Biography – Albert Thomas Utterstrom (1898-1973)

Posted on July 2, 2016 by Don Taylor

 

Albert Thomas Utterstrom[1] was born on 12 July 1898 in Deering, Cumberland County,
Maine[2],. He died on 1 June 1973 in  Maine, aged 74[3], was buried in Falmouth Cumberland County, Maine at Pine Grove Cemetery[4].

He is the son of Olaf A Utterstrom (1865-), aged 33, and  Hanna A. Halverson (1866-), aged 32. The following information is also recorded for Albert:

Occupation: Trucking Company
Education : H4 (per 1940 Census)

Noted events in the life of Albert were:

  • Residence : 24 Olympia on 12 September 1918 in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.[5]
  • Physical Description : Described as Tall, medium build, Blue eyes, dark Brown hair on his draft registration on 12 September 1918 in Portland (Cumberland County, Maine,
    United States)[6]
  • Military Service : Entered military service on 31 October 1918 in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.[7]
  • Military Service : Discharged on 23 December 1918 in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.[8]
  • Residence : 24 Olympia Street on 1st January 1920 in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.[9],[10]
  • Residence : 52 Wellword Road on 1st April1930 in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.
  • Residence : 52 Wellword Road on 1st April 1935 in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.[11]
  • Residence : 52 Wellword Road on 1st April 1940 in
    Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.[12],[13]

He married[14] Lois M. Hodgdon (-1929), daughter of Victor Hodgdon and  Martha Wilkenson on 2 September 1926 in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.[15]. Albert was 28. Lois died in 1929.

He next married Annie Evelyn Chase (1908-1976) on 1st October 1930 in Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire.[16] Albert was 32 and Annie was 22.

He was extremely involved with the Masons Maine. He served as Commander-in-Chief of Maine Consistory from 1949 until 1952. He then served as Grand Commander of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar in 1952. He was the treasurer for the Grand  Royal Arch Chapter of Maine from 1954 until 1970

Child of Albert and Annie was:

  • Living.

 Endnotes:

[1] Note: See Portland, Maine City Directories, 1918-1961 –
Transcripts.rtf for addresses.
[2] Sources: 1940 Census / Altert T Unterstrom – Maine,
Cumberland, Portland, Ward 9, ED 3-113, Sheet 9B – Family Search (Digitizing) –
Maine Vital Records, 1670-1907 / Albert Utterstrm – Birth – Family Search
(Digitizing) – United States Social Security Death Index – Family Search
(Internet) – United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 /
Albert Thomas Utterstrom – Family Search (Digitizing)
[3] Sources: Find a Grave / Albert Thomas Utterstrom –  Memorial# 146450669 – Find a Grave (Internet)
– Maine Death Index, 1960-1996 / Albert T Utterstrom – Family Search (Other)
[4] Source: Find a Grave / Albert Thomas Utterstrom –  Memorial# 146450669 – Find a Grave (Internet)
[5] Note: Worked as a Clerk at Maine Central R R, 242 St.
John, Portland Maine.
[6] Note: Tall, medium build, Blue eyes, dk Brown hair.
[7] Note: U.S.A. – S.#3666, P/#A2166, Call XC ICE – Mrs. O.
A. Utterstrom, mother.
[8] Note: Comments: Ind: Portland, Cumberland Co. No. 2, Oct.
31/18. Private. Org: 23 Co CAC Ft Williams to disch. Overseas service: None.
Hon disch on demob: Dec. 23, 1918.
[9] Note: Auto Truck – General Work.
[10] Source: 1920 Census / Olaf Utterstrom – Maine,
Cumberland, Portland, ED 62, Sheet 15B, Line 69. – Family Search (Digitizing)
[11] Note: Same house as 1940
[12] Note: Part owner in Trucking Business
[13] Source: 1940 Census / Altert T Unterstrom – Maine,
Cumberland, Portland, Ward 9, ED 3-113, Sheet 9B – Family Search (Digitizing)
[14] Note:
[15] Source: 1930 Census / Albert Utterstrom – Maine,
Cumberland, Portland, ED 85, Sheet 6B, Line 69 – Family Search (Digitizing)
[16] Source: New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947, /
Utterstrom – Chase – Family Search (Digitizing)

 

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The Great War – Over Here – 7 April 1918

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Don Taylor

By Don Taylor

Wartime Wednesday

Recently actually an old shipmate of mine, John Travers, from the USS Kitty Hawk (1972), came across issues from the New York Times showing photos of the Great War. He didn’t know what to do with them and asked me if I would like to see them.


I immediately thought of my Grandmother Madonna (Donna) and her efforts with the Preparedness Bazaar. Also, The Great War is interesting to me in general, so I said “sure,” and he sent me a box of newspaper pages. Wow. Amazing materials. I looked at the photos and decided to group the images into three categories.

Over Here – Images of the Great War from here in the United States.
Over There – Images of the Great War from the battlefields of Europe.
Somewhere – Images of the Great War from somewhere else, typically Great Britain.

This week, I’ll write about my thoughts about the Great War, Over Here.

 The Great War – Over Here – 7 April 1918

RECRUITS TO THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
FROM CHICAGO, JUST ARRIVED, AND MANY
WITHOUT UNIFORMS DRILLING IN BATTERY PARK.
A Vista of Lower Broadway shows in the background.
(Times Photo Service)
New York Times – 7 April 1918

The first photo reminds me that it was commonplace to see large numbers of men drilling all across the country. Rather than having the men drill exclusively on military bases, it was common to see them drill at parks all across the nation. I think, in many ways, this helped Americans stay committed to the Great War and accept the hardships that the war made people endure.

ANN PENNINGTON, IN THE
“MIDNIGHT FROLIC,” ATOP THE
NEW AMSTERDAM THEATRE
(“Abbe.”)New York Times – 7 April 1918

Ann Pennington was an actress who was known as a “shake and quiver dancer.” During the “Midnight Frolic” she performed a “syncopated frolic.” That style reminds me of the many dances that grandmother Donna did during her shows. She starred on broadway in Ziegfeld Follies in 1913. 1914, 1915, 1916, and again in 1918 immediately following her time with “Midnight Frolic.”
Ann, unlike my grandmother, went on to achieve fame in both silent and sound motion picture. Even though the war was going on, it was important to show home beauties. Being only 10 months younger my Donna, Ann was a contemporary show business personality who also moved from coast to coast – New York to California – in pursuit of a show business career. I am certain my grandmother either knew or knew about.

GIRLS OF THE NATIONAL HONOR GUARD
OF NEW YORK
Leaving for Base Hospital No. 1, Williams-
bridge, Bronx. Bearing Fruit and Flowers for the
Soldiers Recuperating There. They Are, Left to
Right: Missus Theodora Booth, National
President of the Guard; Vera Royer, and Augusta
Davis. (Press Illustrating Service, Inc.)
New York Times – 7 April 1918

Like all wars, the Great War, injured and crippled so many of our young Americans. While in the hospital, usually far from home and family, it is always such a blessing to be visited by a friendly face. The men and women who provide cheer to our military men and women while in the hospital are a special group whose selfless actions are often forgotten. I thank the many who volunteer to bring joy and hope to our military and veterans hospitals for their service.

Thank you again, shipmate, for forwarding these images to me.

Note: These images are reduced in size for the web. I also have the same images at much higher resolution. For example, the Girls of the National Honor Guard is on the web at a resolution of 764×778, but I also have it at 2143×2183.  I am looking for a permanent home for these images. If you know of a site that would provide permanent access to the higher resolution images, I would love to hear from them. Just use the contact section below.

These images are also available from The New York Times pages on Newspapers.com.

See my images for this date here.

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In Memoriam – Russell Erwin Kees (1927-2016)

Posted on June 26, 2016 by Don Taylor

By Don Taylor

Photo of Russell Kees in army uniform

Russell Kees c. 1952
Source: Don Taylor

When I was growing up, my Uncle Russ was always a mystery – almost a myth. He was a photo on the wall and a wonder, as in “wonder what happened with Russell.  I knew my middle name came from him. I had heard a few stories, about how he took care of his sister, my mom, a lot when they were kids.  He was five years older and quite protective. I knew that after his grandmother’s husband died, he lived with his grandmother during high school.  He was just a tad too young for World War II, but he did serve in Korea during the Korean War. After his military service, he came back home to Detroit to help take care of his grandmother again. In 1953, after his grandmother Ida (Barber) Knight died he  decided to “go out west” to find his natural father, who he hadn’t seen since he was five.  Then, he vanished to us.
My mother married, changed her name, and moved to Minnesota, making it hard for anyone to find her. Her mother, Donna, lived with my mom and me throughout the 1950s into the 1960s and never had a phone in her name, so she was virtually impossible to find as well. Every once in a while my mom would see a telephone directory for another city and look to see if there was a Russell Kees listed. When she found one, she’d call, but none of them was her brother.

In 2002, I was involved with my genealogy, searching for my biological father, to no avail, and got to thinking, could I use some of my new-found skills to find Russell? I talked with my mom who indicated that Russell graduated from Southwestern High School in Detroit in 1945, but not with the other students, he graduated in January, an odd time of the year. I devised a plan. I went to Classmates.Com and contacted every person in the 1944 and the 1945 classes from Southwestern High School. I told them my story and asked if they knew Russell Kees and if they had any contact information for him. People were responsive, and many remembered Russell, but none had contact with him in years. Finally, a person responded, she had a reunion list that included Russ’s current contact information. She gave me his email address.  I contacted Russ first by email, then by telephone, it was great.

I learned that he spent much of his adult life living on Kwajalein Island, in the Marshall Islands, which is about half-way between Hawaii and New Guinea. He had been married three times and had one daughter. He had just retired, was living in Arizona, and would love to reconnect with his sister again.  Super!  I helped coordinate where and when they would meet and booked my flight from Boston to Minneapolis, so I could be there when it happened.  I then wrote an email to Classmates.Com and let them know of my success in finding my mother’s brother and told them they hadn’t seen each other for 50 years. I told them the date they would be meeting and thanked them so much for the service they provide. few days later, I received a telephone call from “60 Minutes II.” They had been informed by Classmates of the reunion and would love to send a crew to film it.days later, I received a telephone call from “60 Minutes II.” They had been informed by Classmates of the reunion and would love to send a crew to film it.

Photo of Sylvia Matson, Vicki Mabrey, Russell Kees - 2002

Sylvia Matson, Vicki Mabrey, Russell Kees –
2002

A few days later, I received a telephone call from “60 Minutes II.” They had been informed by Classmates of the reunion and would love to send a crew to film it.

(A quick aside: “The 60 Minutes II” call occurred while I was at work. In talking to them, I was late for a staff meeting.  When I got to the staff meeting, my boss asked why I was late, I told him that “60 Minutes” had called and I couldn’t really hang up on them. He said “WHAT!” and I said, it really wasn’t “60 Minutes,” it was “60 Minutes II.” My boss’ eyes were like saucers, and he asked, “what did they want.”  I said, “would you believe they wanted to know what it was like to work at DCMA.” The look on his face was priceless – he totally freaked out. Then, I told him, no, they actually wanted to know the particulars of my mother and her brother meeting for the first time in 50 years. My boss was so relieved. I don’t think he thought it was funny, but all of the other people at the staff meeting did.)

My mom and Russell’s first meeting in 50 years
was filmed by a crew from “60 Minutes II.”

My mom and Russell met in the hospitality area at a local hotel and the crew was there to film it. Their reunion went wonderfully. A few weeks later, “60 Minutes II” said they needed more and flew my mother from Minneapolis and uncle Russ from Phoenix to Albuquerque, put them up in a five-star hotel and filmed an interview with Vicki Mabrey.  Unfortunately, another Classmates.Com story took precedence over mom & Russ’s meeting so most of their interview ended up on the cutting room floor.

Sylvia & Russ on a cruise.

Mom’s husband, Edgar Jerome Matson, died later in 2003, and Russell and my mom became great friends. The took a cruise to Alaska together and a riverboat cruise on a paddleboat on the Ohio River. They loved sharing their time together. It was great to see their relationship grow and them to become great friends.

Although I only saw Uncle Russ six or eight times, I miss him dearly and miss the way he made my mom so happy.

Russell Erwin Kees (1927-2016)

Russell was born in Detroit, Michigan on 29 August 1927 to Samson (Sammy) Clark Amsterdam and Donna Knight [1] as Russell Erwin Clark Amsterdam. As a young child, he traveled with his mother and father, who were in show business, around the country. He was with them on the ship to Panama in 1930. Sammy and Donna divorced in 1932; Sammy lived in New York, Donna lived in Chicago, and Russell lived with Donna in Chicago.

Photo of Sylvia and Russell Kees, circa 1937

Sylvia and Russell Kees, circa 1937

About 1937, Donna became involved with a man named Russell Kees and lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan with him. Both my mom and Russell adopted the surname Kees, although I don’t believe that Donna ever married Russell Kees and both my mom and uncle Russ are sure Russell Kees never adopted them.

The husband of Russell’s maternal grandmother, Ida (Barber) Knight, Harvey Knight died in 1942 and Russell went to live with Ida shortly after that to help out there. He graduated from Southwestern High School. In high school, he was noted as an excellent roller skater.

He enlisted and service during the Korean War.  Russell told me the story that while in Korea, a plane strafed the jeep he was driving. He said he got out and into a ditch real fast.

His name change to Kees not being legal gave him some problems in the 1950s when he applied for a Top Secret Crypto clearance for his job. (A problem I too shared with my Taylor/Larson/Matson name changes and my inability to identify my father’s name.)

In 1954, Russell married Delphine Ann Sieradski. That marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce quickly.

In 1958, Russell married Jacqueline R Wigfield; they divorced as well, probably in 1964.

In 1965, Russell married June Elsie Callaway. They soon had a daughter. Russell and June divorced in 1968.

Russell spent many years on Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands. While on “Kwaj,” community theater dominated his activities. Theater was his passion, and he starred in many roles while there.  He is known to be an excellent piano player, able to play the “Flight of the Bumble Bee.” In the 2000s he recorded playing “Beautiful Mother of Mine” a song written by his mother, Donna in 1923.

Photo of Russell Erwin Kees

Russell Erwin Kees
Probably c. 1948

He was an avid golfer, winning tournaments for his age group when he was in his 70s.

Russell Erwin Kees died on 16 March 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona.
He is buried at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona in Section H3, Row B, Site 39.

Russell is survived by daughter Dawn Milligan, sister Sylvia Matson, and two grandchildren.

If you knew Russell and have a story or two you can share, I would love to add your story about Russell to my family history.  Also, I’d like any photos you may have of Russell.  I will add them to a family album and possibly use them in a coliague  remembering Russell. Please use the comments below to share with me.  Comments will be considered as public unless you specifically state you would like the story kept private within the family.

Endnotes:

[1] This is the only record I have seen that indicates that Madonna Montran used the name of her stepfather, Harvey Knight.

Sources:

1940 Census – Michigan, Kent County, Grand Rapids, ED 86-156, Sheet 10B, Line 61, Age 12, attending school.  Ancestry.Com
Birth Certificate – State of Michigan – State File #: 121-582-0201178.
Cook County, Illinois Marriage Index, 1930-1960 – Ancestry.Com
Donna Montran Collection – Digital Scans held by Don Taylor
Email – Various between Don Taylor and Russell Kees & Don Taylor and Russell’s sister (Living).
New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 – Ancestry.Com
Find A Grave Memorial# 161134930 – Russell Erwin Kees

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Newspaper Articles – Albert Utterstrom (1898-1973)

Posted on June 24, 2016 by Don Taylor
Select Newspaper Archives articles found via Find My Past regarding
Albert Utterstrom (1898-1973)
United States, Maine filter applied – Sorted by Date
Ref: Find My Past Search (Paid site Link – $$ required.)
Articles found are “Copyright: ‘Fair Use’ allowed. NewspaperARCHIVE.com.”
During the research for my “Blanchard Project” I was taken to search out articles about Albert Utterstrom (1898-1973). The above Reference search yielded 49 articles. I was surprised when I learned that Albert was a Mason, very high up in Masonic hierarchy in Maine. I was surprised because there was no Masonic symbology on his grave marker. Often, when a Mason is buried, the Masons assist in the funeral and bury the individual with “Masonic Honors.” This does not appear to be the case with Albert as nothing graveside nor in the newspapers of the time indicate anything about his Masonic activities.
That commentary aside, it is clear that Masonic actions and activities were an important part of Albert Utterstrom’s life. The following are extracts from many of the 49 articles I found through Find My Past and NewspaperARCHIVES:
December 10, 1942 – Daily Kennebec Journal – Augusta, Maine – Photo of the SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRINCIPALS at annual inspection of St. Omar Commanders, No. 12, Knights Templers includes Albert T Utterstrom of Portland, Grand Warden.
September 17, 1945 – Daily Kennebec Journal – Augusta, Maine – Grand Commandery Military School of Instruction – Grand Commandery military school of instruction, Knights Templar was held Friday evening at the Masonic Temple under the direction of Albert Utterstrom, Eminent Sir of Portland, with Maine Commandery No. 1 of Gardner as hosts….
September 19, 1946 – Bath Independent – Bath, Maine – DUNLAP COMMANDERY INSTRUCTION SCHOOL – Seventy-five Sir Knight attended the successful School of Instruction at Masonic Temple, Thursday evening. Five commanderies were represented, Bath, Portland, Lewiston, Gardner and Augusta… Albert Utterstrom of Portland, Grand Military Instructor, was in charge of the school, and great interest was developed by the many questions ask and by his suggestions.
June 25, 1947 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Knights Templar Parade Here in St. John’s Day Observance – Nearly 1,000 Knights Templar, representing commanderies from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, members of the Tri-State Association paraded in Portland streets Tuesday in annual observance of St. John’s Day… Officers of the Tri-State Association are Albert C. Utterstrom, Portland, president; William….
October 19, 1947 – Portland Sunday Telegram and Sunday Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Photo – PROMINENT AT SHRINE PARTY – Mr. Utterstrom [shown]
[Same page – Different Article]
1,2000 Attend Kora Shrine Ladies’ Night At Poland Spring – More than 1,200 Kora Temple nobles and their wives and guests met at the Poland Spring House Friday evening for their annual Ladies Night observance…. Mr. and Mrs. Albert T. Utterstrom [Portland] and [eight other people] were co-chairmen of the party.
January 11, 1948 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – KORA TEMPLE OFFICERS – Elected at annual meeting in Lewiston Friday evening were… Albert T. Utterstrom Portland, marshal….
October 17, 1948 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Shrine Plans Ladies’ Night – Several hundred are expected to attend the annual Shrine Ladies’ Night scheduled for Friday evening at the Poland Spring House….
At dinner the head table will be occupied by Governor and Mrs. Horace A Hildreth…. Mr. and Mrs. Albert T Utterstrom….
May 6, 1949 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Nights Templars of Main Install Cony A. Duncan Grand Commander – Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Maine, elected and installed Cony A. Duncan, Augusta as grand commander Tuesday afternoon as Maine Masons concluded their four-day annual get together in Masonic Temple here.  Also elected were… Albert T Utterstrom, Portland, grand captain general….
October 14, 1949 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Frank C. Allen to be Honored Today by Maine Consistory of Scottish Rite – Marks 20th Yeas as Maine Deputy. Frank C. Allen of 3 Bay Road, South Portland and Mrs.Allen will be honored by the Maine Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite… Albert T. Utterstrom, commander-in-chief of Maine Consistory, will preside….
October 16, 1949 – Portland Sunday Telegram and Sunday Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Photo: AT SCOTTISH RITE DINNER – [Head table is shown with Mr. and Mrs. Albert T. Utterstrom.]
January 26, 1950 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Real Estate Transfer – Ruth A. Lewis to Albert T. Utterstrom, et als, all of Portland, land and buildings on Washington Avenue.
May 5, 1950 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Photo: GRAND COMMANDERY ELECTS – Harold A. Carman… Albert Utterstrom, Portland, grand generalissimo…
October 1, 1950 – Portland Sunday Telegram and Sunday Press Herald – Camden – Camden, Sept 30… Albert T. Utterstrom, Portland, eminent grand generalissimo of the Grand Commandery of Maine, will install the offers of the Camden Commandery at a semi-public installation… All Blue Lodge Masons and their ladies are cordially invited.
October 20, 1950 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Photo: KNIGHTS HONORED – … Albert T. Utterstrom….
February 25, 1951 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Sanford-Springvale – … A supper meeting of the pioneer Scottish Rites Club will be held… at the Springvale Masonic Hall. The speaker will be Albert Utterstrom, commander-in-chief of the Maine Consistory.
May 4, 1951 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Photo:  NEW KNIGHTS TEMPLAR LEADER – Officers of theGrand Commandery, Knight Templar elected and installed Thursday in the Masonic Temple… Albert D [sic] Utterstrom, Portland, deputy grand commander.
May 18, 1951 – Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine – Photo – Masonic Leaders … Albert T. Utterstrom, Portland, commander-in-chief of Maine Consistory….
May 3, 1956 – Bath Independent – Bath, Maine – All 13 Chapters In State Represented at DeMolay Conclave in Bath Saturday – Among distinguished guests present were… Albert Utterstrom, Portland, illustrious potentate of Kora Shrine…
[Note: Albert Utterstrom died 1 June 1973.]
January 16, 1974 – Portsmouth Herald – Portsmouth, New Hampshire – Kora Temple Plans Meeting for Lewiston – The program will be dedicated to the honor and memory of Albert T. Utterstrom, past potentate 1956, and Malcom B Dunlap, post potentate 1959.

Future Actions:

Attempt to find higher quality images from photos in newspapers from:

Daily Kennebec Journal – Augusta, Maine –  December 10, 1942 – Page 5.
Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine May 5, 1950 –Section A, Page 28.
Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine October 20, 1950 – Page 2.
Portland Press Herald – Portland, May 4, 1951 – Page 31.
Portland Press Herald – Portland, Maine May 18, 1951 – Page 18.
Portland Sunday Telegram and Sunday Press Herald – Portland, Maine- October 19, 1947 – Section B, Page 8.
Portland Sunday Telegram and Sunday Press Herald – Portland, Maine October 16, 1949 – Section A, Page 28.

 

Learn more about the Real Estate Transfer about 26 Jan 1950 regarding land and buildings on Washington Avenue.
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Getting to Know You – Joel Clinton Barnes

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Don Taylor

By – Don Taylor

I like to get to know an ancestor, so, after I learn their vital information (birth, marriages, death) and census information for each of the censuses they were alive, I like to see if I can find any newspaper articles about the ancestor.  Census records and vital records provide the context of a person’s life, but newspaper articles give the texture to understand a person’s life.
In the case of my father’s mother’s father, great grandfather Joel Clinton Barnes, I was astounded by what I found on Newspaper Archives via my Find My Past subscription. I knew that Joel was born in Sullivan County, Indiana. He showed up in Sullivan County during every census and died in Sullivan County. So, I added a filter to give display newspapers from Sullivan, Indiana, and I sorted the records by date. There were 340 records returned. I initially thought that there had to be many false positive returns, but I later learned I was wrong. Almost every record returned related to my Joel Barnes.

1899 plat map showing the J. C. Barnes farm. From An Illustrated Standard Atlas of Sullivan County, Wilson, Fuller & Company Source: Indiana Memory Digital Collection

Sure, some of the newspaper articles returned had little meaning or value, such as, “Joel Barnes and family were in Sullivan visiting family this week.” And some were the posting of the same article, once in the Sullivan Daily Times and again in the Sullivan Democrat. But there were so many gems of information that I feel I know so much more about Joel and his family.  For example, I learned that he was born, lived his entire life, and died in the same house. The spelling of his sisters’ names, Plautine and Tryphenia were provided in a public notice by a lawyer. (Lawyers are always right in court documents, aren’t they?  In any event, the lawyers spelling will be my preferred spelling until I find another record in their own hand.) I learned that Joel was, for a while, a constable in Turman Township, which gives insight into his character.  He also ran for office as Assessor in Turman Township and served on the local petit jury, “Brother Joel” was heavily involved in his church, Methodist Episcopal, teaching Sunday school, being a leader there, and hosting prayer meetings at his home.  He hauled logs for the building of the new church, graded the lawn, and helped build the cement stairs for the front of the church.  He was also involved with the Masons and with Eastern Star.

His health came and went with bouts of “malarial fever.”
His farm was more than corn and hay. He was in the maple sap business, had sheep and sold their wool. He had chickens and sold lambs in town. He sold wood to the sawmill and had cattle

Indiana Oil and Natural Gas Source: Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources (Arrow —> Joel’s county.) KEEP

In 1913, farm life changed significantly for Joel and family when oil was discovered on his farm. His well, drilled by Ohio Oil Co., was the first in his area.
His daughter, my grandmother, Essie had a surprise fifteenth birthday party.
His son, Raye, served in World War I and wrote home.  And finally, Joel died in his own bed. He was discovered when he didn’t come downstairs for breakfast. His obituary drives home the fact that five of his ten children preceded him in death. His was a farmer’s life filled with church, community, and, most of all, family.
I have a transcript of some of these articles here.

Biography – Joel Clinton Barnes (1967-1921)

Joel Clinton Barnes
Cropped from photo
Courtesy: Ken Smith

Joel Clinton Barnes was born on 23 June 1857 in Graysville, Sullivan Co., Indiana[1]. He was the seventh of ten children, by Nelson Barnes (1816-1884), aged 41, and Mercy Eliza Taft, aka Eliza (~ 1822-1884). All ten of their children lived into the 20th century. He died on 30 June 1921 in Graysville, Sullivan Co., Indiana, aged 64[2]. He is buried at Drake Cemetery, in Fairbanks Sullivan County Indiana, at the age of 63[3].

The six older siblings include:
  • Tryphenia Ann Barnes, born in 1841.
  • Plautina Mariah Barnes, born in 1844.
  • Theodore E Barnes, born in 1847.
  • Suzie Barnes, born in 1849.
  • Abraham Barnes, born in 1852.
  • Cyrus John Barnes, born in 1854.
His two younger siblings include:
  • Lucy Minerus Barnes, born in 1860.
  • Martha Ellen Barns, born in 1863.
He married Sarah Josephine Conner, aka Josie, daughter of Soloman Conner and Harriet Crapo on 25 December 1876 in Sullivan[4]. Joel was 19 and Josie was 22. Their marriage lasted 15 years, until Sarah’s death in 1892.
The children of Joel and Sarah were:
  • Flora Barnes, born on 18 September 1878 in Sullivan township, died in 1950, aged 71. She married Harlon Riggs on 23 December 1895. She had at least two children that were twins.
  • Flava Barnes, born on 13 May 1881 in Sullivan, died on 22 July 1882, aged 14.
  • Alma Barnes, aka Anna, born on 20 October 1882 in Graysville, died in 1968, aged 85. She married Charles Sylvester Harris on 19 December 1912.
  • William Barnes, born on 12 February 1886 in Sullivan, died on 4 November 1886 in Sullivan (Indiana), aged 8.
  • Orphie Barnes, born on 26 October 1888, died on 21 July 1889, aged 8.
He next married Marada A. Lister, aka Marady, May, Morady Maranda (1867-1932), the daughter of Nimrod Lister and Malinda Evans, on 18 June 1893 in Sullivan[5]. Joel was 35 and Marada was 26. Their marriage lasted until Joel’s death 28 years later.
The children of Joel and Marada were:
  • Raye Barnes, aka Ray, born on 2 May 1895 in Graysville, died in 1956, aged 60. He married Columbia Means in 1920.
  • Ada Barnes, born on 21 March 1898 in Sullivan Township, died on 19 December 1899 in Sullivan Township, aged 21.
  • Nelson Barnes, born on 14 April 1901, died on 22 November 1902, aged seven months.
  • Essie Pansy Barnes, born on 15 March 1903 in Graysville, Truman Township, Sullivan Co., died on 20 November 1982 in Mount Clemens, Macomb County, Michigan, aged 79. She married Bert Allen Roberts on 13 May 1922. She had five children: Pansy, Bert, Hugh, Helen, and John.
    Mabel Bessie Barnes, born on 5 April 1906 in Sullivan County, died on 26 August 1984, aged 78. She married Herbert Burton on 18 October 1928. She had one child: Billy.

Censuses

In the 1860 Census, three-year-old Joel is living with his father, mother, three brothers, and two sisters. His two oldest sisters, Tryphenia and Plautina, were already gone from the family farm in Turman Township, Sullivan County, Indiana[6]. By the 1870 Census, two more siblings, Theodore and Suzie, had moved out of the household, leaving Abraham, Cyrus, Joel, Lucy, and Martha still in the household. Fourteen Joel is both working as a farm hand and is attending school as are his older brothers[7].

The 1880 Census finds Joel and Josephine living near his father, Nelson Barnes, with their 1-year-old daughter, Flora. Joel is farming and Josephine is keeping house.[8]

In 1892 Josie died; in 1893 Joel married Marada Lister. The 1900 census finds Joel and Marady living with three of Joel’s children, Alma, John A, and Ray. Flora had married and moved out by then. Flava, William, and Orphie had all died during the 1880s.[9]

In 1910, Joel and Maraday were living with daughter Anna, Son Ray, and daughter Mabel. John A. Lister is living with them and is identified as Joel’s stepson.[10] (He was listed as Joel’s son in the 1900 census.)

In the 1920 Census the family is down to Joel, his wife Marada, and children, Raye, Essie, and Mable Bessie.[11]

The Joel Barnes Farm area from the air today Courtesy: Google Maps

Joel died at home on 30 June 1921. He was buried at Drake Cemetery, Fairbanks, Sullivan County, Indiana with Masonic honors.

 

 

 

 

Obituary – July 6, 1921 – Sullivan Union – Sullivan, Indiana, Front Page

WELL KNOWN FARMER FOUND DEAD IN BED
Joel C. Barnes, 64, of Turman Twp., 
Succumbs to Attack of Heart Failure

Marker: Joel C. Barnes (1857 – 1921) with Masonic Symbol. Source: Find a Grave Memorial # 37229130

Joel C. Barnes, 64 years old, a native of the county and a life-long resident of Turman township, was found dead in his bed early Thursday morning by his family, who had called him for breakfast and receiving no response discovered his lifeless body in bed.
The funeral was held Friday afternoon at the Dodds Bridge M. E. church, of which the deceased was a member, and was conducted by Rev. L. L. Johnson, pastor of the Methodist church at Graysville, and the Masonic lodge of Fairbanks, of which the deceased was a member. The widow survives, together with one son, Ray Barnes of Sullivan, and four daughters, Mrs. Harlan Riggs of Fairbanks, Mrs. Chas. Harris of near Dodds Bridge, and misses Essie and Mabel Barnes, who live at home.
Joel C. was a son of Nelson and Mercy (Taft) Barnes who came to this county from New York state during the forties. He was born and reared in Turman township and had always followed the vocation of a farmer. In 1876 he was married to Josephine Conner who died in 1892. Five children were born to this union, two survive, Mrs. Charles Harris and Mrs. Harlan Riggs. In 1893 Mr. Barnes was married to Maranda Lester, five children being born to this union, three surviving, Ray Barnes and Misses Essie and Mabel Barnes.
Mr. Barnes was a Democrat in his political affiliation and was an active member of the Masonic lodge and the Eastern Star lodge at Fairbanks.
List of Greats
1.    Joel Clinton Barnes (1857-1921)
2.     Nelson Barns (1916-1884)

ENDNOTES

[1] Sources: Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007 / Bert Allen Roberts – Essie Pansy Barnes – Marriage License – Family Search (Other) – 1920 Census / Indiana, Sullivan, Turman, District 0270, Sheet 1B – Ancestry.Com (Digitizing) – 1910 Census / Indiana, Sullivan, Turman, District 178, Page 8A – Joel C Barnes – Ancestry.Com (Digitizing) – 1900 Census / Indiana, Sullivan, Turman, ED 138, Sheet 7B – Joel C Barnes – Ancestry (Digitizing) – Find-a-Grave / Joel C. Barnes – Memorial #37229130 – Find a Grave (Internet) – 1860 Census / Nelson Barnes – Indiana, Sullivan, Turman Twp – Family Search (Digitizing)
[2] Sources: Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007 / Bert Allen Roberts – Essie Pansy Barnes – Marriage License – Family Search (Other) – 1930 Census / Indiana, Vigo, Terre Haute, Page 9A – Bert A Roberts – Ancestry (Other) – My Heritage Family Trees / Joel Clinton Barnes  – MyHeritage.com (Internet) – Find-a-Grave / Joel C. Barnes – Memorial #37229130 – Find a Grave (Internet)
[3] Source: Find-a-Grave / Marada A Barnes – Memorial# 37229133 (Internet)
[4] Sources: A history of Sullivan County, Indiana, closing of the first century’s history of the county, and showing the growth of its people, institutions, industries and wealth. New York: The Lewis Pub. Co. / Pages 234-236 (Other) – Find-a-Grave / Joel C. Barnes – Memorial #37229130 – Find a Grave (Internet) – Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007 / Joel C. Barnes – Josie Conner – Family Search (Other)
[5] Note: Married 16 years in 1910 Census.  Marriage #1 for Marada, Marriage #2 for Joel. The Indiana Marriage Index Bonds indicates 17 June 1883.
[6] Source: 1860 Census / Nelson Barnes – Indiana, Sullivan, Turman Twp – Family Search (Digitizing)
[7] Source: 1870 Census / Nelson Barnes – Indiana, Sullivan, Turman Twp, Page 27, Lines 25-31 – Family Search (Digitizing)
[8] Source: 1880 Census / Joel Barnes – Indiana, Sullivan, Turman, ED 320, Page 1, Lines 21-23 – Family Search, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHSX-5Q4
[9] Source: 1900 Census / Indiana, Sullivan, Turman, ED 138, Sheet 7B – Joel C Barnes – Ancestry.com.
[10] Source: 1910 Census / Indiana, Sullivan, Turman, District 178, Page 8A – Joel C Barnes; Ancestry.com.
[11] Source: 1920 Census / Indiana, Sullivan, Turman, District 0270, Sheet 1B – Joel C. Barnes; Ancestry.com.

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