My Male Ancestors – Birth, Death, and Age at Death

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Don Taylor

Brown/Montran Research
Roberts/Barnes Research

One of the reasons that I enjoy Randy Seaver’s blog, Genea-Musings is that he regularly makes me realize the missing branches I have in my tree leaves have lots more to do on my tree.  His recent “Saturday Night Genealogy Fun” asked folks to look at their tree and determine the age of death for their male ancestors. (He had done a similar thing for female ancestors the week before.)

Using Heredis, it is really simple to generate such a report. I clicked on myself, then clicked on Documents/Ancestor Report and the system generated the data. Then I went to Report Export, I selected Excel from several options.  After the information exported, the Excel spreadsheet opened automatically.

Because the ahnentafel numbers for the individuals are exported, it is easy to select just the male ancestors by deleting all of the odd numbers. I immediately saw that my 3rd great-grandfather, Enoch Mannin, lived the longest – 88 years. The ancestor who died the earliest was my great-grandfather Hugh Ellis Roberts, who died at an extremely young 24 years of age.

Next, I began seeing my gaps.  I have three people with a range of dates for their life.  For example, my great-grandfather John F. Montran was born sometime between 1860 and 1875 and died sometime before 1911. So, he could have died at 35 or died at 51 years or anywhere in between; I don’t know.

Then, I realized I have six ancestors for whom I have no death dates. More work.

Finally, I realized I have nine ancestors in the past five generations that I know nothing about.  No names, let alone birth or death dates. So, Randy’s challenge reminded me of how much more work I still have to do. But the good news is that I have 11 of my male ancestors identified as to their age at death. Even better, I have eight more this year than I would have had last year (all of my Roberts line.).  I even have one more than I would have had last week, So things are definitely looking up.

Chart of Male Ancestors, Dates of Birth and Death

Ahn. #
Surname
Birth Date
Death Date
Age at Death
Father
2
Hugh Eugene  Roberts
° 9/1926
† 27/3/1997
70
Grandfathers
4
Bert Allen  Roberts
° 7/9/1903
† 1/5/1949
45
6
Richard Earl  Brown
° 14/9/1903
† 19/1/1990
86
Great-Grandfathers
8
Hugh Ellis  Roberts
° 2/7/1884
† 30/8/1908
24
10
Joel Clinton Barnes
° 23/6/1857
† 30/6/1921
64
12
Arthur Durwood  Brown
° ~ 1864
† 27/8/1928
~ 64
14
John F  Montran
° <> 1860 & 1875
† < 1911
< 35
2nd Great-Grandfathers
16
Asa Ellis Roberts
° 28/2/1835
† 8/10/1887
52
18
Samuel Vaden Scott
° 1860
† 1931
71
20
Nelson Barnes
° 24/3/1816
† 21/2/1884
67
22
Nimrod Lister
° <> 1824 & 1827
† < 1909
< 82
24
William Henry Brown
° 1842
26
John William  Manning
° ~ 1845
† 25/4/1888
~ 43
28
Unknown (Montran)
30
Franklin E  Barber
° 10/1836
† 7/4/1917
80
Third Great-Grandfathers
32
John Calvin Roberts
° 3/3/1795
† 4/1873
78
34
Unknown Marshall
36
William H. Scott
38
Adrico J. Haley
40
Unknown (Barnes)
42
Unknown
44
Unknown (Lister)
46
Unknown
48
Barney Brown
° ~ 1814
† <> 1860 & 1870
<> 46 & 55
50
William M  Sanford
° ~ 1822
52
Enoch  Mannin
° 1819
† 7/4/1907
88
54
Unknown
56
Unknown (Montran)
58
Unknown
60
Unknown (Barber)
62
Stephen  Blackhurst
° ~ 1804
† 24/12/1869
~ 65
———-  DISCLAIMER  ———-

 

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The National Archives – One of my favorite research sites

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Don Taylor

 Rode Project

 I love the National Archives website.  It is quick and easy to use.  Although it doesn’t always yield information about my research subject, when it does, the information is incredible.

Adolph Rode

I was recently researching Adolph Rode as part of my Rode Project. Because of the Census records, I knew that Adolph immigrated about 1912[i], he filed his First Papers sometime before 1930[ii], and he had naturalized before 1940[iii].

Just the fact that he immigrated, and thus was at some point an Alien, is enough for me to check that an individual might have a record at the National Archives. Searching the National Archives Catalog is very easy and something you should do for any immigrants in your research. Just enter the name of the individual in the search box; in my case I entered: Adolph Rode.  At the top of the results was “Alien Case File for Adolph Rode.”  The results also include the date of birth and the place of birth, so there was no doubt that the record was the Adolph Rode I was researching.

Next, I wondered if there were any other family members with Alien Case files.

Another search, this time for:  “Rode” “Alien Case File” returned 20 results. I scanned the names for other family members.  The only other familiar name was Adolph’s wife, Louisa. Two records – definitely worth ordering, so I ordered them.

It took a few days to have the records sent from the warehouse to the Archives Office, have the documents scanned, then have the images emailed to me.  I had the option to have them USPS  mailed to me, but I’d just scan them myself and then wonder what to do with the paper copies I received. (Throwing them out just wouldn’t seem right.)

The documents arrived. Some pages were useless, like the back side to an old computer punch card or the form on the backside of a letter that wasn’t filled out. One document in the package was the treasure trove of information that I was hoping for – a Form AR-2 Alien Registration Form.

Registration of Aliens was required by the Alien Act of 1940 and all who registered between 1 August 1940 and 31 March 1944 used the Form AR-2.  I was surprised to see Adolph had a Form AR2 on file. I know when an individual becomes naturalized their A-File is consolidated into their naturalization file. Looking closer at the documents, one of them was about Reinold Rode (Adolph’s son) and identified him as 4 585 609, the same number as his father. It looks as though when Reinold applied for citizenship, they reopened Adolph’s record.

In any event, the Adolph Rode – Alien Case File is a treasure trove of information. There are bits of fun information, such as, Adolph physical description was: 5’2” 165lbs, red hair blue eyes.  There is also key new information, such as Adolph entered the US as a passenger aboard the S. S. Barbrasussa on Apr 25, 1913.  I also learned he was “called by the draft in Nov. 1918,” which indicates he at least registered, and I learned that his First Papers were received on August 1922 in Madison, Nebraska[iv].

Alien Registration Form – AF-2 – Front
Adolph Rode
Source: National Archives; Alien Case Files; File A4585609
Alien Registration Form – AF-2 – Back
Adolph Rode
Source: National Archives; Alien Case Files; File A4585609

 

The Alien Case File for Adolph Rode provided what all really great sources should provide:

  • Easy search function
  • Access to original documents,
  • Provide answers to genealogical questions
  • Provide the basis for fresh inquiries.

Future Actions

  • Find records regarding Adolph’s arrived in the US aboard the S. S. Barbrarussa.
  • Find Adolph’s WW1 Draft Registration Record
  • Track down First Papers
  • Confirm Naturalization.
  • Follow lives of Margaret, Ruddolph, and Otto

 ENDNOTES

[i] Family Search; 1920 Census; Adolph Rode; Dimick, Stanton, Nebraska; ED 204, Sheet 8B, Line 65, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCK1-WB1.
[ii] Family Search; 1930 Census; Adolph Rohde (Rode) – Slough, Pierce Nebraska, Sheet 4A, Line 12; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XQ24-PW7.
[iii] Family Search; 1940 Census; Adolph Rode – Willow Twp, Antelope, Nebraska – ED 2-32, Sheet 4A, family 63; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KM1F-RY7.
[iv] National Archives – Kansas City; Alien Case File; A4585609 – Adolph Rode.
———-  DISCLAIMER  ———-

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Surname Saturday – Brown

Posted on August 6, 2016 by Don Taylor

Brown Surname Meaning

English, Scottish, and Irish: Generally a nickname referring to the color of the hair or complexion, Middle English br(o)un, from Old English brun or Old French brun. As an American family name, it has absorbed numerous surnames from other languages with the same meaning.[i] The name is from an old adjective meaning ‘brown dark red,’ Old English and OHG. [ii] Read More About This Surname

Geographical

Although only ranked #202 in the world, the surname Brown is ranked #2 in Scotland and Canada, #3 in Australia, and #4 in England and the United States. In the United States, it is surpassed only by Smith, Johnson, and Williams in frequency.[iii]

In the 1840s, the Brown families in the United States were in every state but concentrated in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.[iv]

My Brown Ancestors

#96 – My earliest known Brown ancestor is my 4th great-grandfather, Odel Brown. I know virtually nothing about Odel other than he was probably born about 1773, he married a woman named Jane and had at least two children, David and my 3rd great-grandfather, Barney Brown.

#48 – Barney/Daney Brown was born in New Hampshire about 1814. He married a woman named Mary probably about 1840.[v] Barney and Mary had at least four children, William Henry, Myron O., Alice C., and David V. Brown. Barney/Daney Brown seems to have vanished from the records after 1860 and before 1870, so I believe he died before 1 June 1870.

#24 – William Henry Brown (he apparently went by Henry) was born in 1842 in Michigan. I speculate that he married Marion Sanford in 1866.[vi] They had 11 children that I know of.

    1. Arthur Durwood Brown
    2. Nettie May Brown
    3. Charles Dean Brown
    4. Mary Brown
    5. Almond Brown
    6. Gerome Clifford Brown
    7. William Henry Brown
    8. Clyde Hewett Brown
    9. Frederick Brown
    10. Ada Brown
    11. Edward Warberton Brown

William Henry Brown appears to have died between 1885 and 1900.

Arthur Durwood Brown

#12 – Arthur Durwood Brown was born about 1864 in Michigan. He married Mary Elizabeth Manning in 1891. Arthur and Mary had twelve children:

  1. Clarence Arthur Brown
  2. Clyde Leroy Brown
  3. Victoria Cecelia Brown
  4. Martin Brown
  5. Cora Elsie Brown
  6. Richard Earl Brown (Aka Clifford Durand Brown)
  7. Dorothy Brown
  8. Edward Lewis Brown
  9. Arthur Eugene Brown
  10. Charles William Brown
  11. Delores Sarah Brown
  12. Nettie Mae Viola Brown

Arthur Durwood Brown died on 27 Aug 1928 in Walker, Minnesota.

Richard Earl Brown always carried a hunting knife.
Photo: ca. 1953

#06 – Richard Earl Brown was born 14 September 1903 as Clifford Durwood Brown. He had a daughter, my mother, with Madonna (Donna) Montran. He always wanted to marry Donna, but she said, “No.”

He changed his name to Richard Earl Durand and married Dorothy Amanda Wilhelm. Dick, as he was known, and Dorothy had two children. Living Durand and Mary Lou Durand. He married Cecelia Ann Squires in 1975.

Richard Earl Brown died 19 January 1990.

My Direct Brown Ancestors

    • #96 – Odel Brown (c. 1796-?)
    • #48 – Barney/Daney Brown (c.1814-c.1860)
    • #24 – William Henry Brown (1842-c.1895)
    • #12 – Arthur Durwood Brown (1864-1928)
    • #6 – Richard Earl Brown (aka Clifford Durwood Brown, aka Richard Earl Durand) (1903-1990)
    • #3 – My mother – (Now deceased)
    • #1 – Me – Generation

My known Brown relatives.

My records have 248 direct-line descendants of Barney/Daney Brown identified over nine generations, which is about 5% of my known Brown/Montran family tree. Looking at the Browns another way, I have 144 individuals with the surname of Brown in my Brown/Montran family tree, the most of any surname.

ENDNOTES

[i] Ancestry.com; Dictionary of American Family Names ©2013, Oxford University Press via https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=Brown

[ii] Web: Forebears – https://forebears.io/surnames/brown

[iii] Web: Wikipedia – List of most common surnames in North America
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_most_common_surnames_in_North_America

[iv] Ancestry.com; From the 1840 US Federal Census Date – https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=Brown

[v] William Henry Brown was born in 1842 and is believed to be the first child of Barney and Mary Brown. Assuming they did marry, that would estimate they married about 1840.

[vi]   Marian’s first child was born in 1867 when she was 20. I guesstimate she and Henry were married about a year earlier when she was 19.

Do you have a Brown ancestor?  Do you think that ancestor is one of mine?  If so, let’s prove it.  If you have tested with Ancestry, Family Tree, or 23 & Me, please contact me through the comments field below.  If you haven’t tested, I recommend you do so. Either FamilyTreeDNA or Ancestry.Com tests will easily show the genetic connection.

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Donna in New Philadelphia, OH, at the Union Theatre – 10 April, 1920

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Don Taylor

Vaudeville

It had been a busy week. We now know “Chin Chin” played at the Park Theatre in Youngstown on Thursday[i] and the Victoria Theatre in Steubenville on Friday. It was back to the train and headed west about an hour to New Philadelphia for a one-night show at the Union Opera House on Saturday, April 10th.

The Daily Times 3 April 1920

The Daily Times
3 April 1920 Source: Newspapers.com

The initial notice for the show appeared in The Daily Times (New Philadelphia) on April 3, 1920, which was the Saturday before the Saturday show. The Daily Times was the major newspaper of the area with a circulation of 2,575 per the Julius Cahn Theatrical Guide of 1914. Advertising during the subsequent days let folks know many of the particulars of the show, including two car loads of scenery, seven sets, indoor circus, and, of course, the Clown Saxophone Band would be there. Besides the stars, Walter Wills and Roy Binder, Ethel Lawrence and George Usher are mentioned in articles.

1920-04-08-TheDailyTimes-Page5

The Daily Times (New Philadelphia, OH) April 8, 1920, Page 5 Source: Newspapers.com

On April 8th, the Daily Times did run a photo showing 16 of “Chin Chinners.”  I don’t see Donna in this group, but with 65 women in the show that is understandable.

The show itself appears to have gone off without a hitch. According to the “Daily Times” of April 12th, the show had the “biggest crowd of the season.” However, across the street, three men robbed the Union Restaurant at gunpoint during the show. I’ll bet that disrupted theatregoers from having a bite after the show.  Three gunmen — $19.00 taken. They apparently didn’t know what they were doing as they left $40 in silver in the cash register and just took the folding money.

Union Opera Theater – New Philadelphia, OH

(This article was updated.  See: Update – Union Opera Theater – New Philadelphia, OH.)

The Hotel Reeves (New Philadelphia, OH)
Crop of card00072_fr.
Source: Card Cow

I have not been successful determining the exact location of the Union Opera House. Some articles indicate that it was “near the courthouse.” A review of the 1921 City Directory for New Philadelphia indicates that it was “at rear of Hotel Reeves Building.” That same directory indicates that the Hotel Reeves was at 133-135 North Broadway[ii], which seems to be where the county courthouse is.

The Union Opera House had a capacity of 1,057 – 502 on the main floor, 230 in the balcony, 300 in the gallery, and 24 in box seats. The US Census indicates that the population of New Philadelphia, OH was 10,718,[iii] so the venue could hold nearly 10% of the population of the city. However, the city of Dover is adjacent to New Philadelphia and contributed another 8,000 to the population.

The Union Opera House was probably built in 1863[iv].

The Union Opera House was destroyed by fire in November 1893. Rebuild date is not known.

The Union Opera House operated until at least 1940.[v]

Specifications for the Union Opera House[vi]

  • Proscenium opening: 32×22 ft
  • Front to back wall: 42 ft
  • Between side walls: 66 ft
  • Apron 5 ft
  • Between fly girders: 43 ft
  • To rigging loft: 40 ft
  • To fly gallery: 23 ft
  • 11 Dressing rooms

Further Research

I have contacted the Tuscarawas Historical Society regarding information about the Union Opera House (Theatre) regarding the history and the disposition of the theatre.

According to the Julius Cahn Theatrical Guide, there were four newspapers associated New Philadelphia at the time; the “Times,” “Tribune,” the “Democrat,” and the “Reporter” (at Canal Dover). I have been unable to find copies of those papers. Find sources for the three papers and see if they have any articles regarding the show.

Endnotes

[i] I just learned of this performance this week
[ii] Ancestry.Com – U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 – New Philadelphia, Ohio, City Directory, 1921, pages 136 and 219.
[iv] Web: Cinema Treasurers, Quaker Cinema, Comments, Comment by Joe Vogel on January 5, 2010, See https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/6619
[v] Web: Times-Reporter Article posted March 16, 2014, “Local History: Night spots aplenty in the late 1930s” by Jon Baker, TimesReporter.com staff writer. https://www.timesreporter.com/article/20140316/News/140319340
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A brief look at my wife’s aunt’s grandfather – Nicholas Edward Drexl

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Don Taylor

 Darling/Drexl Line

In May, I was visiting family in Michigan and had the opportunity to get to know my wife’s aunt much better. While I was there, we chatted about genealogy (surprise, surprise) and I learned she didn’t know much about her maternal grand-grandfather, Nicholas Edward Drexl. (She and my wife’s mother share a common father but different mothers.) My wife’s aunt knew her grandfather was born in Germany, lived in Saint Paul, MN and Saint Louis, MO, and died before she was born. While I was there, I helped her learn a few more things, thanks to the Ancestry App, but, I knew I really wanted to help her learn a lot more.

After I returned home and had a chance take the time to research Nicholas’s life, I quickly learned that he was born in Germany and came to the US as a child. As is so often the case, one fact leads to two new questions. In this case, I knew he immigrated and was naturalized; the questions arose in my mind, exactly when and on what ship did he immigrate. I did learn that his naturalization was the result of his being a minor when his father became a citizen, but, I’ve been unsuccessful proving when and where that occurred. (Naturalization records often provide detailed birth information, so I might learn exactly where in Germany the family came from.)

I’ve searched, and searched, and searched to no avail. So, those questions are still out there and I’m sure I’ll find the answer someplace, but it will just have to wait until I have more time. I did learn a lot about Nick Drexl’s life though.

Nicholas E. Drexl (1880-1939)

Nicholas E. Drexl was born in Germany on 29 November 1880[1] to Frank Xaver and Ursula (Eggert) Drexl. He is the oldest of the known children of Frank and Ursula. However, it is possible that he had one older sibling. The 1900 Census provides clues to many facts. First of all, it identifies that Ursula had had 12 children, 8 of whom were living. It also indicates that they had been married for 20 years. If that is the case his parents were married between June 1879 and June 1, 1880. That would have left a 17 to 29-month gap between his parent’s marriage and his birth; enough time for there to have been an older sibling who died as a child.

Looking at the children of Ursula, there were two large gaps where children could have been born and could have died before the 1900 census was enumerated.

Child
Birth
Place Born
Time
Nicholas
29 Nov 1880
Germany
17 Months to Christina
Christina
Apr 1882
Germany
52 Months – One certainly, two likely.
Francis
Aug 1886
Illinois
22 Months to Katie
Katherine
Oct 1888
Kansas
25 Months to Mary
Mary (Marie)
Nov 1890
Kansas
26 Months to Joseph
Joseph
22 Jan 1893
St. Paul, MN
34 Months – One likely
Charles*
Nov 1895
St. Paul, MN
46 Months – One likely, two possible
Frank
16 September 1899
St. Paul, MN
Census 8 months later
Anthony
1902
Minnesota
Not applicable
* Minnesota Census of 1895 indicates Charles was six months old, (born Nov 1894) however, the 1900 Census indicates Charles was born in Nov 1895.

In any event, when Nickolas was about three-years-old (1884), he, his parents, and his sister immigrated to the United States[2]. Childhood must have been difficult. His parents were Germany speaking immigrants that were constantly on the move. We know he lived in the following locations as a child:

1884 – Germany
1886 – Illinois
1888 – Kansas
1890 – Kansas
1892 – Minnesota
1895 – Minnesota (St. Paul)
1900 – Minnesota

In 1900, his father was a cabinet maker and his mother was a jeweler[3]. It was probably during his childhood that he learned jewelry making from his mother, because he would be a jeweler during the rest of his life.

On 17 May 1904, Nick married Hedwig Frances Stoeger, who was also a German immigrant. Hattie, as she was known, had immigrated with her parents in 1885. They were married by Rev. Peter Schuririer, a Roman Catholic priest. The marriage was witnessed by George Bleckhinger and Frances Drexl (probably Nick’s sister Francis).

Their first child, Clarence T. was born eight and a half months later, on 31 January 1905.

Raymond F was born on 15 May, 1908.

595 Stryker Avenue, Saint Paul – Today
Photo via Google Maps

The 1910 Census shows the young family living at 595 Stryker Ave., Saint Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota. Living with Nick and Hattie is a 17-year-old niece of Nick’s. Her name was Marie T Markert. I haven’t determined exactly how she is related yet. Further research needs to be done on Nick and Hattie’s siblings to determine.Their daughter, Mary (possibly Marie), was probably born in 1917.

Sometime before 1918, the family moved to 604 Winslow Ave., Saint Paul. While there, Nick worked as a jeweler at E. Schmalz & Sons, 87 E. 6th St., Saint Paul. His draft registration card indicates that he was tall, medium build, gray eyes, and light hair.

In April, 1920, another daughter, Florence, was born.

The 1920 census-taker found the family still living at 604 Winslow Ave and Nick still working as a jeweler[4].

In 1926, the family moved to Saint Louis, Missouri.

Marker: Nicholas & Hedwig Drexl
Source: Find-a-Grave Memorial 50475159

The 1930 Census finds the Drexl family living at 2425 Coleman Street, Saint Louis. Living with Nick and Hattie is their son Clarence, Clarence’s wife (Ruth), and Clarence’s son, Donald. Also in the household is thirteen-year-old Marie and ten-year-old Florence.[5]

Nicholas Edward Drexl died on 13 October 1939[6]. He was buried on 17 October at Section 25, Lot 2212 in Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum, Saint Louis, MO[7].

Further Actions:

Determine Immigration and Naturalization facts for Nick & family.
Search for records regarding unknown siblings of Nick.
Research the siblings of Nick and Hattie and determine the relationship of Marie T Markert who is a niece of Nick.

List of Greats

Frank Xaver Drexl

Contact

If you are related to Nicholas Edward Drexl, or anyone else in this Drexl line, my wife’s aunt and I would love to hear from you. Please contact us using the contact form below.

ENDNOTES

[1] Ancestry.com; U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918; Nick Edward Drexel (Drexl).
[2] The 1900 Census indicates 1884; the 1910 Census indicates 1888; the 1920 census indicates 1886.
[3] Family Search; 1900 Census; Frank Drexl; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M93F-NM2
[4] FamilySearch.org; 1920 Census; Nicholas Drexl – St Paul Ward 6, Ramsey, Minnesota, United States; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MW1M-B3J
[5] Family Search; 1930 Census; Nick (Nicholas) Drexl; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHVM-3MJ
[6] Ancestry.com; U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Nicholas Drexl

[7] Find a Grave; Nicholas E Drexl – Memorial# 50475159; https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=50475159;

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