TERRE HAUTE —
Due to the construction going on at the Vigo County Public Library, the regular meeting place for the Wabash Valley Genealogy Society is not available for this month’s program. Therefore the WVGS will stage its November meeting and program on Monday in the Providence Center at St. Mary-of-the Woods. The meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. and last until 8:30 p.m. Speaker Betty Warren will present “Land Ownership Search: Admire Acres.” This presentation will spotlight how to trace ownership of a piece of property by using wills, deeds, maps, probate records, census information and other clues to geographic location. This meeting is open to the public.
The Providence Center is on the campus of Saint Mary-of-the Woods College. Enter campus by the main gate, drive straight back, all the way to the circle and parking lot. Park and enter the Providence Center, which is next to the parking lot.
A reminder for WVGS members and those who want to join: 2013 dues are now payable. Dues are $15 for an individual and $20 for family membership.
•••
FamilySearch recently announced a new project, one that will interest many family historians. In August, FamilySearch announced its next major U.S. community project — U.S. Immigration and Naturalization. The project will create an extensive, free, online collection of U.S. passenger lists, border crossing records, naturalization records and more. The online volunteer community is two months into the project and aiming to index 30 million records by the end of the year. Thanks to the contributions of more than 85,000 volunteers, more than 15 million records have been completed already. See what U.S. Immigration and Naturalization projects are currently under way, or check on their status at FamilySearch.org/
immigration.
Queries
• Looking for marriage information for William Magill, born Aug. 6, 1797, married about 1826/1827. I do not know who his wife was. William and wife had three children: Margaret C. Magill, born about 1828 in Sullivan County, Indiana, Charles Newton Magill, born about 1831 in Sullivan County, and Samuel A. Magill, born about 1836 in Clark County, Illinois. William married a second time to Margaret Walker, April 8, 1856, in Clark County. William and Margaret Walker Magill/McGill are buried in Walnut Prairie Cemetery in York, Clark County. Any help in finding who William Magill’s first wife is would be greatly appreciated. I’m not sure if his first wife is buried in Turman, Sullivan County, or York. Thank you. Please contact Donna at greatwolf@
sbcglobal.net.
• I am looking for any information on Charles C. Selby, born in Island, McLean County, Kentucky. He married Ruth Comer in 1917. She is listed as living in Clay City, Indiana, and he is living in Jasonville, Greene County, Indiana. Her parents are listed as John Comer and Noree Harmon. Any information would be helpful. Contact Barbara Clayton, by email at babs907@att.net, or by phone at 812-665-2071.
• Hoping to find someone that has a picture and will scan or copy it to me of any of these people: John Detrick, 1824-1906; his wife, Virginia Fenton Farrow, 1827-1894; William Broadstreet, 1831-1915; his wife, Lydia Hood, 1840-1930; Hadden Smith, 1833-1909; his wife, Laura Larkin, 1835-1920. All were my direct ancestors, and they lived most or all of their lives in Putnam County, Indiana. Many thanks from Paul at debelling@msn.com.
History
GENEALOGY: Genealogy Society’s November meeting at different location
- History
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
GENEALOGY: Info sought on people buried in Clay County
This week, we have several queries.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
‘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.
-
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.
-
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
-
Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties




