. Following are records of individuals who had ties to La Porte County but died or were buried elsewhere.
Daily Herald – Monday, Feb 8, 1897 – Edward Barnum received a telegram this morning announcing the death of his mother, Mrs. Joseph Barnum, at Hartford, Mich, which occurred at 4:20 this morning. Mrs. Barnum received a stroke of paralysis about two years ago from which she never recovered but continued to fail till the end came. Mr. and Mrs. Barnum formerly resided here but in the spring of ’94 moved to Hartford, where they have since made their home. Mrs. Barnum leaves a husband and one son, Edward Barnum, junior member of the firm of Thrush & Barnum. She also leaves a sister, Mrs. E.D. Barrows, of this city. The funeral services will be held at Hartford and the remains will then be taken to this city, arriving here at 1:55 p.m. Wednesday. Interment will take place at Pine Lake cemetery.
Daily Herald – Tuesday, May 28, 1895 – Elizabeth B., wife of Milo E. Christie, of 707 Chicago street, died this morning at 3 o’clock after a long continued illness, consumption being the disease with which she had been afflicted. For one year she has been ailing and since February has been confined to her bed. Deceased was the daughter of Marion and Mary E. Banta and was born in Benton, Elkhart county, this state, July 8, 1869. She continued a resident of that town till Dec. 24, 1889, when she was married to Mr. Christie. She was the mother of two children, both sons, aged respectively 4 and 2 years. Brief funeral services will be held at the family residence tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at 8:30 o’clock, Rev. J. H. Cissel officiating. The remains will be conveyed, via the Lake Shore road, to Benton, where services will be held Thursday and where the interment will take place.
La Porte Co. Deaths – Fourth Quarter 1881
As Reported in Michigan City Dispatch, 12 Jan, 1882
Oct 9 - Charlotta B. Runge, 86 yrs.
Oct 11 - Louis Baldwin, 2 ½ yrs.
Oct 12 – Gracie Holtz, 18 mo.
Oct 15 – S.J.S. Bailey, 49 yrs.
Oct 15 – Infant Child of J.W. Stanke, 7 days
Oct 18 – Wm. Gamble, 13 mo.
Oct 21 – Edward Standard, 79 yrs.
Oct 22 – Rosa Wells, 21 yrs.
Oct 24 – Henry D. Miller, 43 yrs.
Oct 29 – Annie Renkawitz, 1 yr.
Submitted by Gloria Arndt
Nov 6 – Infant Child of Joseph Maltby
Nov 10 – Aurelia Selkirk, 65 yrs.
Nov 17 – Agnes E. Bowes, 30 yrs.
Nov 18 – James M. Allenthorp, 28 yrs.
Nov 18 – Wm. Krueger, 21 mo.
Nov 20 – Charles F. Kull, 7 days
Nov 24 – Peter Rosenburg, 33 yrs.
Nov 24 – Ida Kopginsky, 21 yrs.
Dec 7 – Nancy Kanady, 53 yrs.
Dec 9 - Gottlieb Ferig, 45 yrs.
Dec 10 – Albert Nelson, 14 yrs.
Dec 11 – James H. McDaniels, 50 yrs.
Dec 17 – John Wensel, 55 yrs.
Dec 17 – John Meher, 60 yrs.
Dec 18 – Baby Pike, 7 days
Dec 21 – Dennis Sheridan, 40 yrs.
Dec 22 – Willie Hartke, 6 yrs.
Dec 25 – Wm. Adair, 60 yrs.
Dec 28 – Ruth Elliot Smith, 16 mo.
Dec 30 – Theodore Kringuisky, 2 yrs.
From the Darke County, Ohio mailing list:
A little girl asked her mother, 'How did the human race appear?'
The mother answered, 'God made Adam and Eve and they had children and
then all mankind was made.'
Two days later the girl asked her father the same question.
The father answered, 'Many years ago there were monkeys from which the
human race evolved.'
The confused girl returned to her mother and said, 'Mom, how is it
possible that you told me the human race was created by God, and Dad said
they developed from monkeys?'
The mother answered, 'Well, dear, it is very simple. I told you about
my side of the family and your father told you about his.'
Answer to La Porte Co. Trivia Quiz: On the 3rd day of March, 1834, at a meeting of the March term of the county commissioners, it was voted to set off all of that part South of Township 37 North, Range 2 West, as a separate township to be known as Pleasant Township.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
10 Jun 2008 Cemetery Tour - 6:00 p.m. Old Buryal Ground, Michigan City, IN. Meet at entrance to Greenwood Cemetery, Tilden Ave. & Decatur St. Burials were removed from their original site and re-interred in Greenwood Cemetery. Patricia Gruse Harris will guide a tour of burial sites. After the tour, participants will meet for refreshments and social time at a location to be announced later.
8 Jul 2008 “What I Learned at the National Genealogical Society Conference in Kansas City”, Presented by Harold Henderson
12 Aug 2008 “Restoration Work Completed on Some Pioneer La Porte County Cemeteries”. Presented by gravestone restorers Mark Davis of Stone Saver Cemetery Restoration and Helen Wildermuth of Stone Huggers.
9 Sep 2008 “Memorable Persons from La Porte County, IN Townships”. Presented by Society members.
14 Oct 2008 “The Legacy of Madam Chevalier’s Family, Long-time Residents of Fort St. Joseph”. Presented by Darlene Bayer Jackson, who will also share research tips.
11 Nov 2008 “My Ancestors Who Participated in the Various Wars of This Country”. A special Veteran’s Day program presented by Society members.
9 Dec 2008 Annual Society Christmas Dinner and Awarding of First Family Certificates, 6 p.m. Certificates will be awarded for those who have proved their qualifications for First Family, Pioneer Settlers or Civil War Ancestor categories.
[end of June 2008 issue]
[beginning of September 2008 issue]
NEWSLETTER
September 2008
Volume XXV, No. 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I hope each of you have had some rewarding experiences during your summer travels. Maybe you got to that far away court house and found the record you had needed to further your research, or visited an area where your ancestors once lived, or met up with a distant relative who had some of the family missing links. About two summers ago I met the grandson of my maternal great grandfather’s brother. We shared mutual information and we continued to communicate. Then, a few days before I am writing this, we again met and what a treasure he brought to me. He and his wife had compiled a book, in scrapbooking format, beginning with his great grandparents who are also my 2nd great grandparents and their journey to the United States from Poland and their life and death here. Then he follows the life of his grandfather and grandmother and each of their 15 children with photos of each one, stories, gravestone photos, obituaries and names of their children. He has shared this wonderful work with all interested relatives and I for one am totally delighted.
It was not my intention to bore you with my family history. Rather, it was to make you aware of the wealth of information you just might find on your family when you communicate and seek out distant relatives. May you someday be as fortunate as I have been.
Patricia Gruse Harris
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
MEMBERSHIP
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code. Note: Contact information for Officers and Committees will be provided in the first newsletter each year and is also available at the Society’s website. http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
Congratulations to Member Harold Henderson – The Ohio Genealogical Society Publications Committee sponsored a genealogical writing contest, with entries evaluated by three judges. Winning entries will be featured in upcoming publications of the society. Second Prize winner in Ohio Genealogy News was Harold Henderson for his article “Check the Original”. Harold also took Third Prize in Ohio Civil War Genealogy Journal with his article “When Frank Came Marching Home”. Well done, Harold!!
FEATURE ARTICLE
Early Michigan City, IN Residents
by Patricia Gruse Harris
(Source Information Available On Request)
In early June, I received an inquiry from Thomas H. Walsh of Quartz Hill, CA. He had seen a listing on the Cemetery & Research Assn. of La Porte Co., IN website for Margaret W. Stewart and infant son, the wife and son of Robert Stewart, who had originally been buried in Michigan City’s Old Burial Ground. He believed Margaret and Robert were his 3rd grt. grandparents. The facts from earlier newspaper articles and information Tom later sent seem to prove Margaret was undoubtedly his 3rd grt. grandmother.
A 1909 news article tells of finding her headstone “a few feet east of the spot where the skeleton was found last week….The 2’ high by 18” wide marble stone read ‘Margaret Stewart died 1844, aged 36 years, infant son, one day old, buried same day.’” The earlier article noted said “the skeleton was intact, with black hair done up on top of the head. A dark colored ribbon was also tied around the hair. The bones are rather small, well-preserved and are thought to be those of a young woman. The entire skeleton was placed in a box and reburied (in Greenwood Cemetery).” Margaret’s hometown newspaper in Pennsylvania noted her death: “Died – Michigan City, Indiana on the 10th inst. Mrs. Margaret Stewart, consort of Robert Stewart, Esq. and formerly of this place. Of the deceased it may truly be said, she died the death of the righteous. She was sensible to the last moment, and gave delightful evidence of the sustaining power of Christianity in that trying hour. She has left a husband and children and a number of friends in this vicinity, to mourn her loss.
Margaret Wilson Perkins was b. 29 Aug. 1807 in Sandy Creek Twp., Mercer Co., PA the daughter of Daniel and Sarah Perkins, according to her granddaughter Daisy Ada Jephson Fletcher. She married Robert Stewart in 1834 in Meadville, Crawford Co., PA. In 1835 Robert and his new bride left Meadville and traveled by horseback with all their possessions to Michigan City, IN, a trip of about 300 miles over what was then sparsely settled country. In 1836 daughter Sarah was born, married ca. 1855-56 Michael Servetus Weeks and died 1868-69. In 1838 son James was born, married 1884 Aurelia Ruth Swift and died in 1905. In 1842 daughter Mary was born and married ca. 1859-60 Thomas Lorenzo Jephson. In 1910 Mary, who was the 2nd grt. grandmother of Thomas Walsh, died. All living descendants of Margaret Perkins and Robert Stewart descend from Mary. On 10 Feb. 1844 Margaret died giving birth to an infant son. Trinity Episcopal Church recorded their deaths: “9 Feb. 1844 Margaret Wilson Stewart 36y, 5mo, 11d. consort of Robert Stewart, 8 Feb. 1844 and her infant son aged about thirty-two hours.”
Margaret’s husband was Robert Stewart b. 22 Nov. 1803 in East Followfield Twp., Crawford Co., PA the son of Adam Stewart b. 16 July 1762 in Edenmore near Newtown Limavady, Londonderry, IRE and Jane Feaster b. 22 Nov. 1770 in Bucks Co., PA. While in Michigan City Robert was in the business of manufacturing wagons, threshing machines, etc. He was also very active in the life of the town. He was one of the original organizers of the Congregational Church in 1835. Robert and his family apparently changed their church affiliation to Trinity Episcopal Church when it was organized in 1838 as Robert Stewart received communion for the first time on 1 July 1838 and Mrs. Stewart on 18 Feb. 1838. He was confirmed on 20 June 1841 and their daughter Sarah Jane was confirmed on 25 April 1851. Robert and Margaret were sponsors for their son James Finley on 19 Mar. 1839. Robert was active in politics in the La Porte County Democratic convention in 1840, and as an Abolitionist candidate and a Liberty candidate for State Senator in 1843 and 1846, respectively. He was also elected Asst. City Engineer for the city in 1836.
Early Michigan City, IN Residents (Continued from Previous Page)
He married secondly: “Married at Manlius, Onandaga Co., N.Y., on the 23th of July ult., by the Rev. D. Pise, Robert Stewart, of Michigan City, Indiana, to Mary A. Benedict, formerly of New Haven, Conn.” Sometime in 1852 he moved his family back to Pennsylvania and then three years later to Brooklyn, NY where he established himself in the iron business. In the fall of 1862 he moved to St. Charles, MN and was in the furniture and cabinet business until the day of his death 31 July 1876, aged 72 yrs., 8 mos., 8 ds. Once again he was active in his community being foremost in establishing and superintending the building of Trinity Church. He was affectionately called “Father Stewart” because he was considered the father of free masonry in St. Charles, as the organizer of the Masonic Lodge in 1864 and its first Master.
Although the remains of Margaret Stewart and her infant son were reburied in an unmarked grave in Greenwood Cemetery, their gravestone evidently was not moved there. A news article of June 1984 tells how the stone was found in the weeds behind Seneca Petroleum Co. on E. 8th Street. Three men from the adjacent NIPSCO substation moved it unto the substation grounds after they found it. A search was done at that time, but nothing was found concerning Margaret Stewart. This article did have a photograph of the gravestone and its inscription read: Margaret W. Stewart, died Feb. 8, 1844, aged 36 years, 5 mo. 10 dy. An Infant Son aged 1 day.” An inquiry was made with two of the men involved in finding the stone in 1984 to determine if they knew what happened to the stone. They said after it could not be determined where the stone had come from it was moved outside of the substation fence. There has been subsequent construction and considerable fill of the area and they believe it is possibly buried beneath that fill, probably never to be found again.
Because of Tom’s inquiry, subsequent correspondence and old newspaper articles and further research into local church records, the story of Margaret Stewart’s life and death and family is now known and her descendants can treasure her memory even though her tombstone and that of her infant son are gone. We are grateful to Thomas H. Walsh for sharing his family research on two of Michigan City, IN very early residents, one of whom was buried in the Old Burial Ground and we hope we have been able to give him some insight on their life here.
QUERIES are published at no charge. Each must be legibly written or typed and should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail
address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor. Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the Newsletter. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the Newsletter (i.e., February, May, August and November).
La Porte County Trivia
Members participated in the January 2008 program by challenging others to answer trivia questions about people, places and events in La Porte County’s history. This and future newsletters will pose some of the trivia questions. Answers will be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
Presented by Society Member Dorothy Palmer: In about 1989, Sam Elliot, star of the movie “Prancer”, which was being filmed near Three Oaks, Michigan, considered buying a 98 acre piece of property with a good sized lake angled across it and a tributary of the east branch of Trail Creek flowing through it. Because the property was close to I-94, he declined. In 1835, one of the First Families of La Porte County owned this and nearby pieces of property where he settled with his family. The 1874 and 1892 plat maps show the property owned by the son and daughter-in-law of the original settler. An adjoining piece of property is owned by Patrick Cooney, ancestor of Genealogical Society member, Paul Graham. 1907 finds the property owned by a grandson. Some time in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s this grandson of the original landowner and his sons dug out a lake, allowing it to fill with a dammed section of the Trail Creek tributary and the natural springs located on the property. They built four or five cabins around the lake and rented them to vacationers. Their dairy herd grazed nearby, often on a piece of the property that later became Swan Lake Cemetery. The lake they dug took their name. In 1946 or 1947 the property was sold out of the family. The new owner’s name, Dingler, was attached to the lake and, although the land was sold again in about 1993, it still retains the Dingler name. WHAT WAS THE LAKE’S ORIGINAL NAME?
COURT NEWS
Michigan City News, 22 September 1914
Jurors for next term - The selection of grand and petit jurors for the term of circuit court beginning September 28, 1914 has been made and the lists are as follows:
GRAND JURY: Peter Marks, Center township; William C. Tews, Laporte; Albert Draves, Laporte; Ernest Cites, Clinton township; Thomas Conry, Center township; Frank Baird, New Durham township.
PETIT JURY: Michael Conry, New Durham township; George Staiger, Michigan City; Nevin Bennethum, Laporte; John N. Polson, Michigan City; Marion Allison, Prairie township; George Mrozinski, Hudson township; Henry Hildebrand, Laporte; C. N. Drescher, Michigan City; William F. Hunt, Cass township; Edward Kanney, Laporte; Charles Burns, Springfield township; Emil Marks, Dewey township.
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War--1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting.
Are You Duly Wed? Outgoing County Clerk McClung, while reviewing his records and preparing the office for his successor, discovered that between June 1, 1900 and June 1, 1903, there were 47 marriage licenses issued for which no returns were made. An investigation was suggested to determine whether the marriages never occurred or were performed but the officiating individual failed to file the return. Of the 47 marriage licenses where no returns were made, at least 40 were Polish couples living in the northern part of the county. The law states that all marriage returns were to be returned within 90 days from the date of issue. Individuals obtaining licenses which were not returned:
(Continued from June 2008 Newsletter)
May 13, 1902 – Joseph Kinola and Sophia Zietra
May 14, 1902 – John McCauley and Elizabeth Thoronton
Feb 24, 1902 – Frank Benson and Ella McGuigan
Jun 17, 1902 – Charles Wilson and Cora Brockman
Jul 19, 1902 – Farres Sawaya and Laterfey Sawaya
Jul 31, 1902 – Frank Laborn and Anna Laborn
Aug 28, 1902 – Albert A. Coontz and Bertha B. Edie
Sep 11, 1902 – Frank Navarke and Tille Growalski
*Oct 22, 1904 – Stephen Doremba and Mary Tubeck
*Newspaper records this date, but chronologically the logical date would be Oct 22, 1902
Nov 14, 1902 – Julien Mazuckowski and Mary Jorosch
Nov 17, 1902 – Vtadselarve Dimbrowski and Mary Mayenska
Nov 26, 1902 – John Milzarek and Anna Kashanska
Jan 8, 1902 – Bennerd Tickfer and Anna Young
Jan 21, 1903 – Albert Hasselfeldt and Edith Scott
Jan 3, 1902 – Peter Orzach and Frances Payezdala
Jan 20, 1903 – John Neva and Mary Swanek
Jan 27, 1903 – Rudolph Volstorf and Daisy Greene
Jan 28, 1903 – Fred M. Fusselman and Grace Tomlinson
Feb 3, 1903 – Stephen Bozar and Susie Parlik
Feb 14, 1903 – Fred Tiedeman and Josephine Mielzarek
Mar 30, 1903 – August Stohge and Augusta Wolff
Apr 25, 1903 – William J. Hunter and Selma Schmidt
Apr 22, 1903 – John Westphal and Clara Kirschke
May 16, 1903 – Adam Wozniak and Anna Hayske
Jun 1, 1903 – Joseph Wozniak and Josie Orlowska
End of Article
*Sep 10, 1903 – John Kasimer Nawrocki (Noveroske) and Mary Elizabeth Grochowalski
This last entry was provided by Patricia Harris. The marriage license was never returned by the priest, but the following was reported in the Michigan City Evening News Monday, 14 September, 1903: “Two weddings were solemnized at St. Stanislaus church this morning by Rev. Father Wrobel. Frank Kolobuchowski was married to Wladyslawa Cykoska and John Wawrocki became the husband of Mary Grochowlska.”
Answer to La Porte Co. Trivia Quiz: The original name of Dingler Lake was Palmer Lake, named for the family of early La Porte County settlers Ebenezer and Fanny (Crozier) Palmer.
GLIMPSES of the PAST
All “Glimpses” in this quarter’s newsletter were provided by Gloria Arndt.
Thank You, Gloria!!
Gossip at the County Seat (Items from LaPorte papers) - W. W. Throckmorton has moved his family to Michigan City. John H. Organ left on Tuesday for Washington to meet his wife, who is on her way home from Virginia. W. C. Steele yesterday shipped to a nurseryman in London, England, a box weighing more than two hundred pounds, containing upward of 2,500 wild native plants. On the 12th instant, Mr. Henry Kuehne and Miss Carrie Meissner were married at the residence of the bride’s father, Mr. Fred. Meissner, of this city, Rev. J. H. Crooker officiated. Rev. W. C. Hicks, of St. Thomas, Ontario, has been engaged as pastor of the Advent church, Union Mills, and will preach next Sunday. Rev. C. F. Morf, pastor of the German M. E. Church, has arrived. Rev. Charles Weinrich left for his new appointment yesterday morning. David Stoner, of Wills township is the largest taxpayer among the farmers of this county, and Dr. Teegarden pays the largest tax of any man in the non-farming community. The new opera house building is being pushed ahead as fast at the weather and the limited supply of help will permit. Bricklayers are difficult to obtain at any price, and it rains fully one-half the time, so that work has to stop. It is expected that the building will be finished some time in March, and it has been decided to build it in regular theater style, with seats in circular form, and raised one above another. There is a new case or two of smallpox in the Fifth ward, and it seems to be thought there is some danger of it spreading. It would be well to see that the children are vaccinated, and to guard against possible exposure, as the disease seems more likely to spread in cold weather. John Wall, of Scipio township, reports that he was visited by two horse thieves last Friday night. They had two of his horses harnessed, when the barking of his dog awoke him, and he discovered the situation. He fired at the thieves with a shot-gun and they returned the fire with a revolver, and then left without further ceremony. Source: Michigan City Evening Dispatch, 21 October 1881
Coolspring Township - Fall wheat looks well. George Prosser is very sick. They have commenced hulling clover seed. George Goldring is very low with the typhoid fever. Mr. Mason is repairing his mill dam, and will be ready for business in a few days. Old Mr. Pointon was buried on Monday, he is one of the oldest settlers in the neighborhood, he was 52 years old. He leaves children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren, to mourn his loss. He was buried in Pine Lake cemetery. The rain last Friday was the heaviest we have had in ten years, it has washed away every mill dam but two between here and the Kankakee river, and most all the bridges. It washed out ditches and inroads in wheat fields that was not washed before, and done great damage generally. Source: Michigan City Dispatch, Tuesday 2 October 1879
Glimpses of the Past (Continued)
Pinhook - Mrs. Guy Hill, Correspondent: Mrs. Roy Kitchen of Valparaiso visited Mr. and Mrs. Don Barden Thursday. Bert Mason of Westville spent Sunday at the Barden home. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stabenow were Sunday dinner guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Coucher in Michigan City. Miss Emma Baird of LaPorte visited her brother, Thomas Baird and wife Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Odell and son and Mrs. Max Miller and Mrs. Arthur Stifle of LaPorte returned home Sunday night from a trip to southern Illinois, where they visited Mr. Odell’s parents who were badly hurt in an auto accident. Two of the family are in Robinson, Ill., hospital. Herman Rozean spent the weekend in Tecumseh, Mich, with his sister. Mrs. P. Hartman and Mrs. Fred Stabenow spent Monday in LaPorte. Misses Katherine and Millie Hannon of LaPorte and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hannon and family enjoyed Easter breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hannon and family. Mrs. Fred Warnke and Miss Helen Hack called at the Hannon home Sunday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Barnard, Mr. and Mrs. Jess Dolman and Mrs. Elizabeth Barnerd of Westville were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Jessup. Mrs. Paul Hannon and sons, Bill and Pat and Misses Katherine and Nellie Hannon of LaPorte spent Monday in South Bend. Source: Michigan City News, 19 April 1938
Beatty’s Corners - Stanley Kobos, accompanied by several of his friends from Michigan City, spent the weekend in Harvey, Ill. Joseph Malczak, and daughter Miss Julia Malczak, and several friends all of Chicago visited at the home of Mrs. George Denecho and family. Mrs. Steve Wolferd and grandson Frank have returned to their home here after spending their summer vacation in Chicago. Among those who attended the dance at Sanders Hall in Chesterton Sunday evening were Stanley Kobos, Helen Starobrat, Stanley Starobrat and Angeline Kobos. Walter Studna, Chicago spent a day Sunday at the George Denecho home. Joseph Were, Chicago was a guest of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wroblewski Sunday. Charles Selkirk of Door Village and former residents of Beatty’s Corner visited at the home of Mrs. H. Blessing and sons, Sunday afternoon. Jacob Zink spent Tuesday in Chicago on business. Miss Helen Starobrat, Stanley Statobrat, and Ted Purea spent Sunday evening with Misses Cecilia and Angeline Kobos. Mrs. Henry Blessing and son Milton made a business trip to La Porte Monday. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Szromba, South Chicago, were Sunday callers of Mrs. George Denecho, who is employed in Chicago, spent Sunday at his home here. Edward Gorski was a Sunday afternoon caller of John Kobos. Source: Michigan City Evening Dispatch, 2 September 1936
Rolling Prairie – Correspondent, Mrs. Isabel Abraham - Dr. John Whitehill a former doctor of Rolling Prairie and vicinity for several years is visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hunt, also with other friends in town for a few days. Mrs. Ann B. Glass recently entertained at her home Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell and Mrs. Nellie Arney, Indiana Harbor. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Wallace and daughter spent the weekend at their home here also with Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Wallace. They have been making their home this summer at Hebron where Mr. Wallace is employed with his saw mill. Judson Harris, Chicago was a weekend guest of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Clark. Miss Laura Wallace returned Sunday to South Bend to her work, after spending a few days vacation with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Wallace. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Quinn have moved recently in the Doll McCarty house. Mr. and Mrs. Parry Wiley, Bluffton, Indiana have moved into the home which Mr. and Mrs. Quinn have vacated. Mrs. Charles Ginrich and daughters left recently to return to their home in Atlanta, Ga. after visiting a few weeks at the Worden home and with other relatives here. Source: Michigan City Evening Dispatch, 2 September 1936
We all have those elusive family members for whom we have a date and location of death but cannot locate them in a cemetery. Or, on the other hand, we find them in the cemetery but cannot find the death record. Of course, there are also those who were in La Porte at one time but left the area. Following are records of individuals who had ties to La Porte County but died or were buried elsewhere.
Telegrams to friends here convey the intelligence that Mrs. Marinda Shead, (the late McDonald Shead’s mother,) died Sunday morning of a paralytic stroke, at her daughter’s, Mrs. Candis Miles, Duluth, Minn. The remains will be brought here and laid beside her husband some time this week. Source: Herald Chronicle, Thursday, Feb. 3, 1887
We learn by Mr. A. Pease that his uncle, Mr. Daniel Smith, of Delaware, Iowa, died on Monday of last week, Jan. 18th. Mr. Smith was a Methodist preacher, lived for many years in Galena township and is well known in this county. He moved to Iowa several years ago, and his wife died and left him with three or four children. He then married again and leaves now a wife and several children. Source: Herald Chronicle, Jan 28, 1886
The sad news was received here this morning of the death yesterday, at 5 p.m., of Mrs. Mary C. Organ, at the home of her brother, in Lynchburg, Va. The deceased was a resident of this city being the widow of the late John Organ, well known throughout this portion of the state in legal and insurance circles. Mrs. Organ had been ill in Virginia for some time and though the announcement of her death comes like a shock to most of her acquaintances here there were those who had been advised that death shadowed her frail and wasted form. Mrs. Organ will be well remembered here though she has not made her home here for a couple of years. Source: The Herald, Friday, May 1, 1896
James Dustin, formerly a well known young man of this city, died of consumption recently, at San Diego, Cal., where he had gone for his health. He has many friends in this vicinity, and was greatly liked by all who knew him. Source: La Porte Argus, Mar 24, 1887
La Porte Co. Deaths – First Quarter 1880
As Reported in Michigan City Dispatch, 13 January, 1881
Jan 12 - _________ Mayer, 84 yrs
Jan 12 – Mrs. Fred Mouk, 78 yrs
Jan 12 – Julia Winship, 22 yrs
Jan 17 – Charlotte Perry, 70 yrs
Jan 28 – Alford Thalman, 3 days
Feb 1 – Maria Little, 4 yrs
Feb 8 – George M. Smith, 29 yrs
Feb 21 – Fritz Krueger, 12 ½ yrs
Feb 21 – Fredrika Peters, 68 yrs
Feb 25 – Bertram Thomas, 9 months
Mar 8 – Clemance Mosher, 2 yrs
Mar 9 – August Doll, 33 yrs
Mar 12 – John N. Lottes, 47 yrs
Mar 21 – Amanda Ritter, 7 yrs
Mar 25 – Mrs. Thos. Mooney, 17 yrs
Mar 26 – Mrs. Wm. White, 40 yrs
Mar 31 – Wm. Damon, 2 ½ yrs
Tavern For Rent
Michigan City Gazette, 5 May 1841
A simple “Tavern for Rent” advertisement in an old newspaper may not seem terribly interesting…BUT, here is THE REST OF THE STORY, as published in History of
La Porte County, Indiana; Chas. C. Chapman, 1880, pp 514-515:
“In 1841, or about that time, Charles Egbert had a tavern stand on the road which ran along the south line of Hudson township, and did an excellent business. James F. Smith had made efforts, and succeeded, to get a direct road from the town of Hudson to La Porte. This took all the travel away from Mr. Egbert’s place of business, and, of course, destroyed it. This enraged him against Smith. They had numerous disputes afterward at different times. Brooding over the ruin of his business, and attributing it all to Smith, who had been instrumental in taking the travel from his place, and this, connected with the disputes which he had had with Smith, he was finally led to a most desperate determination. On the 5th of December, 1841, he went to the store of John Reynolds and bought a dirk-knife. Armed with this he went to the bar room of Smith, and taking a seat by the door, he sat there for a long time. At last, arising as if to go out, but turning around really to open his knife and prepare to carry out his purpose, he wheeled around and advanced upon his victim with desperation in his countenance. Smith, seeing his purpose, seized a chair and raised it to defend himself. At this moment Andrew Foster caught the chair, and while he prevented Smith from defending himself, Egbert succeeded in inflicting two wounds on the body of Smith, one in the left arm, the other piercing his heart, from which he died in a few minutes. It is right to say in this connection that Mr. Foster afterward explained his part in the affray by saying that when he caught the chair with which Smith sought to defend himself he did not see the knife in the hand of Egbert, and was therefore ignorant of Egbert’s real purpose, and sought to do his duty as an officer of the peace. He, immediately after the event, issued a State warrant for the arrest of Egbert, which was returned, together with the prisoner, before R. Munday, Justice of the Peace, by John C. Hale, Constable. The result of the preliminary trial was, after several sessions of the court, that Egbert was bound over to court in the sum of $5,000. He gave bail in the sum required by Elisha Egbert, Paul Egbert and Jacob Egbert going on his bail bond. He was then released. But he never appeared in court. He escaped to Texas, then a part of Mexico, where he lived until after the Rebellion closed. His rash act was a source of untold regret to him. He finally became a religious man and a Methodist class leader.”
History of La Porte County, Indiana by Jasper Packard, 1876, provides additional information: “The case was not finally disposed of until 1853…the decision may be found in the fourth Indiana Reports”.
Note: Court records indicate recognizance forfeiture by Charles, Elisha, Israel, Jacob, John, and Paul Egbert in the years 1842 through 1844. Source: La Porte County, Indiana Circuit Court Cases 1837-1850, © 2006 La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society
HOTEL ARRIVALS
Michigan City Evening Dispatch, 19 October 1881
Union Hotel - L. S. Baker, Big Rapids; C. M. Morgan, Thos. Fulkner, Charles Bloom, A. Platier, Lafayette; E. E. Jones, F. Brisbee, J. M. Heren, H. M. Roberts, II, B. Hotchkiss, W. Schramin, Jackson; F. Getty, Auburn, N. Y., W. E. Tribby, Indianapolis; J. Pennell, Galena; William Payne, Marshall; N. B. Rogers, Bloomington; P. R. Farrester, LaPorte; C. Smith and wife, Kling City, Pa.; T. M. Smith, Lowell; D. McCarty; J. J. Parker, Texas; W. G. Ashton, Georgia; F. Fetser, Louisville; H. C. Biggett, Chicago; James Gilbert, Toronto.
Jewell House - J. R. Blugesser, F. R. Miller, W. E. Semrett, H. G. Willard, J. W. Aldrich, A. Robeson, G. B. Holcomb, J. E. Addy, P. C. Hand, C. P. Chicago; C. W. Sanford, H. B. Lewis, Louisville; A. T. McCoy, James Richards, Mitchell; Wm. R. Gage, Cedar Springs, Mich.; C. E. Watson, Grand Rapids; E. D. Galloway, Big Rapids; H. C. Crosby, New Buffalo; P. J. Hobbs, Peoria; W. F. Singelton, Momence, Ill.; Adolph Feiss, Toledo; J. D. Kinestrick, Cincinnati; Geo. J. Allman, LaPorte; J. B. Turner, Kalamazoo; J. F. Snyder, New Albany; J. A. Root, Dowagiac; C. R. Weed, Saratoga; Orange Weaver, North Creek, N. Y.
Did You Know? – Extractions of La Porte County Divorces 1861-1875 is now available through your Genealogical Society. This is the second volume compiled by members of the Society, Volume One covered the period 1833-1860.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
9 September 2008 Memorable Persons from La Porte County Townships.
Presented by Society Members.
14 October 2008 Chevalier Family – Early residents of Fort St. Joseph.
Presented by Darlene Bayer Jackson.
11 November 2008 Remembering Our Veterans – Our Ancestors Who
Participated in Past Wars.
Presented by Society Members.
9 December 2008 Annual Holiday Dinner and Presentation of
6:00 p.m. Ancestor Certificates.
[end of September 2008 issue]
[beginning of December 2008 issue]
NEWSLETTER
December 2008
Volume XXV, No. 4
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We have recently gathered with our families for a traditional family holiday, Thanksgiving, and will soon gather together for another one, Christmas. These holidays, more than any others we celebrate throughout the year, are a time when family and ethnic traditions are part of the celebration. It is not just a time for enjoying all the goodies and the sharing of gifts, but a time of sharing our memories, our family traditions and in many cases it is when we enjoy some special family recipe handed down for generations. Maybe this is where, as a child listening to the adults, we first heard some of those stories that have helped us in our genealogical research today. Be sure the younger members of your family, whether they are your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces or nephews, are part of the sharing of this holiday season. Remember, they will be the ones to carry on the family traditions we hold so dear.
Looking forward to seeing you at our meetings in the coming year. Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.
Patricia Gruse Harris
Welcome New Members
Martha Rasmussen (Ames, IA) and Thomas E. Fountain (LaPorte, IN)
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
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TIME TO RENEW MEMBERSHIPS
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MEMBERSHIP
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code. Note: Contact information for Officers and Committees will be provided in the first newsletter each year and is also available at the Society’s website. http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
VETERAN’S CORNER
Members present at the November meeting were treated to a variety of interesting presentations on our ancestors who served in past wars. Included were Veterans of the American Revolution, the Civil War, the War of 1812, WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the War in Vietnam. We express our appreciation to all who served in the past, whether in war or during peacetime and to those who are currently serving our Country. We are much indebted to you all.
QUERIES are published at no charge. Each must be legibly written or typed and should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail
address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
COURT NEWS
Grand Jurors for Sept. Term 1846
Daniel Shaw, John R. Travis, James Forrester, Lazarus Whitehead, James Concannon, George Fosdick, Samuel Pottinger, Daniel Robertson, Jacob Replogle, Daniel Low, West Darling, Ralph Loomis, David Winehell, John B. McDonald, Josiah Grover, Joshua Weast, Benjamin Shaw, W. King Anderson.
Marriage Licenses Issued August, 1881 - Marcus Bliesman to Eliza Kahr; Brook B. Freeman to Susan Stevenson; Charles J. Pottraiz to Anna B. Keebler; Fred Gary to Kate A. Palmer; John W. Jenkins to Mary J. Warren; Edward A. Soule to Eunice E. Goliver; Peter Roman to Maggie Springer; John Krieman to Mary Kuilzow; Martin Mueller to Anna Zanelaki; Jerome N. Inman to Missouri A. McCormick; John S. Whitney to Ursula A. Inman; Dallas J. Fryar to Isadora C. Gardner; Charles Gerdes to Frederica Kelling; John R. Ripley to Matilda J. Lemm; Robert C. Lyle to Josephine Ritter; Jesse F. Abbott to Louisa Paus; Joseph Ludwick to Henrietta Neuman; Emerson Hart to Louisa Tage; Joseph Dries to Harriet Schmutzer; Isaac Howell to Mary Schiller; William W. Worden to Flora E. Dewey; John Stahlberg to Minnie Held; Joseph Rechel to Katie Niegosinski; Elisha H. Mayhew to Florence A. Phillips. Source: Michigan City Evening Dispatch, 9 September 1881 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES
The Society offers four categories of residency certificates: First Family (by December 31, 1840); Pioneer Family (any time during period of 1841 through 1860); Settler Family (any time during period of 1861 through 1880); and Civil War Family (in county prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military during the Civil War--1861-April 30, 1865). Visit the Society's website for more information (http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs) or request applications from the Society's address: 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 or from committee chair at netster@csinet.net. Deadline for submission of applications is July 31 of each year for presentation of certificates at the December meeting.
GLIMPSES of the PAST
MICHIGAN CITY - Charles Price has moved his barber shop from the Union hotel to the shop in the basement of No. 212 Franklin Street, two doors north of Vreeland hotel, where he is ready to do all kinds of barbering as usual. Mrs. Catherine Clark was granted a permit today to build a two-story frame on lot 11, block 3, Land Company's Addition, Market Street, between Cedar and Spring, to cost $1,700. Source: Michigan City Evening Dispatch, 12 June 1893 Contributed by Patricia Harris
LA PORTE –- Laporte’s Many Troubles - Poor Laporte is having more than its share of trouble these days. After spending weeks of time and a vast amount of money in fighting the superior court bill only to be defeated, a second calamity has befallen her. A publishing firm has recently compiled a new county map and secured a large number of orders from Laporteans who discovered upon opening the same that Michigan City was placed in large letters and designated as the county seat while Laporte was in type so small as to be almost illegible. Every swamp that ever existed in the vicinity of Laporte even though now high and dry is shown while the swamp and marsh lands in the vicinity of Michigan City are given as fertile farming lands. Source: Michigan City News, 8 March 1899 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
GALENA - Earl Etherington has resigned his office as secretary of the Sunday school at Hesston, and our superintendent, Wm. W. Finley, has appointed Elsie A Davis in his place. Dr. J. P. Birchim has sold his fine horse for $100. Gene Finley is working for Grove Shead over the line in Michigan. E. W. Davis and H. E. Smith have their ice houses filled. Mrs. Miles Arnst is yet very sick. Benj. Taylor also has been very ill for some time. The fall wheat is now laying cold and bare. Source: Michigan City News, 18 January 1899 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
SPRINGVILLE - Mr. and Mrs. Ray Danielson and children of South Bend and Miss Charlotte Parker of Laporte were recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. August Schumaker. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Austin and daughters and Ed Austin visited recently at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Garry Austin. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Dahl spent last week end at the home of the former’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Dahl. Mrs. H. H. Thomas, Mrs. D. W. Compton and Mrs. Arthur Schwartzkoff spent yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. D M. Myers. Rev. C. S. Huston and wife of Knox, spent last week end at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Moore. Mrs. Clarissa West has returned to her home after spending a few weeks in Chicago. Rev. Thomas Moore and son Charles have been ill with influenza. Mrs. Ruth Schumaker and a party of teachers motored to Manchester, Monday evening.
Source: Michigan City News, 2 May 1928 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
WILLVALE – Theodore Marquette has been very sick with mumps, but is able to be around now. The cancer has made its reappearance on Mrs. Shy’s face and the doctor has been recalled. Both of Ira Phelps’ little boys, who are staying with relatives here, have been seriously sick with measles, being exposed to them before here. Bert Smith and wife spent the Sabbath with the former’s brother and family, near Morgan. Miss Lucy Hyatte returned to her home, at North Hudson, Saturday. Mrs. Henry Johns is able to be out, after her critical illness of two weeks duration. Cyrus Smith returned to Whiting, Wednesday, after being at home several days.
We all have those elusive family members for whom we have a date and location of death but cannot locate them in a cemetery. Or, on the other hand, we find them in the cemetery but cannot find the death record. Of course, there are also those who were in La Porte at one time but left the area. Following are records of individuals who had ties to La Porte County but died or were buried elsewhere.
John L. Hutchinson, principal of the Hutchinson school for watchmakers at LaPorte, Ind., arrived here yesterday to attend the funeral of his mother, Mrs. John Hutchinson (Rutland, Vt., Herald, Sep. 21, 1894.) Additional Family Details: Mrs. Phebe Davis, wife of John Hutchinson, of this city, (Rutland, VT) died at the home of her son-in-law, George D. Babbitt, at Lewiston, Me., Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson went to Lewiston in June to visit their daughter, Mrs. Babbitt. Mrs. Hutchinson had been ill for more than a year, but nothing of a serious nature had developed when she left home. About ten days ago it was discovered that she had cancer of the stomach. Her daughters, Mrs. E. N. Merriam and Mrs. E.G. Mason, were immediately sent for, and they were with her at the time of her death. Mrs. Hutchinson was in her 74th year, and had been a resident of Rutland for about forty years. She leaves a widower and six children. The children are Mrs. E.N. Merriam, of this city, John L. Hutchinson, of La Porte, Ind., Charles E., of Fitchburg, Mass., Mrs. E.G. Mason, of Rutland, Mrs. George D. Babbitt, of Lewiston, Me., and Perley D. Hutchinson, of New York. The funeral was held at the family residence on Chestnut avenue yesterday afternoon. A large number of friends and relatives were present. Rev. G.W. Phillips, of the Congregational church, officiated. The bearers were Mrs. Hutchinson’s three sons, Charles E., of Fitchburh, Mass., John L., of LaPorte, Ind., Perley D., of New York city, and her three sons-in-law, E.N. Merriam, E.G. Mason and George D. Babbitt. The interment was in Evergreen cemetery.-Rutland (Vt.) Herald, Sep. 22, 1894.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor. Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the Newsletter. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the Newsletter (i.e., February, May, August and November).
La Porte Co. Deaths – Second Quarter 1880
As Reported in Michigan City Dispatch, 13 January, 1881
Apr. 1 – Adolph Doll, 9 months
Apr. 5 – Frank Sager, 19 ½ years
Apr. 9 – Hattie Brummer, 1 year
Apr. 12 – Harry W. Gray, 6 ½ years
Apr. 17 – Thompson W. Frances, 65 years
Apr. 17 – August Koschup, 11 years
Apr. 14 – Charles Voss, 56 years
Apr. 14 – Wm. Kinetix, 70 years
Apr. 14 – Mertie Laffreys, 4 months
Apr. 24 – Oscar A. Francis, 41 years
Apr. 24 – Evaline A. Beatty, 1 year
Apr. 24 - John C. Ebert, 48 years
Apr. 26 – Mary J. Dempsey, 19 years
Apr. 29 – Freddie Cole, 2 years
May 3 – Charles Demmen, 2 years
May 8 – Addison V. Miller, 1 year
May 11 – Infant of John Newman, 3 days
May 14 – Rosa Knapp, 1 year
May 16 – Harriet C. Hopper, 41 years
May 24 – W. Ohms, 40 years
May 26 – L.L. Smith, 40 years
May 31 – D. G. Donaldson, 6 years
Jun. 6 – James N. Casper, 3 years
June 10 – Theo Heeg, 13 months
Jun. 15 – Daniel W. Andrews, 39 years
Jun. 16 – Harriet C. Hopper, 41 years
Jun. 17 – Zeloui Lurris, 5 months
Jun. 17 – Susanna Kieffer, 19 years
Jun. 18 – V. Hansen, 57 years
Jun. 19 – Emma Dolan, 22 years
Jun. 21 – Cordelia Barker, 8 years
Jun. 21 – Maria Ebert, 43 years
Jun. 21 - Kaziale Hoboy, 37 years
Jun. 23 – George Norton, 16 years
Jun. 25 – Jehu Turbodel, 75 years
Jun. 25 – Annie McGumpsy, 2 years
Jun. 28 – Infant of S. B. Estelle, 6 months
Northern Indiana Orphans Home
La Porte (Feb 1891 – Feb 1899)
A group of 16 prominent La Porte citizens purchased a large home, originally known as the Walker Mansion and later owned by the Decker family. The building was a large, 2 story brick mansion with a basement. It had large rooms, high ceilings, water and gas. There were 9 ½ acres of land with an orchard and abundant pasture for a cow and horse. It was also located near the railroad station, which was the primary source of transportation for arriving and departing children. A separate building was used as a hospital and isolated children with contagious diseases. A reception heralded the grand opening of the Northern Indiana Orphans Home on March 18, 1891.
Christmas at the Home
1894
(La Porte Daily Herald, Dec. 24, 1894)
At the Burson school house, which is in connection with the Orphans Home, there was a Christmas entertainment Friday night, which far surpassed any similar demonstration which has been seen there heretofore. It was in the garb of a cantata, the title of which was “Santa Claus’s Boys.” The school room had been very prettily decorated with evergreen, a most becoming decoration for such an occasion. One end of the room had been curtained off, behind which our little orphaned actors and actresses impatiently awaited their appearance before an audience which completely filled the room.
The little ones danced about most gleefully. The sight of them had a heart inspiring effect. Their happiness made those about them happy and a warmth of feeling sprang up in the breasts of all present for the afflicted little ones.
The children had been trained well by Miss Barr, and they sang and recited like old hands. They were not at all bashful, but stood out before the audience and their earnest faces bespoke for them the fact that their whole soul was thrown into what was being said or done. The cantata was in two parts. First, before the drawing of the curtain, a quartet sang, “Chime On.” It was rendered behind the scenes and the strains were sweet and low. Next, Mary Hopp sang a soprano solo, entitled, “I am the Goddess of Fancy.” She is a bright little being and sang to the appreciation of all. The subject of the cantata was then introduced to the audience. The curtain was drawn, disclosing to view Santa Claus and his six boys. The former character was represented by W.A. Chamberlain, and the six boys were Wells and Will Ainsworth, George Mawbey, Jessee Hopp, James Hunt and Albert Ellis. The scene which they showed was the interior of Santa Claus’s home, where the boys were manufacturing toys to be distributed all over the world. Santa Claus sang several selections which were answered by his boys. The youths displayed some talent in their singing, many sweet notes being apparent.
Following the cantata there was a recitation by Julia Wilkinson, “Hanging up the stocking,” A song by Mary Hopp, “O the Weary Ones who Wait for Santa Claus.” This was followed by a march, the school singing “He is Coming.” This was a very pretty sight and was loudly applauded, in fact, applause was frequently heard through out the program. The closing number was shown by Santa Claus marching into the room, ‘mid the continued clapping of hands by the children. He was followed by his six boys, distributing candy to the children. The entertainment was brought to a close by the rendition of “Good Night to the Santa Claus Boys.”
Christmas at the Home 1894 (cont’d from previous page)
All those who were present are loud in their praise of the program and its manner of presentation. Among those present from town were Supt. J.F. Knight, Supt. O.L. Galbreth, Dr. G.M. Dakin, Rev. E.D. Daniels, Rev E.B. Newcomb and wife, Miss Plumer, Miss Rogers, etc. Mrs. Julia E. Work, matron of the home, and Miss Barr, her assistant, are to be complimented for the generalship they have shown in training the children under their charge.
Did You Know? Contributed by Patricia Harris – WPA Vital Records Indexes are available for about 2/3 of the Indiana counties. They have marriages (usually 1850-1920) and sometimes application info for a few of the included years; deaths and births (both generally 1882-1920). Look for these in both book form and microfilm. The following counties are NOT included: Blackford, Brown, Crawford, Dearborn, Decatur, DuBois, Fayette, Grant, Jefferson, Jennings, Lawrence, Marshall, Noble, Ohio, Porter, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Scott, Steuben, Switzerland, Tipton, Union, Wabash, and Whitley. The following counties have only partial indexes: Fulton, Kosciusko and Pulaski.
Indiana Death Index 1882-1920 (WPA) at Ancestry (requires payment) includes the following counties: Adams, Allen, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Delaware, Elkhart, Floyd, Fountain, Franklin, Fulton, Gibson, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Henry, Howard, Huntington, Jackson, Jasper, Jay, Johnson, Knox, Kosciusko, Lagrange, Lake, La Porte, Madison, Marion, Martin, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Orange, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Shelby, Spencer, St. Joseph, Starke, Sullivan, Tippecanoe, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, Warren, Warrick, Washington, Wayne, Wells & White County.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
9 December 2008 Annual Holiday Dinner and Presentation of
2008 Residency Certificates. $8.50 Reservations Required
13 January 2009 Civil War Genealogy presented by Dr. Barbara Backer
10 February 2009 In Honor of Black History Month
Black Soldiers of WWII presented by Paul Graham
10 March 2009 Joining the 21st Century – Genealogy Blogs
presented by Harold Henderson
14 April 2009 Special Collections – Archives & Genealogical Special Collections
in the Valparaiso University Library presented by Judith Miller
22 April 2009 ROAD TRIP!!! Genealogy Research Bus Trip to
Allen Co. Public Library – More information in next newsletter
Or watch the Society’s Website
[end December 2008 issue]
[beginning March 2009 issue]
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Happy Birthday to the genealogy family of the La Porte County Indiana Genealogical Society! January 10th was the 25th anniversary of the society’s first organizational meeting. We have a goal of 25 new members, help us achieve this goal.
Genealogical research has changed over these 25 years. Back then we only had microfilm, microfiche and books in which we could search and, of course, the original records. Now we have the internet where many of those original records, including the census, have been digitized. There is a wealth of information including local, state, federal and foreign available on the internet and with the click of the mouse sitting at home you may research generations, read books, and place queries on many sites. It has become much easier to connect to other family researchers. However, we must beware of information posted by individuals, especially with no documentation. It still is necessary to go and research the actual records. As we all know, especially in the case of the census records, transcriptions have not always been accurate.
So now that we hopefully are over one of our old-fashioned winters, we can start to make plans to go and find those records still not available on the internet. Also, there is nothing to compare with visiting the areas in which your ancestors lived and died, be it here or abroad. The society is again sponsoring a research trip to the Allen Co. Public Library on April 22nd. (See information elsewhere in this newsletter.) Come join us. It is a fabulous place to research in books and other media. Patricia Gruse Harris
WELCOME NEW MEMBER - Gaylynne S. Millard
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
MEMBERSHIP DUES
INDIVIDUAL $10.00 FAMILY $ 12.00
LIBRARY/ORGANIZATION $10.00 LIFE (Individual) $150.00
Dues paid before November of the current year are credited to that year. Dues paid after 01 November are credited to the following year. The fiscal year is 01 January through 31 December each year. Membership entitles members to newsletters and other entitlements stipulated in the Constitution and By-laws. Make your check or money order payable to: La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society and mail it to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, Attention: Membership Committee, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Include your name, address and zip code. Visit our website at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs/
A Civil War Soldier’s Letter to Mother
Year 1863, March 20 (Tennessee) not stated
Censored
Camp at Triune March 20th, 1863
Dear Mother,
I received your very welcome of the 8th inst. on the 18th. I had been looking for news from home for several days and you may be sure that it was welcome when it came. As you will before this reaches you hear of our recent march and operations I will not write a detail of them in this. We are now at Triune where we camped on the 6th inst. On the 7th our camp was moved from Mill Creek to us. Since that we have been fortifying ourselves and preparing for the rebels to make an attack upon us which seems to be the general impression now since they are leaving Vicksburg. But should they attempt to whip us here, they will find that they must fight for we have a long chain of hills upon which we are constructing our fortifications while on the south side of them it is mostly level and clear, giving us a good chance to fire upon them while they can gain no advantage whatever. We are also preparing large cisterns to supply us with water and building magazines. In fact, we are making all preparations for a long siege and there is but little doubt that we will hold our own with them. An attack is anticipated and every provision is being made for them to approach and commence operations. Triune is a small town on the Holmesville Pike and is something over 20 miles from Nashville and it is spread along the pike for about a mile in extent the principal parts of which are on the hills. But as the name signifies three in one, I think it is an unproper one for the town will compare very well with West Fork. Holmesville is but little better and still on south is two more towns of similar magnitude Eaglesville and Chapel Hill. The place where we routed the rebels on the 5th inst.
In yours you wanted I should tell you if we got potatoes and vegetables and I will tell you the company has not had 5 bushels of potatoes since we left Louisville and other vegetables is not known. I once bought 6 small onions 10 cents but that was a long time ago. We had a chance a few days ago to buy some small apples of the Sutler for 5 cents a piece. I bought for the purpose of taking some medecine which I had to take and I scraped the apple and rolled the medecine in it. Sometimes when we go out after forage we can draft a chicken or perhaps a mess of potatoes but they are pore things here and what we draw of the commissary is nothing extra. We get our sugar and coffee and once or twice we drew some tea pork beans and hard bread. Our pork now is much better than we used to draw flour we cannot get with out we can get it of the Lieuts. as they can buy it of the brigade commissary at government prices. All officers that is commissioned officers can get flour and hams and such things but no private or noncommissioned officers can unless by their especial favor.
The advice you send is good and such as is needed here if anywhere in this world. And I am glad that I can assure you as yet I have not fallen into any evil practice whatever. There is no place that I engage in neither do I intend to. Tobacco as it always was is to me a nuisance and liquor I also do not touch. When it is issued we draw ours and to keep it from hurting anybody we put it in the fire and burn it up. At present are all well and able to eat our allowance. My socks is good being but little worn and I shall send them home in a short time and also my overcoat dress coat and perhaps some other things with them. As I have written all the news I will close for the present.
From your affectionate Son
Benj. E. Bear
Company I 87th Note: Letter typed as written, without corrections.
Thanks to Gloria Arndt for providing the Benjamin Bear letter, as well as the following biographical information.
Benjamin E. Bear was born in LaPorte county on April 17, 1842, to Benjamin Franklin Bear and Rachel Chapman Sommers. On April 3, 1865 he was united in marriage to Amy Woodburn, also of LaPorte county. He served two years and 11 months with Co. 1 of the 87th Indiana infantry during the Civil War and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was also prominent in the First Methodist church.
Mr. Bear fought at the Battle of Chickamauga. After this battle, he was made a member of the Veterans Relief corps and sent to Washington to guard Abraham Lincoln at the White House. Mr. Bear often told the story that Mr. Lincoln always stopped every morning to shake hands with the soldiers who guarded the White House at night. Mr. Bear said to him, “I bet this is the first time you ever shook hands with a Bear.” Mr. Lincoln replied, “I would gladly shake hands with all the Bears in the country if they fought like you and the rest of the 87th regiment did at Chickamauga.”
Mr. Bear died suddenly at his home in Wills township, at the age of 84, on May 23, 1926. Survivors included his wife, four sons: Charles A. Bear of Turner, Ore., Frank M. Bear of Crawfordsville, Ind., Cecil M. Bear of Fort Collins, Colo., and George W. Bear of Mill Creek, Ind.; seven grandchildren; one half-sister, Miss Julie Rust; and one half-brother, Charles Rust, both of Tyner, Indiana.
The New York Public Library's extensive genealogical collection has been enormously enhanced by the gift of 75,000 volumes, 30,000 manuscripts and 22,000 reels of microfilm from the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society. Faced with dwindling endowment, the members-only G & B, as it is known, sold its four-story building on East 58th Street in Midtown Manhattan last year for $24 million. It bought an office condominium in Midtown where it will now focus on grant-giving, tours, lectures and other means of encouraging genealogical research. One of the first grants was about $1 million to the library for a four-person staff to process and catalog the G & B collection within two years. The New York Times, July 19, 2008. (Thanks to Pat Harris for forwarding this information)
QUERIES are published at no charge. Each must be legibly written or typed and should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail
address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website.
QUERY!! – Would like to exchange information on the following families: Stibor/Stebor/Steber, West, Crowl/Crowell/Chrowl, Voltz, who resided in and around LaPorte and Michigan City. Contact: Virginia Del Marto, 2083 High Mesa Drive, Henderson NV 89012-2584; (702) 896-5875 ralphsgirl@cox.net
AT THE LIBRARY
The following information is taken from the La Porte Public Library Calendar of Events. If interested in participating, please contact the library to confirm there has been no change to your event of interest.
Hi-Tech Heritage
March 19, 2009 6:00 PM
Main Library
Learn how to research your family history through the use of our electronic resources. Some of them you can use from home with a library card! This program will show you how to use them and what kinds of info you can access about your ancestors.
Computers for Beginners
April 2, 2009 6:00 PM
Hanna
This class covers basic computer terms and tasks, like working the mouse, open and closing a program, and how to start using your computer.
Genealogy Research Online
April 14, 2009 6:00 PM
Union Mills
There is a wealth of genealogy information online, and we'll talk about how to begin using it to further your family history.
Beginning Genealogy
April 29, 2009 6:00 PM
Main Library
Learn how to get started with researching your family tree in the library's Indiana Room on the Main floor. See what kinds of resources are available and where they are. There will be time for use of sources with guidance after the presentation of approx. 45 minutes.
Computers for Beginners
May 6, 2009 1:30 PM
Rolling Prairie
This class covers basic computer terms and tasks, like working the mouse, open and closing a program, and how to start using your computer.
Create Your Own Archives
May 12, 2009 6:00 PM
Main Library
Learn how to store and preserve your historical documents from Joe Coates, Curator and Archivist for Calumet College of St. Joseph. Joe will show samples of archival supplies and tell where to buy them. He will talk about how to organize various collections and how to prepare them for long-term storage. Lots of time will be allowed for your questions!
Tombstone Tales
May 20, 2009 6:00 PM
Coolspring
Join La Porte Historian Fern Eddy Schultz as she explains the self-guided tour of Pine Lake Cemetery. The purpose of this self-guided tour is to familiarize participants with some of the history of La Porte County and the people who helped build it.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue,
La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor. Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the Newsletter. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the Newsletter (i.e., February, May, August and November).
Books & Other Resources
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center has become more involved in digitization collaborations. We are partnering with FamilySearch in helping build the Family History Archive www.lib.byu.edu/fhc/index.php with other major libraries around the country. We've contributed over two thousand volumes to that project to date. Our collaboration with Internet Archive www.archive.org/index.php has already placed more than four thousand public domain family and local histories on their website for free use and downloading. We have the honor of working with two extremely talented individuals, Dallan and Solveig Quass, in helping present and grow the WeRelate website www.WeRelate.org the largest genealogy wiki on the web with pages for more than two million people and families. It is a great place to post data, search a large database of genealogy related web sites, and make connections with others searching the same families. And it is free. Genealogy Gems : News from the Fort Wayne Library, No. 58, Dec. 31, 2008. (Thanks to Pat Harris for forwarding this information)
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Pat Harris provides us with this link to Digital Librarian Genealogy Resources:
http://www.digital-librarian.com/genealogy.html
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NARA and FamilySearch to Place Major Segments of National Archives Documents Online: SALT LAKE CITY 23 October 2007 The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) of the United States and FamilySearch announced a major program that will digitize, index and place major segments of NARA’s vast records collection online in the coming years. The majority of the records will include court, military, land and other government documents that date as early as 1754 to as late as the 1990s. A collection of 3,150 Civil War widow pension application files (approximately 500,000 pages) are already being digitized by FamilySearch and will be indexed and posted online by Footnote.com. FamilySearch intends to do all 1,280,000 files during the coming years and will make the indexes available for free on the FamilySearch Web site or at the National Archives and its regional centers.
A full-text article can be found at: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases
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RECENT PROGRAMS
January – The January 13th meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather. As a result, fellow member Barbara Backer’s Civil War Genealogy program has been rescheduled to the November meeting.
Galena Township - Harvey Hudson, who was married last winter, lately attended a select picnic with his wife and as they were returning his horse took fright and ran away, tearing the buggy to pieces and dragging Mrs. H. quite a distance. Mrs. H. is badly injured, but will probably recover. Dr. C. G. Barnes has returned to his home in Albion, Boone county, Neb. His wife and little daughter will visit in this section some days longer. The Dr. was born and raised in this township, and practiced medicine for some time. He removed to LaPorte, and afterwards to Nebraska. He is now editor on the "Boone County Argus" and owns quite a large farm. Source: Michigan City News, 11 August 1887 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
LaCrosse – Mrs. H.C. Shaw spent the weekend with Mrs. Charles Knipp at Hammond. Mrs. Ira Fry is visiting her mother, Mrs. George Henry at Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Murphy of South Bend, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Baumgartner and family of La Porte, and Mrs. Minetta Hardin of Union Mills, were Sunday visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Baumgartner. Mr. and Mrs. William Stark and sons of Monticello were Sunday dinner guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. O.M. Jumper. Mrs. Mary Parker and daughter, Blanche, of Francesville, were Sunday dinner guests with Mrs. Hazel Tennell. Mrs. Chris Heininger, daughter, Dora, sons, Joe, John and Elmer, were Chicago visitors Sunday. Mrs. Caroline Meiss and Mrs. Lea Mary Bucher, spent the weekend with Mrs. Meiss and son, Arthur, in Cissna Park, Ill. The Nelson pool room located in the Nichols building south of the Pennsylvania tracks has been sold to Joe Magers. Source: Michigan City News, 20 Apr 1938 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Hudson Township – The drought in Hudson township has materially injured the corn crop. Last Monday afternoon at four o’clock the splendid barn, grainery and wagon house, of John Ackerman, Esq. was destroyed by fire, with over 500 bushel of wheat, and 300 of oats and about 20 tons of hay, loss $3000.00. The pleasant fireside of S. P. Whitney was disturbed one night last week, by his wife who for some reason (best known to himself) jumped out of bed, made a big fuss, and the next morning started with her dry goods and two of her children for LaPorte, where she now resides. She has sued for a Bill! Several young ladies from this place attended the Institute at LaPorte this week and they all agree that Superintendent Hosmer is just the man for that place we hope he may long preside over the school interests of this county and finally get married. About thirty fine hogs were stolen from Mr. Bates and Mr. Rogers last Thursday night, farmers look out for your fat hogs that run in the road. Farmers have to fodder their cattle occasioned the drought. Source: Michigan City Dispatch, 4 September 1879 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Rolling Prairie - Mrs. Lena Wing of LaPorte is visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Noah Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Garland Culveyhouse and Arthur Ulrich spent Sunday in Chicago. Miss Harriett Massey spent the week-end in Chicago with her mother, Mrs. Nell Massey. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Turak of Mill Creek visited Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wellinski Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Sweeting of Springville and Mr. and Mrs. Fouty of LaPorte visited Mr. and Mrs. Noah Brown Sunday. Mrs. Karo Heald of Heston spent Sunday with her sister Mrs. Frank Shellenberger. Roy Hacker has closed his grocery store on the corner of Weller Avenue and Pine Lake Avenue in LaPorte and will build a small store at his home soon. Mrs. J. O. Reese and son Wilson visited Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Foster near Galien, Mich. Mrs. Gladys Davis, Rolling Prairie Correspondent. Source: Michigan City News, 17 July 1935 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
MORE GLIMPSES:
Springville - Fred Wendt spent a few days last week in Michigan City with Mr. and Mrs. Ed Meyer. Mr. and Mrs. H. Oberman and family and John Malovanic of Wakegan, Ill. were visitors Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. Ekovich. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Marquart and daughters attended the Moore reunion at Hudson Lake, Sunday. Gene Schumaker spent last week visiting his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Voss. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Armstrong and son of Wayne, Mich., are spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. John Gunder. Mr. and Mrs. Ted Pahl and son and Mrs. Bertha Stahl were visitors Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Moon. Mr. and Mrs. Ormel Bull and Miss Thelma Schumaker spent Saturday evening in LaPorte with Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Haferkemp. Source: Michigan City News, 17 July 1935 Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Michigan City - Mr. and Mrs. John H. Barker gave a dinner at their beautiful home Saturday evening to the graduating classes of Barker Hall for the years 1892 and 1893. Covers were laid for fifteen persons and the table was beautifully decorated with flowers. Seven courses were served, and those present were Rev. and Mrs. N. W. Heermans, Mrs. A. B. Johnson, Miss Harriet Miller, Misses Lydia Hoch, Fannie Culbert, Mamie Orr, Edith Boothroyd, Mae Earl, Alice Leeds, George Rogers, Wm. Vail and Edward Harrington. Source: Evening Dispatch, Michigan City, IN, Mon. 19 June 1893, p. 1, c. 3. Contributed by Pat Harris
Willvale – Will Shy is under the Dr’s care at this writing. Lucy Hyatte gave a party Saturday night, which was well attended. J.L. Poorman is having an addition built to his grocery store. Sabbath school is prospering finely under the management of Rev. Scott. Herman Allison and wife, of Continental, Ohio, are spending a week’s vacation with relatives here. Pass. Stuck and his family are being visited by friends from Kensington, Ill. Ida Gross was bitten quite badly by a dog, while trying to keep it from biting her little nephew. Mrs. Crance and son attended the wedding of a relative near Hanna, one day last week. Our young folks were royally entertained at Mr. Hyattes’ Sunday evening, with a special treat of music of the banjo, violin and guitar by musicians from Marion, this state. Source: Daily Herald, Sep 16, 1891
Galena – W.W. Fuller teaches at Mud Creek but his health is so poor that he has to dismiss his scholars occasionally for a day or two. Geo. Francis makes a good Trustee, and is holding the township institutes according to the meaning of the law. Oscar Coombs has returned for a short visit. He now resides in Iowa. At their recent annual election Galena Lodge No. 335 F&A.M. elected the following officers: W.M., E.W. Davis; S.W., David Hudson; J.E., L.M. Woodmansee; Treas., Oliver Marston; Sec’y, E.S. Cadwell; S.D., D.L. Heckman; J.D., C.O. Barnes; Tyler, Miller Heckman. Galena, Jan. 3d, 1877 Source: LaPorte Weekly Argus, Jan 4, 1877
Hanna – The Tilden young ladies of Hanna had a gay leap year sleighing party last Sunday and had a very enjoyable time. The following are the names: The Misses Allie Sparr, Dora West, Ina Sparr, Josie Wills, Ida and Ada Zinn and Allie Wade, and the following gentlemen; Messrs. A.S. Chambers, H.F. Zinn, Wm. Lawrence, Ira Sparr, J.A. Haste, Ortia Bunnel and E.A. Teeter. They partook of a splendid dinner at Commissioner Wills’ residence, E.N. Sparr acting as host and Miss E.A. Chambers as landlady. Miss Nancy Sparr and C. Wills acted as waiters . After the sleighing party they repaired to the new School House and formed a watch meeting: Mr. J.A. Haste, supported by Misses Allie Wade and Ina Sparr, presided. Source: LaPorte Weekly Argus, Jan 4, 1877
MORE GLIMPSES:
Westville – Mrs. C.E. Martin attended the state convention of L.O.T.M’s held at South Bend. Miss Bee Clark has purchased the millinery store of Miss Belle Bloomhuff. Mrs. Andrew Johnson spent Friday and Saturday with friends at Wanatah. Henry Herrold spent Saturday in Chicago. School opened Monday after a vacation of a week caused by the illness of Prof. Cattrou. George Punsky, of South Chicago, spent Sunday with parents here. Frank Stock, of Chicago, who has been visiting relatives here for the past week, returned home, Monday. Source: La Porte Daily Herald, April 17, 1895
Waterford – R.J. Shreve has returned from the west. Three children of D.T. Kelly are down with scarlet fever. Rev. Nobes, of the LaPorte Circuit, is holding protracted meetings at the Vail school house with good success. H.J. Johnson and wife attended the funeral of Mrs. Quick who died very suddenly, Saturday, at Pin Hook, and was buried Sunday. Phil Minor and bride put in their appearance Friday and were cordially welcomed by their many mute friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cross. Source: The Herald-Chronicle, March 24, 1887.
Were your ancestors in a LaPorte County community which is seldom or never represented in the “Glimpses” column? If so, contact the Editor and we’ll attempt to locate columns for your area of interest.
La Porte Co. Deaths – Third Quarter 1880
As Reported in Michigan City Dispatch, 13 January, 1881
Submitted by Gloria Arndt
Jul 3 – Infant of Chas. Roper, 6 months
Jul 7 – Infant of Fred Krueger, 8 days
Jul 7 – Infant of Aug. Heise, 4 months
Jul 7 – Infant of Fred Commence, 4 months
Jul 10 – Mary Phillips, 24 years.
Jul 12 – Lyman E. Sherwood, 6 days
Jul 12 – Louise Holstein, 78 years
Jul 14 – Walter Chubb, 13 months
Jul 16 – James McDaniel, 16 days
Jul 17 – Wm. D. Nourse, 35 years
Jul 17 – Francis C. Eastman, 24 years
Jul 17 – Emma Sadenwater, 5 months
Jul 18 – Nellie E. Johnson, 1 year
Jul 19 – Ella Zarhnt, 4 months
Jul 19 – Robert Newman, 10 days
Jul 22 – Wm. Kink, 10 years
Jul 25 – Fred Jessie, 7 months
Jul 25 – John Seefort, 10 months
Jul 26 – Michael Campion, 60 years
Jul 27 – Lydia Worthley, 19 years
Aug 2 – Infant of Fred Commence, 4 months
Aug 3 – Christina Hipp, 62 years
Aug 3 – John Koske, 52 years
Aug 3 – Frederick Hough, 57 years
Aug 16 – Mary Hughes, 15 months
Aug 17 – Samuel H. Opperman, 3 months
Aug 19 – Charles Eberts, 62 years
Aug 22 – Dora D. Livings, 86 years
Aug 23 – Fannie M. Ravell, 34 years
Sep 10 – Mary Brigitiski, 1 year
Sep 23 – Unknown person killed by cars
Sep 25 – Anne Hendricks, 10 months
Sep 28 – Berlan E. Stone, 3 years
Sep 29 – George Fuller, 21 years
Sep 29 – Infant of Mr. Stanka, 9 days
*Jul 7 & Aug 2 duplication of “Infant of Fred Commence, 4 months” is at it appears in the original news article.
COURT NEWS : Grand Jurors for March Term 1847
George McCord, William G. Brink, Robert Anderson, Martin Houseman, Allen Travis, Howel Huntsman, Nicholas W. Closser, William F. Stanton, Joseph Starret, George C. Havens, John Koonts, Zachariah Drom, David Stoner, James Reeve, Henry C. Carter, Hosea Shippee, Abijah Bigelow, Charles M. Teeple.
2008 Residency Certificates were awarded at the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society meeting December 9th. One First Families certificate was presented to Gaylynne S. Millard, who documented her ancestor, John Albright, as being in La Porte County by December 31, 1840. Those receiving Pioneer certificates recognizing documentation of their ancestors, David Gould and Sarah L. Lindsley, as being in La Porte County by 1857 were William Harold Harris, Susan Marie Harris Vail, Zachary Allen Vail, Ethan Harris Vail, Keith Alan Harris, Anita Catherine Harris Young and Kathleen Rita Harris. The Residency Committee, consisting of Fern Eddy Schultz, Gloria Arndt and Dottisue Gansemer, offered congratulations to the recipients.
The categories for receiving certificates are (1) First Families, documented ancestor in La Porte County by December 31, 1840; (2) Pioneer Families, documented in county 1841-1860; (3) Settler Families, documented in county 1861-1880; and (4) Civil War Ancestor Families, documented in county 1861 – April 30, 1865. Further information and applications are available from committee members by e-mail or at the Society’s address, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Deadline for submission is July 31 each year and, upon approval, certificates will be awarded at the following December meeting. Visit http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs for additional information about this and other projects of the Society.
The following Certificates of Appreciation were awarded by President Pat Harris: Abstractions of County Records for Publication: Gloria Arndt, Donna Nelson, Dorothy Palmer, and Mary Wenzel…Residency Certification Committee: Gloria Arndt, Dottiesue Gansemer and Fern Eddy Schultz…Newsletter Editor Since Jan. 2006: Donna Nelson…
Founding President: Fern Eddy Schultz…Newsletter Editor 1985-2005: Fern Eddy Schultz…Webmaster of Society Website Since 2002: Keith A. Harris…Society Legal Counsel, 25 years: Ralph Howes.
10 March Joining the 21st Century – Genealogy Blogs, presented by Harold Henderson
14 March Visit Our Table at the 2009 Michiana Genealogy Fair, Sponsored by South Bend Area Genealogical Society. Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, 209 Lincoln Way East, Mishawaka, IN
14 April Special Collections – Archives & Genealogical Special Collections in the
Valparaiso University Library presented by Judith Miller
22 April Genealogy Research Bus Trip to Allen Co. Public Library
12 May Confederate Soldiers Buried in La Porte Co., IN presented by
Fern Eddy Schultz
9 June Annual Cemetery Tour - 6:00 p.m. – Union Mills Cemetery
14 July Sharing Our Sources – Members will share their personal resources relating to various ethnics, religions, and geographical locations.
11 August Watch future newsletters for program details
8 September Watch future newsletters for program details
13 October Wives of Important La Porte Co. People presented by Gloria Arndt
and Dorothy Palmer
10 November Civil War Genealogy presented by Dr. Barbara Backer
8 December Annual Holiday Dinner and Awarding of Ancestor Certificates 6:00 p.m.
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Patricia Harris pagharris@sbcglobal.net
Vice-President Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Secretary Dorothy Palmer jpalmer611@comcast.net
Treasurer Alan Zeller ahzeller@csinet.net
Genealogist-Historian Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
EDITOR & MEMBERSHIP: Donna Nelson donnamnelson@comcast.net
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Dottisue Gansemer dottisue38@comcast.net
[end of March 2009 issue]
[beginning of June 2009 issue]
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We are at the mid-point of our 25th year as a genealogical society and I want to remind you of my challenge to increase our membership by 25 new members. That averages out to be less than one new member per current member. We are offering a discounted new membership rate of $8.00 for 2009. Will we do it!
31 members and fellow genealogists enjoyed a wonderful day of researching at the Allen Co. Public Library on April 22. As a token of appreciation to the Michigan City Public Library for co-sponsoring the bus trip we have purchased the following to add to their genealogy book collection: The English Ancestry and Homes of the Pilgrim Fathers and Bounty and Donation Land Grants in British Colonial America. Read about these elsewhere in the newsletter and consider joining us on a future trip to the ACPL.
We have many more interesting programs scheduled for the year and we hope to see as many of you as possible at one or more of our meetings. We are a great bunch of researchers and share with each other. Don’t forget to join us on our annual cemetery tour which will be the Union Mills Cemetery on June 9 at 6:00 p.m. Details elsewhere in the newsletter. Patricia Gruse Harris
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS – Charles West & Genealogical Society of Utah
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Patricia Harris pagharris@sbcglobal.net
Vice-President Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Secretary Dorothy Palmer jpalmer611@comcast.net
Treasurer Alan Zeller ahzeller@csinet.net
Genealogist-Historian Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. There is evidence that women's groups in the South were decorating the graves of the war dead before the end of the Civil War as there was a hymn published in 1867 "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet and dedicated "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead." Decoration Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by Gen. John Logan, national commander of the GAR, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. By 1890 it was recognized by all the northern states, but the South continued to honor their dead on a separate day until after World War I, when the holiday was changed to honor all Americans who died fighting in any war. Congress passed the National Holiday Act of 1971 and changed the traditional observance from 30 May to the last Monday in May. However, some southern states have an additional day to honor their Confederate War dead: Texas, 19 Jan.; Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, 26 Apr.; South Carolina, 10 May; and Louisiana and Tennessee, 3 June. In an effort to remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in Dec. 2000 asking for all Americans at 3 p.m. local time "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps." What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country. (condensed from Memorial Day History, http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd,html)
QUERIES are published at no charge. Each must be legibly written or typed and should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website. Queries may be submitted to the Society’s postal address or to the Editor at donnamnelson@comcast.net Please enter “Newsletter Query” in the subject line.
QUERY!! – Seeking proof of death/location/date John Beckner, DOB 14 Oct 1787, alleged DOD 16 Sept 1837, Botetourt Co, VA in conjunction w/father's estate. Living in La Porte w/wife Elizabeth Gish, DOD 14 Aug 1849. Please Contact Kathryn Andrews, 5350 SE David Way, Prineville, OR 97754 (541) 416-1679 kathrynandrews50@hotmail.com
The Archives of Michigan, the Library of Michigan, through the Department of History, Arts and Libraries has launched a new website Seeking Michigan www.seekingmichigan.org. It currently includes more than 100,000 pages of Civil War documents, about 10,000 photographs, a variety of Michigan sheet music, a section on Michigan's 44 governors, Works, Progress Administration data (ca. 1936-42) about land and buildings in rural Michigan, and oral histories with notable Michigan residents. And of special interest, it has digitized roughly one million death records for the years 1897 through 1920. They can be searched by name, death date, location and age and then an actual copy of the death certificate can be downloaded at no cost. Michigana, the Quarterly Magazine of the Western Michigan Genealogical Society, Vol. 55, No. 1. (contributed by Pat Harris)
AT THE LIBRARY
Genealogy Gems: News from the Fort Wayne Library
No. 62, April 30, 2009
This electronic newsletter is published by the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center, and is intended to enlighten readers about genealogical research methods as well as inform them about the vast resources of the Allen County Public Library. We welcome the wide distribution of this newsletter and encourage readers to forward it to their friends and societies.
Notices for Indentured Servants
by Melissa Shimkus
Many of our ancestors could not afford the fare to America, so they indentured themselves to others, who paid transportation costs. Contracts to work off that expense generally lasted for four to seven years and can be found among courthouse records. Some servants decided
they did not want to complete their contract and abandoned their service. The holder of the contract, the owner, would post advertisements in the provincial newspaper notifying the public in hopes of having the servant returned. The Genealogy Center owns several books that include these notices of runaway indentured servants.
“Eighteenth-Century White Slaves: Fugitive Notices” by Daniel Meaders (call number 929.11 Ei4) features runaway indentured servants mentioned in “The Pennsylvania Gazette” from 1729-1760. Originally, the book was to be the first in a four volume series on newspaper notices of runaway servants in the colonies, but the other volumes have yet to be published. Notices are arranged in order by date. Separate alphabetical indexes of the owners and of the servants provide the date of the advertisement.
“Runaways of Colonial New Jersey” by Richard B. Marrin (call number 974.9 M34ru) is another source. The advertisements reproduced in this volume cover 1720-1781 and include indentured servants, slaves, military deserters, and escaped prisoners from the following
newspapers: “The Pennsylvania Journal,” “The Pennsylvania Gazette,”
“The New York Gazette,” “The New York Post,” “The New York Weekly Journal,” and “The Boston Newsletter.” An alphabetical index directs the researcher to the page within the volume. Advertisements typically supplied the owner’s name, residence, reward amount, servant’s name, age, trade, nationality, physical description including scars, and details on the clothing worn by the runaway. Matthew Burrass, an Englishman, ran from Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1742. In the advertisement, his owner stated that Matthew claimed to be a brickmaker, but was really a baker. Also, Matthew took his wife with him when he left. Thomas Griffiths, another Englishman, left Burlington, New Jersey in 1774. His description indicated that he previously owned a tavern in London called the Sign of the King’s Arms
on Leaden Hall Street and also rented a farm near Bristol.
When researching colonial times, newspapers can offer a wealth of information. The advertisements vividly illustrate the history of indentured servitude in colonial America, as well as provide useful genealogical information on possible ancestors.
AT THE LIBRARY
NEW BOOKS AT MICHIGAN CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
(Information Provided by Patricia Harris)
The English Ancestry and Homes of the Pilgrim Fathers by Charles Edward Banks originally printed in 1929 with additions and corrections through 2006. It has biographical sketches of 112 passengers who sailed on the first four ships, the Mayflower,
Fortune, Anne and Little James, to New England. The author gives first the historical evidence, followed by a list of the passengers on each ship including data on their origins, family connections, little known facts about their place of residence in England, their parentage and ancestry. He has substituted proof for guess work and blows holes in many cherished traditions.
Bounty and Donation Land Grants in British Colonial America by Lloyd deWitt Bockstruck, 2007. From Nova Scotia south to Florida the British Crown awarded land to approximately 6,500 soldiers and sailors for service in colonial wars. Grants were generally made on the basis of rank for their participation in the numerous conflicts with the French and their Indian allies, as well as in various colonial insurrections. Listed are the details of their place and dates of service, rank, military campaigns, location of bounty land grants and donation land grants, acreage and the assignment of title to heirs, relatives and friends. Bounty land grants were used as an inducement to perform military service and donation land grants were given to a veteran or his heirs as a reward for service once the conflict was over. Some of these grants had the ulterior motive of establishing buffers on the frontier between Indians and European settlers or to lighten the population growth in coastal settlements.
The deadline for 2009 Residency Certificate applications is July 31st. If you miss this year’s deadline, it’s never too early to begin an application for submission in 2010. Categories are: (1) First Families, documented ancestor in La Porte County by December 31, 1840; (2) Pioneer Families, documented in county 1841-1860; (3) Settler Families, documented in county 1861-1880; and (4) Civil War Ancestor Families, documented in county 1861 – April 30, 1865. Further information and applications are available from committee members by e-mail or at the Society’s address, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Visit http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs for additional information about this and other projects of the Society.
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Dottisue Gansemer dottisue38@comcast.net
Did You Know? Fred Paramore killed his mother’s house plants while she was visiting in Ohio. (The Valpo Messenger, Jan 12, 1888)
VETERAN’S CORNER
Contributed by Pat Harris
REMINISCENCE OF WAR TIMES
Soldiers Drafted Here For War of Rebellion – List Drawn on Sept. 21, 1864
Names Are Well Known By Our Older Residents – But Few Living Here Now – Many Gone to Last Rewards – List is Authentic - Timely with the conscription now going on here for the world’s war The News is permitted to publish a list of conscriptions made here in this city and township in 1864. The list now includes many well known former residents here, the majority of whom have long ago been called to their reward. The draft in question took place on September 21, 1864, and was the last made just before the close of the long conflict. The names as they appear were taken from the original, official records of the Provost Marshal’s office, and while there may be errors in the spelling of some of them, they are just as they went on record in the department. The draft list is as follows:
Joseph Munday, Frederick Sollow, Leonard Fisher, August Glook, John Bremer, Frederick Smutzer, John Hanglin, John Voss, John Kimble, Timothy McCarty, Henry Oppermann, Frederick Opperman, William Martin, Edward Walk, Charles Schwartz, Horace Leslie, Oscar Reynolds, Samuel Eddy, William Phelps, Joshua Canwood, Gidding Watson, Frederick Voss, Frederick Feallock, William Neat, John Waber, Henry Edwards, Edward Vaughn, Eugene Allen, Stephen Bader, David Sly, Owen Lynch, John Kennedy, Lowell Thompson, Frank Katsack, John Bluett, Frederick Weiden, David Grant, Thomas Corbett, John J. Cole, Riley J. Wiley, Frederick Hugh, Albert Flint, George Staiger, Jacob Kreidler, William Percy, Green Dibble, Addison J. Phillips, John F. Pease, Jacob S. Sammons, James S. Hopper, George W. Hamilton, Frederick Flogle, Henry T. Smith, Adolphus Jossoy, Adam Nutzell, Phillip Alley, Charles Voight, Stephen O. Wilcox, Clarence A. Crane, Thomas Larkins, Charles S. Goodhue, Henry Swingindorf, William G. Herpelsheimer, Edward Kelley, Charles Frehse, John Johnson, John Krueger, Robert Bailey, Frederick Ebert, Simon Mangold, Henry Hubbard, H. H. Roberts, John D. McKahin, W. B. Lacey, Henry Leist, Barney Hipp, Charles Pavlis, Arthur Hoss, Arthur D. Worthley, August Wooster, Jay Chapman, George Niles, Gustave Shultz, William Brinkman, Walter Leeds, William Blinks, Leonard De Groffe, John Wiesman, Charles Stace, Barnard Steifle, James J. Brown, Michael McCordall, Peter Vehlen, Charles Tron, Isaac Riley, Charles Voss, Albert Flint, Henry Benham, Charles Hasler, Arvida H. Worthley, Zoloman Sprague and Peter Matthias.
Mr. Ed. A. Jernegan, now editor and publisher of the Mishawaka Enterprise, a native of Michigan City and well known by the old residents here, favors The News with the list. Mr. Jernegan is a son of Thomas Jernegan, a former owner and editor of Michigan City Enterprise, to which The News is successor, and both father and son served their country in the great war of the rebellion. The son, Ed. A. Jernegan, now of Mishawaka, had just been mustered out of the three year’s service for which he had originally enlisted, and had taken a position as clerk in the office of the Provost Marshal of the district, Col. Kline G. Shryock, whose headquarters were at Camp Colfax, South Bend. The draft was made on September 21, 1864, and having been made in Michigan City and Michigan township, Mr. Jernegan kept a list of the names as a souvenir or keepsake. He happened to come across it this week and sent it to The News at this time. Ed is a veteran of the war whose patriotism has never faltered. He is an enthusiastic G.A.R. man and were it not for the weight of years and the impress of the hand of time he would today be found in the front ranks repeating the active service he rendered his country in the 60’s. Source: Michigan City News,,Michigan City, IN, 5 July 1917, p. 4, c.3.
RECENT PROGRAMS
March – Fellow Member Harold Henderson provided attending members with an extremely informative look at Genealogy Blogs. Some of us weren’t familiar with how blogs work and the amazing wealth of information available within them. Harold has established his own blog site, which can be visited at: http://midwesternmicrohistory.blogspot.com/
April – Judith Miller, of the Valparaiso University Library Special Collections Department, provided a history of the University and detailed documents available to researchers within the Special Collections archives. Anyone with ancestors who attended Valparaiso University can obtain a variety of information about an individual.
May - Two Confederate burials in La Porte County were the topic of a presentation by Fern Eddy Schultz at the May meeting. (Thank You, Fern, for supplying the following summary of your program)
Carlton Shafer was a cadet in the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, VA. He followed his teacher, Thomas J. Jackson, afterwards coming to be known as General Stonewall Jackson, into the Confederate Army as a captain of cadets. The most notable engagement in which he was involved was the Battle of New Market. The cadet corps numbered about 250 students from the Virginia Military Institute. It was said of Shafer’s command that day “they fought like veterans, losing a third of their number.” It was the only battle ever won by schoolboys. Shafer married Sara Louise Andrew, descendant of the founders of La Porte. They resided in Maryland until he decided in 1904 to make La Porte his place of residence for the remainder of his life. He died 26 April 1906 and Sara died in an automobile accident, 18 October 1913. They are buried in Pine Lake Cemetery where his grave is flagged along with the other veterans on Memorial Day.
George Washington Zinn was born in Pennsylvania but his family moved to Noble Township in 1854. “Wash,” as he was known as, went to Kentucky and joined a Kentucky Confederate regiment and it was said at that time he expected to receive a high office because of the sacrifice he was making. However, he was disappointed, and was treated as other private soldiers were. Soon he was captured by the Union troops and taken to Camp Chase, Ohio and died shortly after in a hospital there. The actual date of his enlistment and his death are not known. His parents were notified of his illness and were with him at his death. They brought his body home but William O’Hara, who was Noble Township trustee at the time, would not allow him to be buried in the Union Mills Cemetery. His remains were therefore buried in his father’s front yard. Years later, he was removed and buried at the side of the Union Mills Cemetery. Sometime after, that strip of land on which he was buried was added to the cemetery. He is within the Zinn Family plot and service organizations decorate his grave every year.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor. Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the Newsletter. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the Newsletter (i.e., February, May, August and November).
Michigan City Evening News
28 August 1914
(Contributed by Gloria Arndt)
BIRTH REPORTS IN THIS COUNTY
The following letter from Dr. J. W. Hurty, secretary of the state board of health, to The News, will be read with interest by all parents. The list of first mothers in this country for May, given herewith will be of no less interest, especially to Mothers.
Dear Sir: - A mother called at this office lately and asked for a transcript of the record of her child’s birth. Such requests come from lawyers and from parents every day. The transcript wanted could not be supplied because the doctor in attendance at the birth failed to make out a certificate. The document was wanted to prove the legitimacy of the child and clear the good name of the mother. The doctor’s neglect to obey the law requiring him to report, and his neglect to fulfill all his professional duties, brought disaster and sorrow to an infant and a widow. In another instance the doctor’s neglect to obey the law and to fulfill his entire duties to his family, lost a little girl a fortune of $12,000. There is no defense for such delinquency of doctors. So important is the matter of the legal recording of birth and deaths that through the demand of lawyers and judges, a law was passed requiring that doctor’s shall report all the births they attend within 36 hours, other wise their bill for services becomes invalid in addition the delinquent doctor may be fined not less than ten or more than fifty dollars. The legal recording of births and deaths is the book-keeping of humanity, and this bookkeeping is far more important than the bookkeeping of our dollars. Dr. Frank Billings of Chicago probably the most eminent general practitioner in this country says: “It is a privilege as well as a duty for doctors to report, for legal record, such information as they only may be able to give. Some doctors unhesitatingly enter the legal field and declare the vital statistics law unconstitutional, but in this they disagree with the courts. Mothers will do well to inquire of their health officer, whether or not the births of their children are legally recorded: for, as one sorely disappointed mother said; “I never dreamed it would be necessary for me to prove the legitimacy of my child in court.” Another said when we told her there was no record of the birth of her children – “Oh, why did my doctor treat me this way?” Every first mother receives a present from the state which will be promptly sent when the report of the birth reaches this office. Very respectfully, J. N. Hurty, Secretary
Following is the list of First Mothers in Laporte county for the month of May, 1914, who have received the Indiana Mothers Baby Book. (Editor’s Note: Article includes full address of the Mothers in this list)
Michigan City: Mrs. Frank Nespo; Mrs. Albert H. Balow; Mrs. Edw. Peo; Mrs. Alva B. Parfous; Mrs. Robert Davis; Mrs. Abe Bohlin; Mrs. Robert Bloom; Mrs. Philip Leslie; Mrs. Maurice Redding; Mrs. Clinton Logan; Mrs. Louis Hedrick; Mrs. Ralph W. Mowen; Mrs. Ralph H. Hememann; Mrs. John Osziel
Laporte: Mrs. Arzen Cuz; Mrs. John Sash; Mrs. William A. Carlson; Mrs. Grover C. McClellan; Mrs. Stanistow Baranoski; Mrs. Albert F. Mellentein; Mrs. Chas. D. Fausler; Mrs. Peter Mishaka
Others in the County: Mrs. William E. Welkie, Wanatah; Mrs. Lawrence Clark, Wellsboro;
Mrs. John R. Jones, Wills township; Mrs. Chas. Knipp, LaCrosse; Mrs. Valentine C. Hans, South Bend
Mill Creek – Chas. Barringer was elected Superintendent of the Sabbath School last Sunday in the place of N. Ball, who resigned. Henry Kuhn, an old and respected citizen residing north of this place, died on the 11th inst. He was a German by birth but had resided in this county nearly forty years. Mrs. Richard Ricks, of LaPorte, is spending a few days with her daughter, Mrs. Jas. Barker. Geo. Barringer died Sunday afternoon at four o’clock, aged 63 years. He was born in Germany and had lived in this county 35 years. Mr. Barringer moved on what is called Long Island about 30 years ago and cleared up what is now the finest farm in Lincoln township. (La Porte Argus, Aug 25, 1892)
Wanatah – Miss Carrie Maxwell and brother, Nelt, of LaPorte, visited last week at J.N. McCurdy’s. Miss Grace Groth is at home from Valpo spending her vacation. Mrs. Etter is visiting her parents at Hamlet. Mr. and Mrs. C. Farrington, of Valpo, spent several days last week visiting here. John Osborn attended the institute at LaPorte last week. Phillip and Gust. Schlosser were called to Bremen Saturday by the serious illness of their mother. They came home Sunday and left her some better. (La Porte Argus, Aug 25, 1892)
Galena – F.P. Richardson, wife and daughter attended church in Rossberg, Saturday evening. Herman Wills of Minneapolis, Minnesota, came home Saturday morning to visit his mother, Mrs. Chas. Wills, and brother, Albert. Mrs. Vern Sutherland of Basswood died Friday evening, June 5th, 1914, in the home of her sister, Mrs. B. Smith, near Three Oaks, after a week’s illness. The funeral was at the home Monday. Burial in Forest Lawn cemetery. She leaves a husband and two small children, a mother, Mrs. Cora Webster, a sister, Mrs. B. Smith, and brother, Harvey Webster, of Michigan City. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tappan visited their parents Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. J. Cooper of Bunker Hill. Mrs. Clara Keen and daughters, Beatrice and Florence, attended church services in Rossberg Saturday and Sunday. (Daily Herald, Jun 10, 1914)
Kingsbury – Mr. and Mrs. Offley Dysard returned home Saturday from Chicago where they spent their honeymoon and have gone to housekeeping in their home which was all ready. Guy Jones of this place was recently married to a lady of South Bend and is making his home in that city. (Daily Herald, Jun 10, 1914)
Bootjack – Mrs. Otto Wild of Chicago spent Saturday and Sunday at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.P. Clendenen. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bartmess spent Sunday at the home of the latter’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lonzo Goodnough of Three Oaks. (Daily Herald, Jun 10, 1914)
Willvale – Mrs. Dave Benson and son, Geo. returned home Wednesday from Macoysburg where they had been visiting at the home of the former’s daughter, Mrs. William McDonald. (Daily Herald, Jun 10, 1914)
Kankakee Twp. – Calita Preston, of Kankakee township, who is one of the early pioneers of the county, celebrated his eighty-first birthday Wednesday. Mr. Preston came to this county in 1833 when nine years of age and has resided in the county continuously for seventy-two years. He is well known throughout the county and is frequently called Rev. Preston by his friends, he having somewhat of a reputation as a religious exhorter. (Michigan City Weekly Dispatch, Mar 30, 1905)
La Porte Co. Deaths – Fourth Quarter 1880
As Reported in Michigan City Dispatch, 13 January, 1881
Submitted by Gloria Arndt
Oct 5 - Luther Nokes, 27 years
Oct 6 – Charles Maze, 16 years
Oct 7 – Infant of Jacob Stife, 15 months
Oct 10-Lizzie Burkhardt, 19 years
Oct 12 – John Grulo, 28 years
Oct 12 – Bertha Ashton, 3 years
Oct 13 – George Witty, 2 years
Oct 13 – Mariett Markham, 66 years
Oct 14 – Louis Bonehard, 25 years
Oct 20 – Augusta Darman, 34 years
Oct 20 – Frank Kneller, 7 years
Oct 21 – Mary Donaldson, 4 years
Oct 21 – Mrs. J.W. Byrket, 35 years
Oct 23 – Alfred Donaldson, 2 years
Oct 24 – Lena Hipp, 24 years
Oct 24 – Clarence Kneller, 3 years
Oct 25 – Alexander Nichols, 71 years
Oct 27 – Wm. Lawrence, 19 months
Oct 31 – George Laurence, 4 months
Nov 14 – George Hoho (or Hobo), 6 days
Nov 17 – Ida Aggert, 6 years
Nov 20 – Henry Wooden, 63 years
Nov 20 – Infant of Wm. Vehlen, 18 months
Nov 23 – Lena Eggers, 14 years
Nov 24 – Eliza Kronig, 6 ½ years
Nov 24 – Clarence Kueller (Kneller), 8 years
Nov 30 - Lolo Mayne, 8 years
Dec 2 – Frank Sulth, 9 months
Dec 2 – Charles Mayne, Jr., 25 months
Dec 5 – Mary Omey, 54 years
Dec 7 – Infant of Wm. Selleck, 9 days
Dec 13 – Edward Finnegan, 18 years
Dec 14 – Emma F. Thaldorph, 29 years
Dec 15 – Louis Frier, 2 years
COURT NEWS:
Petit Jurors for Second Week Sept. Term 1850
Joseph S. Walton, Joseph Starrett, Nathaniel Steele, John Brewer, Samuel Cattron, Ferdinand Dunham, William Lerwell, Daniel Church, Joshua Travis, Norella Gillespie, Jasper S. Hunt, John Miller (of Hudson).
Cases in Court (Daily Herald, Nov 10, 1893) – Julia F. and Charles A. Rogers, who have been husband and wife for the past ten years, are not a happy couple, so charges the wife. She claims that although her husband is well able to take care of her and their four children he has entirely failed to do so for some time past. Not only this but he has ill treated her and often times charged her with improper conduct with other men, and at such times he has locked her in a damp and dark room for hours to compel her to confess that her morals were corrupt. He has been anything but a kind and dutiful husband, while she has heroically borne up under his persecutions until she is unable to do so any longer. She therefore asks for a separation, the custody of the children and the sum of $50 per annum for the support of each of the children.
Real Estate Transfers, Week ending June 11, 1895 (Daily Herald, 13 Jun, 1895) – Chas. F. Wells to John Smith, lot 3, blk 8, Wellsboro, $100; James M. McCaughan to Joseph K. Baroft, 40 acres in sec 34 and tract in sec 35, Clinton twp, $6,000; Jacob Sigel to George W. Stone, lots 2 and 3, blk 2, Butterworth’s add, Kingsbury, $375; James P. Siddles to Wm. H. and Geo. W. Collom, 20 acres in sec 8 and 80 acres in sec 9, Lincoln twp, $4,200; Morris S. Teague to Wm. J. Stillwell, 80 acres in sec 17, Hanna twp, $480; Margaret and Wm. Wighgate to John W. Franklin, part 8 and 11, blk 97, Land Co’s add, Michigan City, $500; William J. Stillwell to Thomas W. Allison, 80 acres in sec 17, Hanna twp, $700; Ann E. Sanborn to Max Gloge, lots 1, 2, 3, 4 in blk 43, Sanborn’s 4th add, Michigan City, $250; Charles H. Truesdell to Wm. A. Martin, 106 2/3 acres in sec 2, Lincoln township, $500; Jacob Roos to Carl Gebert, tract in sections 1 and 2, Springfield township, $3,700; Carl Gebert to Jacob Roos, lots 14 and 15 and part lot 13, Richard’s add, LaPorte, $1,030; Charles B. Andrew to Jennie McKeon, lot 27, “A” street, Andrew’s add, LaPorte, $800; Jas. Drummond, est by admr to Thomas Smith, 5 acres in sec 7, Kankakee twp, $175; Chas. E. Arnt to Kate Daly, lot 4, blk 5, southwest add, Michigan City, $1,200; A.J. Stahl to Wm. H. Hoppe, e ½, lot 2, Stahl’s re division, LaPorte, $200; Abner C. Harding to W.J. Stillwell, 80 acres in sec 12 and 200 acres in sec 11, Hanna twp, $2,400; W.J. Stillwell to James E. Blodgett, 200 acres in sec 11 and 80 acres in sec 12, Hanna township, $3,000; William A. Martin to James L. Dawson, tract in sec 22 and 23, Union township, $4,470..
9 June Annual Cemetery Tour - 6:00 p.m. – Union Mills Cemetery Join us after the tour for discussion and socialization at a local restaurant.
Directions to the Union Mills Cemetery:
From Michigan City
#421 south to CR 800 South
East (left) on CR 800 South to the cemetery
From between Michigan City & La Porte on Johnson Road
Johnson Road to the Summit (at the prison farm)
CR 500 West south to & US#6
US#6 east (left) one mile to CR 400 West
CR 400 West south (right) through the “downtown” Union Mills to first STOP sign
East (left) at STOP sign (CR 800 South) to the cemetery
From La Porte
#39 south to CR 800 South
West (right) on CR 800 South to the cemetery
14 July Sharing Our Sources – Members will share their personal resources relating to various ethnics, religions, and geographical locations.
11 August Memories of Our Early School Days, presented by society members.
8 September An Introduction to the Calumet Regional Archives, presented by Stephen G. McShane, Archivist/Curator of the Calumet Regional Archives, Indiana University Northwest Library.
13 October Wives of Important La Porte County Men, presented by Gloria Arndt
and Dorothy Palmer.
10 November Civil War Genealogy, presented by Dr. Barbara Backer.
8 December Annual Holiday Dinner and Awarding of Ancestor Certificates 6:00 p.m.
[end of June 2009 issue]
[beginning of September 2009 issue]
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Here it is the end of another summer. Where does the time go? I hope if you were fortunate enough to take a trip or two this summer that you were able to include some genealogical research also. If not, maybe you can do it this fall and enjoy the beautiful changing scenery that fall always brings. We plan to do just that and visit my husband’s sister in Colorado near Rocky Mtn. National Park. On the way we plan a side trip in Iowa to visit a couple small towns where his father lived with relatives for a time before he entered the army for World War I. We have always known about these towns and are finally going to visit them. I would like to suggest to you that you visit the areas your ancestors lived in whenever you are near, or better yet plan a special trip. See the town, visit their historic areas, the cemeteries, the churches where they worshiped, the libraries and the courthouses for records. You will get a feel for what it was like when they lived there and you just might find the answer to your genealogical brick wall.
Join us for the rest of the meetings this year and get to know your fellow society members. If you are a member living away from here and visiting La Porte County, we would love to have you join us and meet other members. Patricia Gruse Harris
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Patricia Harris pagharris@sbcglobal.net
Vice-President Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Secretary Dorothy Palmer jpalmer611@comcast.net
Treasurer Alan Zeller ahzeller@csinet.net
Genealogist-Historian Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
QUERIES are published at no charge. Each must be legibly written or typed and should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website. Queries may be submitted to the Society’s postal address or to the Editor at donnamnelson@comcast.net Please enter “Newsletter Query” in the subject line.
The following information is taken from the La Porte Public Library Calendar of Events. If interested in participating, please contact the library to confirm there has been no change to your event of interest.
Genealogy Research Online
Sept. 24, 2009 6:00 PM
Fish Lake
Presenter: Elizabeth Johnson, La Porte County Public Library Librarian. There is a wealth of genealogy information online, and we’ll talk about how to begin using it to further your family history. The program is interactive, with computers available on a first come, first served basis. You may bring your own laptop; the library has free wireless access.
After Hours with Your Ancestors Sept. 25, 2009 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Main Library
Presenters: Mary Hedge and Deborah McClish, La Porte County Public Library Librarians. Genealogists unite…for a dedicated time of research. All of our public computers will be available, as well as all of our genealogy resources. Library staff will be on hand to help with questions. We have Wi-Fi, so feel free to bring your own laptop if you’d like. Enter the library between 7:00 and 7:15 PM through the Maple Avenue entrance nearest the parking lot. The doors will be locked at 7:15 PM. Free, no registration.
Introduction to Genetic Genealogy Nov. 10, 2009 6:30 PM Main Library
Presenter: Don Glossinger, Director of the Michigan City Public Library. Mr. Glossinger will tell how using DNA can help with your genealogy searches. He will share his personal experiences with this technique that has recently been helping people identify relatives. He has been doing genealogy research for 39 years.
The deadline for 2009 Residency Certificate applications is July 31st. If you miss this year’s deadline, it’s never too early to begin an application for submission in 2010. Categories are: (1) First Families, documented ancestor in La Porte County by December 31, 1840; (2) Pioneer Families, documented in county 1841-1860; (3) Settler Families, documented in county 1861-1880; and (4) Civil War Ancestor Families, documented in county 1861 – April 30, 1865. Further information and applications are available from committee members by e-mail or at the Society’s address, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Visit http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs for additional information about this and other projects of the Society.
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Dottisue Gansemer dottisue38@comcast.net
VETERAN’S CORNER
Michigan City News, Nov 20, 1901
Contributed by Pat Harris
Another Revolutionary Soldier
Hezekiah Smith, grandfather of Fred R. Earl of Scipio township and Mrs. Rhoda M. Woods of Westville, went into the army of the revolutionary war at the age of 16, going from Orange county, New York, where he was born and lived up to that time. He was at the battle of Bunker Hill. For a time he was servant boy to General Washington. Afterwards he was engaged as a blacksmith. He was married to Rhoda Wiatt. To this union eight children were born, five girls and three boys. He died September 27, 1838, the year of the sickly season and his body was entombed in the beautiful cemetery at Door Village. Mrs. Woods is in possession of a bayonet used in that great conflict besides a number of books formerly owned by Mr. Smith, all of which she treasures very highly.
Spanish American War Veteran
Frank Post of Waterford has been granted a pension of $12, as a Spanish American War veteran. Mr. Post was a member of Co. K, Ninth Indiana Infantry. (Michigan City News, Aug. 11, 1910)
RECENT PROGRAMS
June – A number of individuals attended the tour of Union Mills Cemetery, guided by Fern Eddy Schultz.
July – Members shared some of their favorite research sources. Some of these sources and how to access them will be shared in future newsletters.
August – Members shared facts and memories about early schools attended, some of which no longer exist. Some of the schools discussed were Eastport Grade School on School St. in Michigan City; Center Twp. School (now Critchfield); Central Grade School in Michigan City; Stites School; Springfield Twp. School; Marsh Elementary; and St. Mary's in Michigan City. Member Paul Graham rated his teachers on a scale of 1-10 and Helen Canfield spoke of her father, who was superintendent of schools in La Porte.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor. Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the Newsletter. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the Newsletter (i.e., February, May, August and November).
Otis - Theodore Nowicke was in LaPorte Thursday. Miss Alice Reynolds returned to Hanna Friday after spending the week with Mr. and Mrs. William Sellers. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wozniak and children of LaPorte, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Davey and daughter Betty Jean of Chesterton and Edward Rudziewicz of Chicago were Sunday visitors of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rudziewicz. Mr. and Mrs. James Barnes and son Donald, of Blue Island called on Mr. and Mrs. Charles France Saturday. Frank Byers of Valparaiso called on Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Schiff Sunday. Mrs. Mac McKiobin and daughter, Dorothy, returned home after spending a few weeks in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fraley and son, Joseph, were in Burdick Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. William Layton and children visited Mr. and Mrs. James Frame of County Line Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Koziatek and children, Mrs. Walter Demkoski and son, Robert and Mrs. John Kamucka of Michigan City called on Mike Lewartoski Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Max Komasinski and daughter Maxine of Durham visited Mrs. Charles France Monday. (Michigan City News, Apr 19, 1938) Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Wanatah - Mrs. G. Doyle is visiting at Hamlet. Mr. Conitz is enlarging the Maccabee hall. August Hanning of South Bend is visiting friends here. Herman Wojahn has purchased the Kapelske house here. Mr. Schmblaska was at Whiting Monday looking for work. F. E. Osborn of Laporte was in town last Friday on legal business. C. E. Osborn and Mr. Harrington went to Goodland last Thursday on a business trip. Mr. Smith, a section foreman, will move in the house that was vacated by Mr. Tutthill. Wanatah is thinking of boring for oil or gas as we have plenty of surface gas it will probably be oil. Fred Berger of Michigan City was here visiting his brother, Henry Berger and returned Monday. Herman Wojahn and Albert Goor were at Chicago last Friday. While at Chicago H. Wojahn bought Mr. Kapelska’s house and lot at this place. Mr. Tutthill’s family loaded their household goods Tuesday and moved to Fort Wayne, where Mr. Tutthill has a position as train dispatcher. He has been operator here at the coal docks and has had quite a promotion. J. Conitz is circulating a petition to have an addition to the school house. The addition will be 36 x 70 and 25 feet high. It will cost about $2000.00. John Renkawitz drew the plan last summer. The addition according to plans will be just like the old one. The plans for the old house were drawn by the trustee at that time. (Michigan City Weekly News, Mar 13, 1901) Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Beatty’s Corner and Vicinity - George Denecho and Joseph Benca have returned to their homes here after spending several days of the past week in Chicago, Ill. Mrs. Edward Schlene, Michigan Ctiy, visited with Mr. and Mrs. Edward Shebel. Miss Ann Benca returned to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Benca, after spending the past two weeks in Berwyn, Ill., with relatives. Mr. and Mrs. John Haywood, Hammond, were recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Janatik. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tompach, sons, Emil and Charles, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Brown, daughters Gertrude, Barbara and Darlene were Friday evening callers at the J. Benca home. (Michigan City News, Apr 19, 1938) Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Westville - Elsie Moser, Correspondent - Mr. and Mrs. Austin Williams and children and Ross Woodruff have returned to Detroit, Mich. after spending two weeks at Westville. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Pagin and children were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hale. Mr. and Mrs. Carlyle Brown of Goshen spent Sunday with Rev. and Mrs. Morris. Mrs. Wade and children returned home after a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Marbinger of Denver. They returned with Mr. and Mrs. Clide Miller of Peru. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Purnell and children of Oak Park were Sunday callers of Mr. and Mrs. Ward Imes and family. Mr. and Mrs. Ted Shunk and children of LaCool were Sunday evening visitors of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sarver. Mrs. Don Henry of LaPorte spent Wednesday with Mrs. William Shultz. Mr. and Mrs. Bert West, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Peters, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Roames, Glen Roames all of Michigan City and Bud Casperson of Gary spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Roames. (Michigan City News, Jul 17, 1935)
List of Deaths For the Month Ending August 31st, 1895
Michigan City News, Sep. 4, 1895
(Provided by Gloria Arndt)
During the month of August eighteen deaths occurred, eight male and ten female. The names of the persons, date of death and diseases are as follows:
4th Christ Luedermann 55 years dermatis venenata
5th Theodore Richter 66 years exhaustion from sufferation
7th Mary Teabitel 85 years old age
8th Edward Haack 14 months enter coloitis
9th Emil Peterson 4 weeks bowel complaint
9th Infant Burger 5 months cholera infantum
10th Florence Baker 3 years enteritis
11th Ellen Kenefick 81 years old age
12th John Lawhorn 25 years spinal concussion
13th Edward Wilcox 63 years spinal disease
14th Theresa Leser 40 years septicacmia
15th Infant Thank 4 months cholera infantum
22nd Bertha Krebs 34 years accident
23rd Peter Goerg 43 years asphyxiation
28th Anna Reetz 77 years old age
28th Florence Frank 7 months marasnmus
President Patricia Harris, who also serves on the Board of La Porte County Pioneer Cemetery Commission, provides the following information: “During the recent restoration of Low Cemetery one of the tombstones had as part of its inscription I. O. of G. T. The restorers hadn't seen this before, nor had I. A search of the web gave the answer”:
THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS
This order was founded in Utica, New York in 1850 as the "Knights of Jericho," a secret fraternal temperance society. It used three degrees originally in its ceremonial, and now uses only one. It also used Masonic-like regalia like collars and aprons, but no longer uses regalia. They claimed that their order was better than the Sons of Temperance in that they were not distracted from their primary purpose by offering insurance, and because it admitted women on an equal basis. It admits both men and women into its ranks and is now known as the International Order of Good Templars. Its national magazine is called The Good Templar. Its governing body is the National Council. The I.O.G.T is now known as The International Organization of Good Templars, and its homepage is www.IOGT-International.org
COURT NEWS:
Petit Jurors for Third Week Sept. Term 1850
Abraham Logan, Nehemiah Pratt, Asher White, John H. Armstrong, John Van Priest, Moses Cadwalader, Jacob Bruner, Wheeler B. Dennison, Robert McCormack, Caleb Davis (of N. Durham), Jonathan Beckner, Ziba Bailey.
Grand Jurors for Sept. Term 1850
Maxwell Ireland, Elnathan Gregory, Pleasant Ireland, Joseph Catlin, Robert Wren, Benjamin Beard, John P. Cathacart, Levi Benedict, Samuel Turner, Jacob Hupp, Benjamin Flood, John C. Hinks, Eli Jarrett, Bazel Reed, George Butt, Samuel Wilson, Alfred Johnson, Josiah Grover
Cases settled as La Porte Circuit Court Closes: Joachim Giedie was awarded $2,500 against the South Bend Chilled Plow company. The plaintiff sued for $8,000 for the loss of the forefinger and thumb of his left hand, which he lost while an employee of the corporation. Mr. Giedie alleged negligence of the defendants in allowing some of their machinery to become defective. Meyer H. Lang vs. Moses J. Frankel, damages. Anna L. Anderson et al vs. Swan Johnson, petition for a highway. Caroline E. Craig et al vs. Jane Burlingame et al, to set aside will. Minnie Leeds vs. the City of Michigan City, on contract. Henry Werner vs. Kate Fisher, on account appeal. (The Daily Herald, Jul 17, 1897)
8 September An Introduction to the Calumet Regional Archives, presented by Stephen G. McShane, Archivist/Curator of the Calumet Regional Archives, Indiana University Northwest Library.
13 October Wives of Important La Porte County Men, presented by Gloria Arndt
and Dorothy Palmer.
10 November Civil War Genealogy, presented by Dr. Barbara Backer.
8 December Annual Holiday Dinner and Awarding of Ancestor Certificates 6:00 p.m.
[end of September 2009 issue]
[beginning of December 2009 issue]
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
For the last four years I have had the honor to serve as the president of this society. I have seen the society become a congenial group of genealogists willing to help each other solve problems; help others who ask for aid in their research; and volunteer to do programs or secure other knowledgeable persons to give programs. We have also developed a very successful publications program through the efforts of many members who have indexed many important county records. We continue to have our annual bus trip, co-sponsored by the Michigan City Public Library, to the Allen County Public Library for genealogical research and an annual tour to a county cemetery. Also our Residency Certificate program has been expanded to include four categories of settlers to the county in different time periods. A new program honoring the Genealogist of the Year will begin in 2010. None of this could have been accomplished without your many willing hands, for which I say a hearty thank you one and all, but there is always room for many more. For example, there are more records that need indexing and additional help is always appreciated.
My job was made much easier by a wonderful and cooperative board of officers. They were second to none and I cannot thank them enough for four great years. And now we ask that you continue to support your newly elected officers as they work with you to make our society grow, attend as many meetings as possible and encourage others to join the society.
And my wish for each and every one of you is that your own personal research will be rewarding in the coming year. Frohliche Weihnachten (GER), Boze Narodzenie (POL) – HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Patricia Gruse Harris
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TIM HARRIS & JOAN McCOY
2010/2011 OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Alan Zeller alan_zeller@verizon.net
Vice-President Lester Chadwick ljchad@csinet.net
Secretary Harold Henderson hhsh@earthlink.net
Treasurer Dorothy Palmer djpalmer611@comcast.net
Genealogist-Historian Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR OUTGOING OFFICERS
2008/2009 OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Patricia Harris
Vice-President Gloria Arndt
Secretary Dorothy Palmer
Treasurer Alan Zeller
8 Dec 2009 Annual Holiday Dinner and Awarding of Ancestor Certificates - Catered dinner/meeting. Social time at 6:00 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:30. Cost per person is $8.50. Please forward checks (payable to La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society) no later than Monday, 30 November 2009. A brief business meeting will be followed by the presentation of Residency Certificates for 2009.
New in the Michigan City Public Library Genealogy Collection – Gazetteer of the State of New Jersey by Thomas F. Gordon, 2004 reprint of 1834 publication. At the time of original publication it was the author’s stated objective “to present to the public, a full and correct portraiture of the State in the year 1833. He includes a detailed account of life in the state at the time of publication and prefaces the index of places with geographical and geological descriptions of the terrain, climate, bodies of water, roads, canals, railroads, etc. The gazetteer covers every nook and cranny in the state from small streams, hills, and hamlets to townships, cities and entire counties. It contains descriptions of close to 2,000 places in existence in 1833 which fail to appear in contemporary maps or gazetteers. A great finding aid to your New Jersey research. (Information provided by Patricia Harris)
The Genealogy Branch of Mid-Continent Public Library has announced the opening of a new research facility. The library was named one of the top ten public libraries for genealogists in 2002 by Family Tree Magazine. In July 2008, Family Tree Magazine named the facility one of the nine libraries that its readers must visit before they die. The branch is now known as the Midwest Genealogy Center. The genealogy collection was started in 1928 and has continued to grow ever since. The former facility in northern Independence (MO) outgrew its 12,000-square-foot building; the new building contains 52,000 square feet with room to expand. The new facility provides a comfortable patron lounge, many large tables for research, a classroom, and a computer lab where genealogists can digitize their own items. It is an excellent research center for genealogists, historians, and research groups. The expertise of the staff, the large book and microform collections, and research databases are available to researchers. Out-of-town groups are welcome at the library, but are asked to call before coming to ensure adequate staff to meet all of their needs. A private tour of the library facility is included in the orientation for first-time visitors. Private consultations with experts are available by prior arrangement. Those experts are available in the following subject areas: German, Irish, French, Scandinavian, and Italian Research, Document Preservation, Textile Preservation, Genealogy Software, Word Processing, and Brick-Wall Solutions. The genealogy staff will do limited research for individuals who send postal or email inquiries. The library charges only for photocopies and not for research time. The facility gladly accepts donations for its Genealogy Endowment Fund.
For more information about the Midwest Genealogy Center or donations to the library, see the website at www.midwestgenealogycenter.org. The phone number is (816) 252-7228. The mailing address is Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Independence, Missouri 64055. (Information provided by Marilyn Luke-Paris, Midwest Genealogy Center).
THANK YOU TO OUR LOYAL MEMBERS. TIME TO RENEW FOR 2010!!
The deadline for 2010 Residency Certificate applications is July 31st. Categories are: (1) First Families, documented ancestor in La Porte County by December 31, 1840; (2) Pioneer Families, documented in county 1841-1860; (3) Settler Families, documented in county 1861-1880; and (4) Civil War Ancestor Families, documented in county 1861 – April 30, 1865. Further information and applications are available from committee members by e-mail or at the Society’s address, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. Visit http://www.rootsweb.com/~inlcigs for additional information about this and other projects of the Society.
RESIDENCY CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Fern Eddy Schultz netster@csinet.net
Gloria Arndt prairiefarm@csinet.net
Dottisue Gansemer dottisue38@comcast.net
NEW FOR 2010
La PORTE COUNTY, INDIANA GENEALOGIST OF THE YEAR
Nomination Form, Requirements & Instructions in March Newsletter
September 1890 Deaths
(Reported 1 October, 1890)
During the month of September the following deaths were reported to Dr. W.R. Godfrey, secretary of the board of health:
Sept. 2nd – Donia Majinski, congestion of the lungs, 5 years; George Gotham, congestion of the lungs, 1 year.
Sept. 11th – Aug. Kienitz, diarrhea, 4 years; Linda Krueger, cholera infantim 6 months.
Sept. 18th – Lewis Pregnitz, marasmus, 4 months.
Sept. 19th – Chas. Stanke, congestion of the brain, 7 months; Mrs. Sarah Martin, jaundice, 60 years.
Sept. 20th – Freddie Schneck, cholera infantim, 1 year.
Sept. 22nd – Johanna Schlundt, old age, 76 years.
Sept. 24th – John L. Stoddard, consumption, 38 years.
VETERAN’S CORNER
Hundreds of thousands of American women served with the military during World War II; not all of the organizations are included herein. We salute the American Woman and her contributions to the War Effort. Does your Family Tree include a woman who served in one of these organizations during WWII? If so, we would love to hear her story. Please contact the editor by mail at the Society’s address or Email to donnamnelson@comcast.net.
ARMY
The Women's Army Corps (WAC) was the women's branch of the US Army. Created as an auxiliary unit, the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps on 14 May 1942, it was converted to full status as the WAC in 1943. Its first director was Oveta Culp Hobby, at the time a lawyer, a newspaper research editor and the wife of a prominent Texas politician. About 150,000 American women served in the WAAC and WAC during World War II. They were the first women other than nurses to serve with the Army. While conservative opinion in the leadership of the Army and public opinion generally was initially opposed to women serving in uniform, the shortage of men necessitated a new policy. While most women served stateside, some went to various places around the World, including Europe, North Africa and New Guinea. WACs landed on Normandy Beach just a few weeks after the initial invasion. General Douglas MacArthur called the WACs "my best soldiers", adding that they worked harder, complained less, and were better disciplined than men. Those 150,000 women who served released the equivalent of 7 divisions of men for combat. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower said that "their contributions in efficiency, skill, spirit, and determination are immeasurable". During the same time period, other branches of the U.S. military had similar women's units, including the Navy WAVES, the SPARS of the Coast Guard and the (civil) Women Airforce Service Pilots. The British Armed Forces also had similar units, including the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. The WAC was disbanded in 1978.
MARINE CORPS
The United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve (USMCWR), established in 1942 as a part of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, was a Reserve unit which provided women for shore duty in the Marine Corps to take over jobs so men could be released for combat duty. The first director of the Marine Corps Women's Reserve was Mrs. Ruth Cheney Streeter. By the end of World War II, 85% of the enlisted personnel assigned to Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps were women. The first group of women officers was given direct commissions based on ability and civilian expertise. These women were given no formal indoctrination or schooling, but went on active duty immediately. Women Marines were assigned to over 200 different jobs, among them radio operator, photographer, parachute rigger, driver, aerial gunnery instructor, cook, baker, quartermaster, control tower operator, motion picture operator, auto mechanic, telegraph operator, cryptographer, laundry operator, post exchange manager, stenographer, and agriculturist.
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
The United States Coast Guard Women’s Reserve was authorized by act of Congress on 23 November, 1942 and soon became known as SPARS; derived from the Coast Guard's Motto: Semper Paratus, Always Ready. SPARS served in administrative, maintenance and training functions in the United States. Lieutenant Commander (later Captain) Dorothy C. Stratton was selected to head the SPAR Program and is credited with naming the group.
The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), and the predecessor groups the Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) and the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) (from September 10, 1942) were pioneering organizations of civilian female pilots employed to fly military aircraft under the direction of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The female pilots would number thousands, each freeing a male pilot for combat service and duties. The WFTD and WAFS were combined on August 5, 1943 to create the para-military WASP organization. By the summer of 1941, the famous women pilots Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran and test-pilot Nancy Harkness Love independently submitted proposals for the use of female pilots in non-combat missions to the Army Air Forces. The motivation was to free male pilots for combat roles by employing qualified female pilots on missions such as ferrying aircraft from factories to military bases, and towing drones and aerial targets. While the U.S. was not yet fighting in the war, it was apparent to many by 1940–1941 that it was inevitable. Cochran went to England to volunteer to fly for the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). The American women who flew in the ATA were the first American women to fly military aircraft. They flew the Royal Air Force's front-line aircraft in a non-combat role, but in combat-like conditions. Most of these women served the war in the ATA. In fact, only three members of the ATA returned to the U.S. to participate in the WASP program. The U.S. was building its air power and military presence in anticipation of direct involvement in the conflict and had belatedly begun to drastically expand its men in uniform. This period had led to a dramatic increase in activity for the U.S. Army Air Forces, and there were obvious gaps in "manpower" that could be filled by women. It was not until after the attack on Pearl Harbor brought U.S. armed forces into the war that it became evident there were not enough male pilots. To those most involved within the USAAF, especially in the new Ferrying Division of the Air Transport Command (ATC), the numbers were painfully obvious. Ferrying Division commander Brig. Gen. William H. Tunner, in charge of acquiring civilian ferry pilots, decided to integrate a civilian force of female pilots into the AAF. The Women's Auxiliary Ferry Squadron (WAFS), headed by Nancy Harkness Love, went into operation on September 10, 1942. Soon the Air Transport Command began using women to ferry planes from factory to air fields. Cochran returned to the United States on September 10 as the new organization was being publicized. On September 15 Cochran's training proposal was also adopted. Cochran and Love's squadrons were thereby established separately: as the 319th Women’s Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) with Cochran as commanding officer, and the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, 2nd Ferrying Group. In July 1943 the programs merged, with Cochran as director. The WAFS and the WFTD combined to form the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). The WASP women pilots each already had a pilot's license. They were trained to fly "the Army way" by the U.S. Army Air Forces at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. More than 25,000 women applied for WASP service, and less than 1,900 were accepted. After completing four months of military flight training, 1,078 of them earned their wings and became the first women in history to fly American military aircraft. After training, the WASP were stationed at 120 air bases across the U.S. assuming numerous flight-related missions, relieving male pilots for combat duty. They flew sixty million miles of operational flights from aircraft factories to ports of embarkation and military training bases. Almost every type of aircraft flown by the USAAF during World War II was also flown at some point by women in these roles. Between September 1942 and December 1944, the WASP delivered 12,650 aircraft of 78 different types. Thirty-eight WASP fliers lost their lives while serving their country during the war—11 in training and 27 on active duty. Because they were not considered to be in the military under the existing guidelines, a fallen WASP was sent home at family expense without traditional military honors or note of heroism. The military would not even allow the U.S. flag to be put on fallen WASP pilots’ coffins.
ARMY AIR FORCE (WASP), Cont’d - The WASP were civil service employees and did not receive military benefits, unlike their male counterparts. The AAF had developed an excess of pilots and pilot candidates, and as a result the WASP was ordered to be disbanded by December 20, 1944. General Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, commander of the USAAF, is quoted from a speech he delivered at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas on December 7, 1944:
“The WASP have completed their mission. Their job has been successful. But as is usual in war, the cost has been heavy. Thirty-eight WASP have died while helping their country move toward the moment of final victory. The Air Forces will long remember their service and their final sacrifice.”
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed legislation granting the WASP corps full military status for their service. In 1984, each WASP was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. Those who served for more than one year were also awarded American Theater Ribbon/American Campaign Medal for their service during the war. On July 1, 2009 President Barack Obama and the United States Congress awarded the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal. Three of the roughly 300 surviving WASPs were on hand to witness the event. During the ceremony President Obama said,
"The Women Airforce Service Pilots courageously answered their country's call in a time of need while blazing a trail for the brave women who have given and continue to give so much in service to this nation since. Every American should be grateful for their service, and I am honored to sign this bill to finally give them some of the hard-earned recognition they deserve.”
NAVY
The WAVES were a World War II-era division of the U.S. Navy that consisted entirely of women. The name of this group is an acronym for "Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service”; the word "emergency" implied that the acceptance of women was due to the unusual circumstances of the war and that at the end of the war the women would not be allowed to continue in Navy careers. The WAVES began in August 1942, when Mildred H. McAfee was sworn in as a Naval Reserve Lieutenant Commander, the first female commissioned officer in U.S. Navy history, and the first director of the WAVES. This occurred two months after the WAAC (Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps) was established and Eleanor Roosevelt convinced Congress to authorize a women's component of the Navy- the WAVES. An important distinction between the WAAC and the WAVES was the fact that the WAAC was an "auxiliary" organization, serving with the Army, not in it. From the very beginning, the WAVES were an official part of the Navy, and its members held the same rank and ratings as male personnel. They also received the same pay and were subject to military discipline. WAVES could not serve aboard combat ships or aircraft, and initially were restricted to duty in the continental United States. Late in World War II, WAVES were authorized to serve in certain overseas U.S. possessions, and a number were sent to Hawaii. The war ended before any could be sent to other locations. Within their first year the WAVES were 27,000 strong. A large proportion of the WAVES did clerical work but some took positions in the aviation community, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, medical professions, communications, intelligence, storekeeper, science and technology. The WAVES did not accept African-American women into the division until late 1944, at which point they trained one black woman for every 36 white women enlisted in the WAVES. With the passage of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948, women gained permanent status in the armed services. Although the WAVES officially ceased to exist, the acronym was in common use well into the 1970s.
Waterford - Mr. and Mrs. Marion Pepple, who recently made the trip to Logansport on their wheels, have returned and report a very pleasant time. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith, the 18th, a son. Congratulations. Miss Myrtle Williams, of Kensington, who has been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shreve the past month, returned home Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Charley Brough contemplate a visit with friends in Lake county the coming week. Miss Lulu Renner, who has been visiting relatives in Chicago the past three weeks, returned home Friday. Mrs. Z. W. Palmer left last week for a “six weeks” visit at Mary Perley’s and they will visit the exposition at Omaha, Neb. The contractors say the new M. E. church at this place will be finished the 1st of October. Mrs. J. A. Shaw, who has been quite sick, is much better. Mrs. Dilla Vatcher, nee Peck, of Chicago, who has been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brough, returned home last week. (Michigan City Dispatch, 22 Sep. 1898) Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Hascall - Earl Clark was in Union Mills Monday. Mrs. F. H. Morrical was in South Bend Saturday. John Bremer and son, George went to Valparaiso Saturday. James Petit went to South Bend Saturday, to visit relatives a few days. Miss Stella Bennett made her usual trip home, at Valparaiso last Friday evening. Miss Pauline Hailtz of Wanatah was the guest of her sister, Mrs. Will Mohkle last week. F. H. Morrical visited his brother, Oscar Morrical, who is a patient at the Holy Family hospital in Laporte last Tuesday. (Michigan City News, 26 Jan. 1910) Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Beatty’s Corners – Miss Emma Goodwin spent Saturday in Valparaiso. Mrs. George Blessing spent Thursday with Mrs. John Segal. Miss Clara Blessing spent Friday evening with Miss Flossie Frame. L. B. Frame who has been sick for the past few weeks is convalescing. Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Frame and daughter will spend Saturday with relatives in Chicago. Misses Emma Goodwin and Flossie Frame spent Saturday and Sunday with friends in Valparaiso. C. J. Frame and family and Henry Blessing and family spent Tuesday evening at the home of George Blessing. (Michigan City News, 2 February 1910) Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Galena - Robert Moore is very ill with grip. Albert Fargher has been quite sick. Frank Tappan is at work for Will Heald again. E. W. Davis bought a fine mare from Dunsmore last week. Arch Austin was expected home from Chicago this week. The Oak Leaf society will meet with Mrs. Ed Teeter this week. Martin Poolock moved Saturday from Hatch’s Mills to Michigan City. Misses Julia Arenge and Emma Harrison of Chicago are visiting at Dick Cramer’s. Dick Cramer was taken very sick on the road to Laporte one day last week but is better. F. Finley and Alvin Castello attended the dance at Fred Shultz’s Saturday night. Mrs. Hattie Salsbury and daughters, of Rolling Prairie, are guests at I. D. Woodmansee’s. Nurse Duel has returned home after caring for Mrs. I. D. Woodmansee for several weeks past. (Michigan City Weekly News, Mar 13, 1901) Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Pinhook - Mrs. Guy Hill, Correspondent - Mr. and Mrs. Frank Herrold of Kansas City are visiting relatives in this vicinity. Callers at the M. A. Baird home on the Fourth were Mr. and Mrs. Ed Galezio of Chicago and Mrs. Wilbur Standiford and baby of Michigan City. Charles Eaheart and daughter Stella of Memphis, Tenn., will visit the Baird families this week. Mrs. Sophie Reinfurth spent Sunday with her mother Mrs. Charles Dahl at Springville. Robert Gardner who is employed in a LaPorte bank is enjoying a two weeks’ vacation. Margaret Hannon of LaPorte and Jane Hannon of Michigan City spent the weekend with their parents Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hannon. Charles Burnes of Gary spent the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Burnes. Mrs. Gertie Small of Chicago attended the Farm Bureau picnic Sunday. Miss Emma Baird who is attending Chicago University spent the weekend at her home. Charlie Burner of Chicago visited his brother Frank Burner and wife Saturday. (Michigan City News-Dispatch, 16 July 1935) Contributed by Gloria Arndt
Please Join Us and Bring A Guest!!
12 January Show and Tell by Members
9 February Black History Month by Paul Graham
9 March Why Are They Buried There? by Patricia Gruse Harris
13 April What's in the St. Joseph Co. Archives and What Can You Get Out of It?
by Vicki Rydzynski, Archivist & Director St. Joseph Co. Archives and Records Center
21 April Genealogy Bus Trip to Allen Co. Public Library
Departs Michigan City @ 7:00 a.m., La Porte 7:30 a.m.
MEETINGS
Meetings of the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society are held the second Tuesday of each month, at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN. Social time is 7:00 p.m.; Business Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Visitors and Guests are welcome. An annual cemetery tour (at 6:00 p.m.) replaces the June meeting.
QUERIES are published at no charge. Each must be legibly written or typed and should be limited to 25 words plus name of sender, address, zip code, telephone number and e-mail address, where applicable. A printable query form is available on the website. Queries may be submitted to the Society’s postal address or to the Editor at donnamnelson@comcast.net Please enter “Newsletter Query” in the subject line.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions may be mailed to Editor, La Porte Co. (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana OR Emailed to: donnamnelson@comcast.net
Contributions of articles for use in the NEWSLETTER are welcomed and will be used as space allows. Any questions regarding information contained in the contributions may be directed to the Editor or to the contributor. Check your files and share informative materials with other members through the Newsletter. Send your information to the Editor by the 15th of the month prior to publication dates of the Newsletter (i.e., February, May, August and November).
[end of December 2009 issue]
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