TERRE HAUTE —
Family historians use a variety of forms, such as the pedigree chart and the family group sheet, which are very useful in helping to organize your information. But one of the most useful forms, which you can create all by yourself, is an individual timeline. It just takes a blank piece of paper.
Timelines are good to use at almost any point in your research. If you’re just beginning, they are a good way to set up the facts you know and add to them as you are doing more research. If you have hit a brick wall on an individual, setting up a timeline is an excellent way to see the summary of all of your research so far and to examine the gaps that require further research. Unlike a biography, a timeline is a fast and easy way to lay out the facts of a person’s life quickly and without having to d a lot of organizing, arranging and writing.
For my timelines, I use only documented, proven facts that I’ve discovered about a person’s life, and place them in chronological order. I usually don’t include speculations, theories or family legend (even if I believe it is true). Each entry on a timeline should include the date and location of the documented event.
Here is an example of the timeline I did for my 6x great-grandmother’s mystery child, Simeon Shields: I first encountered his name on an 1812 Henry County, Ky., deed in which Simeon is named as an “infant heir” of Patrick Shields, in the division of deceased Patrick’s lands. Now I had Simeon’s name as of one of Patrick’s children. By looking back on the 1810 census of Henry County, I found two males aged 10 to 16 living in Patrick’s widow’s household. I knew that one was William, who was born in 1794 and would have been 16 in 1810, so the other must be Simeon, a bit younger. Since his father Patrick died in 1797, and William was older, Simeon must have been 13 to 15 years old in 1810. I used this census as my first entry on his time-line. Simeon was there in the household in 1810. The second entry was the 1812 deed where he was named and the third entry an 1813 deed.
I couldn’t find evidence of Simeon on the 1820 census. He should have been over age 21 at that time. No marriage records could be found (as for his brother William) and no person of his age category was living with his then re-married mother. But he wasn’t dead. He was named in an 1824 Henry County deed as an heir of Patrick Shields. This was my next entry on his timeline. He couldn’t be found on the 1830 census. Still no marriage records. Where was he? Was he dead?
No. In 1839 the heirs of Patrick Shields got together to sell off the inherited land. Simeon was still on the list of heirs. As sellers, all heirs had to sign the deed. But Simeon didn’t. Instead, his mother and her second husband agreed to warrant and defend against the claim of Simeon Shields or any person claiming under, by or through him, and should the purchasers of the land be interrupted by any person claiming through Simeon Shields, the parents bound themselves to refund the money paid. Alive, but not present at the signing. What did this mean?
The next deed entry I had was one in 1844 showing the brother William named as an heir of Simeon Shields. So Simeon was dead by 1844. But he had never married or been enumerated on any census that I could find. Where had he been? I had several theories, but no evidence for anything. This was a brick wall for many years. Then, one day it was all explained when a fellow researcher was going through the Henry County court records and ran across the 1841 “idiocy” hearing of Simeon Shields. He had been under the care of the county, who charged his mother for his care.
History
GENEALOGY: Individual timeline one of most useful genealogy forms
- History
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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.”
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‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
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Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
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Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
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Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
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Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
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Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
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Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
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Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
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River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
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Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
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Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
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Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
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Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
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Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
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Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
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The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
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