Plainfield library adds 1860 & 1870 Hendricks County mortality schedules

The Plainfield Public Library's Indiana Room has added microfilm of Hendricks County's 1860 and 1870 mortality schedules to their collection. The mortality schedule was a supplement to the federal census, taken during 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. It recorded information on people who had died within the previous year - so the 1860 mortality schedule is for those who died between 1 June 1859 and 31 May 1860; the 1870 mortality schedule is for those who died between 1 June 1869 and 31 May 1870. The mortality schedules included the person's occupation and the cause of death, which are even more important information because Indiana did not start keeping death records until 1882.

Plainfield library now has the 1850-1880 Hendricks County mortality schedules and is in the process of acquiring the mortality schedules for the other counties in Indiana. This microfilm was previously available only at the Indiana State Library and a few other repositories.

Guynn Cemetery Association Formed in Liberty Township (1858)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 8 (March 1858 - August 1861), in October 1858 articles of association for the Guynn Cemeterial Association were filed with the county. J.O. Riley donated the land for the burial grounds, and the following people all paid $50 or $100 for their membership in the association:

John Biddle
Joseph Bolen
Dureela Brady
Merill Brady
Mrs. Brady
William Douglass
Moses Guynn
Simon Hornaday
John Little
W.J. Maddox
Amos McCormick
Samuel McCormick
Isaac Petty
Nathan Petty
A.F. Shirts
B. Snodgrass
Jacob Tharpe
Cornelius Veatch
John S. Wood
Moses Wood
Harvey Woods

The election of their trustees was held at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Cartersburg.

NOTE: According to the Plainfield library's Hendricks County cemeteries index, Spring Hill Cemetery in Liberty Township (north of Cartersburg) is also known as Guynn Cemetery or Moon Cemetery.

George ARMSTRONG Adopted by Rev. DICKERSON (1866)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 9 (August 1861 - September 1866), in March 1866 Reverend Henry L. Dickerson of Danville filed a petition to adopt George Armstrong, who was born on 5 March 1864. Armstrong's father, George Armstrong of Leesburg, Kosciusko County, Indiana, was a soldier in the 30th Indiana Infantry who had lost his wife and was not able to care for the child, and thus he had signed an indenture with Dickerson back in 1864 relinquishing the care of the infant. Dickerson had cared for the infant for 22 months and the father's whereabouts were now unknown. The court approved the petition and changed the child's name to George Dickerson.

Hendricks County marriage applications index 1930-1932 added

An index to Hendricks County Marriage Applications Book 15 (which covers 2 September 1930 to 24 November 1932) has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. The index is in progress - so far it covers 1905 through 1932.

ABOUT THESE RECORDS: Beginning in May 1905, Indiana law required the recording of marriage applications, which included biographical details about the bride and the groom, as well as their parents. In Hendricks County, the information from these applications was kept in a separate set of books from the marriage record from May 1905 until June 1950.

The Hendricks County Government's Archive has digital files of all of the marriage application books.

Civil War Photo of Josiah MARVEL

The Indiana Historical Society's Facebook page posted this photo of Josiah Marvel of Hendricks County, with the following information:

"Meet Union soldier and Hendricks County boy Josiah Marvel. Although only 15 years old, Marvel enlisted in the Seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteers in 1861. At the time, enlarging photographs was tedious work, and specialists reproduced and enhanced them with a crayon to increase contrast and hide blemishes. This portrait is a beautiful example of this early, but complicated, photographic process."

Caroline SPERLING Adopted (1870)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 11 (November 1869 - May 1871), in April 1870 Jesse M. Stevens of Danville filed a petition to adopt Caroline Sperling (age 10 years as of 26 April 1870). Neither of her parents were living and she was already residing with Stevens. The petition was granted, and the child's name was changed to Caroline Sperling Stevens.

Joseph MILLER and Jane FLETCHER Married (1861)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Court of Common Pleas Order Book Volume 4 (January 1860 - May 1861), on 24 May 1861 the judge of the Court of Common Pleas, John Coburn, shut down the court for the day so that he could go to Cartersburg to officiate the marriage of Lt. Joseph S. Miller ("formerly a worthy & highly esteemed member of the Danville Bar but now of the USA") and Miss Jane Fletcher. Among the witnesses present: Senator Blair and Ben Harrison of the Indianapolis Bar; Daggy of the Greencastle Bar; Harper of Cincinnati; Root of Indianapolis; Honest Ed Clark ("formerly of this place but now of Indianapolis") and Bill Astley.

Judge Coburn reportedly remarked that "it looked like War & Peace mixing together"; his escort C.F. Rooker said "it looked like preparing for Peace in time of War."

Peter RITTER Naturalized (1860)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Court of Common Pleas Order Book Volume 4 (January 1860 - May 1861), in July 1860 Peter Ritter, who had filed his declaration of intent in the Decatur County Circuit Court on 12 October 1851 [or 1854?], was naturalized. Ritter was a native of Hesse Darmstadt in Prussia.

John STOEGER Naturalized (1860)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Court of Common Pleas Order Book Volume 4 (January 1860 - May 1861), in July 1860 John Stoeger, who had filed his declaration of intent in the Marion County Circuit Court on 16 July 1855, was naturalized. Stoeger was a native of Bavaria.

John M. ROBERTS Adopted (1873)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 13 (May 1873 - February 1874), in November 1873 William and Nancy Galbreath filed a petition to adopt John M. Roberts, born 1 January 1866. William Roberts, the child's father, consented to the adoption and the petition was granted, with the child's name changed to John M. Galbreath.

NOTE: In the order book, the last name is sometimes spelled GALBRAITH.

Raymond Eugene THOMPSON Adopted (1878)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 20 (June 1878 - February 1879), in October 1878 Levi E. Ballard and wife Maria W. Ballard filed a petition to adopt Raymond Eugene Thompson, who had been living with their family for a year and who was 5 years old as of 11 October 1878, with no father or mother living. Their petition was granted and his name was changed to Raymond Thompson Ballard.

Marion Township 1891 Landowners Index Added

An index to landowners in Marion Township in 1891 has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. The index is of the Hendricks County Assessor's plat book, which was used to determine how much property tax the landowner owed each year.

Lulu PECK Sues For Damage To Reputation (1896)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 40 (May 1896 - March 1897), in November 1896 Lulu O. Peck brought a suit against Mary E. Henson (case #6284) for damaging her reputation with her remarks. Lulu was the wife of Wesley Peck and the mother of a girl about age 9, and they resided in Clayton. Her suit alleged that Mary E. Henson had told Mrs. Binda Lookabill and Mrs. Millie Berlin that Lulu had been caught "doing something indecent", which they took to mean adultery. Henson then told them what she had heard from Daisy Elmore - that Daisy, Florence Wooden, Maggie & Mollie Crawley and Maud Johnson had looked underneath the blinds at the Peck's house on Halloween 1894 and witnessed Dr. Thrasher with "his hands in Lulu's bosom feeling her tities [sic]". Dr. Thrasher was said to have told Lulu he admired her Halloween costume - the girls reported it was a deep V-neck dress with short sleeves. Daisy Elmore was upset when she witnessed this, because Lulu had been talking about Daisy & Dr. Dryden and Daisy told Henson that Lulu "ain't nothing but a nasty dirty bitch". Henson was later heard, in the presence of J.O. Winstead, to say that Lulu Peck "is not a virtuous woman."

The jury agreed with Lulu Peck and awarded her $75 in damages.

NOTE: Thomas Wesley Peck (1858-1930) and Lulu O. Peck (1867-1937) are both buried in Clayton West Cemetery.

Benson EGGERS Still Legally Married At Time of Divorce (1898)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 41 (March 1897 - February 1898), in January 1898 Benson Eggers petition for divorce against Myrtle Eggers (case #6521) was heard. The judge noted that at the time Eggers had married the defendant, he had a legal wife still living, Rhoda Morgan Eggers, but that he had believed she was dead, thus that previous marriage was void.

Alonzo EARL Adopted (1896)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 40 (May 1896 - March 1897), in November 1896 William M. and Susan Dillon filed a petition to adopt Alonzo Earl, a child born 12 April 1875, who had been living with them since 23 June 1886. The child's parents were dead and he had no known living relatives. The petition was granted and the child's name was changed to Alonzo Dillon.

William Everett PRITCHETT Adopted (1878)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 19 (October 1877 - March 1878), in February 1878 John McMillan filed a petition to adopt William Everett Pritchett, age about 2. The child's father was unknown; the child's mother, Martha J. Pritchett, consented to the adoption. The petition was granted and the child's name was changed to William Everett McMillan.

Spencer FOUSE Sent To Boys Reform School (1895)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 39 (May 1895 - April 1896), in November 1895, R.N. Harvey petitioned the circuit court to have Spencer Fouse committed to the Indiana Reform School for Boys in Plainfield. The petition was granted and he was ordered committed until he turned 21.

Memorial for Guilford A. McQUOWN (1890)

Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 34 (May 1890 - March 1891) includes an entry commemorating the death of lawyer Guilford A. McQuown:

"Guilford A. McQuown was admitted to the bar of Hendricks Circuit Court on the 17th day of March 1887, and died at his home in Shelby County, Indiana, on the 18th day of November 1890, and for a year and a half before his death he had been unable to practice his chosen profession on account of the sickness which terminated his life.

As a member of the bar he conducted himself so as to win the admiration and praise of all. He was industrious, honest and capable in the highest degree and had a most laudable ambition.

As a friend he was lovable and loyal. As a citizen he was on the right side of every moral question, and had an exalted admiration for the majesty of the law.

Therefore be it resolved, that in his death we have sustained a great loss, and that we extend our sympathies to his family and friends in their bereavement."

James L. Clark
L.A. Barnett
George C. Harvey

Luella KENDALL Adopted (1875)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 15 (January 1875 - October 1875), in October 1875 Hira and Rachel E. Kendall filed a petition to adopt Luella Kendall, age about 2 years. The petition stated that the child was illegitimate and the child's mother, Mary E. Kendall, was living with the petitioners and consented to the adoption. The petition was granted and the child's name was not changed.

Hendricks County marriage applications index 1928-1930 added

An index to Hendricks County Marriage Applications Book 14 (which covers 3 November 1928 to 2 September 1930) has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. The index is in progress - so far it covers 1905 through 1930.

ABOUT THESE RECORDS: Beginning in May 1905, Indiana law required the recording of marriage applications, which included biographical details about the bride and the groom, as well as their parents. In Hendricks County, the information from these applications was kept in a separate set of books from the marriage record from May 1905 until June 1950.

The Hendricks County Government's Archive has digital files of all of the marriage application books.

Memorial for Daniel F. HILL (1895)

Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 39 (May 1895 - April 1896) includes an entry commemorating the death of lawyer Daniel F. Hill:

"Daniel F. Hill enlisted in the 11th Ind. Vols. for three years, and was mustered into the U.S. service as a sergeant August 31, 1861, and after about two years' service was discharged for disability. On May 18th, 1864, he again enlisted and was mustered into the 132 Ind. Vols. as adjutant for one hundred days, and was honorably discharged on expiration of term of enlistment. He again entered the military service February 21, 1865, for twelve months, as captain of Co. G, 148 Ind. Vols., and served in that capacity until September 5th, 1865, when he was mustered out with his company.

Soon after the war he was elected Justice of the Peace, of Middle Township, Hendricks County, Indiana, serving for several years. From Middle Township he moved to Danville, in the year 1889, where he resided until his death, June 9th, 1895. In the year 1872 he was admitted to the bar. While living in Middle Township he was engaged in farming and conducting a store in the village of Pittsboro. In 1892 he was elected prosecuting attorney of this the 55th judicial circuit, and filled the office for the term of two years.

For more than a year he had been a great sufferer. The Bar extends to his family their most sincere sympathy in their bereavement."

Charles Foley, Chairman
E.G. Hogate, Secretary

Mary Elizabeth REED Changes Name (1892)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 36 (July 1892 - August 1893), in December 1892 Mary Elizabeth Reed filed a petition to change her name, noting that her first husband, Moses H. Spencer, was dead and she was divorced from her second husband, David F. Reed, who had since married again. Her petition was granted and her name was changed to Mary Elizabeth Spencer.

Doctor Sanders PORTER Adopted (1896)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 39 (May 1895 - April 1896), in February 1896, Reason R. Reader petitioned the circuit court to adopt Doctor Sanders Porter as his heir-at-law, noting that Porter's mother was dead and the whereabouts of his father were unknown. The court granted his petition, noting that Porter's name would not be changed.

NOTE: The 1900 Hendricks County census (enumeration of the town of Danville) shows Reason R. Reader born April 1838 and among those listed in his household is "grandson" Doc Porter born January 1890.

Henry FRANK Sent To Reform School For Boys (1895)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 39 (May 1895 - April 1896), in November 1895, Francis White petitioned the circuit court for Henry Frank, age 12, to be committed to the Indiana Reform School for Boys in Plainfield because he was "incorrigible and vicious". The petition was granted and he was ordered committed until he turned 21.

Plainfield library adds 1850 & 1880 Hendricks County mortality schedules

The Plainfield Public Library's Indiana Room has added microfilm of Hendricks County's 1850 and 1880 mortality schedules to their collection. The mortality schedule was a supplement to the federal census, taken during 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. It recorded information on people who had died within the previous year - so the 1850 mortality schedule is for those who died between 1 June 1849 and 31 May 1850; the 1880 mortality schedule is for those who died between 1 June 1879 and 31 May 1880. The mortality schedules included the person's occupation and the cause of death, which are even more important information because Indiana did not start keeping death records until 1882.

Plainfield library is in the process of acquiring the microfilm of the 1860 and 1870 Hendricks County mortality schedules, as well as the mortality schedules for the other counties in Indiana. This microfilm was previously available only at the Indiana State Library and a few other repositories.

George L. LEAK Prosecuted For Illegitimate Child (1886)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 28 (June 1885 - March 1886), George L. Leak was prosecuted (case #4502) on a charge of bastardy, on behalf of Clara A. Myers. In March 1886, Myers told the court that the child in question had died in February 1886. She stated that for the care of the child during its lifetime, Leak had paid her $100 cash and a promissory note for $75 that was due in 6 months. She withdrew her charges of breach of marriage promise and seduction, and thus the case was dismissed.

Oliver J. LAND Sent to Boys Reform School (1895)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 39 (May 1895 - April 1896), during the September 1895 term of circuit court, John H. Land petitioned the court to have his son, Oliver J. Land, age 9, committed to the Indiana Reform School for Boys in Plainfield because he was "incorrigible." The petition was granted and he was ordered committed until he turned 21.

Adultery Alleged in ARNOLD Divorce Case (1885)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 28 (June 1885 - March 1886), the judge in the divorce case of George W. Arnold vs. Kellie E. Arnold (Case #4243) granted a divorce in June 1885 to the husband, noting:

• the couple was married 15 November 1877
• 2 children were born to the couple, now living
• on 30 January 1885 the wife abandoned her husband and infant children to be with William Clark, with whom she has been living in a state of adultery every since
• the husband is to be given the care and custody of the children

Mary Etta COWLEY Changes Name (1895)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 39 (May 1895 - April 1896), Mary Etta COWLEY filed a petition in June 1895 to change her name. The petition was granted and her name was changed to Mary Etta PIERSON. NOTE: Thomas W. Cowley and Mary Etta Cowley were granted a divorce in Civil Order Book Volume 38.

Support Ordered During HORNADAY Divorce Case (1885)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 28 (June 1885 - March 1886), while the divorce case of Edom H. Hornaday vs. Emily Hornaday (Case #4318) was pending, the husband was to provide support for the wife as follows:

"It is ordered by the court in this cause that the plaintiff shall until the next term of this court make suitable provision for his wife's comfortable support either at home or at some other suitable place where she may desire to board, and in that event he is to pay her board and in case she prefer to remain at home she is to have entire control of the house with the furniture therein except one room downstairs to be selected by the defendant, which the plaintiff is to have the privilege of occupying if he so desire. And plaintiff's wife is to have the choice of cows now on the premises, all the garden, all the fruit and all the poultry, and all the roasting ears, and of the field for the use of the family that she may desire. And the plaintiff is in no way to disturb or threaten the defendant, and he is to have full control of the balance of the stock, the farming implements, the cordwood and the use of the barn and growing crops. And he is not to dispose of his interest in the real estate without his wife's consent."

Hendricks County Circuit Court Judge Appointed (1886)

source: Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 28 (June 1885 - March 1886)

On March 10, 1886, after 3 straight days of Hendricks County Circuit Court Judge Alex C. Ayers failing to appear for the term of court, Hendricks County Auditor John Kendall, County Clerk William R. McClelland and County Sheriff William P. Ayers followed state law and met to appoint Charles Foley as the judge pro tem, to preside over the circuit court.

NOTE: Later that month Judge Ayers returned to preside over cases.

Hendricks County 1955 Special Census Added

An index of a special census taken in Hendricks County in 1955 has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. The special census was of males over the age of 21 and was taken by the various township assessors as part of an Indiana law to help determine counties' population for their allotment in the state legislature.

REMINDER: July Work Session for Hendricks County Probate Records

Saturday, July 27 at Plainfield library is the next scheduled work session for Hendricks County probate records - stop by anytime from 10 am to 4 pm to help unfold and organize some of Hendricks County's probate records from the 1860's and 1870's. Lunch is on your own, with a variety of eating options in Plainfield.

This is part of the Indiana Genealogical Society's ongoing project to preserve and digitize these court records, which date back to the founding of the county in 1824. These probate records include estates and guardianships and the receipts and other documents give fascinating details of what life was like back then.

Please register for the work session - register online through the library's events calendar, or contact their Indiana Room staff - phone (317) 839-6602 extension 2114; e-mail askindiana@plainfieldlibrary.net.

Memorial for Christian C. Nave (1884)

Hendricks County Civil Order Book Volume 27 (March 1884 - April 1885) includes a memorial for lawyer Christian C. Nave, who died August 3, 1884:

DEATH OF CHRISTIAN C. NAVE
Come now L.M. Campbell, E.G. Hogate and Charles Foley and present to the Court a memorial relative to the death of Christian C.Nave, a member of the Bar of this Court, which on motion was ordered spread of record as the sentiments of the Court and members of the Bar thereof and which is accordingly done and is in words as follows, to wit:

The undersigned as a committee appointed by the Bar of Danville to put in form the sentiments of the bar relative to the labors and life of the late Col. C.C. Nave, sys as the sentiments of the bar, that in the indomitable energy and ceaseless labor exhibited by him in the discharge of his professional duties, they have much to admire and initiate. He has closed a professional career in Danville, continuing almost for fifty years, and during all of that time we three think it probable, that the interests of none of his clients ever suffered by reason of any neglect or any inattention on his part, a commendation that can be spoken of scarcely any other lawyers. When he undertook a cause, he devoted himself to the interests of his clients to the exclusion of every other consideration. He was a public spirited citizen and contributed largely to every enterprise that was calculated to develop the country, by some of which he lost large sums of money. He was a clever neighbor, a faithful husband and kind and indulgent father. More than thirty two years ago his wife died, leaving him with five children to raise, and every old citizen of Danville will bear cheerful testimony as to his faithful endeavors in that regard. To those who, knowing him only of late years, looked upon him as a fretful and petulant man, we beg to remind them that for almost a third of a century he led the lonely wife of a widower and that for many years his children have been married and gone, and that incident to the misfortune of humanity, he met with much that was harrowing to his very soul. We only wonder that he could endure so much so long and perform his part so well as he did. At the ripe age of nearly eighty-one years he has been gathered to his father's. Peach to his ashes.

Committee:
L.M. Campbell
E.G. Hogate
Charles Foley

Plainfield library adds Plainfield High School class photos index

The Plainfield Public Library has added an every-name index for their digitized collection of the 1922-1964 senior class photos of Plainfield High School. The every-name index can be browsed.