TERRE HAUTE — This week there are several queries. Their writers are hoping to receive a reply from someone in the Wabash Valley.
• Looking for information about Marcus Lafayette Herrington, who was married to Louisa Raley. My guess is that they may have been married around 1860. They were living in the Merom area of Sullivan County in 1880. They had children named George, Mox, Zora, Ora, and Clyde. The family moved to Texas around 1900, then moved on to Oklahoma Territory in 1903. I would very much like to hear anything you might find about the Herringon or Raley families. There may have been a Basil or George in the Raley family. Please contact Phyllis Stuart-Jacobson, 11563 N. Meadowbrook Dr., Mequon, WI 53097, phone (262) 238-8677, e-mail mjacobson11@wi.rr.com.
• I am researching my Clay County ancestors. Jacob Mathis was born 1879 in Germany and died 1956 in Brazil. His father was Henry Mathis, born 1858 in Germany. Jacob married Nora Williams, who was born 1881 in Kentucky or Indiana and died 1978 in Michigan. Her father was George P. Williams, born 1851 in Indiana, and her mother was Martha Sinclair, born 1850 in Kentucky. The marriage was in 1900, probably in Harmony, Clay County, where they lived and raised their family. They were my grandparents. I remember my grandfather’s brother, Metz, ran a grocery store in Brazil in the 1950s. Thanks in advance for any information. Penny Mathis McCormick, 8311 Jaclyn Ann Dr., Flushing, MI 48433, e-mail cormickd@sbcglobal.net.
• I have an original photo of Thomas Blue that I am trying to date. It was taken by J.R. Swain in Dana, Vermillion County, Indiana, and appears that the subject was between 20 and 30 years old. Thomas was born in 1850. Does anyone know when J.R. Swain was in business? I have another picture of Iva Blue Linebarger and her sister Elizabeth Blue that was taken by Swain and Rice photographers about 1888. Apparently J.R. Swain took in a partner some time after the picture of Thomas was taken. Elizabeth Blue died in 1892 so that sets an upper date for their studio. The family lived in Montezuma, Parke County, Indiana. Please contact Robert Blue, 400 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32803, e-mail obb32803@hotmail.com.
• Seeking information on Peter Cassady and his wife Prudence Harris, who settled Edgar County, Illinois. Peter was born in Virginia in the late 1700s. It is thought by Cassady researchers that all the Cassadys in Virginia are related, but that has not been proved. Peter’s family is listed on the 1850 census of Edgar County. He and Prudence were born in Halafax County, Virginia. Their children on the census were Mary, age 25, Ruth, age 22, Lucinda, age 20, John, age 16, and Peter Jr., age 13. The daughters were all born in Patrick County, Virginia, and the sons were born in Edgar County, Illinois. There was an older son, Daniel Leftridge Cassady, born in Virginia in 1820, who married Abigail Parker in Coles County, Illinois, on Oct. 17, 1844. There was another Cassady family, Daniel Cassady and his wife Jane Mullins, who settled in Edgar County about the same time as Peter and Prudence. This Daniel was also born in Halifax county, Virginia. He was a veteran of the War of 1812. His relationship to Peter is unknown. Both families may have come to Illinois because of military land grants. I would like information on Peter and Prudence Cassady’s parents and descendants, as well as any other information on these families. Please contact Helen Dallas, 4721 N. Co. Rd. 2200 E., Charleston, IL 61920, phone (217) 345-0749, e-mail hjdallas@dishmail.net.
History
Genealogy: Queries abound as holiday season approaches
- History
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Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties
The drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties. Both Montezuma and Cayuga were selling record amounts of water to farmers and residents of neighboring towns.
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Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in August
The Federation of Genealogical Societies will stage its 2013 conference Aug. 21-24 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne.
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Historical perspective: Engraver Fahnestock among local headlines in 1856
While perusing antique Terre Haute newspapers, the following story by editor-publisher Robert N. Hudson in the April 2, 1856 issue of the “Terre Haute Daily Express” attracted attention:
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Terre Haute fortunate to have a fine symphony orchestra
We are fortunate in Terre Haute to have a fine symphony orchestra as one of our entertainment venues.
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Looking back: In 1988, the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute opens in Central Christian Church
Eighty persons attended the opening of the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute, housed in the lower level of Central Christian Church, 720 Larry Bird Ave.
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Genealogy: Any community can take advantage of cultural tourism
Cultural tourism is a subset of the tourism industry that focuses on a region’s cultural heritage, lifestyle, history, geography, art and architecture. We may think of it as something elaborate and grand, like traveling to Europe or Africa to experience the culture of our ancestors, but it can take place in almost any community.
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Historic treasure: Fold-up map fit in glove box of Model T
My maternal grandparents used to love to tell the story of how they decided on the driver/navigator orientation on their road trips after their retirement.
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Histori9cal perspective: Mace and Hyde included among significant educators
Since this column was launched in January 1995, it has emphasized notable accomplishments of past and present Wabash Valley residents.
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Historical perspective: The death of newspaper publisher George M. Allen
The name of George Murdoch Allen, editor and publisher of the Terre Haute Express for 16 years, is rarely mentioned today.
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Genalogy: Gen Gathering site a great opportunity to volunteer
Gen Gathering is a website that aims to match volunteers who have access to resources and are willing to do someone a favor, with researchers who need help.
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Looking back: In 2003, Terre Haute Police Department resumes bicycle patrols downtown
In 2003, members of the Terre Haute Police Department resumed bicycle patrols in the downtown area.
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Historical treasures: Horses, buggies and the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company
In her history of the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company, Mae Hunter Weinstein wrote that her father, William Robert Hunter, always had a song in his heart. Maybe that joyful spirit helped Hunter and his son keep the company going from the Civil War through World War I.
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GENEALOGY: Info sought on people buried in Clay County
This week, we have several queries.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: O.C. Simonds’ ideas launched Fairbanks Park
Among the first serious efforts to beautify the landscape near the Wabash River in Terre Haute occurred early in the 20th Century.
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: The Waffle House closes after 21 years
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Treasure: Davis Gardens: Once one of the largest greenhouses in world
Another rainy spring day kept me out of the garden so I decided to research some gardening history at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
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GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
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Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
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Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
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The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
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Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
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Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
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‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
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1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
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Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
- More History Headlines
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Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties




