Thursday, October 31, 2019
165. Ghosts In Randolph County?
1907.
Are there such things as ghosts?
There are people in Randolph County that will reply in the affirmative. There lies a hilly and swampy region almost unknown to man, three and one-half miles south of Farmland. There are large and poisonous snakes in this swamp. A little creek cuts its way through the region and is named from a lonely cabin, which is situated on a hill near the cabin creek bridge.
There is an interesting history connected with this old cabin, the details of which is given by a Muncie newspaper as follows:
This old log cabin is almost twenty feet long and ten feet wide, with a roof made of bark, being built at the beginning of the past century. It fronts the creek on the south while to the north lies a swampy woodland, to the west and east lies rolling hills, which are covered with trees and wild vines of all kinds. Game is plenty in this region, but is seldom hunted.
At the beginning of the century, probably this scene was different, but as for civilization it has never entered into that district. At that time an old Indian, whose name was Bigfoot, lived in that wild region. He was six feet tall, blue eyes, a man of power and a disposition similar to all Indians. His aim was fatal, and he had the honor of being the fastest runner in the tribe. He was a supposed friend to the whites, but this was not known until later years. Soon after the tribe had met destruction Bigfoot made his home in this old cabin. He hunted the surrounding country and fished in the nearby streams. As a trader he was always honest and as a trapper he was an expert. He sold his hides and furs to the whites, who often came to his cabin in the spring to trade with him.
One evening in early spring, John Bairlock and his traders crossed the swamp from the north and followed the path up to the cabin, as was their usual way of coming. They mostly found Bigfoot at home in the evening, but to their surprise, they found him not. They at once entered the cabin, but that was found empty. Supposing that he would soon return, they made ready to stay all night.
As the western sun was setting they could hear strange sounds in the distance, but as the moon was rising the sounds came neared. Some of the traders became frightened and wanted to go, but Bairlock insisted upon their staying. One man said; 'It is Bigfoot now crossing the creek; I'll bet he has been up to the settlement and has got some whiskey.' Another imagined that he saw a ghost. Bairlock became a little frightened himself, but it was not his custom to become scared out; he seemed to impress that on the minds of the traders by the language he used.
That night Bairlock and his men disappeared; no one knew what became of them until in later years.
Bigfoot was never seen after. A great mystery surrounded the old log cabin. Years rolled on and in the year 1875, a small portion of the mystery was solved. Two boys named Joe and Carl White, brothers, were digging in the old log cabin floor for fishworms and came across some bones. The find was at once investigated and five skeletons were found. Many believed that Bairlock and his men were murdered, but it is not known or probably never will be known.
James Leward, a young and respected farmer in that neighborhood, reports his experience while fishing in that region:
"It was in October and the last rays of the sun could just be seen, sinking over the western hills, he began. I was preparing to go home when my attention was drawn to the opposite bank, and to my astonishment I saw an Indian standing dressed in his war clothes and I can remember his bright tomahawk in his belt. With his hand pointing towards the old log cabin, he said in a low tone; 'The last is yet to come.' He then disappeared."
Many of the surrounding farmers report that while asleep at night, they are suddenly awakened by strange cries and sounds in the neighborhood of the old cabin. Some believe that it is Bigfoot's ghost.
On the twenty-third of last month seven skeletons were found not far from this cabin by an investigating party. The mystery of the old log cabin is not yet solved, time will probably never throw any light on the mystery. The Winchester Journal.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
164. Death Of Mother And Baby At The County Asylum
The Winchester Journal, August 13, 1873.
On the 16th day of last June, a lady came to John W. Diggs, Township Trustee, and asked for an order to be admitted to the Randolph County Asylum. She was well dressed, handsome, intelligent and was so ladylike in her deportment, that Mr. Diggs thought strange of her request and refused to grant it until she gave him her history and why she desired to become a charge upon the charities of our county. She stated that her name was Mrs. Jennie Albur, that she was a native of Ohio and had been a teacher in the Bellefountaine schools; that she and her husband had started to the West and when they reached Union City it was thought best for her to remain there until he could locate a soldier's claim and put up a home for them. She had but a day or two previous heard that her husband had been killed in the terrible tornado that swept over Iowa and that she had no money and that she was not in a condition to help herself. The story was a plausible one but Mr. Diggs did not fully believe it. He inquired if she had any friends to which she replied that she had an uncle living in Bellfountaine. He then offered to pay her way to that place, but she refused to accept it, saying that she desired to go to the poor farm. He finally gave her an order, which she presented to Mr. Hall and was admitted to the Asylum. She remained in that institution, still adhering to the story that she told Mr. Diggs, until the 29 day of July, when she was confined to bed, giving birth to a dead child. She was taken with spasms and remained unconscious until the next day, when she died. During the time she was at the Asylum, Mr. Hall was satisfied that her story was not true, and that there was some mystery connected with the affair, but she baffled all his attempts to get a clue of her identity. It seems, however. that she anticipated her death, and just prior to her confinement, gave Mr. Hall an envelope bearing the address, "A.H. Green, West Liberty, Ohio," with the request that if she died, he would forward her effects to that address.
After her death, Mr. Hall wrote to Mr. Green, giving that gentleman a full history of the case. Upon receiving this letter, Mr. Green responded in person. He states that the deceased was Miss Mary Jane Blair; that she was his second cousin; and that they had been engaged to be married for over three years. He further states that he has frequently asked her to marry him, but she persistently refused to do so. He also says that he is the father of the child and knew of her condition, and that when she announced her determination to come here, that he urged her to marry him and allow him to come with her. This she refused to do, stating that she had friends here who would care for her. She had corresponded with him, but had stated that she was at a friend's house, near Winchester, and he had no idea that she was in the poor house until he received Mr. Hall's letter. Although a poor man, Mr. Green paid Mr. Hall for keeping her, and also paid the Doctor's and undertaker's bills. Mr. Green seemed to be much attached to the lady and was greatly affected. The gentlemen with whom he had dealings were favorably impressed with his course and fully believe that he gives a true statement of the sad affair. Miss Blair, had been, as she claimed, a teacher at Bellfountaine, was well educated and respectably connected.
Having thus given a history of the affair, as is our duty as a public journalist, we drop the mantle of charity over the living and the dead, hoping that the sad lesson may not be lost upon many who are treading the downward road to ruin, as well as upon those whose footsteps are yet in the paths of virtue.
More of the story... at least a story of an A. H. Green found to live in Ohio in the 1870s. Search information did not reveal any substantial clues for Mary Jane Blair or Jennie Albur of Ohio.
Alfred Holand Green was the first born of Isaac and (Sarah) Elizabeth Potts. At about the age of eight years he left home to live with his maternal grandfather and second wife, James and Nancy Potts. He claimed to have been mistreated by his father's children from the first marriage. He lived with his grandfather until he enlised in the Union Army, in 1861 under the alias of Alfred Potts. He worked as a farm laborer and a river man before the war and usually listed his occupation as laborer after the war. He was married (1) to a possible cousin, Rebecca Campbell during the war under the name of Alfred Potts and (2) to Mary E. Cowper after the war under the name of Alfred Green. See photocopy of disposition given by Alfred Green April 26, 1905 explaining the reasons for his alias ( Alfred Potts), family background, and two marriages. Alfred's service in the Civil War was originally in the 28th PA infantry until his company and others were incorporated as the 147th PA Infantry. See photocopy of Compendium of the War of the Rebellion. About June 22, 1864, Alfred was serving as a train guard on a train of sick and wounded en route from Kenesaw Mountain, GA to Chattanooga,
TN. Train was derailed by loose rails due to rebel sabotage. Alfred was thrown from atop a car and fractured the malleoi of the fibula, left ankle. He was sent to a field hospital in Alatoona, GA., then to Chattanooga, Nashville, Louisville, and finally Jeffersonville Hospital. He returned to duty on Nov 3, 1864. Alfred accompanied Sherman on his march to the sea and through the Carolinas. He caught malaria in swamps arount Atlanta. He suffered with Ague and fever and rheumatism in his legs all the way to New Bern, NC. Isaac Green (possibly his younger brother) and his mess mates carried his gurn and knapsack on the march. Alfred was sent to the hospital at Goldsborough, NC on April 9, 1865, then to Barrow's Island, NY, then to US Grant Hospital, Willis Point, NY in May 1865. He retuned to his unit in Alexandria, VA late June or early July and was mustered out. Alfred returned to the Georgetown, PA . area until about 1886, when he moved to East Liverpool, OH. He left his wife and family about 1894 and lived on the river near Wellsville, OH. He first filed for a pension on June 4, 1874, claiming a foot deformed by a fracture and continuing Rheumatism and malaria. He later showed signs of a hypertrophied heart. His (right) thumb was amputated due to necrosis, possibly as a result of being smashed in an accident in 1882. Alfred entered the National Military Home in Dayton, OH, on February 14, 1907, residing in Barracks #5. He died there of organic heart disease on February 11, 1913. Chester Greene, Alfred's grandson, related that Alfred would visit his house during the years of his residency at the National Military Home. Alfred would have a couple of drinks and then begin relating war stories about the terrible hardships and fears the foot soldier endured in the Civil War. Alfred related that they slept in pairs on the ground to stay warm and in the mornings, after a cold winter rain that froze in the night, they would have to use their pocket knived to cut each other's hair loose from the ground. Alfred said that they called the battle at Manassas "Bull Run because those that didn't run are still there".
Alfred's description on enlisting was 5 ft. 5 in., 140 pounds, fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair.
Alfred Green's military records are under the name of Alfred Potts. He died after getting a hair cut and shave at Johnson Barber Shop at 329 S Western Ave., Dayton, Ohio. Record # 31883.
Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society
Visit the website.
Here is a link to the cemetery database. https://rchsmuseum.org/cemeteries-database
Follow the blog.
Scroll to the right or below the article to click "FOLLOW" to get email updates as soon as a blog is uploaded. This is a great feature to share with family and friends who are not active on social media.
On the 16th day of last June, a lady came to John W. Diggs, Township Trustee, and asked for an order to be admitted to the Randolph County Asylum. She was well dressed, handsome, intelligent and was so ladylike in her deportment, that Mr. Diggs thought strange of her request and refused to grant it until she gave him her history and why she desired to become a charge upon the charities of our county. She stated that her name was Mrs. Jennie Albur, that she was a native of Ohio and had been a teacher in the Bellefountaine schools; that she and her husband had started to the West and when they reached Union City it was thought best for her to remain there until he could locate a soldier's claim and put up a home for them. She had but a day or two previous heard that her husband had been killed in the terrible tornado that swept over Iowa and that she had no money and that she was not in a condition to help herself. The story was a plausible one but Mr. Diggs did not fully believe it. He inquired if she had any friends to which she replied that she had an uncle living in Bellfountaine. He then offered to pay her way to that place, but she refused to accept it, saying that she desired to go to the poor farm. He finally gave her an order, which she presented to Mr. Hall and was admitted to the Asylum. She remained in that institution, still adhering to the story that she told Mr. Diggs, until the 29 day of July, when she was confined to bed, giving birth to a dead child. She was taken with spasms and remained unconscious until the next day, when she died. During the time she was at the Asylum, Mr. Hall was satisfied that her story was not true, and that there was some mystery connected with the affair, but she baffled all his attempts to get a clue of her identity. It seems, however. that she anticipated her death, and just prior to her confinement, gave Mr. Hall an envelope bearing the address, "A.H. Green, West Liberty, Ohio," with the request that if she died, he would forward her effects to that address.
After her death, Mr. Hall wrote to Mr. Green, giving that gentleman a full history of the case. Upon receiving this letter, Mr. Green responded in person. He states that the deceased was Miss Mary Jane Blair; that she was his second cousin; and that they had been engaged to be married for over three years. He further states that he has frequently asked her to marry him, but she persistently refused to do so. He also says that he is the father of the child and knew of her condition, and that when she announced her determination to come here, that he urged her to marry him and allow him to come with her. This she refused to do, stating that she had friends here who would care for her. She had corresponded with him, but had stated that she was at a friend's house, near Winchester, and he had no idea that she was in the poor house until he received Mr. Hall's letter. Although a poor man, Mr. Green paid Mr. Hall for keeping her, and also paid the Doctor's and undertaker's bills. Mr. Green seemed to be much attached to the lady and was greatly affected. The gentlemen with whom he had dealings were favorably impressed with his course and fully believe that he gives a true statement of the sad affair. Miss Blair, had been, as she claimed, a teacher at Bellfountaine, was well educated and respectably connected.
Having thus given a history of the affair, as is our duty as a public journalist, we drop the mantle of charity over the living and the dead, hoping that the sad lesson may not be lost upon many who are treading the downward road to ruin, as well as upon those whose footsteps are yet in the paths of virtue.
More of the story... at least a story of an A. H. Green found to live in Ohio in the 1870s. Search information did not reveal any substantial clues for Mary Jane Blair or Jennie Albur of Ohio.
Alfred Holand Green was the first born of Isaac and (Sarah) Elizabeth Potts. At about the age of eight years he left home to live with his maternal grandfather and second wife, James and Nancy Potts. He claimed to have been mistreated by his father's children from the first marriage. He lived with his grandfather until he enlised in the Union Army, in 1861 under the alias of Alfred Potts. He worked as a farm laborer and a river man before the war and usually listed his occupation as laborer after the war. He was married (1) to a possible cousin, Rebecca Campbell during the war under the name of Alfred Potts and (2) to Mary E. Cowper after the war under the name of Alfred Green. See photocopy of disposition given by Alfred Green April 26, 1905 explaining the reasons for his alias ( Alfred Potts), family background, and two marriages. Alfred's service in the Civil War was originally in the 28th PA infantry until his company and others were incorporated as the 147th PA Infantry. See photocopy of Compendium of the War of the Rebellion. About June 22, 1864, Alfred was serving as a train guard on a train of sick and wounded en route from Kenesaw Mountain, GA to Chattanooga,
TN. Train was derailed by loose rails due to rebel sabotage. Alfred was thrown from atop a car and fractured the malleoi of the fibula, left ankle. He was sent to a field hospital in Alatoona, GA., then to Chattanooga, Nashville, Louisville, and finally Jeffersonville Hospital. He returned to duty on Nov 3, 1864. Alfred accompanied Sherman on his march to the sea and through the Carolinas. He caught malaria in swamps arount Atlanta. He suffered with Ague and fever and rheumatism in his legs all the way to New Bern, NC. Isaac Green (possibly his younger brother) and his mess mates carried his gurn and knapsack on the march. Alfred was sent to the hospital at Goldsborough, NC on April 9, 1865, then to Barrow's Island, NY, then to US Grant Hospital, Willis Point, NY in May 1865. He retuned to his unit in Alexandria, VA late June or early July and was mustered out. Alfred returned to the Georgetown, PA . area until about 1886, when he moved to East Liverpool, OH. He left his wife and family about 1894 and lived on the river near Wellsville, OH. He first filed for a pension on June 4, 1874, claiming a foot deformed by a fracture and continuing Rheumatism and malaria. He later showed signs of a hypertrophied heart. His (right) thumb was amputated due to necrosis, possibly as a result of being smashed in an accident in 1882. Alfred entered the National Military Home in Dayton, OH, on February 14, 1907, residing in Barracks #5. He died there of organic heart disease on February 11, 1913. Chester Greene, Alfred's grandson, related that Alfred would visit his house during the years of his residency at the National Military Home. Alfred would have a couple of drinks and then begin relating war stories about the terrible hardships and fears the foot soldier endured in the Civil War. Alfred related that they slept in pairs on the ground to stay warm and in the mornings, after a cold winter rain that froze in the night, they would have to use their pocket knived to cut each other's hair loose from the ground. Alfred said that they called the battle at Manassas "Bull Run because those that didn't run are still there".
Alfred's description on enlisting was 5 ft. 5 in., 140 pounds, fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair.
Alfred Green's military records are under the name of Alfred Potts. He died after getting a hair cut and shave at Johnson Barber Shop at 329 S Western Ave., Dayton, Ohio. Record # 31883.
Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society
Visit the website.
Here is a link to the cemetery database. https://rchsmuseum.org/cemeteries-database
Follow the blog.
Scroll to the right or below the article to click "FOLLOW" to get email updates as soon as a blog is uploaded. This is a great feature to share with family and friends who are not active on social media.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
163. Brick Street Crew In Winchester.
Allen J. Shapier street crew from Peru, Indiana. Shapier bricked most of the streets in Winchester between 1906 and 1913. Before the streets were started, a concrete contractor from Portland did the curb work and the approaches to alleys.
Monday, October 28, 2019
162. Admitted To The James Moorman Orphan's Home - Paul Junior Antonio, 1939
CHILD
Name Paul Junior Antonio
Sex Male
Color White
Color of eyes Brown
Color of hair Brown
Date of birth April 1, 1929
Place of birth Ridgeville, Ind.
Date admitted to Home November 14, 1939
By whom placed in Home Mrs. Marie Jones, Dept. of Public Welfare
If child is not normal, mentally or physically, state defects x
FATHER
Name Pollino, Antonio, Italian
Address unknown
MOTHER
Name Martha Antonio
Maiden name Allen
Address x
If deceased, cause of death Died at Randolph County Poor Farm October, 1940, cancer
BROTHERS
Russell Lee
Francis
SISTERS
Helen
Roberta
Madonna
Paternal Grandparents In Italy
Maternal Grandparents Deceased
Placement of child, with whom Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Stegall, Winchester, Ind. R.R.
By whom was this home recommended? Mrs. Marie Jones
By whom was this home investigated? "
Was the Court consulted or notified? Yes
Was Probation Officer notified? Yes
Mrs. E. Estella Moore, Orphanage Matron.
More of the story that volunteer Thursa brushed off...
1920 United States Federal Census
House Number: X. Street: Franklin Street. Home in 1920: Ridgeville, Randolph (County), Indiana.
Pollino Anttonio
Born about 1896 in Italy, age 24, white, male. Immigration Year: 1913. Relation to Head of House: Head. Marital Status: Married, Spouse's name: Martha Anttonio. Father and mother birthplace: Italy. Native Tongue: Italian. Able to Speak English: Yes. Occupation: Trackman. Industry: railroad. Employment Field: Wage or Salary. Home Owned or Rented: Rented. Naturalization Status: Alien. Able to Read: Yes. Able to Write: Yes.
Martha Anttonio
Born about 1897 in Indiana, age 23, white, female. Relation to Head of House: Wife. Marital Status: Married. Spouse's name: Pollino Anttonio. Father and mother born in Indiana. Able to Speak English: Yes. Naturalization Status: Alien. Able to Read: Yes. Able to Write: Yes.
Frederick Anttonio
Born about 1920 in Indiana, age 0 (less than one year), white, male. Relation to Head of House: Son. Marital Status: Single. Father's name: Pollino Anttonio, birthplace Italy. Mother's name: Martha Anttonio, birthplace Indiana. Able to Speak English: Yes.
1930 United States Federal Census
Dwelling Number: 1; Family Number: 1; Institution: James Moorman Orphans Home; Street address: State Road Number 28; Home: White River (Township), Randolph (County), Indiana, USA.
Estella Moore
Born about 1885 in Indiana; 45 years old; female, white; married, age at first marriage: 21. Relation to Head of House: Matron. Able to Read and Write: Yes; Able to Speak English: Yes. Father born in Indiana. Mother born in Ohio. Occupation: Matron; Industry: Orphanage; Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker; Employment: Yes.
Charles E. Moore
Born about 1917 in Indiana; 13 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Son. Attended School: Yes. Able to Read and Write: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in Indiana.
Pauline Holloway
Born about 1921 in Indiana; 9 years old; female, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Bernice Bowman
Born about 1917 in Indiana; 13 years old; female, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Emma Bowman
Born about 1925 in Indiana; 5 years old; female, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Howard Bowman
Born about 1918 in Indiana; 12 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Charles Bowman
Born about 1919 in Indiana; 11 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Ruth Bowman
Born about 1921 in Indiana; 9 years old; female, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Evelyn French
Born about 1916 in Indiana; 14 years old; female, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Hubert French
Born about 1919 in Indiana; 11 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Edna Canada
Born about 1916 in Indiana; 14 years old; female, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Merl Canada
Born about 1919 in Indiana; 11 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Howard Canada
Born about 1921 in Indiana; 9 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Clarence Canada
Born about 1923 in Indiana; 7 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Robert Thornburg
Born about 1914 in Indiana; 16 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Frank Billiter
Born about 1921 in Indiana; 9 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Charles Billiter
Born about 1924 in Indiana; 6 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
James Garrett
Born about 1924 in Indiana; 6 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Cedric Farlow
Born about 1918 in Indiana; 12 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Herman Lee
Born about 1917 in Indiana; 13 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Leroy Wentz
Born about 1920 in Indiana; 10 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Samuel Wentz
Born about 1923 in Indiana; 7 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Clarence Clark
Born about 1918 in Indiana; 12 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Vernon Clark
Born about 1920 in Indiana; 10 years old; male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States.
Gerald Lemon
Born about 1912 in Indiana; 18 years old, male, white. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Attended School: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in United States. Occupation: Farm Laborer. Industry: General Farm. Class of Worker: Unpaid worker, member of the family. Employment: Yes.
Milo Starbuck
Born about 1874 in Indiana; 56 years old, male, white. Marital status: Widowed; Age at first Marriage: 21. Relation to Head of House: Inmate. Able to Read and Write: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born in North Carolina. Occupation: Farm Laborer. Industry: General Farm. Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker. Employment: Yes.
Romain Smith
Born about 1897 in Belgium; 33 years old, female, white. Marital status: Widowed; Age at first Marriage: 18. Relation to Head of House: Servant. NOTE: This noted to be dwelling number 1 and family number 2. Able to Read and Write: Yes. Father and mother born in Belgium. Language Spoken: Flemish. Immigration Year: 1902. Naturalization: Naturalized. Able to Speak English: Yes. Occupation: Servant. Industry: Orphanage. Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker. Employment: Yes.
Saraellen Smith
Born about 1917 in West Virginia; 13 years old, female, white. Relation to Head of House: Daughter. NOTE: This noted to be dwelling number 1 and family number 2. Attended School: Yes. Able to Read and Write: Yes. Able to Speak English: Yes. Father and mother born: Belgium.
Ruby U. Smith
Born about 1922 in West Virginia; 8 years old, female, white. Relation to Head of House: Daughter. NOTE: This noted to be dwelling number 1 and family number 2. Attended School: Yes. Father and mother born: Belgium.
Death Certificate
Martha C. Antonio
Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Ridgeville, Indiana.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
161. "Granny's Rock" On the Bundy Mill Pike
1949.
 |
| Granny's Rock along Bundy Mill Pike just south of the County Highway Barn, October 2019. |
It is to be expected that the largest boulder to be found in Randolph County would be only a pebble when compared with some of the large rocks to be found in the more mountainous parts of the country. In fact, nobody would expect to find a rock of any kind in these parts that would tip the scales at more than a ton and rocks of that size are exceedingly scarce.
When the great glacier passed over Randolph County it left in it's wake countless granite rocks, mostly of small size. Once in a while one finds a boulder so large that it hustles a tractor to move it out of the way, but these are not frequent. But the great glacier, when it was about to spend itself, had one great burden on it's back that it was getting anxious to be rid of. This burden was a granite boulder of huge proportions and the glacier set it down on Randolph County soil to remain there until this day.
It stands now in the same place the glacier put it, and it will probably be right there until those of us now living will have no further interest in it. And this is in spite of the fact that different people in different generations have thought the big boulder should be moved to a more prominent location.
Granny's Rock, it has been called for generations. And if you would like to view the largest boulder in Randolph County, just take the old 'Bundy Mill Pike,' or Huntsville Road three miles south-west of Winchester to the end of the concrete. (This, by the way, was the first concrete road to be built in Randolph County under the "Three Mile Road Law." It was known simply as the 'Cement Road.) And here, just off to the west, in the corner of the Loren Bolinger farm, you will see "Granny's Rock' projecting at least six feet out of the soil and showing ten or twelve feet of its length above ground.
Philip Kabel, Winchester historian, says that when plans were being made to place the Doughboy statue on the courthouse lawn as a World War I memorial, it was thought that Granny's Rock might be brought in and placed on the lawn for a base for the statue. But when the committee investigated they soon decided there was no place on the courthouse lawn for such a rock as that.
There has been much speculation throughout the years as to just how large Granny's Rock actually is. At different times people have dug down in the earth alongside of the huge boulder, but its actual dimensions have never been determined. There can be no doubt the great rock weighs hundreds, perhaps thousands of tons, for the greater part of its bulk is below ground level.
Older citizens of the county recall that at one time, many years ago, Granny's Rock bore a huge sign inviting you (in fine yellow letters) to "Trade at Kelly's Store in Winchester." Circus bills and campaign posters have been pasted on its east side, clearly visible from the road and bound to attract attention. It bears no advertising or any other inscription today.
Directly across the road to the east is the site of the old Sugar Creek school, one of the county's earliest 'Little Red Schoolhouses.' It was at Sugar Creek school that many of Randolph County's leading citizens received their early training in the 'three R's,' and it was here that numerous prominent educators taught their first term.
Bud Romizer, whose cozy and attractive home now occupies the former school site, is particularly proud of the many magnificent maples which stand on his lawn. These trees, Mr. Romizer says, were planted at different times by members of the Grange, which used the schoolhouse as their meeting place for many years, One huge maple appears to be at least five feet in diameter.
By reconstructing a former scene, one can well imagine the part 'Granny's Rock' played in the lives of former students at the old Sugar Creek school. Here was the schoolhouse with the road in front, then down over the bank stood the huge rock only a few feet from the creek itself. There can be no doubt that 'Granny's Rock' had an important part in hundreds of different games that were played by the youngsters before and after school and at recess.
"Granny's Rock" is dear to the hearts of many Randolph County folks as a never changing landmark which calls back to their minds happy scenes of their childhood days. Lynn Herald, July 29, 1949.
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| The T-Road intersection to locate Granny's rock on the northwest corner. |
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| Driving south on Huntsville Road, Winchester behind, pointing at Granny's Rock. |
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| Turned west off of Hunstville Road onto 150 South and Granny's rock is just to the right side of the road. |
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| Looking north on the small bridge crossing Sugar Creek along 150 South near a field where you can find Granny's Rock. |
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| Looking north on the small bridge crossing Sugar Creek along 150 South near a field where you can find Granny's Rock. |
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| Looking south on the small bridge crossing Sugar Creek along 150 South near a field where you can find Granny's Rock. |
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| Looking south on the small bridge crossing Sugar Creek along 150 South near a field where you can find Granny's Rock. |
This 1/2 minute video is facing south while standing on the bridge crossing Sugar Creek. Reflect on life of the young students who attended Sugar Creek School years ago as they took their recess breaks to clamber over Granny's Rock and play along the creek banks.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
160. Misc. Items From The Winchester Journal-Herald, 1956
Sterlie Bertram
Bob Jackson
Jo Barnhart
Russell L. (Buzzie) Newton
Mike Ladoux, Jim Suraze, Dave Brumley, Raymond Grubbs, Steve Rector, Steve Suddeth and Thomas Croyle. Absent were Butch Goodhew, Ronnie Erwin, Mike Strayley, Bobby Tylicki, Kent Wiist, Larry Moody, Randy Nelson, Steve Daggat and Mike Sandifar.
Edwin Mendenhall being presented the 25-year award by James Lake, Worpshipful Master of Doric Lodge, Ridgeville, Ind. Benjamin Pettyjohn was unable to attend to receive his 25-year award.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
159. Baby Mary Evva Mullen's Metal Casket
Mary Evva Mullen
A Very Strange Story...
Winchester Journal Herald, August 16, 1968.
The simlpe limestone marker in Fountain Park cemetery at the grave of Mary Evva Mullen has obviously been moved from an older cemetery but the circumstances of this reburial are so unusual that they have become something of a legend.
Mary Evva Mullen was the first child of Elihu and Mahala Edwards Mullen, early Winchester residents. The family history relates that she died in 1856 at the age of one year, of pneumonia. Later surviving children were F. B., Calvin, Lewis, Minnie (later Mrs. William Hunt), George, and Mae (later Mrs. Ed Heaston).
An interesting sidelight is the fact that Elihu Mullen, the baby's father, was a contractor and helped build the tower (since demolished) on the county courthouse.
One family member, Mrs. John Bishop (formerly Grace Mullen), who has returned to Winchester (Note: This was in 1966.) for a summer visit with her son Joe Bishop, remembers something of the legend as related to her by her Uncle Calvin, brother of the baby.
Mrs. Bishop, now living in Florida with her husband, related that the baby was buried in the old Winchester cemetery in a metal coffin with a circular glass face plate. After Fountain Park cemetery was opened in the early 1900's, many bodies buried in the old cemetery were moved to the new one.
And so in 1922, little Mary Evva's metal casket was exhumed for reburial. At this point, the unusual feature of the story develops.
As Mrs. Bishop remembers her Uncle Calvin telling the tale, the child's body was found to be perfectly preserved and in what was described as a "petrified" condition, that is, like a rock. She was described as an unusually beautiful baby, and those who peeked through the glass face plate of her coffin insisted that this beauty had remained intact through the 34 years of her burial.
Calvin Mullen told his niece that the baby's casket was kept for several days in the cemetery vaults, and that hundreds of the curious from this county and adjoining counties came to see the unusual sight.
After several days the little metal coffin was reburied, this time in the parents' burial plot in Fountain Park, but the old marker was set at the head of the grave.
The verse on the marker beneath Mary Evva's name is almost obliterated by erosion of the soft limestone, but it says, in part:
"Little Mary's slumbering away
In her lonely iron bed..."
The little home-made verse, likely of those crudely carved on the older limestone markers, has a personal and poignant note, bringing closer the sense of sorrow at losing the little girl over a century ago. But only the story handed down through the Mullen famly remains to tell in what an unusual way little Mary's "slumbering" would become a legend for historians to record.
Ed. Note: Details of this story were contributed by Mrs. Donald Snyder, sr., secretary of the Randolph County Historical Society. Although the story has been challenged, notably in some details re. the baby's state of preservation, we print it as an interesting example of folklore. It is copied from an article in this newspaper in July, 1966.)
Born about 1855.
Died 1856.
Burial: Old Winchester Cemetery (Heaston Cemetery), 1856 to 1922.
Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, 1922 to present.
__________
RCHS Volunteer Thursa Short shares a little research on Mary Evva's family.
Some research of her parents:
1850 Census: House number and street not listed in White River Township, Randolph County, Indiana.
Mahala Ann Edwards, age 16, noted as attended school. Living with inferred parents and siblings.
December 9, 1856: Brother Fernandis Mullen was born in Winchester, Randolph County, Indiana.
1870 Census: House number and street not listed, Winchester, Indiana.
Elihu Mullen (a carpenter), Mahala Mullen, age 36, occupation keeping house and five children.
1880 Census: 255 East Street, Winchester, Indiana.
E. Mullen (a carpenter), wife M. A. Mullen, age 46, occupation keeping house and five children.
Elihu Mullen died 1899. Buried Fountain Park Cemetery.
1900 Census: Meridian Street (house number not listed), Winchester, Indiana.
Mahala Mullen, 65 years old, was widowed and living with her son Fernande Mullen (a carpenter) and his wife Bertie (no occupation noted) and their daughters Grace and Vera.
1910 Census: 603 East Washington Street, Winchester, Indiana.
Mahala Mullen, 75 years old, was widowed and living with her son Fernandis Mullen (a manager in a lumber yard) and his wife Adelia (a keeper in a branding house), along with their 18 year old daughter Vera and six boarders noted working in a glass factory.
1920 Census: 233 South East Street, Winchester, Indiana.
Mahala Mullen, 85 years old, was widowed and living with her son Fernandus and his wife Adella Mullen.
February 11, 1921, Mahala Mullen died. Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery.
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Photographs taken at Fountain Park Cemetery, September 2019.
Want to learn more about glass and/or metal caskets?
https://cvltnation.com/prevents-unlawful-resurrections-19th-century-metal-coffins/
https://blog.cmog.org/2012/10/25/the-glass-coffin/
A Very Strange Story...
Winchester Journal Herald, August 16, 1968.
The simlpe limestone marker in Fountain Park cemetery at the grave of Mary Evva Mullen has obviously been moved from an older cemetery but the circumstances of this reburial are so unusual that they have become something of a legend.
Mary Evva Mullen was the first child of Elihu and Mahala Edwards Mullen, early Winchester residents. The family history relates that she died in 1856 at the age of one year, of pneumonia. Later surviving children were F. B., Calvin, Lewis, Minnie (later Mrs. William Hunt), George, and Mae (later Mrs. Ed Heaston).
An interesting sidelight is the fact that Elihu Mullen, the baby's father, was a contractor and helped build the tower (since demolished) on the county courthouse.
One family member, Mrs. John Bishop (formerly Grace Mullen), who has returned to Winchester (Note: This was in 1966.) for a summer visit with her son Joe Bishop, remembers something of the legend as related to her by her Uncle Calvin, brother of the baby.
Mrs. Bishop, now living in Florida with her husband, related that the baby was buried in the old Winchester cemetery in a metal coffin with a circular glass face plate. After Fountain Park cemetery was opened in the early 1900's, many bodies buried in the old cemetery were moved to the new one.
And so in 1922, little Mary Evva's metal casket was exhumed for reburial. At this point, the unusual feature of the story develops.
As Mrs. Bishop remembers her Uncle Calvin telling the tale, the child's body was found to be perfectly preserved and in what was described as a "petrified" condition, that is, like a rock. She was described as an unusually beautiful baby, and those who peeked through the glass face plate of her coffin insisted that this beauty had remained intact through the 34 years of her burial.
Calvin Mullen told his niece that the baby's casket was kept for several days in the cemetery vaults, and that hundreds of the curious from this county and adjoining counties came to see the unusual sight.
After several days the little metal coffin was reburied, this time in the parents' burial plot in Fountain Park, but the old marker was set at the head of the grave.
The verse on the marker beneath Mary Evva's name is almost obliterated by erosion of the soft limestone, but it says, in part:
"Little Mary's slumbering away
In her lonely iron bed..."
The little home-made verse, likely of those crudely carved on the older limestone markers, has a personal and poignant note, bringing closer the sense of sorrow at losing the little girl over a century ago. But only the story handed down through the Mullen famly remains to tell in what an unusual way little Mary's "slumbering" would become a legend for historians to record.
Ed. Note: Details of this story were contributed by Mrs. Donald Snyder, sr., secretary of the Randolph County Historical Society. Although the story has been challenged, notably in some details re. the baby's state of preservation, we print it as an interesting example of folklore. It is copied from an article in this newspaper in July, 1966.)
Born about 1855.
Died 1856.
Burial: Old Winchester Cemetery (Heaston Cemetery), 1856 to 1922.
Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, 1922 to present.
__________
RCHS Volunteer Thursa Short shares a little research on Mary Evva's family.
Some research of her parents:
1850 Census: House number and street not listed in White River Township, Randolph County, Indiana.
Mahala Ann Edwards, age 16, noted as attended school. Living with inferred parents and siblings.
December 9, 1856: Brother Fernandis Mullen was born in Winchester, Randolph County, Indiana.
1870 Census: House number and street not listed, Winchester, Indiana.
Elihu Mullen (a carpenter), Mahala Mullen, age 36, occupation keeping house and five children.
1880 Census: 255 East Street, Winchester, Indiana.
E. Mullen (a carpenter), wife M. A. Mullen, age 46, occupation keeping house and five children.
Elihu Mullen died 1899. Buried Fountain Park Cemetery.
1900 Census: Meridian Street (house number not listed), Winchester, Indiana.
Mahala Mullen, 65 years old, was widowed and living with her son Fernande Mullen (a carpenter) and his wife Bertie (no occupation noted) and their daughters Grace and Vera.
1910 Census: 603 East Washington Street, Winchester, Indiana.
Mahala Mullen, 75 years old, was widowed and living with her son Fernandis Mullen (a manager in a lumber yard) and his wife Adelia (a keeper in a branding house), along with their 18 year old daughter Vera and six boarders noted working in a glass factory.
1920 Census: 233 South East Street, Winchester, Indiana.
Mahala Mullen, 85 years old, was widowed and living with her son Fernandus and his wife Adella Mullen.
February 11, 1921, Mahala Mullen died. Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery.
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Photographs taken at Fountain Park Cemetery, September 2019.
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| Facing south, Mary Evva's stone is the small obelisk near the base of the tree. |
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| Mary Evva's stone in September 2019. |
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| Mary Evva's stone on the left. |
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| Mary Evva's parents. |
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| Mary Evva's stone, September 2019. |
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| Mary Evva's stone in section 3 at Fountain Park Cemetery, September 2019. |
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| My index finger points to Gov. Goodrich stone, Mary Evva's stone is where my pinky finger points. |
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| Where Mary Evva's casket was viewed a few days before she was reburied. |
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| Mary Evva's stone back, September 2019. |
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| Mary Evva's stone front, September 2019. |
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| Mary Evva's faded headstone inscription, September 2019. |
Want to learn more about glass and/or metal caskets?
https://cvltnation.com/prevents-unlawful-resurrections-19th-century-metal-coffins/
https://blog.cmog.org/2012/10/25/the-glass-coffin/
Monday, October 21, 2019
158. Admitted To The James Moorman Orphan's Home - Albert Wood, 1936
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| Ledger from Orphan's Home |
CHILD
Name Albert Richard Kenneth (Dickey) Wood
Sex Male
Color White
Color of eyes Blue
Color of hair Dark
Date of birth January 6, 1929
Place of birth
Marks of identification
Hereditary diseases
Contagious diseases child has had
Before entering Home
x
While at Home
Chicken Pox January 7, 1939
Date admitted to Home December 24, 1936
If child is not normal, mentally or physically, state defects Stutters
FATHER
Name Forrest G. Wood
Address Indiana State Prison, Michigan City, Ind., P.O. Box 41
MOTHER
Name Jennie
Maiden name
Address
If deceased, cause of death Shot by her husband
Remarks Former husband Wysong
BROTHERS
Half brothers
SISTERS
Half sisters
Paternal Grandparents Richmond, Indiana
Maternal Grandparents Unknown
Mrs. Estella Moore, Orphanage Matron. Two weeks from his 8th birthday, Dickey sees his mother shot to death, her funeral, his father in jail and all alone he's admitted to the orphanage on Christmas eve. A hard start in life.
Remarks Dickey 16, left the orphanage July 5, 1945, released by Phillip Kabel to work on a farm near Winchester.
Dickey Wood fell 31 feet down a hay shoot landing on cement floor. Broke hip bone and cracked pelvis in two places. Admitted to Randolph County Hospital. Hip xrayed. Placed in cast July 14, 1939.
Winchester Journal-Herald, January 14, 1937.
Wood Pleads Guilty To Killing Wife; Given Life In Prison.
Forrest G. Wood, age 54, will be taken to the Indiana State Prison at Michigan City the first of next week to begin a life term for the murder of his wife, Jennie, on the night of December 12. The tragedy occurred at their home on the Gray farm southeast of Winchester on the Greenville Pike.
Wood pleaded guilty to a second degree murder indictment and was sentenced by Judge Alonzo L. Bales to life imprisonment.
In voices barely audible to onlookers in the court room, the judge and Wood talked. Judge Bales asking him details of his life, necessary data for those committed to the state prison.
Wood said that he had used liquor most of his life and when asked by the court if he was intoxicated on the night he shot and killed his wife, he answered emphatically with one word: "Absolutely."
The confessed murderer sat in the jury box prior to arraignment talking to Prosecuting Attorney Nate Mendenhall and Philip Kabel, clerk of the circuit court. Sheriff Charles Leavell and Merrill Nichols, Winchester attorney, also entered in the conversation.
Wood, however, was not represented by an attorney.
While waiting for Judge Bales to take the bench, Wood smoked cigaretts, holding his hat on his lap. About 20 persons were in the court room early to watch the proceedings. Before Wood was returned to the county jail, about 40 persons had taken seats in the room.
Prosecuting Attorney Mendenhall re-read the indictment at Wood's request.
During the conversation with Bales, Wood said the crime was not premeditated and offered to swear to that on the Bible. The state dismissed the first degree murder indictment following Wood's plea of guilty to second degree murder.
Wood was born in West Virginia June 25, 1882 but had lived in Indiana since the age of three years, he said. By occupation he is a wood worker and machine man. His father, age 82 and mother, 74 live at Richmond. He also has two brothers and two sisters.
There was one son born to him and the wife he killed. Albert Richard Kenneth Wood, born January 6, 1929. It was this boy, Dickie 7, who saw the killing of his mother.
Wood moved not a muscle when the court pronounced sentence. He was taken to the sheriff's office where necessary papers were filled out and then taken to the jail awaiting his transfer to the state prison.
Forrest G. Wood, aged 72, died in Winchester November 1, 1954. He had worked as a carpenter and owned a cabinet shop on East South St.
1930 United States Federal Census
Home in 1930: Washington, Darke County, Ohio.
Street Address: Hill Grove, Ohio.
Dwelling Number: 37
Family Number: 37.
Forest Woods, white male, born about 1883 in Virginia, married, head of household, rented home, "no" to having a radio, "no" to living on a farm, age at first marriage: 21, able to read and write: yes, father and mother born in Indiana, occupation: Laborer, Industry: Paetory.
Janice Woods, white female, born about 1888 in Kansas, married, wife to head of household, age at first marriage: 18, able to read and write: yes, father born in England, mother born in Indiana, homemaker: yes.
Harry E. Wysong, white male, born about 1918 in Indiana, single, stepson to head of household, attended school: yes, able to read and write: yes, father born in Ohio, mother born in Kansas.
Betty E. Wysong, white female, born about 1921 in Indiana, single, stepdaughter to head of household, attended school: yes, father born in Ohio, mother born in Kansas.
Albert R. Woods, white male, born about 1929 in Indiana, single, son to head of household, father born in Virginia, mother born in Kansas.
MORE OF THE STORY...
Blog Post #175: Randolph County Folks, shared on Friday, December 13, 2019 has an update on why Mr. Woods did NOT serve the life sentence for the death of Mrs. Woods.
Link to Blog Post #175: https://rchsmuseum.blogspot.com/2019/12/randolph-county-folks.html
Thursday, October 17, 2019
157. Bailey's Bakery & Confectionary
From the 1908 Winchester Business Directory:
When in Winchester, Don't Fail To Visit
BAILEY"S BAKERY AND CONFECTIONARY
For your Breads, Cakes, Ice-Cream and Candies; always fresh,
pure, sweet and good. We make special prices on Ice Cream for
Socials, Churches and Lodges.
NORTH MAIN STREET
Phone 140 S.H. Bailey Opposite Red Mens Building.
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| Close up of the left side |
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| Close up of the center of the photo. |
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| Close up of the right side of the photo. |
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| Close up of the ceiling with hanging fly strips. |
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