Thursday, March 31, 2011

In the News - Henderson, Kentucky 1899

I love old newspapers. They allow us to peek through the window of time and see how folks lived years ago. The following items appeared in the Friday, 1 December 1899 issue of the Henderson Daily Journal.

M.D. Thornberry, of Poole, spent yesterday in the city.

Judge M.C. Givens went to Dixon yesterday to attend court.

J.B. Cabel, who spent yesterday with his mother, Mrs. Ellen Cabel on Lower Main, leaves this morning for his home in Memphis.

Mrs. Sullivan Hopkins (nee Lockett), of Columbus, Ohio, is in the city visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Lockett.

Miss Catherine Fraser, of Henderson, arrived this morning to spend Thanksgiving with her grandmother, Mrs. Sally Frayser [from Owensboro Inquirer]

Mr. R.C. Walker, editor and proprietor of the Crittenden Press, was in town today, the guest of his brother, Mr. J.H. Walker, of the Adams Express Co. Mr. Walker says the smallpox situation in Crittenden has to be watched, but it is not scaring anybody, and the disease has not become epidemic, and is not likely to.

Mr. J.E. Rankin is building a one-story ware house for agricultural implements in the rear of the Rankin building on First street. It will be used by J.T. Hopkins, agent for the Milwaukee Harvesting Machine Co.

J. Lambert Kimmel was here from Henderson Thanksgiving attending the Masonic celebration. [from Evansville Courier]

Marriage Licenses:
Martin W. Sinkhorn and Mrs. Beulah Holmark, both of Zion
Silas Griffle and Pauline Tonini, both of Zion
W. Henry Williams and Lizzie Rideout, both of Webster County; married by Squire Davis at the court house
Frances John Tscharmer and Miss Carrie Keach, both of Baskett

Rev. T.C. Frogge, a pioneer Methodist preacher in Western Kentucky, died at his home in Russellville Wednesday. Fifty years ago he was a noted preacher and debater in this section.

 

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tombstone Tuesday - James P. and Lucinda Joyce

James P. Joyce
Born
June 11, 1804
Died
May 29, 1876
71 yrs  11 mos  18 days

Lucinda Hopkins
Wife of
J.P. Joyce
Born
Oct. 15, 1808
Died
Jan. 13, 1861

Both are buried in Shady Grove Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstones photographed 11 March 2011.

James P. Joyce was a son of Alexander Joyce and Margaret Hill. Lucinda Hopkins was the daughter of Thomas Hopkins and Susannah Joyce. Both were born in North Carolina. During the 1840s, James P. and Lucinda moved from North Carolina to Kentucky and eventually settled in Shady Grove. Following Lucinda's death in 1861, James P. Joyce married Mrs. Matilda E. Jenkins on 25 April 1861.

Yes, this is part of my Joyce family, but we are not closely related. My family followed a different migration route: Stokes County, North Carolina to Lawrence County, Tennessee to Hardin County, Illinois. It is ironic that only the Ohio River separated these two families, but I'm sure they never knew each other. An added twist is that my great-grandfather was also named James P. Joyce.

Published 29 March 2011
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog
http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Wrongfully Accused

A man's reputation has always been one of his most valued assets and when wrongly accused, an apology is in order.  The following deposition was found among Livingston County Circuit Court Miscellaneous Papers 1800-1820 (1805 session), Dept. for Libraries and Archives and proves that rash accusations were made years ago just as they are today. The additional value of this document lies in the placement of each person at a particular place and time.

"The Subscriber takes this method to inform the public that uppon a suspicion that he had lost a sum of money by theivery [sic] he had charged a certain Israel Harmon with the theft who now lives uppon hurricane creek but uppon finding the money contrary to expectation he declares said Israel Harmon to be entirely innocent of the theft and I the subscriber do profess to be extremely sorry for being so rash in the charge and am willing to make every acknowledgement  ... in order to prevent Harmons character from being injured by the charge which he is innocent of. [signed] Cornelius Merry. Witness: Stephen Sullivant, David Davidson."

Published 27 March 2011, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Crittenden County, Kentucky Lunacy Records 1844-1849

For some time I have been searching for the one place in Crittenden County that lists those persons who were deemed mentally incompetent. Thus far, these records have been found in county court, circuit court and as loose papers. It wasn't until 1906 that these records are kept in a separate book in Crittenden County.

 After the initial referral of mental incompetency was made by the Commonwealth Attorney, a jury of twelve men heard the facts and determined the condition of the person's mental state. The following entries are indexed under Idiots in the Crittenden Circuit Court Order Book A (1842-1850). Later Circuit Court Order Books (through 1856) have no listings for Idiots in the indices. 

Lewis Nelson, about age 40,  has been a citizen of Livingston now Crittenden County for about five years and has no property to support either himself or his family and is  found to be a lunatic and has been for about six years. He has a wife and eight children. Henry L. Cartwright appointed to convey Nelson safely to the asylum.  30 April 1844, page 94.

Clement R. Stewart, about 23 years of age, is single and has no family. He has no personal property but has 115 acres of land.  He has been a resident of Crittenden and Livingston counties for the past 4-5 years. His father has been dead several years and left no property; his mother is not a resident of this state and has no property. The jury decided Stewart had been a lunatic for upwards of two years. The Deputy Sheriff was appointed to convey him to the asylum. 17 October 1844, page 143.

Stokley Molsby is an Idiot, according to information filed by the Commonwealth Attorney.  After hearing the evidence, the following verdict was returned: We do not believe Stokley Molsby to be an Idiot. 21 April 1846, page 208.

This date the Commonwealth Attorney made known that Hiram Yarnall is a lunatic. Yarnall, age 37, is a farmer, single, has been insane occasionally about 14 years, is tolerably well educated and his natural temper is mild, affectionate towards relations and his general health is good; his estate is worth about $1,000. The jury deemed Yarnall a lunatic and Aaron Yarnall was appointed to take  charge & custody of Hiram Yarnall.  23 April 1846, page218.

Anderson Brown, age 35,  is reported to be of unsound mind. Brown has 160 acres of land, wagon and two horses worth $500, all his property is in Illinois; he has been roaming about , has no home in this state and his debts amount to more that the value of his estate.  Jesse B. McMican and Willis McMican to convey him to the asylum and Jesse McMican to take charge of Brown's estate.  29 May 1849, page 525.

It appearing to the satisfaction of the court that Anderson Brown, a Lunatic, has been restored to his proper mind and Jesse McMican discharged upon making settlement. 26 September 1849, page 606.

It is reported that John D. Boyd is a person of unsound mind. He was brought into court and a jury returned the following verdict:  Boyd, age 48, a miller & farmer, is a lunatic. He is married and has two brothers who are insane; his education is moderate or ordinary and his natural temper is rather mild. He owns about 800 acres of land upon which is a flour mill and saw mill and has personal property. C.C. Cole appointed to take charge of Boyd & provide him with diet, clothing &c.  28 September 1849, page 616.

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Tombstone Tuesday - Evelyn Groom


Evelyn
Dau. of
Geo. A. & Willie H.
Groom
Jan. 3, 1904
Jan. 15, 1911
She was but a jewel lent us
to sparkle in our midst a while
Then God called and took
His treasure
Before she knew an early guile

Buried Cedar Hill Cemetery, Princeton, Caldwell County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 18 March 2011.

George A. Groom and Willie Hunter married in Caldwell County, Kentucky 1 August 1899. The 1910 Caldwell County census lists Evelyn as the only child of George and Willie Groom.

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog
http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Piney Fork Church - Crittenden County, Kentucky


According to an article, "The Annual Piney Fork Camp-Meeting," in the 23 August 1906 issue of the Crittenden Press, the first camp-meeting was held in May 1812. The services were held under an arbor and the people who attended the meetings lodged in camps or huts constructed of round poles and clap-board roofs. Ministers who were present were Finis Ewing, Alexander Chapman and Wm. Harris.

Original members of Piney Fork Church were John Travis, Rebecca Travis, James and Rachel Travis, John Wheeler, Susan Wheeler, James Clinton, Ann Clinton, Rev. Wm. Henry, Mary Ann Henry, Mrs. McGough, Mrs. Zuchariah Bivens and Mrs. Wm. Leach.

The first church was of logs and was located where the cemetery is today. John Travis donated land for the church and later George Green donated additional land.

According to tradition, the last Indian battle in western Kentucky occurred where the cemetery is now located.



Marker designating the original site of the
church and school.

Piney Fork was organized when this area was still part of Livingston County. It has seen good times and bad, but has remained sacred to all those who worshiped here or passed through the area.


Piney Fork Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Crittenden County, Kentucky
Organized 1812


Published by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com


Thursday, March 17, 2011

Research Tip - WorldCat

WorldCat is the world's largest network of library content and services. It allows you to search for particular items in the collections of libraries around the world. This is especially helpful to genealogists as we can learn what publications are available and where.

For example, if you are looking for a particular book on Union County, Kentucky or even want to see all books available on the county, go to WorldCat and type in the name of the book or just Union County. Available books will be listed and at which libraries. If the library is nearby, it is simple enough to visit, but if the library is at a distance, ask your local library if the book can be interlibrary loaned to your local library.

I just acquired through WorldCat and interlibrary loan a book that I was sure would never be available to me. It was loaned by the Illinois State Library and I can use it for three weeks. The only cost to me was for mailing. This convenience in borrowing these materials somehow makes the world seem just a little smaller.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Tombstone Tuesday - Moses Lamb

Moses Lamb
Died
Jan. 18, 1893
Aged
75 yrs  1 mo  8 ds

Buried Sugar Grove Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 11 March 2011.

Moses Lamb married (1) Matilda Jane Wheeler 18 April 1849 and (2) Mary A. Chandler 21 February 1860. Both marriages occurred in Crittenden County.

In the 21 January 1892 issue of the Crittenden County newspaper, it was reported that "Mr. Moses Lamb, an old citizen of the Sugar Grove neighborhood, is very sick." Then, in the 19 January 1893 issue of the newspaper, it stated that "Yesterday at noon, Mr. Moses Lamb died at his home in the Sugar Grove church neighborhood after an illness of several weeks. He was 73 [sic] years old and was reared in the community in which he died. He leaves a large family."

 

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Marriage of Freedmen - Livingston County, Kentucky 1878

Recorded marriages of African American couples date from 1866 in Western Kentucky and are recorded separately from marriages of white couples. The following marriages are found in Livingston County Marriage Register for Freedmen 1866 - 1896, pages 50 - 53,  located in the county clerk's office, Smithland, Kentucky.

Byard Gardner and Lizzie Phillips were married 21 January 1878 by W.B. Presnell, JP at the residence of Frank Sanders.

Reuben Woodyard and Eliza Burgess were married 7 February 1878 by J.T. Robinson, JP at Hurvy Dunn's.

Wm. Webb and Eddie Watts were married 14 March 1878 by James Taylor at the M.E. Church.

Henry C. Mills and Lou Hughes were married 10 August 1878 by Dempsey Parker, minister, at John Crider's.

George Boyd and Mary Idella Hibbs were married 1 October 1878 by J.T. Boyd, JP at John Hibbs'.

Grandison Coffield and Mary Crawferd were married 13 Oct 1878 by Lank Grissom, B.M. at Sam Crawferd's.

Jefferson Lloyd and Margaret Angeline Stanley were married 1 December 1878 by U.P. Chesnut, JP at the residence of A.W. Chesnut.

Jeff Larkins and Francis Majors were married 19 December 1878 by Jas. Smith, minister, at the Narrows  in Livingston County.

Joshua C. Clark and George A. Swift were married 30 December 1878 by Rev. James Taylor, minister of the Gospel, at Adaline Swift's.

 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Research Tip - American Revolution Pension Statements

If you had an ancestor who served in the American Revolution, you will want to check out this site: Southern Campaign Pension Statements   

I checked the transcription of my ancestor, George Joyce, and it is accurate.

Happy Hunting!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Tombstone Tuesday - Frank M. and Anna M. Barnard


Frank Molton Barnard
June 29, 1859
Nov. 17, 1929

Anna McCheane Barnard
Sept. 13, 1861
May 24, 1926

Buried in Smithland Cemetery. Tombstone photographed 15 October 2010.


The date F.M. Barnard moved  to Livingston County, Kentucky is unknown. His Kentucky death certificate states he was a retired miner and died in the Clark Hotel, Smithland. The names of his parents were unknown. The one clue from the death certificate is the name of the informant, Bruce Barnard.  F.M. Barnard, his wife Anna M. and son Bruce M. Barnard are found on the 1900 Lancaster County, Nebraska census. F.M. Barnard is also listed as a boarder on the 1920 Livingston County census, but his wife is not listed.  No Kentucky death certificate was found for Anna McCheane Barnard.

 
Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog
http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Statistics

I love statistics. I love seeing what works and what does not work. One way to do that with this blog is through the stats function, which shows how many times a blog post has been accessed. Keep in mind that not everyone searching is a genealogist, so some hits are instigated by people simply looking for information. The beauty of seeing the statistics is that I know what types of articles are of interest to people.

During the last month, the following posts have been the most popular:
1.  Tombstone Tuesday - Andrew Jackson
2.  Kentucky State Penitentiary
3.  Burning of the John L. Lowery
4.  Occupation of Smithland During the Civil War
5.  Reviving Genealogical Societies
6.  Smithland, Kentucky in 1835
7.  Removal of Livingston County Seat
8.  Smallpox Epidemic of 1899
9.  Civil War Loyalty Oath 1864
10.  Fearless Female - Harriet C. Wilson Bebout

If you have favorite blog posts - or ones that did not work for you at all, please let me know.

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog
http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com

Thursday, March 3, 2011

John Alexander Moore - Crittenden County Attorney 1918

Having a politician ancestor is a real boon to genealogists for there was sure to be a biography in the newspaper. The following biographical sketch of John Alexander Moore appeared in the Crittenden Press, Marion, Kentucky, 10 January 1918.


John Alexander Moore  County Attorney of Crittenden County is the 4th son of Judge James Anderson Moore and Mrs. Moore, and is in his 46th year. He was born and reared in this county and has lived in the county and the city of Marion all his life except a short interim when he was in business in an adjoining county. He has practiced law since he attained manhood, and was County Attorney four years ago, having been succeeded by his predecessor, Trice A. Bennett.  Mr. Moore's wife was Miss Willie Haynes, 2nd daughter of the late Wm. Duke Haynes, and a grand daughter of Nathan R. Black, an eminent jurist in his day. They have six children, four sons, Wm. Owen, the oldest son, now being with the U.S. army in the Engineer's Headquarters at Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Miss. The three younger sons are Harry, Alfred and James Edward. Misses Evalyn and Dorothy are the daughters.

Mr. Moore and his interesting family are Methodists and may always be found at their posts in all church and Sunday School work. Mr. Moore belongs to a large and prominent family, having four brothers; the oldest A.C. Moore, is one of the state's most successful attorneys; D.B. Moore, a popular salesman in Stone's store; R.E. Moore, the hardware merchant, banker and councilman, of Madisonville; and Charles A. Moore, for many years in the Government service at Owensboro, is the youngest. His sisters are Mrs. Cook, wife of Levi Cook, jeweler and councilman of this city, and Mrs. Bacan, wife of Merriweather E. Bacan, a gifted writer and newspaper man of Hopkinsville.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Tombstone Tuesday - Rebecca A. Arflack


Rebecca A.
Wife of
G.W.
Arflack
Born
July 3, 1852
Died
Jan. 22, 1913

Buried McMican Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 28 September 2009.

Rebecca A. Arflack was born in Mississippi and was the daughter of William Franklin McMican and Nancy A. Ashley, according to Rebecca's death certificate.  The Wm. F. McMican family is enumerated on the 1860 Attala County, Mississippi census. By 1870, they had moved to Union County, Kentucky.

George W. Arflack, husband of Rebecca A. McMican, was born 14 August 1846 in Wilson County, Tennessee and died 31 January 1917, according to his death certificate, which also states he is buried in Crooked Creek Cemetery.

Copyright on text and photographs
by Brenda Joyce Jerome, CG
Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog
http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com