Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Frank B. Kennard Died 110 Years Ago

Here are three obituaries for Frank B. Kennard. I have found several more on Genealogybank.com. He died on December 21, 1900 (according to information in his probate file) in Miles City, Montana. he left his wife, Sarah (Sadie) Kennedy, an eight year old daughter, Eveleen, and a five month old son, Paul. Not only did Frank die days before Christmas, but he left Sadie with more debts than assets and contracts that she could not fulfill. Sadie was allowed to keep the homestead near Kinsey, Custer, Montana.

From the Helena Independent, December 28, 1900:

F. B. Kennard was found dead in his room at the Miles City hotel by the employee of the house. When discovered the body was lying face downward on the floor and there was indications that showing that he had died during a fit of coughing. While the deceased had been delicate in health for a long time, his death came a shock and surprise to friends and relatives here. Mr. Kennard was a sufferer from chronic bronchitis and had been in town about a month receiving treatment for his trouble.


From the Butte Weekly Miner, December 27, 1900:

Yellowstone Rancher Found Dead.

F. B. Kennard, a Former Railroad Conductor, Dies Suddenly.

   Miles City, Mont., Dec. 24. - Frank B. Kennard, a pioneer in the Yellowstone valley, was found dead in his hotel room this morning. He came from his ranch for medical treatment. He was formerly a contractor and built large sections of the Northern Pacific Railroad.

From the Minneapolis Journal, December 24, 1900:

Pioneer Found Dead.

Franklin B. Kennard Expires at Miles City of a Heart Disease.
    Special to the Journal.
    Miles City, Mont., Dec. 24. - Franklin B. Kennard one of the pioneers in the settlement of the Yellowstone valley, was found dead in his room at the Miles City hotel early this morning. He had come in for treatment from his ranch in Kinzie and though his condition had not improved, his death was wholly unexpected, and was no doubt the result of heart failure.
     Mr. Kennard was a contractor in 1880 and did extensive work on the line of Northern Pacific Railroad near Billings. He had been a rancher and stock raiser near this city for the past eight years. He was born in Maine in 1849. He was an active member of the A. O. U. W. and leaves a wife and two children.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tombstone Tuesday

John Dupaquier born June 24, 1803 died June 24, 1864
May He Rest in Peace
Mary J. His Wife born June 18, 1815 died April 11, 1905
May She Rest in Peace

Old St. Croix Cemetery
St. Croix, Perry, Indiana

Two small stones with just initials are next the larger stone. "J.D." and "D.J.D."

John and Mary Dupaquier were living with 2 children in Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky in 1850. Then, there is reference to John Dupaquier and Elisabeth Thiriot Brandebourg being baptismal sponsors for John  Humbert in 1857 in the church books for St. Augustine Catholic Church in Leopold, Perry, Indiana.

"John Emil M. HUMBERT, born Feb 10, 1857, son of Anton and M. Ther. Maldidier; ; baptized April 2, 1857; sponsors John Dupaquet and Elis. Brandebourg, n Thirit"

John and Mary Dupaquier's stone is located near Elisabeth's son, Louis Brandebourg (aka Lewis Brandenburg).


Saturday, July 31, 2010

Ernest Brandebourg and Ernest Wastell

Last evening I was checking out several of the Brandebourg (and some Brandenburg) family trees on Rootsweb.com. Frank Brandebourg posted the baptismal information about Ernest Andrew Brandebourg in his family tree :3293960.

"Ernest's baptismal record reads: "The night of day seven of November (1877), we baptized boy Ernest Marian Brandebourg, son of Le wis, and Catherine Claise, born November, day 7 (1877). Of their own accord, sponsored by Joseph Claise, and Maria Claise, and of his own accord, by Ernest Wastell." The ceremony was performed by Father Dion, of Holy Cross Catholic Church in St. Croix, Indiana. One could assume that Ernest was named for Erne st Wastell, who must have been a close friend of the family, and who may have been Ernest's Godfather at the ceremony. Records indicate that Ernest Wastell may have lived in Lexington KY during the 1850 federal census. Joseph Clai se and Maria Claise were Kate's younger brother and sister."

Let's clear up a couple of things about the entry above. It is believed that Ernest Wastell was the first cousin of Ernest Brandebourg and the nephew of Louis Brandebourg. Louis Brandebourg was the sister of Victorine Brandebourg Wastell.

Ernest Wastell was born on 10 January 1857 presumably in Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky to John Bartlett Wastell and Victorine Catharine Zulime Brandebourg. John B. Wastell was found in the Louisville City Directory in 1857 as well as on the Louisville Tax List. Victorine is believed to be the sister to Louis Brandebourg (aka Lewis Brandenburg) who lived in Crawford County, Indiana. John, Victorine and Ernest Wastell were living in Lexington, Fayette, Kentucky in 1860 not 1850. From some family papers, it is believed that a daughter, Stella Wastell, died 5 days prior to the enumeration of the Wastell family in the 1860 census.

Holy Cross Catholic Church in St. Croix, Perry, Indiana Built in 1881.
This is the current Holy Cross Catholic Church not the one
where Ernest Brandebourg (aka Ernest Brandenburg) was baptized.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Additional Crawford County Indiana Photos

Here are some additional photos that were taken in Crawford County, Indiana. Situated along the Ohio River, Crawford County has rolling hills, limestone cliffs, caves, forests and pastures. The roads are not well marked so a county map is needed to navigate the back roads.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

John G. Brandebourg - Land Patent Part 3


From the Indiana Public Lands Collection, John G. Brandebourg purchased the E1/2 NW of Section 36 in Township 3S, Range 1W, Meridian 2, 80 acres. The original purchase was on 10 October 1854. The second 80 acres purchased on the same day was W1/2 NW of Section 36 in Township 3S, 1W Range, Meridian 2. There was a total of 160 acres purchased.

In 1868 Louis Brandebourg (aka Lewis Brandenburg) purchased 40 acres. Then in 1873, Louis purchased the remaining 120 acres in two transaction - one for 80 acres and one for 40 acres. Today, this land is bound on the west by State Road 66 and Rainforth Rd on the south.

There is pasture and a creek near State Road 66. As you turn east onto Rainforth Rd, there is a steep hill. It has a cliff and possibly a cave. The current owner has turned this picturesque formation into a business venture.
                                         
                                 

John G. Brandebourg - Land Patent Part 2

From the Indiana Public Lands Collection, John G. Brandebourg purchased the E1/2 NW of Section 36 in Township 3S, Range 1W, Meridian 2, 80 acres. The original purchase was on 10 October 1854. The second 80 acres purchased on the same day was W1/2 NW of Section 36 in Township 3S, 1W Range, Meridian 2. There was a total of 160 acres purchased.


In 1868 Louis Brandebourg (aka Lewis Brandenburg) purchased 40 acres. Then in 1873, Louis purchased the remaining 120 acres in two transaction - one for 80 acres and one for 40 acres. Today, this land is bound on the west by State Road 66 and Rainforth Rd on the south.

There is pasture and a creek near State Road 66. As you turn east onto Rainforth Rd, there is a steep hill. It has a cliff and possibly a cave. The current owner has turned this picturesque formation into a business venture.



The Land Patent of John G. Brandebourg - Today's View

From the Indiana Public Lands Collection, John G. Brandebourg purchased the E1/2 NW of Section 36 in Township 3S, Range 1W, Meridian 2, 80 acres. The original purchase was on 10 October 1854. The second 80 acres purchased on the same day was W1/2 NW of Section 36 in Township 3S, 1W Range, Meridian 2. There was a total of 160 acres purchased.

In 1868 Louis Brandebourg (aka Lewis Brandenburg) purchased 40 acres. Then in 1873, Louis purchased the remaining 120 acres in two transaction - one for 80 acres and one for 40 acres. Today, this land is bound on the west by State Road 66 and Rainforth Rd on the south.

There is pasture and a creek near State Road 66. As you turn east onto Rainforth Rd, there is a steep hill. It has a cliff and possibly a cave. The current owner has turned this picturesque formation into a business venture.


Treasure Chest Thursday - Signature of John B. Wastell

Below is a photograph of the actual signature of John B. Wastell. It was taken from the Marriage Bond Books located at the Louisville Metro Archives in Louisville, Kentucky. He signed this on 26 February 1856. The cosigner on the bond was John W. Watt.

John B. Wastell married Victorine Catharine Zulime Brandebourg on 28 Feb 1856 in Louisville, Jefferson, Kentucky at the home of Edmund F. Jones. Catharine Brandebourg was a witness.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Photo Essay of Sulfur, Crawford, Indiana

Jean Gabriel (aka John G.) Brandebourg purchased two 80 acres tracts of land in the northwest corner of Section 36 in Union Township in Crawford, Indiana on 10 October 1854 from the US Land Office in Vicennes, Indiana. The land patent was issued on 1 July 1857. Research indicates that John G. Brandebourg may have died in 1857 prior to receiving his land patent.

The following photos were taken in the nearby town of Sulfur, Crawford, Indiana as it looks today.





Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Tombstone Tuesday

Grave Marker for Lewis Brandenburg
Old St. Croix Cemetery
St. Croix, Perry, Indiana



Born Louis Brandebourg in 1837, Metz, Moselle, France. Died 1896 in Crawford County, Indiana.
Small marker "A. J. F."



Monday, July 26, 2010

Obituary of Professor John B. Wastell

PROF. WASTELL DEAD

The Famous Old Dancing Teacher
Gives Up the Ghost After a
Long Illness.

Prof. John B. Wastell, the well known teacher of dancing, died this morning at 11:15 o’clock at the family residence, 2005 West Market street. His demise was not unexpected, for it has been apparent for some weeks past that his days were numbered. About four months ago, after giving a lesson to a number of members of the Louisville Light Infantry, he was taken ill of a complication of disease. Daily he grew worse and the best medical attention failed to relieve him. For the past few days he had been unconscious, experiencing no pain, but slowly dying.

A few moments before his death he opened his eyes, looking lovingly at his family who were gathered about his bedside and then breathed his last. The funeral arrangements have not been made, but the interment will be at Cave Hill cemetery.

Prof. Wastell was one of the best known men in Louisville, and everybody will be sorry to learn of his death. He was born in London in 1819, and after receiving a first class education, his parents placed him in Her Majesty’s Theater, where he served a seven years apprenticeship. Then he left the stage and began giving dancing lessons. One of his classes was the Dickens Club, composed of twelve members, of which Charles Dickens was the President. Thackeray also belonged to it.

The new world offered bright inducements to the young men of the mother country and finally Prof. Wastell came to this country. After teaching in Canada, New York and Chicago a friend persuaded him to come to Louisville. This was thirty-seven years ago and since that time he had constantly been teaching. At a recent exhibition of his classes were ladies and gentlemen whose mothers and fathers he had taught to dance. They had also learned from him and he was ten teaching their children.

Among his pupils who acquired greatness on the stage were Charlotta Grisi and Tonlona. During Jenny Lind’s career before the public he was frequently called upon to assist at rehearsals and often appeared upon the stage with her himself. In addition to being highly educated in the area of Terpsichore he was also possessed of literary talent and frequently contributed to the daily press. He composed the “Tout le Monde quadrille” which he sent to France and it became very fashionable there.

He left a wife and three children, Miss Menie E., Ernest C. and Louis W.

The Louisville Times
Wednesday, Jun 12, 1889

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Tribute to My Revolutionary War Patriots


Here is a partial list the Revolutionary War Patriots in my family:

Paul Pendexter (Pindexter), Massachusetts
John Murphy (Murphey) Pennsylvania
John Leach, Massachusetts
Lemuel Southworth, Connecticut

My direct ancestor, Sarah (Sally) Hancock, was the second cousin of John Hancock, signer for the Declaration of Independence.

They sacraficed much to give the freedoms that we enjoy today.

Happy Fourth of July!!

The above photo came the Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Online Catalog.

Title: The flag that has waved one hundred years--A scene on the morning of the fourth day of July 1876 / Fabronius ; E.P. & L. Restein's oilchromo, Phila. ; National Chromo Co. pub., Phila.

Creator(s): Fabronius, Dominique C.,
Date Created/Published: c1876.
Medium: 1 print : chromolithograph, color.
Summary: People raising American flag, with U.S. Capitol in background.
Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-pga-03448 (digital file from original print) LC-USZC4-6287 (color film copy transparency)

Rights Advisory: No known restrictions on publication.



Call Number: PGA - Restein--Flag ... (D size) [P&P] [P&P]

Other Number: 12892G

Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Irony at The Family History Library

Just returned recently from a trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. What a loooong fun week of researching!! This was not my first trip to the Family History Library but it was the longest trip. I came well prepared. There were lists of documents that needed to be copied. There were films that needed to be checked. And there were the more the difficult problems to RESEARCH. I tried to balance each of my goals with time limits. But, of course, I ran out of time. There is never enough time in SLC.

One the second evening, my cell phone went off while I was scanning a document. I almost did not answer the call but I took it. The gentleman on the other line identified himself as a US Census worker and he asked if I owned a certain house. I almost fell off my chair. Was he kidding?? Really, a census worker calling me while I am INSIDE the Family History Library. It was a legitimate call but the irony was a bit unnerving. Did this census bureau worker know that I use census data frequently? Did he know that I was in a place dedicated to helping one find one's ancestors? Real life is very strange sometimes.

Put the Sledge Hammer Down! John B. Wastell Has Parents

Oh, yes! Finally with lots of help from Gillian Wastell Ford and Howard Wastell, and spectacular research suggestions from Susan Goss Johnston, there is little doubt when and where John B. Wastell was born and who his parents were. After years and years and YEARS of looking, it was online databases that finally helped crack this mystery wide open.

The person that his descendants knew as John Barton Wastell was born John Bartlett Wastell on 8 March 1820, St. Dunstan, Stepney, Middlesex, London. John's parents were John Wastell and Martha Rebecca Lacey. The elder John was a M.?.O.I Revenue Officer.

Preliminary research has the following children born to John Wastell and Martha Rebecca Lacey:

• Charles Wastell, b. 22 Jun 1811, St. Dunstan, Stepney


• Ellen Wastell b. 2 Jun 1813, St. Dunstan, Stepney
• Louisa Wastell bapt. 28 May 1815, St. George in the East, Tower Hamlets

• Harriet Wastell b. 18 Sep 1816, St. Mary, Whitechapel , Tower Hamlets

• John Bartlett Wastell b. 10 Mar 1820 St. Dunstan, Stepney
• Elizabeth Wastell b. 27 Feb 1824 St. Mary, St. Marylebone Rd, St. Marylebone
 
A couple of key pieces of research to solving this mystery, were finding the first marriage record of John Bartlett Wastell and his first son's baptismal record. John Bartlett Wastell married Elizabeth Ann Barenger on 2 Aug 1846, The Holy Trinity Church, St. Margaret, Westminster, Islington. John's occupation was listed as teacher of music. Next, his son's John's baptismal record from 1 Aug 1852, John's occupation is listed as Dancing Master. Both were found on Ancestry.com.
 
What is not clear is if John Barton Wastell changed his name from John Bartlett Wastell or if his children or grandchildren recorded it wrong. There are still many unanswered questions about John B. Wastell. At this time, it appears that John left London sometime between 1849 and 1851 and came to either the United States or Canada. His wife, Elizabeth Ann, and son, John, remained in London.
 
Subsequent posts will discuss John's famous associates and those implications. Any Charles Dickens or Jenny Lind buffs lurking???

Friday, April 16, 2010

Short Marriage for Louis Wastell and Flora Young

Randy Seavers at Genea-Musings mentioned searching The Library of Congress Chronicling America historic newspapers. What a great reminder to check for new listings! I found that the Daily Public Ledger, Maysville, KY had been added! I know that Louis Wastell had married a woman who lived in Maysville, KY. Maybe I could find out a bit more about them.

From previous research, I had found the marriage of Louis W. Wastell and Flora C. Young, on 15 October 1908, in the database, Kentucky Marriage Records, 1852-1914 on Ancestry.com. The couple was married in Maysville, Mason, Kentucky at the home of Mr. H. C. Young. According to this record, Louis was 36 years old and a farmer from Louisville, Kentucky. Flora was 26 years old from Flemingsburg, Fleming, Kentucky.

Records pertaining to Louis W. Wastell, have his birth ranging from 1860 to 1872. Since the 1870 Federal Census indicates that Louis was 4 years old, it is safe to assume that he was born prior to 1870. The 1900 Federal Census indicates that Flora was born in May 1881 so from my calculations, she would have been 27 at the time of the marriage.

Here is the newspaper clipping from the Daily Public Ledger, Maysville, KY, October 16, 1908:

~~~~~~~
Mr. Louis W. Wastell, aged, 36, of Louisville, and Miss Flora Young, aged 26, of Flemingsburg, were married at the home of the bride's brother, Mr. L. H. Young, in West Second street, last evening at 5 o'clock, Rev. F. W. Harrop, Pastor of the Third Street M. E. church, officating.

Prof. Wastell is the popular Director at the Princess Skating Rink, while his bride is a well known trained nurse.

Their friends join in hearty congratulations and good wishes.
~~~~~~~
This was not the first marriage for Louis Wastell. In 1900, he had been married to Emma for 2 years and was living in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio. I have not yet found their marriage record, a divorce record or death record for Emma. The roller skating reference is interesting. From many other newspaper articles and advertisements, Louis Wastell traveled the region giving skating performances with Louise White who was from Cincinnati, Ohio. Was this a contributing factor to the demise of the subject marriage??? We may never know.

Divorce clipping from the Daily Public Ledger, November 2, 1910:



There was no heading and it was buried among other articles. They were married about 24 months.

Louis and Flora were not living together on the 1910 census. Flora was living with her sister and brother-in-law in Flemingsburg, Fleming, Kentucky and Louis was living in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio and was listed as a lodger.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Celebrating Women's History Month

Unknown Woman
Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany


The photo was orginially in a collection of photos owned by Theodore Eberle and his wife, Julia Ditt. The woman appears to be wearing a tiara. The photographer is Mans Grotme.

Please leave a comment if you have clues to help solve this mystery.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Tombstone Tuesday

Eberle Headstone
Greenwood Cemetery
Brookings, South Dakota

Mary Amelia Dolve Eberle b. 26 Jun 1890 d. 27 Jan 1983
Alfred Max Eduard Eberle b. 8 Oct 1892 d. 16 Apr 1968
Eveleen Montana Kennard Eberle b. 6 Aug 1892 d. 2 Nov 1931

Alfred Eberle was Dean of Agriculture, South Dakota State College 1940-1959.

Eveleen was Alfred's first wife and Mary was his second. Mary died in Sioux Falls, Minnehaha, South Dakota. Alfred died in Glendale, Los Angeles, California and was initially buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in California. Eveleen died in Boone, Boone, Iowa. They are buried in Block 7, Lot 110.

Celebrating Women's History Month

Unknown Woman


It is not known who this woman is or the man in the photo on the table. It is believed that this photo originally belonged to Sadie (Sarah) Kennedy Kennard MacKay. She does not appear to be a Kennedy sister.  She remains a mystery. There is nothing on the front or the back of the photo. The cardboard is 7" x 9".

Celebrating Women's History Month

Possible Church Women




This photo is a group of unknown women except for Sadie (Sarah) Kennedy Kennard MacKay. She is on the right end in the second row. The photo was probably either taken in Miles City, Montana or in Brookings, South Dakota. The building may be a church because there are stain glass windows. Sadie was a Presbyterian. Leave a comment if you can identify anyone or the location of the photo. The photo may have been taken circa 1930.

Celebrating Women's History Month

Women Attending A Wedding

Unknown women attending a wedding. The only known person is Eveleen Kennard who is standing third from the left. It appears that Eveleen is about age 12 year old. This picture was taken circa 1904. Presumably the photo was taken in Miles City, Montana. There is an accompanying photo of men. The bride is seated second from the left.



Please leave a comment if you know any of these unnamed women or the location.