Expect the blog to be less active for the next two weeks while we work on some new content for you! Expect new articles to be posted regularly on Tuesday mornings beginning again April 5th. For now, check out these family history and genealogy stories that have been in the news recently.
Genealogy: A lot of hard work digging around in the past The Blade
What genealogy can teach us about ourselves The Tampa Tribune
Dig a little deeper in documents to find genealogy gold NJ.com
Cyndi’s List celebrates 20 years The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
How common is royal ancestry?
I am a true American mixed breed. I have traced ancestors from 30+ countries of origin and probably have not yet discovered them all! At first I was embarrassed because I couldn't say "oh, I'm French" or "Yes, I'm Scottish," but you have to work with the hand you're dealt and mine is a mixed bag. Is that enough cliches for you?
If you are an American with any European heritage, chances are you have ancestors from several European countries. I have been fortunate enough to stumble across several noble and royal lines in my research that have helped me to find ancestors that date back several centuries. Granted, I still have twentieth century ancestors whose lives and origins remain a mystery as well!
All of the above is my way of saying that many of us have these hidden "noble" and "royal" lines if we are able to make connections and follow leads. Royal ancestry is a much debated topic among genealogists. Some researchers value finding a royal ancestor, but others argue that though most people with Western European ancestry are descended from William the Conqueror, it is just as likely that you also descend from his groomsman.
One reason so many genealogists are able to locate and prove royal ancestry is the simple fact that royal and noble lines kept better records of their lineage while poor, often illiterate lay people did not.
To learn more about your own potential royal background, take a look at these posts and articles:
Are you descended from royalty? Who Do You Think You Are Magazine
Do you have royal blood? Your last name may tell you. Ancestry Blog
Charlemagne's DNA and our universal royalty National Geographic
One reason so many genealogists are able to locate and prove royal ancestry is the simple fact that royal and noble lines kept better records of their lineage while poor, often illiterate lay people did not.
To learn more about your own potential royal background, take a look at these posts and articles:
Are you descended from royalty? Who Do You Think You Are Magazine
Do you have royal blood? Your last name may tell you. Ancestry Blog
Charlemagne's DNA and our universal royalty National Geographic
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Family History Case Study: Guthrie Family Group Sheet
As a companion piece to February 9th's "Ancestor of the Day" Elsie Alice Walton Guthrie, here is the family group information for Elsie and William Hugh Guthrie:
Husband
Full name: William Hugh Guthrie
Born: 29 Apr 1886, Freedom, Owen County, Indiana, USA
Married: Abt 1918
Died:19 Nov 1967, Pacific Grove, Monterrey County, California, USA
Buried: Mission Memorial Park, Seaside, Monterrey, California, USA
Father's name: John Adam Guthrie
Born: 23 September 1854, Coschocton, Ohio, USA
Died: 19 April 1929, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Mother's name: Mary Catherine Kent
Born: 17 October 1856, Indiana, USA
Died: 10 July 1934, Tolono, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Other marriages: First marriage to Ethel Unknown at least from 1908-1915
Children from first marriage:
1. William Henry Guthrie (abt 1908, Indiana, USA)
2. Branch Guthrie (abt 1912, Illinois, USA)
3. Evert Guthrie (abt 1915, Indiana, USA)
Wife
Full name: Elsie Alice Walton
Born: 22 May 1895, Chicago Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA
Died: 23 April 1933, Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois, USA
Buried: Riverside Cemetery, Mahomet, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Cause of death: Blood poisoning
Father's name: Adolph Robert Walton
Born: 21 June 1861, Chicago, Cook, Illinois
Died: 8 May 1925, Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
Mother's name: Bertha Catherine Borst
Born: 25 October 1876, Chicago, Cook, Illinois
Died: 15 December 1906, Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
Children
1. Goldia "Goldie" Marie Guthrie
Born: 15 January 1919, Raymond, Rice, Kansas, USA
Married: Floyd "Jack" Davis on 21 June 1936 at Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Died: 15 September 2004, Niles, Berrien, Michigan, USA
Buried: Mission Hills Memorial Garden, Cassopolis, Cass, Michigan, USA
2. Cleota E. Guthrie
Born: 15 March 1921, Raymond, Rice, Kansas, USA
Married: ? Shounk
Died: 12 November 1989, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
3. Eunice A. Guthrie
Born: 1924, Illinois, USA
4. Floyd Guthrie
Born: 1926, Illinois, USA
Husband
Full name: William Hugh Guthrie
Born: 29 Apr 1886, Freedom, Owen County, Indiana, USA
Married: Abt 1918
Died:19 Nov 1967, Pacific Grove, Monterrey County, California, USA
Buried: Mission Memorial Park, Seaside, Monterrey, California, USA
Father's name: John Adam Guthrie
Born: 23 September 1854, Coschocton, Ohio, USA
Died: 19 April 1929, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Mother's name: Mary Catherine Kent
Born: 17 October 1856, Indiana, USA
Died: 10 July 1934, Tolono, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Other marriages: First marriage to Ethel Unknown at least from 1908-1915
Children from first marriage:
1. William Henry Guthrie (abt 1908, Indiana, USA)
2. Branch Guthrie (abt 1912, Illinois, USA)
3. Evert Guthrie (abt 1915, Indiana, USA)
Wife
Full name: Elsie Alice Walton
Born: 22 May 1895, Chicago Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA
Died: 23 April 1933, Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois, USA
Buried: Riverside Cemetery, Mahomet, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Cause of death: Blood poisoning
Father's name: Adolph Robert Walton
Born: 21 June 1861, Chicago, Cook, Illinois
Died: 8 May 1925, Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
Mother's name: Bertha Catherine Borst
Born: 25 October 1876, Chicago, Cook, Illinois
Died: 15 December 1906, Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
Children
1. Goldia "Goldie" Marie Guthrie
Born: 15 January 1919, Raymond, Rice, Kansas, USA
Married: Floyd "Jack" Davis on 21 June 1936 at Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Died: 15 September 2004, Niles, Berrien, Michigan, USA
Buried: Mission Hills Memorial Garden, Cassopolis, Cass, Michigan, USA
2. Cleota E. Guthrie
Born: 15 March 1921, Raymond, Rice, Kansas, USA
Married: ? Shounk
Died: 12 November 1989, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
3. Eunice A. Guthrie
Born: 1924, Illinois, USA
4. Floyd Guthrie
Born: 1926, Illinois, USA
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Ancestor of the Day: Moses Ruyle (1780 - 1864)
Moses Ruyle is Donica's 5th Great Grandfather. Her descent from Moses is as follows:
Moses Ruyle was born April 10, 1780 in Hampshire County, Virginia. He is often cited as the son of Henry Ruyle (1715 -1790), and his mother is identified as Catharine (1735 - 1810). Moses was the tenth of twelve children born to Henry and Catharine, their children are as follows:
"I leave and bequeath unto my sons John Ruyle, Solomon Ruyle, Moses Ruyle, Aaron Ruyle, and Peter Ruyle the plantation and land whereon I now live, with its appurtenances to be equally dividing it in such manner as my son Peter Ruyle, being the youngest may have the cleared the land that now is, to my said sons, their heirs and assigns forever...
Also it is my will and desire that the remainder of Stock of Cattle and Sheep undisposed shall go to the use of raising and Schooling my sons Solomon, Moses, Aaron and Peter they being the youngest, except in the case my som John Ruyle should make a crop or two on the plantation in order to support the family he is to have part of said Stock as a recompense for his labor and care...
I lastly constitute, nominate and appoint my wife Catharine Ruyle and my son John
Ruyle to be Executrix and Executor to this my last will and Testament. In Testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal this 16th day of Feburary, Anno Domini 1790.
Signed, Sealed, published and delaired by the said Henry Ruyle to be and
contained his last will and testament.
Wit. N. Phillips, Jno. Cravens, Edward Jones
Proved: 1790 July"
During the decade after his father's death, Moses lost two older sisters, Magdalene (d. 1792) and Margaret (d. 1794).
Moses married first Mary Goldston (1778 - 1809) in Sumner County, Tennessee in 1804. The couple had at least three children: Mary Jane (b. abt 1805), Catherine (1805 - 1850) and Moses Ruyle, Jr. (1807 - 1808) who died in infancy. Mary died during the winter of 1808 or 1809 and the cause of her death is unclear, though most likely related to childbirth given her age and birth of her last child.
As was customary in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Moses remarried soon after the death of his first wife, this time to Elisabeth Kizer (1788 - 1851) on May 19, 1809 in Sumner County, Tennessee. Moses's second marriage produced nine children as follows:
Moses Ruyle (1780 - 1864)
Andrew Ruyle (1814 - 1897)
John Ruyle (1852 - 1937)
Della Ruyle (1890 - 1954)
Floyd Davis (1911 - 1992)
Floyd's daughter
Her son
Donica
Moses Ruyle was born April 10, 1780 in Hampshire County, Virginia. He is often cited as the son of Henry Ruyle (1715 -1790), and his mother is identified as Catharine (1735 - 1810). Moses was the tenth of twelve children born to Henry and Catharine, their children are as follows:
Henry (1753 - 1840s)
Andrew (1756 - 1840s)
Mary (1758 - 1840s)
Magdalene (1760 - 1792)
John (1761 - 1842)
Margaret (1764 - 1794)
Elizabeth (1768 - 1851)
Catherine Celia (1770 - 1868)
Solomon (1777 - 1847)
Moses (1780 - 1864)
Aaron (1781 - 1849)
Peter (1783 -1869)
By the time Moses was born, his elder siblings were in their twenties and the family had lived in Hampshire, Virginia for decades. At the time of his birth, the colony was one of four fighting for Independence during the American Revolutionary War.
Sometime between 1783 and 1790, the family relocated to Sumner County, Tennessee. Shortly after the move, Moses's father, Henry Ruyle died in 1790, when Moses was just 10 years old. Below are the paragraphs from Henry's Last Will and Testament that pertain to Moses:
Possibly the only surviving print of Moses Ruyle, ca. 1860
Also it is my will and desire that the remainder of Stock of Cattle and Sheep undisposed shall go to the use of raising and Schooling my sons Solomon, Moses, Aaron and Peter they being the youngest, except in the case my som John Ruyle should make a crop or two on the plantation in order to support the family he is to have part of said Stock as a recompense for his labor and care...
I lastly constitute, nominate and appoint my wife Catharine Ruyle and my son John
Ruyle to be Executrix and Executor to this my last will and Testament. In Testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal this 16th day of Feburary, Anno Domini 1790.
Signed, Sealed, published and delaired by the said Henry Ruyle to be and
contained his last will and testament.
Wit. N. Phillips, Jno. Cravens, Edward Jones
Proved: 1790 July"
During the decade after his father's death, Moses lost two older sisters, Magdalene (d. 1792) and Margaret (d. 1794).
Moses married first Mary Goldston (1778 - 1809) in Sumner County, Tennessee in 1804. The couple had at least three children: Mary Jane (b. abt 1805), Catherine (1805 - 1850) and Moses Ruyle, Jr. (1807 - 1808) who died in infancy. Mary died during the winter of 1808 or 1809 and the cause of her death is unclear, though most likely related to childbirth given her age and birth of her last child.
Marriage bond for Moses Ruyle and Elisabeth Kizer
As was customary in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Moses remarried soon after the death of his first wife, this time to Elisabeth Kizer (1788 - 1851) on May 19, 1809 in Sumner County, Tennessee. Moses's second marriage produced nine children as follows:
Austin (1810 - 1879)
Emily (1811 - 1910)
Elvira Ella (1812 - 1909)
Andrew (1814 - 1897)
Polly (1815 - 1896)
Sarah (1817 -1858)
Washington (1818 - 1907)
Parlee Ann (1820 - 1893)
Henry (1822 - 1913)
Littleton (1824 - 1871)
All of Moses and Elisabeth's children were born in Tennessee. According to family sources, Moses moved to Macoupin County, Illinois in 1829. Near the end of his life, Moses had relocated to Greene County, Illinois and was living with his youngest daughter, Parley Ann and her husband, Washington Hix. Moses Ruyle died in Scottsville, Macoupin, Illinois, USA on April 10, 1864 and is buried on what was his own property, now known as the Ruyle Cemetery in Scottsville, Macoupin, Illinois.
Moses Ruyle's headstone in Scottsville, Macoupin, Illinois
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Archival Resources: Probate Cases
Probate is defined as "The legal process in which a will is reviewed to determine whether it is valid and authentic. Probate also refers to the general administering of a deceased person's will or the estate of a deceased person without a will. The court appoints either an executor named in the will (or an administrator if there is no will) to administer the process of collecting the assets of the deceased person, paying any liabilities remaining on the person's estate and finally distributing the assets of the estate to beneficiaries named in the will or determined as such by the executor." Read more at: Probate Definition | Investopedia
If you can get your hands on an estate case or probate case, you will likely find a wealth of information. A probate file may contain the subject's last will and testament, itemized lists of possessions and real estate, financial documents, lists and testimonies of living beneficiaries and next of kin. The records may also include information concerning employment, burial, funeral services, and the residence(s) of the subject's spouse and children.
Below is an example of a Last Will and Testament, which was transcribed and uploaded onto Ancestry.com for public viewing. Notice the land descriptions in the second paragraph. Legal land descriptions can help genealogists to pinpoint the exact location of an ancestor's property. Wills often end up in title abstracts of properties and residences to demonstrate changes made to property lines over the years.
-----
According to The Dales of Eastern Shore Maryland and Tennessee, 1986, Clarice G Neil.
Last Will & Testament of John Dale, Senior (1723-1786)
In the Name of God Amen. This 29th day of September 1785. I John Dale Senior of Worcester County and State of Maryland, Being of sound and Perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to God, and Calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and order this my last Will and Testament that is to say Principally and first of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the Hands of almighty God that gave it and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be Buried in a Christian Like manor at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter Named and as touching our worldly Estate wherewith it hath boon Pleased God to bless me with in this life I give, demise and dispose of the same in the following manor and form:
Item: I give and Bequeath to my Son James Dale all my lands to the southernmost side of a dytch that leads down by Ephraim Catho------ and thence up and with the said dytch Till S74 West of Poles Will Strich and marked chestnut White Oak and from the said Oak N 68 W 49 Poles to intersect with a dytch that leads down by Seth Hardman Whaleys with all the appurtenances to the said lands belonging to him his heirs and assignees forever.
Item: I give and bequeath to my aforesaid Son James Dale one Cow & bottles after the decease of his mother to him his heirs and assignees.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my Son Jessy Dale all the land that I have in possession called Bear Quarter with all the appurtenances to the said lands belonging to him his heirs and assignees for ever.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid son Jessey Dale one Sow and Pigs to him his heirs and assignees.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my Son John Milbourn Dale all the Remaining Part of my Lands with all the appurtenances to the said Lands Belonging, to him his heirs and assignees forever.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid son John Milbourn Dale on Sow and pigs to him his heirs and assignees.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Dale one Bed and furniture, one Cow and Calf, two Ewe and Lambs, one Chest to her her heirs and assignees.
Item: I give and bequeath to my Daughter, Tabitha Dale one Bed and furniture, one Cow and Calf, two Ewe and Lambs, one Chest to her her heirs and assignees.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid son John Milbourn Dale one Little Desk to him is heirs and assignees.
Item: I will and order that after my Debts and Legacies are paid the Remainder of my Estate be Equally divided between three of my Daughters Vis. Mary Dale, Martha Baker, & Tabitha Dale their heirs and assignees.
Item: I will and appoint my well Beloved wife Tabitha Dale and my Sons James Dale my only and sole Executors of this my last will and Testament.
Lastly I do hereby declare and confirm this to be my last will and Testament in Witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my Seal the Day and year First above written.
John Dale (seal)
Signed, Sealed, Published and Declared by the said John Dale to be his last will and Testament, In Presence of us:
Josiah Dale
Thomas Dale
Lipporah Baker
Worcester County. The 13th day of November Anne Dom. 1786 then came Tabitha Dale and made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that the foregoing Instrument of writing is the true and whole Will and Testament of John Dale late of Worcester County deceased that hath come to the hands of possession and that she doth not know of any other. ----Before John Wise Ref. W. W. C. Worcester County. The 13th day of November Anno Dom. 1786 then came Josiah Dale late of Worcester and Thomas Dale two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing last will and Testament of John Dale late of Worcester County deceased and made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that they did see the Testator therein named Sign and Seal this Will & that they heard him Publish Pronounce and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament that at the time of his signing he was to the best of their apprehensions of a sound and disposing mind memory and understanding and that they with Lipporah Baker the other subscribing witness to this will Respectively subscribed their names as witnesses to this Will in the Presence and at the Request of the Testator and in the presence of each other. Before John Wise Reg. W. W. C.
-----
If you can get your hands on an estate case or probate case, you will likely find a wealth of information. A probate file may contain the subject's last will and testament, itemized lists of possessions and real estate, financial documents, lists and testimonies of living beneficiaries and next of kin. The records may also include information concerning employment, burial, funeral services, and the residence(s) of the subject's spouse and children.
Below is an example of a Last Will and Testament, which was transcribed and uploaded onto Ancestry.com for public viewing. Notice the land descriptions in the second paragraph. Legal land descriptions can help genealogists to pinpoint the exact location of an ancestor's property. Wills often end up in title abstracts of properties and residences to demonstrate changes made to property lines over the years.
-----
According to The Dales of Eastern Shore Maryland and Tennessee, 1986, Clarice G Neil.
Last Will & Testament of John Dale, Senior (1723-1786)
In the Name of God Amen. This 29th day of September 1785. I John Dale Senior of Worcester County and State of Maryland, Being of sound and Perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to God, and Calling to mind the mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and order this my last Will and Testament that is to say Principally and first of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the Hands of almighty God that gave it and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be Buried in a Christian Like manor at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter Named and as touching our worldly Estate wherewith it hath boon Pleased God to bless me with in this life I give, demise and dispose of the same in the following manor and form:
Item: I give and Bequeath to my Son James Dale all my lands to the southernmost side of a dytch that leads down by Ephraim Catho------ and thence up and with the said dytch Till S74 West of Poles Will Strich and marked chestnut White Oak and from the said Oak N 68 W 49 Poles to intersect with a dytch that leads down by Seth Hardman Whaleys with all the appurtenances to the said lands belonging to him his heirs and assignees forever.
Item: I give and bequeath to my aforesaid Son James Dale one Cow & bottles after the decease of his mother to him his heirs and assignees.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my Son Jessy Dale all the land that I have in possession called Bear Quarter with all the appurtenances to the said lands belonging to him his heirs and assignees for ever.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid son Jessey Dale one Sow and Pigs to him his heirs and assignees.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my Son John Milbourn Dale all the Remaining Part of my Lands with all the appurtenances to the said Lands Belonging, to him his heirs and assignees forever.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid son John Milbourn Dale on Sow and pigs to him his heirs and assignees.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Dale one Bed and furniture, one Cow and Calf, two Ewe and Lambs, one Chest to her her heirs and assignees.
Item: I give and bequeath to my Daughter, Tabitha Dale one Bed and furniture, one Cow and Calf, two Ewe and Lambs, one Chest to her her heirs and assignees.
Item: I give and bequeath unto my aforesaid son John Milbourn Dale one Little Desk to him is heirs and assignees.
Item: I will and order that after my Debts and Legacies are paid the Remainder of my Estate be Equally divided between three of my Daughters Vis. Mary Dale, Martha Baker, & Tabitha Dale their heirs and assignees.
Item: I will and appoint my well Beloved wife Tabitha Dale and my Sons James Dale my only and sole Executors of this my last will and Testament.
Lastly I do hereby declare and confirm this to be my last will and Testament in Witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my Seal the Day and year First above written.
John Dale (seal)
Signed, Sealed, Published and Declared by the said John Dale to be his last will and Testament, In Presence of us:
Josiah Dale
Thomas Dale
Lipporah Baker
Worcester County. The 13th day of November Anne Dom. 1786 then came Tabitha Dale and made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that the foregoing Instrument of writing is the true and whole Will and Testament of John Dale late of Worcester County deceased that hath come to the hands of possession and that she doth not know of any other. ----Before John Wise Ref. W. W. C. Worcester County. The 13th day of November Anno Dom. 1786 then came Josiah Dale late of Worcester and Thomas Dale two of the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing last will and Testament of John Dale late of Worcester County deceased and made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that they did see the Testator therein named Sign and Seal this Will & that they heard him Publish Pronounce and declare the same to be his last Will and Testament that at the time of his signing he was to the best of their apprehensions of a sound and disposing mind memory and understanding and that they with Lipporah Baker the other subscribing witness to this will Respectively subscribed their names as witnesses to this Will in the Presence and at the Request of the Testator and in the presence of each other. Before John Wise Reg. W. W. C.
-----
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Family History Case Study: Martin family history
This is a follow-up post to one we did back in November. Below is what amounts to a family group sheet for Perry Newton Martin and Mary Olive Keltner. As you can see, family history research is always a work in progress!
Perry Newton and Mary Olive Keltner Martin
Family Group Information
Husband
Full Name: Perry Newton Martin
Born: 13 November 1875, Indiana, USA
Married: 8 April 1895, Montgomery County, Indiana, USA
Died: 26 July 1956, Champaign County, Illinois, USA
Buried: East Lawn Cemetery, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Occupation: Locomotive Engineer, Illinois Central Railroad, retired 1946
Church: University Place Christian Church, Urbana, Champign, Illinois, USA
Father's name: Valerian I. Martin (1851-1931)
Mother's name: Mary Jane Corn (1850-1928)
Wife
Full Name: Mary Olive Keltner
Born: 23 September 1875, Darke County, Ohio, USA
Died: 11 May 1965, Champaign County, Illinois, USA
Buried: East Lawn Cemetery, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Occupation: Telephone Operator
Father's name: Jacob M. Keltner (1810-?)
Mother's name: Margurete Cain (1845-?)
Children
1. Arthur Martin
Born: May 1896, Indiana, USA
2. Harry Ellsworth Martin
Born: 6 January 1898, Crawfordsville, Montgomery, Indiana, USA
Married: Thelma Clotine Sayles (26 Jun 1906 - 27 Jan 1973) on 27 June 1924, Rantoul, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Died: 26 June 1972, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Buried: Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Occupation: Brakeman, Driver, Warehouse manager
Church: University Place Christian Church, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
3. Lee Otis Martin
Born: 1900, Montgomery County, Indiana, USA
Died: before 1965
4. Thelma Madeline Martin
Born: 20 April 1906
Married: Donald Oliver Sturdyvin
Other marriages: John B. Hughes, 13 May 1946, Champaign County, Illinois, USA
5. Ernest Walter Martin
Born: 1912
Died: before 1965
Perry Newton and Mary Olive Keltner Martin
Family Group Information
Husband
Full Name: Perry Newton Martin
Born: 13 November 1875, Indiana, USA
Married: 8 April 1895, Montgomery County, Indiana, USA
Died: 26 July 1956, Champaign County, Illinois, USA
Buried: East Lawn Cemetery, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Occupation: Locomotive Engineer, Illinois Central Railroad, retired 1946
Church: University Place Christian Church, Urbana, Champign, Illinois, USA
Father's name: Valerian I. Martin (1851-1931)
Mother's name: Mary Jane Corn (1850-1928)
Wife
Full Name: Mary Olive Keltner
Born: 23 September 1875, Darke County, Ohio, USA
Died: 11 May 1965, Champaign County, Illinois, USA
Buried: East Lawn Cemetery, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Occupation: Telephone Operator
Father's name: Jacob M. Keltner (1810-?)
Mother's name: Margurete Cain (1845-?)
Children
1. Arthur Martin
Born: May 1896, Indiana, USA
2. Harry Ellsworth Martin
Born: 6 January 1898, Crawfordsville, Montgomery, Indiana, USA
Married: Thelma Clotine Sayles (26 Jun 1906 - 27 Jan 1973) on 27 June 1924, Rantoul, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Died: 26 June 1972, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Buried: Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
Occupation: Brakeman, Driver, Warehouse manager
Church: University Place Christian Church, Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
3. Lee Otis Martin
Born: 1900, Montgomery County, Indiana, USA
Died: before 1965
4. Thelma Madeline Martin
Born: 20 April 1906
Married: Donald Oliver Sturdyvin
Other marriages: John B. Hughes, 13 May 1946, Champaign County, Illinois, USA
5. Ernest Walter Martin
Born: 1912
Died: before 1965
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Family History in the News: February 2016
Can't get enough family history and genealogy? Check out these ancestry, family history, and genealogy stories that have been in the news recently:
Bad heart to bad habits: Blame your Neanderthal DNA Washington Post
When Ancestry search led to escaped slave (Author interview) NPR
6 Rising Genealogy Apps Forbes
DNA, Genealogy and the search for who we are NPR
Can you tell your ethnic identity from your DNA? NPR
Understanding DNA testing in family history Deseret News
Why does my Lebanese dad have African DNA when I don't? The Root
Bad heart to bad habits: Blame your Neanderthal DNA Washington Post
When Ancestry search led to escaped slave (Author interview) NPR
6 Rising Genealogy Apps Forbes
DNA, Genealogy and the search for who we are NPR
Can you tell your ethnic identity from your DNA? NPR
Understanding DNA testing in family history Deseret News
Why does my Lebanese dad have African DNA when I don't? The Root
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Ancestor of the day: Elsie Alice Walton (1895 - 1933)
Elsie Alice Walton was born in Chicago Heights, Cook County, Illinois on May 22, 1895. She was the daughter of Adolph Robert Walton (1861 - 1925) and Bertha Catherine Borst (1876 - 1906). Both of her parents were first generation Americans and all four of her grandparents were born in Germany. Not much is known about her grandparents before they arrived in the United States, but her maternal grandfather, Wendelin Borst, was born in Baden-Wurttemberg and his wife, Catharina, was originally from Bavaria. Adolph and his family moved from Chicago to Champaign, Illinois in 1903 where Adolph became employed as an Upholsterer for Mittendorf & Kiler.
Elsie was the eldest of four children: her only brother Frank Julius Walton was born in 1896, her sister Grance Florence Walton was born in 1904 (died 1966), and her youngest sister Helen Rose Walton was born in 1906. Unfortunately, Helen Rose died shortly after her birth and Elsie's mother, Bertha died at their home shortly thereafter due to what her obituary called "puerpereal convulsions." It was also said that Bertha had been a "vigorous and healthy" woman. Elsie was 11 when she lost her mother.
Aroung 1918 Elsie married William Hugh Guthrie (1886 - 1967) and the couple moved briefly to Raymond, Rice, Kansas, USA. Hugh already had three children from a previous marriage: William Henry b. 1908, Branch b. 1912, and Evert b. 1915. Elsie's first daughter, Goldia "Goldie" Marie Guthrie was born January 15, 1919. Her second daughter, Cleota Elizabeth was born in Kansas as well, in 1921.
The family relocated to Mahomet, Champaign, Illinois, USA sometime between Cleota's birth and the birth of the couple's third daughter, Eunice Alice Guthrie in 1924. Elsie and Hugh's fourth child, and only son, Floyd Jack Guthrie was born in 1926.
Elsie's life was cut tragically short when she received a scratch from a rusted nail. The wound became infected and Elsie died of blood poisoning ten days later on April 23, 1933. According to a news article that accompanied her obituary, Elsie was not brought to the hospital until April 23 and was in critical condition upon her arrival. I can only imagine what her life could have been if she had arrived at the hospital before her injuries became so critical!
Elsie Alice Walton Guthrie was buried in Mahomet Cemetery in Mahomet, Champaign, Illinois. At the time of her death she was 47 years old.
Elsie was the eldest of four children: her only brother Frank Julius Walton was born in 1896, her sister Grance Florence Walton was born in 1904 (died 1966), and her youngest sister Helen Rose Walton was born in 1906. Unfortunately, Helen Rose died shortly after her birth and Elsie's mother, Bertha died at their home shortly thereafter due to what her obituary called "puerpereal convulsions." It was also said that Bertha had been a "vigorous and healthy" woman. Elsie was 11 when she lost her mother.
Aroung 1918 Elsie married William Hugh Guthrie (1886 - 1967) and the couple moved briefly to Raymond, Rice, Kansas, USA. Hugh already had three children from a previous marriage: William Henry b. 1908, Branch b. 1912, and Evert b. 1915. Elsie's first daughter, Goldia "Goldie" Marie Guthrie was born January 15, 1919. Her second daughter, Cleota Elizabeth was born in Kansas as well, in 1921.
The family relocated to Mahomet, Champaign, Illinois, USA sometime between Cleota's birth and the birth of the couple's third daughter, Eunice Alice Guthrie in 1924. Elsie and Hugh's fourth child, and only son, Floyd Jack Guthrie was born in 1926.
Elsie's life was cut tragically short when she received a scratch from a rusted nail. The wound became infected and Elsie died of blood poisoning ten days later on April 23, 1933. According to a news article that accompanied her obituary, Elsie was not brought to the hospital until April 23 and was in critical condition upon her arrival. I can only imagine what her life could have been if she had arrived at the hospital before her injuries became so critical!
Elsie Alice Walton Guthrie was buried in Mahomet Cemetery in Mahomet, Champaign, Illinois. At the time of her death she was 47 years old.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Genetics: What does your blood type say about your ancestry?
For some reason I have always been interested in blood types. Maybe it's because my grandma always had this gigantic looking book in her living room called "Eat Right 4 your type" or maybe it is because my own blood type is O negative, which makes me a universal blood donor. Whatever the reason, my fascination with blood types led me towards a little research that relates blood types to ancestry.
A Brief Science Lesson
Have you ever donated or received blood? Chances are you have discovered your own blood type based on one of those transactions. The reason being that doctors have to ascertain your blood type before giving your donated blood to someone else or before you receive blood to ensure compatibility between the two blood types.
From a simplistic point of view, there are four blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Your blood type depends on the antigens that are present in your red blood cells and the types of antibodies that your blood makes. For example, those with type A blood have red blood cells with A antigens present and their blood makes antibodies that fight type B antigens. Those with type B are the opposite. Type AB individuals, therefore, have both sets of antigens in their red blood cells and produce no antibodies; type Os have no antigens and produce antibodies that fight both types of antigens. Here's a chart that is probably easier to understand:
Blood Types and Ancient Humans
That's nice. But this is a genealogy blog, so what the science lesson? It turns out that your blood type is inherited from your parents, and that means it has been passed down through the generations, perhaps for tens of thousands of years. That's pretty cool (or maybe it's not cool and I'm a bigger nerd than I thought)!
The evolution of blood types throughout human history can be broken down into a few categories, which I will call: Hunter-Gatherers, Nomads, Agrarians, and Collection. Please keep in mind that I have read several articles and am condensing that information into a few paragraphs. Lots of other folks on the web, especially nutritionists and dietitians, have explained each blood type and their origins more thoroughly than I have.
Enjoy!
Type O: The Hunter-Gatherers
If you have Type O blood, congratulations. You possess the most ancient of modern blood types. It is also the most common blood type: 37% of Americans have type O+ and 6% have O- blood type. Cro-Magnon, or Early Modern Humans are our first direct ancestor. They ate a protein-rich diet and began hunting big game with tools and weapons. Their O blood type supported this hunter-gatherer lifestyle and people today with type O blood often secrete more stomach acid and have an easier time metabolizing animal proteins.
Since I am type O, I can attest that for a six month period I became a vegetarian and suffered from anemia, general fatigue, and I was hungry all the time no matter how much non-animal protein I consumed. I finally broke that diet and am now omnivorous and happy. I also have the stomach problems associated with the blood type and have acid re-flux disease, am prone to ulcers, and must, must, must exercise at least 5 times per week to counteract a lot of those symptoms. The more I run, the better I feel!
Type A: The Agrarians
At the beginning of the Neolithic Period, about 30,000 BCE, people began to domesticate animals and created farming communities. The move from hunter-gatherers to farmers also saw the beginning of a new ABO blood type, A, in Caucasian people between 25,000 and 15,000 BCE. The new blood type group evolved from a new diet based on plants rather than meats. About 13,000 years later, the Indo-Europeans carried the A blood type into populations in Russia and Eastern Europe. My daughter is type A and she prefers a diet of fruits, vegetables, and a little grain and protein.
Type B: The Nomads
The end of the Neolithic Period, about 10,000 BCE, saw the emergence of yet another blood type: B. This blood type originated in parts of India, Pakistan, and southwestern Asia. And, as the Mongolians moved throughout Eurasia, the B blood type became firmly established throughout the region as well. Because these peoples depended on domesticated livestock, type Bs can more easily digest animal proteins and lactose: type Bs are the only blood types that can easily digest dairy products after the age of 2 years old. They are also more likely to be adaptable and malleable.
Type AB: The Collective
AB is the rarest and newest of all four blood types--it is only about 1000-1200 years old! Type A and B are co-dominant and result from a mixed inheritance of A and B alleles, unlike all of the other blood types that evolved from environmental aspects over thousands of years. Type ABs can take on either or both traits of type A and B, sometimes creating health problems such as weight gain. For example, type AB may have the ability to digest meats because of its nomadic type B blood, but lack the stomach acid to properly break down and process those meats, thus rendering most of the protein into fat rather than metabolizing it.
I am married to an AB type and he can and will eat just about anything! This characteristic reflects the mixed inheritance of the co-dominant alleles that evolved under very different circumstances.
Conclusions
No matter what your blood type, you inherited those alleles from your ancestors. It is also nice to reflect upon the evolutionary circumstances that surrounded the appearance of different genes. To learn more about the evolution of the four blood types see the links above or check out the following:
A brief history of human blood types National Library of Medicine
Why do we have blood types? Carl Zimmerman for BBC Future
This answer to a forum question on Standford at The Tech's website contradicts the theory of O as the first blood type.
And here is an article from the Institute for Creation Research that argues all the blood types were introduced into the genome at essentially the same time (when Adam and Eve were created).
A Brief Science Lesson
Have you ever donated or received blood? Chances are you have discovered your own blood type based on one of those transactions. The reason being that doctors have to ascertain your blood type before giving your donated blood to someone else or before you receive blood to ensure compatibility between the two blood types.
From a simplistic point of view, there are four blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Your blood type depends on the antigens that are present in your red blood cells and the types of antibodies that your blood makes. For example, those with type A blood have red blood cells with A antigens present and their blood makes antibodies that fight type B antigens. Those with type B are the opposite. Type AB individuals, therefore, have both sets of antigens in their red blood cells and produce no antibodies; type Os have no antigens and produce antibodies that fight both types of antigens. Here's a chart that is probably easier to understand:
Blood Types and Ancient Humans
That's nice. But this is a genealogy blog, so what the science lesson? It turns out that your blood type is inherited from your parents, and that means it has been passed down through the generations, perhaps for tens of thousands of years. That's pretty cool (or maybe it's not cool and I'm a bigger nerd than I thought)!
The evolution of blood types throughout human history can be broken down into a few categories, which I will call: Hunter-Gatherers, Nomads, Agrarians, and Collection. Please keep in mind that I have read several articles and am condensing that information into a few paragraphs. Lots of other folks on the web, especially nutritionists and dietitians, have explained each blood type and their origins more thoroughly than I have.
Enjoy!
Type O: The Hunter-Gatherers
If you have Type O blood, congratulations. You possess the most ancient of modern blood types. It is also the most common blood type: 37% of Americans have type O+ and 6% have O- blood type. Cro-Magnon, or Early Modern Humans are our first direct ancestor. They ate a protein-rich diet and began hunting big game with tools and weapons. Their O blood type supported this hunter-gatherer lifestyle and people today with type O blood often secrete more stomach acid and have an easier time metabolizing animal proteins.
Since I am type O, I can attest that for a six month period I became a vegetarian and suffered from anemia, general fatigue, and I was hungry all the time no matter how much non-animal protein I consumed. I finally broke that diet and am now omnivorous and happy. I also have the stomach problems associated with the blood type and have acid re-flux disease, am prone to ulcers, and must, must, must exercise at least 5 times per week to counteract a lot of those symptoms. The more I run, the better I feel!
Type A: The Agrarians
At the beginning of the Neolithic Period, about 30,000 BCE, people began to domesticate animals and created farming communities. The move from hunter-gatherers to farmers also saw the beginning of a new ABO blood type, A, in Caucasian people between 25,000 and 15,000 BCE. The new blood type group evolved from a new diet based on plants rather than meats. About 13,000 years later, the Indo-Europeans carried the A blood type into populations in Russia and Eastern Europe. My daughter is type A and she prefers a diet of fruits, vegetables, and a little grain and protein.
Type B: The Nomads
The end of the Neolithic Period, about 10,000 BCE, saw the emergence of yet another blood type: B. This blood type originated in parts of India, Pakistan, and southwestern Asia. And, as the Mongolians moved throughout Eurasia, the B blood type became firmly established throughout the region as well. Because these peoples depended on domesticated livestock, type Bs can more easily digest animal proteins and lactose: type Bs are the only blood types that can easily digest dairy products after the age of 2 years old. They are also more likely to be adaptable and malleable.
Type AB: The Collective
AB is the rarest and newest of all four blood types--it is only about 1000-1200 years old! Type A and B are co-dominant and result from a mixed inheritance of A and B alleles, unlike all of the other blood types that evolved from environmental aspects over thousands of years. Type ABs can take on either or both traits of type A and B, sometimes creating health problems such as weight gain. For example, type AB may have the ability to digest meats because of its nomadic type B blood, but lack the stomach acid to properly break down and process those meats, thus rendering most of the protein into fat rather than metabolizing it.
I am married to an AB type and he can and will eat just about anything! This characteristic reflects the mixed inheritance of the co-dominant alleles that evolved under very different circumstances.
Conclusions
No matter what your blood type, you inherited those alleles from your ancestors. It is also nice to reflect upon the evolutionary circumstances that surrounded the appearance of different genes. To learn more about the evolution of the four blood types see the links above or check out the following:
A brief history of human blood types National Library of Medicine
Why do we have blood types? Carl Zimmerman for BBC Future
This answer to a forum question on Standford at The Tech's website contradicts the theory of O as the first blood type.
And here is an article from the Institute for Creation Research that argues all the blood types were introduced into the genome at essentially the same time (when Adam and Eve were created).
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Spring 2016: Upcoming Topics
One more week until our Tuesday morning posts resume! In February, we will publish posts on Archival Resources, Genetics, Ancestor of the Day, and Family History Case Study. Below is a description of some upcoming topics for Spring 2016.
Please take advantage of our new poll posted to the right. Get your votes in by February 10th.
Below are some topics we look forward to posting about this spring:
History and Genealogy -- This is a new series that will begin this spring. When you begin to research your family history, there is an inherent curiosity regarding the historical context
Beginner Genealogy -- because there is so much to cover when starting your research, we will continue this series throughout the winter and into the spring. The cold weather months are a perfect time to start your genealogical research in a warm, cozy library or archive, or at home!
Archival Resources -- In this series we will profile different record types and include examples and visuals when available.
Family History Case Study -- Sometimes the best way to begin your own research is by taking a look at someone else's. Family History Case Study presents some of Tangled Branches Genealogy's family history research.
Ancestor of the Day -- An always popular topic and very fun way to spend time researching! Probably more like "Ancestor of the Week."
Genetics -- The human genome is filled with information about our ancestors! We will begin to explore why genetics is becoming so important to family historians and genealogists.
Please take advantage of our new poll posted to the right. Get your votes in by February 10th.
Below are some topics we look forward to posting about this spring:
History and Genealogy -- This is a new series that will begin this spring. When you begin to research your family history, there is an inherent curiosity regarding the historical context
Beginner Genealogy -- because there is so much to cover when starting your research, we will continue this series throughout the winter and into the spring. The cold weather months are a perfect time to start your genealogical research in a warm, cozy library or archive, or at home!
Archival Resources -- In this series we will profile different record types and include examples and visuals when available.
Family History Case Study -- Sometimes the best way to begin your own research is by taking a look at someone else's. Family History Case Study presents some of Tangled Branches Genealogy's family history research.
Ancestor of the Day -- An always popular topic and very fun way to spend time researching! Probably more like "Ancestor of the Week."
Genetics -- The human genome is filled with information about our ancestors! We will begin to explore why genetics is becoming so important to family historians and genealogists.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
New Poll!
Please take advantage of our new poll located to the right. It is a way for us to take your interests into consideration while we work to generate interesting, informative content. Get your votes in by February 10th!
Monday, January 18, 2016
Hello!
It's been a while since we've posted and we're hard at work on some new content. Juggling work, family, and volunteer commitments can be a bit overwhelming at times. We'll be back to posting weekly on Tuesdays in February. For now, enjoy these genealogy and family history stories that have been in the recent news. Happy searching!
Were you adopted? Learn tips for searching your genealogy The Davis Enterprise
Genealogy: Digging deeper into newspapers Examiner.com
We the People: Archaic terms often stump genealogists NewsOk.com
Genealogy Records at Intersection of Faith, Family History Voice of America News
Irish Roots: Why Genealogy is Seasonal The Irish Times
Were you adopted? Learn tips for searching your genealogy The Davis Enterprise
Genealogy: Digging deeper into newspapers Examiner.com
We the People: Archaic terms often stump genealogists NewsOk.com
Genealogy Records at Intersection of Faith, Family History Voice of America News
Irish Roots: Why Genealogy is Seasonal The Irish Times
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