Ft. Wayne Friday - Herman Otto Bandtel

    Herman O. Bandtel

Birth: 19 OCT 1887

  Death: 13 NOV 1911

**Headstone Photo by Jim Cox
** Obit from Ft Wayne Sentinel 13 NOV 1911

Wedding Wednesday - Dermody & Wilder (1912)

   From the Ft. Wayne, Indiana Journal-Gazette, 8 MAY 1912

**submission by co-blogger, Jim Cox

Military Monday

  Lyle C. Ott was born ca 1924 in Noble County, Indiana, the son of Clinton Oliver Ott (1891-1969) and his wife, Edna May Harlan (1896-1987).  He never married and had no known issue.
                                       

April 1, 1944
Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Journal-Gazette, Pg. 3 -
 Pvt. Lyle C. Ott, 19, has been missing in action in Italy since February 16, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clint Ott of 801 East State Blvd, formerly of Kimmell, learned by telegram Friday.
 Private Ott, serving with the infantry, has been in North Africa and Italy since going overseas in November, 1943.  He has inducted soon after his graduation from Cromwell High School last April.
 A brother, S Sgt. Lenier Ott is with the army in Shrieveport, LA.;  Pvt. Ott trained at Camp Helby, Mississippi.

Jan, 1945
Mr. and Mrs. Clint Ott Receive Belated Data On Death Of Son

  After many months of striving to obtain reliable and authentic information relative to the time, place and occassion of the death of their son, Private Lyle C. Ott, Mr. and Mrs. Clint Ott of 801 East State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, formerly of Kimmell, have received communications from the office of the Quartermaster General, Washington, which outline the facts as they have been obtained by the division of our war department.

  Regarding the burial of their son, Mr. and Mrs. Ott have been advised:

"The official report of burial discloses that the remains of your son were interred in Plot J. Row 33, Grave 1251, in the U.S. Military Cemetery Carano, located approximately 30 miles northwest of Naples, Italy."  (The burial took place "on the 28th of Dec 1944.")

   Another letter from the same office conveys this information:

  "Your desire to be fully informed regarding the death of your son, Private Lyle C. Ott, is most understandable.  Information now available shows that on 16 February 1944 your son and other members of his organization were engaged in an attack on enemy positions near Cairo, Italy.  During this engagement the third platoon, of which he was a member, was surrounded by the enemy, thereby cutting them off from the rest of the company.  Every attempt was made to reach the stranded men but without success, due to the superior force of the enemy.  Subsequently he was reported missing in action.  Later a casualty message received from the Commanding General on the Mediterranean Area stated that he was killed 16 February 1944 in Italy, the same day he was previously reported missing. I regret that no further details regarding his death were given, but I am sure you will understand how extremely difficult it was under actual battle conditions to record all information regarding casualties."

    This letter also explains why Mr. & Mrs. Ott had reveived no word from Lyle's commanding officer or chaplain.  It states that "this procedure of reporting casualties was not in effect at this time."

    The letter also explains why Lyle was not granted a furlough following the completion of his basic training and before being sent overseas.  It states: "Generally it was possible to grant leave after completion of basic training, but cases did occur where this was not possible due to the urgent need for  personnel with specific qualifications and training.  You may be assured, however, that this did not result from discrimination nor callousness on the part of the military authorities, but was one of the sacrifices necessitated by the magnitude of the war."

   Lyle's parents have not yet received his personal affects, but the letters they have received infer everything possible will be done to return these to them.

   Explanation of the great difference in the date of death as compared to that of burial it is assumed that the interment on December 28, 1944 was the second or final burial.  That is the body was in a temporary grave from February to December.


16 FEB 1945
Ft. Wayne, Journal Gazette, Pg. 1

TWO MORE FORT WAYNE MEN KILLED IN ACTION; SIX WOUNDED; TWO ARE MISSING

   Two more Fort Wayne infantrymen, Pvt Lyle C. Ott and Pfc Jean E. Counseller, have been killed in action while six others have been been wounded and two are reported missing.
   Pvt. Ott, 19, son of Mr. & Mrs. Clint Ott, 801 East State Boulevard, was killed while serving with an infantry division, according to a telegram received yesterday by his parents. He was graduated from Cromwell High School and soon after graduation in April, 1943, he entered the service. Pvt. Ott received his training at Camp Shelby, Miss., before going overseas in November 1943, and had served in North Africa and Italy.
   Surviving besides his parents are two brothers, Lester Ott, with the infantry in France, Roger Ott, at home, and three sisters, Carnee Ott at home, Edith Stahley, Kimmel, and Flo Carson, New Waverly.

Monday Musings

Headed out to research in Dayton, Ohio this Saturday.  So I'm hoping to get some more items added to my to do list.  I want to get it all on a spread sheet so that it is all organized chronologically.  Makes it so much easier to get the microfilms that way. 

Now that the holidays are upon us I've been doing a ton of sewing.  With both of my children moving into new homes this year there are some things that I'm working on for them and for some friends.  I could have sworn it was summer a few weeks ago!  Where did the time go?

Refining my Christmas research trip list as well.  One of our long standing holiday "traditions" is a Christmas research trip.  Mr. Brown Eyes is off between Christmas & New Years so we try to take a few days and go somewhere to research and get some down time from all the holiday hoo ha...  Its become a real tradition and we really look forward to it.  Biggest decision is where to go? 

Wedding Wednesday - Well Sort of....

Threat of Suicide Causes Wife's Return

 

Divorce Suit Dismissed after Husband Struggles with Deputy for Rifle

 

The divorce suit of Mrs. Anna Cook against Luke Cook was dismissed in the Superior Court on notice of the plantiff, after a tragic scene had been enacted at the home of the Cooks Saturday afternoon.

 

Mrs. Cook returned to her home to obtain some of her belongings, with Deputy Sheriff Capp, who was forced to struggle with Cook for the possession of a rifle with which he declared he would kill himself if she did not return to him.

 

Deputy Capp was successful in his attempt to foil the suicide, and Cook preceeded to beg his wife to return.  She went away with Capp, but promised to consider his proposal.  The dismissal was the result of a reconsideration of the divorce proceedings.

 

Source: Journal-Gazette, (Ft Wayne, IN), 01 JUN 1921, Pg. 11

[Courtesy of co-contributor Jim Cox]

Wedding Wednesday - Meads & Moyer (1946)

Meads-Moyer Vows Exchanged in Church Rite

Miss June Moyer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Moyer of 3930 Tacoma Avenue, became the bride of Howard E. Meads, son of Mrs. I. A. Meads of 1005 West Wayne Street in a double ring ceremony read at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, December 23, at the South Wayne United Brethren Church.

Dr. M. S. Livengood read the vows before an altar decorated with candelabra and evergreen trees similar arrangements marked the pews.  

Preceding the service, a musicale was presented by Miss Dorothy Koomjohn, organist, and Mrs. Robert Hoagland, vocalist. Selections included “Because,” “At Dawning,” and “The Lord’s Prayer.”

The bride, given in marriage by her father chose a gown of white fashioned with a sweetheart neckline and long sleeves.  The fitted bodice of satin was trimmed with crystal beading, with tiny buttons fastening the back.  Her full net skirt over satin fell into a long train and her fingertip length veil was caught in a cap of white lace held in place by a bow of lace. The bridal bouquet t was a cascade of white roses and satin ribbon.

Miss Sylvia Sholty attended as maid of honor, wearing a dress of yellow net styled with a fitted bodice of taffeta, bracelet length sleeves and a full skirt.  She carried a colonial bouquet of light pink carnations and white mums, tied with a bow of pink, and wore matching flowers in her hair.  Miss Velma Meads, sister of the bride-groom, served as bridesmaid, attired in a gown of light orchid net fashioned with short sleeves and a long full skirt.  Her colonial bouquet of deep pink carnations and mums was tied with a bow of orchids and her headdress was of matching flowers.

The bride’s mother wore a brown dress and matching accessories and the bridegroom’s mother chose a black dress and black accessories. Each wore a corsage of carnations.

A reception was held later at the home of the bride’s parents, where a table was laid with cream lace and centered with a three-layered wedding cake flanked by candelabra. Ivory tapers stood at either end of the buffet, which was decorated with arrangements of white mums and snapdragons, red carnations being used in the other rooms. 

Mrs. Elmer Bidlack, Mrs. Clarence Stowe, Mrs. George Karns and Mrs. Sam Kwainez assisted in serving.

Source: Journal-Gazette (Ft Wayne, IN) 21 JAN 1946

[Provided by co-contributor Jim Cox]

Wedding Wednesday - Erwin & Dooley (1961)

Sylvia J. Erwin Married in Double Ring Ceremony

Rev. Ervin Petznik officiated at the double ring wedding of Miss Sylvia Janelle Erwin and Jack L. Dooley at 6:30 pm Saturday at the First Evangelical United Brethren Church.

Mr. Erwin escorted his daughter to an altar decorated with white gladioli and pompoms.  She wore a floor length gown of Chantilly type lace and tulle over taffeta, with a Basque bodice, jeweled neckline, long sleeves, and a full skirt with lace motifs. A seed pearl crown held her bouffant silk illusion veil.  She carried a cascade arrangement of white carnations centered with an orchid.

Mrs. Judith Sipe attended her sister as matron of honor.  Miss Virginia Erwin, also a sister of the bride and Miss Janet Sue Purdy of North Manchester were bridesmaids.  They wore identical street length dresses of mint green silk organza over taffeta, with molded bodices, sweetheart necklines, three-quarter length sleeves and bouffant organza skirts. Matching dressmaker bows held their circular blush veils.

Terry Lynn Sipe was the ring bearer. Michael Dooley, the bridegroom’s brother attended as best man. Ushers were Joseph Samreta and Melvyn Mueller.

A reception was held at American Legion post 47. For a wedding trip to the Eastern states, the bride wore a red knit dress, black faille coat, patent accessories, red feather hat and white gloves.

Source: Journal-Gazette (Ft. Wayne, IN). 17 SEP 1961

[Provided by co-contributor Jim Cox]

Wedding Wednesday - Gephart & McCook (1961)

Sharon Gephart, Dennis McCook Exchange Vows

Miss Sharon Gephart and Dennis James McCook were married at 6:30 pm Saturday at Trinity English Lutheran Church. Dr. Paul H. Kruess officiated at the double ring rites.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Claude R. Gephart, 4743 Ashland Drive, and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony McCook of North Manchester.

Mr. Gephart escorted his daughter to an altar decorated with white gladioli and pompoms. She wore a gown of hand-clipped Chantilly lace over satin, fashioned with a mandarin collar, long sleeves and a bouffant skirt. A matching lace crown held her veil and she carried a bouquet of talismans roses and cocoa orchids.

Mrs. Bruce Sheehan attended as matron of honor. The bridesmaids were Mrs. Jack Biggs and Miss Karolynn Schnepel. They were attired in cognac satin dresses and matching headpieces with blush veils. They carried yellow and gold carnations.

Eugene Weberski of Spring Valley, Ill., was best man. The ushers were Ron Plassman and Russell Zeman of North Manchester.

A reception was held at Fruehauf Hall.  Following a wedding trip to Chicago, the couple will reside at 2906 John St.

Source: Journal-Gazette (Ft. Wayne, IN), 17 SEP 1961

[Provided by co-contributor, Jim Cox]

Wedding Wednesday - Boxberger & Ayers (1937)

Married Recently

 

Miss Lucille Dolorous Boxberger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Boxberger, 3232 South Harrison Street, recently became the bride of Mr. Gerald Albert Ayers, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Ayers, 2907 Winter Street.  The ceremony took place at 9 o’clock last Saturday morning in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with the Rev. Lawrence D. Monahan reading the nuptial high mass.

The bride, who was given in marriage by her father, chose for her wedding a gown fashioned of heavy bridal satin in Empire mode and enhanced only by seed pearls, which outlined the heart-shaped neck line and bordered the high placed fullness of the leg o’ mutton sleeves. The fullness of the beautiful lace veil was held in place by a halo adorned with seed pearls and rhinestones, and the fullness followed the lines of the satin beyond the end of the graceful train. The bride wore white satin sandals and she carried a large shower bouquet combining white bride’s roses and swansonia. She wore a gold cross and chain, a gift of the bridegroom.

Miss Dorothy Boxberger attended her sister as maid of honor. The bridesmaids were Miss Ruth Laney and Miss Carolyn Larson.  Miss Boxberger’s dress was of yellow net over satin, with matching accessories. Her bouquet was of Briarcliff roses and yellow snapdragons. Miss Larson’s gown was of aqua blue organdie with matching accessories.  Her bouquet was of Briarcliff roses and delphinium.  Miss Lancy’s gown was pale pink chiffon with matching hat and sandals.  Her bouquet was of Briarcliff roses and pink snapdragons.

The little flower girl, Miss Joan Schmitt, small cousin of the bride and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Schmitt, was dressed all in white and wore in her hair a bandeau of white daisies. She carried a French basket from which she scattered white rose petals in the path of the bride. The attendants wore crosses, gifts from the bride. Mr. Vernon Russell Ayers attended his brother as best man and the ushers were Mr. Warren Geise and Mr. William Tilker.

Mrs. Boxberger, mother of the bride, chose for her gown a navy blue redingote with white accessories. A corsage of roses and snapdragons adorned her shoulder. Mrs. Ayers, mother of the bridegroom, wore white with a corsage of roses.

A wedding dinner was served at the Catholic Community Center for twenty guests, and a reception was held later in the afternoon. The ornament topping the wedding cake was 45 years old.

Source: Journal-Gazette (Ft Wayne, IN) 18 JUN 1937

[Provided by co-contributor Jim Cox]

Hodge Podge Friday - Niblick (Ft Wayne, IN)

Mrs. John Niblick Dies This Morning

Prominent Decatur Woman Dies Today

   Mrs. Mary Jane Studabaker Niblick, 86, member of a pioneer Decatur family, and a prominent social and church worker, died this morning at 6 o'clock at the Adams County Memorial Hospital.  Death was attributed to old age.

   Mrs. Niblick, widow of the late John Niblick, was born in Decatur on August 6, 1855, the daughter of Judge David and Harriet Evans Studabaker.  Her family was among the first settlers in the community.

   During her entire life the deceased was an ardent member and worker in the First Methodist Church and one of the city's foremost club women.  She and her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Morrison, shared the distinction of being the only two presidents of the Decatur Library Board.   During the first World War, Mrs. Niblick served as head of the Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross.  In 1906 and 1907, she was president of the eighth district of the federation of woman's clubs.  She was a member of the local Shakespeare Club.

   In addition to being an ardent worker of the Decatur WCTU, she was a charter member of the missionary society of the First Methodist church and an organizer of the ladies aid society of the church.  She later became a charter member of the women's society of Christian service, which was formed in 1940 by the uniting of the home missionary society, the ladies aid society and the women's foreign missionary society.

   She was a graduate of the Glendale Women's College in 1875.  On May 18, 1876, she was married to Mr. Niblick.  He preceded her in death on May 4, 1930.  She was the last member of her family.  Three sisters and two brothers preceded her in death.

   Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. A. D. Suttles of Decatur, Mrs. O. P. Edwards of Leipsic, Ohio, and Mrs. H. H. Stoner of Chicago. Two sons, Jesse D. and Burton S. are deceased.  Six grandchildren and four great grandchildren survive.

Funeral Monday

    Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the residence, 222 Jefferson Street, with Rev. R. W. Graham officiating.  Interment will be in the mausoleum at the Decatur cemetery.

   The body was taken to the Zwick funeral home.  It will be returned to the residence Sunday and may be viewed there after 2 p.m. until time for the services.

[Obit courtesy of co-contributor, Jim Cox]

Hodge Podge Friday - Schmidt (Ft Wayne, IN)

WAS BUTCHER MANY YEARS AGO
CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT, OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, DEAD

Came Here in 1869 and Worked for Ten Years for Late Fred Eckert, Then Moved to Farm-Was Seventy Six Years Old

Christian Schmidt, seventy-six years of age, a pioneer butcher of Fort Wayne but for the past twenty-eight years one of the best known farmers of Allen county, died about noon Sunday at his home, six miles northwest of the city, in Washington township. His death was due to a complication of diseases. He had been sick for four months.

Mr Schmidt was born March 2, 1829 in Gross Schoenfeld, Pomerania, Germany, coming to America and to Fort Wayne in 1869. For the first ten years after his arrival here he was employed as a butcher for the late Fred Ecker. He was a frugal and industrious man and accumulating a snug fortune, twenty-eight years ago he purchased a good farm in Washington township. He moved to the farm and spent the remainder of his life there.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs August Schmidt, and four children, William Schmidt of Lake township; August F Schmidt of Washington township; Mrs Amelie Bruder of Toledo, and Mrs John Kurtz of Lake township. There are also nineteen grandchildren, a brother who resides at Blackburn, Mo and two brothers and a sister in Germany. Mr Schmidt was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran church, on the Leesburg road.

The funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 pm at the family home and at 2 oclock at the Bethlehem church, the Rev Herman Wurthman officiating.

Source: 29 MAY 1905  Journal-Gazette (Ft Wayne, IN)  Pg 4, Col. 3

MRS AUGUSTA SCHMIDT SUMMONED
Was Resident of Washington Township Forty Years
Widely Know in County –Died at Age of Seventy-five Year of Complication of Diseasses After Long Illness

Mrs Augusta Schmidt, for over forty years a resident of Allen county, died Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock of a complication of diseases at the family home in Washington township. Mrs Schmidt was seventy five years old. She had been in failing health for a year and had been confined to her bed for the past two months.

Mrs Schmidt was born September 30, 1831 in Brandenberg, Prussia. She was married while still in Germany to Christian Schmidt, and came with her husband to America over forty years ago. Mr Schmidt was first employed in the county in the old Eckart slaughter house and later purchased a farm in Washington township where he moved and where Mrs Schmidt has since resided.

The husband died in May, 1905.

Five children have preceded Mrs Schmidt in death. She is survived by four children-Mrs Emilie Bruder of Toledo, Ohio; Mrs John Kurtz of Lake township; William Schmidt of Lake township and August F Schmidt of Washington township. There are twenty-one grandchildren. Two brothers also survive – Carl Haak of Germany, and Theodore Haak of Washington township and two sisters – Mrs Wilhelmina Gossow of Fort Wayne and Mrs William Miller of Washington township.

The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o’clock from the residence and at 1:45 o’clock from the Behlehem Lutheran church. The interment will be in the Bethlehem cemetery.

Source: 28 JAN 1907  Journal-Gazette (Ft Wayne, IN)  Pg 3, Col. 3
[Obits courtesy of co-contributor, Jim Cox]

Tragedy Thursday - Poison Fatal to Mrs. E. Maxwell

Poison Fatal to Mrs. E. Maxwell

-----------------

Coroner to Hold Inquest to Investigate Death of Well-Known Fort Wayne Woman.

------------------

Lifelong Resident Here

_____________

The death of Mrs. Emma Rosalie Maxwell, aged 66, 215 East Jefferson Street, which occurred at 2 o'clock Monday morning in St. Joseph's Hospital, as the result of poison, will be investiaged this afternoon by Coroner Edgar N. Mendenhall. An inquest will be held in his office, 206 Wayne Pharmacal Building.


Dr. Mendenhall stated after a cursory examination that Mrs. Maxwell had probably taken hydrochloric acid.

She was taken to the hospital Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Maxwell was born and lived her entire life in Fort Wayne.

She was a member of Trinity English Lutheran Church.

Surviving are two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Louise Seidel and Mrs. Sophia Medlel, and three nephews, Carl Medlel of Philadelphia, and Robert and Edward Siedel, of this city.

News-Sentinel  (Ft Wayne, Indiana)
February 7, 1927

From The Social Pages...

Miss Bernice Jacobs entertained with a charming post-nuptial party at her home on East Main Street, Saturday evening honoring Mrs. Everett Chrilly who before her recent marriage was Miss Thelma Campbell.


The evening was spent playing bridge at which game the guests formed two tables. Prizes were awarded Mrs. Richard Miller and the guest of honor, the former in turn also presenting her award to the latter.

The tallies in heart design carried out the valentine effect and in the dining room where at the close of the game, a two-course luncheon was served, the same appointmentss prevailed.

The table was cenetered with an attractive arrangement of red and white roses and white sweet peas and at either end were placed tall red tapers in crystal holders.

Valentine place cards and red heart shaped nut cups containing tiny red candles marked the places. At the place of honor guest was also a lovely gift from the hostess attractively wrapped and sealed with tiny hearts.

Covers were laid for the Misses Martha Henry, Ruth and Esther Kruse, Suzanne Yager, Caroline Mungovan, Dessie Quincy, LeNore Miller, Mrs. Richard Miller, and the honor guest and hostess.

Miss Jacobs was assisted during the evening by her mother, Mrs. Pauline Jacobs. The party was the first of a series of social affairs planned as post-nupital courties for Mrs. Crilly.



News-Sentinel (Ft. Wayne, Indiana)
Society News
February 7, 1927

Tombstone Tuesday - William Rockhill (Indiana)

 US Congressman. Elected to represent Indiana's 10th District in the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1847 to 1849. Also served as a Member of the Indiana State House of Representatives from 1834 to 1836, and 1836 to 1837, Candidate for Presidential Elector from Indiana 1836, and Member of the Indiana State Senate from 1844 to 1847.

Buried in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Allen Co, Indiana

February 10, 1793
January 15, 1865

**Photo's & article by Jim Cox, Co-Contributor Genealogy Frame Of Mind

Ft Wayne & the Flip Pal Scanner

What a fabulous combination!  I went to Ft Wayne to the Allen County public library this weekend to research.  Took along my handy little Flip Pal Scanner.  Really put it thru the paces. 

Did lots of scanning, found quite a few photo's, the scanner just loved those.  So far my only beef with the scanner is that I don't have a way to lock it up if I have to leave the table to locate a book or find a ladies room.  We bought some rechargeable batteries that get 500 scans per use, but take 13 hours to charge.  With two sets in tow we've not had any battery issues at all.

Once I got the hang of the 1/2 inch overlap that the scanner likes to have in order to stitch things back together,  we've really not had any real issues with the Flip Pal at all.

I hope to have some images before and after the stitching for you to view in the next few days.  Right now my pantry re-organization is calling my name!

Karen

You Just Never Know ...

Last weekend I traveled to Ft Wayne to research for the day (Saturday).  It was a great day researching as usual.  I never seem to be at a loss for things to search for there.  Last week Mr. Brown eyes and I worked totally in Indiana records.  We both have lines that migrated into Indiana at some point.  Mainly mine in the northern part around Elkhart, LaGrange and others nearby, his in the mostly southernly part namely Putnam County.  That said both lines all had people who wandered over into other counties.   It was a great day for researching!

I had gotten an email from one of my Facebook friends, David Blackford who has ties to my Kreitzer line with his Trissel family.  David and his friend, Jim Cox, who is co-founder of a great group, Cemetery Seekers, met up with us and we had dinner.  Be sure to check out Jim's website, I'm sure he'd love hearing from you as well.

It's always great fun to make new friends, but it makes things much more interesting when you find out that your new friends are actually related!  Jim & I had a great chat about his Indiana cemetery & volunteer work.  While chatting we find that we share a few common relatives.  We enjoyed some awesome mexican food at a new place they introduced us to, we talked genealogy for much longer than we should have, and had tons of great laughs.  I must say I'm looking forward to another trip just so I can hang out with these two great guys again! 

Can't let last weeks trip to Ft Wayne pass without mentioning that our good friend Bev Petty drove to Indiana from Utah via Colorado & the Dakota's to research with us!  It was so good seeing Bev again.  A great friend indeed.

So you just never know what will happen when you take some time and go researching!  Sometimes you get much more than you bargained for!

Happy Researching!
Karen

Monday Musings

Usually Monday is Military Monday but I've been away from my office it seems for days so I'm a wee bit behind.  Always seems to be more to do than we have time to get done.

Still working on the data entry from the trips we've been on.  Slowly getting a handle on it all, but this weeks focus besides getting more data entry done & working on my marriage project is prep for this weekend's trip to Ft Wayne. 

Although Indiana does have quite a bit of information on line at various places, I've still got stuff I just can't seem to find answers to.  So we are off to Ft Wayne for the day.  While we are there we are having dinner with a new friend who wants to talk genealogy & cemeteries.  Imagine that! 

I'm hoping to spend today getting some great posts up for the rest of the week!  The weather map seems to indicate that maybe all those 90 degree temps we've been experiencing are going to end! I hope so! 

Happy Researching!
Karen

The Song That Never Ends...

Did you ever hear that song? I think it was made popular on one of the children's shows of yesteryear. Don't ask which one, it might get that song going in my head again. I just remember it seemed that once you got it started there was never an end to it.

Funny that's how it sometimes seems genealogy is. Or should I say my genealogy projects are? I've got typing going on from Darke County, Ohio, its just obits, deeds, wills - stuff like that. Obits from Dayton and more stuff from my last research trip to Ft Wayne. But even I need a break from that now and then. SO after thinking, pondering, contemplating... and a discussion at lunch with one of the Wild Ones - I decided today was the day to just jump right in! I'll be back typing alot of that this weekend while hanging around the hotel in Traverse City, for now it was time to do some newspaper searches.

When you've been doing genealogy a while sometimes you start to rethink the way you are doing things. I've been contemplating redoing a few of my sources, not major redo's but just tweeking them a bit. One of the biggies that I've wanted to tweek was my newspapers. I've got quite a few - I do ALOT of newspaper research, from many different area's. And to be quite honest, I just didn't feel that my newspaper source information was as complete as I thought it should be!

So yesterday after a nice lunch I opted to start on the newspaper source redo instead of laundry! Now that was a tough decision! I'm going thru each newspaper listed on my source list. As I locate the newspaper I go on a hunt on line for such information as, year founded, published or owned by, where copies are available, legal name etc., filling in the information as requested on my source form in Legacy. I didn't get anywhere near a good dent made in the listing of papers, but I am really happy with the amount of information that I have found.

It's amazing what a little work with a search engine and a list of newspaper names will get for you! Tweeking your master sources - Its a very good thing!

Happy Researching!
Karen

Another Road Trip

Husband Mark announced this past week that we were going to Ft Wayne for our anniversary. Now for the average person that may not sound like much but for a dedicated genealogy buff like me it only means one thing! I get to spend a day researching at the Allen County Public library!

I know alot of people will wonder about the sanity of someone who is happy with a research trip as an anniversary gift - well when you've been married 33 years there really isn't anything I want or need. So a trip to research works for me! I'm very blessed in that my husband, Mark, doesn't mind researching right along side of me. Together we research, visit cemeteries and generally just have a good time regardless of whether we are hanging out at our castle (home) or if we are on the road doing whatever!

Throw in a few friends, a great day researching, dinner at Bandito's afterward and let me tell you, life doesn't get much better than that!

I'll do my prep with their online catalog, making the day productive - it can be found here . As I've stated before I am a firm believer in prepping for research trips. So my spread sheets are under way, the research notebook is in process, found my copy card and my walking shoes!

Now if only I could twitch my nose and transport myself there - maybe a good book will make that three hour drive a bit more bearable.

Happy researching!
Karen

Lists

Santa isn't the only that checks his lists twice... next week Mark & I are off to research in Darke County, Ohio. I do imagine we will be slipping over the border into Preble County as well.

So I've got my list ready for the Darke County research at the Garst Museum/Library in Darke County and a headstone search list for Preble County.

Also almost ready with my list for Ft Wayne on Friday.

So I've learned from Santa and I've made my list now I'm checking them once, twice maybe three times... wanna be ready to get the job done when the opportunity presents itself!

On your mark, get set, GO!

Happy Researching!
Karen