Happy New Year!

A Very Happy New Year to You and Your Family

Clip Art courtesy of  vintageholidaycrafts.com/


Published 31 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog

Tombstone Tuesday - Rev. J.A. and Margaret E. Crowell

Rev. J.A. Crowell

Jan. 19, 1839

Aug. 1, 1920

Crowell
Margaret E.
Wife of
J.A. Crowell
Dec. 25, 1843
May 19, 1922

Buried Crowell Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 23 September 2015. Note that the photograph on J.A. Crowell's tombstone has been removed.

J.A. Crowell and Margaret Crowell were married in Crittenden County 15 February 1866. Yes, her maiden name was Crowell.

The 1910 Crittenden County census shows John A. Crowell, age 71, and Margaret J. Crowell, age 65, living on the Iron Hill and Marion Road. He was born in Tennessee, as were his parents. Margaret and her parents were born in Kentucky.

Published 29 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Card Sent from Vietnam 1968

Published 25 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com

Letters to Santa Claus 1908

Newspapers often published letters written to Santa Claus by boys and girls in the local community. They told what each child would like to receive and how good they had been throughout the year. The following letters appeared in the Twice-A-Week Gleaner of Henderson County, Kentucky on Tuesday, 22 December 1908.

Hebbardsville, Ky., Dec. 18, 1908.

Dear Santa Claus at North Pole:

I will write you a letter to tell you what I want for Xmas. I am a little boy seven years old. I want a suit of clothes, a cap, a rubber ball, a two bladed knife, some candy, raisins and nuts.  I believe that is all I want. So good bye. 

Your little friend, Jimmy Haynes

Dear Santa Claus:

I am a little boy 8 years old, my mother is dead and I live at Dr. H.D. Book's on Frog Island. I go to school. My teacher says I read and write very well for my age. It will soon be Xmas and I would like for you to come to see me. Please bring me some nice things to eat. Then bring me a new saddle and bridle as I have lots of riding to do. I also want a gun, harp, knife, drum and anything you wish to bring me. Please bring Sterling something as he is so nice to me. With best wishes to you and Mrs. Santa Claus for a merry Xmas and a happy New Year. I am, as ever, Your good little boy, Johnnie Thompson.

Dear Santa Claus:

I am a little girl 11 years of age and I go to school every day and learn my lessons well so you will bring me all I want.  I want you to bring me a story book and a little doll trunk, and candy, oranges, bananas and nuts of all kinds. Don't forget mamma, papa and my four sisters. I hope you will get down the chimney safe.  From your little friend, Zella Rideout.

Dear Santa Claus:

I am a little girl 6 years old, have been going to school every day and learned my lessons good so you will bring me everything I want. I want you to bring me some little dishes, a story book, apples, candy and bananas. I will go to bed early and shut my eyes tight and not watch at all. Don't forget my two little sisters, Cordelia and Daisy. I remain, your little friend, Lorene Howard.

Dear Santa Claus:

I am a little boy two years old. I have been just as good as I can be so you will bring me everything I want. I want you to bring me a little wagon, rubber ball, a soldier doll and candy, oranges, bananas, apples and nuts of all kinds. I remain, Your little boy, Marquis Elliott Gibson.

Henderson, Ky., Dec. 13, 1908

Dear Santa Claus:

Please don't forget me. I think I have been a very good little girl. I want a scrap book and a little toy watch, and firecrackers and nuts, candies and other good things, and a pair of overshoes, please. I am the only little girl at my house, but be sure to bring my little brothers a Teddy bear and a toy pistol. Goodbye, dear Santa. From your friend, Dixie Gregory.

Published 22 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com

Cholera Victim - G.P. Evertson

G.P. Evertson

Born Oct. 4th 1818

Died March 5th

1849

in New Orleans of Cholera

Tis Sweet to believe of the absent

we love if we miss them below

we shall meet them above

Buried Hurricane Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 7 November 2014.

George P. Evertson married Lucinda Jane Walker 27 April 1843 Crittenden County. The couple had at least two children, Mary H. and Elizabeth G., who were living with their mother in the household of Robert and Ellen Walker on the 1850 Crittenden County census.

New Orleans, a city of much steamboat traffic, was hit hard by a cholera epidemic in 1848-1849. Steamboats arriving from other ports carried the disease to cities across the country. 

Aside from telling where and how G.P. Evertson died, there is additional information on his tombstone that is interesting. The name of the stone carver is given.

W. Smith   Smithland  KY

William Smith is the same person who created the H.F. Given Tomb and the William McCroskey tombstone, both in Livingston County. 

Published 17 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tombstone Tuesday - Iley and Alice Orr

ORR

They've done their best

They're now at rest

Iley

1868 - 1946

Alice

1869 - 1942

Buried Tosh Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 23 September 2015.

The 1870 Crittenden County census shows Ida P. Orr, age 1 and a female listed in the household of K.P. and Laura Orr. This Ida P. was likely Iley P. Orr, the one year old son of this couple.

Iley P. Orr and Miss Jo Allice Clark married 9 November 1887 Crittenden County. 

Kentucky death certificate #13127 shows that Alice Orr was born 5 July 1869 Kentucky and died 18 May 1942. Her parents were listed as Marion Clark and Emlie Crider. Her husband was Ila Orr.

Published 15 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Crittenden County Estate Administrators 1877

The following terms were commonly used in settling estates in Kentucky. Being familiar with these terms might provide clues for further research.

Administrators of estate were usually appointed in county court shortly after a person's death. The appointment will be recorded in the county court minutes and sometimes in a separate administrator's bond book. The administrator was required to post bond with at least one person as surety for the faithful performance of his duties as administrator. If a person left a valid will, he usually named an executor, whose duties were the same as those of an administrator - to see that debts owed were paid, debts due the decedent collected and the remainder dispersed to the heirs. The appointment of an executor will also be recorded in the county court minutes when the will was presented in court.

A curator was appointed as temporary guardian or conservator by the court to care for the property or person of an incompetent, spendthrift or a minor. A curator might also be appointed as conservator of an estate if a will had been contested. If a will was contested, be sure to check circuit court records.

The following records have been abstracted from Crittenden County, Kentucky Administrator's Bond Book 1876-1884, which is located in the county clerk's office of the courthouse. The number after the entry is the page number in the bond book.

John Gellatly was appointed administrator of R.H. Brown's estate 4 Jan 1877. Martha Brown, widow, having relinquished in writing all right to administer. [33]

Rufus Martin was appointed administrator of George D. Martin's estate 5 Jan 1877. [34]

Chapel Nunn was appointed administrator of Alonzo C. Nunn's estate 8 Jan 1877. C.A. Nunn, widow, waived right in writing to administer. [35]

L.H. Paris was appointed administrator of the estate of Samuel C. Young 8 Jan 1877. [36]

L.H. Paris was appointed administrator of the estate of Samuel C. Young 15 Jan 1877 with difference sureties. [37]

James H. Cameron was appointed  administrator of James C. Jones' estate 23 Jan 1877. [38]

Mariah Hoggard was appointed administratrix of the estate of Peter Hoggard 30 Jan 1877. [39]

E.S. Hubbard was appointed administrator of Martin Kemp's estate 1 Feb 1877. Caroline W. Kemp, widow, relinquished right to administer in favor of E.S. Hubbard. [40]

James H. Leech was appointed administrator of John W. Oliver's estate 20 Mar 1877. [41]

J.M. Baker was appointed administrator of A.J. Baker's estate 17 Apr 1877. Mahala M. Baker, widow, waived right to administer on her husband's estate.  [42]

Samuel C. Bennett was appointed administrator of Samuel R. Burks' estate 17 Apr 1877. Mrs. E.A. Burks, widow, relinquished her right to administer 16 Apr 1877.  [43]

S.S. Sullinger was appointed administrator of the estate of A.W. Sullinger 12 May 1877. [44]

H.C. Farmer and Robert S. Clark were appointed administrators of Stephen Farmer's estate 11 Jun 1877. [45]

John M. Farley was appointed administrator of Jeremiah M. Farley's estate 19 May 1877. Melissa F. Farley, widow, relinquished right to administer on her husband's estate. [46]

James C. Little was appointed administrator of John M. Little's estate 4 Jun 1877. Annie E. Little, widow, relinquished her right to administer. [47]

C.R. Hamilton was appointed administrator of Joshua Hamilton's estate 13 Jun 1877. [48]

Mrs. Sarah J. Murphey was appointed administrator of John I.[?] Murphey's estate 4 Jul 1877.  [49]

Thomas Hughes was appointed administrator of James H. Hughes' estate 9 Jul 1877. [50]

B.F. Loveless was appointed administrator of Mrs. Elizabeth Butler's estate 15 Sep 1877. [51]

J.G.W. Brooks was appointed administrator of the estate of J.C. Brooks 1 Oct 1877. [52]

Mrs. Elizabeth Douglas and M.G. Gilent[Gilbert?] were appointed administrators of N.B. Douglas' estate 8 Oct 1877. 53]

Samuel C. Bennett was appointed administrator of the estate of Rufus Martin, who was administrator of G.D. Martin's estate, 18 Oct 1877. [54]

Sarah Travis was appointed administrator of the estate of William H. Travis 23 Oct 1877. [55]

John E. Lemen was appointed curator of the estate of Arthur H. Belt (testate) 12 Nov 1877. Mary Belt, widow, waived her right to be appointed Executrix. [54]

Marrietta Burklow was appointed administrator of Elias Burklow's estate 12 Nov 1877. [55]

Enoch W. Jones was appointed administrator of Mrs. Mary Jones' estate 12 Nov 1877. [56]

W.H. McChesney was appointed administrator of the estate of H.A. Davis 11 Dec 1877. [57]

W.P. Maxwell was appointed administrator of Enoch Nelson's estate 12 Dec 1877. [58]

James P. Pearce was appointed administrator of Susan Ford's estate 17 Dec 1877. [59]

T.N. Lamb was appointed administrator of the estate of A. Avitts 21 Dec 1877.  [60]

Eli Cowan was appointed administrator of A.P. Moore's estate 31 Dec 1877. Elizabeth Moore, widow, waived her right to administer. [61]

Published 11 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Monument Monday - Texas A. Champion

Champion

Texas A.

Wife of

W.I. Champion

June 3, 1858

July 6, 1922

A loving wife, a mother dear

Lies buried here

Buried Ferguson Cemetery, Livingston County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 4 December 2013.

The 1900 Livingston County census shows William Champion, wife Texas A. Champion, son Talmage D. Champion and sister-in-law, Lizzie Harvey, living on the Smithland-Grand Rivers Road. William and Texas A. had been married 15 years.

Kentucky death certificate #16273 shows that Texas Ann Champion was the daughter of Hugh Harvey and Sarah E. Crouch, both born in Tennessee.

Published 7 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Research Tips - FamilySearch

Are you using FamilySearch in your research? If not, you are missing out. They are constantly adding records to their site. I was delighted to find recently that digitized marriage records from Webster County, Kentucky are now available. They aren't complete, but I found a number I needed in the 1870s and 1880s. FamilySearch is a free site and has a nice variety of records. 

Published 5 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Distinguished Men of Kentucky

Periodically correspondents to Evansville newspapers reported on places and people on the far side of the Ohio River. The following article was signed by "Sojourner" and pertained to people living in Western Kentucky. This article comes from the 8 August 1888 issue of the Evansville Courier.

Crittenden Springs, Aug. 6, 1888 - Mingling with the old residents of this portion of Kentucky, I have gathered a number of "personals" concerning distinguished men which have been of interest to me and may be to your readers. Years ago the county of Livingston covered the territory of Crittenden, Caldwell and Lyon counties, in addition to that which it now occupies. It has been looked upon as a hilly section, not especially attractive, compared with the bluegrass region. The people here, however, are very proud of their locality and their history, and in many particulars they have good reason to be.

One of the oldest inhabitants grew enthusiastic as he told me of the men whom he once claimed as his neighbors, also those who were companions of his fathers. Among those he mentioned I remember the following:

Gov. James Alcorn, who grew up on a farm in this region, became deputy sheriff, and later sheriff of this county. He removed to Mississippi and in Ku Klux times attained national notoriety as Governor of the State.

Judge Wiley P. Fowler, celebrated for his broad intellectual culture, as well as his legal attainments. He was the father of Captains Dick, Gus and Joe Fowler, whose names have been familiar in Evansville for many years.

Gov. Charles Morehead, who was elected Governor of the State on the Know Nothing ticket in 1856.

Mr. John Bass, whose father was a long time county jailer at Old Salem. His older brother[1], ambitious for advancement, went to a commercial college at Cincinnati, and from there to Fort Wayne, Ind., and secured a position and afterwards an interest in a manufacturing establishment. Through the war excitement the business became demoralized and he entered the army and was killed at Shiloh.  His younger brother, John, went to Fort Wayne after the war to see what remained of his brother's affairs. His energy elevated him to proprietorship in the establishment and he ranks among the lending business men of the state. His father, now 80 years of age and very feeble, enjoys a comfortable home with his millionaire son. My informant thinks Mr. Bass was a delegate-at-large to the Democratic convention at St. Louis, and says he is a gentleman of high order of courage. [Mr. Bass was a delegate from the State at large, and is elector for his district on the Cleveland ticket. He employs 3,000 workmen, never had a strike and is an ardent tariff reformer. - Ed. Courier]

Roger Q. Mills was a farmer boy near Old Salem till he was grown, when he sought a home in Texas. He is now one of the most widely celebrated men in the country through his connection with the great tariff discussion. He is spoken of in very high terms by his old neighbors.

That portion of the Livingston territory now known as Lyon county derived its name from one of its old families, one of whom Gen. H.B. Lyon was a prominent figure in the Confederate army. His wife is now a guest at the Springs. A county adjacent to this original Livingston section was the birth place and boyhood home of Jefferson Davis, mention of this fact suggesting naturally its counterpart, viz, that Abraham Lincoln, his great antagonist, was also born on Kentucky soil.                Sojourner

---

[1] Sion S. Bass (1827 - 1862).


Published 3 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tombstone Tuesday - Jennie Clark

Jennie

Dau. of

Dr. J.R. & N.M.

Clark

May 26 1869

Oct. 28, 1899

CLARK

Buried Marpleview Cemetery, Marion, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 21 October 2014.

A brief notice of Jennie Clark's death is given in the 2 November 1899 issue of the Crittenden Press: "Miss Jennie Clark, daughter of Dr. J.R. Clark, died at her home in this city Saturday after months of illness with consumption ... The burial was in the new cemetery Sunday afternoon."

The 1870 Crittenden County census shows the Clark family living in Piney Precinct. After Jennie's death, the 1900 Crittenden County census lists the family living at 95 Weldon Avenue in Marion.

Published 1 December 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Happy Thanksgiving!

• Image courtesy VintageHolidayCrafts.com;

Published 26 November 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tombstone Tuesday - J.C. and Mary R. Presnell

James C. and Mary R. Presnell Tombstone

Smithland Cemetery

Smithland, Kentucky

According to Kentucky death certificate #13848, James C. Presnell was born 12 July 1849 South Carolina and died 11 June 1925. His parents are listed as Gilbert Presnell and Nancy Ann Waddlington. James C. Presnell appears on the 1860 Livingston County, Kentucky census with his parents, but the birth places are given as North Carolina instead of South Carolina.

Virginia death certificate #1791 shows that Mary R. Presnell died 28 January 1948 in Henrico County, Virginia at the age of 91 years. She was born in Smithland and was the daughter of John D. Perkins.

According to Livingston County Marriage Book 1876-1829, J.C. Presnell and Miss Mary R. Perkins obtained a bond to marry on 19 March 1879. He was age 28 and a farmer born in North Carolina. His father's birth place is given as Tennessee and his mother's as North Carolina. Mary R. Perkins was age 21 and was born in Livingston County as were her parents.

Published 24 November 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Livingston County, Kentucky Petit Jurors 1848

S.M. Barner, Wm. Robertson and F. Crawford, Jury Commissioners, selected a list of local resident voters as Petit Jurors for the next term (May 1848)  of the Circuit Court.  The following names were selected 15 November 1847. [1]

[1] Livingston County Court Papers, Box 1, (1840-1938), Livingston County Clerk's Office, Smithland, Kentucky.

Published 19 November 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tombstone Tuesday - Georgie L. and Zula L. Ramage

Ramage

Husband

Georgie L.

Apr. 6, 1913

Mar. 14, 1943

Wife 

Zula L.

Oct 14, 1910

Gone But Not Forgotten

Buried Alsobrook Cemetery, Livingston County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 30 July 2015. 

According to Kentucky death certificate #7643, Georgie Leon Ramage was the son of Aaron Elva Ramage and Minnie Hardin, both of whom were born in Kentucky. At the time of his death, Georgie L. Ramage was married to Zula L. Ramage. 

Zula is enumerated in the household of George and Minnie Evans on the 1910 Livingston County census.  The 1930 Livingston County census (Driskill District) shows Zula, age 20, as the wife of Owen McDonald. They had one daughter, Thelma, age 4 months. The 1940 Livingston County census shows Georgie and Zula living with his parents, Aron and Minnie Ramage. Zula's death date is unknown.

Published 17 November 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Frank S. Loyd Looking Toward 100 Years

He hoped to live to be 100 years old, but he missed the milestone by slightly more than a month. Frank S. Loyd, born in 1839, passed away at the age of 99 years, 10 months and 20 days on 30 November 1938 in Fredonia, Caldwell County, Kentucky.[1]

Loyd was born to Isaac and Polly Loyd  in the part of Livingston County that later became Crittenden  County.  He later moved just over the county line to Fredonia. Loyd outlived three wives, sisters Sarah Bell and Cornelia Ann Hillyard, and Kittie Mayes. Kittie Mayes  is buried with Loyd at Fredonia Cemetery. The other two wives are buried at Livingston Cemetery in Fredonia.

In an interview with an Evansville newspaper,[2] Loyd told of enlisting in the army during the Civil War and being told he was physically unfit to withstand the rigors of the war. His pleas for reconsideration were accepted and he began his career in Co. K, 20th KY Infantry (USA). He seemed pleased that he had proved the physician wrong.  In the article, Loyd says he helped build the fort at Smithland. He also tells of organizing and training a company of men by teaching tactics learned from a military book.  He only suffered one wound and that was when a shell exploded and nicked him in the head.

Loyd was sent from Smithland to Louisville and then to Shiloh and Lookout Mountain and was with Sherman on his march to the sea.  He experienced several major Civil War engagements and says the fighting wasn't over when he got out of the military. "There were bands of guerrillas coming through Fredonia all the time," he said. "A man had to turn out with a rifle to protect his own home and family."[3]

At the time this article was written, Loyd was looking forward to a reunion of Civil War soldiers in Pennsylvania in 1938.

---

[1] Kentucky death certificate #26433 (1938), Frank S. Loyd.

[2] "Escapes Death Sentence for 76 Years," The Evansville Press, Sunday, 3 January 1937, Section D, page 1.

[3] Ibid.

Published 12 November 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Research Tips - Marriages

Can't find the marriage you need in the western Kentucky county where your ancestor lived? Try looking in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana records. Many young couples went to Evansville, were married and returned home before their parents knew they had left town. The following news article tells about one couple who did just this.

"Mr. Joe Thompson and Miss Herma Boliver came to this city from Dixon, Ky., this morning to be married. They were accompanied by Frank Tow and Miss Tina Trice, who stood up with the couple at the nuptials which were solemnized in the office of Justice Francke on Sycamore Street, at 11 o'clock. The bride and groom returned home this afternoon." [1]

If your ancestors married between 1920 and 1979, you can use the Online Index to look for a record.

---

[1] "Happy Young Couple," Evansville Journal, Wed., 2 October 1901, p. 1.

Published 9 November 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Peddler's License

It your ancestor was a merchant in early Kentucky, he  may have begun his career as a peddler. To be a peddler, you had to have a license. The record generated by the peddler's license can be helpful in your research.

This is what the law said:

 Any person wishing to peddle goods, wares or merchandise within the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Kentucky was required to obtain a license from the county clerk. Before the license was granted, the peddler had to prove by two credible witnesses that he had been a bona fide resident of the county for at least two years and was of good moral character. In addition, a description of the applicant was given and all were entered in a court record. [1]

This is an example of the court record:

"On motion of Mangold Lowensteen and it appearing to the Court upon evidence of two credible witnesses that he has for at least two years past been a bona fide resident citizen of this county and a man of good moral character and being of the following description Viz about 5 feet 5 inches high  fair complexion  one upper front tooth out and nearly bald headed and 26 years of age. Ordered that the clerk of this court issue a license authorizing and permitting said Lowensteen to peddle three months ..."[2]

Any record naming a person in a particular place and at a particular time is a good record and if it gives a physical description of the person it is a wonderful record.

---

[1] Sec. I. "Revenue and Taxation," in The Revised Statutes of Kentucky (Cincinnati: Robert Clarke & Co., 1860), 283-284; digital images, Google Books (http://books.google.com: accessed 26 Oct 2015).

[2] Livingston County, Kentucky  Court Order Book L:525, 1 October 1859.

Published 5 November 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy. http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

                             

Tombstone Tuesday - Isaac and Eliza Harvey

Harvey

Isaac

Feb. 4, 1857

July 7, 1930

Eliza

His Wife

June 17, 1864

Mar. 10, 1930

At Rest

Buried in Ferguson Cemetery, Livingston County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 4 December 2013.

Isaac W. Harvey's Kentucky death certificate #17751 shows he was a retired farmer born in Tennessee. His parents were Hugh Harvey and Sarah Couch, both born in North Carolina.

Lisa Lucinda Harvey was born in Livingston County, according to her Kentucky death certificate #7317. Her parents are listed as Littleton Chappell, born Tennessee, and Cena Rhodes, born Virginia. At the time of her death, Eliza/Lisa was the wife of I.W. Harvey.

Isaac and Eliza Harvey appear in N. Smithland Precinct on the 1920 Livingston County census with their son, Hugh L. Harvey, and grandsons, Marvin E. and Isaac C. Harvey.  Isaac W. Harvey, age 73, was living alone in Smithland on the 1930 census.

Published 3 November 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Five Avenues to Explore When You Are Stuck

Stuck at a brick wall in your research? Maybe it's time to take a break from looking for information on people and try some old-fashioned background work. Originally, I wrote this post to show that old fashioned methods are still pertinent and do work, I was afraid newer genealogists couldn't relate to research not involving computers so ... take your pick or use both methods.

1.  In the back of magazines, look for travel listings on the area where your ancestor lived. This information is directed at vacationers, but can be helpful in pointing out attractions in a specific area. Perhaps one of these attractions existed during your ancestor's lifetime. If you must use your computer, Google the town and/or county where your ancestor lived and find out what historical events may have impacted your ancestor's life.

2.  Obtain a county map where your ancestor lived, preferably a map showing rivers and streams. Use the map to determine how close your ancestor lived to the county seat and also to other relatives. County maps can usually be ordered from the local Chamber of Commerce and are often free. You can also use Google maps, but I find it more convenient to spread out a map on my desk and I like to use a highlighter to mark places of importance.

3.  Read a history of the state and/or county where your ancestor lived. Note the economic and social events during his lifetime. These events may have influenced his actions, especially if he moved during that particular time. Your local library can help locate the books you need. Also, try Google Books for histories that may be in the public domain and can be read online.

4.  If your ancestor moved from one area to another, draw a line from the old area to the new area on a map. Be aware of rivers and streams he had to cross. Were there roads or did he have to forge a way in order to travel? Determine the ages of family members and what hardships they may have endured during the migration. Don't be afraid to use your imagination.

5.  Visit your library to see if they receive newspapers from the state and/or county where your ancestor lived. If not, subscribe to the online version of the local newspaper, even if only for 30 days. Many county and town newspapers have regular columns featuring news from the past. You may not see your ancestor's name listed, but you will get an idea of what life was like in the past.

While none of these suggestions is guaranteed to provide new information on your ancestors, they may give you some new ideas on why they lived in a particular area, how they got there and what important events occurred during their lifetime. Knowledge is a good thing.

Published 29 October  2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Tombstone Tuesday - F.M. and Charlotte Nieten

F.M. Nieten

1853 - 1920

His Wife

Charlotte

1845 - 1925

Buried Fernwood Cemetery, Henderson, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 25 October 2014.

According to the Fernwood Cemetery database, F.M. and Charlotte Nieten are buried in Lot 950.

The death certificate of Charlotte Nieten shows she was born 24 June 1854 [sic] Germany and died 12 December 1925. A death notice in the 14 December 1925 issue of the Evansville Press the funeral service for Charlotte Nieten would be held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Michael Wendling in Henderson. 

The 1920 Henderson County, Kentucky census shows that the couple immigrated to America in 1882.

Published 27 October 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Caldwell County Book Sale

Caldwell County, Kentucky Book Sale ending soon! 




Published 26 October 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Zinc Tombstone of S.J. Crowell

One tombstone stands out from the others in a Crittenden County, Kentucky cemetery. It is of a light blue color and the engraving is easy to read, even though it is over 110 years old.  It is made of zinc and was white when first cast, but, turned blue as it aged. 

Zinc tombstones were made from about 1870 until after 1910. If you tap on the tombstone, there is a hollow sound ... because it is hollow. Zinc tombstones are constructed in panels  and screwed together at seams. These monuments were inexpensive and can last a long time, but after a time, they may become brittle and, if hit with any force, will crack or come apart at the seams. These tombstones were inexpensive, but were never as popular as marble or granite tombstones.

[1]

An example of the zinc tombstone can be found in Tosh Cemetery.  It is that of Susan J. Crider, who married James E. Crowell 20 November 1865 Crittenden County.[2] 

In Memory

of

S.J. Crider

Wife of

J.E. Crowell

Born Oct. 23, 1848

Died 

Feb. 13, 1904

Reverse:

Dear Mother, N Earth's thorny Path

How long thy feet have trod

To find at last the peaceful rest

Safe in the arms of God.

Zinc tombstones aren't rare, but are not as common as those made of other materials and certainly never became as popular as monuments made of granite and marble.

---

[1] Untitled filler, Evansville Journal, 23 April 1885, p. 6.

[2] Brenda Joyce Jerome. Crittenden County, Kentucky Marriage Records Vol. 1 1842-1865 and Abstracts of Wills Book 1  1842-1924, (Evansville: Evansville Bindery, 1990), 113.

Published 22 October 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

R.I.P. Dianne O'Brien

Smithland, Kentucky lost a friend recently. Dianne Boswell O'Brien passed away at her home in Paducah Sunday, 18 October 2015. She was 72 years old. Dianne was born in Smithland and even though she had lived in Paducah for many years, she loved Smithland and was involved in many activities there.

I first met Dianne when the new county office building was being planned to replace the old courthouse (built 1845). Dianne was afraid the old courthouse would be destroyed once the new building was occupied. I don't know if the idea originated with Dianne or not, but she was an early proponent of having the courthouse placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Smithland had a reputation of destroying historic buildings rather than preserving them, but Dianne had a different vision. She saw  the courthouse as a museum and event center for many years to come.

To guarantee the courthouse had a chance at a new life, Dianne felt it necessary to have it listed on the National Register. It was not an easy process and, at times, it appeared it would not be successful, but, in 2011, the Livingston County Courthouse was placed on the National Register.   I am not sure it would have happened without the encouragement and leadership of Dianne O'Brien.

Rest in Peace, Dianne, and thank you.

Published 21 October 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com

Tombstone Tuesday - Malinda M. Leech

In Memory of

Our

Dear Mother

Malinda M.

Wife of

James C. Leech

Born July 14, 1806

Died Oct. 20, 1873

Aged

67 Yrs. 3 mo's

& 6 D's

Buried Smithland Cemetery, Livingston County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 30 July 2015.

James C. Leech obtained a bond to marry Malinda Glenn in Caldwell County, Kentucky 20 September 1823. Consent for the bride was given by her father, Samuel Glenn. James C. Leech was of lawful age (21 years or older).

The Leech family appeared on the 1850 Livingston County census with Malinda as head of the household. James C. Leech died 23 January 1840 and is buried in Leeper Cemetery. Before his death, James C. Leech was a Justice of the Peace and Livingston County Sheriff.

Published 20 October 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Caldwell County, Kentucky Administrator Bonds 1864

Administrators of estate were usually appointed in county court shortly after a person's death. The appointment will be recorded in the county court minutes and sometimes in a separate administrator's bond book. The administrator was required to post bond with at least one person as surety for the faithful performance of his duties as administrator. If a person left a valid will, he usually named an executor, whose duties were similar to those of an administrator.

A curator was appointed as temporary guardian or conservator by the court to care for the property of an incompetent, spendthrift or a minor. A curator might also be appointed as conservator of an estate if a will had been contested or to conserve the estate until an administrator was appointed. If a will was contested, be sure to check circuit court records for the case file.

The following entries have been abstracted from Caldwell County, Kentucky Administrators Bond Book 1863-1870, located in the Caldwell County Clerk's Office, Princeton, Kentucky.

John R. Nichols was appointed administrator of the estate of Eli Nichols Jr. 6 Jan 1864.

Thomas S.C. Asher was appointed of the estate of Jesse A. Stephens 26 Jan. 1864.

S.C. Howton and Stallard Darnall were appointed administrators of Joseph Howton's estate 27 Jan 1864.

Shadrack McGregor was appointed administrator of William Goodaker's estate 27 Jan 1864.

Wm. Carter and Stallard Darnall were appointed curators of Thomas Copeland's estate 27 Jan 1864.

Geo. D.E. Traylor was appointed administrator of John C. Traylor's estate 29 Jan 1864.

William G. Glenn was appointed administrator of David B. Glenn's estate 4 Feb 1864.

J.W. Towrey was appointed administrator of Edward Towrey's estate 6 Feb 1864.

G.A. Orr was appointed administrator of T.P. Brown's estate 6 Feb 1864.

W.W. Blackburn was appointed administrator of Lois Blackburn's estate 8 Feb 1864.

Jesse Stevens Jr. was appointed administrator of the estate of Jesse Stevens Sr. 15 Feb 1864.

Elizabeth Sigler and F.U. Sigler were appointed administrators of Amos Sigler's estate 15 Feb 1864.

J.H. Roberts Jr. was appointed administrator of James Drennon's estate 15 Feb 1864.

Geo. D.E. Traylor was appointed administrator of Joseph Moore's estate 15 Feb 1864.

Geo. R. McDowell was appointed administrator of William T. Drennon's estate 20 Feb 1864.

John Linch was appointed administrator of Daniel Farrow's estate 5 Mar 1864.

S.F. Orange was appointed administrator of Charles Galloway's estate 8 Mar 1864.

Margaret A. Hooper was appointed administrator of Laban S. Hooper's estate 12 Mar 1864.

James M. Early was appointed administrator of Hezakiah G. Early's estate 21 Mar 1864.

Jesse Stevens and Susan A. Guier were appointed administrators of Philip Guier's estate 21 Mar 1864.

S.B. Brelsford was appointed administrator of Decatur Wilds' estate 9 Apr 1864.

John K. Morse and Jefferson C. Asher were appointed administrators of Jefferson G. Morse's estate 18 Apr 1864.

Nancy J. Wilds was appointed administrator of the estate of Alfred T. Wilds 11 May 1864.

Joel Becker was appointed administrator of C.N. Creasy's estate 27 May 1864.

Mary J. Barnett was appointed administrator of Wm. H. Barnett's estate 8 Jun 1864.

James H. Leech was appointed curator of Thomas Kevil's estate 8 Jun 1864.

Allen Morse was appointed administrator of Nancy Morse's estate 20 Jun 1864.

John Satterfield was appointed administrator of Edward Satterfield's estate 18 Jul 1864.

Franklin Gipson was appointed administrator of Comandane Stevens' estate 30 Jul 1864.

Wm. Jones was appointed administrator of Wm. J. Harper's estate 15 Jul 1864.

A.B. Curtis was appointed administrator of George W. Casner's estate 26 Sep 1864.

John W. McGough was appointed administrator of Thos. M. McGough's estate 15 Oct 1864.

Nancy Creekmur was appointed administrator of Jason Hammock's estate 17 Oct 1864.

J.E. Kevil and N.N. Rice were appointed administrator of Wm. Y. Harris' estate 17 Oct 1864.

David S. Stevenson was appointed administrator of Stephen H. Leech's estate 21 Oct 1864.

Published 17 October 2015, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/